Three Kingdoms: A Million Soldiers Grown from the Fields

Chapter 95: Clues (An extra 4k words added because of the two words in the title)

The sound of horses' hooves was like thunder and drums.

Wherever they went, they attracted countless eyes.

"What a fine cavalry! Which unit do they belong to?"

"I don't know, I've never seen him before, and there's no flag. But the person in the lead looks so familiar to me."

"Brother, do you also find this familiar? I do too."

"It seems to be that."

"Zhang Zixu from Taoyuan!"

A collective gasp rippled through the crowd.

We traveled swiftly for forty miles, the snow curtain sometimes thick and sometimes thin, occasionally revealing distant mountain ridges that looked like canine teeth.

A loud eagle cry rang out, and Zhang Xian, whose face showed signs of hardship, looked up to see a pair of wings spread above him.

"Even the clumsy bird is here?"

He gave a short whistle, and sure enough, a falcon swooped down and landed steadily on his shoulder as he moved at high speed.

Why are you out here instead of staying home and taking care of your kids?

Click click,

The falcon squeaked a few times, but it was unclear what it was responding to.

"Go back now, and come find me again when you, as a fledgling, can fly!"

With one hand holding the reins, he lifted the falcon on his shoulder and tossed it upwards with the other.

With a flap of its wings, a few feathers fell, and once again a bright eagle's cry rang out in the sky.

He tilted his head slightly, and the horse's back bounced.

The thick snow mist kicked up by the hundred riders behind them had obscured the eagles from view.

"My lord! We've reached the wellhead!"

Stone rode forward and shouted loudly.

Zhang Xian turned around, looked at the mountain range that stretched out in front of him, and nodded.

"Understood, pass!"

"promise!"

Below the gate tower at the pass, the hundred cavalrymen came to a steady stop, and the soldiers above also breathed a sigh of relief.

When those hundred riders came by, they thought someone was trying to pass the test.

Although upon closer inspection, this seems highly improbable, it's just that these cavalrymen were too aggressive.

"Who is locked up here?!"

The garrison commander asked a question in a loud voice.

Zhang Xian cupped his hands in greeting: "Zhang Zixu from Taoyuan is on his way to Luchi to assume his post. I hope the general will make it convenient for him!"

"Do you have any documents or seals?"

"Of course there is."

Zhang Xian took out something, and a basket was hung down from the city gate tower.

Zhang Xian put the items inside, and the basket was pulled up again. A moment later, the basket drooped down.

"Correct, open the gate and let them through!"

"Thank you, General!"

While Zhang Xian was taking out the documents and seals, he put a gold ingot inside.

"There is another supply train from our county that will arrive about a day later. We hope the general will make further arrangements for them then."

The city gate slowly opened, and after a short while, a voice responded from upstairs.

"Know."

Zhang Xian smiled knowingly, then waved at the fully open city gate: "Pass!"

A hundred riders filed in.

After passing the Jingxingkou Pass, the road ahead is a narrow canyon that stretches for twenty or thirty miles.

The thick winter clouds made the canyon appear even darker.

"Light the torches, and hurry up and get out of the valley before dark!"

He gave the order, and the hundred riders behind him took out torches and lit them, which added a bit of light to the canyon.

The canyon was too narrow for horses to run, so the group could only control their horses to walk at a brisk pace.

They managed to cover a mere thirty miles, but it took them until almost dusk before they finally made it out.

However, even after leaving this canyon, they had not completely left the wellhead and were still in the Taihang Mountains.

Zhang Xian looked up at the sky. It was already dark, and continuing to march would be unwise, so he decided to set up camp on the spot.

"Stone, find a campsite, and have everyone armored to defend against the bandits in the well!"

"promise!"

Zhao Shi, the commander of the Taoyuan troop, bowed.

Taoyuan soldiers were trained in choosing locations for marching, fighting, and setting up camp, thanks in large part to Han Ji's family's military manual.

However, the drill at Zhuangzi only demonstrated how to set up camp; the actual site selection was being carried out for the first time.

Zhang Xian reined in his horse and looked around, then several locations came to mind.

A concave rock wall at the exit of a cliff or canyon can prevent attacks from behind.

Glaciers and the frozen, sprawling waterway to the left ahead can serve as natural barriers.

A little further ahead on the slope, there is a high vantage point on a sloping hill, from which archers can cover an area of ​​three hundred paces.

However, he had a location in mind but did not say it outright, instead waiting for Stone's answer.

Before long, the stone turned back.

"My lord, there is a high platform overlooking the water about a hundred meters ahead, where we can set up camp!"

"good."

Zhang Xian nodded in agreement, satisfied that his new recruits at least had adequate theoretical knowledge.

At least I scanned that spot myself, and both sides agreed.

Wave: "Station!"

"promise!"

Shi Tou clasped his hands in a fist salute, and a hundred riders arrived in an instant.

They took out the necessary tools from the bag on their horse's back and set up camp on the spot.

After a light sleep, Zhang Xian rested for two more hours until dawn, allowing the last shift of guards to get some sleep before ordering them to continue their march.

Fortunately, nothing happened last night. But thinking about it, if even a hundred soldiers with weapons and tall horses dared to charge, then the Jingxing bandits would be incredibly audacious.

After traveling for about two days in the Taihang Mountains, they passed only six beacon towers along the way, which explains why bandits could hide in the well path.

He grumbled inwardly for a moment, then stopped thinking about it, because it was time to leave the pass.

The last pass appeared in the morning mist, and a hundred riders trampled through the thin ice, finally squeezing out of the narrow Jingxing Pass.

Just like when entering the pass, there is also a pass and city gate in Taiyuan, Bingzhou.

After the official documents and seals were issued, the heavy wooden door was slowly pushed open.

Suddenly, the view opened up before me—the foothills of the Taihang Mountains converged here, like a giant suddenly loosening his clenched fist. The distant mountains lost their menacing appearance, turning into bluish-gray silhouettes, stretching westward in layers. The wind blew in from the direction of Taiyuan, carrying fine snowflakes that rustled against my body.

Zhang Xian squinted, his breath instantly dissipating into white mist, and then raised his hand to pass through the pass again.

The fields on both sides of the official road were covered with snow, and occasionally withered grass pierced through the snow layer, trembling in the wind.

The outline of the field ridges had long been smoothed out by the wind and snow, leaving only a few crooked boundary stones, like old teeth stuck in the snow.

Within a ten-mile radius, there were no more than ten earthen walls and thatched cottages, with snow piled low on the roofs and thin, straight wisps of smoke rising from the chimneys.

A farmer, wrapped in a tattered fur coat, squatted in front of his yard, staring blankly at the iron cavalry that had suddenly appeared and then left, his wooden fork falling into the snow with a "thud".

Once they were out of the Taihang Mountains, Zhang Xian and his group's speed suddenly increased significantly.

The scenery in the North is desolate, and the cold is even more severe, but it can be considered a good experience.

The art of military campaigning lies within this.

The last long journey was not as arduous as the 100-mile trek these past few days. With more people, there are more things to pay attention to. No matter how detailed the records in books are, they are not as good as experiencing it firsthand.

If you think you can lead an army just by reading books, the best outcome will be nothing more than returning empty-handed. The worst outcome was already shown by Ma Su decades later.

Seeing that the Hundred Riders had become more composed and taciturn, Zhang Xian nodded secretly.

He was able to persevere because the panel frequently displayed experience points, giving him positive feedback. Peach Blossom Soldier, on the other hand, persevered because he truly honed his willpower.

They rested briefly by a river where a trickle of water still flowed. After mounting his horse, Zhang Xian gave a loud command.

"Reach Jinyang Post Station before nightfall! Do not fall behind!"

"promise!"
-
Lü Si.

County government.

"Lord, the superior's transfer order arrived half a month ago, and we should leave now."

A scholar cautiously raised his eyes and spoke to the person above him, but inwardly he sighed, "Being a staff member is really not easy. How come I can't persuade this miser in front of me?"

"No rush, no rush. The Wu family still owes us 50,000 coins. If we leave now, we'll lose 100,000!"

But you didn't get the job done for them!

The advisor cried out inwardly, but maintained a respectful demeanor: "But Lord County Magistrate, if we don't leave now, what if the new magistrate sees your private wealth and becomes interested in it?"

There was no other way; the advisors could only temporarily damage the reputation of the next county magistrate, as this was the only tactic that would be most effective against this miser.

The slightly overweight magistrate of Lüqi County paused in his breathing, his face showing a dilemma.

He wanted to leave, but he couldn't bear to part with the 50,000 yuan. He felt like ants were crawling all over his body.

Seeing this, the aide said, "Lord County Magistrate, didn't someone send a bribe to the county government a few days ago? Just consider it as paying off that 50,000 coins. The right thing to do is for us to hurry up and go to the next county to collect money!"

Yup!

The magistrate smiled, and just as his advisors were secretly relieved that their words had been helpful, the magistrate smiled and said, "I'm relieved."

But then he heard words that sent a chill down his spine.

"How could I forget that person? He gave away gifts worth thirty or forty thousand coins, so he must have plenty of money left over. Since we're leaving anyway, we might as well make one last big profit before we go!"

"Sheng Gong, how about you think of a way to get that person to come and deliver the gift again?"

"The County Magistrate—!"

The staff is anxious; it's already been half a month delayed. Are you not afraid of the punishment for failing to fulfill your duties during your term? Well, that's true; how could you scions of noble families be afraid of such things?

Heaven is unfair. I am well-read but cannot obtain an official position, while others who are ignorant, know nothing about agriculture, and are fat and chubby can hold official positions until they die.

In recent days, several powerful families in Luqi County have been fighting each other. One day they fight over water, and the next day they fight over firewood.

Those involved are often blinded by their own perspectives, while bystanders see things clearly. Those powerful figures caught in the middle of the situation naturally didn't see anything wrong with it, and such things had happened every year before.

But he, an outsider, gradually began to understand.

Someone is sowing discord among powerful figures!
Why do this? He didn't understand at first, but after the relocation order arrived half a month ago, he suddenly realized that the next county magistrate had already made arrangements in advance!
Anyone who would resort to such methods is definitely not a kind person, but I can't say it outright. My target is greedy for money and lustful, not to mention he cares a lot about his reputation. If I say it outright, he will fight for it, and if he fights, there will be a conflict. But would someone who can plan ahead for an entire county be someone who gives up so easily?

Even if I, the person who recommended this place, come from a prestigious family, it is still a collateral branch. Otherwise, how could I have ended up as an official in Bingzhou?
He was oblivious to his own situation, spending his days talking about his family. If the new county magistrate turned out to be a ruthless person, he would be in serious trouble. No, he couldn't let it happen.

All I want is to live a long and healthy life until the day I become an official, why is it so difficult!
He hardened his heart. If this miser didn't leave, he would leave on his own. Over the years, he had also taken a share of the people's wealth. With this money, he could pave the way and find a patron. Maybe he could get an official position soon.

The moment the thought of fleeing arises, the vastness of the sky and sea instantly appears.

The aide glanced at his master again, his heart filled with disgust. He gave a perfunctory bow and said, "I'll go and do it!"

Then he turned and left.

The next day.

Early in the morning, the staff went to a mansion in the suburbs.

He only had a dozen or so gold coins on him, which were his share of profits over the past few years. Since he had decided to run away, he might as well make one last fortune before he did.

He also felt that the person who had given gifts to the county government a few days ago must have a lot of money left. If he could use the county magistrate's reputation to scare him a few times, he might be able to get a few more gold coins.

He stood in front of the mansion, straightened his clothes, and knocked on the doorman's door.

"County clerk! Open the door!"

"Coming!"

A rough, powerful voice emanated from within.

Huang Zhong frowned as he passed by the courtyard. He had just heard the noise. Why would someone come to visit at this hour?

He took a few steps forward, pushed open the door, and asked, "What is it?"

Standing eight feet tall and clad in a fur coat, with broad shoulders, a thick waist, and a resolute face, Huang Zhong, who had served in the military and worked as a wandering knight, exuded a bold and rugged aura.

The aura emanating from this place was so overwhelming that even the staff member who was still figuring out how to extort money more easily couldn't help but catch his breath.

Cold sweat nearly dripped down his forehead. He swallowed hard and forced a smile: "Nothing, nothing. I just came to ask if the fight between the Sun and Wu families yesterday had affected this place. It seems not. Sorry to bother you."

He turned to leave, but Huang Zhong asked curiously, "Since when has this matter become the responsibility of the county clerk? Shouldn't a yamen runner be sent to inquire about it?"

Gudong.

Swallowing hard again, the aide chuckled on the surface but cursed inwardly, "I shouldn't have used the title of clerk!"
"The fighting has been so fierce lately that we're running out of manpower for the yamen runners."

"You've had a tough time." Huang Zhong nodded. Gongzhi had indeed been scheming quite frequently lately, with several powerful families fighting one day and another the next.

"Hansheng? What are you doing at the door?"

Just as Huang Zhong was about to close the door, Han Ji's voice rang out from behind him.

He turned around, revealing the figure of the county magistrate's advisor who was blocking his way.

"It's you?"

Han Ji frowned. He recognized the man; he was the scholar who had sat next to the county magistrate when he delivered gifts to the county government that day.

What is he here for?

Han Ji was puzzled. Could it be that he had seen through something?
"Since we have guests, please come inside for a chat."

He smiled and extended the invitation.

The advisors outside the door were terrified. "No! You must be up to something! You spend money as soon as you arrive in Lüchi, and all the wealthy families come to visit. We thought you were just a rich merchant returning home, but now there's this guy in the mansion who looks like a hardened soldier. If your plans for Lüchi during this time weren't done by you, then something is definitely wrong!"
The staff member cursed the magistrate a thousand times over in his heart. If he hadn't been tempted by the magistrate's words, he would have run away this morning!
What a terrible mistake! There was so much hope ahead, yet I'm about to suffer a terrible fate.

"Well... let's not bother you any longer. There's a lot to do at the county office, and besides, the new county magistrate is arriving soon, so we need to make sure the handover is done properly."

Huang Zhong asked curiously, "Do county clerks still have to do this now? You must be working really hard."

'not good! '

"A county clerk?" Han Ji sneered. "Hansheng, don't let him get away!"

"Alright, I knew something was off about this thing! I tried to dodge the question and trick him, and sure enough, he gave himself away!"

Huang Zhong burst out laughing. He wasn't stupid. He had sensed something was wrong when he saw the man's strange expression as soon as he opened the door. That's why he pulled him aside and talked to him for so long. He had already secretly signaled to the soldiers to call Han Ji to confirm.

Otherwise, why would Han Ji come to the door in the dead of winter?

(End of this chapter)