Xiao Dunhuang said: "When the Northwest Army is employing people, it is needless to say that it is eager to recruit talents. Chief of Staff Tao's methods, someone has learned many times in the past two years, and he is like a god in using soldiers, not in vain. It's just that Chief of Staff Tao is a person, and someone can't be convinced. What's more, someone has the net worth and life of the brothers in Fulong Mountain, no matter what, they must be properly placed first. Since he could not be convinced of Chief of Staff Tao, he could not cooperate with Chief of Staff Tao. Since Xiao is here, he should also say a few heartfelt words to Chief of Staff Tao. Or there is something that you don't like to hear, and Chief of Staff Tao will not even be able to listen to these words. ”

Tao Xiao smiled slightly, nodded, and asked him to walk ahead.

Xiao Dunhuang walked sideways and said: "Chief of Staff Tao, General Shi Jingchang is the respect of the division commander, and Commander Tao also has the grace of knowing him. As for the brothers of Fulongshan, they are brothers and sisters, and they can't abandon them halfway and live up to their trust. Unless one day, Xiao can be sure that Chief of Staff Tao can indeed protect the peace and prosperity of this side, then they will go down the mountain, do not steal or rob, and can also get food and clothing, and can be stable. Otherwise, Xiao would rather live in the mountains for a long time and advance and retreat with everyone in Fulong Mountain. ”

Tao Xiang asked, "Mr. Xiao, how can I trust you?" Mr. Xiao's past behavior, and even his reputation, are questioned by many people. If it weren't for General Shi Jingchang's repeated assurances and my father's insistence, I'm afraid you would still be in prison right now. He"

Xiao Dunhuang smiled and said, "But Chief of Staff Tao, the so-called reputation is just a rumor. What handle does Fulongshan have in the hands of people now? Smuggling arms? That was when the boss was there, and now he's dead. Growing opium poppies, smuggling tobacco soil? That's what the second child did in private. He has also been captured by you, and the tobacco has been confiscated and destroyed. What else? Explode? Assassinate? It was done by the people of the Ma family. Burn and loot? That's still done by the Ma family. What is Fulong Mountain now? The few acres of thin fields under the mountain, as well as the medicinal herbs in the deep mountains. Remarkable, a few guns left...... It was a gift from Chief of Staff Tao at the beginning. Because...... That kidnapping, if I hadn't led someone to stick a stick, what would have been the consequences, Chief of Staff Tao wouldn't have known, right? This, even if Chief of Staff Tao doesn't remember, Mrs. Tao always remembers. So in my opinion, no matter what, Fulongshan can't be regarded as Chief of Staff Tao's primary confidant, so it's better to put it aside for now. ”

Tao Xiao smiled and said, "Mr. Xiao, if you hadn't washed Fulong Mountain so clean in a short period of time, how could you stand and talk to me now?" ”

He stretched out his hand to signal Xiao Dunhuang to enter the house, and in a blink of an eye, he saw that Jing Yi and Dunwen were still behind, and he knew that she was deliberately letting the two of them talk alone, so he ordered someone to serve tea and invited Xiao Dunhuang to sit down.

Xiao Dunhuang was silent for a moment before he said: "Chief of Staff Tao, it is easy to sweep away Fulong Mountain, but it is difficult to sweep away hatred. Da"

Tao Xiang sat down first and said, "Of course I understand this truth." ”

Xiao Dunhuang also sitted.

The crystal lamp hanging high in the study is very bright.

The dressed Dunhuang and the casually dressed Tao Xiang sat quietly. For a long time, no one spoke.

The servant served tea, and Tao Xiang invited Dunhuang to drink tea, saying, "This is the tea that Neiko brought back from Nanjing, please taste it." The mountains are bitter, and Mr. Su Wenxiao is also a good tea, so when you go, take some with you. ”

Xiao Dunhuang took the tea, sniffed it, but said: "This tea will be excellent if it is brewed for a long time." I'm afraid I can't sit here for long. ”

"It doesn't hurt. The door is open to Mr. Seven and Mr. Xiao. Mr. Xiao is always welcome to come for tea. Tao Xiang said steadily.

He put the tea bowl aside, looked at Tao Xiang again, and asked, "We met in Nara, do you remember?" We had a face-to-face meeting at Mr. Sun's house, but we didn't speak. ”

Tao Xiao nodded slowly and said, "Remember." ”

"General Liao was still there at that time." When he recalled, the expression on his face was not only serious, but his eyelids trembled slightly.

"He is being hunted down by agents sent by the government." Tao Xiang said. His hands rested on his lap and he sat in a very standard military position.

When he saw it, he was stunned and said, "Then there is one thing I want to confirm with you." ”

"Please." Tao Xiang said.

"One night, we went into a local house to avoid being hunted down. The men who were chasing us that day were killed by a few very good men. General Liao was also wounded that day, and then we left in a hurry and did not have time to thank him. But on a handkerchief that bandaged General Liao's wounds, there were embroidered words. General Liao said that it was the name of a certain young lady. But there was no lady present that night, until I went to Nanjing this time and heard some news. Chief of Staff Tao, do you recognize this handkerchief? As he spoke, he took out a neatly folded handkerchief from his pocket. A pale cyan, the same color as the evening sky. "Chief of Staff Tao, was it you who saved General Liao that night?"

Tao Xiang didn't look at the handkerchief.

He looked at Dunhuang.

The calm of Dunhuang is only on the surface, and he is strongly suppressing the excitement in his heart.

Tao Xiang said: "It's been a long time since this matter, so don't get to the bottom of it." ”

Xiao Dunhuang stood up with a sigh.

He stood solemnly in front of Tao Xiao and bowed more than ninety degrees.

Tao Xiao sat still, but he straightened up, looked at him, and said, "Chief of Staff Tao, please accept my gratitude." General Liao is a father-like person to me. He also told me that no matter what, I had to find the person who rescued me back then. So Chief of Staff Tao, I will definitely repay this kindness. But I would also like to state that this has nothing to do with the brothers of Fulongshan. Just because I'm ready to fight with my life doesn't mean I'm going to give them together. This point must be clear to Chief of Staff Tao. ”

Tao Xiang also stood up, walked up to him, looked him in the eyes, and said, "Mr. Xiao, of course I know this. As for the events of that year, since General Liao is no longer there, let him go......"

"Nope." Xiao Dunhuang said categorically, "If you don't repay your kindness, is it the husband's doing?" ”

Tao Xiang paused and said, "Since this is the case, I will follow Mr. Xiao." ”

Xiao Dunhuang looked at Tao Xiang and frowned: "To be honest, I really don't want this to be the case. ”

Tao Xiang raised his eyebrows.

Xiao Dunhuang turned around, and through the window, he saw the stone table in front of the bamboo forest, and Cheng Jingyi was talking softly with Dunwen. They didn't know what they were talking about, they were all smiling...... He said: "It will take time for Chief of Staff Tao to advance to Hexi. If you want to fight, you can't support it with a little bit or two of attrition. It is said that the Tao family has been operating in the northwest for many years and is rich enough to rival the country. This is true in the past, but I have heard some rumors. ”

"What rumors?" Tao Xiang asked.

"The government bonds jointly issued by the five northwestern provinces have been secretly manipulated to make up for the shortfall, and the losses have not been made up so far. It is said that this is the real reason why Chief of Staff Tao married Miss Cheng Jiashi, and why Chief of Staff Tao was reluctant to do anything to the Ma family...... Because we can't afford to fight right now. Xiao Dunhuang said with a slight smile.

Tao Xiang also smiled slightly and motioned for him to continue.

"I also believe that even if the rumors are somewhat true, it is still not a problem for the Northwest Army to defeat Ma Jiaqi. It's just that the Ma family's counterattack this time is menacing, and it means that they will succeed. Otherwise, they will not make a risky move, and test the truth first. However, it was easy to take Lu Datong's life, and I am afraid it was still unexpected by them. In this way, their morale is greatly boosted, and there are also them. On the other hand, on the side of Chief of Staff Tao, the first thing is internally unstable. has not yet been discharged, and there are objections. Second, the Ma family is not without supporters inside and outside the government, and Chief of Staff Tao must consider the attitude of Nanjing. In short, if you start at this time, I'm afraid this battle will be dangerous. Unless...... Chief of Staff Tao had other plans. ”

Tao Xiang walked up to him and stood down.

He also looked out the window and said, "Victory is in danger." ”

Xiao Dunhuang turned around and said: "In this case, I wish Chief of Staff Tao a victorious and invincible banner." Today's time is not early, Dunhuang farewell. Thank you, Chief of Staff Tao, for entertaining your wife. ”

"You're welcome. Come! Tao Xiang shouted.

"Yes, Seven Less." Ma Xingjian agreed outside.

"Sending off guests." Tao Xiang said.

"Mr. Xiao, please." Ma Xingjian said.

Xiao Dunhuang arched his hand and said goodbye to Tao Xiang.

Jing Yi and Dun Wei had already seen him.

Jing Yi saw him walk out quickly, and quickly glanced at the look on his face. Xiao Dunhuang came closer, smiled at her and said, "Mrs. Tao, my sister and I will leave." ”

Dunwen hurried over and looked at his brother.

He patted his sister on the shoulder and smiled.

Jingyi instructed Ma Xingjian to send off the guests and watch the Dunhuang brothers and sisters leave. She listened to the rustling of bamboo leaves, and the cool wind rose, with a hint of coolness.

"Young grandma."

Jing Yi looked back, recognized it as Brother Dong, and asked, "Brother Dong?" Are you here on an errand? ”

"Yes, young grandma. It's cold outside, so go inside, young grandma. Brother Dong said respectfully.

Jingyi smiled and nodded, and asked, "Is the grass bead okay?" ”

"Grandma Lao asked, it's okay." Brother Dong replied.

"Take good care of her. I'll bring the kids in and show them to me later. Jingyi whispered.

Brother Dong agreed, asked people to pack up the tea set outside, and retreated together.

Jing Yi turned around and saw Tao Xiang standing under the porch, lighting a cigarette.

A small flame illuminated half of his face.

He looked up at her and walked over, "Worried just now?" ”

"You let him in and want to talk to him?" Jingyi asked.

He said, "Since he has the guts to come." ”

"He's not a bad guy." She said.

Tao Xiang took a puff of his cigarette and still looked at her.

She was a little flustered and said, "I'...... Go see Eryi...... How's it going. ”