Ming Dynasty: Summoning game players at the beginning

Chapter 321 Tietie, I Love Telling Little Lies

After all, "Zhang Xianzhong" is an old player who has seen many ups and downs. He is not afraid of death or pain. Death in the game is as common as three meals a day. Naturally, he does not have the vigilance that a person who cherishes his life should have.

But ordinary soldiers only have one life, and the instinct for survival prompted Chen Jinghe to smell an ominous feeling.

He quickly put away the "Map of the World" and, while keeping pace with the Marshal, persuaded Marshal Zhang not to attend the banquet.

The Zu Family Army was the "devil in the world" of the Guanning Army. When they were suppressing bandits inside the pass, they were fearless and arrogant. They punched the common people and kicked the bureaucrats and friendly forces. They were used to being arrogant.

They have suffered several setbacks in a row. Zu Dabi is also known as Zu Er the Crazy. When has he ever been seen to give in? Not to mention coming down in public to "apologize with a thorny stick on his back". He is simply throwing his own face into the shit pit.

How could Zu Dabi not avenge the "humiliation" he suffered today?
Zhang Xianzhong disagreed. "Everyone knows I'm the commander-in-chief of the Beiwei Army and the crown prince's guardian. I have tens of thousands of elite soldiers under my command. Unless these officials go crazy and want to fight, if tens of thousands of Beiwei soldiers start making trouble, all of Liaodong will be in chaos."

"The Marshal dare not say such unlucky words..."

Chen Jinghe's worries grew stronger, fearing that this prophecy would come true.

He didn't even dare to imagine what the future would be like without Marshal Zhang?

General Chen added, "For safety's sake, I will lead a thousand soldiers to escort the Marshal to the banquet. If any villain dares to harm the Marshal, I promise to kill them immediately..."

Zhang Xianzhong raised his hand and waved, "No. I'm only going to a banquet, not to a war. Why mobilize so many troops? If the people see us, they'll think I'm planning a mutiny! All of you should just keep a close eye on the camps according to military regulations. Don't let the Tartars take advantage of any loopholes. These wild boars aren't dead yet. Also, keep a close eye on the Guanning Army and don't let them harm the people again..."

"But..." Chen Jinghe's face was gloomy and wrinkled, as if he was an apple withering rapidly.

"Alright, alright." Zhang Xianzhong interrupted the topic and pointed to He Lusi beside him. "After the banquet, I have to stay and discuss Liaodong civil affairs with Governor Fang. Recovering Liaodong is just a starting point. Every inch of land needs manpower to cultivate. The issue of more refugees returning to Liaodong must be properly handled.

During the few days I'm away, all affairs of the Beiwei Army will be temporarily handed over to He Lusi.

Before the celebration banquet, we must not slack off on military training and farming."

"Yes, Marshal." A group of Liaodong generals nodded in response.

Zhang Xianzhong was probably an impatient person, so he hurried to Liaoyang with only dozens of his "trusted" cavalrymen.

After taking just a few dozen steps, Zhang Xianzhong suddenly pulled the reins to turn his horse back and shouted to Chen Jinghe and the others, "When I return from the banquet, you should throw a grand banquet to celebrate my army. Then, we can talk about the affairs of the world all night long, how about that!"

Before the word "good" came out of his throat, Chen Jinghe saw Marshal Zhang riding away on his horse with a big laugh.

Looking at Zhang Xianzhong's departing figure, Chen Jinghe felt an inexplicable sense of panic lingering in his heart. The more he thought about it, the more he felt something was wrong...

The Marshal should be able to come back safely, he should be able to, he must be able to!

Zhang Xianzhong arrived in Liaoyang one day earlier than the Beiwei Army, and then made a big circle around the major military camps of his own army.

Firstly, it showed that the main force of the Beiwei Army had returned home, and the other troops had more confidence in doing anything. Secondly, it showed Zhang Xianzhong's personal influence to the newly arrived "guests" and warned them not to play any tricks.

Liaodong, Liaodong, you are finally at peace.

The modern Liaoning is probably derived from the meaning of "eternal peace in the Liaohe River basin".

Zhang Xianzhong looked up into the distance. The sunset, like a salted duck egg yolk, slowly set. Most players would also be logging off and returning to their real lives. International students and workers in other time zones would fill in some of the vacancies left by the players going offline.

And he had to "work overtime" to attend the banquet.

……

The endless night sky is dotted with brilliant stars, and the governor's office in Liaoyang is brightly lit with candles.

The Liaodong Governor invited more than a dozen civil servants and generals to serve as guests, and five tables were already filled in advance. Only the Zu brothers and Zhang Xianzhong arrived late.

Fortunately, everyone didn’t have to wait too long, and the three “protagonists” arrived one after another soon.

After all, it was their own territory, so there was no need to worry about plots or assassinations, so the three guards were kept outside the yamen.

Zhang Xianzhong arrived first, wearing a light and simple military officer's uniform.

Even though he was dressed simply, the unique aura formed from dozens of battles still surrounded him.

Countless people saw Marshal Zhang for the first time and couldn't help but sigh, he is indeed a good hero who participated in the Battle of Recovery of Liao!
The two brothers of the Zu family were extremely arrogant, with their noses in the air, and before sitting down they only bowed once to the Futai.

When they saw Zhang Xianzhong arrive, they didn't even open their eyes to look at him, and had no intention of reconciliation at all, completely reversing their previous humble appearance of asking for forgiveness.

Zhang Xianzhong felt a sinking feeling in his heart when he saw this, and he suddenly realized that this banquet was not an ordinary "mediation meeting".

He didn't know what the other party's plan was, but he was sure it was not a good intention.

Governor Fang spoke first, "Everyone."

He stood up holding the full wine glass, and all the civil and military officials around him stood up one after another, and even the Zu brothers stood up reluctantly.

Zhang Xianzhong was naturally no exception.

Fang Yizao glanced around, raised his glass and said, "Liaodong was lost for over ten years, but today we have finally recovered it, all thanks to your Majesty's bravery and the soldiers' dedication.

When the Japanese governor was in Liaoxi and Liaodong, he heard people say more than once that the Ming Dynasty was doomed. At that time, the governor said that whether it would be a victory or a defeat, we would have to wait and see.

Now that Liaodong has been recovered, it proves that the Ming Dynasty has not yet run out of luck, and the dreams of the traitors and rebels will finally be unfulfilled.

Even though there are still bandits wreaking havoc in the interior, I believe that Liaodong can be recovered and it will only take a few years to crush the bandits. By then, the whole world will be at peace and the people will live and work in peace, which will be a blessing for the world.

The revival of our Ming Dynasty is in sight, and the Ming Dynasty will be forever stable!

Congratulations to the Ming Dynasty! "

After Fang Yizao finished speaking, he drank the wine in the glass.

"Congratulations to the Ming Dynasty!"

"Congratulations to Your Majesty!"

Mixed celebratory sounds rang out one after another, followed by a series of celebrations and laughter.

Governor Fang then gestured for everyone to sit down. Suddenly, someone at the main table said something inappropriate, "General Zhang, I just saw you had your lips tightly shut. You seemed unhappy to see the Ming Dynasty's revival?"

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone at the table turned their heads to the accused, Zhang Xianzhong. Even the guests at other tables turned their heads. "The thief crying 'Catch the thief' is a loudmouth. I wonder who fought bravely during the Liao recovery, and who reaped the benefits in western Liaoning. Oh, right—" 'Zhang Xianzhong' suddenly seemed to have a sudden realization, pointing to Zu Dacheng with a look of realization. "It seems your Zu family, the generals, boast of being the pillars of the nation, collecting millions in Liao tribute every year, yet they hide away in the Liaoxi fortresses, unclaimed?"

"You!" Zu Dabi, a veteran over fifty years old, still couldn't keep his composure. If he hadn't been stopped by his younger brother, he would have almost stood up and cursed.

"The Tartars are powerful, and our army is of mixed quality. We have done our best to hold the Liaoxi area. Unlike General Zhang, who, having just achieved great success in recovering Liao, rushed into Korea.

"How great are your achievements? A first-rank official is not enough! Do you want to be crowned with a yellow robe one day, enter the capital, and seize the throne from His Majesty?"

"How dare you!" Zhang Xianzhong slammed the table, raised his hands and shook them in the direction of the capital, then put on the airs of a loyal minister. "Sharing the emperor's worries is a minister's duty. The Tartars have retreated to Korea. Are we really going to sit back and watch them become powerful and become another fallen Liaodong?"

"The Ministry of War has not yet issued an order, why did General Zhang send troops on his own? This is against the regulations and against reason, right?" Governor Fang's voice sounded at the right time.

Why is he speaking for the Zu family? Isn't today a mediation meeting?

Zhang Xianzhong looked over in surprise, and met Fang Yizhao's eyes that were in urgent need of an answer.

This feeling of betrayal was like when he was arguing with a passerby, but his companion stopped him and advised him to let it go, completely ignoring the dirty words the other person was spewing out, and even "helping" the outsider to curse him.

The stench of bias could almost penetrate his brain.

Only then did Zhang Xianzhong realize that mediation was fake and accountability was real. This was a "game" to lure him in!
Zhang Xianzhong didn't care whether it was the Hongmen Banquet or the Accountability Bureau.

Now that he was in, he didn't expect to be able to walk out easily.

A "dangerous" thought took root in my mind and then grew vigorously.

He seemed to be extremely angry and couldn't help laughing, then he twisted the wine pot and filled it for himself, "When a general is away from home, he has to obey the orders of the king."

"I understand General Zhang's loyalty to his country, but your unauthorized actions are truly suspicious—" Fang Yizao's tone gradually warmed up, as if a gentle prelude suddenly became agitated. "Besides, you have caused turmoil throughout Korea, not only plundering and raping the people, but also colluding with the Korean tyrant to murder loyal officials! The Korean people have even brought their complaints to the capital! You have brought shame upon the Ming Dynasty. Do you acknowledge your guilt?"

"Am I guilty?"

Zhang Xianzhong said to himself that even if he really had evil intentions, every time he went on a campaign he was truly loyal to the Ming Dynasty.

If he rebels, you can call him a traitor.

But since he became the commander-in-chief of the Beiwei Army, has he ever done anything rebellious?
Pointing at a loyal minister and calling him a traitor, isn't that like calling a horse a deer?
"Hahaha..." Zhang Xianzhong suddenly burst into laughter. "Those so-called Korean people are nothing but domestic parasites. When they were plundering the people's wealth, you couldn't see it. So you just put on old clothes and cried a few times, and then you believed them."

"If I don't believe the victim's words, then how could I believe you?" Fang Yizao cursed. "You dare to quibble in front of me? It shows that you, the Beiwei Army, are so arrogant and domineering that you don't even take me seriously! I was right. You are a traitor who pretends to be loyal!"

Zhang Xianzhong laughed in anger, "What a joke! I recovered Liaodong, chased the Tartars, and asked the people of Liaodong to resume their livelihoods, but now I am regarded as a traitor and a traitor?

The Guanning Army didn't recover an inch of territory, and upon entering Liaodong, they began raping and looting. And yet, they were considered loyal subjects?!
You don't care about the suffering of the people in Liaodong, but instead care about the fake people overseas. You take other people's words as golden rules and believe them blindly.

Is it loyalty or treachery, all based on your words? "

"There are witnesses and evidence, and you still dare to deny it! The Guanning Army is in turmoil, and it will be dealt with according to military law. How can you, the Beiwei Army, interfere in the matter?" An official stood up and shouted angrily.

Another minor official stepped forward and knelt before Fang Yizao. "When the Beiwei Army was in Dengzhou, they repeatedly harassed the local gentry. They acted righteously in front of others, but secretly extorted money and food from the gentry."

The treacherous people have gained petty profits from the Beiwei Army, so naturally they can even turn black into white, and the Beiwei Army naturally has a good reputation everywhere... I implore the governor to make the decision and severely punish the Beiwei Army generals to uphold justice in the world!

These "well-reasoned" words instantly resonated with a group of civil servants.

They came to Liaodong with the army and had several gatherings with the gentry of Denglai.

They remembered all the complaints and grumbles of the gentry at the banquet and expressed them at that moment, hoping to defeat the Beiwei Army in one blow.

I'm coming.

Zhang Xianzhong glanced around with contempt, and found that less than one in ten people dared to speak well of the Beiwei Army.

In the past, when the Beiwei Army was advancing triumphantly, these people were timid and tried their best to curry favor with them. Now that they see the Beiwei Army is under attack, they all turn to push the Beiwei Army down.

Zhang Xianzhong had no resentment, but instead had a feeling of disdain as if he were looking at insects.

"Okay, okay, if anyone has any complaints, please stand up and speak clearly! I want to hear what else you can make up." Zhang Xianzhong poured himself another glass of wine and drank it.

He knew very well that the governor must have made sufficient preparations to set up this situation.

Either they had received orders long ago to arrest him and bring him to the capital to be punished, or they wanted to force him to surrender and take the opportunity to squeeze some money out of him.

It’s a pity that he is Zhang Xianzhong. He just wants to drink, eat, and watch these clowns perform, thinking in his heart that destruction is coming quickly.

As if angered by Zhang Xianzhong's calm demeanor, Fang Yizao stood up and pointed at Zhang Xianzhong's nose and cursed -

"You bold lunatic! Victims from all over the world have come to you to complain, yet you don't take it to heart at all.

I have seen hundreds of soldiers of the Guanning Army who were injured in the past. The smell of blood hits my face. How can it be fake!
The Korean victim cried in front of the palace, and the emperor was furious. How could it be false!

Without the order of the Ministry of War, your troops entered another country without permission. Now you have just returned with your troops. I saw it with my own eyes, how could it be false!

You have contradicted me several times today, showing your disregard for law and order. Your cruel and tyrannical heart has been revealed. How could it be false?

You acted without orders, disregarded the law, murdered your colleagues, and harmed the vassal states. Do you really think that this governor is afraid of your power and dares not enforce military law?!"

Fang Yizao grabbed the wine glass and threw it hard to the ground. The wine glass broke into pieces with a snap.

Soon, more than a hundred armored soldiers rushed out of the hall.

Fang Yizao pointed at Zhang Xianzhong and said, "Catch him!"

The soldiers did not seem surprised about who they were going to capture. They held Zhang Xianzhong's shoulders while saying "yes, sir."

Although the latter was clearly captured by the soldiers, he still looked at ease, as if he had no idea what danger he would face next, and he did not resist at all.

"If it weren't for His Majesty's love for you and your contribution in recovering Liaodong, I would have drawn the royal banner and executed you, the traitor, on the spot!"

Fang Yizao glared at him fiercely, then waved his hand vigorously as if swatting a fly away. "Take him away and keep him under strict guard! In three days, take him to the capital and hand him over to His Majesty for judgment!"

(End of this chapter)