In March of the fifth year of Yongle, the seventeenth king of the thieves in Xunzhou gathered more than 2,500 thieves, passed through Qinzhou, and committed Siming Mansion.

At that time, Qinzhou did not set up the capital of the yamen and guards, and many Annan Shu people settled here. When the news of the conquest of the Annan army came to Kedongdu, the Annan people avoided one after another. Only the border people of the Ming Dynasty and the criminals exiled here are left in the territory, which are under the control of the Tusi.

When the thieves were outdated, Tusi sent people to Nanning Mansion and Siming Mansion to ask for help, but they were one step too late. Wang 17 and other thieves killed more than 30 Tusi and border people, did not stay long, crossed 100,000 mountains, and the target was directly aimed at Siming Mansion.

Some thieves carried the stolen cloth and grain with them, slowed down the speed of their travel, and were ordered to throw them down, and immediately made a noise.

The thief leader king seventeen slashed down a thief who shouted the most powerful, and said in a loud voice: "What are these?!" Think of the caravan that we have won, the whole car of silk, gold and silver! ”

The thieves stopped clamoring and looked at Wang Seventeen one after another.

"In Pingxiang County, gold and silver are piled up into a mountain! Salt, silk, tea, and treasures sent back from Annam! ”

Wang Qiqi stared at a pair of rat eyes, a dark face, a hideous expression, and endless greed.

"In addition to gold and silver treasures, there are also women! As long as you succeed, you will enjoy it in this life and the next life! ”

"The imperial army has gone to fight Annam, and the defenders in the city are not afraid!"

"Pingxiang is just a small border county, there is no moat, and the city wall can be pierced by guns, what are you afraid of!"

"Let's fall into the grass and die, for what? Inexhaustible treasures, gold and silver, beautiful women! ”

"After robbing Pingxiang, let's go to Laos, to Siam, to Zhenla, no matter how powerful the imperial army is, can we still defeat these states?"

Wang XVII's words were quite incitative-incendiary-sexual, and as he shouted one after another, the thief's expression gradually changed, and he became as greedy as he was, and even a little more fanatical.

The grain and cloth looted in Qinzhou have been thrown away, and with the gold and silver treasures of Pingxiang, what else do you want to do!

The "military advisor" in the team reminded Wang 17, "Although the imperial army entered Annan, there are still more than 100 guards stationed in Pingxiang, and there are Chengguo Gong and Xingningbo who were enshrined by the Son of Heaven, so they should not be careless." ”

Wang Qiqi smiled slyly and lowered his voice, "What the military advisor said is clear. The military advisor should also know that the purpose of going to Pingxiang is not to capture the county seat, but to gold and silver treasures! ”

"What does the leader mean?"

"There are so many people, even if they are killed by the officers and soldiers, it will take two or three hours, right?" Wang Seventeen's expression became more and more hideous, "I knew that my catties and two catties were a dead end for entering the city, so he made a noise, took advantage of these people to send them to death, made a windfall, and immediately fled into Laos with his cronies!" ”

The military advisor rolled his eyes and understood Wang Seventeen's intentions.

What mountains of gold and silver are, they are all painted pies.

No matter how few officers and troops there are, it is impossible for a rabble of more than 2,000 people to capture the county seat. Wang XVII's purpose is to come out of the city with a caravan!

"I heard that the official army occupied the salt well in Annam, and also did business with the merchants, and the caravans that entered and exited the county every day, salt and spices were transported out in truckloads. It's good to be able to get gold and silver, but if you don't have gold and silver, grab a few more bags of salt and spices, and when you get to the territory of Fanren, you can still exchange for a lot of gold and silver. It's not a problem to feed two or three hundred people! When the time comes, those people will still have to provide for us! ”

"The leader is really smart!"

Wang Qiqi smiled proudly, as if he saw a bright future beckoning to him.

The military advisor turned his back and his face gloomy.

In the middle of March of the fifth year of Yongle, more than 2,000 thieves finally entered Siming Mansion.

Unexpectedly, the officers and soldiers of the guard station encountered along the way did not intercept and did not take the initiative to attack. This situation is very unusual, and anyone with a little brain should think about whether there is a trap waiting for them in front of them.

But the thieves who were carried away by the gold and silver treasures didn't have time to think about these things at all, and only thought that the strategy of picking dense forests and trails had worked, and they didn't realize that even if people could hide in the forest, the frightened birds and scattered beasts would be ignored by the officers and soldiers stationed at the border all year round?

The military advisor was the first to find out that something was wrong, but he didn't have time to persuade Wang XVII. Even if Wang Seventeen is willing to listen to him, more than 2,000 thieves may not be willing to give up the meat to his mouth.

After Shixi Prefecture, Pingxiang County is close in front of you.

Outside the city gates, a long line of caravans was waiting to enter the city, and another convoy full of goods came out of the city. Overwhelmed, a cart toppled to one side, the unfastened bag loosened, and fiery red coral and chunks of silver rolled out, making the eyes of the thieves in the ranks red. Taking advantage of the chaos, he left in a hurry and reported to his accomplices hiding in the woods.

After listening to the talk, all the thieves kept swallowing spit, there are so many treasures in one car, maybe there is really a mountain of gold in Pingxiang County.

Wang Qiqi said viciously, "Wait for the night, let's do it!" ”

He changed his mind, leaving the treasure mountain in front of him, and only grabbing a few bags of salt, it was a fool's business!

"Lao Wu also said that the city wall is less than two people high, take advantage of the night, let's go in and set fire to him, and rob him fiercely!"

Wang Seventeen's eyes were red, and the eyes of the thieves were also red.

The military advisor was still able to maintain a trace of sobriety, and as soon as he opened his mouth and called out "leader", he was interrupted by Wang Seventeen.

"The military advisor doesn't have to say it anymore."

Wealth moves people's hearts, and anything else is useless.

The military advisor was helpless and took the initiative to ask to be picked up outside the city. Wang Seventeen nodded, but the thieves who were named by the military advisor to stay outside the city were reluctant.

I don't know how many treasures I can grab when I enter the city, and if I give them them afterwards, they must be ripped flesh and bones.

Listening to the complaints of his subordinates, the military advisor did not speak.

He was very unsteady in his heart, and always felt that it was not a good thing for Wang Seventeen to change his mind temporarily.

If you really enter the city, I'm afraid you won't be able to get out.

In Pingxiang City, Zhu Neng was not wearing armor, but was dressed in civilian clothes, listening to the scout's detailed report of the thieves.

The killing of Wang Qiqi and the others would not have expected that since they left Qinzhou, almost their every move was under the supervision of the officials and soldiers. If it weren't for Xingningbo's concern for the servants who built the road, they wouldn't have been able to go to Pingxiang at all, and they would have been cleaned up by the guards along the way.

The results of the conquest of the Annan army spread one after another, and the truckloads of treasures and grain were brought back, making it difficult for the soldiers who were ordered to garrison and had no chance to participate in the war not to envy them.

No matter how small the mosquito's legs are, they are still meat, and if they cut down the thieves who make trouble, it is also a war achievement.

Can't you go side by side with the army to conquer Annan, get some money and food, and move up to the next level, right?

The thieves were smug and regarded Pingxiang as fat to their mouths. As everyone knows, in the eyes of the guards along the way, they are the real pork belly, and they want to bite but can't get their mouths, they are really gluttonous!

"There are more than 2,500 thieves, plotting to attack the county seat tonight."

The scout pouted as he reported.

It is said that the thieves are also lifted, and there are quite a few people, but they are a real rabble.

The leaders were also carrying waist knives and spears, and the rest of the people were mostly fire-roasted sticks and sharpened bamboo poles, and many of them were carrying farm tools, which were also snatched from the middle of the road.

To deal with such a group of people, there is no need for a labor army at all, and the strength of the three general banners can be taken, and it is no problem to annihilate them all.

It depends on the meaning of the grandfather and uncle of the country, but they want to be captured alive.

In this case, it will be more troublesome. For the border army, it seems that it is more difficult to arrest people than to cut them.

"After waiting for more than ten days, I finally came." Zhu Neng turned to Meng, "However, arresting people at night is always better than not doing it during the day, and there is a possibility of more losses." ”

has been friends with Meng for a long time, and the direction of Cheng Guogong's consideration of the problem has also undergone a slight change.

In the past, such words would never have come from his mouth.

"It's okay to lose something." Meng Dao, "Anyway, it was sent to the door for nothing, and as much as you caught, you will earn it." ”

Zhu Neng smiled, "This is reasonable, but I think badly for my brother." ”

Cheng Guogong and Xingning Boyun were light, and the scout suddenly felt his scalp tingle.

If you want to get rich, why can't you? When he went to Annan to cut wood and work as a porter for the caravan, he earned enough money to eat and drink well every day. Why can't you think of a thief and rob? Still grab these two heads?

With these two here, those who dare to fight Pingxiang's idea are better than looking for death rather than looking for death.

With such a big courage, should you admire a warrior, or scold a stupid person?

The scouts have no solution.

That night, only a few torches were lit sporadically at the head of the city, and the defenders of the city also held their breath and took their positions, so as not to make a sound, so as not to scare away the thieves who had been sent to the door.

Meng opened the account book, pulled up the abacus, pushed the booklet captured by the army in front of Zhu Neng, and grinned, "Grandpa Guo, please help." ”

Looking at the booklet stacked into a small mountain, Zhu Neng inhaled, exhaled, and finally accepted his fate, picked up a book and opened it.

After reading a few lines, I was stunned.

"Land?"

It is not uncommon for the army to seize gold, silver and grain, how can it be land?

Li Ji Yak father and son have not been caught, and the Son of Heaven twice ordered the search for the descendants of the Chen family, and did not - reveal the intention of putting Annan under the rule of the Ming Dynasty, is it appropriate to do so?

"Grandpa Guo doesn't need to be surprised." Meng crackled and calculated, stopping occasionally and recording the numbers in the book, "These are all sold voluntarily by the locals." ”

Zhu Neng feels that his head is a little insufficient, and the locals sell it?

Meng finished reading one account book and took another one.

"The fields of the Ming Dynasty can be bought and sold, and so can the nature of Annam. These fields were purchased by merchants, with the Annam clan as a guarantee, and the officials and soldiers did not come forward. As he spoke, he began to pull up the abacus again, and it was more than enough to use two things, "Since the Song Dynasty, there have been merchants from the Central Plains who have settled in Annan and other countries, and it is very common to buy and sell land. The lower officials had made a contract with the merchants who came forward, and the land was to be used to grow food. ”

"Grow all the grain?" Zhu Neng quickly skimmed through the entire booklet, and the fields recorded on it alone add up to not a small amount, "The people of Fanbang may not be trustworthy." The army is unhindered at the time, and after that, if it is a traitor and regains the acres, what should it do? ”

It's not that Cheng Guogong is cautious, Annan can definitely do such a thing.

"Grandpa Guo's concerns are reasonable." Meng stopped dialing the plate and nodded thoughtfully, "The lower official has been ignoring this. His Majesty pushes people with sincerity, but small countries and widows are capricious, and it is difficult to be honest. According to Grandpa Guo, how should this matter be resolved? How about the veterans and border people? ”

Zhu Neng: "......"

"In order to prevent the Annam from seizing it, weapons can be issued to those who protect the land, and contracts can be signed with merchants. With such a guarantee, it is expected that more merchants will be willing to grow grain. ”

Zhu Neng: "......"

"Thank you Grandpa Guo for mentioning it." Meng was grateful, "Xiaguan is really open!" The grandfather of the country is wise, and the lower officials admire it! ”

Zhu Neng: What did he mention ......? I always felt that I had stepped into the pit dug by Xingningbo, and I was still unconscious, so I took the initiative to hand over the shovel and ask for the soil.

Cheng Guogong's face was blank, and Uncle Meng, who had achieved his goal, snickered.

When the land is bought, there is food. The rice, which is harvested three times a year, can be transported back to China, and the problem of grain shortage can be alleviated.

With the young and strong guards and border people protecting the fields, after a long time, they will definitely form settlements and develop into villages and even county seats. There will be more and more border people living here, and as long as nothing else, these lands will be actually occupied by the Ming Dynasty.

The Annanites want to go back? Dream on.

Want to grab it? As long as the neck is hard enough, welcome.

The plan is good, just need a "helper".

Shen Xuan was still fighting near the Fuliang River, and Zhu Neng became the best choice.

It is clear that it is going to occupy an area, but it will definitely not be possible, after all, the Ming Dynasty is the heaven-dynasty-the kingdom, and the appearance of eating cannot be too ugly.

Turn a corner, and things will be much easier. Even the civil and military forces in the court can't easily find fault with it.

Meng thinks he is quite kind, at least he spends money to buy it, instead of using more convenient means to grab it.

In fact, even if he really robbed it, it wouldn't be a big deal, at most he would be sprayed by Yushi for a few words.

This is the fifteenth century, he is a military attache of the Ming Dynasty, and his job is to protect the land and property of the Ming Dynasty, deter neighbors, and seize the homestead for the old Zhu family.

It's just that, considering the imperial court's policy towards Annan and the will of the Son of Heaven, it is better to keep a low profile and use soft means.

To achieve the goal, Meng immediately pushed the account book aside, spread out the paper, and wrote it sparsely, asking Zhu Neng to look at it.

"Grandpa Guo, please take a look." Uncle Meng smiled, "Is it appropriate to play the Son of Heaven like this?" ”

If Zhu Neng still didn't understand what Meng wanted to do, he would have a knot in his head.

"Brother Xian has thought about it?"

"Yes." Meng Dao, "After this battle, whether the descendants of the Chen family are found, or not, these lands will grow grain for the imperial court." You can also choose to grow grain to enrich our dynasty. ”

After pondering for a long time, Zhu Nengcai nodded slowly, "The country is based on agriculture, and the people are based on food." The virtuous brother is dedicated to the country, this letter is written for the brother! ”

"Grandpa Xie Guo!"

Zhu Neng: "......" He seems to have taken the initiative to step on the pit again?

When the two were talking, the more than 2,000 thieves who attacked the county seat at night were wrapped in dumplings by the officials and soldiers who were waiting for the rabbits.

Whoever climbed the city wall and entered the city, and those who remained outside the city could not run.

Countless torches lit up in the darkness, lighting up half of the night sky.

The shouts of the officers and soldiers and the cheers of the young people on the border, accompanied by the splashed blood and the heads rolling to the ground, frightened the thieves.

"The thief leader king seventeen is dead, lay down his arms, and those who kneel on the ground will not be killed!"

A hundred households held a loudspeaker and shouted loudly, pointing diagonally at the waist knife on the ground and dripping blood.

"Spare your life!"

A thief is a thief after all.

When encountering merchants and border people, they are extremely vicious.

In front of the well-trained, murderous guards, they became a flock of sheep.

The military advisor outside the city led people to run, but they were directly shot by the scout with an arrow-shot through the shoulder, and the thieves under him also failed to escape.

When the scout was about to wield a knife and slash people, the military advisor ignored the pain in his shoulder and shouted: "Don't kill me, I know Hu Yiyuan's whereabouts!" ”

Hu Yiyuan is Li Jiyak, the mastermind who killed the former king of Annam, exterminated the Chen family, usurped the throne, and deceived the Ming Dynasty.

The scout put away his knife and scooped up the collar of the military advisor, "Dare to lie to grandpa, I scraped you alive!" ”

"Don't dare! Next...... The little ones don't dare! ”

The military advisor trembled and confessed his identity, and was immediately escorted into the city. When he saw Wang Seventeen's corpse, he trembled even more, and he didn't dare to lie if he was given ten dares.

Hearing the return, Meng and Zhu Neng were both taken aback.

"Who does he say he is?"

"Uncle Hui, this thief said that he was the son of Ruan Xizhou, the secretary of the Annan Puppet Ministry of Works, and the son-in-law of the Li thief. On the order of the Li thief, he infiltrated the territory of the Ming Dynasty and instigated the outlaws to plot against him. ”

Fugitive?

Meng sighed, "In this way, this time the thieves came to commit Pingxiang, not only the wealth is moving. ”

Zhu Neng nodded, and asked the scout again, "This thief said that he knows where the father and son are?" ”

"Exactly."

Zhu Neng's face became serious, and he immediately said, "You immediately take someone to send him to the Dingguo Mansion." ”

"Yes!"

The scout left, and Meng hesitated: "Grandpa Guo, in case he lies?" ”

"That's fine." Zhu Neng smiled coldly, "Dingguo Gong knows how to use this person." ”

Meng tightened his eyebrows and quickly let go.

He didn't understand military matters. I believe that with Cheng Guogong's experience and Shen Xuan's strategy, he will not do anything to lift a stone and hit his feet.

Instead of thinking about this, it is better to count the labor that has been caught.

With these manpower, it should be possible to start building roads.

In March of the fifth year of Yongle, the thieves of Xunzhou in Liuzhou committed Pingxiang, and ninety-three people, including the seventeenth king of the thieves, were beheaded, and the rest were captured.

In the same month, in Jiashen, Cheng Guogong's personal soldiers escorted the thief's "military division" to catch up with Shen Xuan's army.

At that time, the army was defeated and thieves were defeated in Jiaoshui County, and captured Ruan Xizhou, the secretary of the puppet Ministry of Annam, and beheaded the puppet Yiwei general Hu Shot and tens of thousands of generals.

In the military tent, Shen Xuan read Zhu Neng's handwritten letter and ordered the guards to detain the "military advisor" and Ruan Xizhou together. After confirming his identity, he ordered the army to pull out the camp and return to Xianziguan.

If you want to capture the father and son of the thief who escaped a few times, these two should be of great use.