[Red Mansions] The Road to Empress Dowager

Xin Xiuyan hugged Tu Yuanyi's arm, and acted coquettishly: "Husband~~~ Don't be so ambitious, let's travel together, it's great to be a prince and princess."

Tu Yuanyi lowered his phoenix eyes slightly, looked at her, and said, "Don't you want your mother to honor the world?"

Xin Xiuyan said: "Forget it, the queens of the past dynasties either did not have a good death, or they did not have a good life, or they were cruel and merciless mixed up as Empress Lu and Empress Wu. It is not interesting. I think the Xiao/Xiang style of painting is more suitable for us, Lord Xiaoyao Pretty Princess~~~"

Tu Yuanyi's eyes were full of playfulness: "Are you pretty? You are fierce."

Xin Xiuyan got angry, grabbed his ear, and threatened: "Honey, am I beautiful?"

Tu Yuanyi snorted and said, "It's not just beautiful!"

Only then did Xin Xiuyan giggle, threw herself into his arms, wrapped her arms around his waist, rubbed against his neck, and said, "Your father really doesn't mind...have I ever been in trouble?"

Tu Yuanyi said: "Father Huangjie doesn't mind, I'm afraid it's not very important."

Xin Xiuyan asked again: "Didn't you say before that you were going to choose a successor? Will your father marry you as a side concubine?"

Tu Yuanyi smiled and said, "Then he probably thought about it."

Xin Xiuyan twisted his waist: "How dare you! Don't think that you can have three wives and four concubines in ancient times!"

Tu Yuanyi said: "I told you that you are fierce, but you still don't admit it."

Xin Xiuyan did not refute, but suddenly said: "Our child...how is it now?"

Tu Yuanyi couldn't help thinking about the children, and said: "When I left Beijing, they already knew more than 300 characters. Now they live... at the father-in-law's house. There are mother-in-law and your sisters watching, and there are nurses and maids to protect them. Everything is fine, but they always miss you."

The children are almost three years old now, and they are already very sensible. Sometimes it doesn’t work to deceive them. They will keep asking where the queen mother went and when she will come back.

Xin Xiuyan felt guilty and said, "Actually... I still can't remember it, and I don't know how to deal with it. In short, I am not a good mother. When Sichuan is calmed down, I will go to see them..."

He stroked her head, held her in his arms, and said, "You will be a good mother, and the children will be proud of you."

Tu Yuanyi stayed with her for one night, but the next day she and the troops had to set off no matter what. Tu Yuanyi called the second hero, two hundred brocade guards, and four eunuchs to follow.

Originally, she used to march on one pair of feet like ordinary soldiers, but after having Ah Jin, she could ride a horse.

Starting from Leshan, marching eastward all the way, you can also see a huge logistics force composed of the Weisuo Army and Leshan's civilian husbands along the way.

A war is definitely not just a fight. In addition to fighting bravely on the battlefield, it is more important to have the support of national strength.The [-] red shirts went south to counter the rebellion, so much money and food were needed to ensure the first link.

It can be seen that the strategy of "combining suppression and appeasement" to calm down the peasant army is important. If the yellow, blue, white, and black troops in Kyoto are all transferred to suppress/bandits, I am afraid that the country will be dragged into the abyss.

In the past, Xin Xiuyan only knew about it from the perspective of historical texts and economics, but she has a more intuitive feeling when she really sees the continuous logistics team on the official road, which is by no means like playing with the logistics in TV dramas.

She also suddenly understood that the task of the imperial court appointing her to manage the prisoners of war was no less important than the main force. Only by allowing the refugees in Sichuan to live a life of food, food and clothing as quickly as possible, the war would truly end.The people are good, and the court is also good. The people are self-reliant under her management, and the court will not be hurt by this war.

Under the sun, the countryside of the Land of Abundance, even though there are no peaceful and harmonious pastoral villages, is still fascinatingly beautiful. Xin Xiuyan is riding on a horse, looking at the beautiful mountains and rivers, and a delicate feeling of a woman is born in her heart. Everything she will do is meaningful.

Zhao Wenlong's march was obviously very fast. The Red Shirts didn't make a fool of themselves immediately after they entered Shu, but did their homework after doing enough intelligence.

The road from Leshan to Ziyang is relatively quiet, but after passing Ziyang, guerrillas and bandits harass the rear from time to time.

And Yin Jun, the commander of the guard army, was also always vigilant. Xin Xiuyan led more than 3000 men, not far from the logistics team that transported food and grass, and took several shots to resolve the crisis.Later, Suo Xing walked with Yin Jun's people.

In order to prevent the enemy guerrillas from burning the food and grass of the officers and soldiers, some traps were set up near the camp of Xin Xiuyan, and they were cleared by scouts until they went on the road again.Not to mention, it is really beneficial to be so careful, and caught many stragglers who wanted to attack the camp.

When they arrived in Suining, Xin Xiuyan accepted the first batch of large captives. Suining was originally the gateway to the west of Nanchong. There were originally [-] White Lotus Sect troops stationed here, but Zhao Wenlong and Li Ji joined forces here, and the small town was captured in less than three days. up.

As a result, Xin Xiuyan and the logistics troops entered Suining, and the forbidden army handed over 3 White Lotus Sect troops and more than 5 civilians to Xin Xiuyan for management.

At this time, Xin Xiuyan wanted to integrate these people as quickly as possible. Xin Xiuyan knew that sometimes military capabilities and civilization levels were not directly proportional in historical facts.Just like the civilization of the Song Dynasty was much more advanced than that of Mongolia, but Mongolia's simple and crude military management and organization methods were the most effective.

More than 5 civilians were handed over to Chen Yi. These people were originally bound by the White Lotus Sect, and they were not even its vested interests.As for the bandit army of more than 3, Xin Xiuyan ordered three rounds of selection.First of all, a "public trial meeting" will be held, and the common people will report the evildoers in the White Lotus Sect, and carry out public executions to establish their prestige.Then investigate and register those who can read and write as candidates for future non-commissioned officer preparations.Pull it out for a run again, check your basic physical fitness and attitude, and remove those with poor physical fitness and those who love to cheat and play tricks from the team.

The remaining 2 people are those who can be reorganized in Xin Xiuyan's eyes.

Xin Xiuyan was even more simple and rude, and asked the first and second battalions of more than 1000 troops to divide the more than 2 people, and the low-level officers were responsible for drills and ideological study and reform.This is similar to the growth steps of the Datong Army at the beginning, but it has not immediately entered the work of reclamation, and the imperial court is now supported by money and food.

No matter whether they are non-commissioned officers or ordinary soldiers, they are full of enthusiasm for this work, because if they are swallowed up and transformed successfully, they can become as many officials as there are people under their command.Nobody wants a promotion and a raise.

This made the people of the third battalion and the fourth battalion look jealous. The first battalion and the second battalion have directly changed from battalion-level units to division-level units. How can they balance.

Xu Changgui and Sun Fang went directly to Xin Xiuyan. Xin Xiuyan was stationed in the original Suining government office as a high-ranking official. Because of the relationship between Jinyiwei and Xichang people, it showed that she was special. Even Yin Jun only lived near the government office. .

Xin Xiuyan was in the study at the moment, and heard two subordinates euphemistically explain the purpose of the trip, she couldn't help scolding: "What's the rush? There are [-] troops in Nanchong City. When Zhao Wenlong and Li Ji are defeated, I'm afraid you won't be able to swallow it!"

Xu Changgui said: "Leader, now we can also divide the 2 people equally."

Sun Fang said: "Regimental Commander, Old Xu is right. Although our Fourth Battalion was established relatively late, it is definitely no worse than the First and Second Battalions. I will definitely complete the task!"

Xin Xiuyan said: "Fart! What's the matter with you? I have a small farmer's idea of ​​equal distribution in my heart, but should I do things? Can the world be peaceful and peaceful by relying on equal distribution? The White Lotus Sect vows to share equally, and they will Is it? They just learned to equalize the hard work of others, which made the world messy. Everyone doesn’t work, and it’s enough to equalize the hard work of others.”

Xu Changgui quickly said: "Head, although I used to join the White Lotus Sect, but now I am a member of the Datong Army. I definitely don't have such an idea! I... just want to help Lao Zhang and Lao Wu share the burden..."

Xin Xiuyan scolded: "I don't know what you two boys are thinking? Isn't it just that you get promoted first when you see someone else, and you are jealous."

Sun Fang rubbed his hands and said, "Commander, we are also afraid that the first battalion and the second battalion will be overwhelmed."

Xin Xiuyan breathed a long sigh of relief, and said: "I've been too busy recently, so I didn't discuss it in the committee, so I ordered it directly. Let me ask you, if the four main combat battalions are going to reorganize the army now, in a short time, we will What combat power does the Datong Army have? Will those White Lotus Sect soldiers be able to form combat power once they enter our Datong Army?"

Xu Changgui suddenly realized: "The head of the regiment is saying that our third and fourth battalions are the fighting strength of the Datong Army during this period of time?"

Xin Xiuyan said: "Yes, although we are in the same command as Yin Jun, our Datong Army must maintain combat effectiveness under any circumstances. Before the capture of Nanchong City, your task is no easier than that of the first and second battalions. Afterwards, the first battalion and the second battalion already have a certain combat effectiveness, and there will be more sources of troops waiting for you. During this period of time, you must not only maintain your combat capabilities, but also strive to be advanced, because only the strong can fight with their small ones. Great. Ordinary soldiers among you may also become platoon leaders. If they are still elm-headed, or the low-level ideological consciousness of the White Lotus Sect, they will not be able to pass the organizational review/assessment for official transfer to non-commissioned officers, and you will not even be able to manage the lower ones. If the people's organization fails to pass the review in the future and cannot become a teacher, then don't blame me."

Xu Changgui hurriedly rubbed his hands, and said with a naive smile: "Commander, no, military seat, don't worry, those little rabbits don't work hard, if you dare to embarrass me, I will beat them to death."

Sun Fang couldn't help but despise Xu Changgui. They had learned the modern army formation set by Xin Xiuyan, and he even memorized some of the names that the subordinates used for their superiors when Xin Xiuyan joked about it.At this time, counting the more than 2 people who will be absorbed, there are two or three divisions, and Xin Xiuyan has also changed from a regiment commander to an army commander.Xu Changgui, a former member of the White Lotus Sect, was actually the first person to call out such a Republican-style title.

Although Sun Fang despised Xu Changgui, he also smiled on the same face and said: "Thank you for your trust, the military seat. I will definitely take up the responsibility of defense. If there is any omission, I will see you first!"

Xin Xiuyan said: "Get out! I'm busy!"

The two of them nodded and bowed their heads to go out, and when they left her yard, they were refreshed again.When they met Zhang Shan and Duan Zhi, the two couldn't help but widen their eyes. They were dragging them to complain, but now they have completely changed.

When Zhang Shan and Duan Zhi entered Xin Xiuyan's office study, she was writing a manuscript. The two of them were going to report and investigate the affairs of Chen Yi's side. It was definitely not easy to manage more than 5 civilians, and Chen Yi himself was too busy to leave. opened.

Duan Zhi said: "Now that there are too many people, Suining doesn't have so many places to train so many people. Besides, these people don't have a stable place. I'm afraid something will happen after a long time."

Zhang Shan also echoed, "That's right, team leader. Back then, we were reclaiming wasteland and planting the next season of corn in August before we got settled. There were only a few hundred people at that time, and tens of thousands of people really can't be crowded here like this."

Xin Xiuyan said: "I am also waiting for people from the household department. I want to divide these people into individual villages. Each village has 3000 to [-] people. Now I can't make decisions about the land around here."

Duan Zhi said: "The staff of the household department set off from Chengdu, and they should have arrived in Suining soon."

Xin Xiuyan nodded, then looked at Zhang Shan again, and said, "Old Zhang, we are also old friends, I have to tell you something from the bottom of my heart, if there is something that doesn't please you, don't worry about it."

Zhang Shan smiled and said, "Leader, just say it, I know that although I have the title of deputy head, my talent is incomparable to that of Lao Duan and Lao Chen, and I can only take care of small things."

Xin Xiuyan said: "They have been able to read and write since they were young. This is a fact. Let's seek truth from facts, and we don't have to shy away from it. Even so, our Datong Army now has the trust of the court. If we take on these things, there will be a lot of cadre gaps in the future. As you The deputy head of the Datong Army has to take on the responsibility even more."

Zhang Shan nodded and said, "I will follow the regiment leader's arrangement."

Xin Xiuyan said: "Although you haven't studied much and your skills are average, the reason why I chose you as the deputy head back then was not only that you were Mrs. Zhang's son, but also that you were a smart person. Now we have left Zhangjiacun , the world outside is very vast, and the personnel are not as easy to manage as before. I am also worried that our team will grow bigger and there will be all kinds of birds. If the Datong Army becomes corrupt, then we will follow the old path of the White Lotus Sect. We are now Officials of the imperial court, but the imperial court Yushitai, Jinyiwei and the third division can't control us for a while, we have to guard against it. I want you to take up this matter, choose a few honest people, and set up the "Integrity Department" of the Datong Army ’, supervise the whole army, including me.”

Duan Zhi's eyes lit up, and he said: "The head of the group is really far-sighted. Back then, in Zhangjia Village, the head of the group had a noble character, but the people who managed a village in the future have never seen such a high-minded person. It would be a shame if he became a bully in the village It violates the original intention of the leader."

Xin Xiuyan said: "Everyone wants to get rich, and our Datong Army doesn't stop people from getting rich, but we can't take things that shouldn't be taken."

Duan Zhi said: "But if we set up a separate department, will it violate the imperial taboo?"

Xin Xiuyan said: "I will play to the imperial court and explain the benefits and disadvantages of it."

Zhang Shan said: "But I need manpower, and I have never touched this area. Does the head have any ideas?"

Xin Xiuyan said: "We need people who understand accounting, who are literate, and who are smart and sharp. I also want to ask them to help train some basic abilities of supervision after the Ming court. I can only give some opinions from the general direction. But our "Ministry of Integrity" will have no restricted areas. Even if I have corrupted the public's money, if you present evidence, you will also lock me in. Don't think that you are the leader, and others will not be able to control you. , You supervise everyone, but the common people can see you. The post allowance of your department will be paid according to the highest standard, which is enough for you to live a decent life. Moreover, as officials conferred by the imperial court, after you settle down, the tax-free manor will be paid accordingly. There will be benefits as well.”

Zhang Shan nodded: "I understand, the head of the group is talking about the ugly words first. Power and obligation are unified."

Xin Xiuyan said: "That's right, the ugly words come first. If the words are more ugly, you will not be able to do well in the future, and you will still have to come down. If you come down, you should think clearly that you will not be stereotyped. Apart from being an officer of our Datong Army, Can you be an official in other places? If you come down, it will be inside the Datong Army, will there be an official position of the same level for you then?"

Zhang Shan stood upright and said: "Zhang Shan swears to take responsibility to the death!"

Xin Xiuyan said: "Old Duan, you can help find a few people. Old Duan, you also have a task, I will tell you in a few days..."

Just as he was talking, Ouyang Lei came over and reported, "Master Lin and the others are here! They are about to meet the general."

Xin Xiuyan smiled and said: "I just read about them. If you say Cao Cao, Cao Cao will be here."

Xin Xiuyan got up, put on the official hat, adjusted the boa robe, got up and took Zhang Shan and Duan Zhi out of the study.

When Xin Xiuyan arrived at the hall of the government office, she saw two men waiting without even taking a seat.One looked in his early forties, with a face like a crown jade, three strands of green beard, and an elegant demeanor, wearing a scarlet robe in the uniform of a first-rank official, with cranes embroidered on his chest; He has a beard, sword eyebrows and star eyes, a straight nose, wearing a green robe of a fifth-rank official, with white pheasants embroidered on his chest.

Although Lin Ruhai and Tan Qian brought many people over, there were only two people who came to see Xin Xiuyan.In the past two years, from the palace to the entire aristocratic circle, the shadow of the queen's disappearance has been shrouded. As the queen's close relatives, they have also felt sad.It is absolutely unexpected that the meeting will be like this after more than two years.

With a smile on her face, Xin Xiuyan raised her hands and said, "Master Lin, Master Tan, you have worked hard all the way."

The two could only return a salute in embarrassment: "... General Yan."

Xin Xiuyan saw their strange expressions, she only thought that they were her relatives, and they were suppressing their emotions when they reunited.

Xin Xiuyan introduced Duan Zhi and Zhang Shan again. After the etiquette was over, Xin Xiuyan smiled slightly, waved her hand and said, "Master Lin, please take a seat."

Speaking of walking to the main seat, she thought that her other identity was at least a princess. Although she was a junior, it would not be rude to have a lower official position.

Lin Ruhai and Tan Qian glanced at each other and took their seats, while Duan Zhi and Zhang Shan took the first seats after Xin Xiuyan.

Xin Xiuyan sighed, and said: "You two are also my elder relatives. I am ashamed to say that there was an accident that year, and I hurt my head. I don't remember much about the past. Please don't take offense if you are rude."

Lin Ruhai stood up, clasped his fists and said, "Mother... the general is serious. Ever since the general had an accident, I have been worried and never gave up searching. Now that I can see the general safe and sound, the heavens have eyes. I think... everyone You must be overjoyed."

Xin Xiuyan nodded, and said: "When Sichuan Dading, I will go back to Beijing with my husband, and then I will be able to see my old friend again, maybe I will remember."

Lin Ruhai said: "The general...is suffering."

Xin Xiuyan shook her head and said with a light smile, "I'm pretty good now. With a group of brothers, the imperial court entrusts me with a heavy responsibility after the recruitment. If the people in Sichuan can live and work in peace and contentment, I won't be in vain to take a trip to the rivers and lakes."

Tan Qian said: "...the general has great compassion in his heart, and he will definitely get his wish."

Xin Xiuyan said a few words modestly, and then asked: "How many people did your household department bring this time? Does the emperor have any other special requirements for arranging refugees to hoard fields and reclaim wasteland?"

Lin Ruhai said: "We brought over two hundred people, some are small officials from the household department, and some are Jinshi and Juren who are waiting for vacancies from the official department. The emperor said that the general has a good way of managing the refugees, let us cooperate with your work , and register. And, starting from this year, the new places will be exempted from tax for three years."

Xin Xiuyan smiled and said, "It's true that the pillow was given away as soon as I dozed off. There is a big gap in the literate people here."

Duan Zhi suddenly said: "Leader, Jinshi Juren, do we have to make a move?"

Duan Zhi still attached great importance to the imperial examination fame, he himself was a scholar, how could the status of a scholar in the circle of scholars be comparable to that of a Jinshi Juren.

Xin Xiuyan put her hand on the coffee table, tapped her fingers, and said, "I'm not going to pack up and leave. What I want is someone who does things, not to worship the uncle."

Duan Zhi coughed, and Xin Xiuyan understood what he meant, she quickly smiled at Lin Ruhai and Tan Qian, and said, "Master Lin, Master Tan, I still need you to tell me, these people under me, they have been with me for two years, understand I want something, but...it's not considered a scholar. I think...your people still need to do something about ideological education."

Lin Ruhai said: "Don't worry, general, we will look at this point, if it is unqualified, we will replace it."

Xin Xiuyan looked at Duan Zhi, and said: "When the time comes, go and talk to the people at Chen Yi's side, after all, it is someone sent by the imperial court, don't put on a show for me, and be modest at the right time, there is no harm."

"Yes, Captain."

Xin Xiuyan said to Zhang Shan again: "Old Zhang, I will give you a task first. Let me see how our people communicate with the people from the household department. If there are any conflicts, you can resolve them for me. Everything is based on the overall situation." However, since these things are organized in our way, we have the leading power. If those Jinshi don’t understand, you can explain to them patiently. I think since you are a person who reads sage books, you will always make sense.”

"Yes, Captain, I will do well."

When it was time for lunch again, Xin Xiuyan greeted the two of them to go to the "canteen", which was rebuilt from a courtyard in the government office. Xin Xiuyan and other high-level personnel, as well as the guards and guards guarding her, also ate here.

The person who came was a high-ranking official of the imperial court. After hearing the news, the cafeteria prepared a banquet according to the standard, and the second hero accompanied him.

Even though Lin and Tan are relatives of Xin Xiuyan's old relatives, they are also strict in etiquette in Jiangnan, the capital. In the past, men and women would not sit at the same table at banquets of noble families.But now obviously there is no such scruple.