Chapter 1188: Expedition
After the cotton futures incident, all the aristocratic families in Bingzhou and Hedong who participated in the investment would send their responsible persons to be stationed in Chang'an.
After all, since you have decided to board the Han chariot, you must always pay attention to the political center of the Han Dynasty.
Moreover, when children from the clan are sent to study at the academy, they also need someone to take care of them.
Facts have proved that this decision is very correct.
The news that the Dahan United Reserve Board decided to expand its membership was like dropping a boulder on a calm lake, causing huge waves.
Each house is like a shark smelling the smell of blood, coming to the house one after another.
"Your Majesty, someone from outside has sent a greeting card..."
"No, no! How can I have time to see them now? Tell them I'm not free."
“Here.”
I really served this guy. I voted three times a day to worship. What is Fengfu?
A wastebasket?
Besides, paper is so precious, and it’s really unscrupulous to use it for such repetitive and futile tasks.
Since we have decided to lead the army on an expedition, we naturally put the military situation first.
How could Feng Duhu have the time and mood to engage in those things that smell like copper?
"You don't have to worry about how much food each family will pay in the end, and how to pay it. It's all up to Jiang Gong at the Shangshutai to talk to them."
“After Jiang Gong has reached an agreement with them, he will send you the details of the money and food submitted by each family.”
“All you have to do is to see how to allocate the member quotas based on the detailed list sent by Mr. Jiang.”
"I have already told you about the general rules of this matter. If there are any big changes, you can discuss it with Madam Right."
Feng Duhu ordered Li Mu, and in the second half of the last sentence, he turned to his right wife who was holding the child.
The right lady rolled her eyes at him and curled her lips.
Li Mu, on the other hand, lowered his eyebrows and bowed his head, and replied respectfully:
“Yes, sir, don’t worry, I will remember it.”
When Feng Duhu was appointed as the captain to protect the Qiang, she stayed in Nanxiang and did a good job.
Some of the personnel of the exchange and reserve bureau were brought out by her herself.
Now that he is back to his old business, Feng Duhu has nothing to worry about.
Of course, this matter can also be left to the right lady's hands.
But the right lady has to take care of the children, and she also has to read the political affairs sent from the chancellery and file them.
If Feng Duhu hadn't gone on an expedition, she would have to select the important content so that Feng Duhu could know it easily.
So don’t put this matter on her anymore, lest she get tired.
This is definitely not because there are royal seats in the Han Dynasty Joint Reserve Bureau, so Feng Duhu was afraid that if he was not at home during the expedition, the royal family would take advantage of the situation and take the opportunity to interfere in the matter.
Feng Duhu walked up to Madam Right and looked down at his youngest daughter.
The child has fallen asleep in her mother's arms. She is quiet and well-behaved. It seems that she will definitely grow up to be a lady.
Feng Duhu had a smile on his face. He lowered his voice subconsciously and said:
"Although Jiang Gongyan will discuss the money and food involved in this matter with them, we still have to meet the target for the final amount, and supervision must be done well."
“But there is a real problem. It is inconvenient for the third lady to meet Jiang Gongyan, but you can. You should also keep this in mind.”
There are left and right wives in the house, and there is a sequence of entry, but there is no distinction between big and small.
So Amei is the second wife, and Li Mu is naturally the third wife.
The right lady weighed the child in her arms, shook it slightly, and hummed softly:
“You and Jiang Gongyan worked together to promote this matter, why can’t you still trust him?”
As a queen, my sister went to the Zhongduhu Mansion in person to discuss matters with her Alang a few days ago.
No matter what the reason is, it is still somewhat condescending.
As the queen's younger sister, she could naturally guess some of the reasons - the Shangshutai had exerted its strength and put some pressure on the palace.
The prime minister passed away and the emperor took charge. The palace, or rather the queen, wanted to use Wei Yan to suppress Alang.
Alang was so angry that he went to patrol the border. At the same time, in the eyes of outsiders, this was Alang taking a step back.
It’s just that the queen probably didn’t expect that the counterattack would come so quickly—she even handed over a knife behind her with her own hands.
When the Dahan Joint Reserve Bureau was first established, the palace contributed a lot.
Taking advantage of the original share, the palace's voice in the Reserve Bureau is not as small as that of the Xinghan Hui, but it is not small.
Now the number of seats is suddenly expanded, and it is still led by the Central Protectorate and the Chancellor, which invisibly dilutes the voice of the palace.
After all, who doesn’t know the virtues of those aristocratic families?
Whoever gives you a favor will follow!
Had it not been for the aristocratic family's push, even if the Later Han Dynasty was going to fall eventually, it would not have fallen so quickly.
"Why don't I trust him? Isn't he responsible for all the food and grass for this expedition?"
This expedition used the last resources in the treasury.
However, the summer grain will be put into storage soon. Looking at the appearance of these aristocratic families now, they must be able to seamlessly make up for it soon.
When the Prime Minister went on an expedition, Jiang Wan was able to provide enough food and clothing for the army.
Feng Duhu believed that Jiang Wan could do the same when it was his turn.
Feng Duhu did not raise his head, but said calmly:
“So in this matter, it’s not a question of trust or disbelief, but a question of rules.”
“Friendship is friendship, but if you want to do things, you still have to follow the rules.”
Having said this, he finally couldn't hold himself back any longer, reached out his hand, and gently touched the child's pink cheek:
“If you don’t follow the rules, you will not get far.”
The right lady bit her lower lip and suddenly asked: "Then you are not afraid that I will go to the palace?"
Hearing this, Feng Duhu raised his head, with a gentle smile on his face, and said softly:
“You are different, I believe in you, I can change the rules for you.”
As he spoke, he leaned over the child and kissed the right lady's face gently, then stretched out his hand and rubbed her head:
“You will be buried with me in the Feng family’s grave from now on!”
"ah!"
Even though they were an old married couple, Feng Duhu suddenly came in front of the other three wives and concubines, which frightened the right lady to let out a short exclamation.
The blush on her cheeks spread like a girl's, and it spread quickly, making Mrs. Right feel like her face was on fire.
“You, you…what kind of family grave…”
Where did the Feng family find their family graves now?
The graves of uncles and aunts are now cemeteries, not to mention that I have never heard of Alang saying that he would designate them as family graves.
Choosing a place for a family tomb is a big deal.
Feng Duhu has rarely seen his wife acting like a little daughter in these years, and he couldn't help but laugh.
But I think Madam You is right. If nothing else happens, after her death, she will probably be buried next to the little fat man’s imperial mausoleum.
With the little fat man’s temperament, it is impossible to put himself in the first place.
As for Mrs. Right, she has always had an identity, that is, the female official Shang Gong in the palace, and she also represents the person in charge of the young master outside.
These years have not settled in the palace.
Otherwise, she would not have been able to become Lord Shunde, and the palace even gave her a palace.
When the time comes, I will be buried next to the emperor's mausoleum, and maybe Shunde Jun will also be buried next to the hou mausoleum.
As for Mrs. Zuo, based on General Guan’s illustrious reputation, it was more than enough to be buried with the emperor as a meritorious official.
When the time comes for Ah Chong, Ah Shun, A Mo and others to worship themselves, wouldn’t they have to go to Adou’s imperial mausoleum to worship?
Thinking of this, Feng Duhu put his arms around Mrs. Zuo and kissed her as well.
Mrs. Zuo’s eyes were twitching, her cheeks were rosy, and she seemed angry but also happy.
"I am leaving!"
“Alang (male gentleman), be careful!”
Out of the house, a group of children lined up in the courtyard.
Liu Chen's eyes were full of curiosity, but more of admiration and excitement.
Zhongduhu is a famous general of the Han Dynasty. It is a blessing to see Zhongduhu go on an expedition with his own eyes.
What only made him feel a little disappointed was that the right hussar general of the Han Dynasty seemed to be a little too low-key when he went on an expedition.
As for Zhuge Zhan, although he was also a little curious, he tried hard to hide his emotions.
Compared to Liu Chen, after all, his lord is the prime minister, and he has repeatedly led large armies to attack thieves.
As for Ah Chong A Mo and others, they were much calmer.
In the early years, my lord and my mother were often away on military expeditions, and it was common for them not to see anyone for a year and a half.
The only child who is not feeling right is Shuangshuang, the eldest sister.
Her little face was full of worry, and her eyes were even a little sad.
“Sir, can you not go?”
Seeing the master and his mother coming out, she rushed up, hugged Feng Duhu's thigh, and cried.
When Feng Duhu saw her like this, he felt a little pain in his heart. He picked her up, forced a smile and comforted her:
"My lord is going on an expedition for the country, how can you say not to go? Don't worry, your lord will be fine."
Both of them hugged Feng Duhu’s neck and shouted loudly:
“But I can’t bear to let you go, sir!”
“Be good, both of you, don’t worry, the adults will be back soon.”
"Really?"
“Really, how could I lie to you?”
They both let go of Feng Duhu's neck, looked at Feng Duhu with flickering eyes, and then counted with their fingers:
"Then, are those three days enough? Can I come back the day after tomorrow, no, the day after tomorrow?"
Perhaps in her mind, three days is a long time.
Seeing his daughter in such a state, Feng Duhu felt even more reluctant to give up.
Mrs. Zuo behind her looked at the father and daughter in front of her affectionately, and suddenly said lightly:
“My lord is not here, so you have to study hard. Otherwise, no one in the house will be able to protect you.”
Feng Duhu felt his body stiffen.
Just when he was in a daze, both of them slipped out of his arms, ran to Mrs. Zuo, took Mrs. Zuo's hand, and said obediently:
"Ah Mu, I will definitely do it. I will never make Grandma angry again in the future."
Feng Duhu subconsciously hugged her and took in the air, and suddenly felt empty.
Mrs. Zuo glanced at Feng Duhu.
Feng Duhu sighed: "Let's go!"
"Congratulations to your lord (Zhongduhu)! I wish your lord (Zhongduhu) a great victory!"
Amidst the congratulations of all the children, Feng Duhu walked out of the house, got on his horse, and raised his hands to express his gratitude to his relatives inside the house.
Then he pinched the horse’s belly and said, “Drive!”
Horse Dede, escorted by personal guards, headed towards the city gate.
The sun is like fire, and the armor is like blood.
The military order to mobilize the Tongguan garrison had long been issued in the name of the Central Protectorate together with the emperor's edict.
At this time, Li Qiu should have assembled his army and set off.
Feng Duhu set out from Chang'an and did not wait for Li Qiu. Instead, he took only the soldiers from the guard camp and headed towards Wuguan.
When passing through Lantian, he specifically stayed for a day and went up the mountain to worship the prime minister.
Guo Mo, who has been guarding the Prime Minister's Temple, is also old and his body has become a little rickety.
Sometimes he would play the flute or play the harp, playing "The Swordsman" and "The Swordsman" as well.
Some people who came to pay homage heard the name of the song, and when they heard that it was passed down by Feng Duhu, they were immediately shocked to hear the tune.
“Sir, you are very talented, and your playing on the flute sounds much better than mine.”
Feng Duhu stood in front of the prime minister's tomb and said to Guo Mo.
Guo Mo's strength has declined and he rarely goes up the mountain on weekdays. But when Feng Duhu came, he had to follow him no matter what.
Hearing Feng Duhu's praise, he didn't look proud at all. He just stroked the long flute in his hand as if he was nostalgic or regretful, and said:
“If the Prime Minister were still here, how happy it would be to be able to play the piano and flute with him!”
“The Prime Minister once said that when the Master comes back, he will play a song with the Master. The Master and the Prime Minister really know each other.”
If you are not a close friend, how can you die generously for the prime minister?
Guo Mo smiled, and then sighed again:
“The ensemble seems to have lost hope…”
He glanced at Feng Duhu, and then sighed again:
"If you are lucky enough to be buried next to the Prime Minister, and perform music with the Prime Minister under the yellow soil, it would be good to fulfill your long-cherished wish."
Hearing this, Feng Duhu knew what he meant and said with a smile:
“Sir’s wish has been known forever. I have written this down, but when I return to Chang’an to meet His Majesty, I can ask you about it on your behalf.”
Remembering that the Prime Minister was frugal during his lifetime and allowed himself to be buried sparingly after his death. If he were to bury only the Prime Minister in such a big mountain, I am afraid that the Prime Minister would scold himself underground.
Not to mention that the Prime Minister is probably a little lonely alone in the mountains. When the time comes, having Guo Mo, a confidant, to accompany him can be regarded as a sign of filial piety.
Guo Mo’s eyes lit up after receiving Feng Duhu’s promise. His rickety body straightened up a bit, and then he bent down again:
“I’m here, I’d like to thank the Central Protector in advance. If my wish comes true, I’ll shed tears of gratitude…”
Feng Duhu helped Guo Mo up:
"Sir, why do you need to do this? If the Prime Minister can have your husband accompany you, I'm afraid he will be happy. As the Prime Minister's disciple, I have to thank you."
After paying homage to the prime minister, Feng Duhu continued eastward, passed through Yiguan Pass, and finally came to Wuguan Pass.
Jufu and Meng Yan greeted him at the gate of Wuguan Pass early:
“Meet the Central Protector!”
“No need to be polite, get up!”
Feng Duhu got off his horse, looked up at Guancheng in front of him, and said to the two of them:
“Let’s go and talk after we enter the city.”
Wuguan is built on a relatively flat highland between canyons, with the cliffs of Shaoxi Mountain to the north.
The east, west and south sides are surrounded by the Juejian of the Wuguan River Valley. Guancheng lies across the middle of the river, and the terrain is extremely dangerous.
There is one gate on the east and west side of Guancheng, and the west gate leading to Guanzhong has a relatively flat terrain.
To the east of Guancheng in the direction of Jingxiang, there are four high and steep ridges, one going up the mountain, which does not allow riding together and is shielded by Wuguan.
Therefore, as long as Guanzhong sends troops to guard this place, once Guan City is closed, the Jingxiang Road will be difficult to pass.
However, no matter how dangerous the pass is, it must be guarded by someone.
The former Han Dynasty prospered in Wuguan and also perished in Wuguan. It can be seen that the danger of Guancheng lies not in the terrain, but in the people's hearts.
(End of this chapter)