At dawn the next day, Zu Zhao went to the hospital again and visited Zu Cheng, Zu Zhong and other children who had been arranged to inquire about the news in Xilitun earlier.

Zu Cheng and the others encountered thieves in the woods, and after being picked up by the Lingzhi County Government to the county seat, they stayed in the hospital to rest.

Most of Zu Cheng, Zu Zhong and others were injured, but the injuries were not serious. After meeting Zu Zhao, Zu Cheng and the others were all depressed and apologized to Zu Zhao Daoqian. They acted without authorization, scaring the snakes, not only mistaking the big thing, but also breaking Zubao's life, so naturally they had a lot of guilt. Zu Zhao didn't blame him, he just comforted them again and again, and asked about everyone's injuries, and arranged to return to Xu Wuxian one after another in the next few days.

Just after noon, another team of people came from the direction of Xu Wuxian to Xilitun. Among them, there are not only more than 10 children sent by the ancestral family to reinforce, but also the people and soldiers recruited by the Wen County Lieutenant, a total of about 40 people. Obviously, Chen Xianjun was still very dissatisfied with Zu Zhao's private action with a large group of people and horses across the border, otherwise he would not have sent County Lieutenant Wen to support so late, and there were only so few people.

The fighting outside the forest last night spread early in all parts of Lingzhi County. Several families were hotly discussed, and several families were crying. Most of the thieves who were arrested or killed were farmers in the local countryside, and their neighbors obviously did not expect the situation to be so big, or they were desperate and hoping for an unprecedented success, which was more or less a hope of survival. Now, not only has it disappeared, but it also has to endure the seemingly endless fear that it will involve you.

After hearing the rumors in Xilitun, the county lieutenant Wen was originally going to rest here for a while, but now he hurried to the county seat.

When I arrived at the county seat, I met with Zu Zhao and others in the pavilion to understand the ins and outs of what happened last night, and then accompanied by Zu Fan and Zu Ling, I rushed to the county government to visit Wang Xianjun and handed over the handwritten letter of Chen Xianjun in this county. When Wentai came back from the county government, it was already past afternoon, and when he came to the pavilion where Zu Zhao and others temporarily lived, he ordered a banquet and ate a lot.

Zu Zhao and the others just saw this, and they already knew that nine out of ten of the county lieutenants were angry in the county government. Not to mention that it was the time to eat, the county government and county magistrate actually didn't leave the county lieutenant Wen to eat, and it took less than an hour for such a big case to go back and forth, even if you didn't look at the face of the county lieutenant, you could guess it.

The banquet was only halfway through, and it didn't take long for Tian Xian to hurry up, and when he saw Wentai and Zu Zhao after entering the door, he hurriedly apologized to Wentai and his party.

"Lord Wen, Lord Shicai Wang has something to say, and I hope you don't take it to heart."

"Hmph, what is in the heart of the surnamed Wang, don't I still know? This incident happened within the jurisdiction of Lingzhi County, and most of the thieves were people in Lingzhi County, so the big break of this case is the credit of his Lord Wang alone, right? "Wentai is originally rude, and on weekdays, he doesn't even give the face of Chen Countyjun in his county, let alone a neighboring county magistrate who can't control the border. If no one mentions this matter, he will only bury his grievances in his stomach, but Tian Xian made a special trip to apologize daoqian, which is to let him find a place to play on the topic.

Zu Zhao, who was silent on the side, had already seen things thoroughly, so he didn't say much when Wentai came back.

Tian Xian looked embarrassed, glanced at Zu Zhao, and then at Wentai, and didn't know how to break the siege for a while.

Zu Zhao knew that Tian Xian just wanted to ease the contradiction between the two county officials, but it was a pity that there were too many hateful and angry things in the calculations of the king of Lingzhi County, even if he wanted to reconcile this matter, I am afraid it would not be easy. He personally didn't care about Wang Xianjun's intentions to be greedy, not to mention that he would have to make friends with the Tian family in the future, so he naturally couldn't help but speak at this time.

He didn't try to persuade Wentai, with Wentai's temper, the more he persuaded at this time, the more unhappy he was. Therefore, he turned to persuade Tian Xian and said: "Lord Tian, you have made a special trip to persuade you, Lord Wen is a man of temperament, and he has always been outspoken, so don't take it to heart." In this way, Lord Tian's mood is understood in the heart of the next generation of Lord Wen, and he will be persuaded later. Wakata-sama is busy with official business, so it is better to put official work first. ”

Tian Xian knew what Zu Zhao meant, sighed helplessly, and said: "If Zu Gongzi can be reasonable, I will be grateful." Then there is also Lao Zugongzi to explain a few words to Lord Wen on his behalf, and he will not bother anymore, so he will leave. ”

After that, he glanced at Wentai noncommittally, and then exited the gate of the pavilion.

Zu Zhao sent him to the horse pile, although he didn't say anything more, but his intention was also to mention Tian Xian, hoping to arrange for him to be in the prison as soon as possible to find out the news.

Back at the pavilion, Zu Zhao didn't rush to comfort Wentai, but just brought a wine glass to drink with him.

After Wen Tai drank a few more cups, he couldn't help but chatter to himself, and told him how he went to the county government to visit Wang Xianjun. After he arrived at the county government, Wang Xianjun was still sleeping soundly, and he waited for half an hour to see him. He was originally ordered by Chen Xianjun to take several captured thieves back to Xu Wu for torture, but unexpectedly, Wang Xianjun turned his face on the spot, emphasizing that the case was investigated and handled by Lingzhi County, and that Xu Wuxian had no right to cross the border to handle the case under the premise that there was no official document from the county government of the two counties, and said that he would investigate the responsibility of the ancestral family for acting in private.

Zu Zhao believed that Wentai's words might add fuel to the fire, but he didn't care that Wang Xianjun wanted to hold the Zu family responsible, nine times out of ten it was just a pretext for the surname Wang, if he wanted to enjoy his merits alone, he shouldn't make a big deal about it now. Although the ancestral family has hidden the armor privately, they have been divided into peace and security over the years, and they have had contacts with many border generals, not to mention that this bloody thief was originally a righteous act.

He followed Wentai's words and briefly comforted him. It's just that the matter has come to this point, and you can't continue to toss around on other people's turf, so you can only return to Xu Wu County first, and then make detailed plans, or you can report the matter to the county government, and then the county government will deal with the matter.

Wentai was still annoyed, but he also knew that there was nothing he could do, so he could only drink a few bowls of stuffy wine in a row.

After lunch, Zu Zhao summoned Zu Ling, Zu Fan, Zu Li and others, and agreed to leave for Xu Wu today.

Due to the fact that many children were seriously injured, it was difficult to move. Zu Zhao specially arranged for a group of children to stay here, on the one hand, to inquire about the news of the Lingzhi County Government at any time, to understand the progress of the case, and to guard against the collusion with the Hu people by the way, and on the other hand, to take care of the rehabilitation of the injured children. After recovering from their injuries, these children can return to Xu Wu on their own one after another.

In the afternoon, Zu Zhao led all his children to set off first, while Zu Ling, Zu Li and others stayed behind as the second team, mainly responsible for transporting the collected armor and horses back. Although the Lingzhi County Government detained all the thieves, it did not have time to liquidate the loot, and the Zu family and others naturally put these booties together with the armor of their own family, and they could not order the Zhixian Government to forcibly levy them.

Wen Tai and the others went back to Xu Wu with Zu Zhao, since it was useless to stay here, they could only answer truthfully after they went back.

Back in Xu Wu, it was almost evening, the sun was setting, and the sky was dry and red.

Wentai and Zu Fan went back to the county seat first and went to the county government to restore their lives. Before leaving, Zu Zhao was grateful for the help of the rangers of Anyang Pavilion, and promised to hold a banquet to thank each other in a few days. After that, Zu Zhao took his own children back to Beiguo Pavilion on his own.

There were a few children who walked in front of the horses, and they arrived at Zujiazhuang earlier than the large team, and explained everything early.

Outside the gate of the backyard racecourse, there were many relatives of the clan, including the elderly, women, and some servants of the village. These people seemed to have come to greet them, but there was no joy in their expressions, but more worry and nervousness. The men in the family went to a different place to beg for thieves, and before they set off, they inevitably felt heroic and proud, and all of them responded to the call with their families, but when they returned, they inevitably had other thoughts, and no one wanted the dead to appear, let alone their own family members among the dead.

Seeing the appearance of a group of ancestral sons and daughters in iron armor and lined with white clothes, there was finally some reaction in the dull crowd.

Zu Zhao and the others barely changed their clothes, the bloodstained place was still stained with blood, the small wounds on the flesh and skin had not been bandaged, and there were still eye-catching blood spots on the halberd. Seeing this scene, it is not difficult for many people to guess the sinister nature of yesterday's war. Zu Zhao took the lead, and when he arrived at the gate, those relatives who were waiting at the gate stepped forward to greet him, caring and moving. He knew very well that these relatives wanted him to reveal the names of the fallen children, but he didn't say a word, but after politely bowing his head in return, he rode into the backyard racecourse.

With the help of several servants, Zu Zhao dismounted and untied the iron armor.

Zu Zhan and several uncles were standing on the porch of the backyard waiting at this moment, and everyone had solemn expressions.

Zu Zhao hurried over in three steps and two steps, and saluted several uncles. Everyone patted Zu Zhao on the shoulder enthusiastically, and deeply praised the thief this time, anyway, although it was different from the original Jihua, and it did cost the lives of some of the children of the clan, but with this small casualty victory, it can definitely be regarded as a complete victory.

After the uncles finished speaking, Zu Zhan stepped forward and saluted Zu Zhao: "Brother, congratulations to the eldest prince on his triumph." Ah Gong is still in the middle hall at this time. Earlier, Chen Xianjun had been here, and he had to wait until the eldest prince came back to see him before leaving, but later someone from the county government came and said that there was news from the county government, so he took the first step. ”

Zu Zhao nodded, he didn't ask what the news was from the county government, so he followed Zu Zhan to the middle hall. Several uncles were also on his side.

On the main hall of the middle hall, the three elders of the clan and several old people of the grandparents have already arrived, and Gongsun Zhi and Chun Yupei are on the side. Zu Ju sat majestically on the chief.

Zu Zhao took off his shoes and entered the hall, saluted several elders one by one, and then saluted his grandfather.

Zu Ju looked a little tired, even though he maintained a dignified appearance, he also had the appearance of a dragon bell that could not be concealed. He breathed a sigh of relief, and said without emotion: "Zhao'er, just come back safely." This time to break the group of thieves, it is really revenge, but the generals are outside, and the first thing to pay attention to is a rule. If you break the rules and act without permission, if you make a mistake, how can you afford such responsibility? In the second half of the sentence, he gradually strengthened his tone.

However, after all, Zu Zhao did not cause too serious losses this time, and the reason why he still blamed him was that on the one hand, he hoped that his grandson would understand, and on the other hand, he still thought that if Zu Zhao followed the established Jihua and went with the officers and soldiers who were dispatched to help, the result would definitely be better than now. The worst is that he can do some articles afterwards, and he can earn a little reputation for his ancestors. Now that he has acted without authorization in private and lost the support of the government, the result is to make it difficult for the local government in Lingzhi County in every possible way, isn't it worth the loss?

Zu Zhao looked ashamed and said in a deep voice: "This time, Sun Er didn't want to defend too much. It's just that yesterday there was a reason for the emergency, and the grandson had to make an improvisation. Where the sin is, the grandson is willing to bear it with all his might. ”

After all, the ancestral family is a military family, and it has always respected the bright and upright. Although Zu Zhao's unauthorized actions were overlooked this time, he was fortunate to completely defeat a large number of thieves overnight, and at this time he showed his courage and daring. Combined with the image of Zu Zhaozhi in the past, there is nothing to blame.

Sighing again, Zu Ju said: "Zhao'er, you can dare to act, you are really a man." That's it. Are there any casualties among the children of the clan? ”

Zu Zhao's face gradually became grim, and he said in a solemn voice: "Thirteen seriously injured, twenty-two lightly injured, including Ah Bao, a total of seventeen people unfortunately died, ten children of this clan, five brothers who helped Anyang Pavilion, and two people were arrested by Lingzhi County. ”

Zu Ju took a deep breath, his expression was full of mixed feelings, this time the ancestral family had more than 100 people, but there was a one-tenth loss, I have to say that this is a serious casualty price. However, he didn't have too much entanglement, and when he was young, he followed the army to many frontiers to fight against the Hu people and thieves, and saw countless casualties. The battlefield is ruthless, and even if Sun Wu is alive, it is difficult to guarantee that there is no damage.

After a moment of melancholy, he nodded slightly, and said solemnly: "Whether it is the children of the family or the friends of Anyang Pavilion, they are all cared for with kindness. After a few days, choose a good day and have a grand funeral for all the ancestral warriors who sacrificed. ”

Zu Zhao nodded and replied: "Yes, the grandson must do this well to comfort the brothers in the heavenly spirits." ”

After chatting about this matter, Zu Ju suddenly asked again: "I heard that there were many thieves last night?" ”

Zu Zhao replied: "Yes, there are forty or fifty people in a small number, and when these thieves are routed and evacuated, there are suspected other thieves outside the border. It is not difficult to imagine that the Hu people are so carefully prepared, there must be other conspiracies. ”

The uncles and elders present couldn't help but talk about it, and they all thought that this matter was strange. Gongsun Zhi and Chun Yupei exchanged glances, but they didn't say much.

After a pause, Zu Zhao changed his tone and said, "Sun Er has already pointed out this matter to the county magistrate of Lingzhi County, hoping that the Lingzhi County Government will investigate this matter deeply. It's just that Wang Xianjun of Lingzhi County is a greedy and selfish person, not only does not listen to his grandson's opinion, insists that this case is all ordinary thieves, but also tries to tamper with the facts to seek utilitarian benefits for him. ”

Zu Ju's face suddenly became displeased, and he said coldly: "Hmph, Wang Yan is a mediocre villain, and this case is in his hands, and it is indispensable to be treacherous." ”

Zu Zhao looked thoughtful, except for sighing, he didn't answer.

Zu Ju said angrily: "I will never let Wang Yan's villain act arbitrarily in this matter, and when I report to the county government, I will definitely have to distinguish this matter, even if it is to the state government." I want to see if Liu Yuanjun gives the old man a thin noodle. ”

Zu Zhao knew that his grandfather had a relationship with the state and county bureaucrats, although he was worried that this matter would cause the Zu family to lose some name, but he thought that as long as there was a county magistrate and a magistrate of the prefecture together, Wang Yan would not dare to make trouble. After all, this matter is justified, the human and material evidence is there, and the rumors outside are the same, and if you want to deceive, you won't open your eyes and talk nonsense!

At this time, Gongsun Zhi also spoke: "This matter is the original case, and the old man can also testify for General Zu." At that time, even if you ask Gongsun Taishou to come forward, it is not impossible. ”

Zu Ju smiled and said gratefully: "With Mr. Gongsun's words, this matter will definitely be able to set things right." ”

After withdrawing from the main hall of the middle hall, Zu Zhao went to the backyard to meet the team of Zu Ling, Zu Li and others.

Zu Ling, Zu Li and the others were a little slower than Zu Zhao, and they didn't come back until dark. The supplies were readily available, including the family's wounded horses, and the captured horses were also brought back. Zu Zhao beckoned all the children in the backyard to clean all the armor and equipment, and put them in the warehouse overnight to hide them properly. After explaining the backyard, he went to the kitchen and ordered a feast to be held tomorrow to entertain the children who had gone out yesterday to fight against the thieves.

From night to night, as soon as everything was explained, Zu Zhao returned to the inner courtyard to prepare for dinner.

As soon as he walked down from the corridor, he suddenly saw a figure standing under the small stone pavilion not far away, it was the bearded girl Gulinar.

Gulnar's long hair was draped over her shoulders, and a simple hairband was tied to her forehead with a rope to hold her bangs. A round of moonlight fell, and her silhouette looked cold and lonely. At first, when she saw Zu Zhao appear, there was a lot of resentment and even anger in her eyes, but as Zu Zhao got closer, she saw that the other party's white clothes were stained with blood, and there was a shocking scar on her neck.

Zu Zhao came to the stone pavilion and asked, "Are you here, is there something wrong?" ”

Gulinar didn't look up at Zu Zhao, she looked hesitant, and after a long time, she turned around and left blankly.

Zu Zhao looked at the lonely and cold back of Hu Nu, shook his head helplessly, and gradually sympathized-

[The Spring Festival is here, the Spring Festival is here, all readers have a happy New Year. I hope that in the new year, all readers will be able to make their wishes come true and reunite with their families. I also wish me all the best for me personally. Hehe, hehe, I ask the reader for a red envelope, I am grateful! 】

[Recently, I finished watching To Qifeng's "The Birth of a Word", which is a work with limited subject matter, I'm afraid it's not easy to find, but it's indeed a good movie. During the Spring Festival, readers can take a look at it in their spare time. 】