In the early morning of May 15, 21st year of Chongzhen, facing the rising sun, 50 officers of the teaching team lined up and stood on the school ground, waiting for Chief Instructor Song Jianjun to announce the results of the review. Looking at Song Jianjun who was striding over, the hearts of these officers tightened all of a sudden, and everyone stared at the large piece of paper that Song Jianjun was holding in his hand, and their future was written on it. The officers who had been judged to have broken up during the march were particularly nervous, not knowing if they would be given the post of deputy commander-in-chief, while the few officers who had not been able to lead the group back in time were in despair.

Outside the school field, there were many members of the teaching team watching from afar, Cao Yun and Jiang Yizhou were also in the crowd, they looked at these elites of the team who were about to be entrusted with important tasks, and their faces were full of envy. Lin Guangyi, who was behind them, looked indifferent, and whispered: "Brother Xu just didn't get Mr. Qian, what's the big deal?" Let's talk about it, Brother Xu has won the position of President Qianhe, so let him be the east today; If he doesn't get it, we'll get him a drink, and anyway, he won't get drunk today. ”

Lin Guangyi did not return to the camp yesterday, but stayed in the barracks of the teaching team for one night. Seeing that Xu Ping had not returned for a long time, Cao Yun and several other comrades from the Battle of Texas wanted to go together, but Jiang Yizhou said that it was not good for too many people to go, so it was better to hold them down and let Jiang Yizhou and Yu Shenhe go out to find them. Lin Guangyi decided to sleep on Xu Ping's empty bed, and after jumping on the bed, he shouted happily: "I thought I had to sleep underground, but I didn't expect there to be a bed to sleep in, it's so good." ”

Before sleeping with his head covered, Lin Guangyi also commented: "Brother Xu is also a person who has seen all the winds and waves, and he can't think about such a trivial matter, he really doesn't look like a man." ”

Cao Yun heard Lin Guangyi muttering behind his back again at this moment, and said impatiently: "I know, I know, it's really a crow's mouth." ”

The people lined up on the school field had already finished saluting Song Jianjun.

"Zou Da, Zhao Baiyu, Ni Ruyun, Li Ren......" Song Jianjun slowly reported the names of the people, and although the several officers who heard their names tried their best to keep their composure, they couldn't hide their joy and grinned.

In the blink of an eye, Song Jianjun pronounced out four names, Xu Ping felt his heart pounding, staring at Song Jianjun's lips intently, holding his breath and waiting.

"Yu Shenhe." Song Jianjun finally pronounced the fifth name.

Yu Shenhe stood beside Xu Ping, not as happy as the others, he glanced at Xu Ping, as if with a trace of shame. At this time, Xu Ping was as expressionless as wood. Yu Shenhe didn't dare to delay longer, and agreed loudly: "I am here." Then he walked out of the column and walked forward.

Next, Song Jianjun loudly congratulated the five young officers, and officially confirmed that they would be given the position of the general manager of Qianhu and the office of the hundred households, and then gave a lecture to the whole team. But in the end, what Song Jianjun said, Xu Ping didn't hear a word clearly, and the voices that came into his ears seemed to come from a very distant place. Xu Ping stood numbly in the team, until there was a burst of colorful sounds, which made Xu Ping's whole body tremble, it turned out that Song Jianjun had finished preaching, and the onlookers were saying hello loudly to those lucky ones.

Xu Ping tried his best not to lose his temper, but he couldn't even squeeze out a fake smile, fortunately...... Thankfully, no one noticed him. Yu Shenhe was smiling like everyone else. Only Song Jianjun glanced at Xu Ping, but his gaze did not linger long.

finally got Song Jianjun to drink the order: "Disband." ”

At this time, Xu Ping felt that he was about to lose control, he shook his stiff body, and prepared to leave in the crowd.

Unfortunately, Song Jianjun's order came: "Xu Ping stays." ”

Xu Ping tightened his mouth, he knew that his face must be very ugly now. Some bystanders around the school field did not disperse, and many people in the teaching team knew Xu Ping, and even if they didn't know them, most of them had heard of Xu Ping's name.

Although his eyes were looking ahead, Xu Ping felt that there were many eyes around him gathered on him, and he could hear whispers, which made him feel like a sharp edge on his back: "At this time, the people around the school field should be looking at me as a fool, right?" ”

Chief Instructor Song waited until the other officers walked away before he slowly walked in front of Xu Ping and said, "Instructor Xu, in this exercise, your results are the first. ”

Xu Ping swallowed his saliva, he wanted to reply politely: "Yes", but the muscles on his cheeks only shook a few times, and he couldn't make any sound, and he couldn't even open his mouth.

However, the person on the other side didn't seem to think that Xu Ping was rude, and said to himself: "Master Hou asked me to tell you that he crossed out your name yesterday, and asked me to ask you, do you understand the reason?" ”

"Humble ...... ...... of lowly duties" Jiang Yizhou's words seemed to ring in his ears last night, and the sound of "understand" turned around Xu Ping's mouth a few times, and he replied in a low voice: "I don't understand my humble position!" ”

Xu Ping lowered his eyelids slightly, and repeated: "I don't understand." ”

"I think Instructor Xu understands very well." Song Jianjun paused, and seeing that Xu Ping was still silent, he continued: "Not only does Instructor Xu understand very well, but there will not be a single person in this school field who does not understand. Instructor Xu knows the regulations of the new army, and he can say it loudly in his heart. ”

Xu Ping said softly: "But that's all in the past." ”

"Yes, but you're not punished for that."

After these words reached his ears, Xu Ping took a deep breath, raised his head and said loudly: "I am not satisfied with my humble position, and my humble position has been reviewed to the whole army!" ”

Song Jianjun's tone became stern: "Do you really think it's punishment in your heart?" ”

Xu Ping lowered his head again, and after a moment of silence, he replied without emotion: "Lord Hui, no, I don't think it's a punishment in my heart. ”

"I'm afraid there is no one in the whole army who thinks so." Song Jianjun's tone became more severe: "Not only will the army not be afraid of military law because of this punishment, but everyone is secretly envious in their hearts. ”

After another moment of silence, Song Jianjun asked again: "Now, is Instructor Xu convinced by the decision to deprive you of your position?" ”

Xu Ping said indifferently: "I am convinced." ”

"Good." Song Jianjun looked around the school grounds, and many students of the teaching team looked at the two of them from a distance, "Now, everyone probably won't envy you as much as before." ”

Xu Ping lowered his head and didn't say anything more.

The two of them stood still for a moment, and Song Jianjun broke the silence again, but it was not the "disbandment" that Xu Ping expected.

"However, Instructor Xu's various assessments and drills are the first, and the Prime Minister of the training will never reward and punish unfairly, nor do he want the officers and men of the New Army to mistakenly think that as long as a person makes a mistake, he will never have a bright future." Song Jianjun shouted softly: "Xu Ping! ”

"Humble duty." Xu Ping replied, raising his head and chest in accordance with the requirements of military regulations.

"Xu Ping, the instructor of the teaching team, has been recommended by the teaching team and approved by the Prime Minister of the training team-" Song Jianjun announced in a tone without any emotion: "The commander of the Changqing Battalion is hereby awarded the post of Tongzhi, and the guerrilla rank of the New Army is added to assist the commander of the Changqing Battalion, General Zhang, in managing the affairs of the battalion." ”

"Humble duty-" Xu Ping stiffened his waist and replied sonorously, "Obey!" ”

Song Jianjun smiled: "Congratulations, Guerrilla Xu, General Xu - in the future, you don't have to call yourself humble in front of me." ”

The Changqing Battalion is a field battalion that has just been established in the new army, and the backbone is those supplementary soldiers in the First World War of Texas, so Xu Ping is more concerned about this battalion, and he heard that those who participated in the meritorious service of the First World War in Texas and were sent to the training team will all be sent to serve in this battalion.

"Those who participated in the Battle of Texas, including your old brother Yu Shenhe, all went to serve in the Evergreen Battalion." Song Jianjun confirmed this again, and said to Xu Ping with a smile: "General Xu, go and win your world position back, I will wait to hear your good news." ”

Xu Ping clasped his fists vigorously and saluted, full of gratitude: "Chief Instructor Xie, the general will definitely live up to the expectations of the chief instructor." ”

After saluting Song Jianjun for the last time, Xu Ping turned around and walked slowly towards his friends who were still waiting for him in the distance. Yu Shenhe looked solemn, Cao Yun and Jiang Yizhou did not smile, and what Xu Ping saw from everyone's faces was sympathy and regret.

Yu Shenhe, who spoke first, looked very uneasy, and said softly: "Brother Xu, I'm really sorry......"

"What are you sorry for?" Lin Guangyi jumped out and interrupted Yu Shenhe's apology, rushed to Xu Ping's side and patted him on the shoulder vigorously: "Brother Xu, we agreed to invite you to drink." ”

Seeing Xu Ping's eyes flashing, Lin Guangyi hurriedly explained: "I don't mean anything else......"

He stopped halfway through the words, Lin Guangyi didn't know how to continue, he was stunned for a moment, then laughed, and pushed Xu Ping: "Manly husband, don't mother-in-law, it's not a big deal, let's go, let's drink." ”

"It's not a big deal." Xu Ping nodded, looked at Yu Shenhe and said quickly, "Brother Yu, I heard that you have been appointed to the Evergreen Battalion. ”

Yu Shenhe nodded slowly and said, "Yes." ”

Xu Ping turned his head and asked Jiang Yizhou again: "Brother Jiang, you will also go to the Evergreen Camp, right?" ”

"The official order hasn't come down yet, but Instructor Song told me so, let me get ready to report to the Evergreen Camp." Jiang Yizhou also nodded. In order to enhance cohesion, the new army has expanded its organization, so the people who have worked together are arranged in a combat unit, and not only Jiang Yizhou, but even Cao Yun may also be placed in the Changqing battalion, which will be the tenth battalion of the new army, and it is still waiting to fill the empty shelves of personnel.

"I just learned that I have been appointed as the commander of the Evergreen Battalion, and the official appointment is estimated to be down in two or three days." Xu Ping tried his best to finish his duties in a nonchalant tone, and looking at his friends' eyes widening one by one, Xu Ping smiled and said, "It's really best to be with my brothers." ”

The few people in front of him didn't seem to have reacted yet, and Xu Ping smiled again: "I'll invite you to a drink today." Still, I'll have to call one more person. ”

……

Xu Ping, Cao Yun and several of them were wearing the most ordinary military uniforms of the teaching team, and today Lin Guangyi was also wearing the inconspicuous uniform of the new army. Without letting a few people wait long, Jin Shentong strode out, and today he wore the black clothes of the military judge when he went to the Zhao Mansion with Xu Ping last time.

"General Kim." Since he was in front of everyone, Xu Ping made a big gift.

"General Xu, it's really gratifying!" Jin Shentong looked at Xu Ping with a smile and bowed his hand to him again and again: "General Xu is already at the same level as the general, but I really don't dare to be such a big gift." ”

Lin Guangyi, who was closely behind Jin Shentong, was stunned when he heard this, and before he could speak, Xu Ping had already reproached dissatisfiedly: "Brother Lin, didn't you say that I would explain it." ”

Lin Guangyi wanted to defend himself twice, but seeing that Jin Shentong still didn't say a word, it was Jin Shentong who helped him out of the siege: "Brother Lin didn't say anything, Brother Xu don't blame him." ”

Xu Ping was slightly stunned: "Brother Jin already knew that I was appointed as the commander of the Evergreen Battalion?" ”

"Of course, how could I not know?" Last night, Zhendonghou convened the generals of the New Army to discuss the training of the New Army and the distribution of these trainees, and all the battalion officers of the New Army were present, and of course Jin Shentong, who led the direct guard, also participated.

Xu Ping suddenly realized, and he hugged his fist to Jin Shentong with gratitude: "Thank you Brother Jin for your kind words." ”

"Don't I dare to do this?" Jin Shentong hurriedly waved his hand and said, "Master Hou hasn't asked me a word from beginning to end, and there is no place for me to interject." Brother Xu is the first in all performance appraisals, how can he serve the public if he is not rewarded? Zhang Nanshan (Zhang Chengye Nanshan) General Zhang asked you by name and asked Hou Ye to assign you to the Changqing Battalion as his adjutant, and Hou Ye didn't stop until he nodded. ”

Jin Shentong patted Lin Guangyi: "Since we are going to drink, from now on, we will be called brothers, so as not to attract attention." How is it? Brother Lin? ”

"Yes...... Big ......" Lin Guangyi rarely hesitated for a long time before squeezing out two words: "Brother Jin." ”

Seeing Jin Shentong's gaze sweeping towards him, Cao Yun, Yu Shenhe and others also bowed their hands one after another: "Brother Jin." ”

Jin Shentong turned on his horse, and the rest of the people followed.

……

Seeing Xu Ping and Jin Shentong talking and laughing in front, the few people behind them gradually became less restrained. Jiang Yizhou vividly recounted the scene when Xu Ping couldn't sleep at night, Cao Yun and Yu Shenhe laughed with laughter, only Lin Guangyi still didn't say a word.

Xu Ping recalled the pain of tossing and turning last night, and couldn't help but smile bitterly: "Brother Jin didn't say anything about secretly notifying me, which made me frightened, it's really bitter." ”

Jin Shentong said with a smile: "Brother Xu, this is to blame me, I don't dare to leak the Hou Ye's decision, before leaving yesterday, the Hou Ye also specifically told me not to inform you, otherwise I will not be spared!" Besides, didn't you know it early this morning! ”

Xu Ping knew that Zhendong Hou planned to scare him so that he could be impressed, but it was still a little strange to hear Jin Shentong say this, and he couldn't help but ask tentatively: "Well, Brother Jin is saying, Master Hou knows that I am familiar with Brother Jin?" ”

"Yes, Brother Xu always comes to me to ride a horse, do you think that others have not heard of it? Brother Xu's name is the daughter of the county lord and the princess of the marquis. ”

The widespread use of cowpox in Huangshi has led to the near extinction of smallpox, and the eradication of snails in Huguang has brought schistosomiasis under control. Today, the son asked King Fu to recognize Huangshi's wife as a righteous daughter and give her the identity of the county lord, which is a rare honor since the founding of the Ming Dynasty, and Huangshi has become a guest of honor in the palace. People respectfully called Huangshi's wife "the county lord's mother" rather than "Mrs. Zhendonghou". However, no one called Huangshi "Yibin", but still called him "Hou Ye", because Huangshi's status was won by him with meritorious deeds, and if he was called Yibin, it seemed to vaguely contain the meaning of "husband and wife are expensive".

Xu Ping was a little flattered and asked in disbelief: "The county lord also knows the last general?" ”

"Yes, after the first battle in Texas, does Brother Xu still want to be incognito? Our name has been heard by heaven. ”

Xu Ping was even more surprised: "Listen to the heavens? ”

"Of course, the First Battle of Texas was the first major victory since the formation of the new army, and it also beat Ji Kou's arrogance for ten years without a trace, how could the emperor not ask? It's Hou Ye, except for Lord He, Lord Yang and Master Jia......" Jin Shentong tilted his head and thought: "Then you and I are the only generals who have led a battalion to achieve a great victory, who else in the younger generation can compare with us?" Even among the senior battalion officers, there are not many people who are stronger than you and me. ”

Speaking of this, Jin Shentong had a proud look on his face: "In the future, the history will definitely say that Ji Kou's fall began in Texas, and whether the history of this battle is recorded in my biography or Brother Xu's biography depends on your future cultivation." ”

Xu Ping immediately replied: "It is detailed in my name." ”

Jin Shentong and Xu Ping looked at each other and smiled, at this time, there was also a wave of pride in Xu Ping's chest, and he only felt that the sea and the sky were promising. Suddenly, Jin Shentong laughed, as if he remembered something particularly funny, and said intermittently: "Brother Xu...... Brother Xu, didn't you worship Mrs. Zhao as your stepmother? Ha ha...... Mrs. Zhao mentioned this matter to the county lord's mother......"

Xu Ping was a little confused by Jin Shentong's laughter: "Brother Jin, is this so ridiculous?" ”

Jin Shentong coughed to stop laughing, turned to Xu Ping's side with a weird smile on his face, and lowered his voice and said: "A few days ago, I followed Jia Yan to the Hou Mansion, and the county lord asked about this matter, and asked in great detail about the matter. Hou Ye's daughter was next to him at the time, and after listening to it, he asserted: "Instructor Xu must have gone to Zhao Mansion to ask for relatives, and he is thin-skinned, and he is embarrassed when it comes to the end." And I said I had misunderstood what you meant. Brother Xu, tell you the truth, did you have any plans to propose marriage that day? ”

Xu Ping's red ears argued: "There is no such thing! ”

"That's what I said, I said that Brother Xu's words are categorical, and it is impossible to ask for marriage." Jin Shentong controlled the volume to prevent others from hearing it: "But Hou Ye's daughter doesn't believe it, and after analyzing your performance and words in detail, Brother Xu, I insisted that I ruined your good thing, and finally said that even the county lord felt that this matter was quite suspicious, and I couldn't tell it even when I was full of mouth." ”

"This daughter ......" Xu Ping shook his head again and again, just smiled bitterly: "It's a little unreasonable." ”

"Hou Ye's eldest daughter died at the age of seven, this daughter is the second daughter, Hou Ye and the county lord's mother regard it as a pearl in the palm of her hand, and her temperament is indeed pampered."

Xu Ping's face was slightly red, Jin Shentong had a wide range of connections, was familiar with the inside affairs in the army, and usually gave Xu Ping guidance without a trace, reminding him of topics to avoid in the future, and this time it was obviously the case.

When the group entered the city gate, Xu Ping fixed his mount, turned around and asked, "Brothers, I wonder if you can think of a good place to go?" ”

Without waiting for others to speak, Jin Shentong shouted: "Of course, I have already thought about it, let's go to the 'Shaobaolou'!" ”

In the fifth year of the Apocalypse, Huang Shi entered Beijing for the first time, and several of his subordinates used to eat in this restaurant. After they left, the owner of the restaurant renamed the building "Shaobaolou", and the business has been prosperous for more than 20 years. Although I had heard the name of the restaurant, everyone had never been there, and it was expected that the fee would be expensive, so Cao Yun and the others did not respond immediately. Xu Ping said with a smile: "Brother Jin is right, I also want to give it a try here." ”

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