Linzhi

The opponent is dressed in armor, with a cloak flying forward, a galloping horse, and a heroic posture. If it's not He Zhan, who is it?

This is simply the most restless time in He Rong's history.

He watched his Goro approaching from far away, and he didn't even have time to adjust his shocked expression.

He Zhan reined in the reins in front of him, stopped the menacing momentum, with a bright smile on his face, but his tone of undisguised complacency.

How difficult it is to be able to deceive the third brother, and something to be proud of!

He got off his horse, cupped his hands and said: "He Zhan, the humble guard of the Habayashi, is ordered by His Majesty to escort Shaoqing of Honglu Temple to the Western Turks. Please show me!"

It took a long time for He Rong to find his voice: "...Didn't I tell you not to come?"

He Zhan said with a smile: "Why don't you bring the Wu hook, the third brother has the heart to make contributions, don't I? The third brother don't want to monopolize the credit!"

He Rong took a deep breath, if it wasn't outside, if it wasn't in public, he really wanted to beat He Zhan all over his head.

"Did father know? Did you go home and say goodbye?"

He Zhan nodded: "After Your Majesty agreed, I also told my father. I told my father not to tell you. I know you will not agree."

I know I have to do it!

He Rong almost couldn't control himself and raised his bamboo stick to beat someone. Now that the imperial decree has been issued, it's too late to say anything.

"Then let's go." He Zhan said.

He Zhan glanced at him cautiously.

Hey, the third brother didn't get angry, he didn't even reprimand or complain. This is very unusual. Could it be that he was angry?

……

With this hundred forbidden troops, the size of the mission has grown a lot. He Rong is the leader, He Zhan and Xue Tan are on the left and right. I also sighed for the majesty of the Tianjia.

In the past, the faces of these young members of the imperial guards had already been more or less proud, but this is not the case now, everyone looks a bit serious, and the thin heat of the summer wind has not changed them a little. They lost their color, because they didn't know when they would see this Chang'an City, the world-famous and prosperous capital, again.

You asked about the return date.

When passing through the heavy city gate, many people couldn't help but glance back.

Chang'an, these two words, have since become a heavy weight in their hearts.

There are two routes from Chang'an to West Turks, one is to pass through Liangzhou and take Zhangye, this is the shortest route, but Xiao Yu now occupies Liangzhou, it will be very dangerous to pass from there, so I can only take another route, Go north, bypass the south of East Turkic, and then go to Western Turkic.

Although this route is long, it is relatively safe, because the East Turkic region is vast, and there is a large area in the south, which is a blank area for both sides. Many caravans who do border trade and travel to and from the Western Regions will also choose this route.

He Rong and Xue Tan discussed the next route before setting off.

A group of people left Chang'an City and soon arrived in Puzhou not far from Chang'an. The Habayashi guard had long been ordered by He Rong to go to the post station with the imperial court documents and let the post station officials prepare first, so that when they arrived at the post station, they would There will be hot food soon.

Since leaving Chang'an, everyone has been rushing all the way without saying a few words, and He Rong and He Zhan have even less words. This is unbelievable for their relationship in the past. The third brother started talking, and then he wanted to deceive the third brother himself first, and he must give the other party a few days to calm down. Who knows, the third brother seemed determined not to reconcile with him along the way, his face was pale, and he didn't even smile. It made He Zhan nervous at first, like scratching his heart with claws, and then gradually became depressed and depressed.

After a few days of fermentation, these depressions finally reached the verge of eruption.

In the evening, everyone arrived at the posthouse on the outskirts of Puzhou, and the officials inside were already waiting outside to welcome them. By the way, they conveyed the wishes of the parents and officials of Puzhou to visit He Rong and the others when they heard that they were coming. He Rong politely declined the other party's request and said They only stayed for one night, and they were leaving tomorrow.

After dinner, He Zhan and He Rong entered the post house behind, saw He Rong sitting down, raised his trousers to soak his feet, refused to leave, sat beside him and sulked.

He Rong glanced at him.

Seeing that the third brother didn't care at all, He Zhan finally couldn't help it: "Third brother, how long are you going to be angry? Is it possible that you are not going to talk to me all the way?"

He Rong took some time off, and said slowly: "When will I ignore you, yesterday you asked me what to eat, didn't you return it?"

He Zhan said angrily: "That's not the same thing at all! I didn't discuss it with you. I cut it first and then played it. I was wrong, but I still don't worry about you. Look at those Habayashi guards outside, all of them are arrogant , if it were another person, how could they be persuaded!"

The reason why he can move these people is because one or two of them were once his defeated generals. The rules in the army are stricter than the sky. In addition to Chen Qian, who was their instructor, with these two people present, the hundred imperial guards would also prohibit them and dare not disobey them.

But that doesn't mean they don't have dissatisfaction in their hearts.

He Rong snorted, and said slowly, "So, should I thank Commander He?"

He Zhan raised his voice: "Third brother!"

He Rong was already smiling in his heart, but his face was still sullen: "Do you feel wronged now that you have come to accompany me regardless of the danger of your life, but I haven't given you a good face? Have you ever thought about it? I hope you will come. I know better than you how dangerous this trip is. You obviously have a clear path to go, and you insist on following me to the mountains of swords and seas of fire. You have your heart to consider for me. If it is possible, I am willing to watch Are you in danger?"

He Zhan's heart was cold at first, and then slowly warmed up.

"Third brother, regardless of life or death, what's the pity to accompany you through this journey? It is true that you are safe and honorable in the Imperial Army, but a man is willing to stay there to kill his fighting spirit? Look at a dude like Song Yun. He has the ambition to make contributions, if the family didn't let him come, he would be here now. Am I worse than him?"

He Rong sighed and stroked the top of his head: "You idiot!"

He Zhan laughed, and the grievances accumulated in the past few days all turned into smoke: "A cripple and a fool, don't they just happen to be brothers?"

He Rong said leisurely: "You are not small, even I dare to tease you."

He took a cloth towel to dry his legs and feet, He Zhan was a little embarrassed about losing his temper just now, and hurriedly said, "I'll come, I'll come!"

He Rong slapped his forehead: "Go and call everyone to the yard, I have something to say."

He Zhan was surprised: "Everyone?"

He Rong: "Everyone."

Since he was on the road, He Rong had never spoken to these hundred guards in public or privately. He always conveyed things through He Zhan or Chen Qian. With the name of the emperor's grandson, he dared not even say a word.

How can such a person go on an envoy to the Western Turks and deal with the arrogant and rude Turks?

Everyone had just eaten, and they were tired all day, and they were all drowsy, wishing to go to bed quickly, but the commander gave an order, and they all called to the yard again, and everyone murmured.

With a hundred people, including Xue Tan and others, the yard of the inn was jam-packed. He Rong even asked everyone to sit on the floor. In this way, sitting on the steps under the eaves, he could express everyone's expressions to the fullest. Take a closer look.

"Everyone has just finished eating, and you must want to sleep more. Unfortunately, you have to bite the bullet and listen to my ramblings. I'm really sorry."

The soft opening remarks, with some self-mockery, made people laugh, but also felt that this Shangguan was really not very good.

Unexpectedly, He Rong changed the subject: "But these words, you have to listen to them, and you have to listen to them. If you don't hear clearly and break my rules, don't blame me for being rude. Your Majesty bestowed it on you." This precious sword just happened to come in handy."

He swung the long sword to the side, and said lightly: "I only hope that the first person who will see the sun again and drink blood, is not among you."

A chill came from the bottom of everyone's heart, even those who were really dozing off just now, the sleepy bugs had already disappeared in fright.

He Rong looked at the cheered people below, and said with satisfaction: "Our trip is to go to the Western Turks, to make a covenant with them, and to reach an agreement. I also know that many of you are from good families. The noble family is different, because they have no foundation and are frustrated in the army, so they also want to take this opportunity to make some credits, so that they can be promoted to a centurion or even a commander when they come back. But I want to tell you that this mission is absolutely worthless. It's not as simple as you think, but the rewards may be greater than you think!"

"East Turkic and Xiao Yu will not just watch us form an alliance with Western Turkic, so they will definitely try their best to obstruct it. This is the reason why I stay close and seek far away. I have dealt with the Western Turkic people before, and Moli Khan is not a fuel-efficient lamp, and will not be led by us. To be honest, I don’t know whether I can complete the task or even return safely.”

Everyone's hearts sank, Xue Tan muttered to himself, thinking that there is no one who lectures his subordinates like this, he leaks his own thoughts, and it will only make people more depressed.

He Rong ignored the thoughts of others, and said in a deep voice: "But I want to tell you what the meaning of this trip is. The court is now facing the threat of the Turks from the East and the West, and the rebel Xiao Yu, but in fact it is more than that. In the south, Nanyi, who had already led the people to surrender to the imperial court, was splitting due to the death of their leader. The successor may not follow the imperial court's order as before, and Xiao Yu also married Fu Nian Khan. Sister, form an ally with the Eastern Turks. It’s not that the imperial court can’t fight wars, it’s because they don’t want to fight a war that will waste people’s money. If we can form an alliance with the Western Turks, the Eastern Turks and Xiao Yu will not dare to act rashly for fear of being attacked by the enemy. At least the border can be won. Five years of tranquility, what is the difference between this and us winning a big battle for the imperial court?"

His tone gradually became passionate: "This is why Your Majesty and the imperial court want to send us to the Western Turks! It's not a whim, a whim, and it's not about sending us to die, but we are indeed, and will play an important role." Some of your colleagues are addicted to gentleness, greedy for life and afraid of death, dare not join, some look down on this job and think it is meaningless, they can look down on us, but we can’t look down on ourselves!"

At this time, in the eyes of everyone, He Rong is no longer that inexperienced Shangguan who is a little soft and weak, and even has physical defects. It is impossible not to be inspired by his generosity.

"After winning the battle and going back, what can you get? Because of your meritorious service, you will be awarded the title of Marquis, gold and silver fields, and your comrades will practice day after day in the imperial army in the capital. It may take more than ten years to be promoted, but you only need to complete this errand. , can do what they may take decades to do!"

He Rong's eyes fell on the crowd, and he suddenly called out a name: "Ge Tao."

The guard named Ge Tao was stunned, and raised his hand: "The humble job is here."

He Rong said coldly: "Slow response, procrastination, this is the elite from Habayashi Guard? I think you can't get along in Beiya, and you were pushed out?"

Ge Tao blushed, stood upright, and said loudly: "The humble job is here!"

He Rong: "I heard that your father passed away early. You were raised by your mother who worked hard at needlework?"

Ge Tao: "Yes!"

He Rong: "I heard that when you were young, your family was poor. Your mother went to her mother's house for help, but was kicked out by your uncle and aunt, saying that the daughter who was married was thrown out, but your mother did not give up on your siblings and remarried. Grit your teeth and persevere."

Ge Tao's family affairs were picked on, and he couldn't hold back his face, he bit his cheek: "...Yes!"

He Rong: "You think that being selected to enter the Beiya will honor your ancestors, make your mother honorable, and let the family live a better life from now on. Who knows that there are many noble children in the Beiya, and it is also a place where seniority is ranked. It’s not your turn, so you volunteered and chose to follow me to the Western Turks. Although you didn’t have high expectations, you still think it’s better than staying in the Imperial Army, at least you don’t need to look at the faces of those aristocratic families.”

Ge Tao didn't expect that every word and every word of his said his heart. At first, there was a kind of anger that was torn apart in public, and then this anger gradually subsided, and finally all turned into sadness.

"Yes……"

He Rong looked coldly: "Why are you so depressed? Could it be that what I just said was for nothing?"

He looked around at the audience: "You, Lin Miao, came from a family of butchers and were often ridiculed; you, Xiao Zhengxin, although you came from a duke's family, you were an unappreciated bastard. And you, Cao Jin! You , Du Jing! Each of you, either because you had some difficulties, you had no choice but to follow me, or you volunteered to get rid of the original situation. No matter who you are, since you have come here, I believe that you all have a desire The heart of meritorious deeds, isn't it?"

He Zhan was very surprised. He didn't expect the third brother to remember all these hundred people, not only their names, but also their faces.

The others were even more surprised than him, and those who were named showed undisguised surprise on their faces.

The 100 people said sparsely: "Yes!"

He Rong said coldly: "I can't hear you. Didn't you just eat, and you still look like a girl who never walks out of the door?"

The crowd was aroused and shouted loudly: "Yes!"

The voice pierced through the sky, causing the soldiers standing guard outside the post house to tremble slightly in fright, thinking that it is popular for people from the capital to talk by roaring?

He Rong: "On this journey, there may be countless difficulties and obstacles. We are destined to share weal and woe. I will do my best to ensure the success of this trip so that you can return safely and reunite with your family. I also hope that you will do your best. Obey the command, if you can't do it, or if you feel timid, you can leave now, my subordinates don't need cowards!"

No one moved.

He Rong: "Very good. Since no one is leaving, it means that everyone is willing to obey orders? From now on, cheer me up. If there is anyone who obeys the law and violates the law, and destroys morale..."

He handed the light sword bestowed by the emperor to He Zhan, glanced at him, He Zhan understood, immediately drew the sword out of its sheath, and split the book case next to it in half!

He Rong continued: "One such case. Did you understand what I said?"

This time there was no more scattered responses, and everyone said in unison, as if there was a mountain and river: "Understood!"

Xue Tan couldn't help but heaved a sigh of relief, and couldn't help giving He Rong a look of "becoming inferior".

He Rong didn't even look at him, his face was expressionless, very good at bluffing people.

Really can pretend!Xue Tan secretly smiled.

Back at the house, He Rong said to He Zhan who followed him in, "Why are you following me? Your wing is next door."

He Zhan said with a smile: "Third Brother, let me express my admiration for you."

He Rong glanced at him: "Slick tongue."

He Zhan smiled and rubbed his shoulders for him: "Okay, don't get angry with me anymore, I know you care about me and don't want me to take risks, but now that I've already come out, I can't turn around and go back, besides, you just didn't I told them to bring people back safely, don't these people also include me?"

In fact, He Rong was not very angry, he just wanted to teach He Zhan a lesson, and He Zhan knew in his heart that as long as he put down his body and acted coquettishly, the third brother would never be serious with him.

He Rong brushed He Zhan's hand away and motioned him to sit down.

He Zhan: "But third brother, I don't quite understand why you didn't tell them when you left the city. If you had said it earlier, they wouldn't have dared to neglect you before."

He Rong: "When they first came out of the city, they were full of sorrows of parting, or they were full of excitement for a long journey. They didn't have much knowledge of the future, and it didn't help much to say it. Now they have gone a long way. The mood at the beginning slowly subsided, and they were inevitably full of confusion about the future, and talking at this time was the best way to make them let go of their guards."

He didn't mean to keep any secrets from He Zhan, he taught him earnestly, for fear that the other party would not be able to learn.

He Zhan said with a smile: "Third brother, if you explain it in such detail, you won't be afraid that I will steal your teacher."

He Rong didn't take it seriously: "This is a conspiracy, if you can steal it, go ahead and steal it."

He Zhan suddenly remembered: "Do you remember all the faces and names of those people present?"

He Rong hummed.

He Zhan was speechless: "I didn't know that third brother still has the ability of photographic memory, how did he do it?"

He was on duty in the Imperial Army every day, and those people were his colleagues, so he naturally recognized them, but He Rong had never dealt with them, and he hadn't spoken a few words since he was on the road, so it was impossible for him to stare at people all day long. Even so, it is not an easy task to match a person's name with their appearance.

He Rong smiled secretly: "I learned this skill from someone, do you remember Ma Hong?"

He Zhan: "Of course I remember."

A regular servant in the province, an old acquaintance who served by the emperor's side.

He Rong: "Ma Hong's ability to serve in front of the imperial court is based on his ability to never forget. In addition to his innate memory, he also has acquired knacks. For example, Lin Miao has a small mole in the middle of his jaw. For example, Du Jing, his eyebrows are slanted. Even ordinary people have their own characteristics. As long as you remember these characteristics, it is not difficult to remember people. When you enter the Forbidden Army, the Forbidden Army will leave your portraits. I ask Your Majesty to Let me browse the portraits, and then I asked Ma Hong how to know people. The ruler is short and the inch is long, don't underestimate eunuchs, especially those who can stay with His Majesty."

He Zhan was completely convinced: "It turns out that you have already made so many preparations, and I am still worrying in vain."

He Rong glanced at him: "If you hadn't let His Majesty and Father keep me in the dark, I would never let you step out of the capital."

He Zhan smiled and said: "The old saying is good, brothers are of the same heart, and their benefits can cut through gold. If I don't come out, I won't be able to learn so many things from my third brother!"

He Rong was angry: "I'm sleepy."

He Zhan dog-legged: "Let the villain wait for you to rest!"

He Rong: "Get out!"

He Zhan: "Decree!"

……

After summer and autumn, the forests are all dyed.

In the blink of an eye, two months have passed since He Rong and the others left.

To be honest, when He Rong was at home, He Tai couldn't feel any difference, but now that he's gone, He Tai felt that something was missing, especially whenever he encountered a problem, he would naturally say to his eldest son, "Go and ask Saburo. When I asked, I was shocked to realize that Saburo and Goro had already gone to the yellow and sandy city outside the Great Wall, and I couldn't help but feel the melancholy of missing my grandfather for a while.

He Rong was not around, and life was still going on. Fortunately, the difficulties were not big ones. He Tai bumped into bumps and bumps, and was always safe and sound. During the period, he was reprimanded by the emperor a few times, but the errands gradually became better, and the emperor did not hesitate to praise him.

At the end of summer and early autumn, on the Chongyang Ninth Festival of Ninety-Nine, the capital lights up lanterns and sets fires, and climbs high to enjoy the autumn. As usual, there are huge crowds of people. There is no curfew in the West Market at night, and many people go shopping there, just like the New Year's Lantern Festival.

He Tai didn't go to join in the fun, running errands and discussing government affairs during the day had already consumed a lot of his energy, so he went to bed early to rest.

After an unknown amount of time, he vaguely heard the sound of footsteps, and then he was shaken violently: "Master, Lord, it's not good!"

He Tai heard Yuan's voice, and the boss was upset: "What's the matter, it's in the middle of the night!"

Yuan Shi hurriedly said: "The West Market is flooded! The flames are soaring, Your Majesty is announcing you into the palace!"

He Tai was still a little confused: "Walking water? That's a matter of Jingzhao Mansion, what does it have to do with me?"

Yuan Shi: "The fire has not been extinguished until now. I heard that many houses have been burned down. Maybe you were asked to enter the palace to discuss countermeasures?"

Hearing the word "house", He Tai was shocked and became sober.

The house is gone, the people are displaced, and it is under the feet of the emperor, so it must be rebuilt. Whose job is it to rebuild the house?Ministry of Industry!

He Tai lamented: Why is he so unlucky, he can't even live a peaceful life!