Looking back at the situation on Zhang Xutuo's side, after the account was dispersed, Zhang Xutuo left Mulan alone, and called Mulan to the back hall alone, and reprimanded Mulan very much, accusing Mulan of being small-minded and holding grudges, not broad-minded enough to tolerate people, and complained that Mulan should not refuse her arrangement and go to Qian County to help Chen Yingliang train cavalry. Mulan hung her head and let Zhang Xutuo reprimand, until Zhang Xutuo complained that she shouldn't refuse to go to Qianjun, Mulan said a sentence and said: "Dashuai, I don't go to Qianjun because I'm not careful, but I'm reluctant to leave you." ”

"Girl, the old man arranged for you to go to Qian County, really just to let you help Chen Yingliang train cavalry?" Zhang Xutuo suddenly showed a little smile and said, "What is the purpose of the old man arranging for you to go to Qianjun, do you really not know, or do you pretend not to know?" ”

Mulan blushed a little, and stammered for a moment before replying, "I don't know, I don't have to worry about my business." ”

"The old man has to worry about it." Zhang Xutuo smiled and said: "Since I accidentally found out that you were a girl last time, and I knew about your father's military service, the old man has always treated you as his own granddaughter, since you are the granddaughter of the old man, how can the old man not worry about your affairs?" ”

Mulan was silent, her face turned redder, Zhang Xutuo patted her head, and said with a gentle smile: "The old man can see that you care about Chen Yingliang's kid very much, that kid is indeed a good young man, on the surface he looks treacherous and cunning, greedy for life and afraid of death, but in fact he is kind-hearted, loves the people, has responsibilities and responsibilities, never pushes in trouble, and his wisdom is all used on the right path. Even the old man, who is a grandfather, is sorry for you. ”

Mulan showed an unprecedentedly shy expression, lowered her head and almost buried it in her arms, Zhang Xutuo patted her head again, and said gently: "Obedient, the old man will arrange this matter for you, and the old man will mention what happened to Chen Yingliang in the evening, and say that you have figured it out and promised to go to Qian County to help him train cavalry." Then you go to Qian County with him, make more contact, and if you are satisfied, tell him your true identity, and then the old man will personally come forward to match you. If you are really not satisfied, then you will come back after training, and this incident will not happen. Girl, do you understand? ”

After hesitating shyly for a long time, Mulan finally nodded, and Zhang Xutuo also showed a relieved smile, but it happened that at this time, the voice of Zhang Xutuo's personal soldiers suddenly came out of the hall, "Chen Tongshou, you can't break in, the marshal is discussing the military situation with General Hua, and no one is allowed to disturb, I can only inform you of ......." Chen Tongshou, you wait, wait. ”

At the same time, there was the sound of the door being pushed open, and immediately after, Chen Yingliang broke in directly, followed by Qin Qiong and Yang Wang, so frightened that Mulan quickly turned around, her heart was beating wildly, Zhang Xutuo was also startled, and hurriedly asked, "What's wrong?" Is there any emergency military information? Why is it in such a hurry? ”

"The old general misunderstood, there is no urgent military situation." Chen Yingliang shook his head and waved his hand, then immediately changed to an extremely flattering smile, nodded and said: "Old general, the junior has a small request, please agree to it for the sake of your colleagues." ”

"What request?" Zhang Xutuo was stunned, and then he was overjoyed, and hurriedly asked: "Or do you want to borrow someone from the old man to train cavalry in Qian County?" ”

"No, it's not." Chen Yingliang's quick answer disappointed Zhang Xutuo and Mulan, and then Chen Yingliang said with a hippie smile: "The junior just wants to ask you for an official document, let the junior go on a business trip to Jibei County, no matter what you do, even if it is to scout the thief for you, as long as the junior can go north to Jibei County legally and reasonably." ”

"Jibei County?" Zhang Xutuo was even more confused, and asked suspiciously: "For no reason, you, the general guard of the county, how did you think of going to Jibei County?" ”

"That's right." Chen Yingliang hurriedly said about Qin Qiong's recommendation of Cheng Biting Jin to him, and then hurriedly said: "Old general, you also know that the junior is now the general guard of Qian County, and if he runs to Jibei County without official business, he will leave his post without permission, if he is known by the imperial historian, he will definitely be impeached by the table, so the junior has no choice but to ask you for help and give me an official document so that I can go north legally." ”

"I see." Zhang Xutuo suddenly realized, and asked Qin Qiong if there was indeed such a thing, and Zhang Xutuo said: "Chen Tongshou, such a trivial matter, do you need to go north in person?" Wouldn't it be enough to send someone to bring some gifts and letters to solicit that Cheng Biting Jin, why do you need to go to Dongping County in person? ”

"Others are not sure where to go, and the juniors must go in person." Chen Yingliang hurriedly explained: "A hero like Cheng Biting Jin Cheng Zhuangshi, if he only sends an envoy to solicit him by letter, he may not agree, only the younger generation personally visits Dongping County to visit him, so that he can understand the sincerity of the younger generation, so that he can be more sure to invite Cheng Biting Jin to serve in Qian County." ”

"For the sake of a Cheng bite gold, are you worth the trouble?" Zhang Xutuo was confused again, and reminded: "Chen Tongshou, the old man has to remind you first, you haven't seen this Cheng Biting Jin, how can you be sure that he is a great general and worthy of reuse?" There are many people in the world who have lost their reputation, how can you be sure that this Cheng Yanjin is not an exaggerated person? ”

"It's ......." Chen Yingliang was a little embarrassed, and then immediately found an excuse, and said with a sigh of relief: "The younger generation has not seen the process of biting gold, but the younger generation can trust General Qin Qiongqin, since he has a very high evaluation of this Cheng Biting Jin, and thinks that he is a general's talent, then the junior believes that this Cheng Biting Jin must be a general's talent and can be entrusted with important tasks, so the junior must visit him in person and invite him out of the mountain to serve the imperial court." ”

After glancing at Mulan with an unkind look out of the corner of his eye, Zhang Xutuo spread his hands and said, "Chen Tongshou, I don't care who you plan to recruit, but I'm sorry, this old man can't help." Don't forget, the old man is not in charge of the county, according to the laws of the imperial court, he has no right to give you command, let alone give you any official documents, let you go to Jibei on business. ”

"It's ......." Chen Yingliang was a little dumbfounded, and then he finally realized that he was excited, and he forgot that Zhang Xutuo did not have the right to let himself legally go north to Jibei County. But this is not difficult for Chen Yingliang, after a little calculation, Chen Yingliang immediately said: "Old general, is there any big team of thieves in the territory of Jibei County?" Do you want the juniors to lead the army north to help you eradicate the thieves? ”

"Hah!" Zhang Xutuo laughed out loud and said, "Chen Tongshou, your ability to exploit the loopholes in the imperial court decrees is really perfect." But it's a pity, your luck is not good, Jibei County was up a few thieves last year, among which Han Jinluo and Zhen Baoche were a little bit of a big thief, but they were immediately pacified by the Jibei officials and the old man, and they also killed those thieves who were thieves. ”

Chen Yingliang's little face suddenly stretched longer than a donkey, and he was depressed and just complained that he was too unlucky, and Qin Qiong next to him comforted: "Chen Tongshou, you don't need to be in such a hurry, otherwise, I will write a letter to Cheng Yanjin for you, explain to him that you are eager to seek talent, and then you send someone to Jibei with your letter to find Cheng Yanjin, and hand over the letter to him, it should be about the same." ”

"Not sure." Chen Yingliang shook his head with a sad face, and said: "Didn't you just say that Cheng Yanjin is a wealthy local family, and he also organized a township warrior to protect the township, he must take into account the safety of his clan fellow villagers, and he may not agree to go south to join me, unless I go in person, the hope and certainty will be greater." ”

Qin Qiong nodded, admitting that Chen Yingliang's analysis was good, and said: "Chen Tongshou, having said that, since you can't go north in person, you have to try it with letters, and if it doesn't work, find another way." ”

Chen Yingliang nodded sullenly, sighed and chose to retreat, Zhang Xutuo glanced at Mulan again, seeing that her expression was a little gloating, Zhang Xutuo couldn't help but smile slightly, and hurriedly took the opportunity to say to Chen Yingliang: "Chen Tongshou, about the training of cavalry by the officials and soldiers of Qiaojun, the old man ....... ”

"Report ——!"

The sudden sound of an urgent report interrupted Zhang Xutuo's words, and a personal soldier knelt down on one knee outside the hall and hugged his fists and said: "Ambassador Qiqi Zhang, an angel from the imperial court has arrived, saying that there is a holy decree for Chen Tongshou of Qian County, please Chen Tongshou immediately go out to receive the order." ”

After playing, the pro-soldier added: "Chen Tongshou, the angel of the court also asked the villain to bring you a message, please prepare the money, he wants to congratulate you, congratulations on your promotion again." ”

"I'm promoted again?" Chen Yingliang was dumbfounded again and blurted out: "How is it possible? I'm already a commander of the county, how can I get promoted? Could it be that Xu Minlian was transferred away and let me be the Taishou of the county? ”

The soldiers shook their heads and said they didn't know, but Yang Wang patted Chen Yingliang on the shoulder and said with a smile: "Stinky boy, the old man is right?" The old man just said that your kid will surpass me sooner or later, and it has only been a few days, and it has actually come true, so you don't want to run away from this wedding wine. Don't be scared, go and take the order. ”

Nodding with a blank expression, Chen Yingliang hurriedly went out to receive the holy decree, Yang Wang and Zhang Xutuo and others also followed with curiosity, but when they got to the front hall, there was really a court official who was already sitting in the hall, Chen Yingliang took a closer look and found that the envoy was still a little familiar, as if he had met somewhere, and after the court official introduced himself, Chen Yingliang remembered that this guy was called He Wei, the secretary of the official residence, and he had met with him in Daxing. And He Wei was not polite, as soon as they met, he stretched out his hand to Chen Yingliang to ask for money, Chen Yingliang smiled bitterly and said: "Secretary He, of course there is money, but my camp is still outside the city, you have to wait a while, after announcing the decree first, how about we discuss the matter of money?" ”

"No way!" He Wei liked to joke a little, and pretended to be angry and said: "Chen Tongshou, you are too bad at being a man, the lower officials came here from Zhuo County for thousands of miles to give you a decree, or did they know that you came here before they arrived in Qian County, and they hurriedly came here to announce the decree to you and give you congratulations, you didn't even have a happy money, I am really sorry for the thousands of miles of the lower officials." This road is still so dangerous, none of the inner supervisors before the drive dared to come, it was the lower official who volunteered to serve as the messenger, and took the risk to give you congratulations, without this happy money today, I will not announce this holy decree! ”

Zhang Xutuo, who was honest and honest, changed his face a little, Chen Yingliang smiled bitterly, and hurriedly touched the purse, fortunately he found a piece of gold that he didn't know when he put it in the purse, and then stuffed it into He Wei's hand, and said with a smile: "Secretary He, forgive me, it's really too late to prepare, please take this tea money first, and I will have my own Bo Yi to serve it later." ”

He Wei was joking with Chen Yingliang, but of course he was smiling after receiving the gold, and immediately said: "Congratulations to Deputy Envoy Chen, congratulations to Deputy Envoy Chen, Deputy Envoy Chen, Deputy Envoy Daxi, the emperor has a decree to crown you as the deputy envoy of the twelve counties of Henan Province to arrest the deputy envoy!" ”

"The twelve counties of Henan Province are deposed to arrest the deputy envoy?!" Yang Wang was the first to scream, dumbfounded, and his mind was suddenly at a loss, he didn't expect that he would become a prophecy when he said anything, Chen Yingliang not only quickly climbed on his head, but also had the power to command himself, the former president of the national university.

Zhang Xutuo was also dumbfounded, but after coming back to his senses, Zhang Xutuo immediately smiled again, and said with a hideous smile: "Okay! This time, if the old man gives command to someone again, someone will have no excuse to refuse! ”

The most dumbfounded was Chen Yingliang himself, after finally coming back to his senses, Chen Yingliang immediately grabbed He Wei's sleeve and said nervously: "Secretary He, please tell me the truth, this official position was decided by the emperor himself?" Or was it recommended by someone? ”

Glancing at Zhang Xutuo and Yang Wang in embarrassment, He Wei attached it to Chen Yingliang's ear and said in a low voice: "The lower official heard that it was Uncle Xiao Guo who recommended you to the saint in private, and the specific true or false lower official is not very clear. In addition, Xia Guan also heard that Pei Xiang had vigorously opposed His Majesty's appointment, but without success. ”

"Uncle Xiao?" Chen Ying's conscience was shocked, and he suddenly realized that it was his enemy who was playing tricks behind his back again, borrowing Zhang Xutuo's hand to tie his elbow, and also borrowing the bandits in the twelve counties of Henan Province to grab his own handle, as long as he was slightly worse on the counterinsurgency battlefield, it would definitely be impeachment and impeachment all over the sky, black guns and arrows would come together.

As a court official who accompanied him to the north, He Wei of course knew that Chen Yingliang was Pei Ju's person, and he also knew that Pei Ju's opposition to Emperor Yang of Sui's promotion of Chen Yingliang must have Pei Party's considerations, so he patted Chen Yingliang on the shoulder again and said in a low voice: "Don't worry too much about the deputy envoy, Pei Xiang's excuse to pass the canal and the transportation is related to the success or failure of the three expeditions to Goguryeo, and the food supply of both cities, I strongly persuade the saint to agree to let you still take the post of commander of the county." ”

Hearing He Wei's words, Chen Yingliang breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that he could still keep the land of Qianjun without being controlled by Zhang Xutuo, but when he thought that he was about to be like Zhang Xutuo, running around and working on the counterinsurgency battlefield every day and night, tired of running for his life, and having to suffer Zhang Xutuo's bird spirit, and carrying out his dangerous order to fight a frontal decisive battle at every turn, Chen Yingliang was inevitably still worried, and kept scolding Xiao Yu in his heart for his lack of morality, and he actually came up with such a vicious idea to take revenge on himself.

Chen Yingliang was frowning, but Zhang Xutuo was laughing, and after listening to the holy decree of Emperor Yang of Sui together, although he was a little dissatisfied with Chen Yingliang's still concurrently leading the post of commander of the county, Zhang Xutuo still patted Chen Yingliang's shoulder and laughed and said: "Deputy Envoy Chen, the Son of Heaven Shengming, arranged for the old man to be a young hero like you as his deputy, and the old man is finally much more relaxed." Don't worry, although you will have to listen to the old man's command in the future, the old man will definitely take good care of you, and he will definitely take good care of you. ”

Laughing and slapping, Zhang Xutuo still used his strength in his hands, and slapped Chen Yingliang's small body in a flash, Chen Yingliang was even more sad, so he had to hurry up to Zhang Xutuo to meet Shangguan, which escaped Zhang Xutuo's deliberate revenge.

"Deputy Envoy Chen, congratulations." Mulan also smiled at Chen Yingliang very rarely, and said with a smile: "This time, when the last general sends the order on behalf of the marshal, I finally don't have to worry about being rejected by the deputy envoy." ”

Chen Yingliang's face was even more sad, but while he was depressed in his heart, Chen Yingliang suddenly remembered the big incident just now, and hurriedly said: "Ambassador Zhang, since Xiaguan is now the deputy envoy of the twelve counties to arrest, then Xiaguan can now legally and reasonably go north to Jibei County, right?" ”

"Of course." Zhang Xutuo said with a smile: "From now on, as long as there is no old man's combat arrangement, you can go there and go there in the twelve counties of Henan Province, and no one can control you." And also. ”

Knowing that Chen Yingliang was very afraid of being his deputy, and indeed hoped that Chen Yingliang, who was outstanding, would share the huge pressure for himself, Zhang Xutuo gave Chen Yingliang a little sweet date, and added: "Also, as long as you don't conflict with the old man's orders, you also have the right to command the generals of Qi County under the old man's command, and they can't disobey them." ”

"Good." Chen Yingliang gritted his teeth, and said in his heart that no matter what he will do in the future, let's get talents to expand my team first! After nodding, Chen Yingliang immediately turned to Qin Qiong and ordered: "General Qin Qiong, as the deputy envoy of the twelve counties, I now order you to immediately prepare your outfit and follow me north to Jibei County, and invite Cheng Yanjin, a righteous soldier from Jibei, to join the ranks of the official army!" ”

"No." Qin Qiong agreed without hesitation, showing the good demeanor of a professional soldier.

"Don't worry." Zhang Xutuo interrupted Chen Yingliang's arrangement and said calmly: "What's the hurry? Uncle Bao, he fought all night last night, and he was already very tired, let him rest for a night, you can rest for a night, get the official defense seal letter or something, participate in the celebration banquet, and go to Jibei tomorrow It's not too late. ”

Chen Yingliang agreed, and Zhang Xutuo said again: "You must go to Jibei, the old man will not stop you, by the way, it is not bad to be familiar with the situation in the northern counties, but you should also pay attention to safety, so let's do it, tomorrow Mulan and Qin Qiong will bring a hundred elite horsemen to accompany you on the road, so that they can protect your safety." ”

"Ambassador, I took Qin Qiong and Mulan away, so what should you do?" Chen Yingliang asked with some concern.

"It's okay, the war is over, there is grain and grass and houses here, just so that the old man can rest here for a few days, and by the way, I can also clean up the waste in Jiyin County." Zhang Xutuo waved his hand and ordered: "Go and come back quickly, the old man is here waiting for you to come back to discuss the counterinsurgency." ”