The sun rises and gradually disperses the fog on the surface of the Yellow River. Pen, fun, pavilion www. biquge。 info Wang Yuan lay on his back on the boat, looking at the blue sky and white clouds after the white fog dissipated, and listening to the sound of the Yellow River flowing quietly on the side of the boat, and his mood was extremely relaxed. Sitting next to him was Gongsun Lan, who closed his eyes and breathed. An old man boarded a boat to paddle for them, and the boat slowly paddled down the river to the south bank.

For more than a month, he set out from Puzhou to attack Pingyuan City, and even from Pingyuan City to flee from Pingyuan City with tens of thousands of people all the way south to escape from the tiger's mouth, and experienced countless hardships and dangers. Along the way, he has experienced more than a dozen battles of life and death, annihilated tens of thousands of enemies, and completed a seemingly impossible and difficult journey.

Wang Yuan only felt relaxed, but he was not excited or proud of what he had done along the way. Because of this painful journey, Wang Yuan lost many brothers who shared life and death. Only 1,000 of the 3,000 elite guards cavalry survived, and nearly 2,000 soldiers spilled their blood on this arduous journey. For Wang Yuan, the pain brought to him by the deaths of these soldiers was even greater than that of the tens of thousands of soldiers who had been killed and wounded in the previous battles when leading large armies. Because along the way, everyone lives and dies together, goes through hardships and dangers together, and is much closer emotionally, and they are each other's dependence. Because of this, the death of every soldier is difficult to let go, and Wang Yuan is not ecstatic because he has successfully completed the set goal.

The flowing water on the river seems to have become gentle because of the different moods, and the river soup soup seems to be whispering. This made Wang Yuan, who was lying on the boat, feel very relaxed and relaxed. The faint fragrance on Gongsun Lan's body penetrated into Wang Yuan's nostrils, and also calmed Wang Yuan's tired spirit. Finally, in the sound of oars, in the swaying boat, Wang Yuan closed his eyes and fell into a deep sleep.

An hour later, the ferry docked. The shore was already crowded with people, and tens of thousands of soldiers and civilians had already greeted Wang Yuan's arrival on the dock on the south bank. The sound of boiling people could be heard on the river several miles away.

After taking a nap, Wang Yuan and Gongsun Lan, who were in high spirits, stepped off the boat, and on the wooden dock, Li Heng, Yan Zhenqing, Helan Jinming, and a cadre of generals and leading officers were already standing in front to greet them. When Wang Yuan came to the open space above the dock with a smile, Li Xin'er A Luo and the others had already rushed forward to greet them, and the worries in their eyes turned into smiles.

"The lower officials and others welcome Xiangguo back safely, and we bring tens of thousands of people here to kneel down to Xiangguo to thank him for his rescue. Sangkook is our great benefactor. In addition to Li Heng, Yan Zhenqing, Helan Jinming and other officials all knelt down to greet him, and said loudly.

Wang Yuan hurriedly stepped forward and said, "What is this for?" Hurry up, it doesn't have to be. ”

Yan Zhenqing didn't get up, raised his hand and waved, and the fifty or sixty thousand people on the dock knelt on the ground, and shouted loudly: "Thank you Wang Xiangguo for your rescue, Wang Xiangguo is the kindness of our people, please accept our people's worship." ”

"Knock knock!" Tens of thousands of people began to kowtow, it was a real kowtow, and their heads clattered on the ground.

Wang Yuan hurriedly shouted: "No need to do this, no need to do this, everyone will get up and kill me." ”

Everyone was unwilling to get up, and they still kowtowed one after another. Wang Yuan couldn't do anything, so he was busy kneeling on the ground and making gestures to the people, seeing that Wang Yuan also knelt down, Yan Zhenqing and Helan Jinming got up and came forward to help Wang Yuan, and at the same time let the people get up.

Wang Yuan looked at Yan Zhenqing and Helan Jinming and complained: "What the hell are the two Taishou doing? Why all the pomp? ”

Yan Zhenqing smiled and said: "This is not what Helan Taishou and I meant, it is the spontaneous action of the people." Xiang Guo's wisdom and courage are unparalleled, sweeping the hinterland of the rebels with thousands of soldiers and horses, rescuing the siege of the plain city, and protecting tens of thousands of people to cross the river safely, which is an immortal feat. It is also appropriate for the people to express their gratitude and reverence. And Xiangguo has always put the people first and persevered until the end, which is the real performance of fearlessness and love for the people like a son. ”

Helan Jinming also nodded and said: "Although I, Helan Jinming, met Wang Xiangguo for the first time, it was only in these few days, and I was impressed by Xiangguo's character and courage. The people in the world can compare to the country, and there are very few. In short, I, Helan Jinming, am sincerely convinced. ”

Wang Yuan waved his hand and smiled: "Ashamed, ashamed, how can you speak like this?" ”

Yan Zhenqing said with a smile: "The people have traveled more than ten miles from the southern ferry to the southern ferry of Baima Dunan, just to welcome the triumph of Xiangguo. Xiangguo will say a few words to everyone. ”

Wang Yuan waved his hand and said, "What is there to say?" ”

"Say a few words, Wang Xiangguo, you can tell us a few words." All the people shouted.

"In that case, I'll just say a few words." Wang Yuan couldn't help it, so he had to smile and nod.

Everyone applauded thunderously, and countless eager eyes looked at Wang Yuan. Wang Yuan smiled and nodded, jumped onto a bluestone pier that tied the ship cable, and raised his eyes to look at the raised faces of the people in the audience. As far as the eye could see, the noise of the people immediately stopped, and after a moment there was silence on the field, except for the sound of the rushing river.

"Fellow villagers, fathers, colleagues, brothers in the army. Today we finally escaped from danger and successfully crossed the river to Beihai County on the south bank. This is also the goal of my 3,000 brothers to attack Plains City. That goal was finally accomplished today. Wang Yuan said loudly.

"Good!"

"Wang Xiangguo is doing well!"

"Wang Xiangguo is a great benevolent prince!"

The people raised their hands and shouted, and the sound was like a tidal wave.

Wang Yuan pressed his hand, and everyone calmed down again. "This is certainly something to celebrate, but it is also a lot of pain and blood that we have to pay to achieve this goal. I'm not sorry for the scenery, I just want to remind you that those of us who survived the river and stood here are blessed by so many who died trying to protect us. Of my three thousand cavalry brothers, there are only a thousand standing in front of me at this moment. Two thousand brothers have been buried forever in our path. There are also the brothers under Yan Taishou of Plains City, there were 3,000 people when they left Plains City, and now there are less than 600 people alive. In just over a month, four or five thousand people threw their heads and shed their blood for this goal. When we celebrate our escape, can we forget these people? ”

Some people's eyes were red, some people burst into tears, and some began to cry silently. Thinking of the bloody battles along the way, thinking of so many soldiers who died, no one can be indifferent. Many of the soldiers were actually natives of Plains City, and their relatives were in the crowd, and they were even more sad and howling at this time.

"I propose that the whole audience observe a moment of silence and pray for these heroic souls. It is hoped that their souls in heaven will rest in peace. Tell them that we remember them. Wang Yuan said in a deep voice, then bowed and remained silent. The people also bowed their heads in silence. The audience was silent for a while, only the sound of the wind around them, the shaking of trees, and the sound of running water and soup were heard.

Ten breaths have passed, Wang Yuan coughed and raised his head, and the people also raised their heads one after another. Wang Yuan smiled: "Today is a day worth celebrating, and we don't have to be so sad. The dead are gone, and we should all look forward. Their deaths give us hope for life, so you have to live well to live well to live with their lives. I will ask Yan Taishou and Helan Taishou to report the list of fallen soldiers, and the court will also give a pension. The families of the fallen soldiers will not be ignored by the imperial court, and they will be settled. In short, we will deal with the aftermath properly. ”

Yan Zhenqing arched his hand and said: "The lower officials will submit the list of fallen soldiers to Xiangguo as soon as possible." ”

Wang Yuan smiled and nodded, and said loudly to the people: "Fathers and fellow villagers, this time we were able to successfully escape from the tiger's mouth, not only because of the protection of the soldiers. In fact, the key to a successful escape this time is your own self-help. Along the way, the villagers and elders endured a lot of hardships, and also assisted the soldiers to build various fortifications to resist the enemy, and it can be said that they were able to successfully escape from danger, which was the result of the single-mindedness of the army and the people. Here, on behalf of the soldiers, I, Wang Yuan, would like to express my gratitude to all the fathers and fellow villagers. ”

Wang Yuan bowed his hands together, and the people hurriedly returned the salute, and someone shouted: "Wang Xiangguo is also polite, this is what we should do." You are fighting so hard to save us, how can we stand idly by? ”

Wang Yuan nodded with a smile and continued: "All the folks, fathers and elders are reasonable people, so I don't need to say more. If there is anything offended by my Wang Yuan and his brothers along the way, please don't mind. At that time, it was just a matter of necessity. ”

"It's okay, it's all our own fault, I don't know the situation is critical. He deserves to be whipped. The people shouted.

Wang Yuan laughed and said, "Okay, don't mention this matter." Ladies and gentlemen, this time the Prime Minister led the army to the rescue of Plains City, although it was a risky move. But to have today's results, I am very satisfied. I also want you to understand a truth, the court remembers the people, as long as the heart is to the court, the court will not abandon it. His Majesty sent Prince Feng with him to tell everyone that the court always remembers the people who fell into the hands of thieves. Prince Feng is there, let's thank Prince Feng together. ”

Wang Yuan stretched out his hand and pointed at Li Heng, who was standing aside, and all the people also bowed to him. Although I don't have any special impression of this Feng Wangye, and I haven't seen him do anything, but after all, this is His Majesty's son, and his arrival also represents His Majesty's attitude, so they all salute politely.

Li Heng was originally thoughtful and didn't know what he was thinking, but when he saw this situation, he hurriedly bowed his hand and smiled: "Don't dare to be, don't dare to be." What this king didn't do, it was all the work of Xiangguo. ”

Wang Yuan said with a smile: "Lord Feng, don't be polite, do you want to say a few words to the people?" ”

Li Heng waved his hand and said: "Xiangguo's words represent the meaning of this king, and also represent the imperial court, Xiangguo continues, and this king listens." ”

Wang Yuan smiled and nodded, didn't insist too much, turned his head to the people and said, "Lord Feng is a low-key person, and we are not embarrassed for him." Speaking of which, it was surprising to everyone that Plains City was able to hold out for nine months at the time of the rebellion. I can only say that Yan Taishou and the soldiers and civilians of Pingyuan City are the models of my Datang soldiers and civilians. Stick to it and swear to resist the enemy, this is the attitude that my Tang subjects should have. The deeds of Plains City should be vigorously publicized. When I go back this time, I will strongly recommend Yan Taishou, because Yan Taishou can be a major event and a mainstay of the imperial court. ”

Everyone nodded again and again, and they all looked at Yan Zhenqing, and someone shouted: "Congratulations to Yan Taishou for being promoted this time." ”

Yan Zhenqing hurriedly shouted: "Fellow villagers, Yan doesn't care about whether he is promoted or not, Yan Mou guards the city for the people of Pingyuan City, not for promotion." You must know that the rebels persuaded them to surrender at the beginning, and the promised official position was really not low. If it is for the sake of official position, why should you stick to the city? ”

Wang Yuan laughed and said: "What Yan Taishou said is very true, this is integrity, this is responsibility, and it has nothing to do with official position. But the more this is the case, the more vigorously it must be recommended to show the fairness of the imperial court. ”

"It is exactly what Wang Xiangguo said. If Yan Taishou is not rewarded, isn't it an unfair act? deserves to be promoted and rewarded. The crowd shouted.

Wang Yuan smiled and nodded, waited for everyone to calm down, and said loudly: "The imperial court will make proper arrangements for Yan Taishou's affairs, and I still have the last few words to tell you about the affairs of your fathers and fellow villagers." Now that we're out of trouble, the next priority is to settle down. If all of our more than 40,000 people settle in Beihai County, I am afraid it will bring great pressure to Helan Taishou. This year, there is a great drought in the country, and the imperial court is in an eventful autumn, the rebels are rampant, and the imperial court is afraid that there is no spare strength to help. Therefore, this matter of settlement requires a proper plan. I have an idea, although I didn't discuss it with the two Taishou in advance, but at this moment, I just took it out to discuss it with all the villagers and elders and the officials present, if you think it is feasible, we will decide on this matter. I don't know what you think. ”

"Please make it clear." Yan Zhenqing, Helan Jinming and others all said. The people naturally have no doubt.

"The first priority of the counties of the south bank is to repel the enemy, and there is no room for the people to settle them. Therefore, I would like to ask Helan Taishou to send people to disperse the people to the nearest state capital in the south and settle them separately. All the counties around Jinan Prefecture have to bear the rules of shelter, and each place can accommodate thousands of people, which does not add too much burden and can be properly resettled. The people settled down for the time being, and they were able to return to their places when they regained their lost lands. The Prime Minister will write to the governors of these states to inform them that they will not refuse. Wang Yuan said in a deep voice.

"Very good, Xia Guan thinks the same way. Xiaguan Beihai County is not completely incapable of taking in the people, we can take the lead in taking in 5,000 people. As long as we have a bite to eat, there will be a bite for the people. Helan Jinming said.

Wang Yuan smiled and said, "I believe in you." He turned back to the people and said, "Do you have any objections to the old folks?" ”

How can the people have any objections, as long as there is a place to live, it is already thankful. So they said: "Leave it to the arrangement, as long as we have something to eat, everything can be done." ”

Wang Yuan nodded and said, "Okay, then the matter is decided, as for who will go and where to settle down, I will discuss and decide with the two Taishou after I come down." I have only one piece of advice for you: the help of others is temporary, and the ultimate way out of trouble is to save ourselves. This year is not good, and it is a big burden to settle anywhere, so I hope that all of you can find a way to save yourself, and after settling down, you can find a way to find a way to live on your own, and minimize the burden on the local area, so that you can have both a foothold and dignity. ”

"What Xiangguo said is very true, I'll remember it." The people nodded one after another.

Wang Yuan smiled and nodded, waved his hand and shouted: "That's it, let's go here, I talked a lot of words, and everyone is afraid that they are tired of hearing it." Scattered, scattered. With that, he jumped off the bluestone pier.

……

Everyone drove into Beihai City to stop and rest. The soldiers suffered a great crime last night, and many of them suffered from the cold and cold, and they need to be dealt with in time. Helan Jinming made a big pot of ginger soup for the soldiers to drink, and ate a full meal at noon, Wang Yuanchuan ordered everyone to sleep, and no one was allowed to get up and hang around. So all the guards fell asleep with their heads covered and slept in the dark.

In the evening, after dinner, the guards fell asleep again, and they could finally enjoy this simple moment of happiness after not sleeping well for so many days.

Wang Yuan also slept beautifully in the afternoon, and slept until dusk before getting up. After getting up, Li Xin'er and others told Wang Yuan that Helan Jinming had come in person and wanted to invite Wang Yuan to a banquet in the evening to listen to Xiangguo's teachings.

As soon as he heard the word "going to the banquet", Wang Yuan's brows furrowed. At this moment, it is the time when materials are most scarce, although Helan Jinming's move is to respect himself, but it must not be advocated. But Wang Yuan didn't refuse, he really had to explain some things to Helan Jinming, because Wang Yuan was going to leave Beihai County early tomorrow morning. A lot of things have to be explained tonight.

The maidservant who was waiting at the residence boiled hot water, and Wang Yuan took a hot bath, and his body was exhausted. After changing into clean clothes, Wang Yuan went to Helan Jinming's Taishou Yamen for a banquet under the leadership of the officials sent by Helan Jinming. When Wang Yuan arrived at the yamen with Zhao Qing and Tan Ping, Feng Wang Li Heng, Yan Zhenqing and others had already arrived at the yamen first, and greeted them at the yamen with Helan Jinming.

After the greetings were over, Helan Jinming introduced Wang Yuan and others into the inner hall, but saw that there were only a few plates of vegetables and a pot of chicken on a simple table in the inner hall of the Yamen, and the dishes were extremely simple. It is said that it is a banquet, but in fact it is just a commonplace.

Li Heng's face was very disappointed, he followed Wang Yuan and suffered for more than a month, he thought that he could go to the banquet to fight the tooth sacrifice, but he didn't expect it to be such a banquet. He thought that Wang Yuan would also be unhappy, but he found that Wang Yuan had a stronger smile on his face, and he didn't look unhappy at all.

"Please sit down with Lord Feng and Wang Xiangguo. I don't have any delicacies here, so I can only prepare a few thin vegetables as a tribute. These vegetables are all grown by my wife. This chicken was also raised by my wife. I really can't take it, don't mind Wanwang Xiangguo and the prince. Helan Jinming said with a full apology.

Wang Yuan laughed and said, "What do you mind? Seeing such a table of dishes, I feel relieved in my heart. I was worried that if I saw a table full of delicacies, it would show that Helan Taishou did not know the situation at this time, and did not know that the situation was difficult. But now I am relieved to see that these are all vegetables that Mrs. Zun has planted and raised by herself. It can be seen that Helan is too honest and honest, and she is also well aware of the danger of the current situation. I have a little more respect for Helan Taishou. With you in Beihai County, it is a blessing for the people of Beihai County. ”

Helan Jinming hurriedly bowed his hands and humbled himself, and his thoughts were also put down. He was really worried that he wouldn't take good care of himself, he had not been with this Wang Xiangguo for a long time, although he admired him, but after all, he didn't know what this person's character was. Now it seems that this person is really open-minded and reasonable, no wonder he is already in a high position in the Tang Dynasty at a young age, and he is indeed handsome, beautiful, wise and brave.

"Shame, shame. It stands to reason that Prince Feng and Xiangguo are here, so how can the lower officials be entertained well. But I really don't want to do that. Sure enough, Xiangguo and the prince didn't care, which made the lower officials grateful. Although the vegetables are simple, this jar of wine is a good wine, which is the daughter red that my little girl dug up when she got married. Sixteen years of wine, this time just took out to entertain guests, and finally felt a little at ease. Helan Jinming pointed to a jar of sealed wine.

Wang Yuanxi said: "Oh, that's a good thing, with this jar of wine, even the delicacies of the mountains and seas have no color." We're welcome, after eating this wine, we are also sticky and happy by the way, congratulations to Lan Taishou for hugging a big grandson early. ”

Helan Jinming laughed and said: "Thank you and thank you, the little girl is indeed going to give birth in October, and she will give birth to a big fat boy by borrowing Xiangguo's auspicious words." ”

Yan Zhenqing stroked his beard and said with a smile: "Xiangguo said that it was a boy, then it must be a boy." Why don't you ask Xiangguo for a name? ”

"Yes, yes, please give Xiangguo a name." Helan Jinming said with a smile.

Wang Yuan waved his hand again and again and said with a smile: "No, it is his father's right to name such a thing, or Helan Taishou, or the other party's master, isn't it better for me to name it?" I don't want to do such a thing, I'd better leave this matter to Helan Taishou to worry about herself. ”

Helan Jinming hurriedly said: "This child can be named by Xiangguo, which is the honor of my Helan family and the little daughter-in-law's family." ”

Yan Zhenqing also said: "Wang Xiangguo, give a name to touch your blessings." ”

Wang Yuan smiled and said: "The name is just a code name, and it has nothing to do with good fortune. But since I had to come up with a name, I'd help think of one. If it doesn't work, it will be discarded. ”

"Good, good. That's great. Helan Jinming said happily. Hurriedly took a pen, ink, paper and inkstone, and placed it on the small table on the side.

Wang Yuan dipped his pen in ink and asked, "What is your in-laws' surname?" ”

"Oh, the surname is Ye. The leaves of the leaves. Helan Jinming said busily.

Wang Yuan nodded and thought for a while, with a sly smile on his face, he wrote down three big characters with a pen, and said with a smile: "That's it, if you can use it, use it, and if you can't use it, you will abandon it." ”

Helan Jinming looked at the three big characters on the paper and nodded and smiled: "Good name, Ye Liangchen." That's what it sounds like. The beautiful scenery of a good day and the consummation of the circle are complete, doesn't this indicate that this son will be rich and prosperous in the future? ”

Wang Yuan laughed and said: "I don't know if it can be fulfilled, but what I do know is that his name will definitely be passed down through the ages and left a name in history." ”

"Thank you Xiangguo Yoshiyan, thank you very much." Helan Jinming was overjoyed and thanked him.

Wang Yuan smiled: "Can you eat your daughter's red wine?" It's really not easy for us to eat Helan Taishou's daughter's red wine, and we have to do things for you first. Lord Feng, Yan Taishou, did you say? ”

In Helan Jinming's stunned face, Wang Yuan, Li Heng, Yan Zhenqing and others all laughed.