Seeing that Pang Gang was still selling Guanzi at the moment, everyone was anxious, and they didn't care about being polite and rude, and began to urge.

Looking at the look of everyone's eyes, Pang Gang also had some drums in his heart, the first migration refugee is good to say, these officials will not take the life and death of the displaced people to heart, and now his only concern is the second article, if the second article can be passed, then the purpose of his coming to Kaifeng this time will be achieved.

Pang Gang looked at everyone and said word by word: "This official can leave a battalion of soldiers and horses to help the people of Kaifeng defend the city, and I believe that as long as there are this battalion of soldiers and horses in Kaifeng, you don't have to worry about how many thieves come." ”

"What, your lord is willing to leave a battalion of soldiers and horses to defend the city?" Everyone was overjoyed at first, but then set their eyes on Cen Zhi, the prefect of Kaifeng.

Cen Zhi also frowned when he heard this, and let the Shandong soldiers and horses be stationed in Kaifeng, it sounds very simple, but there is also a question of military power involved here, if there is an elite soldier in the city who does not obey his orders, any superior person will not be psychologically steady.

He thought about it for a while, and said to Pang Gang cautiously: "General Pang, it is naturally good that you are willing to leave a battalion of elite soldiers to help the people of Kaifeng defend the city, but the lower officials still want to say more, these soldiers and horses are stationed in Kaifeng, so who is under the jurisdiction of Pingshu?" ”

Pang Gang smiled heartily: "I am naturally under the jurisdiction of your Lord Cen, you can rest assured, since this battalion of soldiers and horses is to help you defend the city, then they are your subordinates at the flagship of Kaifeng, so naturally only obey your orders, you can rest assured." ”

Pang Gang said very directly, you don't have to be afraid, since I handed them over to you, I will listen to your orders, and I will not interfere. However, Cen Zhi still has a question, this is why Pang Gang is so generous, handing over a battalion of elite soldiers to him to defend the city for him, he would rather believe that there will be a knife in the sky, and he will never believe that this is Pang Gang learning to be a good person and do good deeds, and they all say that those who are officials are all seven tricks and exquisite hearts, Cen Zhi is no exception, of course he has to think twice about the sudden benefits for no reason.

Although Cen Zhi did not reveal the doubts in his heart, Pang Gang knew that the other party's heart was definitely not steady when he saw that he did not immediately agree to this great benefit. In order to reassure the other party, Pang Gang said again: "However, this battalion of soldiers and horses is not lent to you to defend the city in vain, it is not easy for this officer to train a battalion of elite soldiers, during which countless money, food and hard work have been spent, and it is okay to help you defend the city, but this official still has to mention some conditions." ”

When everyone, including Cen Zhi, heard this, they immediately thought in their hearts, "I said, where will there be a free lunch in this sky, and the other party really made an offer." ”

However, after hearing Pang Gang say this, Cen Zhi put his heart down a lot, and he said in a deep voice: "My lord, please general, as long as the officials can do it, they will definitely not refuse." ”

Pang Gang cleared his throat and said: "Well, that's the case, since this battalion of soldiers and horses is going to be stationed in Kaifeng, then their expenses such as military salaries, grain and grass, and material losses during the garrison in Kaifeng will have to be borne by the Kaifeng Mansion, and this requirement is not too much." ”

"Well, not excessively, as it should be." Everyone nodded in agreement. People come all the way to defend the city for you, and the expenses should naturally be borne by Kaifeng, so it is difficult for you to let the family feed this army for you, and people don't owe you.

"This is the second." Pang Gang thought for a while and then said: "Since this official wants to move all the refugees in Kaifeng Mansion to Shandong, then there must be a sum of money and grain to settle these people, and this money naturally has to rely on the gentry and rich families in Kaifeng to help one or two." ”

"Oh, I see." Hearing this, the people here can be regarded as relieved, it turns out that this huge person wants to move tens of thousands of displaced people in Kaifeng City to Shandong, but he does not have enough money and silver, so he came up with this trick, in the name of helping Kaifeng defend the city, let the Kaifeng local government and gentry donate a sum of money and silver, which is to take what they need.

Since it is to take what they need, it is easy to say, Cen Zhi, who let go of the doubts in his heart, stroked his beard and said: "I don't know how much silver the huge people need to move these displaced people?" ”

Pang Gang smiled slightly, and stretched out two fingers: "It's not much, this official only needs 200,000 taels of silver and 200,000 stone of grain." ”

"What? 200,000 taels of silver, 200,000 stone of grain? There was an exclamation nearby, and the Tongxu County Commander Xu Zhian said in surprise: "My lord, is this too much, 200,000 taels of silver is good to say that it should be no big problem for the gentry and rich families here to get together, but it is difficult to get 200,000 stone grain Kaifeng Mansion out." ”

In the middle of the Ming Dynasty, one or two pieces of silver could buy two or three stone rice, and now one stone of rice will cost several taels of silver, especially in the past two years of drought year after year, Henan has suffered from locust plagues, coupled with the ravages of Tartar and Liukou, the grain is more and more expensive.

"It seems that this huge man wants to pass on all the costs of relocating the displaced people to us." None of the people on the table were fools, and after a little thought, they understood Pang Gang's intentions. In this way, their minds were activated, and the 200,000 taels of silver were easy to say, but 200,000 stone grain was not a small amount, and it was naturally impossible to get such a large amount of money and grain from the place where the poor rats had to come out with tears in their eyes when they entered the official warehouse, so the only way was to apportion.

"Apportionment!"

As soon as this word appeared in the minds of the officials, it seemed that a silver ingot appeared in front of their eyes, and the apportionment was a good thing, which also meant that they could do things in the middle and make a little money to spend.

Cen Zhi's mind is also spinning rapidly, at this critical juncture, presumably those gentry will no longer hold their money bags, if they apportionment to them, there must be no big problem, if you don't want to give it, it's okay, then let those soldiers come to your house to get it. As far as the government is concerned, if it can leave a battalion of elite soldiers to defend the city without spending a tael of silver on the government, if this kind of advantage is not taken, it will be punished by God.

Thinking of this, Cen Zhi looked at the only two old men on the table who were not wearing official uniforms, and asked with a smile: "Duke Dexin, Duke Xianming, what do you think of the proposal of the huge man?" ”

These two old men can sit at the same table as civilians, at least six or seven officials, and they are naturally not cats and dogs.

In fact, the origin of the two of them is indeed not simple, the old man with a slightly chubby face is the prefect of Kaifeng in the previous session, named Lu Guang, and the other thin one is the year before last from the capital Zhishi came back to the household servant named Feng Yiqun, although they have been Zhishi, but among the gentry in Kaifeng City, it is the highest prestige, so they were able to sit at this table.

The two old men glanced at each other, and Lu Guang, who was slightly chubby in figure and face, spoke, "What the huge man said does make sense, and the old man and Xian Minggong have no objection to this, but 200,000 stone grain is not too much, you must know that the food in Kaifeng City is quite tight now." Pang Gang was bidding all over the sky, and this one began to pay back the money.

"Tight, tight!" Pang Gang couldn't wait to knock a few times on his skull to see if it was stuffed with rooster feathers. Although he was unhappy in his heart, he still smiled and said: "Duke Dexin, you don't like to hear this, although 200,000 stone grain is a lot, but compared to solving the problem of 60,000 displaced people once and for all, this is nothing, do you say this is the reason?" ”

Pang Gang's words meant the same thing, "I helped you solve the big problem in your heart, I can't help you in vain, you can't drip without bleeding." ”

Seeing that Pang Gang's attitude was very resolute, Lu Guang and Feng Yiqun fell silent, thinking in their hearts how much each household would have to pay after it was evenly distributed to the heads of the gentry and wealthy households.

After a while, Lu Guangcai said: "Okay, the old man and the two can make the decision to agree to your request, but you also have to promise the old man one thing." ”

"Duke Dexin, please speak!"

Lu Guang said solemnly: "In order to avoid the Liukou from disturbing again, you have to ensure that the people and horses stationed in Kaifeng will be at least more than half a year, and you can't withdraw to Shandong in advance. ”

"Yes, this old man is afraid that my brother will cross the river and tear down the bridge after taking the silver." For a while, Pang Gang couldn't help crying and laughing, and tried his best to send soldiers and horses to Kaifeng City, but now it's good, people are still afraid that they will slip away in advance.

"Duke Dexin, don't worry, this official still has this reputation, since he promised to ensure the safety of Kaifeng, then the official will not break his promise, no matter what, this official will send a battalion of soldiers and horses in Kaifeng City." Pang Gang patted his chest and assured that he would be absolutely resolute, "But there is one thing that the official can realize, this soldier must be sent, but as the saying goes, the soldiers of the iron-clad battalion are flowing water, and the soldiers and horses of this battalion must be changed frequently, and I hope you will forgive me for this." ”

"Changing guards?" Hearing this, everyone quickly understood what Pang Gang meant, and stared at Pang Gang one after another, saying that this huge man is very suspicious, for fear that a battalion of soldiers and horses will be bought by us if they have been stationed in a place for a long time.

Pang Gang's hand finally inserted into Kaifeng City, and the officials of Kaifeng City were guaranteed safety, and everyone achieved their goal and was happy.

After the banquet, Cen Zhi invited Pang Gang to sleep in the prefect's yamen, but Pang Gang refused, when the drunken Pang Gang returned to the barracks to rest, the guards in Pang Gang's tent came to report, saying that a guest asked to see Pang Gang, and he had been waiting for a long time.

"Well, ask to see the officer? Did you find out who he was? Pang Gang shook his dizzy head, a little puzzled.

The soldier shook his head and said, "The villain doesn't know, and the man won't say anything." ”

"Bring him to the big tent, and the officer will see him." After speaking, Pang Gang lifted the curtain and walked in.

Entering the big tent, Pang Gang sat on the hard wooden bench, drank the hot tea brought by the soldiers, and a hot tea with a bitter taste in the fragrance entered the stomach, and then he felt a little sober, Pang Gang closed his eyes for a while, and only then did a report come from outside the tent: "Lord Qiqi, the guests are brought." ”

"Come in!" Pang Gang put down the teacup, sat up straight and looked out.

The curtain was lifted, and a literati about forty years old, dressed in a long robe, walked in, accompanied by his own soldiers.

As soon as he came in, he bowed his hand to Pang Gang and said, "Student Wen Renjun has seen the general!" ”

Pang Gang didn't answer, just looked at this person with interest, this guy who called himself Wen Renjun was slender, elegant in appearance, and his eyes were as warm as jade, flashing with light.

Pang Gang looked at Wen Renjun rudely, and Wen Renjun did not show weakness, and waited for Pang Gang intently, and the two of them looked at each other like cross-eyed. It is said that after several years of life and tempering on the battlefield, the current Pang Gang has exuded a majesty all the time, this thing is official authority in ancient terms, and few ordinary people dare to look at him, but I didn't expect this Wen Renjun to stare at him without nervousness.

After a while, Pang just laughed, pointed to the thick black wooden stool next to him and said, "Mr. is so timid, please take a seat!" ”

Wen Renjun sat down unceremoniously, and the tea that the soldiers quickly sent, Wen Renjun picked up the teacup and drank several sips, and then wiped the corners of his mouth after drinking the tea in one breath and said: "I didn't expect to be able to drink such a superb rain dragon well in the army, it is rare!" ”

Pang Gang laughed and said: "Mr. has won the award, the official knows nothing about the tea ceremony, and this tea is still helped by Mrs. Zhang Luo." ”

He is a person who has seven tricks for the tea ceremony, and there is still one trick left, but his daughters-in-law are people in this way, especially Wei Manyao, who is a good tea person, although she also knows that her husband is a cow chewing a peony every time he drinks tea, but every time Pang Gang goes out on an expedition, she will prepare a bag of good tea for her own soldiers to bring, which can be regarded as a way for her to care about her husband.

Wen Renjun also smiled, this general's surname is bold and funny, but he is not a wonderful person.

The two chatted for a few words, diluting the embarrassing atmosphere just now, and Pang Gang asked, "Mr. Wen came to visit late at night, didn't he come to the official to drink tea?" ”

Pang Gang's words were meant to be ridiculous, after all, no matter what era it is, it is an extremely rude thing for a stranger to visit the master late at night, but this Wenrenjun said without changing his face: "Some things are not very convenient to say during the day, but it is more appropriate to say them at night." ”

"Hehe" Pang Gang couldn't help but be angry with him, "Okay, the official will see what you can say, if you can't say it, the official will punish you." ”

Wen Renjun looked at Pang Gang with bright eyes, and said jokingly: "The general really wants to say something?" ”

Pang Gang was impatient, "Of course, is there a fake?" ”

"Then Wen Mou said it?"

"Nonsense, if you have something to say, just say it."

Wen Renjun changed his previous cynical face, his expression was serious, and he said word by word: "I'm afraid the general is about to rebel!" ”

"Wow"

In a clear groan, a cold light flashed, Pang Gang's sharp scimitar was already on Wen Renjun's neck, if he went one inch further, Wen Renjun could say goodbye to this world.

Pang Gang shouted: "Say, who sent you!" ”

"Whoa!" The curtain opened, Shi Bowen, who was guarding outside, rushed in after hearing the movement, and behind him was a team of murderous soldiers, seeing that Pang Gang's knife was on Wen Renjun's neck, Shi Bowen hurriedly asked: "My lord, do you want to kill him with humility." ”

Wen Renjun, who was holding a knife on his neck, said unhurriedly: "General Pang, this is your territory, if the student has any actions that are not conducive to you, you can kill the student with a move of your fingers, even if you want to kill the student, it is not too late to wait for the student to finish speaking." ”

At this time, Pang Gang's cold eyes revealed a murderous aura, this Wen Renjun who came out of nowhere said that he was going to rebel as soon as he met, and it would be a big trouble if people heard about him.

After taking a long breath, Pang Gang put away the scimitar in his hand and said, "Okay, you say, if you can't say that you are ugly, then don't blame the official for being unkind to you." ”

Seeing that his little life was temporarily embraced, Wen Renjun couldn't help but touch his neck, as if he still felt a chill left on it, he looked at Pang Gang carefully for a while and then smiled bitterly: "Sure enough, he is worthy of being a decisive general, no wonder he can kill the Tartars and the Liukou." However, it is better to ask the general to hold back and leave the left. ”

Pang Gang waved his hand, Shi Bowen retreated with all the soldiers, and Pang Gang said lightly: "You say, if your reasons can't satisfy the official, you will inevitably be stabbed after all." ”

After hearing this, Wen Renjun smiled and asked, "Could it be that what the appropriate student said is not right?" Does the general really not have this heart? If he didn't have this intention, why did the general leave a battalion of soldiers and horses in Luoyang, was it really just for some money? ”

"How did you know that this official left a battalion of soldiers and horses in Luoyang?"

Pang Gang's eyes lit up again, it was no secret that he left a battalion of soldiers and horses in Luoyang, but it was a little intriguing that it could be spread to Kaifeng so quickly, could it be that someone was secretly dealing with him?

Just as Pang Gang was pondering, Wen Renjun smiled: "The general doesn't have to think about it, the student can know that this news is purely a coincidence, not that someone deliberately dealt with the general." ”

Wen Renjun paused and said: "Although Wen has been in Kaifeng for these years, he has already been thunderous to the general, and the general can sit in less than three years from a poor military household who is unknown and penniless to the right governor of Nanjing and the general army of Shandong in the second grade, who does not admire the entire Ming Dynasty?" ”

Pang Gang said with a smile: "Don't slap the official's ass, the official said, if you can't come up with a reason, the official will still give you a knife." ”

Wen Renjun smiled: "Well, the student said bluntly, the discord between the huge people in the court has long been a well-known thing, which the entire Ming officialdom knows, but after the student studied what the general did, he came to a conclusion, that is, the general is by no means a willing mediocre person, and it is a matter of time before he rebels." ”

Pang Gang said expressionlessly: "The official is still the same sentence, the reason!" ”

(To be continued)