Qin Gong

On the way to Xiao County, the sound of the hooves of the cavalry was heard, and the people of Wei State along the way heard the sound and fled in all directions, as if they were all afraid of being killed.

After a while.

As the black flags with the word Qin fluttered, Qin cavalry wearing armor and carrying crossbows galloped past one after another, and all the people did not dare to say anything.

Xiao County.

In this small city, there is no towering city. Dense houses stand on both sides. Occasionally there are some shops. Even the streets look extremely simple.

As a place less than a hundred miles away from Pengcheng, this is also the last resting place from Wei State on the way to Pengcheng. If you walk on two feet, you can reach Pengcheng when the sun rises and it gets dark. With good luck.

"Ah~! Help!"

"Please, let us go!"

On a street in Xiao County, dozens of men viciously kicked open the surrounding streets and houses. All the shops were rummaged through by these men and became a mess. The children and shopkeepers stood in the corner, all they could do was watch and dare not do anything. Voice.

But some women were not so good. When the men saw them, their hands and feet were held down within a moment. Some men tried to stop them, but in the blink of an eye, they were kicked down or stabbed by those men, and finally they were injured. Killed with a knife.

When some passing merchants saw this, they just huddled up and dared not say anything in anger. The merchants had long been accustomed to this scene. Since ancient times, there have been many bandits on the border. After the troops withdrew from Wei and stayed in Daliang, whether it was Wei or Chu, The thieves no longer have any worries and will go down the mountain to plunder everywhere even in broad daylight.

In some big cities or places with large populations, these bandits dare not show up, but places like Xiao County are quite popular among bandits.

now.

Seeing some merchants being killed and their wives and daughters being insulted by the bandits, no one dared to say a word for fear of the bandits and the sharp blades in their hands.

Everyone cherishes their lives and does not want to be the first, so we are outnumbered and no one dares to resist.

Suddenly, while the thieves were looting unscrupulously, the sound of thundering cavalry came, leaving all the thieves confused.

Why is there the sound of cavalry?
The state of Qin is busy attacking the state of Wei. Could it be that they are the cavalry of the state of Chu?
In a shop, the two thieves looked at each other and walked out the door. The next moment, they looked at the Qin cavalry swarming on the street in the distance. In an instant, the ferociousness that they used to give people was frightened. The frightened thieves had expressions of horror on their faces.

"It's Qin's iron cavalry!"

"Run!"

While the two thieves were talking, they turned around, but their mouths had not yet been closed. Then, under the gaze of all the thieves, merchants, and people in the shop, black shadows flashed in an instant, and the heads of the two thieves were struck by arrows. It was a direct hit, and one of them was even shot through.

Without taking a step, he fell directly to the ground, and blood immediately spread.

"It's Qin's cavalry! Run!!"

The tragic situation of the two thieves immediately made all the other thieves look frightened. They ran away for their lives, regardless of the money they had obtained by force or the woman they had kidnapped.

However, at this moment, outside the shop, among the Qin cavalry swarming by, a cavalry soldier wearing armor and carrying a crossbow had already dismounted, holding a crossbow or drawing a Qin sword, and entered the shop before he could escape. The thieves were directly shot by crossbows. The originally ferocious thieves were like lambs, unable to escape. Seeing the cavalry soldiers coming to kill them, they held sharp blades and tried to fight for their lives. However, they turned out to be no match for the well-trained cavalry soldiers. In the blink of an eye, he was chopped down by Qin Jian and fell to the ground.

"My lord, let us go!"

"Sir, we surrender and spare our lives!!!"

Facing the iron knight soldiers behind them, all the thieves dropped their sharp blades and knelt on the ground, looking at the iron knight soldiers with pale faces. They were completely different from the arrogant and lewd look they had before.

The strong are afraid of the violent, and the violent are afraid of death. In the eyes of all the thieves and bandits, these Qin cavalry who live in the battlefield all year round and kill people among the dead are not worth mentioning at all.

on the street.

Bai Yan was riding a war horse, looking at all the fleeing thieves on the street. When riding past those shops, he looked at the terrified people and the corpses on the ground, and looked at the thieves detained by the soldiers again, his eyes gradually became sharper.

A moment later, a burly bandit leader in his 30s was escorted in front of Bai Yan by the cavalry soldiers with long swords. The bandit leader looked at the Qin cavalry with hatred on his face, and then looked at Bai Yan with vicious eyes.

Seeing this, Bai Yan gave the order directly without waiting for the leader to speak.

"Kick off his hands and feet!"

Bai Yan looked at the bandit leader with an indifferent expression. In Bai Yan's eyes, such a person only has a superficial appearance. If he is a brave person at heart, he should be on the battlefield. He only knows how to wander around and bully the people. Compared with the battlefield It is worse than any enemy pawn in it.

The bandit leader obviously did not expect that Bai Yan would decide his life or death so decisively. His face instantly turned pale, and his vicious eyes showed a hint of fear. The next moment he was about to speak, whether to beg for mercy or to insult. However, the moment he opened his mouth, behind him The two cavalry soldiers, under Bai Yan's order, stabbed directly into the thieves' legs with their long spears.

"what!"

Shouts of pain were heard.

Bai Yan ignored it and rode past. He saw the frightened look on the bandit's face, sneered, and then followed Bai Yan on horseback.

The sky is approaching dusk, and the scorching sun has receded, behind the red remaining clouds in the west.

Under a big tree, Bai Yan threw the rope on the back of the war horse, and then took off his armor. The black clothes inside the armor could vaguely see traces of dampness.

"General, the soldiers are searching everywhere and hurry up. All the bandits have been killed. The soldiers have been ordered not to disturb the people!"

Jiu came to Bai Yan and raised his hands to Bai Yan to report.

Bai Yan nodded.

"We will arrive at Pengcheng tomorrow and let the soldiers have a good rest. Don't be too anxious about the rest of the journey, lest Pengcheng guard Huang Ye doesn't have time to react!"

Bai Yan instructed, thanks to the fact that the Wei State had previously mobilized all the soldiers and horses in Wei to go to Daliang, Bai Yan did not encounter any guards along the way. This is why in the five-day journey, there was only one left in the blink of an eye. half a day.

While talking, Bai Yan suddenly noticed that there seemed to be seven or eight people walking in the distance, led by two old men, followed by middle-aged men and one or two young men.

After watching the soldiers blocking those people in the distance, after a few breaths of conversation, a soldier came over.

"Sir, they claim to be from Xiao County and from the Xiao clan, and they want to see the general!"

The soldiers reported to Bai Yan.

"bring it here!"

Bai Yan did not refuse. Although Xiao County was not a big place, it had been a city of the Song State since the Western Zhou Dynasty and continued to multiply. In the country, not only did it not decline due to turmoil, but talented people often emerged, the ethnic group prospered, and the city was called Xiao.

Now after a hundred years, people from the Xiao family can be seen in Pengcheng, Fengyi, Dangxian, Pei, Xiayi and other places.

"Xiao Wenzhi, meet the general!"

"Xiao Shanzi, meet the general!!"

"Xiao Luheng, meet the general!"

Under the leadership of the soldiers, eight men came to Bai Yan and bowed their hands to Bai Yan. Bai Yan didn't take it seriously at first and just wanted to know what their purpose was in asking to see him.

However, when he listened to the people saluting one by one, and suddenly heard the man in his early thirties among the eight at the back introducing himself by his name, Bai Yan was a little surprised, and his eyes were a little surprised.

Both Jiu and Mo noticed Bai Yan's gaze. They followed Bai Yan through life and death. They knew very well that only very important people or things would make Bai Yan look like that. Therefore, the two of them followed Bai Yan's gaze at the moment. They all looked at the man with some doubts.

He is not too old. He is dressed in commoner clothes and has a neat mustache. He seems to be a polite and polite person. However, he stands at the end, not as good as those in his early twenties. It seems that his status is not particularly high. .

"Bai Yan, I have seen you all!"

Bai Yan bowed his hands and returned the salute to everyone.

"Bai Yan!" "Bai Yan!!!"

Hearing Bai Yan's name, almost without exception, these members of the Xiao family all looked at each other in blank dismay, even the old man at the head looked at each other in astonishment, they had never thought before that the general of these iron cavalry was actually Bai Yan!
The Qin general Bai Yan is now spread all over the world.

But isn't Bai Yan in Daliang?How could it appear here!

"Your name is Xiao He?"

After Bai Yan saluted, he was not in a hurry to ask these people why they came, but looked at the person who called himself Xiao He in the eyes of everyone.

Xiao He was obviously a little stunned when he saw Bai Yan's gaze. When he was still stunned that it was actually 'Bai Yan', he didn't expect that Bai Yan would notice him among all the people. But after he recovered, he quickly raised his hands. Salute to Bai Yan.

"Back to the general, the civilian's name is indeed Xiao He!"

Xiao He said to Bai Yan, but after speaking, what Xiao He didn't expect was that Bai Yan looked at him and smiled.

This made Xiao He couldn't help but wonder, but Xiao He, who had always been calm, did not understand, but he did not dare to speak without permission. Facing this now famous general of the Qin State, who also held military power in the Qin State and won the favor of Ying Zheng A favored person, Xiao He understands better than anyone else that the life and death of himself and his entire clan depend on the other person's thoughts.

Recalling that all the bandits who had just come to Xiao County, except for the leader, had all become corpses, and the leader had his hands and feet cut off, and now he could only squirm and bleed on the ground, Xiao He felt Bai Yan's kindness. , was also frightened, Bai Yan was a person who had experienced the battlefield after all, and he was decisive in killing.

"Do you have an official position?"

Bai Yan looked at Xiao He and asked.

After Zhang Liang, Bai Yan did not expect to meet Xiao He, one of the three famous heroes in later generations, in such a coincidence. In Bai Yan's memory, Xiao He was from Fengyi. After Qin unified the country, Sishui was made a county, and Xiao He became In Sishui County, the chief official of Pei County is in charge.

Unlike Zhang Liang, Bai Yan was anxious to get rid of Zhang Liang because Zhang Liang's family was the Zhang family who had been in Korea for five generations. If Qin destroyed Han, the Zhang family was destined to become the mortal enemy of Qin. This cannot be changed.

But Xiao He was different. Bai Yan didn't know how capable Xiao He was in history, but the only certainty was that Xiao He's vision and ability not only allowed Liu Bang to stabilize his power, but also the country. And Xiao He himself, More able to serve as the post of Prime Minister.

This alone is enough to illustrate Xiao He's talent.

"Back to the general, ordinary people have no official positions!"

Xiao He lowered his head and said after hearing Bai Yan's words.

At this time, Xiao Wenzhi, Xiao Shanzi and the other elders looked at this scene, and their old faces became confused again. They didn't understand why Bai Yan cared so much about a member of their branch lineage.

"In the early years when Bai Yan passed through the Wei Kingdom, he once heard someone say that a man named Xiao He was diligent and studious, with a sharp mind and a good study of the laws and regulations of the past dynasties. At that time, Bai Yan remembered it in his heart. The main beam of the Wei Kingdom had been attacked by Bai Yan. Now, Wei has surrendered to Qin. If you want to become an official in the future, you can go to Yanmen to look for Bai Yan."

Bai Yan looked at Xiao He who had not yet entered the official position and said softly, Xiao He was different from Zhang Liang. Bai Yan had no intention of killing Xiao He and had no intention of getting rid of him.

Today's Bai Yan is already trying to change the future, and is also preparing to lay the foundation for the Qin State in the future. Bai Yan doesn't know if it will be effective, and if he tries everything, he still can't change the Qin State.

Xiao He's life is millions of times more valuable alive than dead.

"Ah! This..."

"This……"

Hearing Bai Yan's words, Xiao Wenzhi, Xiao Shanzi and the other old people were shocked. The Kingdom of Wei was destroyed!
Immediately, everyone opened their mouths in surprise when they heard that Bai Yan was going to invite Xiao He. Especially the middle-aged men of the Xiao family and the young Xiao family children all looked at Xiao He with envy and jealousy.

They couldn't help but be jealous of Xiao He's good luck. It was their grandfather who learned that the Qin general was outside Xiao County, and also learned that the Qin cavalry only eliminated bandits and did not spare their lives. They guessed that the Qin general was a kind-hearted person. , so I took the opportunity to come to curry favor with him and wanted to invite him to the mansion.

This Xiao He was originally from a branch, and he came with his father on this trip. When he learned that there were people from the Xiao family serving as officials in the Qin State, Xiao's father wanted to help Xiao He find a future.

Never thought.

The first general of the Qin Army was Qin General Bai Yan, and Qin General Bai Yan had heard of Xiao He from somewhere, and now he actually directly invited Xiao He to join the Qin State as an official.

How is this not enviable.

This Bai Yan was the favorite of King Qin Ying Zheng. News came from Xianyang very early on. It was said that Bai Yan almost became Ying Zheng's constant attendant and stayed with Ying Zheng every day.

"Thank you General!"

Xiao He's expression also changed. Although he was originally polite and polite, he was a little caught off guard by this sudden good thing. After being stunned, he felt at a loss and quickly saluted Bai Yan gratefully.

Recalling Bai Yan's words, Xiao He's 30-year-old cheeks couldn't help but turn a little red. Xiao He didn't know which friend was bragging about himself like this outside.

This made Xiao He feel a little guilty after actually facing Bai Yan.

"General, it's getting late today, and we would like to invite the general to rest at his residence! We have already ordered people to prepare a banquet."

Seeing this, Xiao Wenzhi, who was in his 60s, stepped forward and raised his hands to Bai Yan and said, "Speak out your purpose and don't let Xiao He take the lead."

But while talking, Xiao Wenzhi also smiled and glanced at Xiao He.

Xiao He naturally understood what Mr. Xiao's look meant. He quickly came to his senses, thought for a moment, looked at Bai Yan, then quickly lowered his head and bowed his hands in salute.

"There are so many inconveniences in the countryside, if the general doesn't dislike it, he will live in Xiao's mansion!"

Xiao He said.

Xiao He was also a little uneasy at this moment. He had been doing nothing in his life for more than thirty years. Although he often made friends, he never had an official career. Not only did he see it with his own eyes, Bai Yan, the Qin general who was mentioned by his friends in the past, was also personally invited by Bai Yan. Serve as an official.

Xiao He felt that if he told any of his friends, no one would believe what he said.

"No, Pengcheng is only half a day's journey away. Early tomorrow morning, Bai Yan will lead the soldiers to Pengcheng."

Bai Yan did not agree to Xiao He. After looking away from Xiao He, he saluted the people of the Xiao family to express his gratitude.

"Pengcheng?"

"General, I heard that Chu troops are stationed in Pengcheng! Is the general going on this trip?"

Xiao Wenzhi, Xiao Shanzi and others were a little confused when they learned that Bai Yan was going to Pengcheng. If they remembered correctly, Cai Sui should be stationed in Pengcheng with the Chu army.

Why is Bai Yan leading the cavalry to Pengcheng now? They all heard a few days ago that the Qin army is still attacking Wei Daliang. Now even if Bai Yan goes to attack Pengcheng, he still has no troops!
If it wasn't a siege, why was this?Although the cavalry is brave and good at fighting, with only a few soldiers and horses, Bai Yan is not afraid of the Chu army in Pengcheng?

"Bai Yan is going to capture Pengcheng this time!"

Bai Yan did not hide his purpose and spoke directly. Seeing the surprised expressions of the people, Bai Yan asked the soldiers to take them away without explaining too much.

Seeing that Bai Yan obviously did not intend to go, Xiao Wenzhi, Xiao Shanzi and others did not dare to disturb him too much, so they could only say goodbye.

"General, is Xiao He really a talented man?"

He looked at the leaving figures of the Xiao family, especially Xiao He, who looked back a few times before leaving. Then he turned his head, walked to Bai Yan, and asked curiously.

Yan naturally believed Bai Yan's words. Now in Yanmen, the governor Yang Duan and the old general have a very close relationship with the general. As long as the general speaks, except for the city order who is directly appointed by Xianyang, any other official in Yanmen County , Governor Yang can be appointed directly.

But looking at Xiao He's appearance just now, I couldn't tell that he was a great talent. I was worried that the general should not be fooled by others. If Xiao He didn't have real talent or knowledge, he would lose face to the general.

"You will know later!"

Bai Yan looked at Mang and said with a smile, without explaining too much, and then took Jiu with him to prepare dry food for the soldiers. They should have a good rest tonight.