Zheng Du said that he was coming. On the third day of Wang Yuechan's conversation with Zhou Yi, Zheng Du took an entourage to Zhengjiazhuang on horseback from Yanzhou. He took the official document issued by Cao Kun, and the company of the left-behind battalion stationed in Zhangqianzhuang did not dare to block the car, and sent two cavalrymen to "escort" Zheng Du to the Zheng family compound, where the headquarters was located.

Zheng Du's business trip was to learn about the situation of the Qinwang detachment. According to the original agreement, after the main expedition of the Qinwang detachment, the remaining troops were under the jurisdiction of Cao Kun, the town guard of Caozhou, and Cao Kun had the right to know the situation of this army.

Several of the main leaders of the left-behind troops met with Zheng Du, who was in Zheng Jing's former study. In the past, this was where Long Qian lived, but now it has become a small conference room, where several people discuss important matters.

Looking at the familiar scene layout, Zheng Du almost burst into tears, but he restrained himself and handed Zhou Yi the official document covered with the seal of Cao Zhen's envoy, "Brother is here on business on the orders of Lord Cao, and I hope you will cooperate." Zheng Du stared at Zhou Yi deadly, he already knew that the little sister of Lu Dao was married to this person, but he was not right, and now he was officially the prime minister.

"Well, please be seated. What do you want to know? Zhou Yi asked.

"It's nothing more than the basic situation of your army. It is reported that the bandits who hold the calf have the intention of going down the mountain, and every autumn and winter, they are not very peaceful. Lord Cao Kun was concerned about the safety of his territory, so he sent his brother here. ”

"Hugging the calf is in Yizhou, not in Caozhou." Deng Qinghua reminded coldly.

"Ha Luha, I think Mr. Zheng is both public and private, right?" Song Jinguo snorted, "Originally, we were opposed, but now we are not." In public terms. Commander Long is now the commander of the Wuwei Right Army, and he is on an equal footing with Lord Cao Kun. Personally, Deputy Commander Zhou married Ling Mei, and we are relatives. Even if you go to relatives, we welcome __"

Zheng Du didn't expect this gang of bandits to be very shrewd. It is indeed not under the jurisdiction of Cao Kun, and it is also the responsibility of the Yizhou garrison to take care of it. This time, he came to have more private affairs than official affairs, and when he asked Cao Kun for leave, Cao Kun opened an official document very considerately, since he went. There has to be an excuse. lest they be troubled by you.

"The bandits once plundered Zhuangzi, although this place belongs to Yizhou, but your army is under the command of Lord Cao, I hope to understand."

"Well said. Since Mr. Zheng came to learn about the situation of our army on the order of Lord Cao. It couldn't be better. Winter is just around the corner. The winter clothes of the troops have not yet been issued. The other is military salaries and military funds. It always costs money to raise soldiers, and now that it is under the control of Lord Cao, we are welcome. Song Jinguo said and took out a few pieces of paper. This is the list, please give it to Mr. Cao. ”

"I'm afraid you have to solve the winter clothes yourself," Zheng Du glanced at the list, "As for the military resources, when the agreement was signed, the imperial court paid 100,000 taels of silver at one time, how many people do you have, and what military funds do you need?" It is the military expenses of Lord Cao's entire army, which is only 30,000 taels of silver a month. At the beginning, I paid your army more than 100,000 taels of silver at once, and it has only been a few months? Zheng Du didn't take the list handed over by Song Jinguo, but stared at Zhou Yi, thinking, why don't you, the principal, talk nonsense for Lu, but let a few subordinates talk nonsense?

"We don't care how much Cao Kun spends a month." Zhou Yi finally spoke, "Those silvers are mainly the opening fee for the main force of our army to march north to Gyeonggi, the emperor is not hungry soldiers, since Lord Cao is in charge of our army, we don't want it from Lord Cao, who do we want it from?" ”

Zheng Du stabilized his mind and said with a pleasant face, "Do you think this is good?" Long Biaotong led the men to Beijing, but there is no news so far. What Lord Cao is worried about is the soldier you brought. How many people, write clearly, I can fight for Lord Cao. ”

Zhou Yi looked at Feng Guozhu with a gloomy face, "Five hundred guns, that's the number." ”

"No, not five hundred." Feng Guozhu interrupted Zhou Yi, "It's not five hundred, it's one thousand!" 500 people can't hold a huge territory. Commander Long had an explanation before leaving, and in order to ensure the safety of the party, he recruited 500 new soldiers. What Commander Zhou said was only the number of veterans. ”

"Without permission, you can't expand your army without permission." Zheng Du's eyes were fixed on Zhou Yi, "I want to remind you, now that you are an official soldier, you can't ignore the court." ”

"The agreement only says that we will not cross the line, and it does not say that we will not be allowed to recruit troops. The draft of the agreement is in my hands, do you want to see it? Zhou Yi replied without showing weakness, "The recruitment of troops is also for the imperial court, if it weren't for our army, how could we go to Beijing on behalf of Shandong to Qinwang?" ”

"I'll put this matter on hold for now. I will report it to Master Cao truthfully. Zheng Du didn't want to pull it anymore, this time, his main purpose was to see his long-lost family.

"It's fine. Mr. Zheng has also returned to his hometown. Why don't you go and meet your family first? They're always talking about you. Zhou Yi didn't want to be too stiff, after all, the person who came was his brother-in-law.

"I think so, Deputy Commander Zhou," Song Jinguo said with a grin, "If someone else comes, I'll arrange the reception." But Mr. Zheng's identity is different, so we won't bother. ”

Feng Guozhu, Song Jinguo, and Deng Qinghua all resigned and left. Zheng Du's entourage had their own arrangements, Zhou Yi accompanied Zheng Du into the inner house, this set of courtyards, originally Wang Yuechan lived, now Wen and Zhou Yi and his wife occupy, Wen lived in the five main houses Wang Yuecian two rooms, but she rarely came back to live.

Walking into the moon gate, Zheng Du saw Zheng Chan standing at the foot of the steps of the main house with a big belly, and his eyes immediately moistened, "Little sister! ”

"Second brother!" Zheng Chan's voice also had a crying tone.

"Let's talk first, I still have some things." Zhou Yi felt that Zheng Du and his family should be given a little privacy.

"Is he good to you?" Waiting for Zhou Yi to leave, Zheng Du grabbed his sister's arm, just asked, and saw Wen walking out of the door, "Second aunt__"

"You're back. Your father, he__" Wen saw Zheng Du, and his eyes immediately turned red.

The scene is not so heartwarming. Zheng Jing, who is on the run, has been dead for more than half a year, and Zheng Chan is already a wife, and she is married to an enemy.

When Zhou Yi came back, Zheng Du had already changed his face, "What do I call you?" Is it called Commander Zhou or brother-in-law? ”

Zhou Yi smiled, "Of course it's my brother-in-law." I didn't expect to marry your sister__"

"I won't talk about the past. It's all fate. I only hope you will be better to Xiaochan in the future. When my father was dying, he couldn't let go of it. The most is the little sister__"

"This, please rest assured__" Zhou Yi looked at Zheng Chan and saw that her eyes were red.

Wang Yuechan's figure appeared outside the hall, "I said two, come over for dinner." How about a taste of my craft? ”

Zhou Yi didn't know that Wang Yuecian had personally cooked, and Zheng Du entered the east room used as a kitchen and dining room one after another, and a table was already set up in the middle of the room that was quite sumptuous, and Wang Yuechan, who was rolling up his sleeves, said, "The ingredients are all sent by Section Chief Song, and he still gives the second son face." He said. The second son came back to visit relatives. They won't bother. ”

"Don't you know, our chief manager is the most picky, and he usually doesn't spend a penny of silver." Zhou Yi explained with a smile.

A gang of bandits! What has you seen in the world? Zheng Du scolded in his heart.

Wen greeted, "It's all my own people." Sit down. Wait for the eldest prince to come back. The family was reunited. Second son. You sit first. ”

"Two aunts, please take a seat__" Zheng Du still kept the etiquette.

When Zheng Jing was there, Wang Yuecian and Zheng Chan were not qualified to be at the table, although You was a concubine. But the main room is empty, and the status is high. Wen was not allowed to sit on the main seat, next to Wang Yuechan, Zheng Du sat next to Wen, next to him sat Zheng Chan, Zhou Yi did not understand the etiquette of these big families, so he sat under Wang Yuechan.

"Alcohol is forbidden in the army, but it's rare for you to come back, so I'll have a few drinks with you today." Zhou Yi poured wine for Zheng Du.

"Aren't you in charge of the Mengshan Army now? I really can't imagine that my Zheng family is actually related to the Mengshan thief. However, little sister, she doesn't say much good things about you. You don't know the way yet, do you? Long Qian led the army to fight a few battles with foreigners in Tianjin, and Tang reported to Jinan Mansion, and it is said that the battle was good. The imperial court also rewarded Long Qian with the post of deputy general. However, the team has lost contact with each other and its whereabouts are unknown. ”

"How so?" Zhou Yi was taken aback. Wang Yuecian and Zheng Chan suddenly looked frightened.

"How not? Beijing has long been occupied by foreigners, and the Empress Dowager Xi ran away with the emperor. More than 100,000 foreigners gather in Gyeonggi, where is it easy to mess with? I think Long Qian is finished. It's a good thing that you're in charge now. Master Cao Kun knows who you are and values you very much. I hope you will take this army well, and you will really serve the imperial court in the future and earn a great future. ”

Zhou Yi was stunned by the news brought by Zheng Du and lost contact? What do you mean?

Zheng Du continued, "Zhou Yi, Lord Yuan is eloquent and strategic, looking at the world, he is a rare pillar of the imperial court after Li Hongzhang's generation. At the beginning, recruiting the Anmeng Mountain Army was just an expedient measure. If you want to really enter the eyes of Lord Yuan, there is still a big bend to turn. Long Qian's family wanted to take advantage of the opportunity of foreigners to soar into the sky, but he really miscalculated. Now the opportunity is yours. Be sure to catch it. I don't think those guys under your command are still very much with you. ”

"What do you mean when you say that the main force has lost news? They were scattered? Zhou Yi's mind was full of comrades-in-arms.

"Nie Shicheng has heard of it, right? It was a first-class famous general of the imperial court, and they all died in Tianjin! The army of more than 100,000 imperial courts has been scattered, how big a wave can the Mengshan army of thousands of people make? Zheng Du picked up the teacup and took a sip of tea, "The Year of Gengzi is a year of great disaster." After this change, I can see clearly that having soldiers in my hands is better than anything else. Long Qian was able to lead the soldiers to King Qin, and he walked well, and he walked so well! You must control this army well, and when I operate with Lord Cao, I will change the defense to Caozhou in the future, and vigorously rectify it, and you will at least be a serious pipe band. Don't think about going against the court anymore. What do you think, who is Lord Yuan? Will it always leave you alone? ”

"Yuan Shikai wants to transfer us out of here?" Zhou Yi suppressed the huge waves in his heart and asked calmly.

"Yes. Yes, there is such a plan. When I say hugging the calf, that's the goal. Lord Yuan will give you a chance to make meritorious contributions, lay down a calf, and eliminate the largest group of bandits on the ground in Shandong, which can be regarded as a meeting gift to Lord Yuan. Lord Yuan is the most important talent, with this credit in hand, you will have a bright future in the future, and you will be much more beautiful than me and my eldest brother. ”

"That's a dream!" Zhou Yi stood up, "Even if I am willing, the soldiers who stayed in the camp will not leave Zhengjiazhuang to hug the calves." Unless Commander Long returns with the main force. ”

"Zhou Yi, you have to think clearly now. We're already a family, how can I hurt you? Now that the situation in Gyeonggi is undecided, and the imperial court is covered with dust, Yuan Shikai doesn't care about your little shrimp. When he frees his hands, he will never leave you tossing in Zhengjiazhuang again. My little sister is pregnant with your child. Who are your relatives, you have to think clearly, don't be confused! ”

After saying this, the room was cold. Zheng Chan looked at her husband in horror, and Wang Yuechan also put down her chopsticks and looked at Zhou Yi.

Zhou Yi looked up at the roof, remembered Wang Yuechan's warning, and said coldly to Zheng Du, "Mr. Zheng, Long Qian is my brother, in terms of ability." I, Zhou Yi, can't even match his thirty percent. If there is no Long Qian. I, Zhou Yi, have long been taken away by the government and hung on the city gate. I, Zhou Yi, will not be confused, whether I can fight or not, whether I can leave Zhengjiazhuang, and I will have to wait for Commander Long's order. If Cao Kun or Li Chun insist on driving me away. I can't say that I want to turn my face with the government again! ”

Wen said hurriedly. "Look at you. They are all flesh and blood relatives, so why do you turn your face. Eat the vegetables, eat the vegetables. These are all cooked by your third aunt herself. ”

"Second aunt. I'm not here for his future. Zheng Du endured his anger.

"Second son," Wang Yuechan didn't wait for Zhou Yi to speak, "Don't think I'm a woman who doesn't know what to do." It has been more than a year since the Mengshan Army opened Zhuangzi, whether they are bandits or not, the villagers are like a mirror in their hearts. Have you ever heard of bandits who helped the people build canals and farm? If you want to talk about the future, I feel that the future of the Mengshan Army is bright. As early as the Chinese New Year, Commander Long said that as long as he won another battle between the officials and the army, the government would come to the door to sue for peace. What's the matter, right? As soon as the battle on this side was over, Commander Long was ready to go north to King Qin. Don't believe it, it's true, I'm not qualified to participate in the high-level military meeting of the Mengshan Army, but your brother-in-law has participated from beginning to end, don't believe you ask him! See if I'm lying? At the beginning, he was in the Mengshan Army, including the section chief Situ who was very valued by Commander Long, and he didn't expect the situation to be really as the commander expected. You are an official in Caozhou, your ears and eyes are bright, have you ever thought that foreigners would take the capital? Didn't you? But Commander Long just guessed. With Commander Long's shrewdness, even if he can't win against the foreigners, it's always okay to protect himself, right? Second son, if you listen to my advice, it is better for you to come to Mengshan Army to do things, and the future is better than that in Caozhou. ”

Zheng Du was originally very tired because Wang Yuecian was wearing a military uniform. The second aunt thought of her father, and shed a burst of tears, she was good, she didn't say a word about her father from beginning to end! "I'm not afraid that Zhou Yi will be unhappy, what Mengshan Army! Isn't it a robber who robs a house? The family business that our Zheng family has worked hard for decades to accumulate is not destroyed in their hands? If it weren't for them, would my father have died in a foreign land? Even if these are not mentioned, the gentry are the foundation of the imperial court, and the Mengshan army attacks the gentry and makes it difficult for them everywhere, isn't it against the imperial court? If it were you, would you tolerate this? ”

Zhou Yi was about to speak, but Wang Yuechan pulled down his sleeve, "The second son is still worried about the family business." Wang Yuechan smiled, "When it comes to family business, I think there are more of them now than before." Yes, my family has lost some gold and silver land, but in troubled times, those fields, houses, gold and silver are extremely unsafe things. Even if the Mengshan army doesn't come, it will be remembered by other ringing horses. As long as the Mengshan army grows, your brother-in-law's status in the army will rise, and it is not worth more than those dead treasures that can't be moved away and swallowed? The Mengshan army was recruited, and the imperial court allocated hundreds of thousands of military salaries at once, relying on land rent, how many years would it take? Moreover, with the army as a backer, isn't the safety of Xiaochan and your second aunt more guaranteed than before? ”

Zheng Du didn't expect this result. He came back this time mainly for two things, one was to win over Zhou Yi and make it his help. The second is to look at the situation of the family, especially the little sister. If you can, take them to Yanzhou or Caozhou and leave them out of the control of the Mengshan army. The last is to discuss the burial of the remains of the old father into the ancestral grave, and now it is a temporary burial, but the relocation of the grave is not a trivial matter, involving feng shui issues, looking for Mr. Yin and Yang to see, people said that they need to wait for three years after the Qingming to move the grave, this matter is not in a hurry. Before Zhou Yi came back, he talked to Wen and Xiaomei about his thoughts, but Wen and Zheng Chan invariably rejected his request, Wen's reason was that Xiaochan was about to give birth, and it was inconvenient to move. And Zheng Chan said that she would not leave Zhou Yi and go alone. Looking at Zheng Chan's appearance, she seems to be very satisfied with her husband. And Wang Yuecian is even more excessive, and has no grief for his father's death. Wen also cried a few times, she didn't ask her father about the situation at all! Not only that, but what made Zheng Du even more unbearable was that she openly participated in the Mengshan Army! You say you're a little widow, what kind of soldier are you? There are no women in the camp except for the prostitutes? What a shame! If my father lives, he will be angry with her! Now that the Zheng family has indeed fallen and become the laughing stock of Zheng Jiazhuang, he will not come back to create a comfortable nest for the elderly like his father in the future.

The most important thing is that Zhou Yi's attitude disappointed him. Wang Yuechan's slut still has some knowledge, and what she said about having soldiers and wealth is not bad. There was originally a good opportunity to grasp the military power, although the Mengshan army was a ringing horse, but the combat power was amazing, and the right army of Wuwei was severely humiliated from top to bottom several times, and Lord Cao Kun and his battalion officers still admired the opponent very much. Long Qian, the great enemy, was trapped in Beijing and Tianjin, and it was natural for Zhou Yi to control the remaining troops, and pulling out this team would be of great benefit to the government and himself. But now Zhou Yi's attitude is simply a spineless minion!

The meal was eaten without a bit of atmosphere. The absent-minded Zhou Yi retired early. And Wang Yuechan and Zheng Chan tried their best to inquire about the news of the main force of the Mengshan Army. Of course Zheng Du won't comfort them, they're all a bunch of sluts! It's okay, wait for the news of Long Qian's defeat to really come, see how you ask Lao Tzu!

In the afternoon of the same day, Zheng Dutui said that he was busy with official business and left Zhengjiazhuang early. (To be continued......)

PS: Thank you for the reward from the lost lamb and the demon god Tiansheng. Thank you for your support!