Hongshuiji covers an area of about 6 square kilometers and has a population of 623 households with a total of 4,700 people.
Among the thirty-six tribes in Hongze, Hongshuiji has the largest population. The remaining thirty-five tribes have a large population of two to three thousand people, and a small one of less than a thousand people, about seven to eight hundred people. Li Qi's tribe,
They are medium-sized, with about a thousand people. It sounds like there are not too many people in each tribe. But the people of Hongze are united. If something happens, all thirty-six tribes will go into battle together, and no tribe will hesitate.
This is also the fundamental reason why they can establish a foothold in Hongze. The thirty-six tribes are worth thirty to forty thousand people, and they have learned the way of life of the Hu people. It can be said that all the people are soldiers. Even if they are as tyrannical as the Qiang King Tang Ti,
He didn't dare to lead his troops to provoke the Hongze people easily.
Hongshuiji was built on the ruins of a barracks. It has towering walls and looks like a fortress from a distance.
This is not only a market town where Han people live, but also an extremely important business place in Hexi.
Businessmen who come and go, no matter whether you are doing serious business or doing U-turn business, can trade in Hongshuiji. Of course, this requires paying some small prices...and these prices are to maintain the normal operation of Hongshuiji.
As for the residents of Hongshuiji Town, they still maintain their farming customs and have a somewhat integrated attitude of military and peasantry.
At this time, Dou Lan was entertaining friends from afar in the government office in Hongshuiji.
He looked at the man in Hu clothes in front of him and asked in a deep voice: "Did you just say that the imperial court sent someone to contact your family?"
"Exactly."
"Where did the imperial court come from?"
"It is said..." The man in Hufu scratched his head, "It seems to be some kind of Beizhong Lang General. My family didn't say it too clearly, but from the tone of his words, it seems that the imperial court sent troops to Hexi. I want to
We must focus on Hexi.
My master was a little hesitant and couldn't make up his mind, so he ordered me to come and ask Master Dou for advice."
Whether it is Dou Lan or the 'adult' in the mouth of the man in Hufu, it does not mean 'adult' in Chinese, but refers specifically to the tribe's adults. This man in Hufu is the messenger sent by Liang Yuanbi, the king of Xiutu.
.Looking at his words and deeds towards Dou Lan, they all seemed extremely respectful, which also showed that Dou Lan had great prestige in the Hongze area.
Dou Lan is eight feet tall, with broad shoulders and a round waist.
He is about in his early forties this year, but perhaps because he has lived in Hexi for a long time and been baptized by the Shuo wind, he looks very old, almost fifty years old. His gray hair is spread around his shoulders, highlighting his majestic physique.
He didn't learn how to braid his hair like the Huns, nor did he maintain the strong physique of the Han people like Li Qi, who wore his hair in a bun. His hair was just loose and he looked like a savage. He had a pair of thick eyebrows, and his tiger eyes were shining with spirit.
Bright light. The nose looks a bit hooked, the mouth is wide, and there is a dense breath like a steel needle under the jaw.
"When did the imperial court send troops? Why don't I know any news?"
"Well...my master doesn't know much about it either. He just said that he only found out when two Han warriors came to the door."
"Is there such a thing?"
Dou Lan looked thoughtful.
The young man sitting next to him frowned and his expression looked a little solemn.
"Speaking of which, I heard something... Some time ago, some soldiers and horses entered Hexi and went straight to Lian County. Didn't I say before that the Han Dynasty court sent an envoy to Shuofang, so I
I thought those people were soldiers and horses going to greet the envoy, so I didn't pay much attention to it. Apart from that, no more soldiers and horses were sent out from Guanzhong. However, there was news from Qixian County that they had strengthened the border control.
**, it was quite sensual...
The magistrate of Qi County was named Cao Pi, a boy with a big fart.
It is said that he is the eldest son of Cao Cao, the Great Sikong of the imperial court, and his relationship with several major families in Guanzhong is also very close!
If the Han soldiers and horses that Mr. Liang Yuanbi was talking about were the ones that entered Hexi earlier, I’m afraid there wouldn’t be many of them...
Father, Ma Shoucheng is also wooing you now. The Ma family is quite prestigious in Wuwei, and has a close relationship with those bastard Qiang people in Hexi. Rather than joining the imperial court, it might be better to join Ma Chao, which might be more beneficial to us."
The young man who spoke was named Dou Hu, and he was Dou Lan's eldest son.
Dou Lan closed her eyes and did not rush to reply.
He thought for a while, then opened his eyes and said, "What's the benefit?"
"The Ma family is adjacent to Hexi, Ma Teng intimidates the three assistants, and Ma Chao is invincible and has a great reputation among the Qiang people. If we join the Ma family, we may be able to expand our power beyond Hongze, and then we can further develop our strength.
And the imperial court..."
The young man sneered: "There are many princes in the Central Plains, and wars are endless.
That Cao Sikong is too busy taking care of himself now, and he probably won't be able to devote much energy to Guanzhong. If he joins the imperial court, putting aside the hatred between his ancestors and the imperial court, if we are attacked, will the imperial court take care of us?
I guess the imperial court sent people this time just on a whim.
They have offended Ma Teng and the Qiang Hu so much that they can run away at worst. But if we still live here, we are the enemy of the entire Qiang and Hu in Hexi. By then, if the Ma family provokes a fight, won't we have to suffer a big blow?
Is it a loss?"
Dou Hu is famous as a tiger, but people are not tigers.
His words were clear and logical, making the envoys from Xiutu nod their heads in agreement.
Dou Lan's eyes narrowed and she looked at Dou Hu. After a long time, she sighed and said, "Dou Hu, you still haven't seen clearly!"
Dou Hu was startled and said, "Please ask father for advice."
"The imperial court is a sick tiger. As you said, there are many princes in the Central Plains and there are constant wars. There is no time to take care of Hexi... Therefore, even if you take refuge in the imperial court, even if there are no benefits, at least you can guarantee that there will be no harm. But you
Do you know what Ma Teng is? That Ma Teng is a vicious wolf, an extremely ferocious wolf that is not well-raised."
Dou Lan stared at Dou Hu, "That Ma Teng was also a Han official back then, but he colluded with the Qiang and Hu and established himself as king, which is why he achieved what he has today. The same goes for his good friend Han Sui... He is more heart-warming than Han Sui.
If we surrender to Ma Teng, we can see this. If we surrender to Ma Teng, do you think he will sit back and watch us grow stronger? Let me tell you, if we really surrender to Ma Teng, within three years, Hong Kong will
There is no more Hongze person on the river..."
When Dou Hu heard this, his expression suddenly changed.
"Immediately send someone to find out who the commander of the Han army is, their specific situation, and their whereabouts.
After you go back, tell Mr. Liang Yuanbi that the current situation is not clear and it is best not to make a decision easily. Since people from the Han court are in contact with him, you might as well get in touch and find out what they are and what they are. But only
That's all...I will go to visit Mr. Liang Yuanbi in a few days and we will discuss it then."
After hearing this, the envoys from Xiutu quickly agreed and left in a hurry.
Dou Lan, on the other hand, was wandering in the flower hall with his hands behind his hands, looking a little hesitant...
"Father, there is one more thing I need to tell him."
"What's up?"
"According to the news from the investigation, Heishui Xianbei in the Hongshagang area has been moving frequently recently, and it seems that there will be a large-scale operation. The boy is worried, is Tan Zhe making big moves? That guy has always been eyeing Hongze.
"
"Is this happening?"
Dou Lan was startled, and the worry on her face became even stronger.
After he pondered for a long time, he said softly: "Continue to order people to monitor the movements of Xianbei in Heishui, and then find a way to contact the Han army to find out their true and false status. Hongze has been peaceful for many years, and it seems that something big is about to happen.
."
Dou Hu listened and left as ordered.
Dou Lan sat alone in the flower hall, looking at the brilliant cluster of wild chrysanthemums outside the flower hall, she couldn't help but narrow her eyes...
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Cao Peng thought for a long time and finally decided to stop traveling temporarily.
Li Qi's words forced him to be cautious.
The current situation in Hongze made him a little undecided. He didn't know what Dou Lan was thinking, and what kind of situation Hongshuiji would be in. Based on Yin Feng and Li Qi's opinions alone,
The introduction, coupled with the previous hearsay, is obviously not accurate. Some things still need to be seen with one’s own eyes before one can make a decision.
However, as soon as Cao Peng expressed this idea, Yin Feng immediately expressed his opposition.
"How can a general who oversees the control of Hexi be willing to take risks?"
Cao Peng immediately laughed, "What kind of danger is that? It's just a matter of coming under my rule and observing.
Besides, didn't Lieutenant Li also introduce him? Although Dou Lan hated the imperial court, he always cared about the Han Dynasty. Otherwise, with Dou Lan's prestige in Hongze, he could have established himself as king or even surrendered.
Yu Qianghu... And now, he still retains the rules of his early years, which means that he still has some feelings for the Central Plains. I went to Hongshuiji just to see the situation with my own eyes. Since I want to supervise the control of Hexi
, how can you have no understanding of your subordinates?
I think that even if Dou Lan recognizes my identity, he won't have any ill intentions towards me.
Yin Feng, you immediately send someone to notify Jiang Xu and Liang Kuan, and ask them to meet me at Hongshuiji. I will only take Wang Shuang with me. You stay here, and then order people to return to Lian County and tell Captain Deng.
, ordered him to lead two thousand people and move closer to Hongze."
"General wants to start a war?"
Li Qi was shocked.
Cao Peng laughed loudly, "Who am I going to fight? It's just a matter of precaution."
But Li Qi still seemed a little uneasy. He hesitated and said softly: "The general wants to investigate with his own eyes, but he has no objection despite his humble position. As the general said, although Dou Lan has resentment towards the imperial court, his heart is still towards the imperial court.
However, it would be a bit rash for the general to pass by like this. I have a plan to make the general return safe and sound."
Cao Peng said with a smile: "Please give me some advice from Captain Li."
"Let the little grandson go with the general...Although he talks tough, in fact...the little grandson is familiar with people in Hongshuiji, and he is a good friend of Dou Hu, the son of Dou Lan. The general can forgive me for a while.
My little grandson’s story, this way can ensure that the general is safe. My little grandson can still distinguish the priorities clearly, so please don’t worry, general.”
If Li Ding is willing to accompany him, Cao Peng will naturally be happy.
After all, Li Ding is a local snake, and he has an identity to cover up. This is also a small test for Li Qi to Cao Peng. He wants to see Cao Peng's mind. After all, Li Ding and Cao Peng were not happy before. If he
Being able to accept it shows that he is a person who does big things. If Cao Peng is not willing... Li Qi will not force it. Anyway, his own children know what kind of person Li Ding is, and Li Qi knows it well. He only depends on how Cao Peng does.
Make your choice.
Cao Peng heard this and readily agreed without any hesitation...
Early the next morning, a group of people left Li Qi's tribe and headed for Hongshuiji.
