Chapter 10: An Unquiet New Year (7)
Zhang Weixin and others walked into the wooden house under the guidance of Gu Anjia, and by the light of the spring fire in the room, they could see about a dozen people sitting in a circle around the spring fire. Gu Anjia led Zhang Weixin and the others to sit down on the fur of a few beasts spread on the ground, and they didn't know what kind of beast they were, and began to introduce them to the two sides.
Zhang Weixin's gaze swept over the faces on the opposite side, whether handsome or ugly, young or old, following Gu Anjia's introduction. When Gu Anjia introduced Chang Shengjun, whom he had specifically talked about, Zhang Weixin's gaze deliberately stayed for a while, staring at the black-faced man carefully. And this Chang Shengjun also showed his own specialness, when Zhang Weixin looked at him carefully, he did not turn his eyes away like others, and did not dare to look at Zhang Weixin, but looked at Zhang Weixin with the same and scrutinizing eyes, as well as the brothers around him and the guards and soldiers behind him.
Chang Shengjun's move aroused Zhang Weixin's interest, especially when he saw Zhang Weixin's guards and soldiers behind him, his eyes obviously lit up, making Zhang Weixin feel that this person was indeed a little unique, far more knowledgeable than other homeless people.
After Gu Anjia was introduced, the two sides had to exchange pleasantries. After the polite words were finished, Zhang Weixin took the lead in bringing the topic on the right track and said: "Presumably Brother Gu has just told all the people in charge of Zhang's purpose for coming here, I don't know if you understand?" If there is anything you don't understand, you can ask Zhang now. ”
One of the representatives of the displaced people looked at the old man who should be the oldest, and said to Zhang Weixin with a slight fist: "This Seventh Master Zhang, the old man has something to ask you." ”
Zhang Weixin hurriedly returned the salute to the old man, and said: "In front of the old man, I really don't dare to be this 'master', you are older than a certain father, and you call a certain 'master', isn't it a sacrifice of a certain birthday?" The old man just needs to call so-and-so by his name. ”
The old man shook his head and said, "No, no, the level of identity is not based on age, although the old man is a countryman, he is not ignorant of etiquette." However, since the seventh master has words, the old man will change his name. The old man looks at the seventh master like a learned person, so how about the old man call you sir? ”
Although Zhang Weixin thinks that he has not yet reached the level of being a gentleman in this era, it is better than the old man opposite. So, he nodded and said, "That's fine." If you have any questions, just ask. ”
The old man said: "Just now, the An family has already explained to the old man what Mr. Zhang and Mr. Zhang's brothers think. To say, this is a great thing for those of us who are dying of starvation. It's just that, according to Anjia's statement, Mr. Zhang wants us to work as tenants or long-term workers for Mr. Zhang's family. This tenant or long-term worker, naturally either farming or doing all kinds of work, but like the old decay, a useless person who can't pick up a hoe or carry a burden, does the husband's family want it? ”
Zhang Weixin knew that the old man was worried that as long as he was young and strong, he didn't care about the old man who couldn't work. After all, when he explained his work to Gu An's family, he only said that he would let the displaced people be tenants or long-term workers, but he did not explain the relevant selection criteria. So, Zhang Weixin said to the old man: "Don't worry, since you want everyone to be tenants and long-term workers, you must go together, how can you only be young and strong, and you don't want their small family." Zhang can assure everyone here that as long as others are willing to feed, even those who are not able to farm and work can go down the mountain together. ”
After listening to Zhang Weixin's assurance, the old man nodded and said, "In this way, the old man will be relieved." ”
The old man got the assurance he needed not to speak again, and another tall and burly middle-aged man sitting next to him hugged Zhang Weixin and said, "Mr. Zhang, villain Chen Tiezhu, I have a question to ask Mr. Zhang." ”
Zhang Weixin also saluted: "If you have something to say, please speak." ”
Chen Tiezhu said: "I heard from Mr. just now that as long as someone is willing to support him, the old people who can't work can also go down the mountain together." The little man wondered what the gentleman was going to do with the little ones who had lost their relatives. There is more than one such child here, and there must be seventeen or eighteen at least. Their relatives all died on the way to escape, and it was only thanks to the villagers who knew each other that saved a mouthful from their mouths to save them from starvation. If all the people who can work go down the mountain with Mr., the remaining children will have only a dead end. ”,
When Zhang Weixin heard that there were seventeen or eight orphans here, he immediately thought of the reserve Liliang cultivation department presided over by Zhang Xiaofei. After this period of operation, Zhang Xiaofei has collected more than a dozen orphans, and now they are all arranged to receive initial education in the "Jingyuan". According to Jihua of the reserve Liliang department, in order to be able to select the best of the best, it is necessary to collect at least forty to fifty orphans in the initial stage to ensure sufficient choice.
Therefore, I heard that there are at least 17 or 8 orphans among these displaced people, and Zhang Weixin has no reason not to want it. He said to the middle-aged man: "Please rest assured that Chen Zhuangshi, since Zhang even wants an old man who can't work, how can he leave the child." Not only will Zhang not leave them, but there is no need for anyone to vouch for them, Zhang will be responsible for raising them. ”
Zhang Weixin's answer surprised Chen Tiezhu, he didn't believe that this Mr. Zhang would be so kind, and asked, "Is there any condition for Mr. Zhang to adopt them?" ”
Zhang Weixin nodded and said, "The conditions, there are yes, but there are no, but there are none." Because, the conditions for Zhang to raise them are very simple, that is, when these orphans grow up, they have to do things for Zhang for a period of time. Whether it is farming or trading, as long as you can contribute to Zhang. ”
"And how long do these children need to work for Mr. Zhang?" Chen Tiezhu then asked.
Zhang Weixin stretched out ten fingers and said, "Ten years." Within ten years, Zhang was paid according to his work. Ten years later, listen to the courtesy. ”
"Is what Mr. Zhang said serious?" Chen Tiezhu still doesn't believe that there is such a good thing.
"Naturally," Zhang Weixin assured, "If Chen Zhuangshi doesn't believe it, Zhang can make a document with these orphans." ”
Chen Tiezhu waved his hand again and again after hearing this, and said: "It's not necessary, the villain believes in Mr. Zhang's personality, the villain just didn't expect that there would be a person like Mr. Zhang who accumulates virtue and does good, so he asked a few more words, and asked Mr. Zhang not to mind." ”
At this time, Gu Anjia interjected on the side: "Brother Tiezhu is too worried, not to mention anything else, judging from the fact that the Seventh Master is willing to lend a hand and give us homeless people a way to live, it is enough to prove that the Seventh Master is a kind-hearted person." If it can save hundreds or nearly thousands of people, how can it be possible to let those dozen little dolls starve to death? ”
"Yes, yes, what the An family brother said is right" Chen Tiezhu said, "It's my brother who thinks too much, and I ask Mr. Zhang to bear with me." ”
Zhang Weixin waved his hand and said, "It's okay, it's okay, Chen Zhuangshi is also out of good intentions, afraid that those orphans will suffer." ”
After solving Chen Tiezhu's question, Zhang Weixin turned his gaze to the others and asked, "Do you have anything else to ask?" ”
After a short silence, a deep voice came from the corner of the wooden house: "In Xia Chang Shengjun, I have a question for Mr. Zhang." ”
Zhang Weixin turned his eyes and saw that it was the black-faced man Chang Junsheng who spoke. This person does not look very tall, but he looks very strong. The face is dark, and the face is pale. Although the eyes are not big, they are very insightful. Hearing that he had a question to ask, Zhang Weixin immediately remembered the situation about this person introduced by Gu Anjia before entering the valley, and he also knew that the question he wanted to ask might be related to the success or failure of this incorporation of displaced people.
Therefore, Zhang Weixin hugged his fist to Chang Shengjun and said: "It turned out to be Chang Zhuangshi, long admiration, long admiration." Zhang once heard Brother Gu say that on the way to escape, Chang Zhuangshi led everyone to repel the robbery of many bandits and robbers, and he was a powerful person. When I saw it today, it was really extraordinary. ”
Chang Shengjun was a little surprised to see Zhang Weixin so polite to him, but his rich experience made him not get carried away because of a few compliments from the other party. He returned the salute to Zhang Weixin and said: "Mr. Zhang has an overreputation, he is just a lame farmer, how can he do anything." It's just that everyone worked hard together, and they were lucky enough to beat away a few small groups of strongmen. In terms of ability, it is far from Mr. Zhang. Not to mention anything else, just talking about the few strong men behind Mr., even compared with the elites I have seen in the Han army, I am afraid that they are not far behind. ”
After the two sides exchanged a few more humble words, Chang Shengjun changed the conversation and asked, "I heard from the An brothers just now that Mr. Zhang and Mr. Zhang's brothers have made a charter to forcibly drive away the relatives of the so-called 'bandits' who were killed during the unsuccessful night attack last night. Or, even if they were not forcibly expelled, they would not be taken down the mountain to work as tenants or long-term laborers, but would be left to their own lives in the mountains, yes or no? ”,
Chang Shengjun's question was really the same as what Gu Anjia reported, and judging from his tone and expression, he seemed to be a little dissatisfied with Zhang Weixin's handling of it. In this regard, Zhang Weixin was prepared, and he said unhurriedly: "Yes, Zhang and the brothers did decide like this. Moreover, in Zhang's opinion, this should be the most appropriate way. ”
Chang Shengjun frowned when he heard this, and said, "Mr. Zhang, has you ever thought that whether you leave them in the mountains or drive them away from here, I'm afraid they will only have a dead end. But the gentleman even said that this was the most appropriate way, and I really didn't understand where this method was.
Yes, their relatives did participate in the attack on Mr. Zhang's home, but the attack did not succeed, and the people who participated in the attack were considered to have paid for their crimes with death. Moreover, according to the An brothers, there is no loss of property or personnel in your house, so there is really no need to be angry with the living people because of this matter, otherwise I am afraid that it will go against the original intention of Mr. to help the homeless. ”
Saying that, Chang Shengjun was a little anxious in his heart, so he stood up from the ground with a "hoof", intending to walk in front of Zhang Weixin and continue to reason with him. As a result, he was about to take a step forward, and Liang Ziyue and Yang Xin beside Zhang Weixin had already jumped up and stopped Zhang Weixin. The guards and soldiers behind Zhang Weixin also raised the flintlock pistol in their hands with a cheer, and all pointed at Chang Shengjun.
This sudden change of events shocked the others present. These representatives of the homeless people had talked to Gu Anjia before, and they knew that this Zhang Qiye and his subordinates were powerful, but now that they saw that Chang Shengjun's words and actions had angered the other party, it was impossible not to be afraid.
The old man who asked Zhang Weixin the question was so frightened that he hurriedly waved his hand, intending to resolve it for both parties, but because of nervousness, he didn't say anything for a long time. Seeing this, Chen Tiezhu quickly got up from the ground, stopped in front of Chang Shengjun, and bowed to Zhang Weixin: "Mr. Zhang, Seventh Master Zhang, you are angry, you are angry." Brother Shengjun is more upright and straightforward in his speech. He stood up just to sit closer to you and talk about things with Hello Haode, Seventh Master, and had no other meaning. Seventh Master, don't misunderstand, don't misunderstand. ”
At this time, Gu Anjia also reacted, he didn't want to mess up this "deal" because of a misunderstanding, so that the reward he had almost received flew away. Therefore, he also hurriedly stood up from the ground, stopped in front of Liang Ziyue and Yang Xin, bowed his head and said, "Misunderstanding, misunderstanding, everything is a misunderstanding." Brother Shengjun really just wants to sit close to the seventh master, don't be too careful, don't be too careful. ”
At this time, Chang Shengjun also understood, knowing that it was his own behavior that caused the other party's misunderstanding, thinking that he was going to be unfavorable to their leader. Moreover, he clearly saw the murderous aura in the eyes of the other party's higher-level guards. This shows that these people are all veterans who have gone through the battle formation and killed the enemy. He can conclude that as long as his behavior is slightly abnormal, the other party will not hesitate to put himself to death. Although he is not afraid of death, he is not willing to lose his life because of himself. Therefore, Chang Shengjun hurriedly clasped his fists and bowed to Zhang Weixin: "There is no malice in Xiaxia, I really just want to sit close to Mr. and talk about this issue in Xia." It's just that he is a little reckless in his behavior, and I hope that Mr. Zhang will forgive him. ”
Zhang Weixin sat there from beginning to end, not even moving. First, he believed that Chang Shengjun was just in a hurry, and he definitely didn't want to be unfavorable to himself. Second, he also believed that his brothers and guards would be able to protect him and never let himself be harmed. However, he did not speak out to stop his own people's behavior at the first time, but took this opportunity to show the representatives of the displaced people a very intuitive demonstration of the force on his side, which made them fearful. After all, there were only more than 100 people he brought up the mountain this time, and the other party had more than 1,000 people. Although the two sides are not the same in terms of equipment and military quality, the other side may not understand this point without a direct display.
Now, the display has also been shown, and the other party has also apologized to himself, and it is time for him to "get off the donkey". I saw Zhang Weixin stretching his hand and said: "Chang Zhuangshi is just because he is in a hurry, what a crime." ”
After speaking, he waved his hand again and said to the guards: "Okay, you all stand down." ”
Seeing that a crisis had been resolved, both the representatives of the displaced people and Gu Anjia breathed a sigh of relief. However, this Changsheng handsome and strong man is indeed an upright person, although he made such a big noise, he still has objections to Zhang Weixin's method of dealing with the families of the killed displaced people, and hopes that Zhang Weixin can be a good person to the end and give these people a way out. ,
Zhang Weixin patiently explained to him: "Zhang knew that Chang Zhuangshi was not deliberately entangled in this matter, but he didn't want the villagers who had come all the way with him to fall into the brink of life and death again. But Chang Zhuangshi ignored a problem, Chang Zhuangshi has been persuading Zhang not to hold grudges, to be more open-minded, and to let those people have a way out. However, Chang Zhuangshi, how can you be so sure that Zhang is unwilling to take them in because he holds a grudge against these people. As you said earlier, the night attack was unsuccessful, and Zhang and Zhang's brothers did not suffer any loss of property and personnel because of the night attack. In that case, then Zhang Weishenme has to hate those who are already dead. ”
"This ......" Chang Shengjun was dumbfounded by Zhang Weixin's question, and he didn't know how to answer this question. Since he heard the news from Gu An's family, he took it for granted that Zhang Weixin would deal with those homeless people like this because he had a grudge. Now when I asked Zhang Weixin this, I realized that I seemed to be thinking wrong. So, after a while, he asked again: "Since Mr. Zhang doesn't hold a grudge against these people, then Mr. Weishenme doesn't take them in?" ”
Zhang Weixin smiled bitterly when he heard this: "Weishenme? The reason is very simple, because their relatives died at the hands of so-and-so, and Zhang was afraid that these people would hold a grudge against So-and-so's brothers. There is a group of people who have a deep hatred for themselves doing things around them, and no matter how powerful Zhang's guards are, they may not be able to keep Zhang safe. If it were you, would you keep these people with you? ”
After listening to Zhang Weixin's explanation, Chang Shengjun finally woke up and knew that he was affected by his feelings, and he thought about the problem a little first, so he considered it a little biased. However, although he could understand Zhang Weixin's hardships, he still couldn't bear to let the villagers of nearly 200 people wait for death in the mountains.
Zhang Weixin saw his unbearability and comforted him: "Zhang knows what Chang Zhuangshi thinks, but in fact, Chang Zhuangshi doesn't have to worry. Although he will not take in this part of the homeless people, he will not just watch them starve to death and freeze to death. Before he came, he had consulted with his brothers. A certain can give these displaced people a way to live, and can give them some money and food, so that they will not starve to death or freeze to death, but the premise is that they must leave the local area and return to the Han Kingdom. ”
Chang Shengjun knew that giving such conditions was already a big concession for Zhang Weixin and others, which could be said to be their bottom line. Therefore, he no longer dwelled on this matter.
Chang Shengjun no longer objected, and the other representatives of the displaced people did not have any objections. Subsequently, after a short discussion, the representatives of the displaced people decided to accept Zhang Weixin's conditions and follow him down the mountain to do things for him and his brothers.
That night, Zhang Weixin and others stayed in the mountains. Among them, Zhang Weixin and other leaders, as well as the guards and the soldiers of the two squads, lived in the big wooden house, while the other soldiers, with the help of the displaced people, used the felt blankets they carried and the animal skins provided by the displaced people, and set up several tents around the big house for the night. Before going to bed, Zhang Weixin reported the situation to "Jingyuan" through the radio, and agreed to make corresponding rescue Jihua the next day according to the reaction of the displaced people after learning about the incident.
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