After passing Shizhou, heading west, you will see endless green grassland at first, with herds of cattle and sheep, and carpet tents blooming. Sometimes there are crisscrossing roads, green wheat seedlings, rivers meandering among them, and many small and medium-sized villages and towns.
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The living environment here is better than that of the Dangxiang Qi family outside Shizhou. Nomadic herding and farming are mixed. Although Xiazhou has just experienced a battle to seize power, the people here have not been affected by the war. Now it is
In the season when the grass is green and the horses are fertile, people still have to work hard to graze and farm to ensure this year's harvest.
Suizhou is outside Shizhou and now has too much time to take care of itself, while Youzhou and Jingzhou are both further west of Xiazhou. Although they are far away from Xiazhou, and they have already written to the court to clarify their relationship with Li Guangrui, they may not dare to blatantly do so.
Troops were sent to intercept and kill, but as a precaution, Shizhou still sent a large group of troops to escort them all the way. When they entered Xiazhou, Ai Yihai led his five thousand cavalry to receive Yang Hao, and the Shizhou defenders turned back.
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Going further from here, the Gobi Beach gradually begins to look like a desert. As far as the eye can see, there are rolling Gobi deserts everywhere. Although it is still some distance away from the Mu Us Desert, it is already full of the atmosphere of the Western Desert.
Tongwan City stands on this land.
From Tongwan City to the east, there are three lines of defense here and the Song Dynasty. The outermost line of defense is Linfu Prefecture, the second line of defense is Hengshan, and the third line of defense is Shizhou based on the ancient Great Wall. As long as the interior of the Western Region is not
Chaos, looking east from here, it can be said to be as stable as Mount Tai. Going west from Tongwan City, it embraces Yanzhou and Lingzhou. From Lingzhou to the north, there is a large area of vast and fertile land along the Helan Mountain and the Yellow River Basin.
From Lingzhou to the west, there are Gansu and Liangzhou and the Hexi Corridor. This shows the superior geographical location of Xiazhou.
Now that Yang Hao has captured Xiazhou and has the support of most of the Tuoba clan and the other seven clans among the eight Dangxiang clans, he has clearly become the king of the northwest. Although both Youzhou and Jingzhou are in the heart of Xiazhou, they also control
A large area of territory and some cities, while the two states of Gansu and Liang and part of the Hexi Corridor are still under the control of Tubo and Uighur. The forces of all parties are intertwined, but there is no doubt that Yang Hao's strength ranks first.
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So when Yang Hao arrived at the gate of Xiazhou City, Mu En, Mukui, Tuoba Cangmu, Tuoba Haofeng and many Li and Tuoba nobles came out early to welcome him, the young master of Xiazhou.
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The imperial court's decree has been issued, confirming Li Guangcen's position as the military governor. The Li family's regime is hereditary and does not require imperial intervention. Yang Hao is Li Guangcen's only successor, and is legally destined to be the master of Xiazhou.
.In addition, the attack on Xiazhou relied on Yang Hao's strength, and Li Guangcen was seriously ill and could not afford it. Many leaders knew in their hearts that the throne of "the generals of the whole system teach the five states to resolve difficulties and solve the difficulties" would soon be
It will fall on Yang Hao's head.
By that time, Yang Hao would hold the titles of Military Envoy of Difficulty, Military Envoy of Hengshan, and Marshal of the Hexi Longyou Army. With the support of the entire eight clans of the party, it would be easy to establish a more powerful regime than Li Guangrui, even if the Hexi Longyou Army was destroyed.
It is not impossible to fall into his hands and become the true king of the northwest. In this case, why don't they surrender and obey the orders of this young master?
What's more, as a result of Li Guangrui's feuding, militarism, and wars everywhere over the years, instead of expanding his power, his territory has shrunk day by day. Especially this time, without telling the leaders of the various ministries, he secretly negotiated a peace with Tubo and ceded it to Huihe.
The large grassland has aroused strong dissatisfaction among the leaders of various tribes. From this point of view, it is in their vital interests to be able to change the head of the family.
Therefore, to welcome Yang Hao, the tribe leaders have tried their best to attract all the elite soldiers and generals of their tribes to strengthen their reputation. They only hope to leave a good impression on Young Master Yang. If they can get his favor,
Then they can get his important use, and when they expand their territory and expand their power in the future, their tribe can follow the young master's footsteps and grow stronger.
When Yang Hao arrived at Tongwan City, phalanxes had been lined up to welcome them. They were lined up in the shape of goose wings on both sides of the spacious and straight avenue. Although these warriors carefully selected from various tribes had different weapons and clothing,
They were unified, but all of them were strong and burly, with extraordinary war horses under their crotches. There were phalanxes on both sides of the avenue, and thousands of troops were silent, but a murderous aura rushed towards him, which made Yang Hao secretly frightened.
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If there hadn't been a traitor in Xia Zhong, if he hadn't ventured across the Mu Us Desert and instead fought all the way from Yinzhou, looking at these warriors with furs and armor, strong bows and sharp knives, I'm afraid he would have exhausted himself
With his own strength, he could not even imagine reaching the borders of Xiazhou. The "Beheading Operation" allowed him to obtain the greatest benefits at the least cost. This powerful army would belong to him from now on. When he thought of this, his ambition suddenly arose. If not
Thinking about his adoptive father's condition, Yang Hao was really overjoyed at this moment.
Although Yang Hao was worried about his adoptive father's illness, he wanted to rush into Xiazhou City immediately, but when he saw the military parade carefully prepared by the tribal chiefs, he still restrained his horse and stopped moving forward, sharp and sharp.
His eyes passed by the majestic cavalry phalanxes on both sides of the road, then he clamped his legs and shouted softly: "Drive!"
The horse under his crotch changed to a light gallop, and the rhythm of the entire guard team changed with him. Zhe Yuxun consciously controlled the speed of the horse, stepped back two horses, and walked side by side with Ai Yihai. The entire team was in order.
Move forward in sequence.
The knights standing on both sides were all the most valiant and skilled warriors of each tribe, and their eyesight was naturally not bad. Although they were extremely respectful to Yang Hao, it was the instinctive awe of the inferiors towards the superiors, until they saw Yang Hao calmly change his pace.
, without giving an order, the thousands of knights following behind understood each other and changed their speeds in unison like one person, from galloping, stilling, to slowing down. The whole change was like flowing clouds and flowing water, naturally and calmly, without any confusion.
Their eyes couldn't help but change, and they showed sincere respect. This respect was the awe of the truly powerful.
Survival in the northwest is particularly difficult compared to the Central Plains, so... fear of the strong is an instinct that goes deep into the bones of every grassland child. If you want to conquer them, you will never be able to do it just by relying on a great background.
As fast as fire, as motionless as a mountain, and as slow as a forest, Yang Hao used the simplest military parade to let the soldiers of various tribes witness that his army was a mighty and battle-hardened division.
When the troops from various departments in the state were summoned, they quietly demonstrated their powerful military might, and the warriors from various tribes on both sides of the road were convinced.
The prairie man has a cheerful temperament, and the ceremony is relatively simple, far less tedious than the red tape in the Central Plains. After meeting the leaders, Yang Hao was welcomed into Xiazhou City like stars holding the moon.
Arriving at the Dingnan Jiedu Envoy's Mansion, the middle gate was wide open and there were many soldiers. Yang Hao and several generals under his command, as well as the heads of various ministries, walked in quickly. Only when they reached the middle hall did they see Zhang Pu accompanied by Dang Xiang, the leader of the seventh clan, at the foot of the steps.
Welcome.
There are eight clans in the core tribe of Dangxiang, and the Tuoba clan is the head of the eight clans. Li Guangcen is now the leader of the Tuoba clan and the leader of the eight clans of Dangxiang. Although Yang Hao now has the position of Hengshan Jiedu, he has nothing to say about starting a clan.
The status in the middle hall is even lower than that of the seven clan chiefs. These seven clan chiefs are waiting in the middle hall, maintaining their status without losing their respect.
Yang Hao had long been familiar with these seven clan chiefs. He immediately met with the chief of the Xifeng clan, Su Ka, the chief of the Yeli clan, Ge Luoluo, the chief of the Goli clan, and others. Seeing that the ceremony had been completed, he immediately asked Zhang Pu.
He said: "My adoptive father...how is he doing now?"
Zhang Pu said solemnly: "Your Majesty, you look good today. You had a bowl of japonica rice porridge in the morning, steamed buns in broth for lunch, and a few pieces of mutton..."
Yang Hao felt relieved after hearing this, but Zhang Pu continued: "Since the beginning of the year, Mr. Li has been suffering from hemoptysis. Perhaps he was overworked when he went to Xiazhou. After arriving in Xiazhou, his condition became more and more serious. A few days ago, he was still suffering from hemoptysis.
I vomited blood, and I was afraid that Master Li would be incompetent due to my humble duties, so I sent a message urgently, asking you to come immediately."
Yang Hao's heart sank, and he hurriedly confessed to several clan leaders, and was about to rush to the back house. Su Ka suddenly called him, hesitated for a moment, and said: "Young Master, I'm afraid..., while the leaders of various tribes are...
Everyone is here, you should clear your name and establish your identity as soon as possible."
Yang Hao nodded heavily: "I understand, Lord Su Ka, don't worry."
When we arrived at Li Guangcen's residence in the back house, before we even entered the door, we heard Li Guangcen's voice coming from the room: "You bastard, bring me the wine bag. Do you believe I can kill you with just one word?"
I heard the voice of a young man in the room say timidly but resolutely: "Sir, General Zhang has ordered that you must not let you drink anymore, or else you will bury the little one alive in the desert. I beg you to be merciful and not to make things difficult for the little guy."
"
Before Li Guangcen could say anything else, Yang Hao stepped in and called, "Father."
Li Guangcen was sitting on the couch with an angry face. When he saw Yang Hao, he couldn't help but be overjoyed. He patted the bed and said, "My son, come here, come and sit down next to your father. Hahaha, Su Ka, please relax on their heads."
God told me that you would be here soon, and it made me happy again and again. Even after telling me so many times, I didn’t believe it anymore. I didn’t expect you to actually come.”
Yang Hao took a look at Li Guangcen's appearance. He hadn't seen him for several months. He was getting thinner and thinner. His tall body seemed to be just a skeleton. His face was unkempt and his hair and beard were almost completely white.
, the wrinkles on his face are also denser, his face is gray and red, and only one pair of eyes are still shining with surprise.
Yang Hao looked at his appearance and vaguely recalled the first time he saw him. He was sitting in a car, with wrinkles on his face like a knife and an axe. His tall and tall body sat firmly, giving people a feeling of being like a mountain.
Pine, the feeling of East China Sea Jieshi, aloof and upright. Now, he is clearly a frail old man. Yang Hao's nose was sore and tears filled his eyes.
Li Guangcen was particularly happy. When Yang Hao sat down on the couch, he took his hand and looked up and down carefully. The more he looked at it, the stronger the smile on his face became: "Hao'er, as a father, I just
I thought that my clansmen would have a peaceful place to live, but I never dared to think that I could return to Xiazhou one day. Now, I am back, I am really back. My dear son, my father has an adopted son like you in this life.
My blessing."
"Father..."
Li Guangcen raised his head, slowly scanned everything in the old house, and said softly: "Hao'er, this old house is the room where my father lived when he was a boy. Haha, there are still a few knife marks carved on the pillars over there.
It was when I was a child that my father measured my figure. So many years have passed in a blink of an eye. Human life is so damn short."
Yang Hao felt an ominous feeling in his heart, but he probably understood Li Guangcen's condition better than anyone else. Yang Hao couldn't think of any words of comfort for a while. Li Guangcen smiled and said: "Actually, a few years ago,
, I have always felt that life passes too slowly, too slowly. I wander on the grassland all day, fleeing, killing people, and being hunted. Every day is so difficult, but God cannot hear my prayers. Now.
, I think it passed too fast, but it still can’t hear..."
Speaking of this, Li Guangcen focused his eyes on Yang Hao and said in a deep voice: "Hao'er, God is too lazy to care about us mortals' affairs. We have to rely on ourselves for everything. Now that Xiazhou has been recaptured, Li Guangrui has also suffered
You don’t need to say anything to get retribution. Your father knows your condition and you are a man. You don’t need to act like a mother-in-law and a mother. I just want you to promise me one thing..."
"Father, tell me."
Li Guangcen stared at him and said word by word: "I want you to promise me to be better than Li Guangrui and better than being a father. Even if I die, the glory will be with me, and this glory comes from
you!"
The tears in Yang Hao's eyes finally shed, he nodded solemnly and said: "Father, I promise you!"
Li Guangcen smiled happily, lay down tiredly on the couch, and said slowly: "Hao'er, you just arrived. Everyone in the department must want to see you. You go and do your work first. When you are done, come and talk to me."
He turned his eyes and said to Zhang Pu who was standing aside: "Are you ready for what I want you to do?"
Yang Hao turned to Zhang Pu doubtfully and asked: "What?"
Zhang Pu nodded to Li Guangcen and said: "Don't worry, sir, everything is ready." Then he turned to Yang Hao and whispered: "Your Excellency, please summon the heads of the eight clans as soon as possible to publicly announce your identity and
...It is called the authority of the festival, and it is given to the master to determine the difficulties and save the future."
After Jieduli, he was equivalent to the crown prince, second only to the Jiedushi. The establishment of this identity also announced to the leaders of various clans that he was the only legal heir. Although Yang Hao was his adopted son, this matter
Everyone has known the matter for a long time, but just like an emperor who suddenly dies without appointing a prince, then the eldest son of the emperor is not necessarily the inevitable heir. If someone replaces him by force, others can't accuse him of taking the throne, even if they criticize him.
Being dishonest and usurping power.
Li Guangcen has never forgotten this matter, and has even started preparations for it, hoping to clear the last obstacle for Yang Hao. With Yang Hao's current military power, this obstacle cannot actually pose any threat to him, and then there will be three declines and six prosperity.
, to establish his legal inheritance status from the legal order as early as possible, so that no one can make a fuss about this matter at any time in the future, so that he can legitimately become the legal successor of the Li regime.
Su Ka knew that Li Guangcen's life was at stake, so he urged Yang Hao to clear his name as soon as possible. Obviously, he also had such scruples. After all, there were many members of the Li family's direct lineage. If Li Guangcen could not personally confirm Yang Hao's inheritance, then from a legal point of view, Li Guangcen
The direct clan members of the clan are still able to compete with him. In the future, whether these clansmen want to compete for the throne, or they are supported by the Song Dynasty or Khitan as a puppet, they will still have considerable power to seduce the Tuoba tribe.
of.
Yang Hao nodded silently, wiped the tears from his cheeks, and just stood up, Li Guangcen suddenly said again: "Hao'er, ask him to leave the wine bag for me."
At this time, Li Guangcen looked like a gluttonous child, looking at Yang Hao eagerly, with a look of pleading in his eyes. Yang Hao glanced at the little boy standing uneasily in the room, frowned and said: "Justice"
Father, haven’t you given up drinking?”
Li Guangcen licked his lips and said reluctantly: "Ever since I was two years old, my father would dip his chopsticks in wine and feed it to me. In this life, I have never left it. Yes, this wine has harmed my health, but if it hadn't been
This wine, I can't survive so many years of bloodshed. I know my own things, Hao'er, I am no longer good as a father. I have nothing better to do in my life but just covet the things in this cup. At this time
, are you still unwilling to let me satisfy my appetite?"
Li Guangcen's pleading eyes made it impossible for him to say no. After hesitating for a long time, Yang Hao sighed softly, took the wine bag from the boy's hand, and gently placed it in front of Li Guangcen's bed. Li Guangcen was overjoyed and just picked up the wine.
Yang Hao held it down and said, "Father, you are only allowed to drink three sips a day."
"Ah?" Li Guangcen hesitated for a moment, and then nodded with a grimace when he saw Yang Hao's unyielding gaze.
Ermaina inserted the needle into the unfinished shoe, stretched her waist lazily, looked at the piles of shoes, socks, hats, and insoles on the kang, and then looked at the mountains of shoes still piled in front of her.
He couldn't help but feel sad: "Do I eat a lot? Will I destroy the Xifeng tribe? Why are you so anxious for me to get married? If you just get married, why do you need so many shoes, socks and clothes?"
Where are the hats? When a hundred pairs are ready, people will be cross-eyed from exhaustion."
The more she thought about it, the angrier she became. Suddenly she rolled her eyes, picked up the scissors, picked up another paper pattern, and started cutting dexterously.
Northwest Qiang girls are not only beautiful in appearance, but also very clever. Paper-cutting is a craft they have learned since childhood. The flowers, plants, trees, and portraits they cut out are all lifelike. After a while, a paper-cut figure appeared in her hands.
The lower part is formed. This is a man standing sideways. Judging from his clothes, he is clearly a figure from the Central Plains. His broad forehead, high bridge of nose, and tight mouth make him look very handsome.
Ermaina held the silhouette of the paper man in her hand and admired it smugly for a long time. Suddenly she chuckled, pulled out the needle and stabbed the paper man: "Prick your little head, it will make your mouth and eyes crooked.
; If I prick you, a little person, in the hand, your money will flow out; if I prick you, a little person, in the eye, you will be blinded in both eyes and heart..."
"Master Yang Hao, this is my residence. Hahaha, please come this way. This room is my daughter's residence..."
"Prick you little... oh!" Ermaina was enjoying the pricking, but suddenly she was shocked when she heard this. The needle pricked her hand, and bright red blood beads suddenly popped out from her fingertips.
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As soon as Yang Hao stepped in the door, he saw a beautiful woman wearing a green vest, a tight waist skirt, a tile-shaped green handkerchief on her head, and a silver necklace, with eyebrows as curved as a crescent moon and a pointed chin.
The girl was looking at him with tears in her eyes...