The Bad Guys: Everyone, let’s revive the Tang Dynasty together!

Chapter 333: The Great Deed is Underway

Chenliu.

Since it was a holiday, there were few people in the county government office. There were even fewer people in the flower hall and the central hall behind the ceremonial gate. Several burly zombies were carrying things in and out, as if they were going to live here permanently.

The forty-year-old county magistrate wiped the sweat from his forehead as he looked at these living dead men. Without delay, he walked quickly through the flower hall and into the central hall. When he saw Bago, who was still wearing thin clothes in the cold spring season, he hurriedly bowed his head slightly and left.

"Noble man."

"Oh, you're here."

Baguo looked at the booklet in his hand without raising his head. He moved his fingers on the booklet to identify the handwriting and asked casually, "Does the champion have any plans for the next two days?"

The county magistrate was stunned, then slapped his head fiercely: "Let your Excellency know that the fleet of Marquis Guanjun will set off for the capital early tomorrow morning, and will only rest in Chenliu for one day. I haven't heard of any other arrangements tonight... This rest is just to give the boatmen a break so that they can directly reach Bianjing tomorrow."

"Leaving tomorrow?"

Bago raised his eyebrows, then thought for a moment and waved to the zombies: "Don't move."

The county magistrate dared not say anything and waited aside.

"Well, think of a way to host a banquet for the Marquis of Guanjun alone, and ignore the other officials."

"This……"

The county magistrate was somewhat embarrassed and said carefully: "Sir, if I do this, I am afraid that I will be criticized. If the higher-ups think that I am having a private relationship with the imperial guards general..."

"Who cares about a minor official like you?" Bago sneered. "If someone really wanted to punish you, why would they wait until today? The Thirteen Protectors have allowed you to stay safe in Liang Territory for more than ten years, so they have their own ways to protect you. What can you achieve by targeting a mere county magistrate? When the King of Jin unifies the country in the future, there will be no place for you to stay."

The county magistrate smiled awkwardly, not daring to refute, and could only cross his hands and said, "Yes."

However, after thinking about it, he finally expressed his opinion: "Your Excellency avoided me last night, but today you took the initiative to invite me... Wouldn't that make Xiao Yan suspicious? Forgive my stupidity, please enlighten me."

Bago raised his narrow eyes and glanced at him, then sneered: "I have my own way, just do it."

The county magistrate had no choice but to suppress his doubts and turned away.

"correct."

But Bagu suddenly called him back, tapped the table and thought for a moment, then said, "Find two trustworthy singers. I can use them."

"I don't know..."

The county magistrate was a little confused, but after a quick glance, he could vaguely see the words on the booklet in Bago's hand: "When will the bright moon appear? I raise my cup to ask the sky..."

It was the lyrics of the champion marquis Xiao Yan that were widely circulated in the market. They sounded very beautiful when sung. Compared with the marquis's knowledge of military affairs and good fighting skills, the citizens actually knew his talent better.

Of course there were singing girls in Chenliu City who could sing. The county magistrate knew this and went down to make arrangements immediately.

Bagu read the booklet over and over again. There was nothing strange about it. For a Shatuo woman, it was already very difficult for her to be literate. How could she understand these useless things that were talented in troubled times?

But it was catchy after all. Even though Bago had no talent for singing lyrics, she managed to learn about 70% of it from two specially found singers. But even that took her a whole day and even her voice became a little hoarse.

Bago has put a lot of thought into advancing the progress of the mission.

But at night, after she had applied her makeup carefully and matched her clothes thoughtfully, making her long legs, which she was so proud of, look particularly attractive, she heard bad news from the county magistrate.

"Not coming!?"

Bago was a little angry, his beautiful face was full of coldness, the blood-red little snake on his neck raised its head, spitting out its tongue and staring at the county magistrate with hostility.

The county magistrate was a little trembling, perhaps because he was afraid of the cold and strange red snake. He bent over and said hurriedly: "I have really tried every possible way. After being rejected the first time, I thought of inviting some officials who accompanied the Marquis of Guanjun to the banquet. Those officials were willing to come, but the Marquis of Guanjun still refused. I really had no choice. Even when I hinted that it was the noble who invited me, it was not accommodating..."

"Who wants to accompany those filthy people to the banquet!" Bago slammed the table and said angrily.

He was terrified and couldn't help wiping his sweat. He said, "That's not the case, that's not the case. I just wanted to meet Xiao Yan, so I asked for help. But... I'm incompetent. Please forgive me."

Bago was very angry, but after his anger subsided, he felt quite uncomfortable.

She had put so much effort into learning the song, spent half a day dressing up to look seductive, and even thought of the words she would use at night, but this guy didn't appreciate it! ?
Why did you send someone to inquire about her last night?
Baguo felt very uncomfortable. She had such a bad reputation in the Three Jins and the Five Tribes of Yinshan. It would have been fine for her to come to the Central Plains to do such a thing, but she didn't even have the chance to please a cold butt.

A whole day of preparation in vain!
Bago's temper was not good to begin with, and he was so angry that he wanted to kill someone. The county magistrate was so frightened that he shrank his neck in fear and said hurriedly: "Please calm down, your Excellency. There are many beauties around the Champion Marquis. Otherwise, your Excellency will find another opportunity to get close to him..."

Fortunately, Baguo finally endured it. She glanced at the county magistrate and smiled coldly.

She didn't just want to get close to Xiao Yan. If she really wanted to sacrifice herself, it wasn't now. If she pounced on him so easily, she was afraid that she wouldn't even make a splash with Xiao Yan.

Although Bago was a woman of a foreign race, she also knew the truth that "what you can't get will always make you restless". She had originally thought that this mission should be a long-term one, and that slowly getting in touch with Xiao Yan, and making this champion marquis interested in her first was her first priority. Making him unable to get and enjoy her was the secret of seduction.

She was looking for an opportunity to get close to Xiao Yan today, only because she wanted to confirm whether the Marquis of Champion was still impersonated by a woman. If not, she could confirm a guess and bring favorable news to King Jin.

But this plan failed.

Ba Ge thought for a long time with a cold face, but something suddenly occurred to him and he asked, "You are of low status, so it's not surprising that you can't see anyone. But can other people see Xiao Yan?"

The county magistrate was stunned for a moment, not knowing what was going on. He just said blankly: "Please forgive me, my lord. I just didn't know..."

"That's all, trash."

Bago didn't think this guy could bring much useful information, so he waved his hand and said, "Get ready, I'm going to Bianliang."

The county magistrate heaved a sigh of relief for some reason and was overjoyed. Although Bago had only been with him for a few days, he had never felt at ease during this period. Now he could finally get rid of this evil star.

"You should get ready too."

Baguo glanced at him and said nonchalantly, "The Thirteen Guardians had arranged it before. You have been working as the county magistrate of this fake Liang for many years. It is time for you to find a position in Bianliang. I will go to Bianliang with you as your relative."

The county magistrate's face froze, and then he laughed dryly: "It's really thanks to your blessing..."

The man left, perhaps feeling happy or somewhat frustrated. Bago played with the blood-red snake and fell into deep thought.

She sent a letter to Taiyuan via Feishu last night, but now she didn't know whether they had received the news. If there was any instruction from King Jin, she could proceed with the next plan with confidence. Now it was only less than a day, and without a reply, she didn't dare to take too many risks.

The Marquis of Guanjun was pretended to be a woman, so where did the real Xiao Yan go?
------

"Why are you so late, my lord?"

Bian Jing, Pingyang County Marquis' Mansion.

After the death of Li Zhen, the acting prime minister, last year, Zhu Wen promoted Jing Xiang to the rank of Guanglu Dafu and Jinluan Palace Grand Secretary because Hebei had just annexed the country. He also ordered him to act as the Minister of War and be in charge of Chongzhengyuan, and gave him the title of Marquis of Pingyang County, so Jing's house was renamed Marquis' Mansion.

Xiao Yan rushed for half a day, but was still a step too late. The city gate had been closed. Fortunately, Jing Xiang knew in advance that Xiao Yan was going to come back secretly, and he had already ordered people to wait at the city gate. He let the guard let Xiao Yan in in a hanging basket in the name of Chongzhengyuan.

As for Ji Ruxue and Qian Wu, the former took Qian Wu, who came to Bian Jing for the first time, to Qiushizi. There was no need for the two girls to show their faces in front of others.

Upon learning that Xiao Yan had arrived, Jing Xiang happily went out to greet him in person, but as he didn't want to make a big fuss, he just opened the corner door. It was not considered impolite for Jing Xiang to greet him in person.

"I haven't seen you for half a year. You look thinner." Jing Xiang enthusiastically held Xiao Yan's hand and led him inside, but he did not forget to exchange a few joking words with him.

"Your Excellency is the pillar of the country!"

Jing Xiang patted the back of Xiao Yan's hand, looked up and down at the exhausted Marquis Guanjun, and said ashamedly: "I am anxious to let you return to the capital, I am afraid that you have worked hard. Raojiang is not a good place, it may be difficult for you to deal with it properly. You should at least let you rest for a few months..."

Xiao Yan smiled and waved his hand without saying much. After entering the study, it was Mrs. Jing Xiang who served tea herself.

Jingxiang himself did not lead an extravagant life, and he did not have many servants in his house, but there was no need for him to ask his wife to serve tea. I was afraid that Jingxiang just wanted to show his closeness.

Xiao Yan held the teacup and looked at Jing Xiang's wife Liu calmly while drinking tea. Although she was over 40 years old, she was indeed a middle-aged woman.

This Liu was not just an ordinary prime minister's wife. She had been passed around by many warlords during the Huang Chao Rebellion. After Zhu Wen came to power, she was won by him. It is said that he loved her very much and was called "Lady of the State" at that time.

After Jing Xiang's first wife died, Zhu Wen gave Liu the title of "Lady of the State" to Jing Xiang to express his favor. However, after Zhu Wen became king and emperor, he still summoned Liu to the palace from time to time, which is also a great anecdote. Apart from other things, Jing Xiang was really a prime minister with a lot of money.

Jing Xiang was a very magnanimous person. Although Zhu Wen was extremely licentious, he remained loyal to him. It is hard to say whether he was eccentric or foolishly loyal.

Of course, Xiao Yan was observing Liu not only because of that interesting story. Liu could sleep with Zhu Wen, and he didn't want Zhu Wen to know too many details about what he was going to talk to Jing Xiang about, so it was better to get rid of him.

Fortunately, Jing Xiang was just showing his closeness, and Liu quickly said goodbye and left with her maid. Before leaving, she looked Xiao Yan up and down without concealing her feelings, looking quite frivolous.

Jing Xiang had never thought that he had done something that would backfire. He felt a little embarrassed, so he stroked his beard and said straight to the point, "I have read the letter that the Lord asked Eunuch Ding to convey."

Xiao Yan knelt down opposite Jing Xiang and did not continue the topic. He just said, "Prime Minister Jing has devoted his life to the country and has good intentions. I know this very well. In fact, if Prime Minister Jing had not said anything, I would have advised Your Majesty not to start a war..."

Jing Xiang sighed, not caring whether Xiao Yan's words were true or false, and said with emotion: "Although you are young, you know the general situation much better than most people in the court. However, I am afraid that the generals will not agree with your point of view."

"There are more than just voices of opposition from within the government."

Xiao Yan dipped his tea in the water and drew a simple picture of the terrain of Jin and Liang on the table. He said, "I have predicted before that Qi and Jin will make great moves this year. On my way back to Beijing, I heard that there was a lot of movement in Qi. A large army was indeed gathering in Fengxiang. If Dingnan and the other two towns had not raised troops to force Qi to return, I am afraid that Guanzhong would have been in flames."

Jing Xiang nodded in understanding: "Your Excellency's reputation as a military expert is well known throughout the world, and I admire you."

Xiao Yan continued, "Although Qi State has been temporarily delayed, it does not mean that Jin State will give up this plot. Hebei has just joined our dynasty, and it is hanging on the edge of Jin State's bed. This time, Jin State has the title of Li Tang's orphan, so it will surely not give up, and it is certain that it will mobilize troops to fight for Hebei."

Jing Xiang stroked his beard, squinted at the water stains on the table, pondered for a moment, and said: "If the State of Jin takes the initiative to raise troops, I am afraid that Your Majesty will be even more furious. In addition, if the generals in the court ask for a fight, this war will be a national effort..."

Xiao Yan smiled and asked, "According to Prime Minister Jing, is now the time to destroy the State of Jin?"

"Difficult." Jing Xiang shook his head

"So I am willing to cooperate with Prime Minister Jing and persuade His Majesty not to fight with Li Keyong. If the towns only take precautions instead of taking the initiative to attack, will the situation be better?"

"That's great!" Jing Xiang stared at Xiao Yan: "Are you sure, my lord?"

Xiao Yan also stared into Jing Xiang's slightly older eyes without avoiding the question, and said, "This is why I negotiated terms with Jing Xiang before."

Jing Xiang was silent for a moment.

The conditions in Xiao Yan's previous letter were very clear. Xiao Yan needed to lead the entire Guide Army and select a group of elite soldiers from the various imperial guards to form a 3,000-man elite force, for a total of 20,000 troops to go to war.

In addition, Xiao Yan also has to serve as the Recruiting Envoy of the Hebei Youzhou Capital Camp, in charge of all the troops in Hebei. He can act at his own discretion, execute first and report later, and he is not bound by the orders of the emperor when he is away from the court.

"This old man..." Jing Xiang spoke after thinking.

Xiao Yan said in a deep voice: "I am a warrior. All my skills are nothing more than the word 'soldier'. In the past, Emperor Wu of Han sent Wei Huo to the desert. In addition to Emperor Wu's willingness to support the whole country, I also respect Emperor Wu for one thing."

Jing Xiang asked curiously: "What's the matter?"

"It's trust." Xiao Yan's voice was sonorous and powerful, neither humble nor arrogant: "This time, Xiao is indeed willing to share the worries of the king and contribute to the country, even at the cost of his own life. However, Xiao does not want to go to war and bear the criticism and slander in the court. If there are still people who can influence and interfere with Xiao's decision-making when the army is away, Xiao is afraid that he will not dare to take on the important task entrusted by the prime minister!"

Jing Xiang stroked his beard silently.

This is true. Everyone in the court had to admit that Xiao Yan's outstanding performance in Hebei back then was probably because he would not be controlled by others.

At that time, Xiao Yan was in a stalemate with the Mobei Army in Yuyang. If he had the military supervisor from Daliang with him, he might have led his army back immediately after hearing that the rear was surrounded by Li Cunxu. The only outcome of doing so would be that Xiao Yan's army would be completely wiped out by Li Cunxu and the Mobei Army.

Jing Xiang knew military affairs and understood that when the army was away, the commander's decision was extremely important. Not to mention that Xiao Yan had political enemies in the court such as the Ghost King and the Underworld Emperor, so there was a great possibility of interference.

"Respect."

Xiao Yan suddenly said, "If you can speak for me in front of His Majesty, I can be free from the pressure outside. Later, I can issue a military order to Your Majesty."

Facing Jing Xiang's surprised gaze, he said word by word: "I am going out alone this time. I, Xiao, dare to break through Yanmen Pass."

------

"Xiao Qing never lied?!"

Zhu Wen sat up excitedly, his fat body like a small mountain on the seat, his face flushed, he was overjoyed.

It was late at night, and because it was a secret meeting, there were only three people in the imperial study. Marquis Jing Xiang was standing aside, also squinting his eyes and staring at Xiao Yan, who was kneeling on one knee on the ground below. Even though he had heard of this military order beforehand, he still couldn't hide his excitement.

This champion marquis is truly worthy of the title of champion, his courage is truly amazing.

The State of Jin was known for its "mountains and rivers both inside and outside", and was extremely rugged and solid, with fortresses and passes all over it. It had a natural geographical advantage over the Central Plains. To put it simply, if Daliang wanted to conquer the State of Jin, it would be an "upward attack", and it would be extremely difficult to take over an important piece of land even if it was defeated.

The Yanmen Pass is known as "the No. 1 Pass in the World" and "Yanmen is the First of the Nine Passes in the World". It controls the entire defense system of Hedong's grasslands and Hebei. Due to its dangerous geographical location and important position, one can get a glimpse of Taiyuan by breaking through the pass. It is one of the lifelines of the Jin State.

But if we say we want to take it down, I'm afraid no matter who says this in the world, it's just a pipe dream.

Xiao Yan said in a deep voice without hesitation: "Your Majesty, I dare not fail to repay your kindness. Li Keyong is still treacherous and wants to use the name of Li Tang to fight against the power of Daliang and hinder your majesty's great cause of unifying the world. Your Majesty has done me a favor, how can I not think about it? If Yanmen Pass is taken, not to mention the orphans of Li Tang, Li Keyong will also be in your Majesty's pocket!"

He clasped his fists and said, "For the sake of your majesty's great cause, what should I fear?"

Zhu Wen was very excited. He had taken drugs before the meeting, and his spirit was already high. He was very excited at this time. He patted his stomach, looked at Jing Xiang sideways, and said with a smile: "Prime Minister Jing and Marquis Guanjun really prepared a big surprise for me."

Jing Xiang's heart moved, knowing that things were progressing, and he immediately said, "Your Majesty is good at judging people. Guanjun Hou is a fierce general. He was able to take Hebei with 800 cavalrymen, so why can't he take Yanmen Pass with one army?"

Zhu Wen laughed and pointed at Xiao Yan and said, "Xiao Qing, Xiao Qing..."

"I will call a court meeting tomorrow and make a plan. Li Ya'er deserves death, and the Li Tang royal family that was not killed deserves death even more. However, with Xiao Qing as the commander, I really look forward to their death."

Xiao Yan smiled knowingly, and looked at Jing Xiang, and said in unison: "Your Majesty is wise."

------

Hebei, Yingzhou.

In the valley, Fu An walked quickly into the room. Feng Dao, who had not slept yet, stood up subconsciously in surprise: "What happened?"

"A secret letter from the Lord!"

Fu An looked serious. The letter was sealed with wax, but the number "nine" on the envelope was red. It was a confidential letter and no one except Feng Dao could read it.

Feng Daoyi suddenly became solemn and took the letter, while Fu Anzhe turned his back consciously.

After a while, Feng Dao's pupils trembled, and then without saying a word, he burned the letter in front of the candlelight.

Fu An was full of questions, but he adhered to the rules and did not ask.

Feng Dao was silent for a while, pacing back and forth, as if he was suppressing his excitement. After a while, he said quietly, "Commander Fu, I'm afraid you'll have to go to Yuyang in person..."

"I wonder what's going on?"

"Pass on the order of the Lord, summon Tian Daocheng's troops to settle in Badu and march south."

"Go south." Fu An's eyes flashed: "Where to south?"

Feng Dao also looked at him. He was silent for a moment, and then his eyes suddenly shone brightly. "Tell Tian Daocheng that Ding Badu will act in the name of the Recruiting Envoy of the Hebei Youzhou Camp. Wherever he goes, he will change horses but not people. He will reach Bianjing within ten days!"

"All the bad guys in Hebei will be deployed. You will be in charge. Anyone who leaks the news to Bianjing will be killed. No one from the north of the Yellow River will go south within ten days."

------

Mobei.

"Empress Dowager, General Xiao's subordinate Yuan Xingqin requests to see you..."

Shuliduo raised her head, somewhat puzzled. She had met Yuan Xingqin once last month. What important letter did Xiao Yan send her?
She didn’t know if it was a woman’s intuition, but when she saw the solemn look on Yuan Xingqin’s face from afar, she felt that something big was going to happen.

(End of this chapter)