Chapter 1245 Crossing the River
Why are there so many aristocratic families in Hedong?
Because this place has been one of the centers of Chinese civilization activities since history.
Why did it become the center of Chinese civilization activities?
In addition to its strategic location and pleasant climate, another important reason is that it produces salt.
Not only humans, but also beasts and other creatures cannot lack salt.
If the salt in the body is not replenished for a long time, the limbs will be weak and the spirit will be weak.
If the salt content in the body falls below a certain level, neurological symptoms and cerebral edema may occur.
If cerebral edema worsens and brain herniation occurs, respiratory failure or even death may occur.
The Salt Sea in the east of Hedong has always been an important salt supplier in the Central Plains.
After Ji Han regained Hedong, he first slapped the local wealthy family until they almost had a cerebral hemorrhage, and then stuffed a handful of sweet dates into their mouths.
Now the local aristocratic families are almost being tamed like dogs.
Otherwise, if the wealthy families in Shangdang made such a big fuss, why didn’t Hedong react at all?
Without the support of the Hedong family, the Hedong salt smuggled to the east will naturally become increasingly scarce.
Of course, it is definitely impossible to say that it will become extinct. After all, as long as there are enough huge profits, there will always be people willing to take risks.
But in any case, the amount of salt smuggled from Hedong is only 10% of the amount before, and cannot be any more.
To steal salt from under the nose of a former smuggler named Shi, one must be extremely wise and brave.
So in the past few years, the price of salt in Luoyang has been rising again and again, making even wealthy people feel a little unable to bear it.
Why did Sima Yi plan so hard for so many years, even if he took risks and sent out surprise troops, he still wanted to escape from the cage of Henan and Hanoi?
It was because food and grass were controlled by our own people, and strategic materials such as salt were choked by Ji Han, it was really uncomfortable.
If you don't think of a way, then you really have no choice but to wait for death.
It can be said that the ancient ferry crossing of Maojin Ferry has become a key place that holds the last breath of salt in Henan and Hanoi.
So the Wei army guarding the south side of the river was looking forward to a boat sneaking over from the other side every day.
At the same time, we were always on guard against ships from the other side trying to force us across, which almost made us suffer from schizophrenia.
Just when the Wei army, which was guarding the new pass of Hangu, was looking to the rear, a caravan coming from the direction of Luoyang also happened to arrive at Maojin Ferry.
“Hey, Mr. Mi Lang? Why did you come here in person?”
General Wei who was guarding the ferry was a little surprised when he saw the leader of the caravan. He quickly stepped forward and asked, "This time, could it be something big again?"
Hearing this, Mi Shiyilang smiled apologetically at General Wei, looked around, and did not explain.
As soon as General Wei saw the other party's appearance, he immediately woke up and said with a smile:
“It’s me who talks too much, Mr. Mi Lang, don’t blame me, don’t blame me!”
Mi Shiyilang smiled again, as bright as a flower, which made people feel good about him, but when he saw the other party raised his wide sleeves in salute:
“This time, we have to trouble the general again.”
“No trouble, no trouble, I wish Mr. Mi Lang could come here every day!”
After all, every time Mi Langjun's caravan came to the ferry, the supplies it received were always valuable.
Such as brown sugar, candles, etc., soldiers like myself would definitely not dare to get their hands on them.
Only the nobles of Luoyang are eligible to enjoy it.
But as long as Mi Langjun's fingers leak something like salt, it is enough for the brothers at Fukou to support their families.
This Mr. Mi Lang is such a wonderful man!
This man is a retainer of the eldest princess's house and has contacts with many wealthy families in Luoyang City.
On weekdays, he is willing to cut corners and submit to others, and he can be honest with even people in the market.
The most important thing is that he is generous, very generous.
The garrison at the ferry would be very happy not only to see Mi Langjun coming in person, but even if the caravan under his name came.
The reason is still the same: no other, bold, very bold.
No, within a few breaths of time when Mi Langjun and General Wei were saluting, several bills had already been handed into the hands of General Wei under the cover of Mi Langjun's wide sleeves and robe.
General Wei's expression did not change, and he stuffed the money into his wrist armor very smoothly.
The movements are smooth and flowing, done in one go.
“Mi Langjun, when will the other side come over this time?”
After accepting the ticket, General Wei's smile became even brighter and he asked proactively.
Mi Shiyilang smiled and shook his head:
"Who can say for sure? People coming from the other side are not as convenient as us. They can come here at any time."
As he spoke, he looked to the north, raised his chin, and sighed:
"Maybe it can be delayed by one or two days, or even two or three days in advance. So every time we come here, we have to come in advance and wait."
Of course, coming here in advance is not only to wait for the goods, but also more importantly, to report to the defenders at the ferry.
Lest the delivery from the other side be regarded as a meticulous work.
Hearing the helplessness in Mi Langjun's tone, General Wei smiled and persuaded:
"Why is Mi Langjun like this? To put it another way, as long as we can still receive the goods from the other side, it means that the Western thieves will not think about attacking."
“So this product is two days early and three days late. What does it matter? What’s important is that the goods can still be delivered. That’s considered very good. What’s left to be dissatisfied about?”
Hearing this, Mi Shiyilang pointed at General Wei and couldn't help laughing:
“The general can still speak.”
Although he has no official position, at this time, he can be regarded as representing the face of the eldest princess.
Facing the general of the Wei army who has a not too high official position in front of him, there is no need to be too cautious.
In addition, even if the two of them are not familiar with each other, they are not strangers. They occasionally talk and laugh in private, so there is no need to be too scrupulous.
Unexpectedly, General Wei shook his head when faced with what Mi Shiyilang pointed out:
"I am not comforting Mr. Mi Lang, I am also comforting myself."
Speaking of this, General Wei also looked at the opposite side with a little confusion in his eyes:
"What I just said is actually what I mean. If possible, I would really like Mr. Mi Lang and your family to come here every day to receive the goods..."
This time, it was Mi Shiyilang's turn to see the other party's psychology.
He stepped forward and whispered:
"General, there is no need to worry too much. In my opinion, what the general just said is very reasonable. The Han army should not come from there for the time being."
After a pause, he continued:
“The general asked me just now why I came in person. Actually, there is no harm in telling the general.”
Mi Shiyilang looked around, then lowered his voice again:
“I heard that the Grand Tutor has won a great victory in the north, Shangdang has been liberated, and people in Hedong are now unstable.”
“So the people who cooperated with us took advantage of this good opportunity to build a big one and wanted to transport a large amount of goods.”
“I was worried that the people below wouldn’t be able to handle it, so I came here to keep an eye on it myself.”
"Oh?!" General Wei raised his eyebrows when he heard this, and looked at Mi Shiyilang in surprise, "Is this true?"
The Shangdang was restored. This has been spread for a long time.
But he is just a ferry guard and is not qualified to know the latest news ahead.
Not to mention that Hedong is still occupied by Western bandits. How could he know the true situation inside Hedong?
At most, he could just get superficial information from the smugglers passing by the ferry.
Even if he occasionally saw detailed work that was suspected to be sent to Hedong by the imperial court, he would not dare to ask more questions for fear of getting into trouble.
So at this time, when Mi Shiyilang heard that people in Hedong were floating, he couldn't help but be a little doubtful.
Mi Shiyilang didn’t care when he saw his appearance:
"I also heard what the people who came from the other side said. As for whether it is true or not, we will know whether it is true or false when their goods are delivered."
As he spoke, he pointed to the guys he brought over behind him:
“But for this kind of thing, for a certain person, I would rather believe that it exists than that it doesn’t exist.”
"No, I have transferred all the people who can be mobilized."
General Wei looked along Mi Shiyilang's finger and said as if he was suddenly enlightened:
“I see. I asked you why so many people came this time. Some of them look very strange!”
"I'm not afraid of the general's jokes. This time, I brought all my family background with me. Did you see that, that is the old man who has been with me since I was a child?"
“Unless it’s a big, uncertain matter, I never dare to ask him to follow me.”
General Wei nodded, his eyes finally passing over this person.
Being in the Wei State, he naturally understood that any family with some foundation would keep some guest ministers in case they could be used at the most critical moment.
The people he noticed, headed by the old man who seemed to have known his destiny, had a bulging waist, as if he was carrying a sharp knife, and they all had a bit of fierceness.
It seems that this must indeed be the family background of the man in front of me.
But he didn’t care.
Not to mention these people, they are endorsed by the eldest princess's palace.
Even if you are an ordinary guard of other people, it is normal to carry a knife and a sword.
After all, the people of the Wei Dynasty could not help but use swords.
These ordinary swords among the people have no way to deal with the spears and crossbows in the army, so there is nothing to be afraid of.
Moreover, this Mi Langjun was wise and did not let those people get close. He just asked them to stand far away to avoid suspicion.
“If Mi Langjun’s wish is really fulfilled this time, then I will congratulate Mi Langjun in advance.”
Mi Shiyilang had a meaningful smile on his face:
“According to the general’s auspicious words, if I really get what I want this time, I will definitely thank the general deeply!”
"Hahaha…"
As soon as these words came out, even General Wei started to look forward to it. He only hoped that this time, the north would really send a big gift.
"Hahaha…"
The two looked at each other and smiled.
“Mi Langjun, we don’t know when the people from the other side will come over, so why not go inside and have a rest first.”
"Lest I break the rules of the army and implicate the general, I can just set up a tent outside."
"Huh! Isn't Mi Langjun an outsider? If it were someone else, he would have broken the rules, but Mi Langjun is not an outsider!"
Maojin Ferry has existed since ancient times. On both sides of the ferry, there are small earthen cities, which have been destroyed and built repeatedly.
Normally, the ferry is managed to collect vehicle and boat taxes.
In wartime, troops are stationed and inspections are carried out strictly.
It can be regarded as half army and half city. As for who can enter and who cannot enter, it is naturally up to the defender to measure himself.
Mi Shiyilang still had a somewhat embarrassed look on his face:
“Uh, then, I would like to, uh, thank you, General?”
“Please please please!”
“Rong, would you like to give instructions to your servants first?”
“Should.”
Mi Shiyilang apologized, then turned around and walked towards the old man he just pointed out. He tried his best to show a natural expression, but his words were very low:
"Mr. Han, I will enter the city first. You and your people will wait here. When someone comes from the other side, remember to notify me as soon as possible."
Han Long glanced at the small Tucheng passing by and asked with some worry:
“Mi Langjun, how about I go in with you?”
Mi Shiyilang immediately refused:
"No, don't say they will agree. Even if they agree, there are too many people entering the city, and they might be more vigilant."
"While they are not suspicious now, we will act according to the plan. Don't cause more trouble. I will just go in and investigate first."
The two of them could not talk for too long. Han Long saw his firm attitude and did not insist anymore. He just nodded:
“Lang Jun, please be careful. If there is an accident, remember to send a firework signal immediately. I will lead people to fight into the city, and I will definitely bring Lang Jun back to the Han Dynasty safely.”
Hearing this, Mi Langjun felt a little moved in his eyes:
“It won’t get to that point.”
Han Long wanted to shake his head, but he held it back to avoid being noticed by Wei Thief:
"I have been entrusted by the Central Protector to protect Mr. Mi Lang, so it is always right to be careful."
“Only when Mi Langjun is sent back to the Han Dynasty can the promise be fulfilled.”
Hearing the word Zhongduhu, Mi Langjun was in a daze.
How many years?
At that time, he seemed to be just a captain, but now he was actually the commander-in-chief of the Han Dynasty's internal and external military affairs.
What happened back then seems to have happened not long ago, but unexpectedly it has already been so many years.
Seriously...time is not forgiving!
“Mi Langjun?”
"Oh, nothing happened. I'll leave the external matters to Mr. Han."
“Please don’t worry, Mr. Mi Lang, and please pay attention to your own safety, Mr. Mi.”
Mi Shiyilang gave the other party a reassuring smile.
Having been lurking in the Wei Kingdom for so many years, could it be possible that he would still end up in a small earth city?
Back to General Wei, Mi Shiyilang smiled apologetically:
“Lian X was a little uneasy about what happened this time and felt a little unsure, so he talked more to the elderly at home and asked the general to wait for a long time.”
General Wei licked his lips when he heard this. It seems that the goods coming this time are really not to be underestimated!
Thinking of this, the smile on his face became even more enthusiastic:
“It’s okay, Mr. Mi Lang, please.”
“General, please go first!”
The goods smuggled from the north always arrive at night.
This approach is naturally to avoid the eyes and ears of idlers as much as possible, and it also means to keep this business going for a long time.
Seeing the sky begin to darken, night falls.
On the other side of the river, at some point, several star points appeared.
“It’s bright, it’s bright, is it coming?”
“Speak down, and go and report to the gentleman!”
Han Long, who was standing on the south bank, immediately asked others to follow him and light several firewood piles that had been arranged early.
As the fire burned stronger and stronger, after a while, small stars began to appear on the river, and then the stars seemed to get brighter and brighter.
These star points, guided by the fire on the south bank, are all like moths to the flame.
At this time, Mi Shiyilang had already trotted over like a whirlwind and asked urgently:
"how?"
“Mr. Lang, I’m right, I should be here.”
Han Long pointed to more and more stars on the river, "They should be ships."
"Very good!"
Before Mi Shiyilang could speak, General Wei, who was in charge of the ferry, answered.
But when he saw him stretching his neck and looking towards the river, he suddenly asked in surprise:
“Those lights are all ships, and there are so many of them?”
Mi Shiyilang was also a little surprised.
Fortunately, under the cover of night, General Wei could not see his expression clearly.
I heard Mi Shiyilang take the initiative to say:
“General, it seems that there are a lot of ships coming tonight! This matter is of great importance. Let me pick up the goods here. General, please go back to the city first and let the soldiers prepare, just in case?”
"Very good!"
General Wei felt a little nervous when he saw so many star points representing ships.
Hearing what Mi Shiyilang said, he felt it made sense and quickly turned back to make arrangements.
“This... Mr. Lang?”
Watching General Wei disappear into the night, Han Long was a little anxious.
Why do you still remind the thieves to be vigilant?
“Don’t be impatient, I have my own idea.”
(End of this chapter)