"Haha, the poor monk heard that Yang Zuoshi was killed by a traitor and passed away. He was very sad in his heart. He even recited the mantra of rebirth for the Lord to transcend. Now it seems that the rumor is completely false!"
Monk Ruobing said with a smile. Yang Hao sighed after hearing this. Bisu was already approaching with a murderous look in his eyes.
"Wait a minute!" Monk Ruobing's eyes flashed slightly, and he said with a calm smile: "Yang Zuoshi faked his death and escaped, sneaking here, he must have a plan. The poor monk is waiting here, it is the fate between you and me, poor monk
Although I have seen through your identity, it does no harm to you. On the contrary, I have done you a great service."
Yang Hao's eyes narrowed slightly and he asked in a deep voice: "What a great achievement?"
Monk Ruobing smiled and said: "Yes, the poor monk heard that Yang Zuoshi was killed by the Khitan people. Unexpectedly, not only did he not die, but he was also dressed in casual clothes. When the murderous spirit was rushing into the night by the Chenbing River in the Song and Tang Dynasties, he quietly
I wander around Caishiji, I wonder what your lord wants to do?"
Yang Hao's face couldn't help but change. Before he could answer, Monk Ruobing laughed loudly and said, "It goes without saying that your master is here to find out how the Song army can cross the river, right?"
Yang Hao's expression softened and he smiled and said, "So what?"
Monk Ruobing solemnly saluted and said: "Please come with me, sir. The poor monk has something to give to you, and you will know the clues when you see it."
Yang Hao stopped Bisu's movements with suspicion, and followed Monk Ruobing into the forest. When he arrived at his thatched house, Monk Ruobing looked around and quickly got into the thatched house. Yang Hao and
Bisu was afraid that he would escape, so he immediately followed him in. He saw that the place where monk Ruobing was practicing ascetic training was very simple. There was only a couch, a table, a stove and a ladle, a gauze lamp on the table, and a book box on the bedside.
Ruobing opened the book box, opened the bedding, took out a piece of silk from under the couch, and handed it to Yang Hao enthusiastically.
Yang Hao took it inexplicably and unfolded it. He saw that many lines had softened on it, and some numbers were marked on it, as well as words such as spring, summer, autumn, and winter. After looking at it for a long time, he couldn't help but wonder: "Ruobing"
Master, what is this?"
Monk Ruobing said solemnly: "Mr. Yang, let me tell you the truth, this wild monk I have is actually a fake monk. My real surname is Fan. I was a scholar in the Tang Dynasty. He failed in many tests and could not become an official, so he pretended to cut off his hair and become a monk.
They lived in a cottage on Caishiji, and made great ambitions to make alms and donations. They carved the golden statues of Buddha on the cliffs on both banks. With some excuses, they often sailed small boats on the river to secretly measure the water conditions of the Yangtze River in spring and summer.
Autumn and winter, all four seasons of the year, no matter where the water is deep or shallow, the water flow is slow or slow, all are slow as shown in the picture.
According to our water map, a pontoon bridge can be built on the Yangtze River, allowing the army to travel as easily as walking on flat ground. I heard that the King of Jin personally led the troops to attack Caishiji, and suffered extremely heavy casualties. Now he has been defeated. If he attacks again, I don't know how to return.
How many soldiers will die, but if we have this map in hand, the army can advance and retreat freely, and the natural barrier of the Yangtze River can be broken without attacking, which can reduce countless killings."
Yang Hao was shocked when he heard this. He naturally understood that the value of this water map was indeed as valuable as the tens of thousands of troops. But with his current status, could he deliver this map to Zhao Guangyi? But if he ignored it, his identity would be exposed. Kill people.
What about silence? Just now I was able to do it to protect my family, but now it is absolutely impossible.
You must know that the outcome of the war cannot be changed with or without this map. Zhao Guangyi was able to attack Caishiji with only some rafts and fishing boats. Although he was recaptured by the Tang people because of the lack of follow-up troops, the morale of the Tang people was low.
It can be imagined that the so-called natural danger is difficult to defend. Once Cao Bin’s navy arrives, it will become real
Battleship, when he joined forces with Zhao Guangyi, how could Caishiji not be destroyed? But if he attacked forcefully, the casualties would be ten times as high as now. If he had killed Fan Ruobing and hid this picture, then he was not the one who killed him
Fan Ruobing alone was responsible for the countless casualties and tens of thousands of lives caused by the storming of Dajiang.
Yang Hao was in a state of confusion and was still having doubts. Fan Ruobing said again: "My lord, there is no need to be suspicious. This picture is indeed true. My lord, you can take me down to the west bank to see the King of Jin. I can point out the water map in person. If there is anything false,
, Your Majesty, you can take my head from my neck."
Although Bisu was from the Song Dynasty, he saw that just because he could not get an official position in the Tang Dynasty, he deliberately went to the bank of the Yangtze River to become a fake monk.
He couldn't help but feel contempt in his heart, and said coldly: "Fan Xiucai has deliberately planned this, and this is a remarkable achievement. He will definitely become an official."
Fan Ruobing's face turned red, and he bowed his head as usual and said: "Amitabha, good birds choose trees to roost in, loyal ministers choose their masters to serve, but the emperor of Tang Dynasty was too lazy to give gifts, indulged in the entertainment of the Buddha, ignored the affairs of the state, the government was corrupt, and the people were in poverty.
Zhao and Song conquered the world because they were destined to do so. Didn't Fan know how to follow the good deeds?
News came a few days ago that General Lin Huzilin, who was loyal to the imperial court, was also killed by slander, and he was executed without teaching. With the dignity of an emperor, he only dared to secretly administer poisonous wine to his ministers. The Lord of the Kingdom
Cutting off one's arm and ruining one's future, who in the Tang Dynasty is not heartbroken? God is going to destroy the Tang Dynasty. How dare a certain mortal disobey God and obey his destiny?"
Yang Hao took a long breath and said: "This picture is indeed very precious, but... how to send it across the river."
Fan Ruobing's eyes lit up and he said: "There is a small boat down there. I usually drag it ashore and hide it in the grass when I don't use it. But now there are a lot of patrols on the river. Fan, a scholar, wants to use a small boat to escape under their noses."
It is impossible to cross the river. I wonder if you can find a way..."
Yang Hao shook his head and said: "I have been thinking hard by the river for a long time, and I am at my wits' end. This picture is very precious, and you are absolutely indispensable as the interpreter. You and this picture can't let anything go wrong, so you can't be rash. Let's do this.
You... just follow me down the mountain, and we will discuss it further."
Even if Zhe Ziyu saw him alive, he would never let it out. Yang Hao had this confidence, but it was hard to say that Fan Ruobing was obsessed with officials. Yang Hao couldn't make up his mind and couldn't figure out how to deal with this guy properly, so he had to leave.
Watch each step step by step, and take him with you for safety.
Fan Ruobing had already seen the ambitions of the Song Dynasty towards the Tang Dynasty, so he built a house on the bank of the river to live in seclusion. Although he was poor, he had endured the hardships of ten years of living in poverty. He regarded the hardships he endured now as the capital to become an official in the future.
, which was quite pleasant. But before he could present the map to the Song Dynasty, the Song Dynasty had already sent troops. Now Chen Bing was on the other side. He wanted to send the map but could no longer do it. Fan Ruobing was so anxious that he burst into tears.
If the Song army had waited until the Song army stormed across the river and established a firm foothold, then his plan would be of no use. Now, after a long drought, he unexpectedly encountered the already dead Song envoy. Fan Ruobing was overjoyed, thinking that he was
Mao'er could finally have a job as an official, so he happily agreed. Fan Ruobing happily followed Yang Hao on the road. There was nothing valuable in his thatched house, so he abandoned it.
In this era, there were no movies, TV shows, newspapers or magazines. Many people knew about Yang Hao, but very few knew his appearance. He thought that after leaving the ostentatious Jinling City, there would be no one here in Caishiji.
He recognized him, so he went up the mountain without any disguise. Unexpectedly, he met two old friends one after another. He didn't dare to be careless anymore. He straightened up his appearance slightly, took out the fake beard and glued it on, and then brought two
People go down the mountain.
Going down the mountain from this road, when we reached the foot of the mountain, we saw more than a dozen large pits dug in the ground, filled with corpses. Under the corpses were trees and firewood cut down on the spot, and the corpses above were piled seven or eight layers high, with arrow wounds.
, Knife wounds, gunshot wounds... The bloody and mutilated bodies, missing limbs, are really shocking. Looking at their clothes, they are all Song soldiers.
Seeing two monks accompanying a layman coming down the mountain, the Tang soldiers who were carrying the corpses didn't care. They took dozens more corpses off the car and threw them into the pit, and then poured barrels of kerosene into them.
He casually threw in a few torches, and the fire immediately burst into flames, engulfing all the countless corpses.
Fan Ruobing Heshi recited the Buddha's name and asked: "Amitabha, good, good. What's the matter with so many corpses?"
Most people in the Tang Dynasty believed in Buddhism. Fan Ruobing lived in a cottage here. He often sailed on the river in a small boat alone. He said he wanted to raise funds. Buddha statues were carved on the huge rocks along the river bank. Many people in the army knew this ascetic monk.
, all respected him, and a junior colonel replied: "Master, these are the Song troops who attacked Caishiji. The general ordered us to be burned here to avoid the plague."
"Amitabha..." Fan Ruobing couldn't help but proclaim the Buddha's name again.
The fire was so fierce that the flesh creaked and creaked, and suddenly a corpse would be burned so hard that its muscles and veins shrank. A corpse would sit up on the ground in the flames, with blazing flames rising from its body, and the flesh of its face had been burned.
Oil squeaked from the skin. Although Yang Hao had joined the army and fought on the battlefield, as a personal soldier of Cheng Shixiong, he had never dealt with so many corpses. He could only see it with horror and couldn't bear to see it.
Fan Ruobing walked away, only to see fire pits and countless corpses everywhere. He couldn't help but walk in the blazing flames, chanting: "Namo's master, Sakyamuni Buddha! The World-Honored One has said: Ksitigarbha, I am diligent now,
I entrust you with this instruction from the gods and humans. In the future, if there are gods and humans, as well as good men and women, who plant a few good roots in the Buddha's Dharma, a hair, a dust, a grain of sand, a grain of sand, you will support this with the power of the Tao.
People, gradually cultivate the supreme, do not let them retreat.
Again, Ksitigarbha, in the future, gods and humans will fall into the bad realms according to their karma. When they are in the hell, or at the head of the door, if these living beings can recite one Buddha's name, one Bodhisattva's name, one sentence
A stanza from the Mahayana sutra. You use your divine power to rescue these living beings. As a result, they appear as boundless bodies and become broken hells. You send orders to be reborn in heaven and receive wonderful bliss..."
Seeing such a tragic scene, Bisu couldn't help but clasp his hands, and then said: "At that time, Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Mahasattva knelt down and clasped his hands and said to the Buddha: World Honored One, I only hope that the World Honored One will not worry about it. In the future, if
If there are good men and good women who have a single thought of respect in the Buddha Dharma, I can use hundreds of thousands of expedients to save these people and quickly achieve liberation in life and death. Not to mention hearing all the good deeds and practicing them diligently, they will naturally never retreat from the supreme path...
…”
The two fake monks each have their own pursuits in the world of mortals, but they have seen countless lives and deaths, and they have good thoughts in their hearts. This sutra was recited very devoutly, making the tragedy at the scene seem solemn. Many soldiers listened to the two monks reciting
They also straightened their body posture and clasped their hands together. Although they were not enemies, they were out of reverence for life.
"What should I do? This picture may reduce many unnecessary casualties. I have risked thousands of lives and deaths for my own personal gain. I will have a conscience all my life. But in the current situation, what should I do?"
Yang Hao followed the two monks and followed them step by step. He was struggling hard in his heart, as heaven and man were at war with each other.
The city of Dangtu was in a panic at this time. Many families were fleeing out of the city with their children and the elderly. There were also those who had no relatives to seek refuge with, or who were unwilling to leave their homes. They were holding on to the hope that the Song army would not be able to defeat the Yangtze River, or
Even if you cross the river to go to the imperial capital, the houses of the common people who do not disturb the people will be closed tightly, and the city is in a state of depression.
The three of them returned to Yang Hao's residence. Only then did Yang Hao realize that his two wives must not fall into the eyes of Fan Ruobing. Fan Ruobing thought that he was assassinated and his family members died tragically, so he came here with a grudge and concealed his name to inquire about the military situation.
, but if you let him see
Seeing that his two wives were living here well, he couldn't help but become suspicious. He quickly winked at Bi Su, who understood. As soon as he entered the yard, he pulled Fan Ruobing and said, "Fan Xiucai, come and sit here for a while."
, Sir, I have something to ask you later."
Yang Hao walked to the backyard alone. There was no one in the courtyard. When he saw the flower hall, there was still no one. Not only could he not see Yanyan, the baby, and the mute little nun, but he could not even see Mu Yu and the eight guards who were ordered to protect them.
Yang Hao was surprised and shouted loudly: "Yanyan? Baby?" He shouted as he walked towards the bedroom.
When he arrived at the bedroom, there was still no one. Yang Hao was shocked and immediately grabbed his sword and rushed back to the hall. As soon as he entered the hall, he saw a person sitting in the empty hall just now, with his legs crossed and enjoying tea. Yang Hao
Hao saw the man's appearance clearly at a glance, and couldn't help but stay there. His beard was slightly fluttering under his chin, and his expression was very funny.
"Hahaha, Mr. Yang, we say goodbye to Bianliang. I didn't expect you and I to meet in Dangtu. Isn't it fate..."
The fat man in the hall looked at Yang Hao as if he were seeing a relative. He smiled so hard that his cheeks trembled, as if a heavenly official had given him a blessing. Yang Hao took a long breath and murmured to himself: "There is no Yang Hao in this world..."
A piece of pure land?"
The fat man put down the teacup, stood up with a smile on his face and said: "Hey, what are you talking about? An old friend is here, and you look reluctant. Master Yang wants to escape, but it's not easy. Now in this world, the world doesn't recognize you, Master Yang."
How many more are there?”
"Thousands of miles away, the yellow clouds are white and the sun is shining, and the north wind is blowing the wild geese and the snow is falling. Don't worry about the road ahead without any friends. Who in the world doesn't know you?"
Fatty Cui high-fived and sang songs towards him. Cui Dalang was originally tall and fat, but when he walked out slowly, his steps were light, his hands were dancing, his feet were dancing, his posture was graceful, and he had the charm of everyone, which made people feel happy physically and mentally.
, even his fat figure was ignored.
It was the first time that Yang Hao appreciated the ancient style of singing, but he was not in the mood to appreciate it now. He smiled bitterly and said, "Is this also Bai Letian's poem?"
Cui Dalang winked and said: "Cui also remembers a few other people's poems. Haha, Brother Yang is so calm. Don't you want to ask where the two virtuous ladies and all your subordinates are now?"
Yang Hao sighed and said: "I believe that since Brother Cui is here waiting for me, he will definitely take good care of his wife and subordinates, regardless of asking. Now it seems that Brother Cui is not as simple as the Cui family of Qizhou. I don't know.
What is your identity?"
Cui Dalang smiled and said: "Brother Yang guessed wrong. Cui is the Cui family of Shandong and has lived in Qizhou for a long time."
"But you will never be a merchant."
Cui Dalang smiled even more charmingly: "Brother Yang guessed wrong again. Cui is a businessman, an out-and-out businessman, but... my business is larger than that of the other merchants...
"
"How big is it?"
"Big enough to build a country."
Two people were sitting in the hall, with a cup of tea between them.
One person holds the greatest invisible wealth in the world.
One person holds an army with the greatest potential for development.
On both sides of the Yangtze River, the Song Army and the Tang Army were arranging their formations for a desperate battle. What these two men were talking about in Dangtu Wei City, just a few steps away from the main battlefield, had nothing to do with the war in front of them...
"Speaking of which, although Brother Yang's plan of feigning death to escape is clever, it is not without flaws. I can be suspicious, and so can others. It's just that those who may be suspicious are busy with other things now. Think about it carefully when you look back.
, it is inevitable that they will conduct a thorough investigation. If you leave, you will cut off all your escape routes. Once you are discovered, it will be self-defeating. At that time, the officials will just go with the flow and make your fake death become a real death..."
Yang Hao retorted: "Then, if I follow Brother Cui's opinion and look for an opportunity to return to Luzhou, my life will not be in danger?"
"Where is there no danger?"
Cui Dalang sighed: "This time I went to Qingzhou, Cui went to attend the funeral of an elder. My 'Ji Si Tang', with seven sects and five surnames, has huge potential power in the world. Cui boasted that he was an underground emperor.
It is not an exaggeration. This old man is an important figure in my inheritance hall. He is the richest in the world. His sea salt business, maritime business, and Chunchang business in the north constitute the three pillars of his family. He makes money every day and is rich.
The Prince of Yue. Even though he is unknown in China, not many people know him. But in Japan, Korea, and Luzon, if he says a word, the kings there will also be careful. Such a big man, say
He is dead, do you know how he died?"
"How did you die?"
Cui Dalang said calmly: "It was just that he got up early in the morning and drank a glass of goat's milk. There was a small piece of wool in the goat's milk and he choked on it, so...he died."
Yang Hao was speechless: "..."
Cui Dalang said: "When a man is alive, he has his own responsibilities. This responsibility is not only for his wife and children, but also for his brothers, family, and subordinates. If he is afraid of the difficulties, he wants to retreat. Is this what a man does?"
If it had been a few days ago, Yang Hao might have been able to refute Cui Dalang by saying that the general trend was determined and destiny was destined. However, history no longer continued according to the direction he knew, so after hearing these words, he could only
Able to remain silent.
Cui Dalang sighed: "Is there really a paradise in this world? Not to mention birth, old age, illness and death, joys and sorrows, separation and separation, life is about gathering less and separation, more suffering and poverty. Is Li Yu the king of a country in danger of his family and country? Yelv Xian's Northern Kingdom
Even the emperor was assassinated. But is it safe to be an unknown commoner? Their suffering is only more, please listen carefully..."
People were running and wailing on the street, and the pitiful screams of calling for their children and daughters came into my ears one after another. Cui Dalang said solemnly: "Can you really let go of those people in Luzhou who follow you wholeheartedly? You live in seclusion, can you really do it from now on?"
Xiaoyao? Yes, if you return to the northwest, the court will first find a way to deal with you. However, if you can rack your brains and come up with a plan to fake death to avoid danger, you cannot think of a way for the court to recognize you to seek greater security.
What?"
Yang Hao stared at Cui Dalang and said coldly: "My return to Luzhou is disobedience. The imperial court will not want to add another vassal to the northwest. I will soon become the target of the imperial army. That will not lead the war to the northwest.
?How to talk about peace!"
Cui Dalang smiled happily: "Brother Yang, actually you should be able to find a way, but you have been unwilling to think about it."
He leaned forward slightly and said in a deep voice: "When the Song State occupied Daliang, it was one of the countries in the Central Plains. When the Song State occupied Jinghu Lake, it had become the most powerful country in the Central Plains. Immediately afterwards, Shu was pacified and destroyed.
The Han Dynasty is now attacking the Tang State again, and its territory continues to expand. However, no matter how powerful the empire is, its territory expansion will eventually come to an end.
What will happen after the Tang Kingdom is destroyed and the Central Plains is unified? Can Dali be destroyed by going south? If Dali is destroyed, will it destroy Jiaozhi, Champa, Zhenla, and Pyu? Going east, will it cross the sea and destroy Korea, Fusang, and Luzon? Will it be destroyed?
After visiting Korea, Fusang, and Luzon, will they go across the ocean to find more overseas countries?
Will the Khitan be destroyed in the north? If the Khitan is destroyed, will Shiwei, Nüzhi, Mohe, and Orangkai be destroyed? Going west, will the three vassals be annexed? If the three vassals are destroyed, will they also destroy Huihe, Tubo, and Niboluo?
, Big and Small Bolu, followed by Heihan, Jis, Khwarezm, Persia, Tianzhu, Dashi..."
Cui Dalang talked about many countries that Yang Hao had never heard of before, and took a long breath and said: "The world is endless, and no country can expand indefinitely. Song Dynasty has already occupied the richest places. If it continues to expand, it will be impossible."
It is not the need of the country and its people, but just to add a little more luster to the crown.
Where the Emperor Wu and Tang Zong of the Han Dynasty had no ability to truly rule, the Song State also had no power to control it, and there was no need to invade and occupy it. The people would not be able to live in peace if they resorted to military violence. People's peace of mind made the Song State successful. If the Song State occupied the world, it would frequently start wars.
However, if it is not for the benefit of the people, then the people of the Central Plains will rise up and rebel against it. War is not fought for the sake of war.
Because I, the people of the seven sects and five surnames of the Tang Dynasty, predicted that the Tang Dynasty would be destroyed and chaos would destroy our Central Plains, I made preparations in advance to preserve the ethnic blood, glory and wealth of my seven sects and five surnames. Therefore, from now on, the successor hall
There is a group of elders in the Central Committee who are responsible for collecting world intelligence and analyzing the general trend of the world.
According to our judgment, after the Song Dynasty conquered the Tang Kingdom and unified the Central Plains, it only fought for Hexi and Youyan. Its purpose was not to expand infinitely, but to occupy these two strategic places and protect their beautiful country like an iron barrel.
However, it is difficult for them to do it. Whether they annex the northwest first or attack the Khitan first, the result will be in vain."
Yang Hao was slightly startled. What Cui Dalang said was consistent with history. Some people once blamed the failure of Song Dynasty to go further and gain a wider territory because of Song's policy mistakes towards the northwest. Some people also thought that Zhao Er's martial arts was far inferior to Zhao Er's.
Great bravery
, this is the first time that Yang Hao has seen a merchant analyze from his point of view, but he can make such accurate judgments. The vision of Ji Sitang is really like that of Zhuge Liang who divided the world into three parts before he was born, and his grasp of the future political trend is too accurate.
.
Cui Dalang saw his expression and knew that he had been touched. He couldn't help laughing and said: "No one has a more accurate vision and a more sensitive nose than us businessmen, and no one knows each country better than us, whether they are rich or not."
, the strength of the military, whether the administration is clear and transparent... We all have an account in our hearts.
Li Cunxu's Tang State and Shi Jingtang's Jin State both perished because of the Khitans. However, the Khitans had just established their country at that time and were not yet able to rule the Central Plains. They intervened in the original matter just to cultivate an obedient emperor and manage the Central Plains on their behalf. But now it is different.
Although the Khitan is currently in civil strife, it has been nearly sixty years since its founding and has been recuperating for a period of sixty years. Its national power has become stronger and stronger, and they already have the strength to go south.
It was at this time that the Central Plains was unified. The Zhao Guan family had great talents and great strategies, and they were also a generation of heroic masters. Although they came later and arrived first, they emerged as a sudden force and their national power was growing day by day, enough to compete with the Khitan. They would plan to go north as soon as the Tang Dynasty was destroyed. However, the two
The strength, territory, and population of the countries are roughly the same. Even if there are famous generals, the gains and losses may be different at one time or another, but it will not be as easy as annihilating the countries in the Central Plains.
When the Song Dynasty went north, they planned to seize the Sixteen Prefectures of Youyun, and wanted to seize it to create a barrier to ensure that the colorful world of the Central Plains was as stable as Mount Tai. However, their wishful thinking was not that way. They occupied the richest place, and they also wanted to seize the natural barrier.
In his hands, he ensures that his family's foundation is safe. How can foreigners be willing to be left to fend for themselves in a desolate and cold land? Who doesn't want to go to a better place? As soon as the Khitan civil strife ends, they will surely send their troops south to plot in the Central Plains.
Now the populations of the two countries are similar. In terms of soldiers, the Song army is well-trained, while the Hu people are naturally strong. The Song people have hundreds of thousands of elite infantry who are good at defending, but the Khitan has hundreds of thousands of cavalry who are good at attacking.
The state was handed over, and the Khitan people had worked hard for decades. This natural danger was already impregnable. How could the Song people take advantage?
The war between the Song people and the Khitan people can only last for a long time. Both countries will waste their people and money and never have peace, but it will be difficult to achieve even an inch of success. What if the Song State first takes the northwest as a place to raise horses? If it does not use its full strength, it will be difficult to overcome all the achievements.
With all their strength, how could the Khitans not take advantage of the situation? If the two countries cannot compete, the northwest is especially important. The Khitans are not stupid and will never sit idly by.
The northwest became the territory of the Song Dynasty. In this way, if someone could unify the northwest, both the Song and the Khitan would have to win over him in order to suppress their powerful enemies. The Song people occupied the most prosperous places and had strong financial resources. The Khitan people
Occupying the geographical advantage and military superiority, the Lord of the Northwest has taken advantage of the political situation. He can advance and attack, and retreat and defend."
Yang Hao narrowed his eyes slightly and said in a deep voice: "Dalang is indeed a merchant and has a brilliant tongue. But what ability do I have to occupy the northwest?"
Cui Dalang smiled slightly and said: "You are uniquely endowed. Now you have been recognized by the six Dangxiang clans and are regarded as the lord of Xiazhou by them. You also have the support of the Zhe clan and the Yang clan. If you add in the financial support of Jisi Hall, then you
Is it impossible to replace the Li family with Li Guangcen's adopted son and become the lord of the Northwest? If you become the king of the Northwest, the court will only recruit you, how dare you have murderous intentions again? Isn't it safer this way?"
Yang Hao was silent for a while and said: "With the unification of the Central Plains and peace in the world, business will be easy to do. Since you only care about merchants, why are you so determined to build a force in the northwest?"
"The reason is simple."
Cui Dalang talked eloquently: "Any goods have their specific origins, and whether they are available or not is the source of profit for merchants. The Song Dynasty and the Khitan stood side by side. In order to weaken each other, they must ban each other, tortoiseshell, ivory, etc.
Rhino horns, copper and iron, frankincense, furs, cattle, sheep, horses, grain, cloth, medicinal materials... everything is available.
Since the chaos at the end of the Tang Dynasty, the business of our Jisitang has gradually moved to remote places in all directions. If we want to move back and switch to other industries, it will definitely not be achieved in a day, otherwise we will strain our muscles and bones and lose our vitality. Please give me some advice. , I don’t know how many people who depend on us have lost their jobs. Moreover, the important officials in the court must have greatly suppressed us merchants."
Cui Dalang's concerns stem from the policies since the Tang Dynasty. During the Tang Dynasty, the political status of businessmen was very low. The court laws strictly stipulated that industrial and commercial people were not allowed to be officials, and industrial and commercial people were not allowed to marry with nobles. Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty once said: 'Industry and business people are not allowed to be officials. If you are a miscellaneous person, if your command skills exceed those of your peers, you can only give generous gifts. You must not be given an official rank, stand shoulder to shoulder with the virtuous gentleman of the court, sit with you and eat together.'
The status of merchants was lower than that of common people. Common people were obliged to serve under the imperial robe, while industrial and commercial households were not allowed to serve under the imperial robe. Businessmen and merchants were also prohibited from riding horses. The private property of merchants was not protected by law and could be confiscated by the court at will. For example, in the 22nd year of Kaiyuan, Jingzhao was confiscated. The merchant Ren Lingfang had more than 60 pieces of property. In the third year of Jianzhong, "the rich merchants were scraped off their money, and those who gave out ten thousand yuan borrowed the rest to support the army." People cannot bear the pain, and some people hang themselves."
The imperial court persecuted merchants too much. As a result, merchants would inevitably support the rebellion of various feudal towns against the Tang Dynasty court in the hope of gaining a certain social status. This became the basis for the separatist regime of feudal towns. As a result, for more than two hundred years, scholars have been underestimating Merchants and warriors emphasized commerce. After the Song Dynasty unified the Central Plains, the phenomenon of suppressing business was actually far less serious than that of the previous dynasty. But who knows now? It has become a custom for the imperial court to value scholars. After the world is at peace, God knows whether they will follow the Tang Dynasty. Lu Ji Si Tang's style has always been to be prepared for danger in times of peace, and they will not wait for the court's policies to come out before reacting.
Moreover, even if the court does not suppress business, they have too many businesses involving the north and the south. Once the two countries confront each other, the impact on them will be huge. Since they judge that the north and the south are a foregone conclusion, they must find a bridge to connect the north and the south. In the method they came up with, this bridge was the northwest that could play a buffering role. This analysis was similar to Yang Hao's analysis of Luzhou's special status among the vassals and his choice of industry and commerce to revitalize the city.
As for saying that when the world is at peace, merchants' business will prosper, that's not necessarily true. In the Spring and Autumn Period, there were many countries and many barriers. It is logical that it is the most unfavorable for merchants. In fact, merchants not only made extremely high profits at that time, but also had an extremely high social status. Gao, wherever he goes, the generals and ministers of the country will treat each other with courtesy and respect. The same is true for the princes from all sides since the late Tang Dynasty and the Five Dynasties. It's just because they have requests from them.
Yang Hao said slowly: "Your elders believe that the northwest land is sufficient to be self-reliant, a buffer between the Central Plains and Khitan, and a bridge for your merchants to communicate with each other, so you want to build a force there that can protect you and provide you with The greatest convenience?”
Cui Dalang nodded and said: "Exactly. In fact, our Jisi Hall has made this attempt twenty years ago. At that time, we chose the Yang family of Linzhou. The Zhe family has been based in Yunzhong for a long time and may not be willing to give us enough. What's more, although our Jisi Hall has long lost its original purpose and now only aims to continue itself, the elders still hope to support their own clan. The Yang family is Han, but the Zhe family is not. Therefore, the elders prefer to be The Yang family comes to control the gateway to and from the Western Region, but it’s a pity..."
He sighed and said with a wry smile: "It's a pity that the Yang family did not have the courage and courage to fight against the Zhe family. After weighing the balance, the Volcano King Yang Gun decided to stick to Linzhou and make peace with Fuzhou to fight against Xiazhou. Instead,
You turned your back on us and made my plan fail. Originally, the elders had given up and did not want to go to heaven but send you down."
Cui Dalang smiled: "You have the weakest foundation and need our help; and you are related to the Li family in Xiazhou, the Zhe family in Fuzhou, and the Yang family in Linzhou, and you are the one with the most development potential among them; it is especially important.
What’s more, you created Luzhou and in order to establish it, you chose to develop the state based on industry and commerce. The heavy industry and commerce are unprecedented among the princes here, so the elders favor you very much.”
Yang Hao could only smile bitterly.
Cui Dalang added: "For hundreds of years, Tubo and Uighurs have been separated in the northwest and Liangzhou. They have been intimidating each other and have blocked the road. The choke point from the Central Plains to the Western Regions has been terminated. A road that is not only for me to inherit the hall, but also for the entire Central Plains."
As a result, important wealth channels are closed. A closed-door ruler is the biggest natural enemy of our merchants, and you are obviously not such a person.
After Tubo defeated the Uighurs, Hexi, and Longyou, and became the overlord of the Western Region, the northwest was considered peaceful. However, the Tubo people were good at fighting but not good at management. They dominated the Western Region, and as a result, all industries in the northwest were depressed and desolate, and the people
The people are in dire straits, and an ignorant and backward ruler is also the natural enemy of our merchants. You are still not such a person.
After the fall of Tubo and the rise of the Qiang people, Xiazhou, Zhezhou, and Fuzhou were divided into three branches, with the Uyghurs, Tubos, etc. living among them. The wars between the three vassals continued. The wars between the three vassals and the Uighurs, Tubos, and other tribes also continued, and frequent wars continued.
The most ideal situation suitable for our survival is to unify the northwest and stand on a foothold with the Khitan and Song Dynasties, so that we can do everything we can."
Yang Haodao: "You seem to be a bit wishful thinking. Just because the Dangxiang Liu family recognized me as their co-leader under the oppression of the Li family in Xiazhou? I have no money, no land, no food and grass, so just because of the thousands of soldiers in my hand, why?
Do you think I have the ability to replace the powerful Li family of Xiazhou, surpass the Zhe family of Fuzhou, which has been running Yunzhong for more than two hundred years, and become the leader of the Northwest Communist Party in one fell swoop?"
Cui Dalang sighed: "If you think about it carefully, who else can have so many opportunities except you? You have opportunities, so you are the destiny and the destiny. As long as you are willing, who else can the Northwest King be if it is not you? You
It is not impossible to be called emperor."
Yang Hao smiled bitterly, he had been using the destiny to persuade Zhe Ziyu to give up the resistance and surrender to the Song Dynasty, but now someone used the destiny to persuade him to come forward. It was really retribution.
Of course, Cui Dalang didn't just dismiss Yang Hao with such a sentence. He continued with his eloquent tongue: "When Tubo dominated the Western Regions, the Tang Dynasty was unable to conquer it and could only let it dominate. But in the past, Tubo
After Zhang Yichao raised his arms and raised his arms, it fell apart. Why? Times make heroes.
At that time, both the Uighur Khanate and the Dashi Empire were enemies of Tibet, and the Tang Dynasty and the Nanzhao Kingdom also joined forces to suppress Tibet and stopped economic and trade. Then there was a famine in Tubo, and the dead were buried together. Then the Tubo Zanpurang Bodhidharma was assassinated.
,Tubo civil strife,
Zhang Yichao raised the flag at the right time to rebel. He really responded to the call of a hundred birds, like a flying bird followed by hundreds of shadows. In just one year, he occupied Gua and Sha 11 continents like a whirlwind. He was named the governor of Guining by the Tang Dynasty and became the de facto king of the northwest.
.”
In the current situation in the northwest, the northern and southern Tibetans united with the Uighurs are fighting endlessly with the Li family of Xiazhou who has always oppressed them. The two states of Linfu have blocked Xiazhou's gateway to the Central Plains. The six Dangxiang families are at odds with each other. The Li family is beleaguered internally and externally. The tribal chiefs
There were a lot of complaints, and all kinds of disputes broke out as soon as they were resolved. How is it similar to when Tubo was in power?
Let’s look at how the conditions Brother Yang has today compare with Zhang Yichao. In the past, Zhang Yichao raised troops, and his military resources and financial resources came from three parties. First, the famous families in Dunhuang, such as the Suo family, the Zhang family, the Li family, etc., whose family wealth was huge
, available for military supplies; both, Buddhist monks. Buddhism flourished in the Western Regions
, there are many believers, and the living Buddhas are close to Zhang Yichao, and the believers take advantage of him; thirdly, there are the oppressed common people. And Brother Yang, you now own Luzhou, where wealthy businessmen from the north and south gather.
And since I, Jisi Tang, am willing to help with all my strength, financial resources will not be a problem. Both of them..."
Yang Hao smiled and said: "I also know that the people in the Western Regions have great respect for the Living Buddha. Unfortunately, I have never interacted with the eminent monks in the Western Regions."
Cui Dalang smiled slightly and said: "Not necessarily, it is already available now."
Yang Hao said in surprise: "How can you say this?"
"Have you ever cast a Kaibao Fuyi Iron Tower on Luling Peak?"
"good."
"My brother Ding Chengzong has expanded it into a Buddhist temple and invited Master Dacuo, the Living Buddha of the Western Regions, to live in the Zen monastery. Through Dacuo Living Buddha, he communicates with eminent monks in the Western Regions, and now the relationship is very close. And..."
Cui Dalang smiled in surprise: "Good omens have repeatedly appeared in your Kaibao Zen Temple. Now, not only under the rule of the Li family in Xiazhou, but also many believers in Tubo, Uighur and other places are secretly spreading rumors that your brother Yang is the reincarnation of Gangjin Gongbao.
, Your brother has created enough momentum for you..."
"Slow down, slow down, Gang Jin Gong Bao... what does this mean?"
Cui Dalang said: "This is a Chinese language. Translated into Chinese, it means Guanyin Bodhisattva."
Yang Hao choked for a moment, Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva? Yang Hao was a little embarrassed. After thinking about it, he remembered that Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva's original image in Buddhism was a male. Later, although Chinese Buddhism molded him into a female body, in Western Buddhism he was still a male.
He was molded into a man's body.
Cui Dalang said: "In the legends of the Western Regions, Songtsan Gampo and Dalai Lama, these heroes of the generation, are all incarnations of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva. Now believers in the Western Regions pass you as the incarnation of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva. This pair of people who have lost their country for a long time have lost their lives for a long time."
I think you should understand what the Lord's Tubo means to the Uighur people, and what it means to the Qiang people who long for peace."
Yang Hao murmured: "I understand, of course I understand..." This means that you have made all preparations, the sedan chair is ready, and you are just waiting to carry me into the bridal chamber. I, the bride, must agree to it.
, you have to agree even if you don’t agree, otherwise... once the news that I am the reincarnation of Gangjin Gongbao comes back to the court, it will be impossible even if I want to die."
Cui Dalang couldn't help laughing: "Don't worry, this kind of momentum is only in the preparation stage. Only devout believers know that they will not talk nonsense. The more mysterious it is, the more they believe it. To tell you the truth,
Your brother also created a momentum, saying that the Song Dynasty was favored by God through the passage of the five fortunes, and received Zen in the Zhou Dynasty. The Zhou Dynasty was virtuous, and wood made fire.
, so the Song Dynasty is the virtue of fire. The virtue of fire in the Song Dynasty inherits the orthodoxy, imitates the kingly spirit of the five elements, compiles the life calendar of the three yuan, and you should not die in Zhulangchuan, but it is the god of water virtue who protects you, so you will move to Kaifeng.
, to build a fire station and specialize in putting out fires. This was my destiny, and I thought it was ridiculous, but after traveling to the northwest, I realized..."
He was silent for a moment and sighed: "I now know why he did this. This is the kind of belief and worship that cannot be bought by force, gold, silver, and silk. The level of reverence that people in the Western Regions have for gods is beyond our imagination.
, if you see their devotion to the gods and Buddhas, you will know why they would rather wear a tattered robe all year round and eat unpalatable food, but spend every penny they earn to worship the gods and Buddhas.
Made of gold and decorated with pearls and jade.”
He looked up at Yang Hao and said in a loud voice: "Today the Uighurs and Tibetans are fighting with the Li family of Xiazhou. The two states of Linzhou and Linzhou, which are blocking their doorsteps, are happy to see your replacement. The Li family is in trouble both internally and externally, and there are many tribal chiefs.
Complaint, Luzhou
You are the only one who obeys your orders. The six clans of Dangxiang have secretly attached themselves to you. Our successor hall is willing to help you. It is the right time, the right place, and the right people. At this time, if Brother Yang returns to the northwest and raises his arms, there is no need to worry about the failure of Yang in the northwest.
The world?
Fifty years after the founding of Khitan, the uncivilized barbarians arrived, and the imperial civilization of scholars, farmers, industry and commerce appeared in China. Zhang Yichao ruled the Western Regions for twenty years, and the character of the Han Dynasty became like the Central Plains. If Brother Yang can unify the Western Regions,
After working hard for thirty to fifty years, who said that the Western Regions could not remain Han forever. Hexi has been in decline for more than a hundred years, and the roads blocking Xiaoguan are rare. General Lai De opened the old road and became famous all over the world. Times create heroes, Yang
Brother!"
Knowing that his eloquent tongue was intended to encourage, Yang Hao still listened with enthusiasm. Yes, the world has changed from its original direction. With the unique conditions he has in the northwest, as long as he does it, it is not impossible. Even if
With Zhao Kuangyin as the British lord in the Central Plains, it is difficult for me to aspire to be the king, but why not replace Xixia and become the lord of the northwest? If I were to be the king of the northwest, wouldn't I be stronger than the Xixia Kingdom built by Li?
?
Yang Hao walked quickly around the room and was silent for a long time. Cui Dalang knew that he was at war with the people in Zhengtian and made the most important decision in his life. He had already said everything he could say. At this time, he just stared at Yang Hao's eyes.
His expression changed, but he didn't say a word to urge him.
For a long time, Yang Hao suddenly stopped, looked up at the sky for a long time, and exhaled a long breath: "I am in the rivers and lakes, and I can't help myself. I have a wishful thinking, thinking that I can fake my death and escape, and be free from the world. I really think so."
It’s too simple.”
Cui Dalang was overjoyed when he heard this: "Brother Yang has decided to return to Luzhou? If the plan has been decided, Cui can make appropriate arrangements. When he returns to the northwest, he will find another identity, and simply call him Tuo Bahao. When the court learns
When the truth came out, Brother Yang had already established his foundation and had full wings, so the court had no choice but to pretend to be deaf and dumb."
Yang Hao said: "No, I swore to my mother that my surname will be Yang in this life, my surname will be Yang in life, and my surname will be Yang in death. I will never change it again."
Cui Dalang said: "That also means that as long as you don't reveal your identity for the time being, when you are successful, you won't be afraid of anything anymore. When Brother Yang says this, is he determined to build a lifelong career in the northwest?"
"Yes, I am willing to go back. Can Brother Cui arrange for me to cross the river from Caishiji?"
Cui Dalang said: "If Brother Yang is willing to return to the northwest, I can arrange a proper detour to go back. Caishiji's army is gathering. It will be really difficult to pass through without anyone noticing."
"No, I want to see Jin Wang Zhao Guangyi!"
Cui Dalang was stunned, and Yang Hao smiled at him and said calmly: "I used to have something hard to solve in my heart. With the fetter of pretending to die, I am limited to this, and I still can't think of a way. Now that I don't have to die.
, I have an idea,
Dalang, please help me escort my family members back safely. I will go back to the Song Dynasty and try to use the power of the Song Dynasty to solve the major issue in my heart. At the same time, I will try my best to return to the northwest with my true self. I can't deal with the Song Dynasty.
It's best if there's a stalemate."
Cui Dalang said: "Brother Yang goes to see the King of Jin. How can he explain to him that he is still alive?"
Yang Haodao: "I have my own excuses, but they haven't noticed anything wrong yet. Since I showed up on my own initiative, who would still suspect that I had faked my death?"
Cui Dalang asked again: "But..., is there anything that requires the help of the imperial court? How can we return to the northwest in a dignified manner?"
Yang Hao frowned and said, "Da Lang, this is not a good start."
Cui Dalang was stunned: "What?"
Yang Hao said in a deep voice: "Dalang and I are just a deal. You invest and you will get a return. If I can really control the northwest, I will never break my promise to provide you with convenience and support, but you should not interfere with anything I do. Don't interfere, don't try to control me or influence me, otherwise, if I find any clues, our transaction will be canceled immediately, and I will not compensate you for what you have already paid."
Cui Dalang was startled for a moment, but instead of feeling dissatisfied, he laughed loudly, clapped his hands and said in appreciation: "Brother Yang, this is a rough jade, but now that it has been sharpened, he is really outstanding, and he has shown the potential to be a hero. Good, good, but Cui doesn't have much." If you make inquiries, I will send Brother Yang’s family back west safely via a secret route, and wait for Brother Yang’s good news in the northwest!”
"Yanyan, don't worry, I will have my own explanation when I return to Song camp this time, and everything will be fine."
"How can I rest assured? I will go with you. Even if we die, we will die together."
"You're talking nonsense again. If I don't have a plan, will I die for no reason? When you return to the northwest, you still have a big thing to do. You have to go see my adoptive father and ask him to tell Feiyu to get in touch with me. From now on, I will control the flying feathers, and I will keep abreast of all the news. In the past, I always wanted to retreat, but all I did was to show off to others. Now, although I am in front of others, I have a lot to do. It's behind the scenes, I couldn't have done it without Feiyu's timely contact."
Tang Yanyan said happily: "Brother Hao's current appearance is vaguely like that of when he was in Guangyuan. He no longer always gives in and gives in blindly. Hehe, he looks very cute."
Yang Hao smiled and said: "Either I don't do it or I do it, I will never be a puppet. I can't let these various forces manipulate me. Since I agreed to come forward, I have to find a way to bring them all under my control. I can take the initiative to give in, but I will never let others lead me by the nose."
Tang Yanyan nodded happily: "Okay, I was really angry when I was controlled by Cui Dalang's people just now. He asked you for help and yet he dared to be so arrogant. You should show him some dignity. You can return to Song Ting temporarily. Well, it would be too dangerous to go to Khitan alone. If we can use the Song Dynasty's sign to make it safer, as long as the stage of suspended animation is over, it will be fine."
"That's natural. You guys pack up and leave with Cui Dalang as soon as possible. I'll go see Fan Xiucai again to discuss crossing the river."
Yang Hao met Fan Ruobing, who had been waiting for a long time, and agreed to cross the river to Songying tonight. Fan Ruobing happily agreed. Yang Hao called Bi Su out alone and told him his decision. He said: " Please tell Miss Shuiyue and let her go on the road with Yanyan and the others. We will cross the river to Songying tonight."
Bisu hesitated for a moment, then suddenly said: "Sir, I...I want to resign..."
"Huh?" Yang Hao raised his eyebrows: "Resign, where are you going?"
Bisu said: "Sir, Bisu was originally a thief who wandered around the world with no one to rely on. After getting to know you, you have a good heart and want to follow you and make achievements. You decided to go into seclusion, and Bisu has no complaints. Now that the adults want to return to the world, Bisu wants to stay with her forever, but...it's just that Bisu now has Shuiyue. Shuiyue is gentle, kind, and has a quiet temperament. Bisu wants to...stay with her forever, even in a thatched cottage. , two acres of thin farmland, but she is happy. Her achievements...are nothing compared to her joy."
Yang Hao was stunned for a moment, and then he laughed. He patted Bi Su on the shoulder and sighed softly: "I never thought that once a prodigal son like you gets in love, you can go so far. I can't live in seclusion now, but you want to go into seclusion. Well, follow me. I have worked so hard for so long and have not received any benefits. Yang, I feel a little ashamed of you. Since you want to go into seclusion, then... the house in Shaohua Mountain and the fields there can be my gift to you and your wife. It's a wedding gift. When you and Shui Yue get there, arrange for Xing'er, Yue'er and the others to return to Luzhou, and you and your wife... just live a good life there. It's a beautiful place with beautiful mountains and clear waters, and you won't have to worry about food and clothing. You can be a rich man."
Bisu resigned at this moment. He was originally afraid that Yang Hao would be angry, but instead Yang Hao sent him a big gift. He couldn't help but feel ashamed and grateful. Yang Hao said: "You and I know each other in adversity. We are called masters and slaves. We share sympathy." Brother, if you have anything to thank me for, can you go with Dalang and the others?"
Bi Su said: "No need. The road they are taking is to go north first. If they go to Shaohua Mountain, they will inevitably have to go in a big circle. Shui Yue and I will stay nearby for the time being. Once the Song army crosses the river, we will cross on our own. If you go to Jiangxi, you won’t have to travel long distances.”
Yang Hao pondered for a moment and said, "That's fine. I'll take care of you all the way."
"Take care, sir."
That night, on the bank of the Yangtze River, Yang Hao and Fan Ruobing, with two men who were accustomed to water, tied gourds around their waists and held small shields in their hands, pulled the small boat out of the grass, and quietly waited for Cui Dalang on the bank. People deliberately made noise to attract the attention of patrol patrols.
On the other side of the river, there are bonfires everywhere, ten-mile camps, and the sound of horns. The river is rolling away, and Yang Hao's mood is also ups and downs. Thinking of what Cui Dalang said, Yang Hao suddenly burst into laughter while being nervous: "The water broke out of the river. , this is settled in Luzhou, starting from Luzhou, how can they accuse the rise of water virtue? Now if I cross the water of the Yangtze River again, will there be any miracles?"