Relying on working as a broker for the Wei army to gain a foothold in Hexi, he unexpectedly welcomed the Han army into his home!
If it spreads out, not to mention that the foundation of one's life will be lost, even the women and children in the family will not be able to withstand the butcher knife of the Wei army.
In particular, the Han army was actually led by Zhi Wudai and Bai Huwen, the leaders of the Xiongnu branch who he had always treated kindly during transactions because of his ancestral friendship!
Betrayal from someone close to you is the most unforgivable thing.
After he finished cursing, he instinctively put his hand on the handle of the knife at his waist.
But very quickly, a dozen or so subordinates behind Jiang Wei spread their hands flat to show that they were not hostile while they drew their swords and watched.
His family lived here alone, and there were less than ten young men including his servants, so they did not dare to fight against the carefully selected Han army.
Jiang Wei, who waved his hand to tell his followers to put away their swords, had a trace of curiosity in his eyes and asked with interest, "How do you know I am a Han soldier?"
In order to make this surprise attack go more smoothly, he obviously asked all the soldiers to imitate the Qiang dress.
For example, his hair was disheveled, animal teeth hung around his neck, he was wearing shoddy leather armor, etc. But despite this, the old man in front of him could still see through it at a glance.
"Hey~~"
Seeing the Han soldiers sheathing their swords, Ship Puli pursed his lips and muttered, stretched out two fingers to point at his eyes, "General of the Han family, you are here, you must know who I am. If I were
If you don't have this kind of eyesight, you would have died in the Gobi Desert!" After feeling smug, he bared his yellow teeth and said, "You don't have that smell! That smell of the Qiang people!"
Well.
I see.
Jiang Wei raised his eyebrows, his eyes clear.
The Qiang people here rarely bathe. The horses, cattle and sheep pens are next to the houses, and they often defecate when they leave the house. Living in this environment all year round, they naturally have a mysterious smell about them.
You can't just pretend by changing your clothes.
Immediately, Jiang Wei asked again, "Then how can you conclude that I am the Han army? There are countless of my Han merchants in Longyou now!"
"General, there is no need to test me."
Ship Puli muttered with some dissatisfaction, "The traces of the general's retinue are too heavy, even a shaki can recognize them. If the merchants' guards were like this, all the horse thieves in Hexi would have been dead long ago!"
Traces of the march?
Ha, this old man has a good eye for words and expressions.
Secretly applauding, Jiang Wei also let go of his worries - based on Shi Puli's subtle knowledge, we knew that he was able to find the elusive Shahe in the semi-desert, which was true.
"My father-in-law, take me for a walk on the sandy road."
With a warm smile on his face, Jiang Wei said softly, "Well, you have half an hour to pack your bags and say goodbye to your family. Don't worry about your family, I will let my subordinates help protect them."
As soon as he finished speaking, Shipu Li's expression changed rapidly like a magic trick.
First his eyes widened and his mouth opened, then he turned red, then turned extremely pale, and finally turned into a face that was resigned to his fate and was dull.
It's not a complete resignation either.
"Wait! A quarter of an hour at the earliest!"
Like a child venting his anger, he turned around and muttered angrily.
His back trembled as he walked.
I don't know if it's because of anger or fear.
He has been a Shake for many years and is very well-informed. He knows that the Han and Wei sides are currently confronting each other on the other side of the Yin Fortress.
Therefore, we can also guess the meaning of the Han army asking him to lead the way.
Being involved in this kind of thing, no matter whether the Han army succeeds or fails, it will be a disaster for him: the Wei army will not let him go, and even his family will be implicated.
But if you refuse to participate, your death will be earlier.
The generals of the Han army have come to his home in person, will they still let him live to find information from the Wei army?
Soldiers are fierce!
In war, not letting soldiers kill the city is the greatest mercy!
In other words, no matter whether he has the intention to tell the truth or not, as long as he knows the secret, it is an unpardonable crime.
This was due to his reputation as a Shake-up for more than 20 years and became the only broker for the Wei army in Guanyinsai.
It is the reincarnation of cause and effect, the inevitable destiny.
So he quickly comforted his family members and told them to obey the orders of the Han soldiers who were appointed as guards but actually monitored. Then he took out the luggage that he had packed all year round and asked it to be carried by an old horse.
Behind Bai Huwen's back, he kept muttering curses at these two people for getting him involved.
I accept my fate, but I still have to say that in my heart.
Jiang Wei didn't dare to scold him, and Zhi Wudai and Bai Huwen, whom he had been familiar with for many years, had no taboos.
On the contrary, these two people did not dare to do anything to him.
At first, Zhiwu Dai and Bai Huwen felt that what they did was indeed unreasonable, and they did not respond when they were scolded.
But they were about to meet up with the tribesmen, and Shipu Li was still cursing, and they couldn't stand it anymore.
The two of them are tribal leaders, and they must maintain their minimum dignity in front of their tribesmen.
Zhi Wudai, who is usually very quick-thinking, immediately pulled him aside and growled in a low voice, "You're a dead old man, you're in this forever, aren't you? We're here to help you and think about your future, you know? Don't know what's good and what's good."
Yes, how many more years will you be allowed to be a broker under the Wei Dynasty?"
In response, Shipu Li opened his mouth, then closed it dejectedly.
He is already old.
I also know many things about the Wei army.
One day, he will be ruthlessly abandoned and cruelly silenced.
Now, helping the Han army is also a way to save ourselves.
Thinking of this, he angrily shook off Zhi Wudai's pull and quickly caught up with Jiang Wei, "This general, I am Shake and a broker. Not only can I lead your army through the desert smoothly, but I can also help your army."
Stealing the ferry of the Wei army at Jianyin."
"oh?"
Hearing this, Jiang Wei's eyes lit up and he smiled happily.
Jiyinsai is located on the east bank of the river, and he is also worried about how to cross the river.
In the Hexi Corridor, there are few boats. People use leather rafts and other simple tools to cross the river. For example, the Xiongnu used to make temporary horse-leather boats when marching across the river, while the Li common people used sheep leather.
But Jiang Wei has no horses in his army now.
The mountains that separated Datong River from Wuting Nishui were too wide and difficult to cross, and they could not carry their horses across it.
And because the soldiers had to carry provisions and fodder on their backs, the burden was too heavy, and it was impossible to carry them with them even if they prepared leather in advance.
Originally, he had thought that after crossing the desert, he would go to the former site of Yuwei County to plunder the cattle and horses of the Qiang and Hu tribes, skin them, cut down the trees, and build leather boats.
Although the Wei Dynasty abandoned Yuwei County, the local villages and houses still survived.
It is the season of midsummer when the rain is abundant and the pastures are abundant. There must be Qiang and Hu tribes grazing over there.
Of course, Ship Puli could help him steal the ferry, so there was no need to add extraneous details to the attack on Ni Wei.
"What are you thinking about?"
After laughing for a while, Jiang Wei asked.
He was well aware of the profit-seeking style of the Qianghu tribe in Hexi.
"I'm old and there's nothing I want."
Ship Puli's tone was a bit whiny, "The only concern is the safety of the family. But from today on, they can no longer stay in Hexi."
"If you don't mention this matter, I will make arrangements for it."
Jiang Wei smiled and nodded, then said solemnly, "Those who have done their best for my great man, no matter whether they succeed or not, will not be treated badly by the court. I will tell the military officials later and ask him to take your family from here."
Datong River returns to the Han Dynasty. Well, just settle down in Hanzhong County. General Zuo and I have some friendship, and he will settle your family well. Don't worry about food and clothing, the acres of land, cattle and sheep will be compensated to your family in multiples."
"Ah, thank you so much, General"
Ship Puli was overjoyed and was about to express his thanks, but was interrupted by Jiang Wei raising his hand.
"no need to thank me."
Jiang Wei continued, with some emotion in his brows, "My name is Jiang Wei. I am from Ji County. I was originally the Zhonglang of Tianshui County in the Wei Dynasty, but now I am the general of the Han Dynasty and the leader of the Qiang Colonel. You are the broker.
Over the years, I have become very familiar with the many forces in the four counties of Hexi. If things go well this time, and you continue to be my guide for the big man, it will be easy for you to find an official position."
Tianshui Lang Jiangwei?
Ship Puli hurriedly thanked and responded, but a trace of doubt flashed in his eyes.
It was also captured by Jiang Wei.
He suddenly remembered that he was just a little-known figure to the Li Shu people in the Wei Kingdom.
After feeling dumb for a moment, he continued, "You know You Zhongyun, right? He is now the prefect of Shu County of my Han Dynasty, where Chengdu is located."
"I know! I know! Thank you, General, for your support."
As a broker, Ship Puli naturally knew that Wuwei man You Chu had joined the Han Dynasty, and he nodded quickly and saluted happily.
Immediately, he volunteered enthusiastically, "I would also like to invite the general and a few of my retinues to escort me to the hills in the south to see the situation. There are many small streams in the Wushaoling valley in the north, and many small Qianghu tribes live scattered there.
, we can’t walk along that way.”
"good."
Gently nodding, Jiang Wei waved his hand to signal the two retinues to come out.
After his eyes followed Shipu Li's figure over the low hill, he looked tired.
Whether the big man can enter Hexi, and the lives of more than 10,000 soldiers, all turned into invisible shackles on his shoulders, so that he did not dare to be negligent.
Even when dealing with a greedy and despicable Sha Ke, one has to personally experience and practice "tell him with reason and seduce him with profit".
However, it's all worth it.
If it is true as Shi Puli said, being able to steal Ni Wei's ferry would solve his urgent need.
Crossing the mountains across the Datong River took up too much of his time.
There are only ten days left before the time agreed with Zheng Pu to attack the Yinsai front and back.
From here to Guanyin fortress, there is still a distance of about four hundred (Han) miles.
If it were a rapid march on the plains, the distance would only last three or four days.
But when marching in this desert with undulating hills and yellow sand, it would be lucky to be able to maintain 40 (Han) miles in one day——
In midsummer, in May, the sun is in Dongjing, and it is easy to faint.
He discovered this after crossing the Wuting River and arriving at the edge of the desert.
The world here is as fumigated as a cage.
There was not a cloud in the sky, not a breath of wind, only a blazing sun shining high in the sky, throwing endless heat to this land without restraint.
Standing still, the inner lining was soaked with sweat, let alone marching while carrying weapons and provisions.
However, with Shi Puli, who can find the sand river with his eyes closed, to guide the way, our army should carry less water, right?
Should we be able to arrive at Jiyinsai as scheduled to seize the ship and attack the rear?
Lowering his eyes, Jiang Wei muttered silently in his heart.
When he opened it again, it was already bright and full of energy. He walked towards the soldiers who were summering in the valley, infecting everyone with his high-spirited confidence.
"The guide has been found, and we don't have to worry about the boats crossing the river. As long as we march to the back of the Fortress, our army will win!"
He said this to all his generals and asked them to convey the good news to their subordinates.
However, God is not good at it.
Shipu Li, who returned just as night fell, brought him very bad news, "General, there may be continuous heavy rain in the desert recently. If not, wait until the heavy rain passes before entering the desert valley?"
He said so.
Without explaining too much how he concluded that the heavy rain was coming, he directly gave the suggestion of marching.
Being exposed to the sun and then suddenly being exposed to rain can make you very susceptible to wind chill.
In mild cases, the patient may have a stuffy nose, runny nose, persistent coughing, and may no longer be able to hold a knife and fight.
Severe cases may die within a few days.
But Jiang Wei couldn't care anymore.
It's not that we don't care about the lives of our soldiers, it's just that time and conditions don't allow it.
The grain that was transported solely by manpower was about to be exhausted, so how could he be allowed to waste any more time?
"Send the order and set off on the fourth watch tomorrow!"
With a cold face, he ignored Ship Puli's surprised expression and asked his personal guards to pass orders to the various officers and soldiers.
The next day.
The radiant sun burst out from the skyline drawn by the mountains, setting fire to the earth. The sand quickly became warm, scorching, and boiling. Taking advantage of the coolness of dawn, the Han army had already walked for nearly ten miles and began to
I feel like I can feel the passion of the desert through my military shoes.
Leading by example, Jiang Wei, who carried provisions on his back like the soldiers, walked firmly at the front of the army.
Occasionally when I look up at the sky, there will be a flash of worry in my eyes.
The morning glow appeared.
Although the sky covered was not large, it vaguely confirmed Ship Puli's conclusion.
On the first day, there were dark clouds in the afternoon and a few drops of rain fell. We marched for more than forty miles.
On the second day, there were no clouds in the sky, but rain fell for half a quarter of an hour while the sun was scorching hot. We marched for more than thirty miles.
On the third day, the morning glow penetrated half of the sky, and dark clouds began to cover the sky at noon. The entire sky was like a curtain full of ink. Thunder resounded throughout the deserted valley, and then heavy rain poured down, which did not stop until the evening.
The march was less than twenty miles.
On the fourth and fifth days, strong winds and heavy rain dominated the heaven and earth one after another, making it impossible to march.
With no fire to dry their clothes, no warm soup or rice to ward off the cold, and no shelter from the rain, the soldiers began to contract wind and cold.
On the sixth day, the rain became lighter and showers continued throughout the day.
The strong ones helped carry the weapons and provisions, while the weak ones supported each other and marched in the rain. The march was less than thirty miles.
On the seventh day, the sky cleared up, the morning glow was sparse, and occasionally light rain came and went.
The number of sergeants in the army who were infected with wind and cold suddenly increased, and many of those who had been infected before had their strength weakened, making it difficult for them to support each other and march.
The march lasted more than 30 miles, but the team of more than 10,000 people also stretched for more than 20 miles.
Falling behind, the beginning.
On the eighth day, the rain increased again.
After marching twenty miles, the number of soldiers in the line was less than 10,000.
On the ninth day, it rained intermittently.
After marching for about thirty miles, the number of Han troops within sight was less than 9,000.
He gently stroked his hand and helped the guard who fell on the ground close his eyes.
There was no sadness or joy on Jiang Wei's face, he didn't say a word, he just stood up straight and continued to move forward.
A few days ago, he asked his general Jiang Shu to replace him and lead the team with Ship Puli at the front. He fell at the back of the team and closed his eyes for the soldiers who fell to the ground.
Say goodbye to those soldiers who can no longer walk, and listen to their last wishes.
The sky has cleared up, and the scorching sun continues to scorch everything in the deserted valley, while also overlooking the two black lines in the deserted valley.
