Shen Zhuzhu, Cheng Yuanzhen, and Chen Zhouxing quickly whipped their horses, bathed in rain and wind, and it took them 20 days to reach Jincheng County. A year ago, Jincheng County had been recaptured by Guo Ziyi from Nanzhao and Tubo by Shuofang Jiedu. After a short stay in Jincheng County, he set off to cross Helan Mountain and travel back to the hinterland. Cheng Yuanzhen and Chen Zhou rode horses, and Shen Pearl rode in a carriage, with nearly 100 attendants, mixed with ox carts and camel teams, dressed as business travelers. Although the number of attendants is small, they are all carefully selected from the Inner Flying Dragon Envoys, and all of them can be ten.

It is already late spring and early summer, the grass is green and verdant, and the thawed river flows noisily and happily through the mountain flats. Looking out of Jincheng County from a distance, the dark purple Helan foothills stand boldly, stretching for hundreds of miles, and it is even more majestic in the open field of this field, which is a natural barrier between Hui and the Tang Dynasty.

Because of the long back and forth to the Tang Dynasty called the tribute, the relationship is close, so the side foothills of Helan Mountain accumulate years and days, from the business traveler life to step out of a narrow east-west mountain road, a few years ago Shen Pearl was taken to the Hui Hui court by Mo Yan Sip, is through this road.

The road is steep and ravine-thick. Fortunately, it can be said that it is the best time of the year in the north and south of the desert, there is little rain, the weather is warm, the snow has melted, and the road is much smoother than in winter. Asked the people living scattered in the surrounding area, two months ago, someone did see a group of Tang people heading towards Helan Mountain, it must be Li Yu and his party. But Li Yu, as the prince, has a messenger to communicate with Chang'an at any time, why did he lose his trace, what happened? Thinking of this, Shen Zhuzhu's heart couldn't help but tense again and again.

Seven days later, nearly half of the climb over Helan Mountain had been reached. Because of the urgency, the group rushed day and night, and stopped on the side of the road to rest for several hours. Chen Zhou knew the terrain well, and saw that the group of horses and horses were tired from running around for several days, and the road behind them was even steeper and more difficult to walk, so he discussed with Cheng Yuanzhen and Shen Zhuzhu: There is a valley open space not far ahead, so let's camp and rest for one night for the time being, and keep up our spirits and hurry tomorrow.

Sure enough, without a stick of incense, I saw the open area that Chen Zhou said, Cheng Yuanzhen ordered to build felt tents, light bonfires, and feed livestock.

Chen Zhou invited Shen Pearl to rest in the felt tent, took a bed of felt himself, and lay down on the bonfire in front of Shen Pearl's tent, and actually wanted to protect Shen Pearl himself. Shen Pearl didn't want to go, and persuaded: "Since there are attendants on duty in turn, adults don't have to be like this." Chen Zhou still said respectfully: "His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has disappeared, and if Madame misses again, Chen's hundred heads will not be enough." Shen Pearl insisted that Chen Zhou and others were not allowed to call her "Crown Princess", so Chen Zhou had to call her "Madame" vaguely.

Shen Pearl and his clothes lay down in the felt tent, and he could hear the wind whistling outside the tent, and occasionally the eagle falcon "squeaked" and screamed, as if passing through the top of the tent, and there was a faint roar of tigers and wolves in the distance, and the neighing of cows, horses, and camels in the vicinity, one after another. In the night in the suburbs, if it was too quiet and frightening, she closed her eyes and gradually fell asleep......

When I woke up, the sky was clear.

Walking out of the felt tent, Cheng Yuanzhen was counting the personnel and cleaning up the team, and Shen Pearl stood aside and watched quietly. Counting and counting, there are more than ten people missing. The Inner Flying Dragon Envoy has a team of twenty people, and almost every team has a shortage of people, and the team is immediately checking. After some searching, I thought that these people might just happen to be gone, but they were nowhere to be found. Cheng Yuanzhen and Chen Zhou knew that something was wrong, and personally checked the camp tent, and sure enough, they found that there were traces of drag on the grass outside the camp tent in many places, Chen Zhou said to Shen Zhu: "It's not good, these attendants are missing, they must have been subdued and taken away last night!" ”

Shen Pearl was also very surprised, you must know that there are attendants on duty at night, although these inner flying dragon envoys are not as good as martial arts masters, but they are not weak, who can take away more than ten people so quietly? For the sake of today's plan, the first priority is to not shake the morale of the military.

Thinking of this, she immediately calmed her face, gathered all the attendants, and said calmly: "I think all the soldiers know what happened last night. We waited for a group of 100 people to go back to Hui, and we were at risk. Those who have achieved great things from ancient times do not care about Gou'an; Those who have made great contributions are not mediocre. You are all first-class good men, will not be the slightest frustration and the idea of retreating, we are united, although the enemy is in the dark, but also can not urge me to fight. ”

The attendants were a little apprehensive when they saw more than a dozen companions being taken away by people unknowingly. But seeing that Shen Pearl came to appease them with a woman's body, he couldn't help but secretly cry "ashamed" in his heart, thinking that since he had been ordered by the emperor to enter the Hui, he could only move forward, and there was no reason to retreat. In order to prevent regeneration, Cheng Yuanzhen specially instructed the attendants of the teams to strengthen mutual care and avoid getting lost and leaving the team.

However, although he was doubly cautious and set up camp for a night three days later, Yuan Zhen counted the number of people on the second day, and there were nearly ten fewer people. Chen Zhou also told Shen Zhuzhu: "In the past three days, I found some internal utensils that had been thrown on the roadside. Then he handed Shen Pearl the things that were tattered by the wind and rain wipers and trampled by people and horses, including the rice bowl (note: shaped like a big bowl, round mouth, big belly, and a round seat below), as well as the remnants of the green canvas used to build the camp tent. The special logo of the East Palace can be faintly seen on the furniture. Fortunately, there were no remnants of the blades or signs of a fight. Shen Pearl thought about it, not knowing what happened to Li Yu and his party, and what these discarded internal utensils meant.

Two days later, they set up camp again, and on the second day there were seven or eight men less. The number of people in the team was sharply reduced to sixty or seventy.

At this time, the accompanying guards gradually panicked. There seems to be an invisible black hand in the shadows, closely following their steps, reaching out to take a few people away at any time.

Shen Pearl and the three of them discussed it again and again, and they couldn't figure it out: What is the intention of this kidnapping attendant? As the saying goes, if they are determined to deal with their own group, since they can easily capture the Inner Flying Dragon Envoy, why not deal with the three of them directly? It's easy, so why delay? Is it to play the cat and mouse trick, scare them half to death, enjoy the fun until they lose interest, and then pinch the mouse to death?

At this time, the entourage attendants' hearts gradually dissipated. With the power of Cheng Yuanzhen, from time to time in the next few days, some attendants secretly fled to Jincheng County.

Cheng Yuanzhen was so angry that he personally arrested several people on this day, summoned the remaining more than 40 attendants, and wanted to be beheaded immediately on the spot, Chen Zhou strongly agreed.

Shen Pearl knew that Cheng Yuanzhen was one for the sake of qi, the second was for face, and the third was for completing the task of this trip; Chen Zhou came from the battlefield to fight, and hated deserters and cowards the most, so he used this method to kill an example of Bailiwei, so as not to run away more and more attendants.

This method is not unreasonable. However, since some of the attendants did not dare or were unwilling to accompany them, it was useless, and perhaps it would become a burden in the future, so he persuaded in a low voice: "Since they have no intention of following, why not allow them to return?" ”

Cheng Yuanzhen didn't follow, grabbed the collar of an escaped attendant with one hand, drew his sword and compared his head and neck: "This is Cheng Mou's control, and as soon as the inner flying dragon envoy enters the flying dragon stable, he has sworn allegiance to His Majesty." Today, these boys are timid and break their promises, and Cheng Yuanzhen can be slashed under the sword according to the law. ”

After speaking, the long sword was pulled casually, and the waiter never had time to snort, blood flowed from his neck, and he died on the spot. Shen Pearl couldn't dissuade him, so he took two steps back.

This deterrence was on the spot, and without waiting for Cheng Yuanzhen's long sword to compare, the other attendants who were captured all rolled down on the spot, kowtowing and begging for mercy again and again, and one of the middle-aged attendants burst into tears and said: "Madame spare your life, two adults spare your life!" It's not that we are afraid of death, if we die on the battlefield, our subordinates dare not resign, but who has no old mother, wife and children at home, and dies in a foreign land like this without knowing in vain, and no one collects the body, the subordinates are really reluctant! ”

Originally, the other attendants present had a lot of contempt for these escapees, and when Cheng Yuanzhen said that he wanted to behead, they all drew their swords and shouted "behead" and "kill them" in unison, feeling that these people had fallen into the prestige of the flying dragon envoy. However, listening to what the middle-aged attendant said at this time, he felt compassion, and there was some silence for a while.

Shen Pearl knew that this matter could no longer be forced. However, Cheng Yuanzhen was the envoy of the Inner Flying Dragon, and it would be inappropriate for him to take back the decision he made in person, so he immediately glanced at Chen Zhou.

Chen Zhou is such a smart person, although he is unwilling in his heart, he stares at these escaped attendants viciously, stepped forward to arch Cheng Yuanzhen, and said, "Master Cheng, let me say a few words." ”

Cheng Yuanzhen put the sword back into its sheath, slightly impatient, turned his head, and said, "My lord, please speak." ”

Chen Zhoudao: "Although these people's sins are not forgiven, but they are still the first offenders, and now is the time to employ people, please also ask the adults to give them a chance to redeem their merits." ”

Cheng Yuanzhen snorted coldly, noncommittal.

Shen Pearl interjected: "If you want them to live, or die." Since Master Cheng is also very giving, in my opinion, can the guards present judge the decision? ”

She said this novelly, Cheng Yuanzhen turned his head and said in surprise: "Oh, how does Madam say to judge?" ”

Shen Pearl slowly took a few steps forward, raised his voice, and said to the attendants on the spot: "You are all selected from the Flying Dragon Envoy on Your Majesty's side, and all of them are outstanding. I am a great celestial dynasty to vibrate the four states, the east and the west come to the dynasty, the people are rich, who wants An Lushan to rebel in the front, Shi Siming rebelled in the back, so that all industries withered, the people left chaos. It's been almost six years now. The imperial court has defeated the rebels, and it has shown victory, and the restoration of the Tang Dynasty is just around the corner. Unexpectedly, the prince suddenly disappeared, and the mandate of heaven was left in the hands of you and me, although he suffered a heavy setback, he would be able to boost his morale again, obey the heavens, and welcome His Royal Highness the prince back to Beijing. Pointing to some of the escaped attendants, he continued, "They have shared with you through thick and thin, and now they have escaped from the queue and have brought shame upon you, but whoever has no fault has changed it for good; When people are fearless and retreat, it is appropriate to regroup. Now, do you have the right to judge them, and hopefully — no, allow them to get back into the queue? ”

Shen Pearl's question faintly shook in the forest, slowly falling. Her question was simple, and the attendants only had to answer "yes" and "no". However, for a moment no one answered, and all of them stood silent. Her words were powerful. Almost every attendant was introspecting at this point. The attendants who have not escaped will think: Mrs. and all women are so fearless of hardships and dangers, as a man, have I never been afraid to cower and escape? Your Majesty has placed such a heavy burden on us, can I fulfill such a heavy responsibility? The attendants who escaped were even more embarrassed, feeling that they had lived up to the trust, and the middle-aged attendant before kowtowed again: "The subordinates know that they are wrong, and the subordinates dare not ask for death, but only want to atone for their crimes." ”

After a while, all the attendants were full of perseverance, and they all knelt down in unison: "Madam, two adults, I will follow you to the death, and we will never retreat half a step!" ”

Shen Pearl didn't expect her words to have such a big agitating effect, and Cheng Yuanzhen and Chen Zhou were also deeply shocked by this moment. Her words finally brought back the military spirit that was about to be weakened at the last moment. The strength of these more than 40 people may be much stronger than the original 100 people.

Two days later, the group climbed over Helan Mountain, and their front suddenly opened up, and their ears and eyes were clear.

The grasslands in late spring are magnificent and vibrant.

The breeze is gentle, the brilliant sunshine pours on the endless prairie, and the Hui girl with pigtails on her head rides her horse and whips, singing rough ballads that she can't understand, galloping and jumping; On the hills and in the valleys, the sheep are scattered like soft snowdrifts; The sky is clear and vast, so pure and condensed blue, echoing the mountains in the distance......

Cheng Yuanzhen exclaimed: "I didn't expect there to be such a beautiful scenery outside the Saiwai!" ”

Chen Zhoudao: "The Hui people live in pursuit of water and grass, and the beautiful scenery of the grassland in a year is only three or four months at most, and after August, the weather is cold, and the grassland is difficult to melt with snow. Now it looks like a pleasant scenery, but the further north we go, the desert grows bigger and bigger, and there are few grassland oases, so we have to prepare water and food. "Chen Zhou, who is fluent in Turkic and familiar with the habits of the Uighurs, is the best guide for this trip.

Cheng Yuanzhen said: "Then we will camp near here and rest for one night, there is a mountain stream nearby, which is convenient for preparing water and food." ”

Shen Pearl and Chen Zhou had no objections, so they arranged to camp as usual.

It was almost noon, watching the attendants methodically build felt tents, fetch water, light fires, and cook, Shen Pearl sighed secretly: The future is uncertain, she persuaded these attendants, but she, Cheng Yuanzhen, and Chen Zhouke have the ability to protect them, keep their lives, and bring them back to Datang safely?

"Madame, what are you thinking?" Cheng Yuanzhen seemed to see Shen Zhuzhu's thoughts, deployed the matter of camping, walked to her side and said.

Shen Pearl smiled at Cheng Yuanzhen sideways, and said, "What I think, how can adults not know?" And he said, "I see that the adults are also full of sorrow." ”

Cheng Yuanzhen nodded and was silent for a while before saying, "No matter what, I think Madam will be safe." ”

Shen Pearl chuckled: "You are so sure, no matter what, I have to thank you." He lowered his voice, as if talking to himself, "Actually, in the past six or seven years, I have experienced all kinds of things, life and death, and I have seen it lightly." ”

Cheng Yuanzhen sighed: "His Royal Highness the Crown Prince knows Mrs.-"

Before he finished speaking, he was interrupted by Shen Zhu: "I have known Master Cheng for a long time, and I don't know the family history of adults. ”

Cheng Yuanzhen didn't expect Shen Pearl to ask about his life experience in a soft voice, a little surprised, but also a little moved, and said: "In fact, Cheng Mou came from a humble background, his father died early, and it was thanks to his mother who washed people's clothes day and night for the family, so he raised a certain adult. ”

"Oh, your mother—" Shen Pearl said softly, "it's very remarkable. ”

Cheng Yuanzhen nodded, and there were tears in his eyes: "A certain family's ancestral home is Fuyang, Xiangzhou, living near the river, and the cold is unbearable in winter. My mother washed all the year round and fell ill; Back then, her aunt and uncle also persuaded her many times to marry another child with her son, but she was always afraid that she would be wronged and insisted on refusing. ”

Shen Pearl was gently touched to her heart. Ordinary women will also do their best to stay with their sons on blind dates. She couldn't bear to leave her parents and children for such a long time. Shi'er is nearly five years old, and she has been away from him for more than two years. How tall is he, when he is sick, he calls "mother", and when he is happy, how many people really rejoice with him? It's just that if he really grows up, he may blame his mother forever. This is what she owes him, eternal guilt, and it will never be compensated.

Before she knew it, she was in tears. She heard herself ask, "Is the old man okay now?" ”

Cheng Yuanzhen replied: "She passed away a few years ago. ”

Shen Pearl sent several attendants, led by Chen Zhou, to ask the people of Zhou for Li Yu's information. However, as Chen Zhou said, the Hui people lived in pursuit of water and grass, and there were basically no settled people within a radius of several miles, all shaking their heads and saying "no", and at dusk, they still found nothing.

(Tianjin)