The Bookish Scholar of the Red Mansion

Although the three letters in my hand arrived at about the same time, it can be seen from the way they were delivered. Chen Heng judged that the letter sent first was from his father-in-law, simply because his messenger was Lin's own servant.

Lin Ruhai's wording in the letter was also in the tone of a letter from home. Obviously when Lin Ruhai wrote this letter, he just had a premonition that something bad was going to happen, and there should be no obvious changes within the capital. Only then did his father-in-law, as an elder, urge Chen Heng to protect himself.

As for the letters between Li Zhi and Wei Yinghong, they should have been sent out in the near future. Although the former did not mention a single word clearly between the lines, the requirements for Chen Heng were very conspicuous. The latter's letter was rushed eight hundred miles away in the name of the new deputy minister of the cabinet.

In terms of officialdom, Chen Heng was half a disciple of Wei Yinghong. In terms of relationships, Chen Heng had to call each other Shi Bo when he met him in private. Therefore, Wei Yinghong did not hide anything in his letter, but directly stated that the court was in some difficulties. His statement of both wanting and wanting was really rare for Chen Heng.

It is true that Ping'an Prefecture is a place with four dangers. Whether it is going north, going south, or going west and east, it is an important place in the world. Wei Yinghong had many demands. He not only wanted stability but also hoped that Chen Heng could rely on his troops to drag Shui Rong, Shi Ding and others into Ping'an Prefecture.

But no matter how precise and unique Wei Yinghong's vision was, why didn't he imagine that the soldiers and horses he had at hand were mainly civilians? Chen Heng was very puzzled, so he had to sit down and think carefully.

Lu Yingxiong, Liu Xianglian and others saw that he was so absorbed in his thoughts that they did not dare to discuss too loudly. After waiting for a moment, he carefully asked what the adult meant.

Seeing that Chen Heng finally came to his senses, Lu Yingxiong asked: Sir, are they really going to rebel?

At present, the other party has not raised the flag of rebellion. Lu Yingxiong responded to Wei Yinghong's conclusion in the letter. On the one hand, I felt that the news was too shocking and a bit unbelievable. On the other hand, I felt that for such a big matter, the judgment of the superiors would definitely not be wrong.

His heart was as noisy as two villains fighting, so Lu Yingxiong had no choice but to ask Chen Heng in front of him for advice.

I'm afraid we are inseparable. Chen Heng nodded slowly. He knew whether it was fight or flight at this moment, and he should make a decision to appease people.

Sir, what should we do? Liu Xianglian was impatient and ignored Lu Yingxiong's frightened expression, and hurriedly came over to ask.

Chen Heng is also having a headache with this problem. Logically speaking, it would be best to run as far as you can with just the civilian men on hand. But Wei Yinghong was a civil servant leader, and now he issued an explicit order. If he refuses to implement it, he will undoubtedly put his father-in-law and himself on the opposite side of the new party in the court.

In addition, once the rebels are allowed to roam around and plunder, they will inevitably kill many people in the world. Chen Heng knew that he didn't have many choices, so he made a decisive decision: Fight!

No matter how painful or difficult the prospect is, we are not afraid of it. What we are most afraid of is that the leader is focusing on one thing and not the other, and he has no idea. After hearing Chen Heng's final decision, although Lu Yingxiong and others showed fear on their faces, the hesitation in their brows had dissipated quite a bit.

Perhaps Mr. Wei Ge made a mistake in his research and judgment. If we wait for a few days, we might be able to hear the news about the general's success in pacifying the bandits. Lu Yingxiong smiled dryly and said something casual, trying to ease the suddenly solemn atmosphere in the tent. .

Chen Heng, however, did not have Master Lu's good attitude and stood up directly in front of the sand table and stood with his hands folded. After a period of production, the original simple sand table has become very refined. All checkpoints, official roads, mountains and rivers are marked.

The top priority is to seize the initiative between the two parties. Whoever has the initiative on the battlefield will have a greater strategic buffer. So how to seize the initiative?

I am not the roundworm in the opponent's belly, how can I know what is going on in the deep mountains and old forests? How to judge when the opponent will counterattack, whether it is sending troops or not? Chen Heng thought about it in his mind for a long time, but he actually came up with a barely reliable method.

forage! !

Before the army was trapped, they only brought more than ten days of food and grass. Thinking of this, Chen Heng's energy immediately perked up. He calculated the time carefully and found that it had been ten days since Shi Ding was trapped.

Thinking about it this way, if Shi Ding and others really want to start an uprising, it should be within the next two days. Chen Heng frowned and looked at the sand table again, thinking about his next move.

After climbing over the Black Mongoose Mountain, heading west is a series of mountains. After passing it, and then driving along the official road for several days, you will reach Shandong. Among them, there are only one or two official roads that can be used by large armies. The most important one is the old road used when Qin destroyed Qi. The repairs in subsequent dynasties were all carried out on the old roads of the Qin Dynasty.

Shandong is one of the world's granaries. In addition to this key point, it is now an important node in maritime trade. If you really want to talk about it, the land connected to the capital is at the top, and the famous Huaibei is at the bottom. The importance of this place is higher than that of the capital.

Since ancient times, there have been many heroes in Shandong and Huaibei, and they have produced countless princes and generals. Once Shui Rong and Shi Ding break into Shandong and gain support from the people of Huaibei, it will definitely lead to chaos in the world.

Compared with Shandong, Shi Ding had already transferred civilians, officers and soldiers to the south of the Yangtze River. Although it is internally empty, it is also my hometown and administrative center, but it cannot be compared.

Among all the traitors and bandits throughout the ages, there is only one Zhu Chongba who can finally claim the great treasure after going south.

What's more, the waterways in the south are densely covered. The more soldiers and horses Shi Ding and Shui Rong have, the less likely they are to go south. Once the army is short of supplies and has no suitable warships. Being trapped in the southern water town is a dead end and will only lead you farther and farther away from Wang Tu's hegemony.

Thinking about it this way, Jiangnan's situation is actually the safest one. The important thing now is to block the opponent's westward and eastward steps. As for the other party's intention to head north?

Madhu, the world is going to be in chaos. Do the 200,000 soldiers and horses in the capital still have their graves planted with grass? When it’s time to go out of the city to meet the enemy, go out to meet the enemy. The two sides fight decisively at the mouth of the Yellow River. Who will win will be known in one battle. Chen Heng thought angrily, and cast his eyes on Jiannan Pass on the sand table.

Xin Suzhao and other troops who have quietly detoured to Jiannanguan can complete the two-sided attack as long as they integrate the king's divisions from various places and insert themselves directly behind the rebels heading north. If the rebels really want to go north, it may be the best outcome.

After understanding the terrain, Chen Heng immediately decided on a strategy of holding on to Shandong and allowing the rebels to move west and north.

The strategy is clear, but we still need to create some obstacles for the rebels. Thinking of the biggest card in his hand, Chen Heng immediately turned to Liu Xianglian and ordered: Go and find Baoyu.

Why call him at this time? Liu Xianglian was a little surprised, but it didn't delay the Lord's errand. After some back and forth, when the confused Jia Baoyu walked into the tent, he saw Chen Heng standing in front of everyone under the bright lights with a calm expression and his hands behind his back.

Sister...Mr. Chen, I wonder why you called me here. Jia Baoyu saw that the atmosphere was very serious, and hurriedly bowed carefully, lowered his head and asked quietly.

Baoyu, I have something important that I need you to do. Chen Heng was not polite and looked a little confused when he saw the other party. He raised his hand to call the other person forward, and then said softly: When you were in the Chinese Army, how was your relationship with Chang'an Jiedushi Master Yun?

Jia Baoyu already felt something bad after listening to the questioning. But his mind was pure after all, and the words on his lips were faster than the reactions of his brain, and he said directly: The prince has arranged several banquets, and I was lucky enough to have a drink with Mr. Yun once. Unfortunately, Mr. Yun is busy with official duties, and the following banquets are all He often sends his messengers out.”

As long as Yun Guang recognized Jia Baoyu, Chen Heng felt at ease. He quickly grabbed Jia Baoyu's arm and whispered to Jia Baoyu. After hearing this, the latter waved his hands repeatedly and said urgently: No, no. How can I talk to him? I only drank with him once.

No, you can tell. Chen Heng said with certainty. The title of his own provincial examination is still a metaphor, Wang Xifeng took power in Tiejian Temple, Master Yun ruined other people's families.

Even Wang Xifeng in the Shenzhai compound can rely on the Jia family's golden face to make the Chang'an Jiedushi obedient, not to mention that you, Jia Baoyu, are the second-in-law and direct grandson of Rong Guogong.

Then...then...I won't say it either. Jia Baoyu was extremely embarrassed and had no choice but to tell the truth. If you ask him to appreciate paintings and recite poems, there are some merits. But when it came to making friends and running errands, Jia Baoyu asked himself that he was helpless and only wanted to enjoy himself.

How could Chen Heng not know? He hurriedly said: You don't have to worry about this. I'll teach you a few sentences and give you a letter. When you see him then, just say it and hand it over. Do you want to listen? It's all up to him, and when the time comes, you can just ride your horse back with peace of mind.

With such a proper arrangement, Jia Baoyu could no longer find any excuse. I had no choice but to ask about Chen Heng's arrangements, and the latter even said frankly: If he asks you how you came here, just say that you are here to see Mr. Yun on the order of your uncle. If he asks you what you are here for, just say... Deliver a message for His Majesty.

Jia Baoyu broke into cold sweat on his forehead when he heard this. Brother-in-law Chen, you are so brave, you actually allowed yourself to fake the names of two lords.

Jia Baoyu was timid, and when he heard that this matter would also involve His Majesty, he couldn't help but panicked and said: You really want me to go, sir, how about you change someone else?!

If you don't go, the entire Jia family in the capital and Jinling will be ransacked and beheaded.

Hearing Chen Heng's threat, Jia Baoyu did not dare to refuse. Now that Xue Pan and Jia Lian were no longer around to discuss with him, Baoyu accepted the letter written by Chen Heng in confusion amid several hesitations.

Xianglian.

Sir, I'm here. After hearing Chen Heng's instructions, Liu Xianglian jumped out of the crowd.

You escort Baoyu. Seeing that the other party couldn't help but nod, Chen Heng said again, No matter what Master Yun says, you only need to accompany Baoyu to deliver the things, and then set off to come back to us immediately. Remember, hurry up Go and come back quickly.

The card Baoyu must be kept by your side. His role goes far beyond this one matter.

Where will we find you? Liu Xianglian asked hurriedly.

Chen Heng thought about it carefully and finally raised his voice: Wuzhan Mountain.

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Just after seeing off Jia Baoyu and Liu Xianglian who were riding fast horses at Yingkou, Chen Heng saw Lu Yingxiong leading four thousand men up. The soldiers who were ready to go were all holding torches. Such a large-scale movement naturally attracted the attention of civilians in the camp.

Under the thick night, whispers came from time to time. Folks from all over the south of the Yangtze River saw that something was not right in the atmosphere and did not dare to rush forward. They only hid in the darkness from a distance and cast very worried glances.

Lu Yingxiong rode a military horse to Chen Heng's side and confirmed him again: Master Chen, do you really want me to leave?

Yes. Chen Heng nodded heavily, and then ordered: I have given you your majesty's token. After we go to Wusheng Pass, I don't care what method Mr. Lu uses, I must seize this pass and prevent the traitors from going south. Looting from both lakes.”

Shandong is a strategically important place, and the two lakes are the tactical winner. Once the latter was lost, although Shi Ding and Shuirong lost the possibility of going north to become kings, the world would be in turmoil for at least twenty years.

As long as Lu Yingxiong can rely on natural dangers, always stick to Wusheng Pass, and relieve the danger of the two lakes, it will be a great achievement.

Chen Heng had already said the cake that should be painted long before Lu Yingxiong took over the job.

When it was time to say goodbye, Chen Heng could only remind him again and again: Remember, unless His Majesty has overridden the imperial edict of the jade seal, the city gate is not allowed to be opened even if the envoy of Yongxing comes in person.

I saved it. Lu Yingxiong nodded hurriedly, raised his hand and pinched the holy token in his arms. With this item, he knew that he was 80 to 90 percent sure of winning Wusheng Pass. He added, No one can ask me to open the door except for your Majesty's and Your Excellency's personal letter.

Okay. Chen Heng nodded heavily. After hesitating for a moment, he said, My lord, please be careful along the way. I look forward to seeing Lord Lu return to Beijing and be promoted to a marquis.

Lu Yingxiong was overjoyed at these words, and he said seriously: Master Chen, you must also take care of your own safety. I have left five hundred personal guards here. If you have anything to do, just give them orders. The leader will kill He’s just called Wang Er, he’s somewhat brave, and he can also help.”

After listening silently, Chen Heng stopped saying anything and only took a step back to signal the soldiers on both sides to lower the camp gate. Seeing this, Lu Yingxiong clasped his fists on his horse again, and then led four thousand men out of the camp with thundering steps.

Thousands of torches formed a long dragon and disappeared into the night. It wasn't until he couldn't see the other party's figure clearly that Chen Heng withdrew his worried eyes and turned back with his hands behind his hands.

So many people left overnight. When Chen Heng returned to the Chinese army camp, civilian officials sent from various places to assist with military supplies and supplies were already waiting here anxiously.

Master Chen, what happened in the camp?

The grain transport officer was dispatching late at night, but he received an order from the general. Is there any news about the soldiers trapped in the mountains?

This group of people gathered around subconsciously, and their attitudes and words were a bit fierce, which shocked the guards like Yan Xiaoer. Before Team Leader Liu left, Qian Dingzhiwan asked them to protect Mr. Chen. The guards had no choice but to pull up a human wall and protect Chen Heng firmly in the middle.

Seeing that a group of civil servants were blocked from the outside, Chen Heng hurriedly raised his hand and pressed it twice, and said with a smile: Your Majesty has sent a secret order. Please sit down first and let me slowly explain this matter.

When Chen Heng sat at the top, he took Wei Yinghong's letter and finished explaining everything one by one. Everyone was speechless at the moment. From suppressing bandits to counterinsurgency, the span was so huge. For a while, it was difficult for people to adapt to this change.

Fortunately, Chen Heng didn't expect them to be of much help. He had already made all the arrangements that needed to be made. All that should be said at this moment is, 'The imperial court has been prepared for a long time, and the king's master to suppress the rebellion is on the way' and other words to soothe people's hearts.

Everyone couldn't tell whether what Chen Heng said was true or false, so they had to stand up and say: I am willing to obey your orders.

Seeing that these people were willing to cooperate, Chen Heng was half relieved. Immediately he ordered: My lords, please listen to the order and quickly prepare the supplies and supplies. Take away everything you can. If you can't take away, order people to move to the school grounds to assemble.

Sir, what are you going to do? someone asked curiously.

Chen Heng stood up and slapped the table, raised his eyebrows and said sternly: It's all burned.

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The first ray of sunshine in the morning shone on the earth. The camp, which had been busy all night, had divided the military supplies into two piles according to Chen Heng's instructions. One place is the military supplies that are difficult to carry, and the other is the gold and silver mountains reserved for stumbling blocks.

The important things that can be taken away have been moved to the wheelbarrow that was built before. These are things for food, grass, and arrows. Wearable armor, swords and guns were even distributed to civilians.

The supplies here have been accumulated for several years in various state capitals in the south of the Yangtze River. Even if 30,000 civilians worked all night, they could only take away part of it. More supplies are now gathered in the center of the school field.

Seeing Yan Xiaoer coming forward with a torch, many civil servants were still trying to persuade Chen Heng to think twice before proceeding.

Sir, even if the rebels arrive in person, we can wait for the reinforcements to arrive if we hold the strong camp. Why burn all these supplies?

Yes, sir! These are all the treasures of the people in Jiangnan, so they can be burned cleanly. It's really... it's really...

How could Chen Heng not know this? But he also knew that the Chinese army camp was built on a flat terrain. Once the rebels arrive, they are surrounded by enemies on three sides and rely only on a river that is not too fast. How can they resist the rebels who are several times their size in the wilderness?

I have given up my intention. Chen Heng also deliberately wore mountain armor, a red robe and a long sword today. Even though he is a civil servant, dressing like this makes Chen Heng look a little murderous.

With a wave of Chen Heng's hand, Yan Xiaoer and Xinda no longer hesitated and poured oil and lit a fire around the baggage bag, which was as high as a hill. Seeing the raging black smoke rising, Chen Hengcai led a group of weeping civil servants to the militiamen who were monks on the way, and motioned for everyone to get ready and line up to follow him out of the camp and into the mountains.

Thousands of wounded soldiers who were originally stranded in the camp heard the news of Shi Ding's rebellion in the morning. They were all wounded, and they had been Shi Ding's subordinates before, so Chen Heng would naturally not take them on the road. Thousands of people were waiting on both sides in confusion, not knowing where to go.

Chen Heng knew that it would take three days to walk from the Chinese Army Camp to Jiannanguan Pass. Apart from telling the group of people to flee south as soon as possible, he did not bother to preach more.

When he led a group of grass-roots team members onto the mountain road, they happened to bump into the spies reporting back. This group of people are all the personal guards left by Lu Yingxiong. The leader, Wang Er, directly reported back: Sir, you are really amazing. Brothers, we have circled the mountain road twice, and we really can't see a single bandit.

It seems that Shi Ding and others are about to start an uprising, and they have been quietly rectifying the three armies in the dark. Chen Heng's mind sank, and he did not dare to hesitate, and hurriedly ordered everyone to speed up the march.

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As the stronghold of Mao Daqing and others, Qingfeng Village still maintained complete defense facilities until it was abandoned by the bandits. This place was originally the base camp of bandits. It is surrounded by mountains and dangerous terrain, and the terrain is relatively high. There are several places with running water, enough to provide the daily needs of ten thousand people.

Following the mountain road dug by the predecessors, the vanguard arrived here early the next morning. When this group of frightened people broke into the village, they were dumbfounded when they saw a group of unarmed old, weak, women and children.

They thought there would be a tough battle, but who would have thought that the opponents would be the family members of bandits. This group of old, weak, women and children were also frightened. They only dared to hold some knives and hide in the lobby of the cottage, facing the enemy behind closed doors.

Chen Heng, who came after hearing the news, was escorted by Yan Xiaoer and others. He persuaded the women and children inside and threatened to set fire to open the closed door.

They are just a group of old, weak, women and children stranded here, and Chen Heng does not want to embarrass them too much. He only asked people to take Haosheng into custody, and also ordered the civilians to quickly clean up the mess in the cottage.

In the previous offensive and defensive battles, many facilities in the village were damaged. But the more Chen Heng looked at it, the more satisfied he became. He felt that the dangerous place here was much better than the vast Chinese army camp.

In any case, from the topography, a situation of high and low has been formed. It was also fortunate that the bandits before had used the strategy of luring the enemy deep and Shi Ding's deliberate cooperation was able to leave him a fairly complete mountain stronghold.

The vanguard took control of the situation, and the following civilians rushed into the village pushing rows of wheelbarrows. The 30,000 militiamen relied on the guidance of the superiors to repair what should be repaired and to set up stoves and cook.

Taking advantage of the darkness, Chen Heng led his guards to patrol around the village, trying to make sure everything was safe.

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In ancient times, the transmission of news was blocked. Chen Heng was not aware of the changes in the mountains, and Shi Ding was naturally unaware of the situation in the outside world. He and Shui Rong had just integrated the soldiers and bandits, and then they circled around Wumongoose Mountain without stopping. Shui Rong was left behind to lead the large army and slowly clear the piles of rocks blocking the road. Shi Ding, who was one step ahead, was leading eight thousand troops on a rapid march towards the Chinese army camp.

October is about to pass, and without the supplies Chen Heng has on hand, their rebellion will be very passive.

The situation is stronger than the people, and the big guys follow him to rebel, for the sake of glory and wealth. Who can believe that they can achieve great things if they are hungry before they even start?

After traveling out of the mountain in such a hurry for more than a day, Shi Ding finally led his men to kill not far from the camp. Seeing the wolf smoke flying into the sky, Shi Ding shouted that something was wrong. After driving the horse for another half mile, the spy who reported back was already waiting by the roadside and said anxiously: General, there is a fire in the camp, and there is no one inside.

Shi Ding was confused and eagerly rode into the camp. When he arrived at the school grounds, he saw a raging fire.

With such a fire, what kind of military equipment could be saved?

Shi Ding was so angry that his eyes darkened, and he shouted angrily to the sky: Young son of the Chen family, I swear to kill you.

After venting like this, Shi Ding's anger has not yet calmed down. I saw several bandits who had just been recruited and were secretly circling around the gold and silver mountains left by Chen Heng.

The 'General Ping Bandit', who was already in a bad mood, directly ordered in a cold voice: Behead all these people! Hang their heads on the camp gate for the new brothers to take a good look at.

yes.

Dozens of personal guards came out following the order and pounced on the stunned soldiers like evil tigers. Shi Ding, who wanted to kill the chicken to scare the monkeys, ignored these people's pleas for mercy. The spies were asked to identify the tracks of axles on the ground, and the people who saw Chen Heng actually sat in two directions. One group went in the direction of Wumon Mountain, and the other group went in the direction of Jiannanguan Pass.

Thinking that there were tens of thousands of soldiers and horses in the Wumongoose Mountain, Shi Ding was not worried at all about the suspicious soldiers entering the mountain. He ordered all the soldiers to continue riding fast horses, and it took another half a day to finally catch up with the group of wounded soldiers who had left first.

After some interrogation, Shi Ding found out that Chen Heng did not go with them, but led a group of civilians into Wumongoose Mountain. Shi Ding felt much better.

Some cleverness, but not much.

After a brief comment, Shi Ding waved his hand towards the bodyguard. The latter understood it and winked at the soldiers around him.

The group of wounded soldiers who knelt down and begged for mercy were killed by swords and guns in the blink of an eye.