Summary: Changsha was suddenly besieged, and the Taiping army wanted to capture the provincial capital and occupy Hunan, connecting Huguang into one; Futai urgently asked for help, hoping that Hubei would raise the standard and extend a helping hand to reverse the situation, and cut off the autumn water.

Ignoring military affairs, the Qing Dynasty is loyal and good, and the old cow wants to eat tender grass.

The squire went to the province, and the Taiping army surrounded him before and after, so you can't escape.

After Guo Songtao left Zeng's house and rushed to the provincial capital for dinner, Zeng Linshu was in his study as before, holding a book in his hand, humming and reading fascinated, and Guo Fan quietly walked in with Guohuang, Guohua, Guoquan, and Guobao.

Zeng Linshu saw the mysterious appearance of his five sons, and knew that there was something, so he hurriedly put down the book.

Zeng Guofan poured a cup of tea for his father first, and held it in both hands and sent it to his father.

Zeng Linshu asked: "Kuanyi, shouldn't it be a matter of holy decree?" ”

Zeng Guofan nodded and said, "Dad, Kuanyi just wants Dad to give him an idea." My mother had just left, and my father was alone at home. The son wants to leave at this time, which makes no sense or reason. Dad, my son thought about it and decided not to go to Changsha anymore, and stay at home with my father for a few years——"

Zeng Lin said: "Kuanyi, this matter, my father has been thinking about it all day. Dad thinks that you should be loyal first and then filial piety. Now the long hair is raging, and the mountains and rivers are broken. As a member of the imperial court, you should share the country's worries if you are reasonable. We all grew up reading the books of saints. The ancients said: The rise and fall of the country is the responsibility of the husband - Kuanyi, my father is not old, you only have to do your business, and you don't have to take care of your family. When you want to leave, just move, don't worry about Dad. For the country is also for the family, and the matter of honoring the ancestors and honoring the ancestors, my father raised his hands in approval. To tell you the truth, Dad is going to be twenty years younger, and Dad is going to have a fight with that long hair! ”

In a word, the national domain, the national fang, the national tsuna, and the national treasure all laughed.

Zeng Guofan said: "Since my father said so, my son will do what my father said." Dad, I went to Changsha this time and wanted to bring a younger brother over. It is not only to let him have a long insight, but also to give him a chance to experience. Dad, do you think you can make it? ”

Zeng Linshu smiled and said: "Kuanyi, it's rare that you still have this heart." What's so unbelievable about this! You brought them all to Changsha and made contributions, and my father was happy! The ancients said: Brothers in battle, fathers and sons in battle! A few of them can be by your side, and Dad is relieved, isn't it! - Your grandfather left early, or maybe he would have been happy! - Kanichi, who do you want to take first? ”

Zeng Guofan said: "Dad, Chenghou and Luo Shan have been practicing together for a few days, so I'll take him first." Guoquan is the time to work hard, and it is best not to be distracted. Guohua is a little older, so he can help his father do some things at home. Dad, do you always look good? ”

Before Zeng Linshu could speak, Guohua hurriedly said: "Big brother, you better let the fourth brother help your father at home, I want to go with you." ”

Zeng Linshu's eyes widened and said, "Wen Fu, don't mess around!" Listen to your big brother! Who your eldest brother lets go, there is your eldest brother's reason! Daddy is right, Kuanyi? ”

Zeng Guofan said: "Wen Fu, your mood big brother understands. The younger brothers rushed to make contributions to the country, and the country was fortunate, and my family was fortunate. This time, the eldest brother will take your fourth brother to Changsha first, the three of you, and the eldest brother will take you out when the opportunity is ripe. Wen Fu, after the eldest brother leaves, my father is getting older, so you can do more in everything. Yuanpu and Shiheng still have the homework of Jing Ze, and you must also check it from time to time. You need to do your homework even more. Sage Cloud: Thirty and standing. You are already a man who has been established. Can you understand what Big Brother said? ”

Guohua whispered: "Big brother's words Wen Fu remembered. In fact, Wen Fu also wants to help his eldest brother do something, and he also wants to learn something by his eldest brother's side. ”

Zeng Linshu said at this time: "Kuanyi, where are you going to leave one day?" Bring a few more people, right? ”

Zeng Guofan said: "Dad, I will take care of the affairs of the family first, and I want to leave on the 17th." If the wind is smooth, you can arrive in the province on the 21st. When I left, I wanted to take Zhou Sheng and Wang Jingqi with me. In addition, bring the ministers of the Xiao family, Fusi and the Li family. Fu Si is a good material for joining the army, and he has learned some kung fu, not to mention that I have promised him a long time ago. Li Chendian also wants to kill Changmao, and he is loyal and honest. Take the two of them with you, and if there's anything going on the way, you'll have a helper. ”

Zeng Linshu hesitated and said, "Kuanyi, my father suddenly has an idea to tell you." Your five uncles' two elder brothers have been confused, so you can bring them with you, right? In the country, these two bastards are finished. I don't do anything all day long, I have to go east and west, and my mother-in-law can't ask for one, so she eats cigarettes and gambles. Dad is thinking about it, by your side, maybe you can really be a person! ”

Zeng Guofan thought for a while and said categorically: "Dad, my son went to Changsha to help organize group training, not to be an official." Why are you letting me take these two people who can't do anything, who eat and gamble, with me? There's no money to spend, so we can help him. This kind of thing, but he can't get out of the way. A fish is fishy in a pot of soup, and two fish can be fishy in a river! - It's not to help him, it's to hurt them! ”

Zeng Linshu didn't wait for Zeng Guofan to finish speaking, and then said self-deprecatingly: "But also, Dad just looks at your fifth uncle and is pitiful, but he forgot that these two bastards are not successful!" - Kuanyi, do you think this long hair can become a climate? - It's not a small commotion! ”

Guo Huang said at this time: "Dad, why do you make it difficult for your eldest brother?" - Brother, I'll go to Changsha with you, can you take Yong? ”

Zeng Guofan shook his head and said: "Luo Shan can lead Yong, Wang Zhu, Li Xubin, and Li Xuyi can all lead Yong, but you alone can't lead Yong - big brother let you go out this time just to make you suffer!" The regimental training is different from the green camp, which has no salary and no funds. The eldest brother did not move, and was ready to endure hardships and starve. Chenghou, do you know why the eldest brother named you to follow the eldest brother this time? - When you were born, my Zeng family was already in some hands. How many of you, who has suffered a day? Who has been hungry for another day? ——When you go out, you have to sit in a sedan chair, and when you go out of the village to do errands, you have to follow a subordinate, and you have to sound the gong to open the way! How can such a person be successful without some experience? And how can you accomplish something? ”

Zeng Lin wrote: "Big brother's words, you all have to keep it in your heart. - Kuanyi, whoever is afraid of hardship, you don't want to take anyone. ”

Zeng Guohuang stood with his hands down, not daring to say a word.

Guohua stuck out his tongue and whispered: "Let's let the fourth brother go, it's most appropriate for me to take care of my father at home." ”

Zeng Guofan asked Guohuang in a low voice: "Chenghou, are you still going to Changsha with your eldest brother?" If you have anything to say, it's still too late to tell your eldest brother. ”

Zeng Guohuang lowered his head, pinched the placket of his clothes for a long time with his hand, and said, "I listen to my eldest brother." No matter what the eldest brother does, it's for my good. What's more, if the eldest brother can endure hardship, how can Chenghou not endure hardship? ”

After Guohuang finished speaking, he turned back to Guohua and said, "I follow my eldest brother, and the family depends on a few of you." What's the matter, let the third child of the Nan family go to Changsha to find me and my eldest brother. ”

Guohua said with a smile: "Fourth brother, in the past few days that the eldest brother has come back, you have learned a lot more sensible." However, when my brother's can give you a wake-up call early, you should change the problem of sleeping lazy. Don't break the rules of the barracks, let the eldest brother's subordinates fight back! My Zeng's face will make you-"

Zeng Guofan's face sank, his triangular eyes narrowed, and he shouted categorically: "In front of my father, be respectful!" Chenghou is faulty, who can be blameless if he is not a sage? Wen Fu, dare you say that you have never been arrogant in front of your subordinates? ”

Guohua was so frightened that he hurriedly lowered his head, a cloud flew on his face, and he muttered, "Big brother, Wen Fu knows that he is wrong. ”

Zeng Lin said: "Kuanyi, Chenghou is by your side, you have to be stricter, and you can't let him sleep eight times." Wen Fu's words are exactly what my father often says. No matter how big or small, it is up to someone to say it! Chenghou, Dad didn't bend you, right? ”

Zeng Guohuang's face was blushing, and he didn't dare to say anything, but just glared at Guohua from the corner of his eye.

Coming out of his father's study, Zeng Guofan went straight into the bedroom.

Mrs. Ouyang Yuying was spinning flowers under the lamp while listening to Ji Ze's endorsement; The daughters had been asleep for a long time.

Zeng Guofan entered the bedroom, Jing Ze hurriedly stood up and respectfully greeted his father, and then turned around and asked his mother: "Mother, are you still listening?" ”

Yuying smiled, and the corners of her eyes suddenly soured: "Jiasan, take a break." Let's talk to your father. ”

As soon as Zeng Guofan saw Yuying's expression, he knew that she already knew about the group training, so he didn't hide it from her, sat down and hugged Ji Ze and said: "Jiasan, my father has to go out on business these days, and I can't take you to hunt birds-do you hate your father?" ”

Ji Ze raised his face and said, "Dad, my mother has already told me." Dad wants to kill Changmao and do national affairs, how can the son hate his father? Isn't it the same when Dad kills all the fur and then takes me to hunt birds? - Daddy, how do you go about killing Longhair? Is long hair scary? Dad is on the front line, you must be careful! My mother has been worried about my father, and she cried secretly. ”

Zeng Guofan stroked his son's head with his hand, and his heart suddenly became hot.

He paused, and then said in a hoarse voice: "Jiasan, you are at home, you have to listen to your grandfather and mother, and let your younger brothers and sisters do everything." Dad is not around, your homework must not be wasted! Now the outsiders bully me for being weak in the Qing Dynasty, and Long Hair is taking the opportunity to make trouble. In this chaotic autumn, only by studying hard and learning skills can we do something for the country and the people in the future. You're already in your teens, not young, and Gan Luo is already worshipping at your age. Asan, can you understand what your father said? ”

Ji Ze nodded and said, "My grandfather and mother have told me about Ganluo-Dad, why did the emperor let my father kill Changmao?" There are so many civil servants and military generals in the Qing Dynasty, how can they let their father go? Grandfather said, "Daddy's body is weak!" ”

Zeng Guofan said with a smile: "Jiasan, the emperor asked my father to help organize the group practice, but it is just one more person and one more strength." Dad didn't go to Changsha to help organize this group exercise, and the court still wanted to exterminate the long hair. Dad is an official of the imperial court, although he is worried at the moment, even if the emperor does not issue a holy decree, his father cannot be idle. Asan, you remember your father's words, the rise and fall of the country is the responsibility of the husband. A person can live without a home in the world, but he must never be without a country. The homeless can live, but the countryless cannot! ”

Yuying said at this time: "I said, Master, if you tell the child this, can he understand?" ”

Zeng Guofan smiled and said: "The child naturally can't understand, but you can understand!" - I've been an official outside, and I always want to stay with you, my father and my children! I remember that when I first arrived at the post of the squire of the military department, I once went to the flag camp outside the city to run an errand, passing by a field, and happened to see my husband hoeing the field, and my mother-in-law and aunt were playing in the field with a few babies, what a joy in the world! I stopped and watched for a long time, as if it was me who was hoeing the ground, and you were the one who was playing with the baby. Yuying, you have such a husband, and it is also due to the number of days! When the long hair is wiped out and the country is peaceful, I will ask the emperor to ask Zhishi to come back and live a good life with you for a few days! It's not in vain to be a person! ”

After a few words, Yuying burst into tears, and she choked up and said, "Master, the eldest husband stands up to the sky and the earth, and he can't have children." Yuying can marry into your Zeng family, content, content! - A3, go to your bedroom and sleep. Starting tomorrow morning, I will have to recite the Analects to my grandfather! I'll talk to your dad for a while. ”

Ji Ze sensibly asked his father and mother for peace, and then walked out.

Around the turn of the night, the sky was covered with dark clouds, obscuring the stars and the moon. More than 10,000 soldiers of the Tianping Army stationed at the junction of the two lakes suddenly appeared outside Changsha City unnoticed, and launched a fierce attack on the four gates. In this battle, the Taiping army had excellent guns and artillery, and was outnumbered, trying to break through the Hunan provincial city in one fell swoop and connect Hunan and Hubei together.

It was also the Taiping Army's bad luck, and the one who guarded the Hunan provincial capital that night was Chu Yong of Jiang Zhongyuan, who dared to fight a tough battle.

When the Taiping army brigade arrived at the city, Jiang Zhongyuan supervised the battalions to climb the city to meet the battle, and sent people to report the situation to Zhang Liangji.

Zhang Liangji, who was asleep, was shocked when he heard the report. He got out of bed in his clothes, and first ordered a total of 5,000 people to raise the standard and raise the standard, and flew to the four gates of the city, where he would meet the Taiping army together with Chu Yong. Xuan sent fast horses out of the city to ask for help from Qi Shan, the governor of Hubei, who was stationed outside the city, and wanted to seconded two battalions to attack the Taiping army outside the city, so as to reduce the pressure on the defenders of Changsha and divide the offensive.

After finishing these, Zhang Liangji prepared a sedan chair, took Zuo Zongtang and other staff, and personally rushed to the city to supervise the battle.

Qi Shan was sleeping with a robbed girl in his arms at the time, and when he received Zhang Liangji's military report, he agreed without opening his eyes, and sent a message to Hunan outside the tent, saying that the reinforcements had been pulled out of the camp. After that, Qi Shan turned over and slept even deeper than before, and the tent was full of snoring.

Before the sky was bright, the Taiping army saw that the siege could not stop, so they had to retreat for hundreds of miles and set up a village, looking for the opportunity to attack the city again.

Until the Taiping army all withdrew, Qi Shan did not send a single soldier. Zhang Liangji was so angry that he scolded all eight generations of Qishan's ancestors.

Knowing that the Taiping army did not break the city, Qi Shan said in his mouth: "Zhang Caichen also has a chance time!" ”

After saying this, Qi Shan actually took his own barracks, left the big tent of the Chinese army, and rushed to a village. He once passed by the village when he fled from Wuchang, and inadvertently found a fourteen or fifteen-year-old talented girl. The girl was squatting by the river to wash clothes, and when she saw the army running wildly, she hurriedly stood up and watched. Qi Shan came here at this time, and when he saw it, he was stunned. It was the first time he had seen such a beautiful little girl when he was so old. He had a lewd attack, and wanted to fly off the horse and carry the girl on horseback, but there was a sound of the Taiping army fighting behind him. He was afraid that he would lose his life, so he had to fly away.

Today, he decided to take advantage of the setback of the Taiping army's siege and get the girl to the camp to have a good time.

Qi Shan was already sixty years old at the time, so he should be regarded as an old cow. But it is this old cow raised by the Qing Dynasty, as soon as he sees the tender grass, he must eat it in his mouth no matter what, otherwise he will sleep and eat restlessly.

In the battle, more than 200 people were killed and wounded, and more than 300 people were killed and wounded. Jiang Zhongyuan's Chu Yong suffered the heaviest losses, with more than 400 people doing Gu, and Jiang Zhongyuan himself was also wounded by a gunshot in his left arm. But no matter what, Changsha was not lost.

At noon the next day, Zhang Liangji's report excerpt and Baoju were sent to Beijing by fast horse; At the same time, he wrote a letter urging Zeng Guofan of Lotus Leaf Pond to take office. Zhang Liangji's handwritten letter was handed over to two water warriors to hand over to Xiangxiang.

Zhang Liangji first briefly introduced the battle with the Taiping army to Zeng Guofan, and then talked about how Qi Shan could not be saved when Changsha was besieged. In the letter, Zhang Liangji implored Zeng Guofan not to live up to the grace of the imperial court, and to go to the provincial capital as soon as possible for Changsha and Hunan. Zhang Liangji repeatedly claimed in his letters: The office of the Minister of Youth League Training has been cleaned up and is only waiting for the opening of the seal. At the end of the letter, Zhang Liangji assured Zeng Guofan that as long as Zeng Guofan rushed to Changsha, the Hunan governor Yamen would first pay 100,000 taels of silver to the clan secretary for the purpose of running the group. It can be said that everything is available; Only the east wind is owed! It seems that Zeng Guofan arrived in Changsha one day earlier, and Changsha was guaranteed one day earlier.

Zeng Guofan saw Zhang Liangji's anxious eyes and a worried heart through the back of the paper.

Zeng Guofan knew that Changsha was originally a soldier, and Qi Shan would not save him when he saw death, and Zhang Liangji was now in great difficulty.

When Zeng Guofan received Zhang Liangji's letter, it happened to be the morning of the 17th. After breakfast that day, Zeng Guofan took his younger brothers to the graves of his grandparents and mother as planned.

Putting on the fruit offering and looking at the new soil on his mother's tomb, Zeng Guofan cried loudly. The younger brothers and sisters also burst into tears, crying out for the sky and the ground.

Returning from the cemetery, Xiao Fusi and Li Chendian were looking at the door, waiting impatiently.

Xiao Fusi was elated, and Li Chendian was also dressed neatly. Both of them carried machetes on their backs, and they both wore practice belts around their waists, dressed like old rivers and lakes.

Zhou Sheng and Wang Jingqi also cleaned up neatly, and were moving the books that Zeng Guofan wanted to read in the sedan chair. The subordinates of the Zeng Mansion were also busy in the courtyard.

Zeng Guofan entered the mansion, went to his father's room first, talked with his father for a few words, and told his father to pay attention to coldness. Then he changed his clothes and said goodbye to his wife Yuying and her family one by one.

Guohua took Guoquan, Guobao and the third brother of the Nan family to send the eldest brother to Chengguan Wharf before returning.

The Yamen of Xiangxiang County had already prepared a merchant ship a day in advance, and in accordance with the constitution, ten people were assigned to escort it.

Zhu Sunyi, Luo Zenan, Liu Rong, and Guo Songtao talked with Zeng Guofan for another hour in the cabin before leaving.

Zeng Guofan sent the people who saw him off ashore, and asked Guohuang to check up and down with the boatman, and then lifted anchor, and it was already evening.

It was a headwind, the boat was not fast, and the boatman had a hard time rocking the paddle.

Zeng Guofan sat in the cabin, listening to the sound of the oars, his heart fluctuated for a while, and he remembered many old things.

He remembered that the first time he took a boat to study at Yuelu Academy in Changsha, it was his father and second uncle Jiyun who sent him. He held on to the side of the boat to watch the water, and the second uncle was not at ease, so he grabbed his arm with his hand all the way, lest one accidentally turn into the water. At that time, he felt that his father was quite afraid of things, and his second uncle was also very noisy. Because his father talked to him about human ethics all the way, the second uncle followed him all the way behind him and refused to leave a single step. It really annoys him so much. Later, I heard that this was the task assigned by Zeng Guofan's grandfather, Zeng Xinggang, to his two sons. Both of them did a good job, and Duzeng Guofan was bored all the way.

Gradually, the task of sending him was handed over to his younger brothers, and he was less bored but more empty.

This was more than ten years ago, but every time Zeng Guofan thought about it, he remembered it vividly, as if it happened yesterday.

Guo Huang walked into the cabin at this time and asked in a low voice, "Is the eldest brother hungry?" Do you want Jing Qi to cook a bowl of soup? ”

"Good!" Zeng Guofan said as he walked out: "I'll go to the deck to move my legs and feet, and call me when the soup is ready." ”

Guo Huang agreed, and went to the outer compartment to find Jing Qi and the boatman to discuss the soup.

Zeng Guofan stepped on the deck step by step, feeling the cold wind blowing, and the bright moon hanging in the sky was so big and round.

Zeng Guofan looked at it and found that the two sides of the strait were roughly the same as when he went to Beijing for the examination more than ten years ago, as if the houses were not as neat as they were then.

A gust of river wind blew, and Zeng Guofan couldn't help but shiver.

The lights on the river are shining, and countless ships are floating back and forth, including official ships and merchant ships; Some boats are as fast as flying geese, while others are as slow as turtles.

At this moment, a light flashed, and there were two large ships carrying goods, and more than 20 people rowed past Zeng Guofan's boat. The splashing waves wet Zeng Guofan's feet.

Zeng Guofan hurriedly took two steps back, and when he saw that the boat was in front, the people on the boat were all pointing at him, and they were still talking about something. He was so strange that he hurriedly looked up at his boat, but found that at the top of the boat, at some point, seven large lanterns were hoisted, and the river was white. If you look closely, you can see that each lantern has a large character written on it, which together is; The Minister of the Qin Command Regiment Training.

Zeng Guofan frowned, walked off the deck quickly, went to the back cabin to take a look, and saw Guohuang reading.

Zeng Guofan asked Guohuang in a low voice: "Chenghou, why are there a few big lanterns hanging on the bow of the ship?" This Zhu Sunyi, what a fool! ”

Guohuang stood up and said, "Big brother, I asked you to hang it." What's wrong? If you don't hang the lantern, who can know that the boat is sitting on the boat is the minister of regimental training ordered by the emperor's family? What's more, if you have a trick, you can also have less trouble, right? Guo Huang explained to the eldest brother while shouting at the outer compartment: "Jing Qi, is the soup ready?" Why are you getting worse and worse at doing things? Are you making porridge or plowing the fields? ”

Guo Huang still had something to say, Zeng Guofan had already narrowed his triangular eyes, and said with anger on his face: "You stop me!" - Chenghou, you are really getting more and more unlucky! Before we arrived in the provincial capital, you began to swagger! How big is this! - Hurry up and take off the lantern for me! Smash it and throw it into the river! In the future, without my words, don't make decisions arbitrarily! ”

Guo Huang trembled in fright, and hurriedly agreed to walk out.

After a while, Wang Jingqi walked in cautiously holding the soup and said, "My lord, you always drink soup." ”

Zeng Guofan smiled, motioned to Wang Jingqi to put the soup down, and said, "The mouth changed so quickly, and the fourth young master explained it, right?" Let's call me the eldest young master. When we arrive in Changsha, it's not too late to change it. Ahem, this Chenghou! ”

Wang Jingqi muttered in a low voice: "Actually, the fourth young master is also a good intention. How can there be no rules? ”

Zeng Guofan lowered his head and took a sip of soup and said, "You go outside the cabin to take a look, have you taken off the lantern?" Then let them all come in and take a sip of soup. The river breeze is so hard, don't blow it out! We still have a long way to go to Changsha. ”

Wang Jingqi lowered his hands and replied: "It's my lord." "Quietly quit.

In the middle of the night, the river wind turned, and the speed of the ship suddenly began to increase.

Zeng Guofan was happy in his heart, and lay down and fell asleep very deeply.

After dawn, a boatload of people ran to the deck to watch the sunrise. Zeng Guofan was awakened and put on a piece of clothing and walked onto the deck. A fire slowly arched out of the river, burning a river of flames and mist.

Zeng Guofan looked around, but didn't see Guohuang's figure, thinking that he was sleeping soundly.

Wang Jingqi walked up to the deck at this time and said, "My lord, Zhou Sheng has finished the meal." ”

Zeng Guofan asked in a low voice: "Jing Qi, last night's porridge was also boiled by Zhou Sheng, right?" ”

Wang Jingqihan smiled and replied, "You should always know that I don't know how to cook." ”

Zeng Guofan said as he walked down: "You have to learn, in the future, when you march and fight, you have to get it yourself if you don't have food!" - You call the fourth young master too, and we will eat together. Also, did the people of the Yamen and the boatmen eat it? ”

Wang Jingqi said: "They have already eaten. Boiled small fish with rice, a serious boat meal. "Wang Jing finished speaking, let's talk.

Zeng Guofan smiled and said: "If you want to eat, you can eat with them, you don't have to follow us to eat vegetarian." ”

Jing Qi said: "My lord is really joking. The grandmother has been gone for less than 100 days, and even if the people are hungry to death, they can't open meat. My lord, I'm going to call the fourth young master. ”

Zeng Guofan nodded.

The river breeze did not change direction, the ship moved normally, and when the sky was bright on the 21st, it could already faintly see the shadow of Changsha City far ahead, hazy.

Zeng Guofan calculated carefully, it would take about two hours to get to Changsha Caoyun Wharf.

As Changsha got closer and closer, Zeng Guofan, who was sitting in the cabin, became more and more nervous. Because there was something in his heart, especially afraid that the Taiping Army would suddenly appear on the waterway, Zeng Guofan didn't close his eyes all night last night.

At this time, seeing that the sky was slightly bright, Changsha could vaguely see that a stone in his heart slowly fell to the ground. As soon as the whole body relaxes, fatigue strikes immediately, and you don't want to allow it in every way, and your eyes are just disobedient.

Zeng Guofan's merchant ship turned around at this time.

A rudder guard fell into the cabin in a panic, and when he saw Zeng Guofan, who was dozing, he said, "My lord, our ship can't go!" There were two galleons circling our ship, like official ships, and there were no flags - the wind had changed direction. The little one had no choice but to drop the sails. Go out and have a look. ”

Zeng Guofan shuddered violently, and opened his eyes suddenly. He asked Xiao Di to pass the word, ordered the accompanying soldiers to quickly take off their camp uniforms and wear only civilian clothes, and asked Guo Huang to call Xiao Fusi and Li Chendian up, and then walked to the deck step by step.

As soon as he came to the deck, Zeng Guofan shook his spirit again. He saw two big war ships, each with a hundred and ten people, with apricot flags on the bows, and they were making circles in front and back. The people on the boat were all armed with spears, hook guns, and other equipment, and were preparing to jump.

Zeng Guofan hurriedly said to Wang Jingqi: "This is either long hair or water pirates—you quickly enter the cabin and hide your camp clothes and official documents." If not, they will all sink into the river! ”

Wang Jingqi's legs trembled, and it took a lot of effort to move to the top of the ladder.

Zeng Guofan whispered to the people behind him: "Without my words, no one is allowed to move." ”

At this time, someone on the two warships had already raised their mouths and shouted: "Is it a merchant ship or a civilian ship?" - What's on board? ”

The boatman replied according to Zeng Guofan's instructions: "If you go back to the boss, it is a civilian ship." On the ship is the master of Shaoyang cloth shop, who wants to go to Changsha to buy goods! ”

The other party asked again: "Shaoyang came to Changsha, isn't it closer to take the dry road?" ”

The boatman replied: "The dry road is making trouble, and the waterway should be too peaceful—the boss gives way, let us pass!" ”

The two ships had been brought together, sandwiching the merchant ships of Zeng Guofan tightly in the middle.

Zeng Guofan's face changed suddenly, and he secretly shouted: "The headquarters is going to take a break this time!" ”

More than a dozen people had already jumped over the ship and landed steadily on the deck, with great agility.

One of them, the appearance of the leader, was tall and black, with black hair draped over his back, a yellow belt tied on his head, and the clothes on his body were clearly from the village; A greasy coarse cloth gown was draped over his shoulders, a straw rope was tied around his waist, and his feet were barefoot, standing on the deck without shaking at all, obviously a man who ate water and rice.

These people came to the deck, first examined each of them, and finally fixed their eyes on Zeng Guofan's face.

The man who looked like the leader suddenly sneered and said, "Which one are you?" ”

The boat family hurriedly said with a smile on his face: "This is the Wang master of Shaoyang Mansion. ”

The man suddenly flew up and kicked the boatman aside and said, "you ball!" Master, today I met a total of four Shaoyang Mansion masters. As soon as the three Wang masters saw Ben Shuai, they were so frightened that they peed their pants. You, why aren't you scared when you see Ben Shuai? - Which one are you, Ben Shuai has already guessed it as soon as he looks at your eyes! Suddenly shouted: "This triangular eye is the Zeng demon head who is coming to Changsha!" ——Listen to the order of the commander, the demon head was captured alive, and the rest were chopped into the water by the commander! ”

"Order!" Everyone shouted, and suddenly surrounded Zeng Guofan and others.

Zeng Guofan settled down and said slowly: "I have been a businessman in Shaoyang for three generations, and you, the master, should not say what kind of demon I am just based on my eyes." I have a word first, in the kingdom of heaven, can there be my relative-Wing King Shi Dakai, can you know this master? ”

The man was stunned for a moment, and then laughed and said: "His Royal Highness the Wing King of my family is famous all over the world, who doesn't know?" - I think you want to know the Winged King, but the Winged King doesn't know you! - When you arrive at the camp, you have your own division! Do it! ”

"Ball!" A thunderous roar suddenly sounded behind Zeng Guofan.

Zeng Guofan was stunned for a moment, and saw Xiao Fusi step in front of the man, and with his hand, he held the man in his arms, but his left hand flew out, impartially, just buckled on the man's throat, and the man's face was flushed. The man's legs kicked wildly, and his mouth whined indiscriminately, but he couldn't come up with a whole sentence.

Xiao Fusi shouted at the remaining twenty or so people: "Don't give the master a retreat!" Waiting for the master to catch this guy? ”

Li Chendian also jumped forward and said, "Is it deaf?" ”

More than 20 people were stunned, and suddenly they knelt down together and said, "Please show the brigade commander." ”

The man in Xiao Fusi's arms suddenly let out a few short whistles from his mouth, and no one could tell the difference.

Li Chendian said: "This is to let you ball goods go back and make way for the boat of my family's master." ”

Seeing that the kneeling man still didn't move, Li Chendian jumped up, spun up and kicked a person on the side into the water.

The people on the two boats shouted: "Hurry up and release my family marshal!" My family is the slightest bit late, and he will definitely wait for the skin to last the grass! ”

Zeng Guofan said at this time: "You can go back later." I will go to the Heavenly Kingdom Barracks and meet His Royal Highness the Wing King! ”

Xiao Fusi roared: "Minister! Listen to me, kick these balls into the water! ”

The kneeling man hurriedly said: "Since it is Master Wang, please release my family commander, I will let go!" ”

Li Chendian didn't answer, and suddenly flew up and kicked again, and there was one less person kneeling in an instant.

As soon as the remaining dozen or so people saw that Li Chendian's kung fu was really good, and the brigade commander couldn't move in Xiao Fusi's arms, they hurriedly got up and rushed to their own boats, and two more people fell into the water during the rush.

When Zeng Guofan saw the scene of the long hair fleeing, he couldn't help but secretly say: "What a rabble!" ”

Xiao Fusi said: "Get out of the way quickly, if not, I'll kill him!" ”

Xiao Fusi saw that the two boats did not move at all, and with a slight effort in his hands, saliva flowed from the man's open mouth.

The two big boats did not dare to resist, and began to slowly row to the sides.

Zeng Guofan was in a hurry to order the boatman to pass quickly. The boatman did not dare to slack off, and hurriedly ordered the sailors to operate the oars and force their way through the two ships. The two boats clung to the back, as if escorting.

The people on the two boats shouted: "If you don't let my family marshal go, what will you do?" Why don't you wait for the bombardment? ”

Zeng Guofan quietly said to Li Chendian: "Chendian, hurry up and take the tolerance to the cabin to get the guy!" ”

Guohuang was already in a mess, but when he heard this, he woke up, got up bravely, and took the lead to the hatch. On the deck, Takeben followed closely.

Xiao Fusi hugged the man tightly and didn't dare to move. He was afraid that as soon as he let go, the man would fly out like a bird, and it would be a big deal!

The people on the boat on both sides stretched out their bows and arrows, still shouting wildly: "I have let you go, why don't you let my family marshal go?" Let go or fire! ”

Xiao Fusi was about to answer, but saw a small paddle floating quickly behind him. There are two people paddling on the paddle, which is shaped like a goose and its speed is like an arrow.

Zeng Guofan saw Xiao Fusi's strange eyes, and hurriedly looked back; At this look, he was so shocked that he couldn't help but shout: "I can't imagine that I have been famous for the first time, and I have made a break here!" ”

Who is sitting on top of your little row? But it turned out to be a pickled Taoist.

The pickled Taoist stood on the paddleboard, his face solemn, and his snow-white beard spread out in the wind, as if he was a fairy in the painting.

In the blink of an eye, the little rower jumped over Zeng Guofan's merchant ship and rushed ahead.

Zeng Guofan was about to say hello, but he saw the pickled Taoist suddenly raise his hands, but when he heard two loud bangs, the race was like a thunderbolt on a sunny day.

Zeng Guofan looked intently and saw that the masts of the two ships on the left and right were broken at the same time, and the sails fell automatically.

The men of the two boats shouted one after another: "The mast of the ship is broken!" The mast is broken! ”

At this time, the pickled Taoist said to Zeng Guofan: "Take advantage of the tailwind, quickly raise the sail!" - I'm going too! ”

As soon as the boatman heard this, he realized that the river wind had turned his direction at some point, and it was the tailwind, so he hurriedly pulled up the big sail, and the boat was quick when it was broken, and the two big boats fell far away in the blink of an eye. The masts of the two large ships were interrupted by the pickled Taoist, and there were no sails to pull, so they could only do it in a hurry.

Zeng Guofan secretly screamed "ashamed", as if in a dream.

He let out a sigh of air, and then said to Xiao Fusi: "Fusi, we are far away from the thief ship. Put him down. ”

As soon as Zeng Guofan's words fell, Li Chendian had already climbed up from the cabin with a single knife in his hand.

Xiao Fusi shouted: "You are a ball loan!" Dare to move, I'm going to kill you! ”

After Xiao Fusi finished speaking, he first took off the instrument in his waist and threw it to Li Chendian, and then as soon as he let go of his hand, the man fell to the ground with a thud and didn't move.

Li Chendian approached and probed the man's snort with his hand, where was there any movement? It was clear that he had been dead for a long time, so he flew up and kicked the man into the water.

Zeng Guofan patted Xiao Fusi and Li Chendian's shoulders with his hand, and said, "It's not for the two of you to sacrifice your lives to fight, don't make a big mistake!" ”

Xiao Fu Si Mei Zizi said: "If Uncle hadn't hidden me in advance, I would have two of them today, so I would have a good fight, and be happy!" ”

Guo Huang suddenly said: "Big brother, the person who saved us just now, why do I look a little familiar?" - It looks like the one who came to find you at home! ”

Wang Jingqi said: "I can see it clearly, isn't it the pickled ghost?" ”

Zeng Guofan suddenly said: "Don't talk nonsense!" - What pickled ghosts have the Zeng family ever been! How many tens of millions of people with the same face! (End of chapter)