Three thousand miles in exile

"It's still 24 taels of silver..."

The summer solstice was the most comfortable time of the year. Liu Zhan was lying on his back weakly on the kang, the windows were opened on both sides of the room, the air was convective and the cool breeze was blowing, and even Wangcai was so comfortable that he turned his stomach.

Xu was killing hard. Recently, the number of wild boars in the wild boar forest has dropped sharply. In the past, when you went up the mountain with good luck, you could hunt four or five, but now it is rare to see one or two a day.

Song Fenglin comforted him. "All beginnings are hard."

Liu Zhan was helpless.

"Brother." Just then Li Xiaolian came in with a box in his arms.

Liu Zhan continued to spread out, and Song Fenglin made tea for Li Xiaolian.

"Brother, you take this and use it first." Li Xiaolian sent the box to Liu Zhan.

Liu Zhan stood up suspiciously and took it. Once he opened the box, there were five taels of silver ingots. There were five ingots in total. Liu Zhan immediately stuffed them back into Li Xiaolian's arms.

"This is the money your mother left for your marriage, how can you take it out casually." Liu Zhan said seriously.

Li Xiaolian put the box in front of Liu Zhan.

"The eldest madam told my mother not to hurry to marry me, she said..." Li Xiaolian was a little shy. "It is said that if the family situation improves in two years, find me a good marriage."

In the past two years, the Liu family's establishment of Yunzhong Academy has been booming. Although their family background is not as good as that of the rich families in the county, they are better because they are born with a high reputation.

Since Liu Zhan turned fifteen, the matchmaker who came to the door to talk about marriage almost broke the threshold of Liu's family. Mrs. Zhao let it go and said that the marriage of several children in the family would not be considered until eighteen, so it stopped.

Li Xiaolian said again: "These silver coins are placed on the left and right, and the elder brother will use them first if they are useful."

"Are you not afraid that I will steal your money and not return it?" Liu Zhan was grateful.

"Brother is a capable person, how could he be interested in such a small amount of money." Li Xiaolian smiled honestly.

Liu Zhan patted Li Xiaolian on the shoulder. "Thank you."

With Li Xiaolian's help, Liu Zhan finally got together a hundred taels, so he couldn't sit still, and immediately went to find Liu Xueyuan.

When Liu Zhan came over, Liu Xueyuan and Song Yijun were talking about the war in northern Xinjiang.

The army of Yan soldiers came down to the three counties in the Cangxia Plain. Yan's army was defeated and retreated steadily.

"Cangxia Plain is the gateway to Great Chu in northern Xinjiang, and the Yan family has monopolized power in Cangxia Plain but does nothing." Song Yijun shook his head and sighed.

The iron cavalry of the Yan Army entered and exited the Cangxia Plain several times, as if entering a land without people.

Liu Xueyuan frowned deeply. "The generation of King Yan in the Yan Kingdom was so talented, gathered all the ministries of the grassland to establish the royal court, and even built the Yan army cavalry, driving the Xianbei people on the grassland thousands of miles away. Now the people of the Yan Kingdom are united, and the national strength is so strong. On the other hand, the Yan family, it is true. A generation is not as good as a generation."

Liu Zhan sat aside and listened quietly.

Qiyun Mountain is the largest mountain range in the north of the world. After leaving Qiyun Mountain, there is a prairie with a flat surface. There is a plain called Cangxia Plain in the Huangchuan River Basin on the east side of Qiyun Mountain. Because the Qiyun Mountains block the north wind, the climate of Cangxia Plain is mild. Fertile wild thousands of miles.

Under the leadership of the Ming Lord, the Yan Kingdom became stronger and stronger, so it was natural that they were interested in the Cangxia Plain.

Emperor Xuan agreed to send troops to assist Chen Liu at this juncture. They can still get news from the court in this deep mountain, let alone King Yan?With such a good opportunity, the King of Yan is afraid that he is going to make a real move.

There will be a big battle between Yan and Chu.

Song Yijun was worried. "If the Yan family can't hold it, the flames of war may spread to Qiyun Mountain."

Liu Xueyuan sighed.

Liu Zhan was planning to develop power in Tongtianguan, so he immediately took the opportunity to confess to Liu Xueyuan.

"You want to join the army?!" Unexpectedly, Liu Xueyuan's face changed drastically.

"Northern Xinjiang is not peaceful now, and there will be a big war in two years. You can do whatever you want in your daily life, but you must not join the army!"

"Father..." Liu Zhan didn't say that Liu Xueyuan interrupted him. "I thought you were saving money to buy something. How could you think of buying soldiers? Is it just a joke to go into battle and kill the enemy?"

Liu Zhan knew that Liu Xueyuan would say this, and he said calmly: "Because the northern border is not peaceful, I want to join the army, father, have you ever thought that our family will take root here, if the Yan army goes up the mountain, how will we protect ourselves? In this troubled world, who can be alone?"

Liu Xueyuan was unable to refute.

Liu Zhan said again: "Our family is a body of guilt. Leaving Wuyuan County is a death penalty. Others can go to relatives. Where can we go? If we become refugees and flee, how can the whole family survive?"

Liu Xueyuan clenched his fists and trembled all over.

Liu Zhan continued: "It is rumored that the Yan army's iron cavalry is invincible. I am not arrogant and think that organizing a few people can resist the enemy. I just want to develop power in the depths of this dense forest. If danger comes, I can have a hiding place. .”

Song Yijun didn't speak at the side. Liu Zhan's joining the army was a matter of life and death. It was inconvenient for him to say more as an outsider, but he looked at Liu Zhan with a little more appreciation in his eyes.

As the sky gradually darkened, the father and son were at a stalemate, and Liu Zhan's attitude was very firm.

Mrs. Zhao lit a lamp for the father and son, and the dim candlelight made shadows and shadows.

Sitting behind the desk, Liu Xueyuan looked at the eldest son, who was already a head taller than him, with mixed emotions in his heart, and he rolled his words twice before he spoke.

"Zhan'er, are you sure you want to join the army?"

Liu Zhan said brightly. "Yes, my son has made up his mind."

In fact, Liu Xueyuan knew everything about Liu Zhan in the village and on the mountain all these years, and he also knew that his son was good at boxing and kicking, and even the two boys from the Cao family followed his example.

Whether it was fighting or fighting wild boars, Liu Xueyuan knew that his son could handle it, at most he would suffer minor injuries and pains, but joining the army was different!

Now that the situation in northern Xinjiang is grim, who can guarantee whether Liu Zhan will go to the battlefield.

There was deep worry in Liu Xueyuan's eyes.

"Father, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity." Liu Zhan said firmly.

"Back then, my grandfather was only one step away from becoming a senior member of the third rank. Our Liu family wanted to be beaten or killed at the discretion of the emperor, but such a headstrong and conceited emperor couldn't do anything to the Yan family. Why?"

Liu Zhan said forcefully, "It's because of military power!"

These days, it is not for nothing that Liu Zhan pesters Song Fenglin to read regional annals and history books.

Liu Zhan talked eloquently, with sparkles in his eyes.

"The dispute between Yan and Chu, Chen Liu's entry into Shu, was a harbinger of chaos in the world. After the death of Zhou Dynasty, the princes divided the world. Although some overlords entered the Central Plains one after another to rule the world, but there has never been a dynasty that can last five or six generations. Talk about world domination."

"Let's look at the death of the second generation of small countries in the past dynasties, and the death of three generations of big countries. In an era where heroes rise together, self-respect of mercenaries is the foundation of the world! If there is no military power, how can our Liu family survive?"

Liu Xueyuan was extremely shocked by these remarks, he wanted to refute but was surprised that he was powerless to refute.

For the first time, Liu Xueyuan looked at his eldest son squarely.

The wicker-like thin child in my memory has disappeared, and the young boy in front of me is as tall and straight as a pine tree, his eyes are as bright as the scorching sun, his chest is full of heaven and earth, and his momentum is bright, and the dragon is about to soar into the sky.

Liu Xueyuan finally backed down after a long silence, nodded slowly and sighed. "My son is very good."

Seeing that Liu Xueyuan finally nodded, the big stone in Liu Zhan's heart finally fell to the ground, and then he spoke out his plan in an orderly manner.

"I want to buy the post of Tongtianguan city defense and patrol with the county magistrate Pei, and take full responsibility for all matters related to the closure of Tongtianguan. Tongtian Peak, where Tongtianguan is located, is surrounded by tens of miles of uninhabited dense forests, which is suitable for the development of power. At this time, I will use the city defense Conscription in the name of patrol, as long as I have money and food, I can support hundreds of people."

It's easy to do things if you have people. Liu's family is a military member. If there is a conscription order, they will send males to serve as soldiers. It can be said that Liu Zhan's military service is only a matter of time, and the household registration is so inevitable.

Liu Xueyuan's eyes were bloodshot. He knew that his son was right. Instead of being passively recruited, it would be better to take the initiative to buy a low-level military officer to develop his power while the mountain is still peaceful.

As for the impossibility of Liu Zhan's status being promoted, this question is still early, and things will be done step by step in the future.

That night Liu Xueyuan didn't sleep all night, and the next morning he dressed neatly, opened the box containing 100 taels of silver, and Liu Xueyuan added another 30 taels to it.

Tongtian Pass is just a small city pass, and the surrounding villagers all know that there is only one general soldier and a dozen people guarding it, and there are not many living people throughout the year. reject.

In fact, Liu Xueyuan can buy it without adding money. He added 30 taels because he didn’t want to be underestimated, and because he wanted to please someone.

Liu Zhan borrowed a bullock cart, and Liu Xueyuan took the box and got on the bullock cart and took Liu Zhan down the mountain.

The backyard of Wuyuan County Government.

"My lord, Dean Liu of Yunzhong Academy is asking to see you." Master Fang preached.

In the gazebo, Pei Wanshan was playing with his son, who had just turned one month old. He regarded this son as a treasure when he was nearly forty years old, and he hugged him for a long time every day when he was free.

Hearing that Pei Wanshan handed over his son to the wet nurse to carry him back, he raised his hand to signal Master Fang to invite him over.

"I have met Mr. Pei." Liu Xueyuan greeted Pei Wanshan neither humble nor overbearing.

Liu Zhan waited outside the gazebo with the box in his arms.

Pei Wanshan sat on the stone bench with his big belly in his hands and made a gesture of invitation. "President Liu, you don't need to be polite, please sit down."

Liu Xueyuan hurriedly cupped his hands and said, "How can you sit in front of your lord while wearing a sinful body?"

"President Liu doesn't have to be like this," Pei Wanshan waved his hands and smiled wrinkledly, but he didn't persuade him any more.

Liu Xueyuan said bluntly. "To be honest, Xiaomin has something to ask for from adults when he comes here."

Liu Xueyuan took the box from Liu Zhan outside the gazebo, and respectfully presented the box to Pei Wanshan.

"Gouzi is naughty. I heard that there is a vacancy for city defense and patrol at Tongtianguan near the village. This time I am looking for a job for Gouzi."

Pei Wanshan laughed. "It's just a big job. I thought it was such a big deal, but I asked Dean Liu to ask for it in person."

Liu Xueyuan laughed along with him. "Master Pei is the parent official of Wuyuan County, so it is natural to ask him to make the decision. Besides, our Liu family has been taken care of by you. In the past, our life was difficult. Now that things are getting better, we should show our respect to you."

When these words reached Pei Wanshan's heart, the smile on Fatty's face became more sincere.

Liu Xueyuan opened the box and said. "I hope my lord will not dislike this little idea, if in the future..." Liu Xueyuan paused. "We Mrs. Liu will never forget Mr. Pei's kindness, and we will definitely thank you again."

Pei Wanshan sat up straight, money is a small matter, and the kindness owed by the Liu family is the key point. Liu Xueyuan's hint is very clear, there are still people in the Liu family who are not destroyed like the Song family.

Pei Wanshan closed the box, he glanced at Master Fang, who immediately came up to accept it.

"I got a top-notch comment on my political achievements this year. I would like to thank Dean Liu. Dean Liu cares about educating the people even though he is in the whole world. As the parent officer of Wuyuan County, I should also thank you."

Pei Wanshan stood up. "Please don't worry about the matter of Lingzi. I will write down the appointment documents and handle them together today."

Liu Zhan outside the pavilion clasped his fists and saluted. "Thank you, Master Pei."

Pei Wanshan laughed out loud. "Young Master Ling is an outstanding talent, and the official's son is not yet a hundred days old."

Liu Xueyuan chatted with Pei Wanshan about some trivial matters, and that day Liu Zhan left the county office directly with the paperwork for his inauguration.

With a big wave of his hand, Pei Wanshan not only appointed Liu Zhan as the city defense patrol of Tongtianguan, but also rewarded him with the military post of head of a hundred households.

This is incredible.

Although the head of a hundred households is only the smallest military position in the military camp, he is already a serious official in the eyes of the villagers. The news spread and caused a sensation in the whole village.

Liu Zhan put on the military uniform of the head of a hundred households, and the teenagers envied and admired Liu Zhan. They were full of praise, especially when Liu Zhan put the long knife provided in the battalion on his waist, he was so powerful and domineering!

Cao Zhuang was already scratching his ears and scratching his cheeks, begging incessantly. "Boss, take us into the camp together, what will we do now that you're gone?"

Li Xiaolian also said. "Yeah, big brother, I want to enter the camp too, I want to follow you!"

Cao Ming, Zhang Xiaoman, Wen Qingshan, Li Xiaolian, Zhou Zimin, Wei Chenggui and other youths who followed Liu Zhan first were the most anxious, and they all spoke good things in one go.

Liu Zhan raised his hand to signal everyone to be quiet. "I'm going to be a soldier. I'm going to fight the enemy in the future. Although Wuyuan County is located in a remote place, if we don't keep everything together, we will be sent to the battlefield. Aren't you afraid?"

Liu Zhan made the matter serious on purpose. What he said was just a warning to the teenagers that entering the camp was not a joke, but the teenagers all said in unison that they were not afraid, and their attitude was determined not to make a fuss.

Liu Zhan asked again. "Do your parents know?"

Cao Ming said loudly: "My father said that only by following the boss can we have a good future. If the boss doesn't want us, we can only cultivate the land for the rest of our lives."

"Yeah, that's what my dad said."

"Yeah yeah."

Who says barefoot tenants aren't smart?What if the family members of the teenagers don't allow them to follow Liu Zhan up and down the mountain all day long?

Liu Zhan nodded in satisfaction. "Well, tomorrow I'm going to the county government office to report to Mr. Pei, and Xiang Shi will ask Mr. Pei for a favor to bring you to work together."

Liu Zhan's job entry was just a formality, and Pei Wanshan agreed to Liu Zhan's trivial request without thinking.

When Liu Zhan came back, he brought back sixteen sets of military uniforms and sixteen guns. Tomorrow, the teenagers would guard Tongtian Pass with him, which shocked the three villages of Tiancang Village, Shangqiao Village, and Xiaqiao Village. It was completely surrounded by the villagers who came to watch.

Song Fenglin said angrily: "Do you have to make a scene so that everyone knows?"

Liu Zhan proudly said: "That is, if they don't let them know that following me, Liu Zhan has meat to eat, who would still follow me?"

Song Fenglin glanced at him and reminded him after thinking about it. "Be careful, don't act rashly if you are not familiar with the situation at first."

Liu Zhan didn't tell Liu Xueyuan about the grain robbery in Yandi, but Song Fenglin knew Liu Zhan's plan very well.

Liu Zhan looked at him deeply and said, "I'll pick you up when I'm settled down, and wait for me."

Song Fenglin glanced at him and turned back to the house. "You guys are too noisy, I want to read a book."

Liu Zhan said with a smile: "Okay, we will not disturb you when we go to the sun-drying field."

On this day, Liu Zhan distributed military uniforms and weapons to the teenagers at the grain drying field, as well as iron plates that symbolized the status of soldiers.

Liu Zhan personally marked each person's name on the back of the iron plate. Whether the words look good or not is another matter. This solemn feeling alone made the teenagers very proud.

Liu Zhan was full of ambitions, but when he officially took office at Tongtianguan, he saw those 50-[-]-year-old veterans and the dilapidated city walls and buildings, and his mood was really hard to express.

Tongtianguan is located in the depression of Tongtian Peak, just blocked by two huge boulders, surrounded by exotic pines, and has a wide view.

There is only one gate tower in the entire Tongtian Pass facing the Yan Kingdom. Needless to say, the gate tower is dilapidated, the roof is covered with weeds, the city wall has collapsed and only the foundation is left. The only thing that is relatively intact is the barracks of the soldiers. .

As a rule, under one hundred households, there are two general banners and ten small banners, a total of 100 people. In fact, there are less than 30 people in the defense of Tongtianguan City.

Insufficient number of people is second, it is the age of these people that Liu Zhan can't accept.

The name of the general banner is Huang Dekai, who is 43-[-] this year, the name of a small banner is Chen Fugui, who is [-]-two this year, and the youngest name of the other small banner is Zhang Ertian, but he is also [-] years old. The oldest soldier is in his early [-]s, and the youngest There are also more than forty.

There are about [-] old, weak, sick and disabled people like this. If Yan soldiers go up the mountain, there is no enemy.

Liu Zhan couldn't be happy for two days, looking at the dilapidated scene in front of him, he was worried.

Putting aside the issue of personnel, the most important thing right now is to repair the barracks, they don't even have a place to live.

Several barracks at Tongtianguan collapsed, and the existing barracks were too crowded to accommodate more people. Liu Zhan had an idea in his mind and called Cao Zhuang.

"Da Zhuang, take your brothers to repair the barracks and settle down first, and see what everyone lacks. The mountain is bitterly cold, and the kang bed must be set up."

Cao Zhuang responded loudly and asked again. "Boss, where do you live?"

Liu Zhan said: "I will be with everyone, and we will build another house after we settle down."

Tongtianguan was built on the mountain, and the houses on the city wall were all made of local materials and piled up with stones. Liu Zhan built the house with everyone, and slept on the base of the wall at night.