On the small road surrounded by dense forests, Da Xiwu led the fine cavalry and ran at full speed.
Da Xiwu is nearly seventy years old.
It is not an easy task for such a veteran general to lead the cavalry on a long journey.
Da Xiwu could hear the violent whining coming from his chest. His ears hurt terribly, were red and swollen, and it seemed like something was about to come out of his ears. He wanted to touch them, but the more he touched them, the more painful they became.
His breathing became messy, with a murmur, something seemed to be blocked in his throat, and his head hurt badly.
This headache is not in the same location, sometimes it is on the forehead, sometimes on the back, and suddenly it moves to the side.
But he still rushed to the front, not daring to slow down, and the knights around him also did the same, running with all their strength.
It has been a while since they left Yanzhou and headed north.
The attack did not go smoothly. The mad dog Hu Luguang bit them behind and refused to let go. Da Xiwu tried many methods but could not get rid of it.
The sky was getting dark, so Da Xiwu dared to slow down, walked through the dense forest, and came to a flat slope. The outline of some mountains could be faintly seen in the distance. Da Xiwu asked everyone to stop and rest here.
The knights did not dare to light too many bonfires. Even when they were resting, more than 300 people were separated to guard the surroundings.
Da Xiwu sat in front of the bonfire, feeling dizzy.
He is too tired.
At this age, he is not the age to lead the knights in a charge.
But he had no other choice.
Yao Xiong ran in front of him. If he had followed Yu Wenxian's idea, he would have retreated and let Yu Wenxian lead his sister-in-law's army to charge forward.
What would the emperor think?
You old man ran away by yourself, but let my brother charge?
It's hard to say whether he will be executed, but his family will start to enjoy Wei Xiao's treatment in the future.
Although Da Xiwu was also feared to a certain extent, his son Da Xizhen was very popular with Yu Wenyong. After Yu Wenyong came to power, he rewarded his son many times, with the vague intention of letting his son succeed him in commanding the army.
He is almost seventy years old. Even if he dies, he cannot harm the child.
Da Xiwu looked at the bonfire in front of him, feeling a little lost.
I blame myself for living too long.
Yu Wenxian was still too young. He felt that if he had Gao Changgong's courage, he could imitate Gao Changgong.
Unexpectedly, Gao Changgong dared to lead the cavalry in the attack because there were people supporting him. Although the generals of the Zhou State were reluctant to admit this, the reputation of the Han State is better than that of the Zhou State.
After Wei Xiaokuan took office, people here were still running to Han in droves.
Zhou and the Puppet Qi had frequent exchanges on the frontier, and the people were related to each other. This became even more true after the Han replaced the Qi. The trade environment and living environment of the Han State were not comparable to those of the Zhou State.
Many years after the founding of the People's Republic of China, many of the benevolent policies implemented by the founding elites have developed into many evil policies at this time.
The land equalization system alone, a benevolent policy that allowed thousands of people to survive in the past, has now become a powerful tool for squeezing the people. More and more cultivated land has been equalized, and the children in women's wombs have not yet reached the ground.
There was an extra forty acres of land tax on me.
Under the banner of serving the people, the ministers changed the average farmland from 40 acres to 60 acres, and then the 70 acres skyrocketed. What increased was not the cultivated land of the people, but the taxes that should be paid!!
The wealthy nobles gradually became stronger and used these systems to benefit themselves.
The entire Zhou Kingdom has taken an even stranger path.
They are no longer "the more Xianbei people are transformed, the fewer Xianbei people are", now they are "the more land is granted to the people, the less land they have."
The cultivated land on the account did not match the actual cultivated land at all. The empire that inherited its position had countless fertile fields on the account book, but in fact nine of them were empty. The emperor looked at the bill and was overjoyed. The people actually had so much.
Cultivated land turns out to produce so much food! So it can’t be idle!
The canals that should be built are built, the wars that should be fought are fought, the taxes cannot be so light, it adds up! All the corvees that should be used are used!
Then he disappeared, leaving behind a reputation as "sin for the present, evil for the ages", and was despised by future generations.
This evil has already grown up at this moment, and this is what Yu Wenyong wants to change.
Therefore, when Gao Changgong led his troops, he could find people who supported him everywhere and reached Xiwu?
Old man Daxi didn't think it would be effective.
Yanzhou, Guang'an County.
The Han flag was hung on the city wall, and some soldiers were staring outside and chatting in low voices.
The city was much deserted, and not many people could be seen going out.
There were military officials walking quickly on the street, loudly reading the notice to calm the people.
Its official office is located in the south of the city near the city wall, which is very different from other cities.
The government office was extremely busy at the moment, with officials coming in and out. Gao Changgong boldly pardoned a group of old officials with no reputation to temporarily work for the government, checking local household registrations, farmland and other information.
When Yao Xiong led the officers into the inner room with great strides, Gao Changgong didn't look like a military general at all.
He was wearing official uniform and sitting in a crowd. There were all kinds of documents on his left and right, and many petty officials were reporting work.
Gao Changgong was very excited when he saw Yao Xiong and others walking in. He quickly stood up and asked the officials to step back temporarily while he stepped forward to meet Yao Xiong.
"General Yao!"
"Gao Jun!!"
The two hadn't seen each other for a long time, and they were both very excited at the moment. They just held each other's hands and couldn't help laughing.
"General Yao has become famous all over the world this time. He forcibly crossed Longmen, attacked Chang'an three times, defeated several reinforcements, and outflanked Yu Wenxian from behind. He made Yu Wenxian escape in a hurry and became a famous general in the world!"
Yao Xiong blushed and shook his head hastily, "It's nothing. I didn't encounter any strong enemies at all. I just took advantage of the enemy's unpreparedness. However, Gao Jishi defeated many with less and defeated several of the enemy's dukes.
, fought all the way from Xiazhou to Yanzhou, he was brave and invincible, he is really a famous general in the world!!"
The two of them just complimented each other for a few words.
Gao Yanzong beside Yao Xiong could not help but clear his throat.
There is another one here!!
Gao Changgong glanced at him, and then took Yao Xiong's hand, "My brother is naughty and went out with the general, so he didn't cause any trouble, right?"
Yao Xiong laughed loudly, "Anyway, Yanzong will fight first. He is brave and invincible. No one among the Zhou people can fight with him. If it weren't for him, I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to pass the Dragon Gate!"
Yao Xiong complimented Gao Yanzong, and Gao Yanzong's complexion immediately improved a lot.
"In the past, I only heard about the reputation of the two brothers Hu Luguang and Hu Luxian. Now it seems that the two brothers of the Gao family are no less generous."
Gao Yanzong nodded, "That's it. My brother is not weaker than Hu Luguang, but I am better than Hu Luxian."
Gao Changgong frowned, "Nonsense!"
"How dare you be so rampant after winning a few small games!"
With Yao Xiong around, he couldn't continue to scold him, so he pulled everyone over to sit down and started asking about the situation along the way.
The two of them informed each other of each other's situation and exchanged news. After that, they became more confident about the upcoming war.
"Then Yang Jian followed me for a while and wanted to ambush me, but I was walking fast and he couldn't keep up."
Yao Xiong said and sneered again, "Well, Yang Zhong is a famous general, but his son Yang Jian is not a strong general. I think his organization and formation are okay, but his combat is far behind."
"You can't compare him with his father Yang Zhong."
"Even if we let him join up with Yu Wenxian, we don't have to worry. Now we have the advantage. Even if we don't defend the city, they won't be able to break in."
Gao Changgong agreed with this, and he reminded: "Yang Jian may be like this, but Yu Wenxian cannot be underestimated. This man is thoughtful and resolute. He is very strategic in fighting and can win people. Da Xiwu is now leading the troops in our army."
He's running behind him, so we have to kill him as soon as possible."
The two chatted for a while, and then Yao Xiong looked at the documents on the left and right.
"Why did you become a scholar?"
"The information that the Zhou people placed in the government cannot be trusted at all."
"The documents of the Qi State in the past were at least outdated and inconsistent with the present, but the documents of the Zhou people today"
Gao Changgong struggled for a while, thinking about how to describe it, and then said slowly: "It's just talking nonsense."
"The area of ​​cultivated land in Guang'an County alone recorded in official documents is larger than the area of ​​the entire Guang'an County. And the household registration is even more chaotic. Every township and land seems to have been filled in haphazardly. No matter how you calculate it, it's confusing.
It’s not consistent with the statistics.”
"It's as if many people were conjured up out of thin air for the purpose of granting land. Each household in this household has ten or even twenty children."
Yao Xiong was stunned when he heard this.
"Is there anyone else doing this? Isn't this worse than Qi State?"
The two clan members of Qi State looked embarrassed at this moment.
Yao Xiong shook his head, "That's really troublesome. We need to conduct a thorough investigation again."
"Gao Jishi, I really can't help you with these matters, but here at Da Xiwu, I can help."
"I think it is impossible for the enemy to attack in a short period of time. I will leave the main force to rest and only lead a thousand cavalry to help General Hulu kill Da Xiwu. What do you think?"
"good."
Gao Changgong had nothing to stop him. He looked at Gao Yanzong and said, "Follow General Yao. Although Da Xiwu is old, he is a brave general and should not be underestimated."
"only!!"
Yao Xiong stood up knowingly, "Don't be so anxious, Governor, I'll go back and rest for a day. You two brothers haven't seen each other for a long time, so it's just a good time to catch up on old times."
Then, regardless of Gao Changgong's plea to stay, he turned around and left.
Gao Changgong sent him away with a smile, and then said with emotion: "Yao Xiong is becoming more and more stable."
Gao Yanzong suddenly poked his head out, his eyes shining, "Brother!!"
Gao Changgong looked at the younger brother who was getting rounder and rounder in front of him, his eyes were particularly complex, and the two brothers just sat down.
"Oh, you, you, look at your belly."
Gao Changgong stared at his younger brother's big belly and big round face, feeling extremely melancholy for a moment, "You are only in your early twenties, and you look much older than me. Why don't you care about this?"
, I’m afraid it will be difficult to even mount the horse in the future.”
Gao Yanzong patted his abdomen proudly, "I've lost a lot of weight these days!"
"I am strong and strong. After the battle, I don't have to wait like others. I can directly take off my armor and I am not afraid of the wind."
Gao Changgong was shocked, "This can't be done!"
"In the past, there were so many people who claimed to be strong, but they suddenly died suddenly when they took off their armor and caught the wind. You must never show off your strength!"
Gao Yanzong pursed his lips and refused to refute.
"knew."
The two of them did not discuss state affairs, but just talked about everyday things.
At the same time, Yu Wenxian also bypassed Danzhou at the fastest speed and headed to join Yang Jian.
At this moment, the two sides once again opened up their posture.
Take Yanzhou as the line and deploy on both sides.
There are quite a few sergeants here in Yang Jian, but unfortunately, there are not many elite soldiers, and only a few can be drawn out to fight.
After the battle line was clear, Yuchi Jong no longer had to expend so much effort to protect Chang'an. He sent troops to reinforce Yang Jian. These people under his command were the ones who could really fight.
Coupled with the arrival of Yu Wenxian, Zhou State deployed a considerable number of heavy troops on the Yanzhou front line.
When Yu Wenxian led the army to arrive, Yang Jian led many generals, marched out for more than ten miles, dismounted from their horses, and stood at the intersection to greet him.
Yu Wenxian was friendly to everyone, but he was very unfriendly to Yang Jian.
He appeared in front of everyone with a tired look on his face, and Yang Jian hurried forward to worship him.
Yu Wenxian got off his horse and acted quite indifferently when faced with Yang Jian's great courtesy. "You don't need to be polite to follow the Duke."
When Yang Jian stood up, Yu Wenxian's eyes directly bypassed him and fell on He Ruobi behind Yang Jian.
He Ruobi hurriedly stepped forward and said, "Duke Qi!"
A smile appeared on Yu Wenxian's face, and he held his hand with a smile, "Seeing you, I am finally no longer afraid!"
He Ruobi worked as a subordinate to Yu Wenxian in the past, and the two had a very close relationship.
It was only after Yu Wenyong came up that they were forced to 'break up'.
He Ruobi looked a little worried and hesitant, and was speechless in the face of Yu Wenxian's usual enthusiasm.
Yu Wenxian met Han Qinhu again, and the two also had some friendship.
Then the three of them walked towards the camp, and Yang Jian stayed behind, which seemed quite embarrassing, but he didn't think so.
Yu Wenxian came on a forced march, and what he needed most at the moment was rest.
However, he still enthusiastically stayed with the two young warriors and insisted on having dinner with them.
He Ruobi looked at the meat in front of him and couldn't eat it at all. He hesitated again and again and decided to tell the truth, "Qi Guogong, I really don't deserve your hospitality. When we were in Chang'an, I accidentally killed him."
"Yu Wenzhi, right?"
There was no surprise on Yu Wenxian's face.
He said calmly: "I knew it was wrong when I first heard about it."
"I know who Yu Wenzhi is. He died outside the city, probably because he surrendered to the enemy."
"Even my brother, if he betrays the country, it will be a capital crime. If you kill him, it is not a fault, it is a meritorious service."
"Come, I respect you."
Yu Wenxian patted his shoulder, took a sip of wine with him, and then said seriously: "My brother is a wise man."
"He will never blame you for this, let alone despise you for it."
"Don't worry about retaliation. If any other clan comes to trouble you, come and find me."
Hearing Yu Wenxian's comfort, He Ruobi was speechless for a long time and just bowed deeply to him.
Han Qinhu was a little confused at this moment.
He couldn't help but ask: "Duke Qi, you are usually very generous to others, why are you so indifferent to Duke Sui?"
"I think Duke Sui is upright, treats his soldiers well, and is brave and resourceful. He is not a villain."
Hearing Han Qinhu's words, Yu Wenxian's face became serious.
"You guys, don't get too close to him. This man is very ambitious and has great plans. You must be on your guard."
He Ruobi was also a little confused, "When we were in Chang'an, it was this man who fought hard and saved the city and me. I think he is loyal and kind. Why do you say that?"
Yu Wenxian smiled and suddenly asked: "What would you do if my brother ordered you to hand over your military power and remove those cronies who are attached to you?"
The two of them were stunned and lowered their heads, not daring to speak.
Yu Wenxian said calmly: "It's very simple. Like the Duke of Shu, you pretend to be confused and agree, but there has been no progress. Like the Duke of Zheng, you stay in the border town and play all day long, just pretending that you have no intention to do things, or
Just like Deng Guogong did, he deposed other people's cronies to protect his own."
"But what did Sui Guogong do? He was the first to respond. He was selfless and showed no attachment to the cronies left behind by his father. He gave military power as he asked and dismissed his cronies without any hesitation.
"
Yu Wenxian shook his head, his eyes sharp.
"I'm not a suspicious person, but I believe that people all have selfish motives. Even saints also have selfish motives. When he behaved like this, I felt that he had a bigger conspiracy."
"Brother just feels that it is not easy to have a duke who fully supports him, so he loves him so much and marries his daughter as his wife for the prince."
"Brother will be able to see his true face sooner or later."
"Don't let him deceive you."
He Ruobi and Han Qinhu looked at each other with confusion in their eyes.
Not to mention He Ruobi, Han Qinhu felt that the Duke of Qi was somewhat suspicious.
It’s fine if you don’t delegate power and you suspect that the other party has a problem. Why are you so eager to delegate power and suspect that there is a problem?
This reason may be a little too far-fetched.
While Yu Wenxian was holding the two brothers to discuss, Yuchi Jiong's reinforcements also arrived as scheduled.
And it was Wei Xiaokuan who came with the reinforcements.
Yu Wenxian was also very enthusiastic towards him, asking about his welfare and his physical condition.
With these people in charge, Yu Wenxian was ready to send troops to regain his territory.
Chapter completed!