Chapter 120: Destroy the Royal Guard

Liu Yunyun was right, they didn't have to go south for a long time, and the second group of caravans in Yaogang arrived at the agreed time. The caravan was escorted by Li Yunhe, and because Li Yunhe had too many things to do in Yaogang, he would follow the caravan back to Yaogang. Although he really wanted to go north with the caravan, he couldn't.

Although the second caravan did not have as many vehicles as the first caravan, and there was no captain of the first caravan, this caravan did not pull food, but pulled high-value goods, so the value of the caravan was much higher than that of the first caravan. After Li Yunhe and Liu Yun handed over, it didn't take long for the two caravans from north to south to meet. Yan Xing, Li Wei, Li Yunhe, went south, according to the agreement with Yan Xing, Liu Yun left a hundred cavalry who were very familiar with horses, and then Liu Yun led the others to follow the caravan to the north. The northbound caravan waited first on the side of the road, and let the southbound caravan go first, because the southbound herd of horses was difficult to manage. The people in the northbound caravan watched as thousands of horses passed by, and then fifteen hundred cattle, followed by ten thousand sheep. Finally, there is the convoy camel team. Few people have such an opportunity to see such a large caravan. Some people think it's spectacular.

The southbound caravan was over, and the northbound caravan just started to start, walking on the road, Liu Yun suddenly thought that he should send a message to Zhang Zhimu, so as not to worry Zhang Zhimu. So he sent a fast horse to take the lead and informed Zhang Zhimu of the caravan's itinerary.

Zhang Zhimu and others in Datong are also arranging to go to Zhangjiakou. Zhang Zhimu wanted to wait for the caravan to arrive, stop outside Datong City for one night, and leave the 100 stone salt transported to General Jiang. After they left, they left a few people behind, waiting for Li Wei to send food again, and help them contact Jiang Zongbing, otherwise Li Wei and they would not know the situation here. Lu Chengxiang said: "There is no way, just leave one of my assistants." Neither did anyone else know about the situation, so he stayed behind to help with the delivery of grain and 200 wagons, and the return of silver and copper. ”

One day later, Zhang Zhimu and Chen Yufeng said, "I want to see the Sanggan River again, and when we came over, I thought it could be used in the future." "This time, Yan Boju, Lu Chengxiang and others were all interested, and they all went to see the Sanggan River together. This Sanggan River is the upper reaches of the Yongding River, and it is called the Sanggan River because the river dries up every year when the mulberries are ripe.

Zhang Zhimu is interested in the fact that the upstream Huihe of the Sanggan River originates in Ningwu, and the source of a tributary of the Fen River is not far from the Huihe River in Ningwu. If a channel can be built to connect the two, then the boats of the Fen River can enter the Hui River, then the Sanggan River, the Yongding River, Beijing, and Tianjin into the sea. At this time, the flow of the river was much greater than in previous lives.

It seems that Lu Chengxiang still knows a little about this area. He has been to Ningwu County and said that the Fen River and the Hui River both originate in Ningwu. The Hui River is often cut off, but the "Hui River underflow" is a scene in Ningwu and is worth seeing.

Zhang Zhimu said to Chen Yufeng and others: "As long as there is water, find a way to connect these rivers, and the transportation problem of the northern border pass will be solved." Grain from the Central Plains can be transported to the northern border by water; Cow wool skins from the northern border can also be transported directly to the Central Plains. The cost of water transportation is the lowest, and the volume is also large. If this transportation problem is solved, half of the border affairs will be guaranteed. ”

Ouyang He said: "But I think the sediment content of this water is not much less than that of the Yellow River, and the siltation of the river will be a big problem, and the flow of this water is limited, freezing in winter and drying up in summer." It's hard to say how long it will be navigable. ”

Zhang Zhimu said: "Mr. Ouyang is right, we are just going to take a look today, and when we really have the strength to do this, we will ask Mr. Lu Bingyi to take someone to inspect the site to see how feasible it is." We're just imagining it today. However, if this waterway is passable, its significance cannot be overstated. As long as there are a few months of navigation in the summer, it is a big deal. We can also use sluices to store water and raise the water level in sections, as in the case of the Beijing-Hangzhou Canal. This keeps it flowing in the summer. ”

"In winter, the river is frozen and smooth, and it can also be transported by horses and plows." Yang Yulin interjected.

"Haha!" Everyone laughed.

Yang Yulin said: "What are you laughing at? Am I not right? ”

Zhang Zhimu said: "You're right, everyone laughs at you for being too smart. Do you know how cold the winters are here? When the time comes, the cattle will be too cold to stand it. The man couldn't stand it anymore. ”

Yang Yulin said: "The coldest time, that is, a few days, don't come out if it's too cold." It's okay to come out when it's cold, just put something on the horse. Isn't that how it is all done in winter? ”

Zhang Zhimu said: "What Yulin said also makes sense, the down we buy is a good warm product in winter." Maybe our winter capacity is no worse than that of summer. ”

"Winter has the benefits of winter, there are so many big things, you can't transport it in summer, you all count on winter luck." Yan Boju said.

"Oh, if we can really open a waterway, the rice, silk, and porcelain in the south of the Yangtze River can be transported directly to Zhangjiakou by boat, and that person will suffer less from old age. This shipping cost will save the old silver. Until then, haha! Let's take our time and count the money! Lu Chengxiang also imagined.

Everyone's emotions were mobilized by Zhang Zhimu's thoughts. Because Zhang Zhimu has a lot of ideas, they all think it is impossible when they hear it, but often his ideas will soon become reality, so what Zhang Zhimu says now, they will basically take it as true.

Zhang Zhimu said: "When we go back this time, the practical steam engine will be almost ready, and we will be able to build steam-powered steamships." When the time comes, regardless of whether there is wind or not, we can gallop on the rivers and seas at will. If this waterway is opened, a steamboat towing a string of wooden boats will be ten times faster than the original one. ”

Yan Boju asked; "You can drive a boat just by tinkering with that steamy thing? Can you still let the boat go against the wind? ”

Zhang Zhimu said: "Uncle Yan, you just wait and see!" ”

Everyone laughed happily again, and everyone was full of confidence and infinite reverie for the future. Since they met Zhang Zhimu, they have been witnessing miracles and looking forward to miracles. Especially that Yang Yulin, in her heart, she has long regarded herself as Zhang Zhimu's person, and she can't fit any other person in her heart. She herself knew that if Zhang Zhimu was in danger, she would definitely sacrifice her life to save her. She also knows, and Zhang Zhimu also understands this. So she is also very satisfied now, because she can be with Zhang Zhimu every day. Every moment is waiting for Zhang Zhimu to bring new miracles.

When Liu Yun sent someone to inform that the caravan was about to arrive, Zhang Zhimu, Chen Yufeng and others welcomed out of Datong City, originally wanting to stay outside Datong City for one night and leave, but Zhang Zhimu felt that Yang Jing had not come back yet, and it was better to hand over the hundred stone salt to Jiang Zongbing in person. After discussing with Chen Yufeng, it was decided that the caravan would rest in Datong for a whole day. When the city gate opens tomorrow, Zhang Zhimu will lead people into the city, hand over the salt to Jiang Zongbing, and then introduce the people who stayed behind to wait for Li Wei to deliver food to Jiang Zongbing, so that he can contact Jiang Zongbing.

In the evening, in the tent, the cadres of the kiln gang held a meeting. Zhang Zhimu simply introduced the harvest in Datong to Liu Yun. Liu Yun and the others were also very excited when they heard it.

Liu Yun also reported what they had happened along the way.

Zhang Zhimu was a little puzzled that the grain of those merchants in Zhangjiakou had not been moved, because the grain of the Datong General Army could not arrive, and the grain transported by Zhangjiakou Cao could not be transported. Then Zhangjiakou should be very short of food, why haven't they moved? Until they figured out how the food was lost, they wouldn't move for a while. It seems that they are quite able to keep their breath, and these are some tough opponents to deal with.

Now the strength of Yaogang is left in the smelter with 100 cavalry and 100 infantry, and this time with Li Wei back to 100 cavalry, there should be 100 guards. Not counting Fan Chengkun's others, they are all in the same place. There were 800 cavalry and 300 infantry. But now the infantry led by Liu Yun himself also have horses. These 300 infantry, but they were all elite soldiers, most of them came back with the south, and some of them were in the team when they first went north. Liu Yun was going to train them all to become officers. In addition, there are 50 people in Li Jing, and there are more than 70 people in Lu Chengxiang's side plus Yang Jing. As long as they come from the kiln, they have all undergone military training, although the military ability of these non-military personnel may be poor, but this fight is also used by one person. In addition, the coachmen of these 200 carriages were also transferred from the smelting factory and Fan Chengkun, and they could all be used at that time. Zhang Zhimu regretted it a little, and after killing Hukou and selling and leaving 200 carriages, the 200 coachmen, who helped the caravan drive cattle and horses, followed back to Yaogang. It would be nice to leave a hundred at that time. He vaguely felt that the more people, the better.

The next day, Zhang Zhimu took the salt convoy and came to the General Soldier's Mansion in a glass carriage, and after the door army reported inside, Zhang Zhimu and they were let into the lobby. After a while, General Jiang came out, and after a polite look, Zhang Zhimu said: "Our caravan has arrived, and there were originally 100 stone of salt that we were going to transport to Zhangjiakou, but this time it was decided to leave it to the officers and soldiers of Datong." ”

Jiang Zongbing hurriedly said, "Thank you so much Brother Zhang Xian." Now that I have salt and food, I am not afraid of anything. ”

Zhang Zhimu said: "I have already sent three people, each of whom rode to deliver a letter to Yaogang. When they received the letter, they would bring the food as soon as they arrived. It is estimated that the food that killed Hukou will arrive tomorrow, so adults don't need to worry. ”

"That's great." Jiang Zongbing said.

Suddenly, Zhang Zhimu found that Jiang Zongbing's face was a little wrong, and the smiling face when talking to him was completely squeezed out.

Zhang Zhimu asked: "I see that the adult's face is displeased, there must be something, right?" ”

Jiang Zongbing didn't answer, but said, "Alas, Brother Zhang Xian, your caravan has arrived, I have a letter to Li Qing, the garrison of Zhangjiakou, you bring it, he will take care of you if there is something." There's nothing else to do, so let's get off early! ·

Zhang Zhimu immediately understood that it must be the Dai Wangfu who was embarrassed by the glass carriage again, and said: "If the adults are still embarrassed about the glass carriage, then I will give them the carriage." We must focus on the overall situation and not be angry with them. ”

Jiang Zongbing patted the seat handle and said: "When the border is in crisis, these bastards do not care about the country's social welfare, but want to forcibly take other people's carriages, which is really intolerable. If that's the case, I'll go back to Beijing and resign, and I'll be locked up here. ”

Zhang Zhimu was also angry in his heart, and said: "Let's focus on the overall situation." It's not for the imperial court, isn't it over there? ”

"No, if I can't guard Brother Zhang Xian's carriage, how can I talk about guarding the border pass. Absolutely not to them. You can leave tomorrow, and I'll take care of the rest. ”

Zhang Zhimu had no choice but to introduce him to the people who stayed to contact him, and then led the convoy that had unloaded the salt to rush out of the city.

But not far from the General Soldier's Mansion, there were a few horseback riders in front of him blocking the way, Li Jing hurriedly stepped forward and wanted to ask what was going on. As a result, the person on the other side whipped over without saying a word, Li Jing was so clever, Tima dodged and dodged. The person on the other side scolded: "Dog minion, is this where you speak?" Let your hosts come out and speak. ”

Li Jing couldn't bear to get angry, because Zhang Zhimu didn't speak, and he had already judged that these people were probably from the palace.

Zhang Zhimu was trying to endure it as much as he could, and after getting out of the car, he bowed to the people opposite, but Zhang Zhimu didn't know how to call them, so he had to ask: "What do you have to tell the adults?" ”

"You are that showy businessman Zhang Zhimu?" The man on horseback asked arrogantly.

"Exactly down there." Zhang Zhimu replied.

"I thought it was some kind of person, but that's it! Ha ha! The people on horseback laughed together.

Zhang Zhimu has been enduring it and asked, "What do you have to say?" ”

The rider laughed and said, "Your car hit my horse, what do you say?" "It's obviously a fraud, Zhang Zhimu's carriage hasn't arrived in front of them yet.

Zhang Zhimu said: "My lord is mistaken. How can my car break into you if it doesn't come to you? ”

These people, who had heard a lot about Zhang Zhimu before, came to rob the car today. When I came, I still had some scruples, because Zhang Zhimu was so bad outside. Today, when I saw that this Zhimu was very weak, their confidence also came up.

One man said, "We're standing here, and your carriage won't hit us if it passes, haha!" After saying that, these people laughed again. At this time, the surroundings were already full of people watching the excitement, and they all said that this time Zhang Zhimu was going to be unlucky.

Zhang Zhimu knew that today's things couldn't be good. He said, "So, you're going to get in my way?" ”

"Haha! How about your route? One said.

"I have a bronze medal from the emperor, do you know what crime you are in my way?" Zhang Zhimu is colorful.

This sentence really calmed them, and these people looked at each other and didn't dare to squeak.

Li Jing shouted: "Don't get out of the way yet." ”

The men obediently got out of the way. The people around me laughed loudly. This made them feel very relieved, usually these dogs in the palace bully men and women and do all kinds of evil. Someone treated them today, which made the onlookers feel very happy.

Zhang Zhimu got into the car and drove the carriage and continued to walk towards the city gate.

As soon as the car reached the city gate, a team of horses came up from behind and shouted to the city gate, "Stop them, stop them." ”

The gate of the city gate knew that Zhang Zhimu was sending salt to Jiang Zongbing, and they also knew that the palace was worried about Zhang Zhimu's carriage. From the armor of the horse team chasing behind, they knew that it was the guards of the palace who were chasing after them. So not only did they not stop Zhang Zhimu, but they also whispered: "Hurry up, hurry up, the guards of the palace are here." ”

Zhang Zhimu and the others also gave the horses a few whips, and the convoy rushed out of the city. Zhang Zhimu thought to himself, I won't be afraid of you when I go out of the city.

The guards of the palace saw that the gate soldiers did not stop Zhang Zhimu's convoy, and angrily whipped these gate soldiers with whips. The angry teeth of the men rattled and did not dare to squeak.

It turned out that the person who stopped Zhang Zhimu was also from the palace, and the palace originally sent someone to tell Jiang Zongbing to leave Zhang Zhimu's carriage, and they felt that this was too common. But Jiang Zongbing didn't do it. When they went to find Jiang Zongbing, Jiang Zongbing said that there was a lot of food shortage now, and he was asking Zhang Zhimu to help buy food, and people were unwilling to hand over the carriage, so he was not good at what he was talking about. As a result, Jiang Zongbing was ridiculed by the people of the palace.

The people of the royal palace decided to get the carriage themselves. Today, knowing that Zhang Zhimu's carriage went to the General Military Mansion, they were waiting outside. They felt that no matter who Zhang Zhimu was or what was rumored outside, he didn't dare to do anything to the people in the palace? It should be fine to leave the carriage today.

It's just that he didn't expect that Zhang Zhimu held the bronze medal of the imperial gift, not only did he not rob the carriage, but also lost the face of the palace in front of everyone. Wait for a few people to go back and talk to the head of the palace. The head of the palace didn't say anything, and waved a few big mouths. Then he chased him out with the royal guards. He knew that if he lost face today and couldn't bring back the carriage, he would be the one who was beaten in the mouth.

But watching Zhang Zhimu and them run out of the city, the chief manager hesitated. Because it's one thing to go out of the city, it's another thing to go out of the city.

At this time, the commander of the guard said: "We will chase it out, grab the carriage and come back, and it will be fine." The Commander felt that his guards were all good at stealing a carriage from a merchant.

The head of the palace gritted his teeth and said, "Chase, grab the carriage and don't delay, and go back to the city immediately." ”

The horse team chased after them.

Zhang Zhimu and the others quickly whipped up their horses when they left the city gate and ran towards the camp. Since the wagons had been unloaded and were empty, the whole convoy was not slow. When Zhang Zhimu found out that the horse team behind him had gone out of the city to catch up, Zhang Zhimu ordered not to run to the caravan's camp, but to a small dirt road in a remote place. Li Jing understood what Zhang Zhimu meant, and ordered the ten people he brought with him to ignite and twist the bullets.

As soon as the convoy ran a short distance into the path, the horse team behind them caught up. Zhang Zhimu ordered to stop.

Zhang Zhimu got out of the car and waited. At this time, the horse team chased in front of him, reined in his horse and stopped. Zhang Zhimu asked, "Is there anything wrong with you chasing me in such a hurry?" ”

The head of the palace and the commander of the guard didn't know how to answer at once.

The head of the palace couldn't hold back and said: "Be bold and dishonest with the people, we suspect you of fornicating with thieves, and we will arrest you and go back for trial." ”

Zhang Zhimu heard it: "Can't you find a better excuse?" Is there a person who holds a bronze medal given by the emperor and sends food to the officials and soldiers who have run out of food? ”

Zhang Zhimu's words still made these people at a loss. Because holding the bronze medal given by the emperor, it can be passed everywhere. If there is any obstruction, it will be regarded as bullying.

The head of the palace said in his heart: "Today is a day of non-stop, what happened." Let the prince come forward. ”

Therefore he said: "Hugh will deceive us with false bronze medals, and someone will take them down." ”

Zhang Zhimu shouted: "I have a bronze medal in my hand, you are rebelling." ”

But the head of the palace couldn't care about these anymore, and said: "Be bold and disrupt the people." The whip in his hand swung at Zhang Zhimu.

Yang Yulin, who was standing beside Zhang Zhimu, had been waiting impatiently for a long time, and the whip in his hand went out like lightning and hit him directly. The whip in his hand was off at once. This guy was just about to open his mouth to curse, but Yang Yulin's braids went back and slapped directly on his eyes. As soon as the guards saw that they had done it, they all drew their blades.

Li Jing and the others knew that they couldn't do it if they didn't do it, so they raised their guns to shoot, and after a burst of "bang" gunshots, only a few of the guards on horseback were still on the horses, and they were stunned Li Jing and the others got on the second batch of bullets. The second batch of bullets was not finished, and there were no targets to shoot at.

Li Jing asked people to circle back all the horses that had lost their owners and were scattered, and then found a big pit on the mountain that had been washed out by the rain before, threw all these people in the pit, and buried them all with stones and soil. Li Jing led people to shovel the blood stains on the ground little by little, leaving no traces. Zhang Zhimu saw that Li Jing was so careful, and felt that Li Jing was becoming more and more mature. This time he was asked to go out on a solo mission this time, which was also a good opportunity for him to exercise.

After burying these guards, Li Jing approached Zhang Zhimu's car window and said, "Thirty-six good horses have been captured, and the blades are all good blades. "Of course, can the blades of the royal guards be worse?

Zhang Zhimu said: "Go back, go back to the camp." ”

Zhang Zhimu and the others had just walked out of this small fork in the road, and Liu Yun and Liu Chenghuang came over with cavalry. Liu Yun met Li Jing and asked, "What's wrong, we just heard gunshots." ”

Li Jing said: "It's okay, let's go back and talk about it." ”

Liu Yun rode to Zhang Zhimu's car window, and Zhang Zhimu motioned for him to go back and talk. Liu Yun waved his hand, and everyone walked towards the camp together.

Back at the camp, Zhang Zhimu told everyone about this little episode, and Lu Chengxiang said, "Let's go now." Let's just say we don't know about it. ”

Chen Yufeng smiled and said, "Let's assume that nothing happened, and set off to Zhangjiakou early tomorrow morning." If we leave today, we will not do it, we will do it. ”

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By the way, I recommend "Memories of the Southern Song Dynasty", similar to this article, it is also a "technology flow" through the novel, but it takes place in the Southern Song Dynasty, Yashan, Anti-Yuan, Restoration, and European World Wars.