In early summer, as the sun rises, a layer of mist shrouding Dongdu City gradually disperses, revealing what may be the largest city in the world.
To the north of the city is Beimang Mountain. A group of extremely magnificent palaces stands against Beimang Mountain and across the river, named Ziwei Palace. From Beimang Mountain to Luoshui, there are not only palace groups, but also Ziwei Palace.
There are more than 50 square meters to the east of the palace, which is Luoyang County; there are more than 90 square meters in the flat land south of Luoshui, which is Henan County. Together, they form the basic body of this city.
In addition, there are seven or eight functional small towns around the city. On the west side of the city, countless artificial lakes and artificial canals have been dug to form the huge Xiyuan and a natural water system for city protection.
.
It is precisely because of Xiyuan and Luoshui that passes through the city that the increasingly hot Dongdu City is filled with mist every morning.
It has been ten days since Zhang Xing arrived in the eastern capital. Unlike Qin Bao who joined the Jinyi patrol of Fusi in Taichung Town of Jing'an as soon as he arrived, the traitor army only stayed at the Marquis of Ji'an Mansion in Tongtuofang, north of Luoshui, for three days before the Han Dynasty.
, starting from the fourth day, he moved to Xiuyefang, rented a small courtyard by himself, and became a patrol sergeant in the capital under Fu Si of Taitung Town, Jing'an.
It is commonly known as Jingjiehu.
The rent was paid by the public, so after the matter was handed over to the official at the north gate of our house, he directly rented the side yard of his house. And because the small yard was close to the gate, Zhang Xing rented it almost every day during these seven days.
When it started to fog up in the early morning, I was awakened by the movement in front of the square gate. Then I got up and went to the breakfast stall of the square official's house to eat, and then came back to read. I developed a good habit of going to bed early and getting up early.
Usually, after the fog clears, the entrance and exit of the shop becomes smooth, and the street becomes lively, colleagues from Dongzhen Fusi's Jingjiehu will come looking for him.
This day is no exception.
"Colonel Zhang, is Colonel Zhang here? It's time to patrol the streets. Your two friends are already waiting for you in front of the square gate." The voice of Brother Liu, the square official, sounded on time.
Zhang Xing, who was dressed in standard cloth clothes, didn't answer when he heard the words. He just put the books he borrowed from the Marquis of Ji'an into a box on one side, casually tied a forehead wipe on his forehead, picked up a knife next to him and put on the embroidered bow.
After the knife came, he stood up and opened the courtyard door. He held the knife directly on the threshold and saluted the person who knocked on the door to thank him:
"Thank you for your hard work, Mr. Liu. I'm ready now. Let's go out now."
One more thing, the so-called Fangmen gatekeeper's main job is to open and close the Fangmen gate, and may also serve as the morning and evening summons on the street in front of the gate... To put it bluntly, he is the lowest-level official, the owner of the square, or something like that.
It's a popular nickname among the people.
A similar situation is that of Zhang Xing's "School Lieutenant". This is not a real officer, but a regular sergeant at the lowest level of the Beijing Neighborhood Affairs Department of the Dongzhen Fusi Office under Jing'an Terrace. Commonly known as a School Lieutenant or a Strong Man among the people.
It just sounds nice.
Turning around, seeing Zhang Xing being so nimble, Fangzhu Liu, who was about fifty years old, seemed to have expected it, but he still looked around after Zhang Xing closed the door and went to the courtyard: "Reading again early in the morning?"
"Yes, if you have nothing to do, it's better to study." Zhang Xing turned around and closed the door, speaking casually.
"If I'm not practicing martial arts, I'm just reading books and practicing calligraphy. I have no time to spare... It's rare for a young man like you to be so motivated." As the two of them walked to the square gate outside, Brother Liu couldn't help but sigh along the way. "With such ambition,
It will definitely become a big situation in the Eastern Capital."
"The Eastern Capital City is huge, and it is at the foot of the Emperor. It has always been difficult to live in it." Zhang Xing, who had a knife tied to his waist, was honest. "I didn't expect anything big. I was just interested in reading and practicing.
That’s all, and there’s no place to have fun.”
This was true, but Master Liu naturally didn't believe it.
The two chatted a few words casually, and when they came to the gate of the courtyard outside, they saw a daughter of about fourteen or fifteen years old wearing a light yellow shirt coming down with a bamboo drawer from the breakfast stall. Zhang Xing naturally stepped aside for a moment.
Brother Liu's eyes were also visibly gentle... For no other reason, the visitor was the young daughter of the gatekeeper... When his daughter's face turned red and lowered her head, Zhang Xing went straight forward. Sure enough, he saw
When two colleagues arrived, the older one named Wang and the younger one named Zhao, they were already waiting inside the square gate. One of them was eating a free steamed bun from Liu Fangzhu’s stall. When they saw Zhang Xing coming out, they
After swallowing the buns, they all waved hello.
Zhang Xing stepped forward, said a few words, each smiled, and then started patrolling the streets together.
The so-called street patrol is nothing more than walking back and forth twice on the cross street formed by the four symmetrical lanes of Xiuwen, Xiuye, Shanshan, and Jingshan, pretending to suppress public order, and by noon, you can break up and go home to spend the afternoon.
, and then meet up again in the evening and go to the street bridge to meet a serious Qipin Jinyi General Banner, and just give an explanation and handover.
The work is very leisurely, and Zhang Xing likes it very much. He has been doing this for the past seven days.
However, this time, the three of them patrolled the streets until noon and came to the intersection as usual. Zhang Xing was about to go back and continue reading. Unexpectedly, the two people walking in front did not say a word, but turned around and headed north, and then turned to the south bank of Luoshui.
On top of half a water street.
The Luo River crosses the Eastern Capital. The capital is used for the purpose, and the soldiers and civilians of all states in the world worship it. Bulk goods from the north, south, and east come in through this waterway. There are countless warehouses and docks. The river is incredibly prosperous and can be regarded as the most important place nearby. Therefore, the inner north
There are dedicated official officials in charge of the Si (house servant), Jing'antai, Miyagi Forbidden Army, and Nanya administration, or directly participate in the supervision.
Because of this, in the past few days, although Zhang Xing had known that half of the bustling water street was attached to Shangshan and stood in Jingshan, he always thought that this place was not within the scope of his work.
But now it seems that there may be another explanation.
"Brother Zhang, we won't hide anything from you either."
After walking for more than a hundred steps along the bustling streets under the golden embankment of Luoshui River, I saw that Zhang Xing was still silent. A slightly younger Zhao Lieutenant accompanying him was so impressed that he couldn't help but speak first. "You."
This transfer was too sudden, almost force-fed from above, and there was no trace of the details, so Feng Banner Master and we didn't dare to admit it easily. We only asked the two of us to take you to patrol the cross streets. We didn't dare to
If you are asked to come to Water Street here, don’t resent our brothers.”
Zhang Xing smiled: "This is the truth, how can you resent the two brothers?"
"That's good." Wang, the captain who was a few years older, also nodded when he heard this. "Besides, the people who brought you here today are the flag masters and below, as well as us. We all think you are a suitable person and are determined to recognize you.
What this brother means... We are going to sit down at Mr. Feng Qi’s home and talk about your origins and our usual ways as brothers."
"All thanks to you two brothers." Zhang Xing remained unfazed at all.
Just like that, after walking a few more steps, the old Wang suddenly stopped and pointed to a flag-hanging wine shop in front of him protruding from the wall of Jingshanfangfang and introduced it briefly:
"This house is our own property, Mr. Feng Qi. My sister-in-law personally works as a wine seller. Everyone usually gathers there without any scruples... The flag owner and several other brothers are all waiting... But Brother Zhang
, finally do you have anything to ask? Our brothers have been walking with you for six or seven days, and we are considered a closer group, so don’t worry."
Zhang Xing nodded, thought for a moment, and immediately came to ask: "Our flag master Feng is a serious seventh-level general banner, in charge of four squares, and can be regarded as a luxurious figure on the street. I wonder if he has a nickname? If not
What are your concerns? Can you tell me about it to my brother?"
The two 'camp captains' looked at each other. The young Xiao Zhao looked a little anxious, but the older Lao Wang smiled and replied: "I won't hide it from Brother Zhang, and there is nothing to hide. Our flag master is indeed
There used to be a nickname. I heard it from an old man in a nearby gang in the early years. It is said that it is called Muddy Sugar Iron Hand... Muddy Water, Honey Sugar, Steel Iron... This is probably the same as the one made by Zongqi in the early years.
It’s related to the business on the Internet, I don’t know what it means specifically.”
Zhang Xing raised his eyebrows, but he felt interesting, and his face was rarely vivid.
Just like that, the three of them said nothing and entered the store directly from the wooden steps hanging from the wall.
It was afternoon, and although the store could not be called noisy and lively, there were still people sitting in close proximity, making it a special place. But it was different from other places. When I saw three Jing'antai 'school captains' with embroidered knives on their foreheads entering,
The laughter and chatter in the store didn't stop at all, as if they knew whose property this was.
In other words, they came here to discuss business and have food and drinks just because they knew whose property this was.
"Xiaoyu."
The young Captain Zhao greeted a young maid who was serving wine from a distance. "Can the flag master be on the second floor?"
"What a stupid question!" the young maid turned around and scolded her, showing off seven points of color, one point of breasts, and two points of sweat. "Could it be anywhere else? You have time to flirt with me, why not help me with some work!
"
Xiao Zhao, who was scolded, didn't care. Instead, he smiled and moved forward to tease the other person. Even Lao Wang didn't care at all. As he walked in, he held hands with a graceful middle-aged woman behind the counter: "
Sister-in-law, if you continue to tire Xiaoyu like this, I’m afraid Xiao Zhao will feel distressed to death."
"Then let Xiao Zhao redeem her... I spent thirty guan to buy Xiaoyu from Ren Yazi. Now that I have grown up like this, it is not worth a hundred guan. This is still useful.
The price is priceless, so who makes the store count on her? But after all, Xiao Zhao is my brother. If he really comes to redeem, he only needs fifty guan..."
The woman raised her head, talking about Xiao Zhao, and her eyes of different colors were tactful. She didn't know whether she had blood from other ethnic groups or the blood from the two Lich clans mentioned in the book, but she stared directly at Zhang, who had just arrived.
OK.
"Is this the new Brother Zhang? With his figure, he looks like the vanguard of the Fifth Army."
"Sister-in-law, you have good eyesight." Zhang Xing smiled and made a hand gesture with his sleeve knife.
The MILF was about to say something with a smile again, but she suddenly froze together with the senior captain next to her. After a moment, she quickly pointed to the second floor with her finger: "Go quickly, I will see you off with you."
Good wine and good food.”
Zhang Xing nodded and went directly upstairs. The elder Wang also turned around and called Xiao Zhao who was teasing with the maid, and hurriedly followed.
When I got upstairs, I saw the bearded General Feng Qi leading two small flags, and seven or eight "Colonies" waiting in the largest room facing them with their golden swords.
Those who know this posture will naturally know that this is the sergeant under the Fusi of Taitung Town, Jing'an who is responsible for the security of the capital. Those who don't know may think it is the head of some gang on the street.
Of course, I guess it’s pretty much the same.
Zhang Xing did not show any pretense, he still bowed his hands in greeting properly and said:
"Flag Master."
"What flag master?" General Banner Feng, who was only in his forties and was nicknamed "Sugar Hand", smiled slightly and stepped forward to help him up. He didn't show the indifference of the previous few days, but instead looked kind. "Unless there is any opportunity.
, it is difficult to get promoted in this life, I have never cared about this, I just eat on the street, just call me brother... But Xiao Zhang, you are so young, I heard that you still keep reading the paper all day long, I am afraid that you will have trouble in the future.
A promising one."
Zhang Xing shook his head repeatedly, still sincerely: "I'm just a little more curious, I think reading is interesting, I have no other hope... I made the flag owner laugh."
"It's okay." Mr. Feng Qi waved his hand, pointed to the three reserved seats, sat back, and then got straight to the point. "Both Lao Wang and Xiao Qian said that you are a decent person, but there is one thing. If you can't ask clearly,
We always feel uneasy...Xiao Zhang, what did you do before?"
"The middle base army is in full force." Zhang Xing did not hesitate at all, nor did he mean to hide anything.
"Looking at your behavior, we all guessed that you were from the military." Under General Feng, except for Lao Wang who knew it downstairs, almost everyone changed their expressions, so much so that they pondered for a moment before replying. "But I didn't expect it.
It’s the Fifth Army...Xiao Zhang, let me ask you carefully, aren’t the Fifth Army still fighting against the Dongyi people in the east?"
"Brothers all understand the situation, and I'm afraid you've guessed it." Zhang Xing answered half-truth and half-falsely in a hurry. "Yang Shen rebelled, cut off the army's rations, and was already defeated in the front... Now here in the capital, there is also
I can’t tell whether the imperial court deliberately blocked the news, or whether the defeat was so disastrous that it hasn’t spread yet. Anyway, as far as I know, the Fifth Army has basically been wiped out. I happened to meet a group on the way back alone.
Jin Yi patrolling, one of their black belts acted fairly and helped me write a letter, and then came back to find a place in Jing'antai... However, it was only when I returned to the capital that I discovered that all my previous connections were in the military, and all of them were in the military.
Once there is no news, it is like a stone sinking into the ocean. Even though I have returned to my old place, it feels like I have arrived in a new place, so I have no choice but to study behind closed doors every day."
There was still noisy downstairs, but there was silence for a while upstairs.
After a long while, General Feng Qi gave a wry smile: "Actually, as officials, we always know more information than ordinary people. With Yang Ni's actions, everyone could guess that the front line was going to be defeated, and it was going to be a big defeat.
, but I didn’t expect that the defeat would be so miserable. Only a few people escaped, and almost no one dared to say defeat... But now that the two hundred thousand elites are gone, the Dongyi people will definitely invade the coast again, and the news will come sooner or later.
As word spreads slowly, and Yang Ni has ruined the Central Plains like this, there will be a big storm sooner or later in Dongdu, and we all must be prepared."
These words seemed to be addressed to Zhang Xing at the beginning, but seemed to be addressed to everyone at the end, and several people in the room nodded a lot.
"But no matter what, Xiao Zhang's background is very different from our guess, so we can rest assured." Feng Zongqi came back to his senses and continued to sigh. "From now on, he will share the rules here on Water Street.
...It's a new arrival, and he's crawling out of the dead, so there's no need to rush him to do some hard work, just take his time... Also, there's no need to come here specially for business in the evening, just come here to have fun when you have time.
"
With that said, without waiting for Zhang Xing to thank him, Feng Zongqi stood up and passed everyone out. Everyone quickly got up to see each other off, but he waved his hand to stop them. While everyone sat down for a while, Feng Zongqi never returned, but instead drank wine.
Meats and vegetables were served one after another, and everyone was probably used to this place, so they just came to eat and drink with the door open.
However, since it was mentioned that the situation was going to be bad, it did not bring the topic to Zhang Xing, who was supposed to be the protagonist. Instead, he talked about the increase in the price of rice and noodles, Yang Ni's imprisonment, and the invasion of Dongyi along the coast, including Daxing-Chang'an, the western capital.
There was a routine administrative dispute with the eastern capital Luoyang-Henan.
Of course, some people accidentally mentioned a little bit about Water Street's business, which was basically the same as the gangs, and there was even information about competing with other gangs.
Zhang Xing was happy to be a listener to this.
When he was full of wine and food, he calmly said goodbye to everyone, and in the afternoon, he returned to the gate of Xiuye Square alone. However, he was blocked by a string of extremely high-standard car frame honor guards, and he took a rest in front of the gate.
ps: Thanks to the new alliance leader Mr. Xue Luofeng, the book is 27 cute and he is also an old book friend.
