Seiwa

Ruan Xizhou and his son were sitting in the same tent, both in the same distress, with the same ashen-colored faces, feeling uneasy.

"Father, the son is incompetent."

The military division knelt on the ground, weeping bitterly.

He betrayed the Chen family and took refuge in the Li family. Now the Chen family is dead, and Li Jiyao and his son are nowhere to be found.

"The tide is over."

With a sigh, Ruan Xizhou's expression was full of despair.

Since the start of the war, Annan has not won a single victory.It is better to die on the battlefield, and you can save your life if you surrender. Ninety percent of those captured alive like him will be beheaded for public display.

Duobang, Dongdu, Xidu, Tianjian Mountain... the water of the Fuliang River has been stained red with blood.

Ruan Xizhou didn't know what it was like when he recalled the scenery when he usurped the throne with Li Jisha.

Glory, official position, and wealth have all become flowers in the mirror, fleeting.

If he had known today, he would definitely not have taken the risk and followed Li's father and son all the way to the dark.

"Li Jishu missed me!"

Leaving the battlefield, leaving the atmosphere of surging blood, the idea of ​​survival gradually began to gain the upper hand.

If you can live, no one wants to die, or be beheaded in front of common people!This way of death is a hundred times more humiliating than dying under the knife of the Ming army.

People who used to be stepped on under their feet are now on top, how can Ruan Xizhou be reconciled!

Thinking of Li Jishou and his son fleeing in a small boat while fighting on the river, and thinking of himself and his three sons who were captured alive after fighting to the end, Ruan Xizhou's despair turned into resentment, resentment towards Li Jishou.

In the final analysis, all of this was caused by Li and his son!

If it weren't for their wolfish ambitions, if they hadn't betrayed the Chen royal family, trapped and murdered Chen Tianping, forced the envoys of the Shang Kingdom to death, and angered Daming, Annan would never have fallen into such a situation.

The danger of national subjugation is only in the morning and evening.

The army of the Ming Dynasty searched for the descendants of the Chen family with great fanfare, and wanted to restore the throne of the Chen family, which was grateful to many old officials.However, Ruan Xizhou knew better than anyone else that the Chen family had died long ago.

If Chen Tianping is still alive, Annan may have a turning point.But Chen Tianping was dead, so dead that he couldn't die anymore, and the Chen Dynasty in Annan had long since ceased to exist.After the war, or should I say, after the victory of the Ming army, what will await Annan's fate?

Ruan Xizhou didn't dare to think about it, he didn't want to think about it.

"Father?"

Hearing the familiar voice and looking at the only son who was still alive, Ruan Xizhou was full of doubts.

Why did the generals of Ming Dynasty lock up their father and son together?Even if my son sneaked into Daming and caused chaos, he should be locked up in Pingxiang instead of being taken to Annan.

Is it...

Ruan Xi sat up straight on Monday, startling the military adviser who was kneeling on the ground.

"you……"

As soon as he uttered a word, footsteps came from outside the tent, followed by the sound of armor rubbing.

Ruan Xizhou and his son were stunned at the same time, staring at the curtain intently.

The curtain was lifted, and an unexpected person appeared in front of him, and the expressions of the father and son changed suddenly.

"Ms. Ruan?"

The person standing in front of Ruan Xizhou and his son was none other than Ruan Jingzhen, the pseudo-prime minister who had led several missions to Daming, invited canonization for the Li family, and invited Chen Tianping back to Annan.

Since the Ming Dynasty issued an edict against rebellion, Ruan Jingzhen, like other ministers of Annan who had been to Ming Dynasty, dragged his family and disappeared without a trace.

Li Jishou once ordered arrests, but nine times out of ten he returned without success.

Many of these ministers who held real power in the past were from the Annan family, with private troops and their own fortresses.Even if you can't fight with force, you can escape to Linfeng with your property.

Champa, Siam, Laos, Chenla, and even Qinzhou in the Ming Dynasty, as long as they can pay the price and show their surrender, where can they not go?

The Li and his sons were too arrogant and almost offended their neighbors. Even if Li Jisha was disgusted, these former Annan ministers who asked for "political asylum" would be accepted.For example, the king of Champa, without saying a word, came and picked up as many as he wanted.The previous grievances are not to blame, as long as those who oppose Li and his son are friends.

After a brief surprise, Ruan Xizhou and his son's expression sank.

Ruan Jingzhen would appear in the barracks of the conquering army, and there was a ten out of ten chance that he would seek refuge with Daming.

"Ruan Xiang."

Ruan Xizhou got up and cupped his hands.

Annan imitated the imperial examination system of the Ming Dynasty, and every move of the upper echelon of power was moving closer to the Ming Dynasty.

It's just that, except for a small number of people, most of them are not anti-dogs when they are painted tigers. To use a bad word to describe them, they are crowned with monkeys.Only the watch has no inside, and if you don't look in the mirror, you will be complacent.

Ruan Xizhou was lucky to be one of the few, and his four sons were also known as gifted scholars.If it hadn't been for the Li family to usurp power and seize the throne, the eldest son might have been sent to the Guozijian in the capital of the Ming Dynasty to study. After returning home, his future would be limitless.

Now, everything has come to naught.

"Don't dare." Ruan Jingzhen waved his hand quickly, "I am at odds with the Li family's rebels, and I am no longer the prime minister. The emperor of the Shang Kingdom is benevolent, forgives the previous crimes, and ordered me to serve as the left-behind of Dongdu, and I will take office soon."

Ruan Xizhou didn't speak, but twitched the corners of his mouth in embarrassment.

Congratulations?Or scold loudly?

The former, he has no position.The latter, he didn't want to die any faster.

"Hearding that brother Xizhou is here, I specially ask Duke Dingguo, the commander-in-chief of the Heavenly Army, to allow me to come and see my brother."

Although they are both surnamed Ruan, Ruan Jingzhen and Ruan Xizhou are not related at all, and now there is only one person holding the power, and the other is a prisoner, and calling him elder brother is just polite.

"Why do you want to see me, a sinner?"

Hearing Ruan Xizhou's claim, Ruan Jingzhen laughed.Regarding the matter of Dingguo bus replacement, I have six points of confidence.Looking at the son of Ruan Xizhou who was standing aside, his confidence increased to eight points.

There is no doubt that Li Jiyao and his son will die, and joining the Ming Dynasty with the king of Champa is undoubtedly the best way to protect the family.

After betraying the Chen family, Ruan Jing really didn't care about betraying the Li family again.And he believed that the current Ruan Xizhou was the same.

However, an opportunity is needed.

Putting down the curtain and walking a few steps closer, Ruan Jingzhen lowered his voice, "Li Jishou and his son are at the end of their lives. Fish swim in the cauldron, and sooner or later they will die. Brother Xi Zhou is a learned man, so why follow him to a dead end?"

Ruan Xizhou didn't speak, but his heart was beating wildly.

"Besides, the Li family is a rebel, destroying the Chen family's heirs, against the will of the country, ignorant of repentance, let alone self-sufficiency, mantising his arms. He also cared about his own life, leaving behind loyal people like his brother many times. Tun, brother wants to die for him?"

"I……"

"Brother doesn't want to think about himself, he should also think about the three nephews who died because of the Li family."

As Ruan Jingzhen said, he looked at the military adviser in the tent meaningfully, and the meaning was very clear. Three of the four sons died, and even the last one should be included?

Ruan Xizhou was moved, gritted his teeth, and immediately bowed down, "Please teach me, brother!"

Ruan Jingzhen hurriedly helped Ruan Xizhou up, but he felt complacent in his heart. The matter of the national bus agency was settled!

In the large tent of the Chinese army, Shen Xuan was wearing black armor, unfolding the letter sent by Meng Qinghe, his cold face rarely revealed a hint of gentleness.

Generals such as Hou Zhangfu of Xincheng and Li Bin of Fengcheng walked into the tent, thinking they were dazzled.

Subconsciously wanted to rub his eyes, but was almost blinded by the iron plate protecting the back of his hand.

The commander-in-chief is laughing?

What about evil spirits?

Where did the murderous spirit go?

"See Chief Rong."

Shen Xuan put down the letter, the warmth disappeared in an instant, the evil spirit rose, and the handsome face was even colder than before.

The generals breathed a sigh of relief at the same time.

Fortunately, the commander-in-chief hadn't been hit by a stone on his head, and he hadn't eaten anything bad, it's normal.

"Zongrong, our army has reached Xianzi Pass, and according to the order of the Zongrong, we secretly placed troops on both sides of the Yellow River. If the bandits dare to come, they will definitely make them come and go."

"Can Guanbao be built?"

"Back to Zongrong, everything is ready."

"Okay." Shen Xuan nodded, his eyes filled with murderous intent, "This time, the Li thief will never try to escape again! His head will be taken, and he will sue the emperor and comfort the people of Li!"

"Follow the order!"

All the generals withdrew from the tent of the Chinese army. Later, Ruan Jingzhen took Ruan Xizhou and his son to see him.

The personal guards let the three of them enter the tent, and after a long time, the three of them walked out of the tent.

Ruan Xizhou and his son were still in a mess, but their expressions were full of excitement.

If things are done, there is no need to worry about the life of the family!

It was already dawn at that time, and the fiery red sun was about to leap out of the horizon.

There was a sharp whistle in the camp, and the Huotou Army had prepared hot meals early on. The soldiers lined up in rows, each with a large bowl of rice, covered with fragrant meat and bamboo shoots, plus Two or three buns the size of a fist.The big bucket of stewed soup is also a big bowl per person, with finger-length dried shrimp sprinkled in it, which is full of umami.

Generals and soldiers are given the same food, but prisoners are not treated so well. A piece of pickles and a pancake with whole grains, as long as they don’t starve to death.

Ruan Xizhou and his son received the food with Ruan Jingzhen. After many days of fleeing for their lives, they would not be hungry or full, and it was not so easy to eat something good.The military division is better, Ruan Xizhou is holding a big bowl, his eyes are a little green.

After breakfast, the army began to break out of camp again.

Ruan Jingzhen and Ruan Xizhou did not leave with the army, but set off in different directions.

The military division is still in the army, his life and death depends on whether Ruan Xizhou can bring Li Jishou and his son into the opening of the army.

"It doesn't matter if Ruan Xizhou's surrender is real or fake." Shen Xuan glanced at the suspicious generals, "The purpose of letting him go is only to find traces of the Li thieves."

Zhang Fu and the others suddenly realized that they clenched their fists with one hand and thumped their palms. This is the reason!

Even if Ruan Xizhou disregarded his son's life, so what if he told Li and his son about the army's plan?

The gap in strength between the two sides is obvious. Annan's so-called 700 million land and water troops are all scum, and they can fly directly with one kick.The most important thing at present is to find the traces of Li Jiyak and his son.As long as you find them, block the way, whether to beat or kill, behead or skin, or let yourself do it?

"Zong Rong is wise!"

Li's father and son were like loaches, and they didn't care about face. The armies of both sides fought you to death on the river, but they rowed away by themselves.

If they were really allowed to escape into the sea along the river mouth, it would be difficult to catch them.

After nearly a year of fighting, the whole of Annan was defeated, but Li Jiyao and his son were let go, not to mention the commander-in-chief.

"At the end of the day, please order to go and investigate."

"No need." Shen Xuan curled the corner of his mouth, "Zhou Rong led people to follow, it's not good if there are too many people."

Shen Xuan smiled, as if the ice and snow had just melted, even gods would be moved.

Zhang Fu and other generals felt cold at the back of their necks, pulling their legs as if turning around and running quickly.

It seems that the commander-in-chief was really angry when he was run away twice by Li Jiyao and his son.

In April Wuzi of the fifth year of Yongle, the army conquered Annan and then spread the news of victory. The army wiped out nearly [-] bandits at the mouth of the Huangjiang River.Fan Yuanlan, Minister of the Puppet Ministry of Officials in Annan, Ruan Feiqing, the puppet Dali Qing, and Chen Rizhao, the general of Qianniuwei, were all captured alive.General Li Wei and others surrendered.

Li Jiyao's father made the golden cicada escape from its shell again, dressed in bamboo armor, and fled in a small boat to take advantage of the chaos.Ruan Xizhou, who was watching the two of them closely, immediately sent out a signal, and the Ming army's boat division intercepted them horizontally.

The commander of the boat, Liu Sheng, stood on the bow of the boat and shouted: "Cast the net!"

Several large nets fell from the sky, and the besieged Li and his son were immediately trapped in the nets.

To make matters worse, there were wooden thorns on the net. When Li Jishou was hung on the side of the boat and pulled back to the shore, he was almost turned into a hedgehog.Injury is not death, but life is worse than death.

The Ming army on the shore and in the river shouted with giant arms at the same time, and the sound of excitement resounded through the sky.

"The general is mighty!"

"The traitor should be punished!"

"Da Mingwei, long live Your Majesty!"

Most of the remnants of the bandit army on the river lost their will to fight when they saw that Li Jishou and his son had been captured. They dropped their weapons and surrendered one after another.

"Rocket."

Shen Xuan did not persuade people to surrender, but ordered rockets to be set up on the shore, and the two-finger-thick arrow pierced through the air amidst the sound of bowstrings.

The huge impact pierced the wooden boat of the rebel army, the gunpowder exploded, and the flying sparks ignited the wooden boat and the people on board.

Sawdust, iron, stones, acrid smoke.

On the surface of the river, centered on the recalcitrant bandit army, a sea of ​​flames ignited.

An Nanjun screamed and jumped into the river, struggling in the almost boiling water.

An approaching Ming army warship handed out a long pole. Unexpectedly, the thieves in the water were planning to die with the Ming army who rescued them.If he hadn't been held back by his comrades, the Ming army who rescued them would have fallen into the river.

On the upstairs boat, Liu Sheng ordered that no one should be rescued.

On the shore, Shen Xuan was even more straightforward, ordering the Firearms Battalion to roll out the chariot and set up the artillery, "Fire!"

Amidst the loud noise, more than a dozen huge iron balls smashed into the river, splashing tall water columns, followed by whirlpools one after another.

The wooden boat that caught fire in the river was sucked into the vortex together with Annan's army, and disappeared without a trace.

Kindness does not hold soldiers.

There is no need to be kind to the enemy.

As the river wind blew, Li Jiyao and his son on the shore stared blankly at the calm river and the debris of the boat floating on the river, unable to cry.

It's over, it's over.

The news of Li's father and son's capture came out, Annan's far and near prefectures and counties asked to surrender one after another, except for a few bandits who retreated into the mountains and fell grass, the whole Annan was flattened.

In April of the fifth year of Yongle, in Guimao, Shen Xuan, the general officer of the conquest of Annan, Ding Guogong, etc., said: "The former Qin received the hadith, and sent his troops to fight against rebellion."Now that the entire territory of Annan has been flattened, the ministers bear the sacred teachings, and Mo Sui, a descendant from Nance Prefecture, has been sent to various places to search for the descendants of the Chen family.He also declared Germany and Italy, organized the officials and soldiers of the counties and counties, ordered the officials to return to their posts, the soldiers to the army, and the people to their jobs.

The Li thief father and son committed a heinous crime and have been taken to Guangxi.

There are 120 people including the elderly Yin Pei, who made a statement to the courtiers, calling Annan the land of ancient China, and then it was reduced to a different kind.Fortunately, the remnant thieves have been wiped out, and the clothes are seen again. I would like to restore the counties and set up officials to manage them.

The Chen family is hard to find, so I ask you to set up a commander and envoy in Annan first, so as to comfort the common people.

The memorial was sent to the capital, and Shen Xuan left Zhang Fu and Li Bin to take care of Annan's affairs temporarily, so as to help Guangxi Governor Han Guan to suppress the barbarian bandits.

Zhang Fu and other generals were all moved.

Although the entire territory of Annan is flat, there are still bandit troops who have entered the mountain and have not been wiped out.The combat effectiveness of these teams that have been reduced from regular troops to bandits can be imagined.The commander-in-chief's move clearly meant to retreat to the second line and leave the credit to his subordinates.

"General Rong Gaoyi!"

Han Guan, the governor of Guangxi, was also very moved.

The Xunzhou thief leader Wang Shiqi died, and there were still remnants of the rebellious bandits in Liuzhou and Xunzhou.The officers and soldiers of the guard station have been encircled and suppressed several times, but they have not been completely wiped out, and the emperor is already dissatisfied.Shen Xuan returned to the teacher and helped him carry everything. With the reputation of killing the god, it was enough to scare Xiao Xiao out of courage.Those local officials who disobeyed the imperial court and wanted to take advantage of the opportunity, or who wanted to replace him, should also be careful.

"Mr. Ding is a good man!"

In Pingxiang County, various government-sponsored businesses are gradually on the right track.Many of the caravans coming and going have set up shops in the county town, but more businessmen have nowhere to stay.For this reason, Li Qingqing, the magistrate of Pingxiang County, specially summoned local rich merchants to expand the west of the city, imitating the Fang City in Tang Dynasty, and erected rows of houses and walls, so that the yamen guards patrolled in the morning and evening, and used it as a place for merchants to rest. .

After the establishment of Fangshi, merchants who trade here must pay taxes according to the law, and the fees paid for buying or leasing houses are divided [-]-[-] by the merchants with the government.Of the [-]% of the government, [-]% must be handed over to the state treasury.

This move seems to be a disadvantage to the businessman, and Li Qingqing once worried that no businessman would be willing to pay at all.

Meng Qinghe told him that there is no need to worry at all, and that the money will be collected softly when the time comes.

As Meng Qinghe expected, the news came out that the expected funds would be in place soon. Some businessmen took a step back and stamped their feet in front of the yamen with the money in their hands. They only hated those bastards in front of them for being so fast that they didn't even keep their mouths open. .

"How does Li Daling feel? I didn't lie to you, did I?"

Meng Qinghe smiled slightly, and Li Qingqing bowed again.

"Uncle is a genius!"

Simply inhuman!

However, there are times when the inhuman Uncle Meng can't hold on.

Duke Dingguo rode [-] horses back to his division, and the news of passing by Pingxiang came. Uncle Meng, who was so unpredictable in Li Daling's eyes, almost jumped out of his chair.

I haven't seen each other for almost a year, just hearing Shen Xuan's name makes my heart beat faster.

This counts as living and returning?

Squeeze your ears, well, he admits, you're just so useless, what the heck!

With a flick of his sleeves, he went out of the city to pick up the Duke.