Most of the buildings in Shazhou are made of local materials, using sand and soil as the material. Even wealthy families are no exception. The Zhang family's mansion occupies a very large area. The architectural style of the house is very different from that of the Central Plains. The courtyard is huge, but the surrounding area is just
The half-human-high sand and earth wall allows you to have a panoramic view of everything in the courtyard from a distance.
As soon as you enter the mansion, you are faced with a long corridor. The corridor is just a wooden frame covered with grape vines. Ripe grapes hang in bunches among the branches and leaves. They are heavy and red sandalwood, which is tempting to salivate.
There were many knights gathered under the shade of the trees at the door. They were the guards of the heads of the major families. In the courtyard, felt blankets and futons were set up under the grape trellis, and several small tables were placed. On the tables were placed fine wine, meat and food.
Guaguo, the "heads" of the nine aristocratic families all sat on it in a kneeling manner. Except for the Zhang family's eldest son, there were two guards standing behind each of them with scimitars on their waists.
Zhang Chengxian was wearing a black Zen robe, a high crown on his head, and wooden clogs on his feet. He was still dressed like a Han Dynasty man. Although he looked gray-haired, he was full of energy and looked forward to power. Behind Zhang Chengxian, he stood alone.
There is a young boy with red lips and white teeth, with picturesque features, which can be either angry or happy, and he is very popular. The boy stands with his hands hanging down, his attitude is respectful. There are many servants in green clothes and hats waiting on him.
The head of the Linghu family, Linghu Shangshan, was over sixty years old. He had a red face and was very tall. He looked around, stroking his beard and said with a smile: "Weng Zhang has not been involved in worldly affairs for many years. I wonder if he is in a hurry this morning.
We came here to discuss something important."
Zhang Chengxian smiled faintly, looked at a man in his thirties in a white robe, and said with a pleasant expression: "Master said, why didn't your brother Ziyan come?"
The man was in his early thirties, with a hooked nose and deep eye sockets, giving people the impression of a sinister vulture. The man's name was Cao Ziyue, and he was the second son of Cao Yangong. He said with an unhappy face: "My brother is responsible for Shazhou City."
How can we leave our duty lightly when we have a heavy responsibility? I don’t know why Zhang Weng invited us here. Please tell me earlier. Yang Hao’s army is approaching the city, and my brother dare not leave for a moment. I will have to rush back to defend the city later.
"
The Cao family now controls the Guiyi Army and is the well-deserved king of Dunhuang. Now Zhang Chengxian relies on his old man to betray his old age and invites the leaders of the nine major clans of Qi in such a big way without communicating with the Cao family in advance. Cao Zi said that he was extremely unhappy, but now Shilin, religion
world, ordinary hundred
Some members of the surnamed class, and even the low-ranking officers and soldiers of the Guiyi Army, are interested. The rule of the Guiyi Army is in jeopardy. The nine major families in Shazhou are the mainstay of Shazhou. At this time, the Cao family must strive to win over the major families.
Cao Zi said that he had to endure it for the time being.
Zhang Chengxian laughed, stroked his beard and said: "I am getting old. I have a pot of tea and a glass of wine every day to entertain my grandchildren and take care of myself. I should have stopped caring about worldly affairs..."
Cao Zi interrupted him and said with a smile: "What Zhang Weng said is reasonable. Zhang Weng is energetic and healthy. If he takes good care of his life, in another twenty years, we will be the most popular in Shazhou. What's the point?"
We, the juniors, will solve the matter on our own, so it’s better for Zhang Weng to worry less."
Zhang Chengxian stared at him and said: "Now that Yang Hao's troops are approaching the city, with an army of one hundred thousand, how are they going to deal with it? Are they going to make our Shazhou whole country burn to the ground? Or... imitate the Uighur troops from Ganzhou who came to the city that day?"
Is it difficult to form a father-son relationship with Yang Hao?"
Cao Zi said that he was so embarrassed that he became angry. Huo Di straightened up and said angrily: "You..."
On the side, Suo Chao, the head of the Suo family, stretched out his hand and pressed Cao Ziya's knee. His eyes shone with vigilance and he said with a deep smile: "Zi said, why should you be impatient? Maybe... the old family head Zhang will have some unusual opinions, Zuo Shen
Mr. Cao, why don't we give it a listen."
Suo Chao was a good friend of Cao Ziyue. As soon as he came to comfort him, Cao Ziyue snorted coldly and stopped talking. However, the cheerful atmosphere when the heads of the major families just arrived was gone, and the situation was
He suddenly became nervous.
Speaking of which, the nine major families in Shazhou all have intricate kinship relationships. As the second largest family in Shazhou, the Suo family originally had the closest relationship with the Zhang family. In his later years, Zhang Yichao was named sixty-nine
At the age of 18, he traveled a long distance, entered Chang'an as hostage, and handed over the Guiyi army to his nephew Zhang Huaishen. At that time, Suo Xun, the head of the Suo family, was a son-in-law of Zhang Yichao.
After Zhang Yichao's death, Suo Xun launched a coup, killed Zhang Huaishen, his wife and their six sons, and seized the military power of the Guiyi Army. At that time, Zhang Yichao's fourteenth daughter was the daughter-in-law of another large family in Shazhou, the Li family.
Her husband was Li Mingzhen, Sima of Liangzhou. The fourteenth girl was very dissatisfied with her brother-in-law's perverse behavior. She and her husband Li Mingzhen launched another mutiny, massacred Suoxun's family, and supported Zhang Yichao's grandson Zhang Chengfeng, who is now Zhang's hometown advocate.
Chengxian's brother was the governor of the Guiyi Army.
From then on, the Zhang and Suo families began to have bad relations. Later, the third largest family, the Cao family, gradually took control of the military and political power in Shazhou, and gradually drove the Zhang family out of the center of power in a peaceful way through ostracism and exclusion. In this process
Among them, the Cao family and the Suo family have become the closest allies, while the Yin family and the Li family are still closer to the Zhang family. As for the Si, Yan, An, and Linghu families, they are good at dancing and traveling around.
Between the two major factions, he is the master of soy sauce.
Zhang Chengxian had a panoramic view of the changes in the expressions of Cao Ziyue and Suo Chao. He just smiled faintly and said calmly: "Everyone, during the Anshi Rebellion in the past, Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty took refuge in Shu. He mobilized elite troops from Longyou in Hexi to escort them to Hexi.
Longyou's army was empty, Tubo took the opportunity to launch an attack, Hexi fell, and the road blocked Xiaoguan. We, the sons of the Han family, had no contact with our homeland. But we, the sons of the Han family, who were isolated outside, never forgot our homeland. Just here.
This Shazhou..."
Zhang Chengxian flicked his sleeves, pointed to the land under his feet, and said in a deep voice: "After the fall of the Gansu, Liang, and Sugua prefectures one by one, our Han soldiers and civilians held on to Shazhou, the last piece of Han land, for eleven years.
When Zhou Ding, the governor of Shazhou, saw that there was no hope of help, he wanted to burn the city and run eastward. He had no intention of surrender, but he just wanted to abandon this land and return to the land of his ancestors. What happened? Abandoning my Han land, heaven and earth will not tolerate it!
Everyone knows that General Yan, who sent troops to Yan Dynasty, hanged Zhou Ding and led the army and people to continue fighting against Tibet.
It was not until the second year of Jianzhong that all the food supplies were exhausted, General Yan had a meeting with the Tibetan general Qi Xin'er, and swore a solemn agreement to the Tianmeng: After the Tibetan soldiers entered the city, they were not allowed to kill any of my Han family members, nor were they allowed to humiliate any of my Han family members.
Woman, after receiving Qi Xin'er's solemn promise, I surrendered the city and saved my army and people in Shazhou, my nine major families, and the fire of my Han family in Shazhou.
In order to sever the blood connection between the Han people and the Tang Dynasty, the Tubo people did not allow us to wear the clothes passed down by our ancestors, and made us braid our hair in the left skirt like a beard. Every year, on the day of Yuan Shuo, we Han people can wear the clothes we have not seen for a long time. We wear the clothes of the Han family and offer sacrifices to our ancestors in the east. We hope that Master Wang can save me from the fire and water, but the Tang Dynasty is weak and wars are frequent in the Central Plains, so it is unable to take care of us!"
When Zhang Chengxian said this, he was already in tears. The leaders of the major families couldn't help but feel a little moved. The courtyard was silent, only listening to Zhang Chengxian's impassioned speech: "Later, Tubo Zanpu Bodhidharma was assassinated by a monk, and I, the Shazhou Han We have lived up to General Yan's hard work. The ancestor of our family, Yi Chaogong, took the opportunity to rise up and lead our Han'er to regain Shazhou in one fell swoop. Every bird flew up and hundreds of birds followed. The rebel army swallowed up the mountains and rivers with force. In less than two years, it was like a storm. Then he recovered Gua and Sha Shizhou.
A hundred years later, Zuo Jin was reborn as Guan Shang. Ten counties were left behind, and Tang Huo was born. The ancestors of the family abolished the Tubo tribal system, rebuilt the prefectures, counties and villages, established households, cleared the land, built water conservancy, and promoted farming. From then on, the Hexi route was smooth. Unimpeded, the character is as good as the Central Plains, but... the descendants are unworthy. Since the Yi Chao Gong, our rebel army has been getting worse and worse, and the eleven states have been gradually eroded. To this day, we, the Han people in the Western Regions, can only keep the two states of Gua and Sha. I want to call myself the king of Ganzhou Huihe!"
Cao Ziyue couldn't hold it in anymore, his face was livid, he pressed his knife and shouted: "Zhang Chengxian, what do you mean, are you criticizing my Cao family?"
The two swordsmen behind him immediately took a step forward, with ferocious looks on their faces. Zhang Chengxian rolled his eyelids and said calmly: "The Guiyi Army fell in the hands of my Zhang family. How did they ever accuse your Cao family of their faults? But your Cao family took over. After I returned to Shazhou, my rebel army did not see any improvement. This is a fact. I am just talking about the matter. I am now eighty-four, and my neck is buried in the dirt. You kid, do you want to scare me? "
Cao Zi said that he was so angry that he was shaking all over, and shouted angrily: "Old man, are you relying on your elders to act like you are the youngest?"
When the Zhang family's nephews and servants heard this, they all showed angry expressions. Suo Chao quickly held Cao Zi down and said with a sinister smile: "Zhang Weng, you called us here today just to hear what Zhang Weng said about your ancestors." Wei Feng, are you talking about these old stories about Shazhou?"
"otherwise!"
Zhang Chengxian said seriously: "I say these words to you juniors because I want you to know what our predecessors have done to protect my Han family's mantle. I want you to know that we are far away in the Western Regions, far apart from our homeland. , It’s not that I, the Han people from Shazhou, don’t miss my homeland, nor is it that China wants to abandon us, the Han people from the Western Regions!
The Tang Dynasty fell and the Guiyi Army was defeated. We all became the remnants of the countryless and homeless people. After another hundred years, we will forget our ancestors and become nothing more than barbarians. However, now that Taiwei Yang has sent his army to the west, Overthrown and destroyed, like a broken bamboo, Tubo and Huihe fled in the face of the wind. This is a rare opportunity for us to recover the Han Dynasty. Are we going to forget the legacy of our ancestors and become enemies of the heavenly army?"
Cao Ziyue understood everything after hearing this. He suddenly stood up and shouted: "Zhang Chengxian, are you trying to trick us into giving up our weapons and surrendering to Yang Hao?"
Zhang Chengxian said: "Everyone, Taiwei Yang is here to unify Hexi and restore our Han Dynasty. You all are from a large Shazhou clan. Since we were isolated from the Central Plains, we have been looking forward to it day and night, hoping that the Central Plains will raise troops, drive out the Hu barbarians, and restore the Han Dynasty. We, the Han people, now that Taiwei Yang has really arrived, should we meet him with swords and soldiers? The Taiwei's soldiers and horses are strong, and even the Uighurs of Ganzhou have closed the city without fighting. They dare not lightly plunder the Taiwei's sword. Shouldn't we melons? Can Sha Erzhou withstand the Taiwei's army?
Surrender, obey the will of heaven and earth, inherit the will of our ancestors, and be in harmony with the hearts of the people. Your family will not be harmed at all. The trade routes in the Western Regions will be opened, but they will benefit greatly. War, the morale of the army and the people will not be used.
Defeat is inevitable, our major families
The result is nothing more than burning up with the jade in Shazhou. I really can’t bear to have you fall into the abyss. I invite you here today to show me a clear path for the nine great families in Shazhou. Where to go? After listening to my words, the clan leaders can now make a decision.
?”
The leaders of each family looked at each other in shock. Unexpectedly, Zhang Cheng came straight to the point and actually came to persuade Yang Hao to surrender.
Cao Zi said that he was shocked and angry. Since the Cao family began to take charge of the Guiyi Army more than a few decades ago, the Zhang family has rarely participated in major military and political affairs in Shazhou. He never expected that Zhang Chengxian, an old man, would be so bold.
He dared to blatantly confuse people's hearts and persuaded everyone to abandon the Cao family and surrender to Yang Hao. He took a quick glance and saw everyone in the courtyard.
It was clear that it was difficult to hide an ambush. The guards brought by the major families were all mixed together and standing outside the courtyard. The total number was only about a hundred or so. They were suddenly determined. Before the leaders of the major families could express their stance, they stood up first.
, drew his sword and said: "My Cao family has made a decision, that is: I'll kill you, an incompetent, incompetent old man like you!"
As soon as Cao Zi said this, Suo Chao also jumped up, each holding a steel sword, and the guards behind him immediately drew their swords outwards. At this time, Yin Chucai, the head of the Yin family, and Li Xiyu, the head of the Li family, slowly
They stood up and took two steps closer to Zhang Chengxian. Their personal guards immediately drew their swords and stopped in front of them.
Yin Chucai had an obese figure, a round and fat face, and a friendly expression to make money. He smiled and said: "I, the Guiyi Army, are declining day by day. I am definitely not the opponent of Taiwei Yang. Even if I only think about my family, I will
, I think Zhang Weng
His suggestion is also correct. It is wise to abandon the city and surrender. Our major families will not suffer any losses from this. Haha, of course, the Cao family must give up its military power, but this military power...if the fight continues,
Aren’t you going to let it out?”
Li Xiyu, the head of the Li family, said with a smile: "At that time, the best outcome is just like the Dragon King of Suzhou, sadly going east and losing its glory. Look at Liangzhou Luorong Dengba, now
But if Liangzhou governor is allowed to serve, other than
What is the difference between holding the military power and the past? Then again, what is the purpose of holding the military power? Is it to ensure the safety of the family and the safety of the city? Confucius said, Brother, leave such a troublesome matter to Yang Taiwei
Isn’t it good to worry?”
The leaders of the Si, Yan, An, and Linghu families looked on with cold eyes. It suddenly dawned on their hearts that Zhang Chengxian, the Yin family, and the Li family had already come to terms with each other. In fact, for the leaders of the Si, Yan, An, and Linghu families,
, is Shazhou controlled by the Cao family or Yang Hao?
Military power made no difference to them. Now that they saw Yang Hao's military strength, and the Shazhou scholars, the people and the Buddhist community welcomed his arrival, and after hearing Zhang Chengxian's words, Xiaozhi was moved.
Their hearts were moved by Daniel's words.
However, this kind of statement of position is of great importance. From afar, Yang Hao has strong soldiers and horses, and they are pessimistic about whether Shagua and the two states can resist the enemy. From a closer view, the Zhang family, the Yin family, and Li
Since the family had already planned it, they would not fail to make preparations secretly. If they did not agree, they might become a target of the sword immediately. From this aspect, they wanted to express their approval.
However, it has been many years since the Zhang family left the center of power in Shazhou. Most of their nephews and nephews have given up martial arts and become civil servants. They have little authority in the army. This place is open to all directions and there is no way to hide an ambush. The Zhang family may not be able to retain Cao Ziyue and Suo Chao. Yes, as soon as they escape, before several aristocratic families gather their nephews, generals and servants to resist, the army will immediately crush the Zhang family. If he expresses his attitude, he will become a rebel faction and will be purged. Did it fall?
The four leaders of Si, Yan, An, and Linghu looked around and hesitated. Cao Zi said that he saw clearly that there was no ambush around, so he immediately decided to capture the thief. Zhang Chengxian was over eighty years old, old and very clumsy. , killing him in one fell swoop and capturing Yin Chucai and Li Xiyu can deter the rest of the big families from their plans and quickly put an end to the rebellion.
Having made up his mind, Cao Ziyue immediately glanced at Suo Chao and said with a ferocious smile: "Zhang Chengxian, remembering that your ancestor was the founding king of our Jinshan country, we, the Cao family, pay you three respects. I don't want you, Zhang Chengxian, to repay your kindness. You actually intend to rebel. You old fool like you, do you still think that today's Zhang family can control the wind and rain in Shazhou? Now the king of Dunhuang is my father, who is Yang Hao! Today, my second prince, Cao Zi, will take my place. My father enforces the laws of the country and chops off the head of you old guy!"
After Cao Zi said this, he pointed his halberd and shouted sternly: "Come on, kill him for me!"
The guards of Cao Ziyue and Suo Chao immediately swarmed forward. The four scimitars struck at the guards of Yin Chucai and Li Xiyu first. Taking advantage of the guards' opportunity to block with their swords, they turned like a whirlwind and the four scimitars staggered down. , with a whimpering wind whistling towards Zhang Chengxian, the power of this knife seemed to cut his head into four halves.
There was a sudden clear whistle, like a crane roaring in the sky. Zhang Chengxian remained motionless. The boy behind him, with red lips and white teeth, who was as handsome as a little girl, suddenly flashed in front of him like a ghost, waved his arms, "Clang, clang, clang, clang!" "Four crisp sounds of weapons clashing, fragments of the big sleeves flying in the sky, the child exposed a white arm, and a cold and sharp dagger held upside down in his hand was exposed.
The nephews and nephews of the Zhang family were horrified when they saw their master being attacked. They had already seen the child's superb martial arts, and believed that she had enough power to protect the master. It was for this reason that they arranged this gathering in such a place where they could see everything at a glance. Of course, if this were not the case, Cao Ziyue and Suo Chao, who had some problems with the Zhang family, would not have gone to the banquet without warning. Even so, after seeing the four guards and swordsmen Pili Despite the ordinary sword flash, they were still broken into cold sweats. It was not until the boy successfully defused the opponent's attack that they heaved a sigh of relief.
Several Zhang family nephews rushed forward to help the old master down, but Zhang Chengxian waved his hands and stood motionless.
The boy drew four swords, twisted his waist and made a feint to the left. He suddenly accelerated instantly and rushed towards the enemy in front of him. The sword light flew across the sky, like a wisp of silver thread dancing. During the exchange, swords like swords were constantly coming out. Light, a silver-like sword light shuttled through the sky, two beams of light dancing in the sky, looking in front, suddenly behind, looking at the left, suddenly looking at the right, looking up, suddenly looking down, it was so fast that the eyes were dizzying , the remaining three swordsmen were about to rush towards Zhang Chengxian, but were stopped by Yin Chucai and Li Xiyu's guards. Seeing that their companions were in danger, they hurriedly turned back to kill them, but although the three were fast, compared to the little boy The speed of attacking and retreating was still a little slower than that of the other guard. The fierce wind of the sword whizzed behind the little boy, but it was always just a hair's breadth away and could not hurt him in the slightest.
The swordsman who was suppressed by the child was indeed very good at martial arts. Unfortunately, his Western Region swordsmanship, which was wide open and closed, could not be used against such a lightning-fast swordsmanship. The swordsman took seven steps back and slashed.
He slashed through the grid, stepped back seven steps, suddenly let out a loud roar, gave up his defense, and slashed Huashan with one move. With a loud bang, the child pulled away and retreated so fast that a shadow was left on the spot.
The light of the sword split through the shadow, and the tip went straight into the ground. There was a "bang" sound, and yellow sand flew up. The swordsman clenched the handle of the sword with both hands, his eyes wide open and motionless, and blood gurgled out from his throat. But the child watched.
Without looking, he stepped back, and the sword in his hand immediately transformed into a heavy sword shadow. A thrilling sword sound suddenly sounded, and the dazzling sword light passed through the throat of a swordsman.
Immediately, the man's body was pushed forward by the child, and he was ready to meet the sword light of another swordsman. The red light flashed and the bloody smell was everywhere. The swordsman was caught off guard and split his partner in half with one knife.
.
There were only two swordsmen left, and the boy's movements were obviously leisurely. A young boy with bright eyebrows, a white lotus-rooted arm, and a silver thread in his hand, pointed east and west, freely, vertically and horizontally, and moved forward quickly.
He retreated, drifting like the wind, his movements were indescribably weird, and his big eyes as clear as water still had time to glance at Cao Ziyue and Suo Chao from time to time.
At this time, people outside the courtyard also took action. Although Yin Chucai and Li Xiyu's people were prepared in advance, the guards of each family stood together alone. When they saw the courtyard starting to move, their sudden sneak attack could only injure them.
One or two of them were killed, and the remaining people were fighting together. When the guards from other families saw that their master was watching from the sidelines, they all drew their weapons and stepped aside, not knowing whether they should take action or not.
Cao Ziyue and Suo Chao were shocked when they saw the child's terrifying martial arts skills. In the past few decades, the Zhang family has been declining day by day. In order to avoid trouble, many of their nephews have given up martial arts and followed literature. The Zhang family has never recruited a large number of followers and disciples.
The generals did not expect that a little boy could have such martial arts. The two of them suddenly wanted to retreat and looked at each other. Cao Zi shouted: "Retreat and bring the troops!"
The two of them rushed out the door. As long as they could seize the horses, no one could block their way. Unexpectedly, the servants in green clothes and small hats suddenly pulled their right sleeves, and there was a "chi la la" sound, and everyone
He bared his right arm and had a sleeve crossbow tied to it, aiming it at their bodies. At such a close distance, the two of them could not escape even if they turned into birds.
The sleeve crossbow was invented in the Central Plains not long ago. Cao Ziyue and Suo Chao had never seen such a thing. They saw those people raising their right arms with a small cylinder tied under their arms. Although they knew it must be
The thing that was disadvantageous to them, but they didn't know what it was, the two of them still accelerated and ran away. At this time, they suddenly heard a clear voice behind them: "Don't shoot arrows, you have to live! Kill their guards!"
Then they heard two screams. They could clearly hear that they were their own guards. They couldn't help but feel cold in their hearts. They exerted their strength and quickly surpassed the galloping horses in a short distance. The boy killed the two swordsmen, and a swallow and three copies of water.
They chased after him. Cao Ziyue and Suo Chao ran out as if they were competing. Seeing that they were only three steps away from the door, they heard the sound of their clothes ripping in the wind. They were both kicked in the back at the same time, and their whole bodies were moved towards
He walked out, his head resting on the threshold.
Cao Zi said that the clothes and skin on his chest were torn, and he felt a burning pain. He pressed his head against the thick threshold, making him dizzy. He put his hands on his hands and was about to jump up, when a mango shoe stepped on his back, and his feet
It was not big, but it was as heavy as a mountain, pressing his whole body firmly to the ground.
The little Taoist boy stepped on Cao Zi and said, pointed his sword at Suo Chao, rubbed his nose with the back of his left hand, and said crisply: "Are you the second prince? You don't look like a prince even if you put on a dragon robe. You are almost the same as a eunuch."
,Fight with my uncle? Huh!"
Half of the city, with Guiyi Street as the line, to the east is the team composed of the nephews, generals, guards, and tenants of the eight great families of Zhang, Suo, Yin, Li, Si, Yan, An, and Linghu, and to the west is the Guiyi Army
The troops and horses were at war, and the two sides were at war with each other.
Because Cao Ziyan, who was guarding Shazhou for his father, did not attend the banquet in person, the Zhang family was unable to control the Guiyi army. They urgently recruited all the capable warriors from the major families and temporarily formed a civilian army.
He occupied half of the city and quickly sent people out of the city to contact Ai Yihai and dispatch his light cavalry to Shazhou.
The head of the Suo family was controlled by Zhang Chengxian and used him as a hostage to coerce the Suo family to participate in the rebellion. Now there is a confrontation between the eight major families in Shazhou and the Cao family, which controls the army. Cao Ziyan gave an ultimatum: Within an hour
Inside, he must let his second disciple go and abandon his weapons and surrender, otherwise he will launch an attack immediately.
In the Zhang Mansion, Zhang Chengxian put his sleeves behind his back and walked slowly. He listened to his grandson Zhang Qian narrating the confrontation on the street. He suddenly stopped and said, "Although my Zhang family has not asked about the affairs of Shazhou for a long time, I still want to return home."
After all, the rebel army was founded by my ancestors of the Zhang family. I don’t believe that the soldiers who returned to the rebel army would throw spears and arrows at me. I’ll go and say surrender myself!”
The nephews and nephews of the Zhang family were shocked when they heard this. His fourth son Zhang Yu changed his expression and said: "Dad, you must not do it. Now we have brought the eight major families over and occupied half of the sandbank. We only need to hold on to this half of the sandbank."
We are done with the prefectural city. Once Captain Yang's troops arrive, the situation will inevitably turn around. How can I risk my life at such an old age?"
"Idiot!"
Zhang Chengxian scolded him coldly, looked around his nephew's family, and said sincerely: "Cao Ziyan did not come to my invitation in person, which is a big change. Back then, Suo Xun, a son-in-law of my Zhang family, could launch a mutiny and seize power, let alone
Now the Cao family has controlled the Guiyi Army for decades? My Zhang family now only relies on the shadow of our ancestors and the prestige of Yi Chaogong. Only by being stronger and more domineering can we strengthen our influence on the soldiers of the Guiyi Army and completely control Sha
state situation.
If we wait for Taiwei Yang's reinforcements without taking any further action, the shock we caused to the Guiyi Army will gradually fade away. Cao Ziyan will launch an attack before Taiwei Yang's reinforcements arrive, even though our eight major clans have joined forces.
, but the army is in the hands of Cao Ziyan. How can our nephews, generals, and servants be the opponents of a well-trained army if we really want to fight? If we are not careful, all our previous achievements will be wasted."
Zhang Cheng first put his hand on his son's shoulder, patted it gently, and said with moist eyes: "Son, now you are almost seventy, with gray hair and wrinkles. Your eldest brother, second brother, and third brother,
Both my father and son have passed away before me. In this lifetime, my father has only two wishes. One is to go to Chang'an, pay homage to the tomb of Lord Yichao, dedicate a glass of water and wine, and fulfill the filial piety of his descendants; the other is that
I want our Zhang family to prosper again. The Yin family, Li family and other families are originally big families in Shazhou and are content with the status quo. But the Zhang family is different. Our Zhang family single-handedly founded the Guiyi Army. The ancestors of our Zhang family are
No matter what, those who have been called emperors cannot be reduced to a family of merchants, living in a palm-sized place in the desert. We, the descendants of the Zhang family, even if we cannot be called heroes for a lifetime, we must be heroes for one life. This is not a loss.
The face of our ancestors of the Zhang family."
Zhang Cheng sighed for a while, and then said: "The success of half a city may be in vain. My father wants to capture the entire Shazhou City and hand over a complete city to Taiwei Yang. Only then can I become the leader of my Zhang family."
Do you understand the level of body?"
Zhang Yu said excitedly: "Dad, I'll go there for you!"
Zhang Chengxian shook his head, raised his eyebrows and said: "The Zhang family is gradually declining. As a descendant of the Zhang family, it is hard for me as a father to escape the blame. If I can inherit the legacy of my ancestors and do this righteous deed, Jiuquan will be the best."
Only then will I have the honor to meet my ancestors. Son, don’t argue with your father!"
After listening to Zhang Chengxian's idea, Ma Yi immediately shook his head and said: "No, it's too risky to do this. Even if ordinary Guiyi sergeants dare not go against the old man, the Cao family has ruled Shazhou for many years, and it is inevitable that they have some close friends, but there is one person
If you fire a cold arrow, the old man's life will be in danger. You must not do it."
Zhang Chengxian said with a smile: "I believe that Taiwei Yang was stationed in Ma Guazhou and did not attack the city for a long time because he did not want to fight against the brothers of the Guiyi Army. If he could surrender to the Rebel Army without fighting, it would be a great merit. If I
The death of one person can prevent the death of thousands of soldiers, which is equally worth it. I have made up my mind, so there is no need to stop me."
Ma Yi tried to dissuade him repeatedly, but Zhang Chengxian insisted on going. In desperation, Ma Yi had no choice but to say: "In this case, please wear soft armor, old gentleman, and I will accompany you. Sir, please do not cross the middle of the street. If anything happens, Ma Yi will
I will try my best to ensure my husband's safety, otherwise...my uncle will definitely blame me."
Zhang Chengxian chuckled and said: "Seeing you, I know that Captain Yang is a benevolent and righteous person. Cheng, I will listen to you and wear soft armor and try my best to save my old life, hehehe..."
Both sides of Guiyi Street were filled with soldiers and civilians in full formation, with guns and bows drawn, but the entire spacious street was deserted, not even a dog.
Suddenly, on the side of the east city occupied by the eight major families, an old man with a bright head and cloth clothes slowly walked out, followed only by a boy with fine features. The officers and soldiers of the Guiyi Army who were waiting in formation on the opposite side were puzzled, and they started talking to each other. Gradually,
, someone recognized the old man's identity, the whispers gathered into a wave of voices, and the lineup of the Guiyi Army suddenly became commotion.
Cao Ziyan looked at it with his sword, and saw the old man wearing a curved Zen robe, a high crown, and high-toothed wooden clogs. He looked like an ancient man from the Han and Tang Dynasties. He stood in the middle of the street and looked at the two sides of the street with strict swords and clear barriers.
Turning sideways, he suddenly raised his arms and said in a loud voice: "I am the Jiedu Envoy of the Guiyi Army, the Observer Envoy of Guashasu, Ganliang and other 11 prefectures, the Secretary of the Ministry of Rites, and the descendant of Jinwu General Zhang Yichao, Zhang Chengxian!"
The sound on the other side became more intense. Zhang Chengxian paused and then said: "Soldiers of the Guiyi Army, do you know what Guiyi means? Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty was impressed by my heroic feats in the Guiyi Army. He once praised me, which can be used as an annotation.
: The loyalty of the loyal ministers, and the long horns of the Kunyi. The story of Dou Rong and Hexi was seen in the prosperous times; the strange soldiers Li Ling taught archery were nothing more than a righteous journey! This is Guiyi.
The Guiyi Army was founded by the ancestor of the family, Yi Chao Gong. Yi Chao Gong always had great ambitions. He liked to recite "Feng Changqing Xie Shibiao Wen" since he was a child: Hebei Sheji restored peace, rebelled against Hu and was defeated, and all the wishes of the ministers were fulfilled. Look up to the sky.
drink poison, drink poison
Ri Fengzhang means that he will be the minister of corpse remonstrance, and he will be the ghost of the holy dynasty after death. If he dies and there is knowledge, he will join the grass army in front of the wind formation, lead the flag and drum of the king's army, and defeat the enemy and thieves. Reward in life and death.
Well, no gratitude whatsoever...
Duke Yi Chao devoted himself to restoring our Han land and boosting the ambitions of our Han people, but it was a pity that my descendants looked down upon them, which led to their decline. Now that Wang Shi has come from far away, we and other descendants do not need to form an army in front of the grass army. We can lead the banners and drums of Wang Shi on the return formation, but we can only open fire.
Is it not possible to welcome each other in the city to return to our homeland and to receive our old friends? Should we kill each other surrounded by wolves?"
Cao Ziyan's breathing became rapid and he shouted: "Shoot him to death! Shoot him to death!"
On the long street, the wind whistled, causing Zhang Chengxian's long beard to flutter in the wind, as if there were spirits of his ancestors hovering above him. The soldiers of the Guiyi Army looked at him in awe, who dared to take action? Cao Ziyan was extremely angry, and
He snatched a bow, drew the bow and nocked an arrow, and aimed at Zhang Chengxian.
Zhang Chengxian raised his voice and said: "Lieutenant Yang, with one hundred thousand soldiers, pointed his banner to the west and surrendered wherever he passed. Now that I have returned to the rebel army, do I want to use my mantis arm as a chariot to resist the heavenly army for the sake of the wealth and honor of the Cao family?"
"
"Whoosh!" A cold arrow was shot in the face. The boy behind Zhang Chengxian ducked and was in front of him. He rolled up his sleeves and the cold arrow disappeared without a trace.
Cao Ziyan couldn't help but be stunned when he saw this strange situation.
Zhang Chengxian shouted: "Soldiers, if you want to be a rebel army, stand here! If you want to be a soldier of the Cao family, shoot your arrows at me and at the people of Shazhou who raised you!"
The commotion on the opposite side suddenly stopped, and there was silence for a long time. Suddenly, someone strode towards the street with a gun. But as soon as one person moved, others followed him one after another. Soon, the Guiyi army was like a tide, pouring towards the east city.
Coming over, amidst the clanging of armor, Cao Ziyan shouted in vain, desperately and hoarsely: "Stop! Stop everyone!"