The journey of the only child of a peasant family to take the imperial examination

Lao Tu's prediction was correct. On the morning of the third day, a secret sentry came to report that the military flag of Daxia was seen thirty miles ahead.

Zhou Ziming’s large army has arrived.

"Quick, go inform Lord Zhang and other high-ranking military officers to get ready," the bald old man said hurriedly.

He then admonished everyone: "Everyone, be alert! If anything goes wrong, you'll be in big trouble!"

Upon hearing the news, Zhang Ping'an, Liu Sanlang and others hurriedly tidied up their appearance and rushed to the city wall together.

"I wonder how many people Lord Zhou brought with him this time?" Ruan San asked curiously, "Will they be heading into the city?"

"You are asking nonsense. Our county town is so small that we can accommodate them all in the city. Besides, they have a mission to accomplish. I guess they will take a short rest outside the city, and then we will go over to pay our respects. Lord Zhou will definitely send someone to pass on the message in a while," Zhang Ping'an replied.

"That's right," Ruan San scratched his head.

Several people gathered at the city wall.

The old bald man announced loudly, "Master Zhou just sent someone to inform us that we should go over and pay our respects. They are resting ten miles outside the city and will be leaving in an hour."

"It is true!" Ruan San replied.

The old bald man ignored him and looked at Zhang Pingan and said, "Ping'an, you have the highest official position in Ze County now. You will lead the way and lead us there later."

"Okay," Zhang Ping'an nodded. It should be so.

So a group of more than ten military officers, accompanied by a team of elite soldiers, rode their horses towards the camp ten miles away.

As they approached, everyone pulled the reins of their horses at the same time.

Look at each other.

There was surprise in each other's eyes.

I saw the flags of the Great Xia army in front of me swaying in the wind. They had red edges and a black background, with a big "Xia" word embroidered in the middle.

The long spears were like rows of reeds, and the Mo Daos were like walls of snow. Where the sunlight refracted, the sharp edges were so blinding that it was difficult to open one's eyes.

There were hundreds of crossbow carts, their mechanisms grim and their arrows gleaming with a cold green light, full of murderous intent.

Because it was a short break, we did not set up camp.

The forwards on duty in the front row were all covered in armor, with only their eyes as bright as lightning visible. Their bodies were straight and motionless as a mountain.

There were also cavalry formations in the back row, both men and horses wearing heavy armor, with their lances pointing diagonally towards the sky, like a dark cloud pressing down on the city, threatening to destroy it.

The scene was shocking.

Zhang Pingan’s first thought was, how rich!

To equip a team like this would cost an enormous amount of money.

The second thought was that there would be a war this winter after all.

Lord Zhou led such a large group of people to Huai'an, and the amount of food and grass consumed can be imagined.

It is impossible that there is no arrangement.

Lao Tu was drooling with envy. Leading a team like this is what every military commander dreams of in their life!

It’s worth dying for!

He said bluntly: "At a glance, there are probably two hundred thousand people. I'm afraid this battle will not be easy!"

Ruan San was so inspired by this scene that he vowed, "I, Ruan San, must at least get into a cavalry battalion like this in my lifetime. It's so fucking awesome!"

The same is true for Liu Sanlang.

He was not envious of the other party's armor and weapons, but of the other party's warhorse.

It's tall and strong, just right for a tall guy like him to ride.

After several people reported to the higher authorities, they were finally brought to the central army camp and met Lord Zhou again.

At this time, Lord Zhou was dressed in military uniform, looking even more imposing than when he was in the Yangzhou camp.

A face full of calmness and composure, even when faced with a mountain collapsing in front of it!

Steady, mysterious, and cold!

When he saw several people coming to kowtow, he just raised his hand, asked everyone to stand up, and arranged for them to sit down at the bottom.

In addition to a few people in the military tent, there were also more than twenty middle-level military generals from the Yangzhou camp.

They all became familiar with each other.

After everyone is seated.

Zhou Ziming then sat at the head of the table and continued, "You have governed Ze County very well. I've come all this way here and you have the most cultivated fields. I took a quick look and saw peas and radishes. That's quite something, you deserve a reward!"

Zhang Pingan clasped his hands together, bowed slightly and said modestly, "Thank you very much, sir. I dare not take any credit for it. This is just my duty and the result of the cooperation of all the soldiers!"

"This just proves that you're a good ruler," Zhou Ziming said with a faint smile. "It seems that it was a good idea to have you work with Lord You!"

The old bald man rubbed his belly and chuckled, "Your Excellency is very discerning and feels sorry for me, an old bald man, who is alone in Ze County. That's why you arranged for Master Zhang to come here. It saves me a lot of trouble. I understand!"

"You rascal, it's good that you understand," Zhou Ziming raised his hand and nodded at the bald old man, shook his head and smiled.

Then he said seriously: "You don't have to be modest. I have seen the changes in Ze County."

The other people in the Yangzhou camp also laughed and said, "Ze County is now full of vitality, very different from before. I think this governance method is very effective. It can be directly applied to other recovered counties. It will save time and effort!"

"Don't panic, everyone. Post-war reconstruction is a long process. Now the situation has been opened up, and the rest is just a matter of time," Zhou Ziming said calmly.

After saying this, he tapped his fingers unconsciously on the table and continued, "The most important thing now is to open up the joints along the Huainan line. Huainan is the foundation of Huainan, the throat between the north and the south, and it is also a hurdle that must be overcome to continue advancing northward."

The old bald man, who had also read military books, continued, "Could it be that the commander is not only heading north to Huai'an this time, but also heading west towards Xiaye, Huaiyin, and Guangling?"

Zhou Ziming nodded. "That's right. This route mainly follows the Sishui River, which flows downstream into the Huai River, and then along the Gukangou. Along the way, we pass through Junyi, Chen County, Xiang County, Shouchun, and Rushukou. Only by controlling the line between Huainan and Huaibei can we continue to advance into the heart of the Central Plains. Otherwise, transporting military supplies will be a major problem. Moreover, with our geographical advantage, we can attack when advancing and defend when retreating. Therefore, this battle in Huainan cannot be won!"

"Master General!" a lieutenant said with a bow. "After the Huainan front is captured, at least our rear will be safe."

"If there is anything we in Ze County need help with, and I can contribute a little to the Northern Expedition, I will do my best," Zhang Ping'an said with a bow.

Zhou Ziming's expression softened. "We really need your Ze County. To facilitate the march, we only brought one-third of our food and fodder this time. The rest will be delivered in due course. Ze County is closest to our frontline battlefield, so it's like a transit point for supplies. If Ze County is safe, the army will be safe. If there's a problem with Ze County, we'll be attacked from both sides. We can't be careless!"

Zhang Pingan nodded, feeling a little surprised.

Ze County is just a small place, and it is really unknown whether it can bear such a heavy responsibility.

However, what he just said was from the bottom of his heart. He would fully support and cooperate with the fighting on the front line.

He has no choice but to do this for the sake of his country and family!

The crowd discussed the matter for more than half an hour before dispersing.

The army is about to set off.

Zhang Ping'an was about to get up and go out.

Zhou Ziming said, "Ping An, you stay!"