Busy and fulfilling days always go by quickly. More than a month has passed in a blink of an eye, and it is already midsummer.

Compared with the outside of the mountain, the heat in Qingyun Castle, which is surrounded by mountains and forests, is much lighter. Especially in the evening, the sunset hangs obliquely, the breeze is gentle, the scenery is pleasant, and the heat is greatly reduced. At this time, Chu Tianya would ride a horse and run a few laps on the hill in the north of the fort with Xiao Linglong.

It's called "practicing riding", but fools know that they are in love.

"Tianya, how did you convince the second brother not to move the eldest brother's grave to Qixingzhai for reburial?" At present, in the entire Qingyun Castle, it is estimated that only Xiao Linglong will still call Chu Tianya like this, and it is very natural, she said, "The second brother's feelings for the eldest brother are really deep. I didn't think much of it before. ”

"Second Brother Jiao is a bloody man who values love and righteousness, but he is used to being introverted and not good at expressing himself. In addition, Brother Guan's death this time has something to do with him. There's some guilt in that, too! Chu Tianya said, "Second Brother Jiao wants to rebury Brother Guan's grave in Qixingzhai, but it's actually just an excuse. He couldn't bear to bear that the Seven Star Village, which he had worked hard for more than ten years, fell into the hands of Liang Xing and others. He wanted to go back to Qixingzhai again. But in this case, the newly integrated Xishan is bound to be divided again, which is not a good thing. I didn't try to persuade him, so I told him openly and honestly. Second Brother Jiao is actually a reasonable person, and after figuring out this layer, he changed his original intention. ”

"Then you promised to build a cemetery for Brother Guan?" Xiao Linglong said.

Chu Tianya nodded, "Guan Shan, Wang Yu, these two people should become the spiritual leaders of our Hedong Righteous Army. Building a cemetery is only superficial, and in the future, I will let the spirit of their two heroes live on in Xishan! ”

Xiao Linglong's beautiful eyes stared at the sunset in the distance, and said softly: "I heard when I was very young that the Han people are a very magical people, and they can assimilate any ethnic group. At the time I didn't think so, but now I do. ”

"Why?"

"Because of the 'spirit' you just mentioned." Xiao Linglong turned her head to look at Chu Tianya and said, "People will always die, and nothing will be left after death." But his knowledge, knowledge and spirit can be passed down and inspired by future generations. It seems that this is a habit of the Han people, who always pass on the deeds of their ancestors from generation to generation, so they have achieved a long history and culture. ”

Chu Tianya laughed, "You are actually talking about the 'civilization' that our Han people have created." ”

"Maybe!" Xiao Linglong smiled slightly, "The word 'civilization' sounds a bit literary and difficult to understand, but I am now interested in the history and culture of the Han people. ”

"Oh?" Chu Tianya was surprised in surprise and said with a smile, "Do you need a teacher?" ”

"Yes. But not like you. Xiao Linglong said with a smile.

"What? You look down on me! Chu Tianya was quite unconvinced.

"You will also plagiarize a few lines of the poems of your ancestors, plus play a little trick and fiddle with some power tricks, these are obviously not the essence of Han culture, I don't learn." Xiao Linglong giggled, "Even if I need a teacher, it has to be like Bai Xu!" ”

When Chu Tianya heard this, instead of being annoyed, he smiled.

When a girl deliberately talks about the merits of other men in front of you, it proves that she probably belongs to you. Actually, she was saying - you see, even though he is better than you in some way, I chose you.

This is obviously Xiao Linglong's usual style.

Although Chu Tianya's skin is only in his early twenties, coupled with the resume of his previous life, he is no longer a "young chick" in the emotional direction. Perhaps, the maturity, stability, restraint and humor that he inadvertently shows everywhere and everywhere beyond age is the weapon that truly "conquers" Xiao Linglong.

A woman like Xiao Linglong, who is arrogant, delicate and experienced, may not believe in love at first sight and is completely immune to fanatical pursuits, but it is difficult to endure the long-term love like boiling a frog in warm water. Coincidentally, Chu Tianya inadvertently used this trick.

"Flying Fox, marry me!" Chu Tianya said suddenly.

Xiao Linglong was obviously stunned, and suddenly Xia Fei's cheeks were full, and she turned her head and pretended to be calm: "Aren't we discussing the teacher's affairs?" Don't digress! ”

"It's not a contradiction!" Chu Tianya smiled, "When we become relatives, you will have one more ready-made, all-round, and free teacher." ”

"You?"

"Of course!"

"What can you teach me?" Xiao Linglong was obviously holding back a strong smile, and said to Chu Tianya with a side face, "Are you cheated and cheated?" ”

"We can learn from each other, too." Chu Tianya smiled, "For example, let's study how to have children together." ”

"You're bored!" Xiao Linglong was suddenly embarrassed, and rushed forward with a whip, "Deng, don't chase after you!" ”

Chu Tianya laughed, "If I were a fool, I wouldn't chase it!" - Little lady, wait for me! ”

The two of them each drove a horse into the castle one after another, perhaps because they were too worried in their hearts, Xiao Linglong ran very fast, and Chu Tianya had to chase after him. Many people along the way laughed secretly when they saw it, saying that our young lord must have made Lord Xiao angry again-why didn't they get married? We're all waiting for the wedding wine!

Xiao Linglong ran straight to the station of the Xiaoqi Battalion, where Jiao Wentong was stationed.

All the military power of the entire Xishan plus the Qixingzhai Branch is under the Military Aircraft Department, which is jointly controlled by Chu Tianya, Meng De, Jiao Wentong and Bai Xu, of course, Chu Tianya has more decision-making power, and the other three are only assistants. But in addition, the twelve leaders also have their own direct troops. The "Xiao Cavalry Battalion" is Jiao Wentong's subordinate to Xunxun, and its predecessor is the 'Three Thousand Elite Cavalry' that has been following him in Qixingzhai before.

More than sixty percent of their members are natural riders of the Hu tribe such as the Khitan and Xi tribes who fled from the north, and they have followed Jiao Wentong for some years, and they are very close to each other like brothers. Over the years, Jiao Wentong has made a very famous name in the Hedong area with this trump card in his hand, so that the government does not dare to direct his front.

When Jiao Wentong's troops launched a cavalry attack, they retained many of the Hu people's hunting habits, such as "shouting a loud whistle" to drive away prey or deter the enemy, so when Qingyun Fort reorganized each department and battalion to choose a name, Jiao Wentong named this cavalry "Xiao Cai".

Now, the three thousand howling cavalry has become the Zhenshan ace cavalry in Xishan. Out of trust and respect for Jiao Wentong, Chu Tianya still let Jiao Wentong serve as their commander, and carved out the most abundant piece of land in the fort as Jiao Wentong's station.

When Xiao Linglong ran into the Xiao Cavalry Camp, Jiao Wentong had just returned from the riding range with a team of guards. Xiao Linglong saw Jiao Wentong from a distance, just like a bullied little daughter who ran directly towards him when she saw her father, her face flushed.

Jiao Wentong saw Xiao Linglong first, and then saw Chu Tianya chasing not far behind her, and immediately smiled understandingly. So he waved his hand and motioned for his men to return to the camp first, and he got off his horse and waited in place.

Xiao Linglong stepped forward immediately, jumped off the horse and ran to Jiao Wentong in a hurry, "Second brother, he bullied me!" ”

Jiao Wentong stroked his hair and laughed, "He should bully you." Do you still want to make trouble? ”

"What!" At this time, Xiao Linglong was already a little daughter, and said angrily, "So, second brother, you don't care about me?" Won't you do justice for me? ”

"I will take care of anyone who bullies you, but he is the only one." Jiao Wentong laughed even louder, "Have you forgotten who is the biggest in Qingyun Castle?" …… Haha, stop being angry, stop being angry, it should be said that - how can I dare to take care of the family affairs of your little couple as an outsider? ”

Xiao Linglong stomped her feet angrily and shyly.

At this time, Chu Tianya also rode forward, and Jiao Wentong hurriedly took two steps forward and bowed with his fists, "Lord!" ”

"Second brother doesn't have to be polite." Chu Tianya jumped off the horse and returned the salute with a smile on his fists, "Lord Xiao took me to practice riding, but I didn't want to bump into the second brother's camp." It's better to come early than to come by chance, it's dinner time - I wonder if the second brother has good wine here? ”

"Haha, of course!" Jiao Wentong laughed heartily, "Lord, little sister, please!" ”

"Don't be ashamed!" Xiao Linglong glanced at Chu Tianya angrily, "How can you cheat and drink like this?" ”

"Nonsense, Hugh is unreasonable!" Jiao Wentong reprimanded like a strict father, "The lord is the lord of Qingyun Castle......"

"Okay, I know!" Xiao Linglong was angry and funny and hurriedly interrupted Jiao Wentong, "In just a while, your old man has said it seven or eight times!" ”

"Haha!" Seeing Xiao Linglong's little daughter's attitude, which was rarely revealed, Chu Tianya and Jiao Wentong couldn't help laughing.

"Lord, please hurry, and my subordinates will immediately ask someone to prepare good wine and food." Jiao Wentong bent down and bowed, very respectful.

Chu Tianya nodded with a smile and said, "Second brother, in Chu's heart, I have always respected you as an elder of virtue. Later, when it comes to private, there is no need to be so angry and outside. ”

"The Lord is the Lord, and the minister is the Lord, and he cannot be transgressed at any time." Jiao Wentong is very upright, still holding his fists, "My little sister is often unreasonable and unobtrusive, and her subordinates will teach her." At no time can the lord fall into majesty! ”

Chu Tianya nodded helplessly and smiled, "Okay, just listen to the second brother." Second brother, this is also for my good and for the sake of the overall situation of Xishan. ”

"My lord, please!"

Xiao Linglong watched the two of them act like a drama to show the courtesies of the ministers to the fullest, although they pouted and looked indifferent, but in fact, they were full of joy, and said secretly: It seems that the second brother has indeed untied the knot, and the two of them can get along harmoniously. It's supposed to be like this, Tianya is ambitious and open-minded, the second brother is arrogant and loyal, and the two of them should be a pair of typical Ming lords and virtuous ministers...... What a blessing!

Soon the three of them were seated at the banquet table. Since the Song Dynasty, the Han people's meal system, which has been inherited for many years, began to undergo some changes, and everyone began to sit at the same table and share meals, and this habit has been retained to this day. At the same time, the seating order of the table is also strict, for example, today, Jiao Wentong has to let Chu Tianya sit on the "upper seat".

After three rounds of drinking, the three of them were in a good mood, talking and laughing. But Chu Tianya and Xiao Linglong both had a tacit understanding and did not mention "marriage" in front of Jiao Wentong. This kind of thing, when the two of them flirt, they can talk casually, but Jiao Wentong is a very strict and serious person, so he can't joke with him casually. Unless it's really time for the media to get married.

"My lord, when my subordinates chatted with Bai Xu today, I learned that after the scorching heat is over, a large number of gunpowder raw materials will be transferred from Taiyuan Mansion to our Qingyun Castle. There is also a group of craftsmen who will be transferred from Tokyo, saying that the lord wants to build a "gunpowder factory". Jiao Wentong suddenly asked, "My subordinates are very curious, I don't know what the purpose of this 'gunpowder workshop' is?" ”

Chu Tianya put down his wine glass and smiled slightly, and said: "To be honest, I want to develop a batch of new firearms to arm our army and fight against the Jurchen iron cavalry in the future." ”

"New firearms?" Jiao Wentong's big black face was full of surprise, "What kind of thing is that?" Can you fight against the Jurchens' Iron Float and Kidnapping Horses? ”

Chu Tianya pondered for a while and didn't know how to state and express it to him, so he said, "Now I can't explain it to you clearly for a while. In short, how to succeed in research and development when the time comes, I will be the first to let my second brother give it a try. ”

"Okay, then thank you! The subordinates can't wait to open their eyes, haha! "Jiao Wentong is obviously quite happy, not because of how rare he is and how rare this 'new firearm' he has never seen, but because of his frankness and trust in Chu Tianya, which makes him quite useful.

Chu Tianya nodded and smiled, his face became a little calm, and said: "With Yan Zonghan's character and Jurchen nature, after the Battle of Taiyuan and the Battle of Huanglong Valley, the Jin Kingdom is bound to make a comeback this winter. They will definitely be more ferocious and better prepared by then. The previous time was that the enemy was bright and I was dark, and we played a few tricks to win. This time, Wanyan Zonghan must have come prepared, not to mention that he is determined to destroy the Great Song Dynasty, at least he will swear to Taiyuan to avenge last year's revenge. Therefore, despite the fact that we are now in peace and prosperity, in fact, we are already facing a great potential threat. ”

"Yes, my subordinates feel the same way." Jiao Wentong stroked his hair and pondered, and said, "Last winter, the eldest brother and his subordinates, Xue Yu, Tang Ang and others, each led the army to fight a few battles with the cavalry of Wanyan Gushen, and the subordinates found that their cavalry was indeed powerful. It is really difficult to win in a field battle against the enemy in a hard-fought manner. Even if you win by luck, it will come at a pretty heavy price. It is not the best strategy to attack the strengths of others with my shortcomings. So, what kind of method should be used to contain the fierce cavalry troops of the Jurchens? ”

Chu Tianya nodded and said, "In addition to the new firearms that have not yet come out, I have asked He Bo and Xue Yu, two great experts in sword skills, to work together to develop a set of actual combat knife techniques suitable for ordinary infantry sergeants to use when fighting against cavalry. ”

"Knives? Why not guns? Jiao Wentong said in surprise, "On the battlefield, one inch is long and one inch strong, isn't it okay to use a hook gun to cut off horses' feet?" ”

"We can use a horse chopping knife." Chu Tianya said, "A few days ago, Zhang Xiaochun gave me a special Shangfang chopping knife made by the Tokyo Imperial Weapons Workshop, with a blade three feet long and a handle one foot long, which is quite gorgeous and mighty. I think this weapon is actually very practical, and it can be equipped in large quantities for infantry, especially for chopping horse legs against cavalry. The more than one million gold and iron that the imperial court gave us can be regarded as having a place to use it. Of course, it is good that the horse chopping knife that is really used on the battlefield is practical, and it doesn't have to be gorgeous. The new knife method that He Bo and Xue Yu are studying is the 'Hedong Chopping Knife' that we have improved and specially made in Xishan to widen, thicken, and bend, and it is aimed at the iron slaughter and abduction horses of the Jin Kingdom. ”

At this time, Xiao Linglong, who had been silent for a long time, interjected and said, "Second brother, marksmanship is much more difficult to practice than swordsmanship. The set of Chu family marksmanship that the old man taught me, I have practiced hard for so long and still have not achieved much success. Where can a large number of ordinary sergeants be able to practice marksmanship in a short period of time? Even if it's a few simple moves. ”

"Oh, I'm ashamed that a martial arts practitioner has neglected this layer! No wonder Master scolded me repeatedly, and blamed me for being only greedy for boxing and archery, but I didn't know much about kung fu such as knives and guns. Jiao Wentong nodded suddenly, but suddenly smiled and said, "Little sister, what did you just say - what marksmanship?" ”

"Chu ......" Xiao Linglong said a word, suddenly blushed, and stopped talking.

Jiao Wentong stroked his hair and laughed, "It turns out that you have already made a private decision for life, and even the family heirloom marksmanship has been learned!" ”

"Why! Clearly not! Absolutely nothing! Xiao Linglong was embarrassed, her face was crimson,

Chu Tianya looked calm and unmoving, and said indifferently with a smile: "Flying Fox, what are you hiding in front of your second brother?" ”

"You! ......" Seeing his fake and real look, Xiao Linglong was suddenly angry, "You two drank too much!" I'll ignore you, I'll go back! ”

After that, she left the table in a hurry and left, getting rid of a shy little daughter-in-law.

Jiao Wentong stroked his hair and laughed, and said meaningfully: "It seems that no matter what kind of woman she is, as long as she is emotional, she will be the same little daughter...... Lord, it seems that you and Lord Xiao are not far away, and my subordinates want to congratulate you! ”