Shu Chen

Chapter 212 Black Line
Shi Puli was furious.

Relying on him as a broker for Wei Jun to gain a foothold in Hexi, the Han Army actually ushered in at home!
If it is spread, not to mention that the foundation of standing is gone, even the women and children at home will find it difficult to get Wei Jun's butcher's knife.

In particular, the Han army was still led by Zhi Wudai and Bai Huwen, the leaders of the Xiongnu branch who had been kind to him during the transaction and who had a friendship with his ancestors in the past!
Betrayal by someone close to you is the most unforgivable.

After he finished cursing, he instinctively put his hand on the handle of the knife at his waist.

But very quickly, under the watchful eyes of more than a dozen subordinates behind Jiang Wei, he spread his hands flat to show that he was not hostile.

Only his family lives here, and there are less than ten young and strong servants, so they dare not fight head-on with the carefully selected Han army.

Jiang Wei, who waved his hand and asked his subordinates to withdraw their knives, had a hint of curiosity in his eyes, and asked with great interest, "How do you know that I am a Han army?"

In order to make this surprise attack more smooth, he obviously asked all the soldiers to learn the dress of the Qiang people.

Such as wearing hair, wearing animal teeth around the neck, wearing poorly made leather armor, and so on.But even so, the old man in front of him still saw through it at a glance.

"Hey~~"

Seeing the Han army putting away their sabers into their sheaths, Shi Puli pursed his lips and muttered, stretched out two fingers and pointed to his eyes, "This general of the Han family, you have come here, you must know who I am. If I You don’t even have the eyesight, you’ve already died on the Gobi Desert!” After complacency, he bared his yellow teeth, “You don’t have that smell! The Qiang people’s smell!”

Uh.
It turned out to be the case.

Jiang Wei raised his eyebrows, his eyes were clear.

The Qiang people here seldom take a bath, and the horses, cattle and sheep pens are next to the houses, and they often defecate when they leave the house.Living in this environment all year round, there will naturally be a sense of mystery in your body.

It's not something that can be pretended by changing clothes.

Immediately, Jiang Wei asked again, "Then how do you determine that I am the Han army? There are countless merchants in Longyou now!"

"The general doesn't have to test me."

Shi Puli was a little dissatisfied and muttered, "The traces of the general's retinue are too heavy, even a Shake can recognize it. If the guards of merchants were like this, the horse thieves in Hexi would have died long ago!"

Traces of the ranks?

Heh, this old man has a good sense of words and expressions.

He secretly praised, and Jiang Wei let go of the heart that had been hanging all the time - based on Shi Puli's little knowledge, it can be seen that he was able to find the elusive Shahe in the semi-desert, and what he said was true.

"Old man, take me on a sandy road."

With a gentle smile on his face, Jiang Wei said softly, "Well, you have half a quarter of an hour to pack your bags and say goodbye to your family. Don't worry about the family, I will let my subordinates help protect them."

As soon as the words fell, Shi Puli's face changed rapidly like a magic trick.

At first, his eyes widened and his mouth was tongue-tied, then he flushed red, then became extremely pale, and finally turned into a face of resignation to his fate.

It's not a complete confession either.

"Wait! A quarter of an hour at the earliest!"

Like a child venting his anger, when he turned around, he muttered in a soft voice.

His back trembled as he walked.

I don't know if it's from anger or fear.

He has been a Shake for many years, and he is very well-informed. He knows that the Han and Wei sides in Shuyinsai are now confronting each other.

So we can also guess the meaning of the Han army asking him to lead the way.

Participating in this kind of thing, no matter whether the Han army succeeds or fails, it will be a disaster for him: Wei Jun will not let him go, and even his family will be imprisoned.

But if you refuse not to participate, then the death date will be earlier.

The generals of the Han army have come to his home in person, will he be allowed to live to find the Wei army to inform him?
Soldiers are fierce!

It is the greatest kindness not to let soldiers kill the city during the war!
Or in other words, no matter whether he has the intention to inform or not, as long as he knows the secret, it is an unforgivable crime.

This is due to his reputation as the only broker of the Wei Army in Shuyin Sai who has been a Shake for more than 20 years.

It is karmic reincarnation and destiny.

So he quickly appeased his family and told them to obey the orders of the Han soldiers who were appointed as guards but actually monitored. Behind Bai Huwen, he kept cursing these two people for involving him in a low voice.

Accepting one's fate is one's fate, but the tone in one's heart still needs to be released.

He didn't dare to scold Jiang Wei, Zhi Wudai and Bai Huwen, whom he had known for many years, had no taboos.

On the contrary, the two dared not do anything to him.

At first, Zhi Wudai and Bai Huwen felt that they had done something unethical, and they didn't refute anything when they were scolded.

But soon they were about to meet up with the clansmen, Shi Puli was still cursing, and they couldn't stand it anymore.

The two of them are the leaders of the tribe, and they have to maintain the minimum dignity in front of the tribe.

Zhi Wudai, who usually has a very active mind, immediately pulled him aside and growled in a low voice, "You old man is endless, right? We are helping you and thinking about your future, you know? Don't be ignorant Yes, Ni Wei will allow you to be a broker for a few years?"

For this, Shi Puli opened his mouth, then closed it dejectedly.

He is old.

I also know too many things about the Wei army in Shuyinsai.

One day, he will be ruthlessly abandoned and brutally silenced.

But now helping the Han army is also a way to save yourself.

Thinking of this, he resentfully threw away Zhi Wudai's pull, and quickly caught up with Jiang Wei in front, "This general, I am a Shake and a broker. Not only can I lead your army through the desert smoothly, but also help your army Steal the ferry of the Wei Army in Shuyin Sai."

"Oh?"

Hearing this, Jiang Wei's eyes lit up, and he smiled happily.

Shu Yinsai is located on the east bank of the big river, and he is also worrying about how to cross the river.

In the Hexi Corridor, there are few boats, and people use simple tools such as leather rafts to cross the river.Just like the original Xiongnu, when marching across the river, they made temporary horse leather boats, while the common people of Li and common people used sheep leather.

But Jiang Wei has no horses in the army now.

The mountains that separated the Datong River from Wuting Nishui were too wide and difficult to navigate, and they could not carry their horses across.

And because the soldiers have to carry food and fodder and carry too much weight, it is impossible to bring the leather prepared in advance.

Originally, he was still thinking that after crossing the desert, he would go to the former site of Yuwei County to plunder the cattle and horses of the Qianghu tribe, and skin them to make leather boats.

Although Niwei abandoned Naowei County, the local village houses still exist.

It is midsummer when there is plenty of rain and the pastures are abundant. There must be Qianghu tribes grazing there.

Of course, if Shi Puli can help him steal the ferry, then there is no need to create extra complications and add uncertain factors to the attack against Wei Wei.

"What do you think?"

After laughing for a while, Jiang Wei asked.

He is well aware of the profit-seeking style of the Qianghu tribe in Hexi.

"I'm old and want nothing."

Shi Puli sighed, "The only concern is the safety of the family. But starting today, they can no longer stay in Hexi."

"If you don't mention this matter, I will arrange it properly."

Jiang Wei nodded with a smile, and said solemnly, "Those who work hard for my man, no matter whether the matter is successful or not, the imperial court will not treat you badly. I will tell the military officials later and ask him to take your family from here. The Datong River returns to the territory of Han. Well, let’s settle down in Hanzhong County. I have some sympathy with General Zuo, and he will take care of your family. Don’t worry about food and clothing, the farmland, cattle and sheep will be multiplied to your family.”

"Ah, thank you General"

Shi Puli was overjoyed, and was about to express his thanks, but was interrupted by Jiang Wei raising his hand.

"no need to thank me."

Jiang Wei continued, with some emotion between his eyebrows, "I am called Jiang Wei. I am from Ji County. I used to be the Zhonglang of Tianshui County against the Wei Dynasty, but now I am the general of the Han Dynasty and the leader of the Qiang School. You are a broker. It’s been many years, and I’m familiar with the many forces in the four counties of Hexi, if things go well this time, you can continue to be my guide for the big man, and finding an official position will be easy.”

Tianshui Lang Jiang Wei?

Shi Puli, who hastily thanked and agreed, couldn't help but a trace of doubt flashed in his eyes.

Jiang Wei also caught it.

He suddenly remembered that to Li Shu in Wei State, he was just a little-known little person.

After a moment of silence in his heart, he continued, "You know You Zhongyun, right? He is now the prefect of Shu County, the county where Chengdu is located."

"I know! I know! Thank you, General, for your support."

You Chu from Wuwei who voted for the big man, Shi Puli, who is a broker, naturally knew it, and nodded quickly, saluting happily.

Immediately, he volunteered enthusiastically, "Please also ask the general and some of my followers to help me go to the hills in the south to see the situation first. There are many small streams in the valley of Wushaoling in the north, and many small villages of Qianghu live here and there. , we cannot walk along that side."

"it is good."

Gently nodding his head, Jiang Wei waved his hand to signal the two followers to come out.

After the figure chasing Shi Puli turned over the low hill, he showed a tired look.

Whether the big man can enter Hexi depends on it, and the lives of more than ten thousand soldiers have turned into invisible shackles on his shoulders, so that he dare not be negligent.

Even when dealing with a greedy and despicable Shake, one has to personally "understand it with reason and lure it with profit".

Still, it's all worth it.

If it is true what Shi Puli said, being able to steal Ni Wei's ferry boat will solve his urgent need.

It took him too much time to cross the mountains of the Datong River.

There were only ten days left before the time agreed with Zheng Pu to attack Shuyinsai back and forth.

And from here to Shuyinsai, there is still a journey of about four hundred (Han) miles.

If it is a rapid march on the plain, the distance is only three or four days.

But marching in this desert with undulating hills and yellow sand everywhere, it is lucky to be able to maintain forty (Chinese) miles a day——

In midsummer and May, the sun is in Dongjing, and it is easy to faint.

After he crossed Wuting against the water and came to the edge of this desert, he discovered this.

The world here is fumigated like a cage.

There is not a single cloud or wind in the sky, only a round of scorching sun shining high in the sky, unscrupulously throwing infinite heat on this piece of land.

Standing still, the inner lining is soaked with sweat, let alone marching with armor and provisions.

However, with Shi Puli who can find the Shahe River with his eyes closed, can our army carry less water?
Should be able to arrive as scheduled after the Seizing Ship attack in the Shuyin Fortress, right?
Lowering his eyelids, Jiang Wei muttered silently in his heart.

When it opened again, it was already full of energy, and walked towards the soldiers who were escaping the summer in the valley, infecting everyone with high-spirited confidence.

"The guide has been found, and there is no need to worry about the boats crossing the river. As long as we march to the rear of Yuyin Fortress, our army will surely win!"

He said this to all the generals, asking them to convey the good news to the soldiers under his command.

However, God is not good.

Shi Puli, who came back just as night fell, brought him very bad news, "General, there may be heavy rain in the desert recently. If not, wait until the heavy rain passes before entering the barren valley?"

He said so.

Without explaining too much how it was concluded that the heavy rain was coming, he directly gave suggestions for marching.

After exposure to the sun and then a sudden rain, it is very easy to catch wind and cold.

In mild cases, nasal congestion, runny nose, and persistent coughing make it impossible to fight with a knife.

Severe cases die within a few days.

But Jiang Wei couldn't care less.

It's not that they don't care about the lives of soldiers, but that time and conditions do not allow it.

The food and fodder transported purely by manpower is about to run out, so how can he be allowed to waste any more time?

"Heading, leave at four o'clock tomorrow!"

With a cold face, he ignored Shi Puli's astonishment, and asked his personal guards to deliver orders to the soldiers.

The next day.

The radiant sun burst out from the skyline depicted by the mountains, setting fire to the earth, and the sand and soil quickly became warm, hot, and scalding.Taking advantage of the coolness at dawn, the Han army had already walked nearly ten miles, and began to feel the enthusiasm of the desert through the military shoes.

Leading by example, Jiang Wei, who carried grain and fodder like soldiers, walked firmly at the forefront of the ranks.

It's just that when I look up at the sky occasionally, a ray of worry will flash in my eyes.

Asaka appeared.

Although the covered sky was not large, it vaguely confirmed Shi Puli's conclusion.

On the first day, there were dark clouds in the afternoon and a few drops of rain fell, and we marched for more than forty miles.

On the second day, there were no clouds in the sky, but when the sun was hot, there was rain for half an hour, and we marched for more than [-] miles.

On the third day, the morning glow was so red that half of the sky was covered. At noon, there were dark clouds, and the whole sky was like a curtain soaked with ink. Thunder rang through the barren valley, and then the rain poured down, and it didn't stop until evening.

The march was less than twenty miles.

On the fourth and fifth days, strong winds and heavy rains dominated the world one after another, making it impossible to march.

Soldiers who could not make a fire to dry their clothes, had no warm soup and rice to drive out the cold, and had nowhere to shelter from the rain, began to appear infected with wind and cold.

On the sixth day, the rain decreased and the showers continued throughout the day.

The strong ones helped to carry the armaments and supplies, and the weak ones supported each other and walked through the rain, and the march was less than thirty miles.

On the seventh day, the sky cleared, the morning glow was sparse, and occasionally light rain came and went suddenly.

The number of soldiers in the army infected with wind and cold suddenly increased, and many of those who had previously contracted the disease were weakened, and it was difficult to support each other while marching.

Marched for more than [-] li, but the team of more than [-] people also stretched for more than [-] li.

Left behind, at the beginning.

On the eighth day, there was more rain.

After marching for [-] miles, there are less than [-] soldiers in the ranks.

On the ninth day, light rain continued intermittently.

After marching for about 9000 li, there were less than [-] people in the Han army as far as I could see.

He stroked her hand lightly, and helped the bodyguard who fell to the ground close his eyes.

There was no sadness or joy on Jiang Wei's face, he didn't say a word, he just stood up straight and walked forward.

A few days ago, he let his general Jiang Shu replace him, and Shi Puli led the team forward, and he fell at the back of the team, closing his eyes for the soldiers who fell to the ground.

Say goodbye to those soldiers who can no longer walk, and listen to their last wishes.

The sky has cleared up, and the scorching sun continues to scorch everything in the barren valley, and it is also overlooking the two black lines in the barren valley.

One is peristaltic and one is stationary.

(End of this chapter)