Romance of Gods

Chapter 101
The sound of armor clashing stopped, and the generals stopped.

Wan Qisilao burst into tears and was about to say something for the occasion, but Niu Gao didn't give him a chance and immediately asked in a deep voice.

"Wan Yushi, we haven't seen you for a long time. You gave us a big surprise when we met!"

Mist covered Wan Qixi's face, and tiny droplets of water condensed his expression. He thought to himself, these people really don't know how to appreciate someone.

After all, he was a high-ranking official in the dynasty, and he came here with orders, but he didn't even give him any face.

Then there was no need for him to show his kindness to a few people. He stopped crying and said in a cold tone, "General Niu, what do you mean?"

"There are more than [-] soldiers and civilians stationed in the navy camp. Who can feed the food that Master Wanqi has brought!"

Wan Qixi's tone was calm, "Our country has been fighting fiercely with the Jin Kingdom for many years. The treasury has been empty for a long time. Suddenly more than [-] people appeared. Where do you generals ask the court to get food? Don't these generals understand your majesty's hard work? ? Please accept the order!"

He took out the imperial edict from the box and without reading it, he scanned it coldly on everyone's faces.

Zhang Xian and others looked at each other and then knelt down.

At the beginning of the imperial edict, Zhao Gou first expressed his condolences to the soldiers, and then went straight to the main topic.

Chen Yan led his army to a stop a hundred steps away. At this time, Wan Qixi had just finished explaining the arrangements for Zhang Xian and others, and the generals immediately became commotion.

"The defense of the Huaihe River will be temporarily handed over to Wang Jun, the former deputy commander of the army. General Zhang Xian will set off immediately, without any mistakes!"

"The humble minister leads the decree to thank you!"

Wang Jun couldn't help being happy when he heard that he was entrusted with an important task, and suddenly shouted loudly.

However, he found that everyone else was staring at him coldly, so he immediately kept silent and lowered his head.

"What's going on? Are the generals trying to resist the order?"

"Weak minister, please accept the order and thank me."

Zhang Xian's face was gloomy, and he raised his hand to accept the imperial edict.

Immediately afterwards, the generals began to discuss dissatisfiedly.

Niu Gao stood up first and said sternly: "Let's set off immediately? It's a long way from Huaihe River to Kuizhou and Jinghu. How can we do it with this food and grass!"

"General Niu, the imperial edict is clear. Are you intimidating me, or are you contemptuous of His Majesty?" Wan Qixi first raised his voice and reprimanded, then softened and said: "Your Majesty is considerate of the difficulties of all generals, so he specifically ordered me to , you generals can collect grain and grass from the prefectures and counties you pass through."

Dong Xian was startled and asked hurriedly: "In that case, why not write it directly in the imperial edict?"

"Who is not in a tight situation in the state treasury right now? Your Majesty is doing this to take care of the emotions of officials in various places. As for whether you can recruit them, it depends on the abilities and connections of the generals."

The surroundings were quiet, and Chen Yan could hear these words clearly.

He learned the true intention of the imperial court in advance and immediately understood that he would start digging a hole from now on.

"I have made my words clear. Generals, please don't worry. Start preparations now and set out tomorrow. The Holy Will is clear and there can be no delay."

Niu and Dong wanted to say something else, but Zhang Xian raised his hand to stop them.

"It's natural. I will make arrangements immediately. The accommodation has been arranged. Master Wanqi has been tired from traveling all the way. Please go to camp and rest first."

Wan Qixi smiled and said: "General Zhang is reasonable and considerate of the court. He is truly a model for all officials. I'd like to thank you generals for your hard work."

This decree was completely different from the generals' previous guesses. For a moment, the flames in everyone's hearts cooled down, their interest was reduced, and they dispersed like birds and beasts.

The carriage rushed over, and the beautiful woman supported Wan Qixi and headed to the water village under the leadership of several soldiers.

"What's the point! Did we really just throw away our arms and leave!"

Dong Xian looked at Niu Gao, "If you don't leave, you will be resisting the decree. If you don't leave, you will stay here and live in vain. We promised the people that after crossing the Huaihe River, they would have three meals of food and clothing, and live and work in peace and contentment. If we continue to delay, 30 people will If chaos breaks out, the consequences will be disastrous.”

The two kept sighing and looked depressed.

Zhang Xian looked calmly and said, "General Wang, after the three of us leave, the Huaihe defense line will be handed over to you."

Wang Jun met Niu Gao's dagger-like gaze, hurriedly stepped forward, and bowed: "General, please rest assured, although I am not talented in my humble position, I will not hesitate to die for our Song Dynasty to protect our borders and homeland!"

Chen Yan calmly looked around the fishing fires on the river bank, listening to the waves hitting the rocks. Under the calm waves, the undercurrent surged wildly.

The success or failure of this battle depends on tomorrow. He spread his hands and found an ivory candy lying quietly in his palm.

In the water stronghold, in the Chinese army's tent, Zhang Xian and the three men held candles and talked at night.

"General Zhang, now that Marshal Yue is away, we all serve you as our master. But why are you so soft today? Why don't you dare to say the same thing to me!"

"General Niu, why are you so angry? That's an imperial decree. So what if Wan Qixi is beaten? Do you still dare to disobey me? General Zhang has his own difficulties. Even if this imperial decree does not come, we will still stay here. It won’t be long.”

Zhang Xianjing watched the two arguing and said coldly: "I have a plan that can continue to stay here and allow the court to send enough food for relief."

Suddenly, Niu Gao and Niu Gao stood up at the same time, overjoyed, "Come and tell me!"

"This plan is too risky. If you are not careful, Marshal Yue of Lin'an and other military colleagues will be executed!"

The two people's faces froze. They knew that Zhang Xian had always been calm and would never blurt out something he was unsure of.

Since he said so, the consequences may be more serious.

Sitting down slowly, Niu Gao said in a deep voice: "If this matter affects Marshal Yue's safety, then it's okay not to mention it."

Dong Xian said: "General Zhang can come and listen. Let's discuss it and see if there is any room for change."

"It was General Dong's previous words that reminded me that the 30 people cannot be in chaos. Once there is chaos, the war will reignite in the rear area that has been stable for many years. If we temporarily detain Wan Qixi, and then send a letter to Lin'an saying that the people are dissatisfied with the imperial court Arrangements, turmoil broke out..."

"Okay, okay! Stop talking!" Niu Gao is usually rough, but when he heard Zhang Xian's plan, he suddenly broke into a cold sweat, "This is to support the bandits' self-respect and threaten the court. Although the current situation is difficult, there is no need to take such a move. .”

Dong Xian was silent.

Zhang Xian said calmly, "In that case, we will act in accordance with the imperial decree and set out with the entire army tomorrow."

Since the only way to solve the problem now is to go to extremes, the two of them have no other choice but to obey the order.

Footsteps came from outside the camp, "General Zhang, General Chen Yan pays his respects."

"Let him in."

Chen Yan pushed open the door and walked in, gesturing to the three of them.

"What's the matter with General Chen?"

Chen Yanguan Niu and Dong looked gloomy, knowing that the withdrawal of troops was a foregone conclusion and there was no chance of a change.

"I dare to ask the three generals, are they really going to leave tomorrow?"

Niu Gao said in a deep voice, "What if we don't leave? Is it possible that we have to stay here for the New Year?"

Zhang Xian nodded, "The army will set off tomorrow. I originally planned to let General Chen stay here to assist General Wang in guarding the Huai River."

Upon hearing this, Dong and Xian suddenly realized that Chen Yan was not even mentioned in the imperial edict.

It stands to reason that if you have made such a great contribution, even if you are not promoted, you should always receive verbal rewards.

"Thank you, General Zhang, for your trust." Chen Yan said calmly, "But I am worried that if the three generals leave this time, they may die in Jiangnan."

"What did you say!"

The expressions of the three people changed at the same time.

"When several generals go south, as Wan Qixi said, they must collect grain from the state capitals along the way. But can't the three generals see that, regardless of whether the other state capital is willing or not, as soon as the grain depot is opened, the people who rob the government will The hat is on."

The three of them realized later and took a breath of air. Chen Yanzhi's words were by no means alarmist.

If someone in the court wants to punish them, they can really be punished with this crime.

The vague imperial edict, the Lord and ministers who came to deliver the edict... were all reminding them.

Although they were victorious on the battlefield, they were not the victors in the court.

And they are about to become sacrifices to commemorate the other side's victory.

There are no secrets in the court from ancient times to the present.

The slightest movement of grass can make the wind roar.

The three of them have been on the battlefield for too long, and their sense of smell has become so dull.There were so many clues in front of him, but he still didn't find the murderous intention. Instead, he was struggling with whether a few hundred stones of food would be enough.

A strong sense of dejection began to spread among the three of them, and they fought to kill the enemy for the country.

In the end, he became an enemy and was tried hard by the court to deal with him.

When Chen Yan saw this, he didn't say much anymore. He just stopped talking when he wanted to say something.

Zhang Xian sighed softly, now they were suspended in the air.

If you follow the order and go south, you will be destined to die.

If the order is not followed, extraordinary measures must be taken.

Becoming a rebellious official and a traitor will lead to countless implication once something happens.

In fact, they had no choice at all.

"General Chen is not only young and brave, but also thinks more clearly than me. It is really rare. I am very pleased. There are successors to the great cause of resisting the Jin Dynasty. If something unexpected happens to me while I wait here, the safety of the people of the Song Dynasty will be much more. I’ll take care of it.”

With that said, Zhang Xian stood up and bowed to Chen Yan, as did Dong Niu.

Dong Xian smiled and said: "I am ashamed to say that my life, Mr. Dong, was saved by General Chen. I just think about working side by side in the future, killing more enemies, starting over, and cleaning up the old mountains and rivers... This may be a farewell, Chen General, take care."

Niu Gao laughed, "It's a pity that there is no wine at this time! Otherwise, we will definitely have a few drinks!"

Chen Yan raised his hands and bowed to the three of them. The people in front of him were all loyal people.

Since ancient times, loyal people will not disobey the imperial court as long as there is still a way to go.

Unless all the roads in front of them are blocked, leaving them with no way to go to heaven and no way to go to the earth.

The abbreviation is - being on the verge of death.

"To be honest with the three generals, Beizi still has some personal belongings with him, which have been distributed to his subordinates and asked them to go to the county and town to buy wine and meat. Beizi plans to hold a banquet in the camp tomorrow to see off all the generals."

Niu Gao nodded heavily, "Okay! Let my brother spend the money. Let's have a good time eating and drinking tomorrow before we hit the road!"

Chen Yan also laughed, it was not a matter of spending money, the banknotes were all found from Wan Qixi's body.

The lights are dim and the corridor of the camp is long and cramped.

After leaving the camp, Chen Yan walked towards his residence.

Suddenly, he stopped, took out the Mo Dao, and opened the door with the tip of the knife. On the wooden bed against the west wall, there was a slender figure lying across.

"How did you come?"

Chen Yan walked over and put the blade against her throat.

"My lord asked me to come here and serve the general."

"Master Wanqi is really interested."

Chen Yan put away the knife and sat down by the bed. The beautiful woman immediately put her arms on his chest.

"My lord said that a sergeant is lonely and misses women the most. I am originally a servant of Yongchun Pavilion in Hanyang. I do not sell myself as an artist. My lord is old and unable to stand up. The general does not need to worry that I will stain the general's reputation."

"I can't stand up!" Chen Yan laughed, "I can't stand up! What about me, general?"

Snapped!
Chen Yan strangled the beautiful woman's neck and hit her head on the wooden board.

The warblers are hoarse and the night is dark.

Half an hour later, the beautiful woman hurriedly left the room with her hair disheveled.

The light inside a wooden house is dim.

Wan Qixi sat upright, holding a copy of "The Book of Changes" and reading it at night.

With a creak, the beautiful woman opened the door and walked in.

Wan Qixi glanced at her and saw that her clothes were disheveled, and then moved his eyes to the book.

"Did he move you?"

The beautiful woman's face turned red, "It's moving."

"Okay!" Wan Qixi laughed loudly and closed the book hard. "This son loves his name and appearance, and he can be used by us. From now on, you will do your best to serve this general well, and the next Han Liang family will protect him." It can’t be you!”

The beautiful woman looked excited and immediately knelt down and kowtowed repeatedly, "I thank you for your cultivation. I will never give up even if I die from now on!"

"Stop saying such nice things. There is a pill missing from my porcelain bottle. Did you take it secretly?"

The beautiful woman's face turned pale and she hurriedly changed the subject, "General Chen asked the slave family to inform you that there will be a banquet in the camp to see off several generals tomorrow, and you will be invited to attend. He reminded you to be more careful."

"Oh?" Wan Qixi stood up and walked to the bed, looking at the vast river, murmuring to himself, "Hongmen Banquet... Okay, I want to see what tricks these warriors want to play."

The next day.

early morning.

The sky and the earth are golden with the rays of the sun shining.

"Put in all the good wine and meat!"

The Chinese army tent was very lively, with more than a dozen tables set up in the room.

Ji Yuan took the banknotes collected from Wan Qixi and went to a wine shop overnight to buy food and drinks.

At this moment, the soldiers were setting up a banquet, and the invited officers entered the camp one after another.

Wang Jun walked in with his head held high and his hands behind his back, his face full of pride.

When he saw the exquisite food on the table, his index finger twitched. He stroked his beard and said with a smile: "Sending off General Zhang and others should be handled by the future, but it is really inappropriate for General Chen to spend money."

The generals looked down upon him when they saw him. General Zhang and others were transferred away, but he was left here alone. Who knows what collusion he had with Lin'an.

"What nice words to say! If you have wine, drink it; if you have meat, eat it!"

Wang Jun looked back and saw Niu Gao and three others striding over.

"That's what General Niu said!"

Wang Jun laughed, and after entering the room, he sat at the same table with the three commanders.

After a while, the banquet was set up and more than thirty generals, big and small, were seated.

But Chen Yan was nowhere to be seen. Zhang Xian asked, "Where is General Chen now?"

On the table beside him, Ji Yuan stood up and said, "Report to General Zhang, General Chen will be here soon."

"Okay, let's wait."

……

"Good morning, General Chen."

As soon as Chen Yan opened the door, Wan Qixi, who was guarding the corridor, immediately bowed slightly.

"Sir Wanqi, what kind of show are you doing? It's flattering for a humble person."

Wan Qixi stood up and said with a smile: "I'm here to thank the general for his correspondence."

Chen Yan's expression calmed down, "How can I say this? My humble position is just to inform you to go to the banquet, and I didn't say anything else."

"I understand that this is still the domain of General Zhang and others after all. I will remember General Chen's kindness in my heart."

Wan Qixi quietly slapped a silver note into Chen Yan's hand, "I'm too drunk. I hope General Chen will take care of me during the dinner."

1000 two.

Chen Yan stuffed the banknotes under his goggles and smiled, "With my humble position, I won't let anyone hurt Master Wanqi."

"With General Chen's words, I feel relieved." After that, he pulled Chen Yan's arm and said, "The two of us will go to the banquet together."

(End of this chapter)