Chapter 4: The Social Rat (Part 4)

Feng Changqing was cautious, of course he could guess that Bian Lingcheng was deliberately pulling his hind legs. However, what the other party did was within the purview of the prison army, so although he was angry in his heart, he was helpless. I only hope that the other party's sentence is that each other is dedicated to the country, and how many two of them will come true. After understanding that he was deliberately tolerating, he saw that the morale of the soldiers was high and he was able to put aside his personal grievances first.

The guards sounded the drum of the gathering generals, and after a while, all the core generals rushed to the tent of the Chinese army. Feng Changqing, the envoy of Anxi Jiedu, patiently analyzed the current doubts about the origin of the Great Food Envoy and his identity, and then sighed and said with a smile: "The border supervisor army thinks that the funeral is ominous, so I persuade this Jiedu to stop the army." However, the fighter plane was fleeting, but this section thought that no matter whether the identity of the envoy was true or false, whether the big wolf eater was dead or alive, this battle must be fought up and down in order to completely ensure the safety of the Western Regions. Neither of us can convince the other now, so we called everyone here to discuss together. Tell me what you think about it! ”

"Well, let's talk about it. Speak one's mind. After all, it involves the advance and retreat of the entire Anxi Army. You can't just be dictatorial by one person," Bian Lingcheng took over Feng Changqing's words and added in a strange tone.

As soon as the words fell, the scout commander Duan Xiushi had already stepped out of the ranks, bowed his hand slightly, and responded loudly: "Do you still need to ask?" Of course, it was beaten to the point that the big cannibals were convinced. Although Duan doesn't know soldiers, he also understands the truth of one blow, then decline, and three exhaustions! ”

"Hmph, in General Duan's opinion, the face of the imperial court can be abandoned?" Bian Lingcheng saw that Duan Xiushi actually dared not support him, so he immediately sank his face and asked coldly.

"Don't dare!" Duan Xiushi smiled and arched his hand, "Duan is a rough man, I just think that the soldiers of other countries will flee in the wilderness, which will increase the face of the Tang Dynasty." But I haven't heard that if you don't fight back after being beaten, you can earn face. ”

This was a bit heavy, and Bian Lingcheng was furious, "You are just a Zhichong Mansion Guoyi, and you dare to make decisions for the imperial court." You must know that the Great Eclipse Envoy is here to mourn Your Majesty, not to you, General Duan, or to someone on my side! ”

"Duan is just telling the truth!" Duan Xiushi didn't buy his account at all, smiled, and added loudly, "At this moment, the big cannibal has become a frightened bird, and my Anxi army only needs to bypass the snow mountain, and a thousand miles of land are at your fingertips." If it is delayed until the official decision of the imperial court, I am afraid that the great cannibals will have already slowed down. By that time, the morale of one side has declined, and the other side is waiting for work, and it is difficult to predict the outcome or defeat. ”

"That's true!"

"General Duan has a point!" The other generals at all levels looked at each other and whispered to each other.

Feeling that he was weak, Bian Lingcheng immediately glanced at a few generals who were close to him, and ordered everyone to come forward to besiege Duan Xiushi. It's just that this task is a little too difficult, and several generals who usually hug the thighs of the border supervision army push each other back and forth, and in the end, only Bi Sichen, the general in charge of the baggage, stood up and said: "General Duan actually doesn't know something, although our army has won a great victory, but crossbow arrows, military rations and other materials have also consumed a lot of money. At present, the road to the city of Gapoli was blocked by the enemy army with huge rocks and trees, and the only way to detour was to the side of Little Boru. And everyone knows the road situation here, except for the cliff is the cliff, the brothers can barely walk by supporting each other. It is difficult to get up to the grain cart and the baggage truck. Even if the people are forced to carry the hands on their shoulders, among the ten pavilions, three or four pavilions will be lost. To be able to support the army to this place is already doing everything in its power. Further ahead, there is a snow-capped mountain that has accumulated for many years, and I am afraid that the people will be exhausted to death, and it will not be able to meet the needs of the army! ”

"Why haven't I heard you say that?" Duan Xiushi glared at him and asked in a low voice.

"yes, I haven't heard you talk about it for a long time. Zhou remembered that when Fengjiedu asked you if you could receive the grain and grass, you also swore that you patted your chest! Huaihua General Zhou Xiaofeng also walked out of the queue and asked with a smile.

"This ....." Bi Sichen was speechless. When Feng Changqing asked him about the weight of grain and grass, Bian Lingcheng was not present, and of course he didn't have the courage to say that he couldn't complete the task. However, in front of everyone's eyes, it is difficult to change his words. In a state of shame, Wang Tao, the official in charge of the levy and distribution of civil service, straightened his clothes and armor and took the initiative to go out to play a round for the dead party, "The generals don't know, General Bi thought that Xiao Boluguo had re-established the official road to Shule in accordance with General Gao Xianzhi's order, so he made a wrong judgment. However, who would have thought that the military and civilians of Xiao Bolu were lazy, and the official road that had been rested for several years had not even been completed. He didn't dare to conceal the actual situation and delay the military plane, so he told the truth! ”

Xiao Bolu betrayed the Tang Dynasty and took refuge in Tibet, and indeed destroyed all the official roads and bridges leading to Shule. After Gao Xianzhi reconquered this place, he once ordered the local soldiers and civilians to rebuild the official road. However, in Datang, it can be completed in half a year, but in Xiaobolu, it will take several years. One is that the country is sparsely populated and it is difficult to mobilize enough people. Second, the national character is casual, and you have to rest for most of the day to do a day's work. These are all well-known to the Anxi generals, and they are often used as jokes. Therefore, the official Wang Tao came out to talk about it, and it was difficult for everyone to refute it.

Seeing that the generals who supported the expedition and supported the battle were evenly matched, Bian Lingcheng was unconsciously proud. Nodding at General Li Siye, the general of the right guard, he asked with a smile, "General Li, you are the oldest and most serious, what do you think our army should do in such a situation?" ”

Li Siye, the general of the Right Weiwei, bravely crowned the three armies, but he was very mellow in his dealings, and he knew that villains like Bian Lingcheng could not be offended. And since Feng Changqing, the envoy of the festival, convened a public discussion, he must have also had the intention of forbearance. Therefore, he smiled and arched his hand, and responded in a low voice: "Li is just a fighter, what good ideas can he come up with?" The overseer doesn't have to ask me, you and Jiedu have come up with a charter, and Li will implement it to the letter! ”

"Yes, yes. I can't wait for Vuvre. If you are fighting a war, you can strategize, and you will be a little worse! Several other older generals standing near Li Siye also bowed their hands and whispered in agreement.

They are veterans who have risen through the ranks and have a deep understanding of the risks of power struggles. Although Bian Lingcheng is greedy and despicable, unlearned and unskilled, there are Li Jingren, Lin Zhaoyin, Yin Fengxiang, Han Zhuang, Guo Quan, Gao Lishi and other eunuchs standing behind him. As for Feng Changqing, although he is everyone's top boss, he is in a high position. But he is a reasonable person, as long as he does not commit crimes in terms of military discipline, he does not have to worry about settling accounts after the autumn.

Seeing this, Bian Lingcheng felt more and more happy in his heart, looked around, and found that Xue Jingxian was also present, and wanted to pull him to be a party member, so he asked with a smile: "Isn't this Lord Xue?" Our family is Lingcheng, but I have admired you for a long time. It's a pity that the boys who stayed in Shule didn't know how to do things, and they didn't even let our family meet the adults, so they let the adults rush to the front line! ”

The man's voice was sharp and thin, sounding like he was scraping the bottom of a pot with a stone. Xue Jingxian couldn't bear the discomfort in his heart, first threw an apologetic glance at Feng Changqing, and then smiled and arched his hand, "I've seen Feng Jiedu, I've seen the border prison army." Xue should have gone back a long time ago. It's rare to see my great power with my own eyes, so I don't think I'm skilled, so I followed me cheekily. I just want to have another eye addiction, and I can go back to Beijing to show off with my colleagues! ”

"How dare you, how dare you. You represent the majesty of the court! Bian Lingcheng didn't care about the estrangement in Xue Jingxian's words, and continued to smile and talk to the other party, "You are a Jinshi born and read poetry and books. According to your opinion, we have to be forgiving and forgiving in this battle."

Xue Jingxian worked tirelessly to follow the army to Xiaobolu, firstly, to continue to deepen the relationship with the Anxi generals, and secondly, to earn more credit. Seeing that the two goals were about to be achieved, a eunuch was killed in the middle of the road. Therefore, he was very dissatisfied with Bian Lingcheng in his heart. But he didn't have the courage to resist this person, so he smiled and said perfunctorily in a low voice: "Xue Moujie, where do you understand military affairs." It's better to let people who know how to fight make decisions, Xue Mou just waved the flag and shouted next to him! ”

This statement already had a faint inclination to continue the expedition, but Bian Lingcheng pretended not to hear it. smiled, and said to himself, "Our family also thinks that the soldiers are fierce and dangerous, and everything needs to be cautious." As the saying goes, knowing oneself and knowing one's opponent will win all battles. Now that I can't even figure out the identity of an emissary, how do we know that the great cannibal has not set a trap on the side of Kapoli, waiting for us to jump inside? You must know that in the battle of Talas back then, our family did not approve of it at first. It's a pity that Gao Jiedu was carried away by the small victory in front of him, and he didn't listen to our dissuasion....."

"In this case, why don't our troops send a group of soldiers and horses around the snowy mountains to explore the enemy's reality! It's better than sitting here and talking! I was really a little disappointed with everyone's performance, Zhonglang thought about Wang Xun and made a list of suggestions.

Halfway through the show, he was interrupted by someone, and when Bian Lingcheng boarded, his eyes showed a fierce light, glared at Wang Xun, and asked in a deep voice: "Who is this?" Bian Mou looked at the noodles very raw! ”

"He is Wang Xun, the newly appointed Zhonglang general of the imperial court!" Unexpectedly, Wang Xun suffered so many losses, and he would take the initiative to speak for himself, Feng Changqing was very surprised, smiled, and took Bian Lingcheng's questioning. "Young people are inevitably a little impatient. But the strategy is not bad. Sending a sentry to continue the westward expedition first, firstly, it can reduce the pressure on the supply of grain and grass, and secondly, it can also let the Great Food Soldiers know that I, Datang, are not unaware of his delaying plan. It's just that I didn't pay attention to their scabies itch! ”

"It turned out to be General Wang, who was promoted to the third level in a row!" Bian Lingcheng stood up with a sneer, his eyes glancing around, "No wonder you advocate continuing to go west so hard!" I don't know how much of him is really thinking about the overall situation, and how much is to repay the grace of your acquaintance! ”

"Speak freely, but the Lord of the Overseer said it himself!" Feng Changqing frowned, and responded in a deep voice, "As for being virtuous for the country, it should be a matter within Feng's responsibility!" Could it be that the border supervision army even has to manage how Feng selects generals? ! ”

"Seeking talents for the country is of course a good thing. It's just that Bian is afraid that Feng Shuai will not avoid his relatives and leave someone else with a handle, which will affect the military morale of my Anxi Army. At the beginning, Bian wanted to remind Feng Shuai, but unfortunately Feng Shuai's recommendation document Bian was not qualified to read it, so he couldn't put his beak too much! ”

This statement is already a clear insinuation. Feng Changqing was furious, and he tried his best to slap the table, and wanted to make Bian Lingcheng ugly in public. Seeing this, Xue Jingxian hurriedly got up, grabbed Feng Changqing's attack, and said loudly, "I'm afraid it's a misunderstanding here." Xue to explain a few words. When Xue was in Chang'an, he once heard from his colleagues. When General Wang's bailout document was sent to the palace, it was only the fifth grade. Unexpectedly, His Majesty suddenly remembered the merits that General Wang had made in the past, so he personally mentioned the Zhu Pen and added two levels to General Wang. ”

He is a messenger from the imperial court, and of course his words can play a role in clearing the clouds and seeing the sun. In an instant, Feng Changqing smiled, but Bian Lingcheng's face turned into a black pot. glared at Xue Jingxian hatefully, and the old eunuch sneered again: "Since Lord Qincha said so, it seems that there is something going on." But Your Majesty is extraordinarily gracious, and General Wang must be worthy of His Majesty's exceptional promotion. Otherwise, wouldn't even His Majesty's face be humiliated! ”

In the past, Xue Jingxian had already watched coldly. Feng Changqing has not yet clearly expressed his support for His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, and behind Bian Lingcheng stands a group of imperial cronies who he can't afford to provoke no matter what. However, for more than half a month, Wang Xun has taken care of him everywhere, but he has never asked for anything in return. No matter how scheming he was, he knew that this young man was a friend worth making. Therefore, without waiting for Wang Xun to respond, he took the lead and said: "A few days ago, General Wang personally beheaded an enemy general. The head has been sealed with lime, and the horse is sent to the Jingshi. It is estimated that His Majesty will be very pleased when he sees it. knew that he had a good eye and found a rare young talent for Datang. ”

"Ahh Bian Lingcheng was stunned, but he didn't expect Xue Jingxian to take the initiative to stand up for Wang Xun. This does not match the description of this son as a human being in the information sent to him privately by Colliers. But after being entrusted by Gao Lishi, he didn't dare to give up easily just because Xue Jingxian intervened. He smiled and continued: "Since Lord Qincha has testified to General Wang. Bian Mou will believe it. What did General Wang say just now? By the way, send a small force of troops and horses to probe the enemy's reality. Since you even think it's a clever plan to seal the festival, Bian will no longer stop you from making meritorious contributions to the country. In this case, you will lead the corporal into battle. Arrived directly at the city of Gaburo, and raised my Tang Tianwei. If the enemy in the city does not dare to meet the attack, the identity of the messenger must be true. If they kill them immediately, then the prison army will no longer stop Feng Jiedu from leading the army to meet you. Look, how is this approach? Feng Shuai, Lord Qincha, this prison army has arranged it like this, there is no overstepping its authority! ”

"In this ....., although the last general has been promoted to Zhonglang general, the brothers under his command have not had time to make up for it. There are only more than 200 people at the moment! Nearly half of them are recruits! Wang Xun frowned and replied truthfully.

"More than 200 people went to explore the enemy's reality, it's enough. There are too many, and if you are chased by the enemy, I am afraid it will not be easy to get out. Feng Jiedu, General Li, what do you two think? Or, how about giving General Wang a little more soldiers and horses, and gathering enough 1,000 people? ”

Feng Changqing and Li Siye looked at each other, and they both saw helplessness in each other's eyes. As the commander of Bian Lingcheng's army, he simply pulled down his face and found trouble for a newly promoted general, and all the generals here, no matter how high or low their official positions were, could not interfere.

However, this absurd arrangement is tantamount to letting Wang Xun go to death. Even if Wang Xun's subordinates are completed, there is no familiarity between the soldiers and generals in advance, and they will not be able to exert normal combat effectiveness. Besides, Bian Lingcheng, the old eunuch, said it lightly, when Wang Xun was really besieged by the enemy, he would definitely try his best to prevent the army from advancing westward to respond. At that time, even if Wang Xun gave birth to three heads and six arms, I am afraid that he will be chopped into meat sauce.

Just when the two of them were at a loss, Xue Jingxian, who had already made up his mind to protect Wang Xun to the end, suddenly arched his hand again, and said with a smile, "This plan of the border supervisor army looks good. Xue is not talented, and he also wants to make some military achievements to repay His Majesty. How about just accompanying General Wang? If you are lucky enough to kill one or two enemy generals under the city of Kabulo, you will definitely not forget the grace of the border guards. ”

"What are you messing with?" Hearing this, Bian Lingcheng scolded in his heart. In the secret letter given to him by Gao Lishi, Xue Jingxian's background has been explained very clearly. Although this son was promoted by Yang Guozhong, he quietly hugged His Royal Highness the Prince's thick legs behind his back, and he was really clever. If you accidentally buried this son's life because of someone's "plan" on the side. It doesn't matter how the court passes, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince will investigate it in the future, I'm afraid that ten heads will not be enough to cut off.

Thinking of this, the old eunuch hurriedly smiled and waved his hand, "Lord Qincha is a civil servant, how can there be a reason to personally carry a sword into battle." Forget it, forget it, just act as if our family hasn't said anything! ”

Seeing that the old eunuch had shrunk back first, Feng Changqing immediately sent Xue Jingxian a grateful glance. This person owes a lot of favor, but after all, he has kept a very promising seed for the Anxi army. It's a big deal that in the future, someone Xue begged to come to the door, and the Anxi army formed a group to return the favor to him.

Thinking of this, he smiled slightly, "Lord Qincha has such courage, the old man admires it." However, the soldiers are in danger, and it is better not to take risks. General Wang, from today onwards, I will be responsible for leading your troops and horses to protect Lord Qincha. If he's missing a hair, come and see him yourself! ”

"No!" Wang Xun glanced at Xue Jingxian gratefully, and bowed down to receive the order.

"Lao Tzu won another bet!" Xue Jingxian was so proud in his heart, he nodded lightly at Wang Xun. From the very beginning, he expected that Bian Lingcheng would not have the courage to let him, Lord Qincha, be sent to death, so since he had already offended the other party once, he simply offended to the end. Anyway, as long as Wang Xun is saved, he will not be worried about winning the favor of the soldiers of the Anxi Army.

Sure enough, soon a lot of eyes looked at it, which was full of admiration. The attitude is not the same as the estranged respect that preceded it. Xue Jingxian was stunned by everyone's heart, but he desperately straightened his waist. It was so hard that he felt very hard, but he always stood up proudly, and refused to bend down at all.