Chapter 4: Loulan (Fourth)

Seeing Wang Xun pouring milk tea into his stomach like a swallowing medicine, Shi Huaiyi showed a slightly narrow smile on his face. "Is it good? Another bowl? Taking advantage of the other party's unpreparedness, he raised the copper kettle and quickly filled the empty bowl. In the blink of an eye, the expression on his face became serious again.

Wang Xun, who was forcibly suppressing the disgust in his heart, had noticed the change in the expression on the other party's face, looked at the greasy tea soup, and secretly felt ruthless in his heart, "Drink it, I don't believe you can play any tricks." It's a big deal that Lao Tzu drank all this pot of tea, and he should be a long-term illness and need to make up for it! ’

As he picked up the tea bowl and poured it into his mouth, he heard the other side say quietly: "Actually, I can't get used to drinking this thing." So it is rarely burned at home. Today? I just want Brother Wang to taste something fresh! ”

"Poof!" Wang Xun almost squirted out half a bowl of tea soup in his mouth. When he raised his head, he just saw Shi Huaiyi's smiling face. "You smoking!" Putting down the teacup, he scolded with a smile, and all the guards in his heart were shattered again.

"Actually, the taste is still good, as long as you get used to it!" Shi Huaiyi smiled and poured himself a bowl of milk tea, and slowly responded while tasting it.

"You'd better keep it for yourself and drink it slowly!" Knowing that the other party was deliberately playing tricks on himself, Wang Xun pushed the tea bowl away and said with a straight face. Leaned less, his face was full of wry smiles again, "You didn't pretend not to understand what I just said, did you?!" ”

"Which one?" Shi Huaiyi's eyes began to straighten again, and it was difficult to tell whether he was deliberately pretending to be stupid.

At this time, Wang Xun no longer dared to compete with the other party on his tongue, grinned, and said in a low voice: "Forget it, anyway, your kid is the head snake here." You can do whatever you want. Draw the next way, and Wang will follow! ”

"I really don't understand what you said, but it's not pretending!" Seeing that Wang Xun's face had already shown annoyance, Shi Huaiyi hurriedly explained in a low voice. "I learned Chinese from my mother, who is Sogdian. The master who taught me to read and write, Chen Lao, was Han Chinese. There are many Sogdians in our tribe, and they all speak a few words of Chinese. ”

Chinese? Wang Xun hesitated for a moment, and immediately understood that the other party was referring to Tang Yan. Next, the Han people in the other party's mouth naturally refer to the Tang people in the Central Plains. The Sogdians, as they speak, were a people on the Silk Road known for their ability to do business. He has never established his own country, and he has no permanent residence all year round, and he is fluent in many languages. From Chang'an in the Tang Dynasty to distant Shule, they can be seen everywhere. (Note 1)

"Over the years, because I have to go to the city often to buy your Han man-made household goods, everyone can also speak a sentence or two of Chinese. But it's a little harder, and I can't understand it! Shi Huaiyi took another sip of milk tea, with a comforting smile on his face.

Hearing this, Wang Xun finally understood why it was so easy for his brothers to mingle with the Loulan people. There is almost no language barrier between the two sides, and after such a long time of blending between the Han Dynasty, the Wei and Jin Dynasties, and the Sui and Tang Dynasties, many ethnic groups in the Western Regions have actually been slowly absorbed by the Central Plains. Therefore, Tang Yan has almost become the lingua franca of all ethnic groups in the Western Regions, and it can trade with the people of the Central Plains, and it has also become a guarantee for the development of all ethnic groups in the Western Regions.

This is Datang. You can't ignore his influence almost all the time. Even in the Altun Mountains, which stretch for thousands of miles, you can see its imprint everywhere.

With a bit of pride in being a native of the Central Plains, he answered with a smile. "You're already right. At least we had no problem chatting! Immediately, he reminded very generously, "Say it! Find me something today. As long as I can do it, I will definitely not refuse! ”

I definitely won't refuse, that little Luo girl has nothing to do with me in the first place. Even if there is, for your admiration for Datang so much, I will fulfill you once.

When he was narcissistic in his heart, he heard Shi Huaiyi say quietly: "Actually, we Loulan people don't completely make a living from looting. Sometimes it is only a last resort to ask for protection money from passing caravans. ”

"I've heard of this!" Wang Xun smiled, a little impatient in his heart. I handed the words to this part, and the fool surnamed Shi didn't know how to climb up the pole. I can't let Lao Tzu speak first, I don't want to compete with you for women, right? If it is misunderstood that Lao Tzu is afraid of you, where will Lao Tzu's face be placed in the future?

"This valley is too small. I can only avoid the cold, but I can't let everyone live. So......" Shi Huaiyi's words continued to come, faintly with a little inferiority.

"Hey, those vendors have made enough money. A trip back and forth is said to make ten times and twenty times the profit. If they want to leave 20% of the goods, it may not hurt their muscles and bones! Unconsciously, Wang Xun has begun to consider the problem from the other party's position. He smiled and whispered relief.

"Brother Wang, it's good if you understand!" As if he had been waiting for this sentence for a long time, Shi Huaiyi smiled.

What exactly is he trying to say? Suddenly, an alarm surged in his heart, and Wang Xun frowned slightly. How do Loulan people live, and what does it have to do with themselves? Could it be that the surname Shi is looking for himself today, not for Xiao Luo?

As if to confirm his suspicions, Shi Huaiyi smiled and continued to add, "Actually, Brother Wang will understand if he stays here for a while longer. We Loulan people get along very well, as long as we recognize you, we will definitely treat you as our own family! ”

"Oh!" Does he still want to keep me? When he landed, Wang Xun felt that his heart and eyes were completely insufficient. The surname Shi has a hammer in the east and a stick in the west, and there is no discipline at all. makes people want to see the moves, but they can't see what his path is.

The hunchbacked shopkeeper came in through the back door of the tent again, and dragged a whole roast sheep with a large wooden tray. The head and feet are complete, and the whole body is golden, oily, and fragrant. Looking at the size, it weighs at least thirty pounds. But he was sent over by the hunchbacked shopkeeper with one hand, and with the other hand carrying a huge wine jar, he put it on the table, making a loud "bang".

Wang Xun's chaotic thoughts were interrupted by a sound. Raise your head and smile at the hunchbacked shopkeeper. When he was in Chang'an, according to Zhou Laohu, roasting whole sheep was a gift for entertaining distinguished guests in the Western Regions. No matter what crooked ideas the surname Shi has today, at least, in terms of etiquette, people have given him enough respect.

"Brother Wang, take a try, Uncle Camel's roast sheep skills are a must in our place!" Shi Huaiyi reached out and grabbed the short knife inserted in the sheep's back, cut off the meat between the two horns on the sheep's head, and handed it to Wang Xun.

"I'll do it myself!" According to the scaly claws in his memory, Wang Xun took the mutton with a smile. Then he grabbed the short knife, cut the most tender piece from the sheep's back, and handed it back to Shi Huaiyi.

It is etiquette between brothers. There is a slight error, but it is basically in line with the customs of the tribes of the Western Regions. Shi Huaiyi smiled again, grabbed the mutton, and chewed it.

The hunchback shopkeeper's skill of roasting sheep is indeed not blown. After dodging and dodging with the other party for so long, Wang Xun was indeed a little hungry. So, the two of you pushed me, and soon, they sent the little half of the sheep into the belly.

The guys brought a few side dishes one after another, the portion was not as big as the roast lamb, but the expensive ingredients were scarce. Under Shi Huaiyi's kind invitation, the guests and hosts ate and drank at the same time, and the more they talked, the more relaxed they became.

"Brother Wang's amount of alcohol can also be ranked here in Loulan!" Dazzling, Shi Huaiyi's words began to wind back again.

"If Brother Shi goes to the Central Plains, he will definitely be able to break out of the foundation!" Wang Xun smiled, and with his own way, he also controlled his body.

"Impossible! It's simply impossible! Shi Huaiyi's voice suddenly raised, startling all the drinkers in the tent. But everyone seemed to have become accustomed to drinking and going crazy, and soon, they turned their heads back again, and each worked hard at the wine cup in front of him.

"Why?" Wang Xun continued to be persuasive. Want to keep me? Hehe, it's good if I don't kidnap you!" Are you afraid that you won't be able to get ahead? Many people from the Western Regions have become officials of the Tang Dynasty. Don't talk about it far away, you know Geshuhan, right? Isn't he the son of the leader of the Goshu tribe? ”

"That's different!" Shi Huaiyi's eyes were shining, full of the frankness unique to young people, "We Loulan people are different from their Turkic people. They are Turkic people, and they believe in the wolf god. Respect the strong. Whoever is strong will follow! We, the people of Loulan, are the children of flames. Will not bend the knee to any strong man! ”

That's not the same and was destroyed by others. Wang Xun slandered in his heart. But he still had a smile on his face. "But you just said that this valley is too small. Can only be used to protect from the cold......"

"It's too small!" Shi Huaiyi did not deny what he had said. "But this valley was taken from the hands of the Shirase people by our older generation of Loulan people. Therefore, it cannot be lost in the hands of our generation! Otherwise, even if you die, your soul will wander in the desert. ”

What kind of nationality the Shirase people are, Wang Xun doesn't know very well. The land of the Western Regions is too vast, and so far, the Tang Dynasty has controlled the cities along the North-South Silk Road. And in the oasis deep in the desert, between the Gobi desert, and at the foot of the mountains that stretch for thousands of miles, there are many tribes like the Loulan people. Neither established its own kingdom nor accepted the jurisdiction of the Tang Dynasty. (Note 2)

But it is impossible for these tribes to escape the fate of gradual extinction. Even if the Tang Dynasty didn't have the heart to be serious with them, the Turks, the Tubo, and the Uighurs who had just risen in the northern part of the desert would not let them go. The law of survival in the Western Regions is the law of survival of the Western Regions. Children of the flames, I'm afraid, are no exception.

"You know what? In order to conquer this valley, Xiao Luo's father, grandfather, and uncle were all killed in battle. The whole family, all left behind are women! Shi Huaiyi's voice lowered again, as low as if he was talking.

Indeed, he was confiding. Her eyes were red, and she couldn't hide her pity in the thick drunkenness, "She cried for three whole nights, three nights. No one can persuade them. Ever since I was a child, I had never seen her cry like that! ”

You're such an amorous seed! Wang Xun smiled and commented in his heart. As a person who has come over, he understands Shi Huaiyi's helpless mood very well. At the same time, I feel secretly funny. Isn't it just a matter of a few words? Who rarely fights with you! It's not tiring enough to go around such a big circle!

"Since then, I've sworn to myself. I won't let her get hurt in the slightest. When hell freezes over! Shi Huaiyi suddenly put his head up, his eyes staring at Wang Xun's eyes, "Say, will you treat her well, will you?!" ”

Which one the hell is this? Wang Xun was completely stunned. It's naïve! It turned out that it was not jealous, but for Xiao Luo to say that the matchmaker was coming! Is there anything you say? Give the woman you like to someone else? Isn't this a feast?

Before he could think of his words, Shi Huaiyi had already stood up, holding the edge of the table with a smile on his face, at this moment, he felt that he was incomparably great, "I, I know a way to hit the snow wolf." I'll take Aslan to help you. This winter, I will definitely be able to gather enough for ten snow wolf skins. However, you must promise me that you will not fail him in this life, in this life. Otherwise, otherwise, I'll have to kill you! ”

With a "boom", a thunderbolt smashed directly into Wang Xun's heart, splashing a ball of flames. He no longer dared to laugh at the other party's childishness. Sitting at the wine table, motionless. After a long while, he sighed, slowly drained the wine bowl in front of him, and then responded with a smile: "I can't promise you." I'm healed, I'll get out of here! It is simply impossible to stay! ”

"Why?" This time, it was Shi Huaiyi's turn to ask. It's just that he didn't speak slowly like Wang Xun just now, but slapped the table in front of him with his hand.

The drinkers in the tent looked at the place a few more times, smiled, and began to check out and leave. Young men drinking and fighting over girls are commonplace in the Loulan tribe. There's really nothing to fuss about! Besides, the Han family with injuries on his body is definitely not Xiaoshi's opponent. They are convinced of this.

"I'm a big ** officer, and I have military orders, do you understand!" Wang Xun laughed and was angry, and simply took the initiative to make his words clear. "It's impossible to stay. And if you carry a woman in the ranks without permission, according to military law, you will be beheaded in public! ”

This answer should be clear enough. But Shi Huaiyi didn't believe it at all. "Liar! I already knew. Ge Shuhan was ordered by your Tang elders to send people to pretend to be robbers to kill you. You have nowhere to go, and if you get out of the desert, you will definitely die! ”

"There is more than one elder in Datang!" Wang Xun poured himself another bowl of wine and drank it slowly. The wine of the Loulan people is made from wild fruits, which is not very strong, but after the stomach, it pierces people's hearts like a knife. "There is not only one general in Goshuhan. The batch of baggage that I was responsible for escorting was sent to Shule City to General Feng Changqing. He's not all the way with Geshuhan! You can write directly to the emperor of the Tang Dynasty and avenge our grievances. The emperor, that is, the patriarch of the entire Tang Dynasty! The elder made a mistake, and there was a patriarch above him. ”

This simple explanation, Shi Shouyi easily understood. However, he still didn't want his "greatness" to give up halfway, "What if the emperor of the Tang Dynasty also favors the elders?" ”

Wang Xun didn't think about this carefully. In the past few days, the driving force that supported his departure was the belief that the traitor Yang Guozhong could not cover the sky forever. As long as he finds a way to reveal the secret that Yang Guozhong wants to cover up, and the truth that Ge Shuhan sent someone to pretend to be robbers to attack the official army, these two embarrassed guys will definitely be ruined!

"Aren't you going to be beheaded? The brothers who were killed by Geshuhan also died in vain? Shi Huaiyi's question was like a hammer, knocking down on his heart.

"It won't die in vain!" A wave of alcohol surged directly on the top of Wang Xun's head, "No matter what, I have to leave." I promised my brothers that I would get out of this desert! He couldn't remember if he said anything like that night, but he thought he had said yes. I promised them," he added loudly, with a bit of wine, "that one day I would return to Chang'an with them in a dignified manner." Both alive and dead. I promised, I won't say it doesn't count! ”

Note 1: During the Tang Dynasty, the Sogdians had already begun to use Chinese characters, and most of them had Han surnames. With the convenience of heavy agriculture and suppression of commerce in the Central Plains, a large amount of wealth was accumulated. This ethnic group disappeared in the late Song Dynasty and early Yuan Dynasty, during the Mongol Empire's westward expedition.

Note 2: The Shirase people, also known as the Shirae people. A nomadic people living on the edge of the Tibetan Plateau were wiped out by the Tibetans.