The news that the Western Expeditionary Army had completely wiped out the Agubo invading army and the British mercenaries and recovered all the territory of southern Xinjiang quickly spread throughout the land of China. The red flag is a success, the whole country celebrates, and the people rejoice!

In the camp of the Turghut tribe in the Qingsong Village of the Heavenly Wolf Valley, the lights are colorful and lively. Although it is still a cold winter, heavy snow covers the mountains; But here is the smell of spring.

Next to the "Boy Scout Training Camp" yurt group on the side of the tribal camp, two brand new yurts that have just been erected stand out. Several cauldrons were steaming in the snow in the training camp playground......

The tribe is holding weddings for two couples, Dorji and Guli, Gao Shan and Sanglan.

Zhixin took Bayindalai, Baolidu, and Cailayer Batu to add firewood under each cauldron. The little ones didn't think the fire was burning well, so they blew it with their mouths, and the smoke choked all over their noses and tears......

Bayindalai is nine years old, with a tiger's head and a tiger's brain, exactly like Battle. The little one looks forward to growing up quickly every day and participating in the "Boy Scout Training Camp" as soon as possible; Like his uncle, he can wield knives and guns, ride horses and shoot arrows.

Baolidu and Caitai Batu are both over 16 years old and are already students of the "Boy Scout Training Camp" who are about to graduate. Baolidu's appearance is between his father Ashan Kundu and his mother Yunduo, with a strong figure and a delicate face. The demeanor of the talented layer Batu and the grandfather who has been martyred, Sange Jizuo, is similar, with big shoulders and round waist, and infinite strength!

The jubilant Niman and Qi Feng were humming the "Tianshan Pastoral" tune: "Under each mountain peak, there is a battlefield where I fight." The thief with the blade, the guardian Eji and the girl in my heart, it is the immortal heaven that gives me magical power. If enemy guns pierce my chest, bury me on a high hill......"

While singing, put the chopped lamb into a large pot.

Dressed in Mongolian wedding costumes, Dorji and Gao Shan are naturally overjoyed! I feel that this slow and cumbersome process is a bit tiring.

Seeing that the master of ceremonies had not yet arrived, Dorji had a new idea, and squeezed his eyes with Gao Shan and said:

"Hey! In the future, today's day will be our 'marriage anniversary'. Now, please ask Master Zhixin to write a poem for us on this day to commemorate the occasion. What do you think? ”

Takayama was more interested and said loudly, "Go!" ”

Dorji and Gao Shan found paper and pen, took Gu Li and Sang Lan, and came to Zhixin together.

Zhixin was taken aback when he saw that the two pairs of grooms and brides had run out! Hurriedly asked:

"What's going on with you?"

Dorji squinted his eyes and said, "The master of ceremonies doesn't know where to go?" Not here yet. We were bored inside, and we came up with it and asked you to make a poem. Commemoration and rejoicing! ”

Zhixin's face sank! He rebuked, "Today is a day of great joy for you!" Whether it is a Mongolian wedding or a Han wedding; They should all be honest and follow the rules. How can there be a bride and groom running around? There are no rules at all......"

Qi Feng leaned over, grimaced and echoed, "I heard! The bride of the Mongolian tribe, after the wedding, hid behind the tent when she entered the cave room. The bridegroom could not see him for three days, and he could not even touch his hands. Hurry up! You're pulling and pulling around now, aren't you too impatient? Hahaha......"

looked at Qi Feng, who was laughing at him, and bent over with a smile; Sang Lan was angry in her heart, and her eyes widened! You're going to hit someone......

Gao Shan hurriedly stopped Sang Lan, who wanted to have a seizure, and begged Zhixin and said:

"Master! It's still a special time. The marriage is simple, not in a hurry. But today's day is different. It is not only the day when we get married, but also a good day for the army of the Western Expedition to sweep away the thieves and recover the entire southern Xinjiang. Everyone has been looking forward to this day for too long and too hard! I also think that it is indeed worth celebrating, commemorating the memorial. Didn't you also mention in your poem that 'the army set the day of the Tianshan Mountains in the west, and the novice traveled eastward with the moon on his back'? ……”

"Stop!" Sang Lan screamed! Pointing at the high mountain, glaring at the eyes, he said sharply, "I knew that you couldn't say nice things." Are you trying to encourage the 'Master' to leave us quickly and return to Famen Temple? What heart do you have in peace? ”

Gao Shan was stunned! immediately reacted that he had said the wrong thing, and let the family misunderstand, so he quickly explained:

"I didn't mean that...... I'm stupid. If you always say it, don't you mean what you think? ”

Guli said, "It seems. Sang Lan's whips still haven't woken you up......"

Gao Shan hurriedly waved his hands, "Okay! All right! I don't talk nonsense anymore......"

Dorji also felt that Gao Shan's speech was not considered, and this kind of distinction must not be said nonsense! He shouted at the mountains:

"Hey! You kid, why are you virtuous with me? I don't like to talk! These hard days have just passed, and good days have just begun. You just say this kind of thing, it's too unauthentic! We will always be with the 'Master'! ”

Everyone shouted in unison: "Yes! We will always be with the 'Master'! Never separate! ”

Zhixin smiled and said, "Actually, Gao Shan is right. The world is peaceful. If the fate comes, it gathers, and when the fate ends, it disperses; Cause and effect always follow, and it is not up to anyone. Everything is certain...... However, today's day is truly special. The Buddha descended to grace, the north and south of Xinjiang were recovered, and the catastrophe was over; People who are destined to tie the knot, and the tribal incense is continued. It's really a joy ......."

There was a deep groan. He took the pen and paper brought by Dorji, and the excitement in his heart was a little uncontrollable! Pick up the pen and wave on the song "The Soul of the Tianshan Mountains - Happy Day". Words:

It is only said that Bodhi is not cold-tolerant, and now he is good at marrying two.

The snow is ruthless, and the high places on the top of the clouds are more protective of lotuses.

I heard that the army was marching westward again, sweeping away the remnants and eliminating the wolf smoke.

Suddenly, a red flag came to report the victory, and the light of the Buddha shone to Hotan.

Everyone is wonderful! ……

Four months later (A.D. 1878, April of the fourth year of Guangxu). Winter turned to spring, and the Heavenly Wolf Valley ushered in the first spring after the recovery of the northern and southern frontiers.

On the grounds of the tribal camp and the "Boy Scout Training Camp", the grass that had been yellowed for a winter began to show dense shoots.

This is more than a month later than spring outside the mountains. The entire tribe has begun to prepare for the transfer to Halmodun......

this day. A group of more than 20 officers and cavalry entered the Heavenly Wolf Valley from the mouth of the East Valley. This team of people and horses went straight to the tribal camp of Qingsong Village.

The two leaders were Ouyang Xiong and Wei Xiao, who walked out from here and returned to the team. Ouyang Xiong is now the commander of the garrison barracks of Yanqi City appointed by the imperial court; Wei Xiao is the deputy commander.

This time, they brought thousands of taels of silver, shouldering a special mission.

As soon as Ouyang Xiong and Wei Xiao entered the Heavenly Wolf Valley, it was a bit like coming home. They naturally have a heartfelt intimacy with every plant and tree here. The Turgots are desperate to save their lives, and this is clearly their second home.

Batel, Zabudaiji, Sanji Meiren, Li Jie Kundu, Ahsan Kundu, and Lama Mucheng, who were waiting in the camp, all hurried forward to meet them.

Everyone hugged each other and refused to let go for a long time; His eyes were full of tears of reunion after a long absence.

Entering the big tent, Ouyang Xiong didn't see Jinhua Hatun, so he asked Battle.

Battle explained: "Ten days ago. Hatun went back to his hometown in Kobdo to visit his parents. After more than ten years of bloody storms and escapes from death, it is not easy to survive to this day. Kobdo's old father and mother have always been particularly worried; I often fly pigeons to ask about the situation, especially this little grandson...... Now the north and south of Xinjiang have finally been recovered and completed! Hatun hurriedly took the little Khan King to see his grandparents and two old people, and reported his safety to the old man in person. Will be back next month. When I came back, I had to bring back the villagers who had been transferred to Kobdo for refuge in the early stage. ”

"It's not easy for everyone to survive to this day! After going through hardships and dangers, it is simply a life of nine deaths. Not to mention the family, the entire court is worried about death. Wei Xiao said.

Zabudaiji asked, "Brother Ouyang and Wei Xiao won't have any big deal when they come this time, right?" ”

Ouyang Xiong took a sip of milk tea, his expression seemed to have changed, and he said solemnly:

"Big deal, indeed! Now, the Aguba invading army and the British mercenaries have been eradicated; However, Ili was still in the hands of Tsarist Russia. The imperial court had already asked Tsarist Russia for the return of Ili, but it was not going well. At that time, the Russians declared that they were 'threatening the Russian borders in order to ensure that Ili was not occupied by the army of Aguba; Temporarily administered on behalf of the Chinese government. After the Chinese army defeated Aguba's army and recovered the northern and southern frontiers; Immediately return the whole territory of Ili'...... But now, it has repented and refused to hand over Ili. And a whole bunch of excuses were made! The imperial court and Zuo Dashuai have already made up their minds. If negotiations fail, be prepared to resolve it by force! ”

Lama Mu Cheng was taken aback! Worriedly asked, "There is another war?" ”

"Yes! If Tsarist Russia is determined to take Ili for itself; This battle is inevitable. Wei Xiao said.

"Hit when you should! We've been putting up with it for years. Anyway, he had already destroyed Aguba, and driven the British away; Now, don't be afraid to fight the Russians again! Let's talk about it, how should our tribe cooperate? Zabudaji said.

The leaders nodded.

Ouyang Xiong also nodded. He looked at this group of brothers who have been in the same boat through thick and thin, born and died for more than ten years, and their fighting spirit is still undiminished, and their demeanor is still the same, and he is very excited! Said:

"Now, Zuo Dashuai has passed Hami; He entered Xinjiang with his coffin. An oath has been made: Ili will not return, and will never withdraw the army! …… From now on, from the northern, southern, and central directions, the troops will be divided into three routes to make pre-war preparations. The 35th Battalion of the Northern Route Army, marching from Jinghe to Sailimu Lake, commanded by the Ili general Jin Shun; The defenders of Tacheng were the back-up.

"The 30th Battalion of the Southern Route Army, transferred from Kashgar to Wushi, prepared to cross Tomur Peak and march to the upper reaches of the Turks River, under the command of Liu Jintang, the chief general of the Western Expeditionary Army. The 35th Battalion of the Zhuo Sheng Army has set out from Tuoxun and headed for Aksu as a backup...... Our Bayinbrook is the middle lane, and Zuo Dashuai is in charge. Zhang Ji, the governor of Guangdong, led the 25th battalion of the Songwu Army and the Turghut cavalry as the vanguard, and assembled at Bayinbrook; The 40th battalion of the Hunan Army and the Anhui Army marched into the Yanqi and Balentai fortresses as the Chinese army and backup. ”

Battle is in good spirits! asked excitedly: "Zuo Dashuai personally sits in our middle lane?" ”

Ouyang Xiong nodded and said, "Yes! ”

"What time do you plan to arrive?"

"The Songwu army has assembled in Kucha. After the snow melts in the middle of next month, take the Ice Ridge Road over the Tieri Daban to Bayinbrook. In early September, Marshal Zuo personally led the main forces of the Hunan Army and the 40th Battalion of the Anhui Army from Hami to Yanqi via Turpan and Tuoxun. It is planned to cross the Barentai Grand Canyon and meet at Bayingbrook. ”

Zabuteiji was a little excited, and said, "Our Bayinbrook is the closest to Ili. The 'Narati barracks' of the Russian army were set up right in front of us, and a stone could be thrown on their heads from the top of the hill. I think! The south and north lanes are responsible for outflanking, and the main direction of attack should be our middle lane. There may be a lot of things to do in the early stage of preparation? ”

Ouyang Xiong said: "Yes! The five thousand taels of silver we brought with us this time were specially given to you for the construction of the Bayinbrook military camp and the storage of grain and grass for the army on the middle road...... Other than that. The imperial court has decreed: The Turghat tribe has made meritorious contributions to resisting the enemy, and a reward of 40,000 taels of silver will be rewarded. When the army of Zuo Dashuai arrived, the reward of the ministry was also released. ”

Zabtaiji's eyes lit up! Excitedly, he said: "Now we need money to collect the separated people and restore their livelihoods!" The money was given at the right time. At that time, Jinhua Hatun and the Little Khan also returned to the tribe. ”

Lama Mu Cheng was also a little excited, and said to him: "I should really thank the imperial court for its kindness!" In these eleven years, because of the loss of winter and autumn pastures; More than half of the tribe's cattle and sheep have starved to death. The herdsmen who fled back did not even breed sheep and ewes. Now that I have the money, I finally have a landing...... Amitabha! ”

Zabu Taiji said to Wei Xiao with a smile: "Let's all accompany Brother Ouyang here to talk about the old days. Let Battle, hurry up and take you to see your 'Boy Scouts', right? I know that what you are most worried about is those Ga brothers. Go for it! ”

Battle and Wei Xiao smiled and got up and walked out of the big tent.

Just a few steps out of the big tent, Wei Xiao was suddenly stopped and hugged from behind...... When Wei Xiao hurriedly looked back in surprise, his face was gnawed with "pop, pop" twice.

"Dorji!" Wei Xiao exclaimed in surprise.

"Hey! I'm going to be a dad soon, and I'm not so big or small? No etiquette at all! Battle rebuked Dorgi and said.

Wei Xiao dragged Dorji and asked curiously, "How did you know we were here?" ”

Dorji pursed his mouth and said, "I can know that there is a mosquito coming in this Heavenly Wolf Valley; Besides, you have dozens of cavalrymen coming in. Can I not know? ”

Wei Xiao hurriedly asked Battle, "Soon-to-be a father?" Is Dorji married? ”

Battle nodded, "At the end of last year." When you recover Kashgar and Khotan, give them their relatives. It's only been more than four months......"

Wei Xiao was a little puzzled, and asked again, "They?" Who else? ”

Dorji said loudly: "I am married to Guli!" Gao Shan is married to Sang Lan! It's all your soldiers......"

Wei Xiao suddenly realized! Grabbing Dorji's two arms, he said with a smile, "Hmm! Good! Good! Good! …… Ay! I heard that you were wounded in Manas. Isn't that nothing? ”

Dorji said out loud and serious: "Who are we?" Rubbing off a piece of flesh on the leg, where is it an injury? ”

"That's it! Stop blowing. Who is it that howls like a pig when they are healed by a doctor? "Battle uncovered Dorji's old bottom.

"Isn't there a call from behind?"

"Come on! If it weren't for Gu Li and Sang Lan to get started, you would have to shout your throats! ……”

Wei Xiao touched Dorji's head and said, "Yo! Last time on the tower of Korla City, you were shot by the Kokand army on the scalp, and you were okay? Your hair is growing......"

Dorji grimaced, pointed to the top of his head and said, "This is Guli using garlic and ginger to rub on the top of my head for half a year before it gets better." However, it's still a bit sparse and not too thick......"

Battle stopped Dorji and said, "Okay, don't be verbose, I have to meet the others......

Dorji hurriedly dragged Battelle back and said mysteriously:

"Brother! I asked Gu Li and Sang Lan to start cooking meat. We are ready to chat with Brother Wei Xiao! I mean, don't go to us...... Or, you will accompany Uncle Ouyang? ”

Battle glared! Sharply said, "Hey! You're really capable! Dare you assign me? Your Uncle Ouyang and Zabu Taiji are all old friends. You don't need me to accompany you! …… You're upset when you see me, aren't you? ”

Dorji hurriedly said with a smiling face: "No! That's not what it means! I mean, you're with all of us, and my words don't carry any weight. They all didn't feel comfortable either......"

Battle groaned, "Alright! Then I'll go and see Master Zhixin......"

Dorji hurriedly stopped it again and said, "My master is busy chanting sutras and chanting Buddha!" Don't bother him...... Well, we'll have to ask him to compose a poem later......"

Battle was reluctant to do so now, grabbed Dorji's neck, gritted his teeth and said:

"You kid want to turn the sky upside down? It doesn't work, it doesn't work either! Specifically tricking me, isn't it? Say! What the hell are you going to do? ”

Seeing that Battle still didn't stop, Dorji hurriedly dragged Battle to move a few steps, and whispered in Battle's ear and said mysteriously:

"There's another serious matter, I didn't tell you...... We are going to be a matchmaker for Brother Wei Xiao and match...... It's Sister Xueying. ”

Battle was stunned! This sentence did touch Battle's heart. Xu Xuegong's seven brothers have all sacrificed their lives for the country on the battlefield against the Agubo invading army and the British mercenaries. Xu Xueying, the only sister, is the only one left of Xu Xuegong's eight siblings. This hard-working man is now dependent on the Turghut tribe.

Although it is beautiful and dignified, and the piano, chess, calligraphy and painting are all refined; But in this stormy and turbulent autumn, he is nearly thirty years old and has not yet started a family. Xu Xuegong was the commander of the "Zhenwu Battalion", and he didn't care about family affairs at all. He and King Khan, as Xu Xuegongyi's brother to Jin Lan, have the obligation to take good care of her. And now that the Khan is gone, this task should fall entirely on his shoulders; But he was careless, and he didn't care about Xu Xueying's "shadow" at this age.

If it weren't for this kid Dorji to bring up this, I'm afraid I wouldn't have thought of it. In this case, I have to be grateful to him...... However, it seems that Xu Xueying and Wei Xiao are indeed quite compatible. With similar ages and temperaments, it would be perfect to be able to match the two of them into a couple! At this festive time when the north and south of Xinjiang are pacified, it is the right time to solve these problems......

Seeing that Battle was thinking in a daze, Dorji understood his thoughts, so he poked him lightly.

Battle asked Erji with a serious face, "What you said is true?" ”

Dorji nodded vigorously, "It's true!"

"Didn't lie to me?"

"I definitely didn't lie to you!"

Battle turned to Wei Xiao and said, "You soldiers, you only have feelings for you. I just have something to say to you...... I won't get in your way, just go with them, I'll go home." I'll call you again when the wine table is set in the evening......"

"Don't! Don't! As I told you, Guli and Sang Lan have already started to cook meat. Brother Wei Xiao will be handed over to us; You just have a good time with Uncle Ouyang, and catch up with the old days. What do you think? Dorji said eagerly.

Battle nodded, "Hmm! Okay, then you guys go for it......"

Wei Xiao saw that the brother-in-law and brother-in-law were a little mysterious and a little puzzled. He nodded suspiciously.

Dorji pushed Batel and comforted him: "Bayinda didn't come to my house today. He and my sister are waiting for you to come home...... Don't have a bloated stomach, go back! ”

Battle glared at Dorji again! Turning his head to Wei Xiao, he said, "It's been eleven years, and it's not easy to survive to this day...... Today you will have fun with them! I'll talk about the rest tomorrow! ”

Wei Xiao nodded again......

Dorji pulled Wei Xiao and came to his own yurt next to the "Boy Scout Training Camp".

Wei Xiao was the first chief trainer of the "Boy Scout Training Camp" from Bayingbrook to Sky Wolf Valley. When I came back here again, I naturally felt very kind when I looked at the training equipment I had built by myself.

Before he could enter the yurt, he heard the sound of chattering coming from inside.

Dorji knew that everyone had already come, and felt that there were many people inside, so he did not enter the door directly; Instead, he dragged Wei Xiao to the bench of the training ground and sat down.

Dorji asked Wei Xiao and said, "Now, the Kokand army has been killed and the British have also been driven away; The world is at peace. What are your plans for the future? ”

Wei Xiao pondered for a moment and said, "Now, you can't say 'the world is peaceful'. Ili was still in the hands of Tsarist Russia...... We came this time because it was not smooth to ask for the return of Ili, and we were ready to solve it by force. Zuo Dashuai had already carried the coffin into Xinjiang to Hami; He will personally take control of our Bayinbrook steppe and retake Ili. The other two roads are also making pre-war preparations, and it is estimated that the war will start in about three months. ”

Dorji smiled, waved his hand weirdly, and said, "As far as I observed. This battle can't be fought......"

Wei Xiao was stunned! looked at Dorji with astonishment...... For so many years. Dorji is always a great guy when he is unexpected; Moreover, he often speaks amazingly! In a word. How could you say such a thing again this time?