The roaring wind swept up the yellow sand and beat the passers-by.
The flying sand in the sky dyed the whole world yellow, and Yao Xiong couldn't help but squint his eyes. He had to cover his face with a cloth and looked at Tian Zili beside him.
"Are you sure you're coming back today?"
"It's today."
"Why did you choose a time like this? The yellow sand blocks the sun. Couldn't my brother come a few days earlier?"
Tian Zili said calmly: "You can wait until your brother arrives to tell him this."
Yao Xiong laughed, "I don't dare."
A few dark shadows appeared vaguely in the wind and sand.
They tore through the endless wind and sand, and the horse's hooves landed heavily, calm and powerful, carrying its invincible master through the wind and sand.
The horses under Tian Zili and others started neighing at this moment, as if they were expecting an 'old friend' to arrive, and they were extremely excited.
The group of people walked through the wind and sand and slowly came to Tian Zili and others.
Tian Zili and others jumped off their horses and walked forward quickly.
"Meet my lord!!"
"Get up and mount your horse."
Liu Taozi said.
Everyone hurriedly got on their horses. Yao Xiong rode forward, pushed Kou Liu out of Liu Taozi's side, and rode beside him. Kou Liu glanced at him, shook his head, and said nothing.
"Brother, you are finally here!"
"I have suffered a lot during your absence. As soon as you left, the otherwise peaceful soldiers immediately began to disobey. My inspection team was attacked three times, and the white horse garrison was attacked.
Commander! He openly disobeyed the general’s orders and directly allowed his subordinates to go out and plunder, and even robbed his own family members.”
Tian Zili glared at Yao Xiong, "What nonsense are you talking about?!"
Yao Xiong shrugged and stopped talking. Tian Zili then said: "Brother, don't worry, nothing serious happened."
"Most of the border soldiers are arrogant, but they are difficult to control without you, and they don't obey us at all. Fortunately, with the help of the king, no big trouble happened."
Only after Taozi left could Tian Zili and others see clearly the true face of these border soldiers.
On the third day after Liu Taozi left, these people who usually greeted them with smiles and got along very friendly began to test the bottom line of Tian Zili and others little by little. A little indulgence will make a big difference.
to the past momentum.
Tian Zili also thought of many ways to deal with this, and used Liu Taozi's methods to severely suppress the unkind and promote the friendly, but this was of no use.
The same method was implemented by Tian Zili and others, but it was much different.
They colluded with each other, bent the law for personal gain, and even openly resisted. Yao Xiong was attacked several times.
Tian Zili couldn't even understand their brain circuits. What they did was as if Liu Taozi had gone away and would never come back. They didn't think about the consequences at all.
Of course, this is also a major characteristic of border soldiers. Are they still border soldiers who think about the consequences of their actions?
Therefore, Tian Zili chose the most effective method and asked King Lou to come out for help.
Tian Zili couldn't help but sigh: "If there is no King Lou this time, I'm afraid something bad will happen."
"These people are unruly and arrogant. Only after my brother left did we really see clearly."
"My brother is the only one who is cunning, insidious, arrogant, and cruel and can rein in these wild horses. We cannot do this. We have let my brother down."
Tian Zili lowered his head.
Liu Taozi's face remained calm, "It's okay. How can years of bad habits be corrected in just a few days?"
Yao Xiong spoke again: "Brother, the temple also sent a general to suppress the situation. This time we have a better memory and don't dare to deal with it alone, so we called King Lou in advance."
"King Lou captured General Nazhen and is now imprisoned in his mansion."
"oh?"
This is something Liu Taozi has never thought about, "General Zhen?"
"Yes, my surname is Liu. He is from the Huns. I heard he is the son of some great nobleman. He is not worth mentioning. He is extremely incompetent!"
Tian Zili said quietly: "The incompetence is because we met King Dong'an. If we were to face him, I'm afraid something big would happen."
Tian Zili admired Lou Rui very much at this moment, "It's thanks to King Dong'an that I can keep the family business this time."
The group continued to move forward, the wind and sand slowly subsided, and the villages in the distance gradually emerged.
In the past, this place was a desolate and empty wasteland. You could hardly encounter any prey along the way. But now, this empty land is also dotted with some villages and towns.
Although those villages and towns are all khaki, the same color as the ground and the sky, after all, there is something there and they are no longer empty.
Tian Zili also hurriedly spoke, "The civilian men of each garrison have been arranged to go inside and outside the town and set up ten, hundreds, or thousands of households to take charge."
"However, these thousand households basically don't need it."
"During this period, a large number of dead people fled, many of whom came from outside the Great Wall. There were so many people that it was difficult to arrange them. Fortunately, after Wei Gong learned about it, he sent many casual officials to help."
"Currently, thirty-three villages and towns have been established around Wuchuan. This is indeed much better than the previous management methods. High walls have been set up along these villages and towns. Wuchuan no longer has to rely solely on the city for defense, and the defense range has been increased to prevent bandits and bandits.
It’s easier to catch people coming in and out.”
Yao Xiong has been waiting for Tian Zili to finish speaking.
After Tian Zili finished speaking, Yao Xiong hurriedly said: "Let's not talk about the boring things here. Brother, I heard that you went to Yubi City alone this time, captured Wei Xiaokuan and returned alive. Is it true?"
Liu Taozi did not answer.
Kou Liu couldn't help but said: "We have captured a doctor! If Wei Xiaokuan is captured, my brother should return home holding the Emperor's Scepter."
"Then why not arrest him?"
Chu Jiande laughed and scolded: "You Qihu, if the lord doesn't ask for guilt, you won't treat the border soldiers, but you want to ask the lord for the crime?"
Everyone laughed.
Tian Zili also had a lot of joy on his face, "Brother, this important event has been spread in the border fortress. A general came to read your deeds in person, saying that you have contributed to the country's prestige, so the whole world should celebrate together, and even rewarded you with drinks.
!”
"oh?"
"A person sent by His Majesty?"
"Yes, I heard that people were sent from various places to reward them with good wine and let them celebrate together."
Chu Jiande opened his mouth and said: "Your Majesty wanted to send an envoy before, but he didn't dare to announce it. He was afraid that the arrogant and powerful generals would not accept it, thought he was cowardly, and were afraid of the puppet Zhou Dynasty."
"Before setting off, I heard many people criticize this matter and felt it was inappropriate."
"This time my lord has captured the enemy's doctor alive, your majesty will naturally spread the word everywhere to let everyone know that he is not afraid of becoming an enemy of the Puppet Zhou."
After everyone talked for a while, Kou Liu suddenly asked: "Where are Lord Cui, Lord Blackfoot, and Lord Tuxi? Why didn't you come to greet them?"
"Cui Gang is in the city, and there are many things to do, and he can't get away. Zhang Heizu is in Huaishuo, arresting a few important criminals, and Tu Xiyue and the others are escorting the prisoners."
Tian Zili added: "Brother, the king asked me to tell you that when you come back, you must first go to him and meet him."
"Um."
"You guys go back to Wuchuan first. Xiong, take a few people with you and follow me to see Mr. Lou."
"only!!"
Liu Taozi led Yao Xiong towards Zhaoyuan City, while Tian Zili and others continued towards Wuchuan.
It was quiet outside Zhaoyuan City.
Several soldiers were walking back and forth. There were no officials at the city gate. When footsteps were heard in the wind and sand, the soldiers quickly raised their spears and said, "Stop!!"
Liu Taozi walked out of the wind and sand and looked at the few soldiers in front of her.
The soldier was horrified and quickly knelt on the ground.
"General!!"
Liu Taozi ignored them, led the cavalry behind him, and rushed directly into the city.
It wasn't until Liu Taozi rushed over that the soldiers stood up, their eyes full of fear, "General Mandrill is back!"
"Quick, tell brothers!"
"No more going out!"
Liu Taozi came all the way to the state government office. The servants of the state government office knew Liu Taozi and took him to see Lou Rui with a friendly face.
"Good nephew!!"
"Bah, bah."
Lou Rui walked out of the house drunkenly, couldn't help spitting, and cursed: "The frontier fortress is so bad, you will eat a mouthful of sand when you open your mouth!"
He directly took Liu Taozi's hand, hurriedly walked into the house, closed the door, and dusted himself off in disgust.
"Obviously when I was young, things were not like this here. How many years have passed!"
After several pats, but still couldn't get it clean, Lou Rui took off his coat and asked someone to bring a new one.
He led Liu Taozi to sit down, and the room still smelled of wine and women.
Lou Rui wiped the corners of his mouth and looked at Liu Taozi with a smile.
"My nephew has done a great job!"
"Hahaha, in front of Wei Xiaokuan, you kidnapped the doctor sent by Yu Wenhu?"
"here you go!"
"Come, come and have a drink!"
Lou Rui poured wine for Liu Taozi himself.
"When I heard about this, I didn't sleep for three days. I felt so happy!"
"I'm just waiting for my nephew to be able to capture Wei Xiaokuan for me in the future. I'll make it a point to make my nephew a county king too!"
"Your Majesty has given you too much praise."
"I haven't congratulated your Majesty yet for being granted the title of County King."
Lou Rui waved his hand, "What's there to say? In the beginning, if I hadn't been...forget it, this title would be nothing. The main reason is that there is no real reward."
Speaking of this, Lou Rui suddenly became alert.
"By the way, nephew, there is something that I wonder if Zili has told you. Your Majesty sent a young boy here."
"I heard that he is Liu Gui's son."
"Yes, he is the most incompetent son of Liu Gui. He has never fought in a battle, has no military merit, no qualifications, and nothing. He is an incompetent waste. He is just sent here to be a general to suppress you.
Head, want to insert into my side"
"Tell me, Your Majesty, what does this mean?"
"Your Majesty cannot trust the King or me."
Lou Rui was stunned for a moment, and the look in his eyes when he looked at Liu Taozi became a little different, "I know it's true."
"These words should not be spoken in front of outsiders."
"only."
Lou Rui pursed his lips and continued: "It's not that your Majesty can't trust you or me, it's just that we are too close. The power of the frontier is in control. If your Majesty can rest assured, the advisers around him will not rest assured either.
"
"This little brat is just here to explore the way. If one day the temple thinks it's time to replace him, the reasons are ready. They will say that I will imprison the general, or you will use your power to suppress the general."
"Alas, I am just about to contribute to the country, but these villains have even thought of my retreat. It is about to enter winter. When winter comes, His Majesty will definitely come in person to attack and ridicule them."
Lou Rui sighed: "After this battle, I'm afraid I have to leave."
"I don't know what official position your Majesty will give me, or what idiot will replace me."
"My dear nephew, you must not miss this good opportunity. I will go on an expedition with Your Majesty. This is the best opportunity to gain military merit. I am afraid that I will not be able to go out and have to stay behind. Your Majesty will not come alone. When the time comes, we will go together.
Those who come are all capable of recruiting and fighting. They will divide the military power with you. It is impossible to hand over all the border soldiers to you. Your Majesty loves you so much, so the Wuchuan soldiers should still be handed over to you to command."
"Although you are smart, you are too young. You have never experienced such a big thing. I will tell you what to do."
"Please give me your orders, Your Majesty."
Lou Rui stroked his beard and said with a smile: "Don't think about going straight to the tooth tent and winning the first prize. The first prize belongs to Your Majesty. Don't think about killing too many enemies. Killing too many will be of no use."
Lou Rui stood up, walked quickly to the side, rummaged inside for a long time, and then returned here with a map. He spread the map and knocked on a place.
"Your Majesty has ordered the troops to be sent out. Don't worry about anything. Just bring people here and station them here. Don't move around. Don't go anywhere. Even if you don't kill anyone, it doesn't matter. Just stay here!"
Liu Taozi followed what he pointed at and looked over.
The direction Lou Rui pointed was very far away from Wuchuan, but rather close to Anzhou. It was sandwiched between Ru River and Suotou River. It was under Xi Ren's control at the moment.
Liu Taozi pondered for a moment, "Mr. Lou, do you want me to block the exit?"
"Hahaha, smart!"
"The areas where the Xi people are currently stationed used to belong to us, but are now occupied by them, but they don't dare to get too close to the Turks. Your Majesty is going to go on an expedition, and all the garrison towns next to the Xi people along the way will
Naturally, they all have to go north, but the Xi people dare not go north. This is the territory of the Turks. The only thing they can do is to escape back to their hometown. This is the best escape point."
"If you can block this place, then you won't chase the Xi people, but the Xi people will take the initiative to bump into you."
"Besides, you don't even need to fight them. You only need to divide your troops on the side. They will be frightened and will not care about the baggage. They will drop their things and run away. By then, you will definitely gain the most."
Liu Taozi was not surprised at all.
Lou Rui further explained: "My dear nephew, I am not instructing you to grab more baggage and give it to me."
"This war outside the fortress is different from fighting in the Central Plains. They have no city. As soon as they find the enemy attacking, they disperse and flee. The cattle and horses have long legs. They are called footed thieves."
"It's not important to kill their khan. They can choose another one. If that doesn't work, they can directly merge with other tribes and kill their people. This is not easy. The worst is to throw away the things and run away.
How long are you going to chase them?"
"So what if we catch up? The army is out there and consumes a lot of food and materials every day. Is it worth exchanging these things for the lives of those people?"
"The most important thing is to rob them of their things. Taking away their cattle, sheep and horses will cut off their food rations and break their legs. They will never recover from the fall. From now on, even if they are merged and promoted again, they cannot change out of thin air."
Bring out the livestock."
"Only if the things you get back are much more than what you spent, then this expedition beyond the Great Wall will be a victory."
"Otherwise, even if you kill the opponent's khan and burn down their camp, it will be of no use at all. It will be considered a failure. Do you understand?"
Liu Taozi nodded slightly, "I understand."
Lou Rui laughed, "Of course, if you gain a lot and give some to me, I won't refuse. It's all due to your kindness."
"only."
Lou Rui carefully explained a lot of things, all about this expedition. As an important minister or even a local official, Lou Rui was absolutely unqualified. He was greedy and indulged his subordinates. But as a general,
He has been fighting on the battlefield with his elders since he was more than ten years old, and he is extremely excellent in both tactical methods and strategic vision.
When Liu Taozi was about to leave, Lou Rui held his hand again.
"You know it."
"I have been fighting for many years. I originally thought that I would be old enough to die on the ground. But when I suddenly met you, I felt that I was superficial in the past and missed a lot. After today, it will not be convenient for me to communicate too much.
Let’s meet again when His Majesty arrives.”
"You are a capable person, and you can do your job with peace of mind."
"I wonder if we can meet again in court in the future."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Liu Taozi walked out of the state office, and the wind and sand outside were still bad.
War destroys people and the earth.
Trees were uprooted and used as weapons to kill people and destroy the city. The vegetation on the ground was burned and dug into ravines and high slopes. The roots were also dug out and swallowed by the exiles, cattle, sheep and horses.
The boring frontier soldiers, armed with sharp weapons, swept away all the prey that could be shot around them.
Finally, the strong wind carried the yellow sand and began its own revenge.
The whole world was covered with a layer of yellow gauze, and the doors everywhere creaked under the strong wind. After walking a few steps, I saw someone lying on the road, curled up into a ball, and then
He couldn't move either.
The sheep screamed in terror, as if something had hit the door of the sheepfold.
The whole city was empty, and except for those who had already been lying down, no one else could be seen.
Liu Taozi braved the strong wind and set off towards Wuchuan little by little.
Yao Xiong once again covered his face with cloth and did not dare to speak. In this environment, he would really eat sand when he opened his mouth.
It’s hard to believe that only a few decades ago, this place was a large pasture with lush green grass, where shepherd boys driving cattle and sheep sang softly the song of Chile.
A group of them arrived at the foot of Wuchuan City.
Some soldiers roughly pulled people and pushed them to the ground. Those people struggled, but the soldiers raised their swords high.
Liu Taozi suddenly appeared.
The soldiers were shocked and quickly put away their swords. Tu Xiyue quickly stepped forward and said, "General!!"
Liu Taozi looked at the people kneeling on the ground, "Who are these people?"
"The resettled civilian husbands tried to escape home, but were caught and beheaded according to law."
Liu Taozi was silent for a moment, raised her head, and looked at the wind and sand in the sky.
"Enough people have died."
"Let it go."
Chapter completed!