Qin Official

"Rebellion, kneel down!"

After being kicked on the leg, Bo Sheng knelt down on the hard wall of Xumen, trembling all over.

Although it was the end of June and it was hot in Wuzhong, the wind at the head of Wuxian City sent chills down Bo Sheng's spine, and the spears and axes behind him almost made him pee on the spot!

The voice of Liao Guang, the county magistrate, sounded like thunder from the side: "Your Majesty, the meritorious Cao Xu Shu and his scribe Bo Sheng have been brought here!"

It was discovered that the enemy's vanguard was advancing along the Xujiang River towards Xumen due west. The county guard Yan Qing also led people from Panmen to Xumen.

Xumen is named after it faces Guxu Mountain far away, but if you hear about it from Wu County people, most of them will say that it is because of Wu Zixu.

It is said that King Wu's husband trusted a treacherous minister and did not listen to Wu Zixu's advice. He forced Wu Zixu to commit suicide. He also wrapped his body in the skin of a barbarian and abandoned it in the rivers and lakes.

A few years after Wu Zixu's death, King Gou Jian of Yue attacked Wu, and Wu Zixu appeared in his dream, teaching the Yue army to follow Xu's gate, and then defeated Gusu...

Yan Qing stood in front of the battlements with his hands behind his back, without looking back, he just said:

"You two, do you know your guilt?"

"The villain is wronged, wronged!"

Bo Sheng kowtows endlessly, feeling extremely regretful that half of his body has been buried in the earth, but his wife Wei Wei encouraged him to have a hand in this beheading...

He was already in his fifties. He was originally an immigrant from the Chu people of Wu County. Although he was not a nobleman, he was still well-off. Because he went to Shouchun to study when he was young, he learned some of the ways of Huang Lao, and later became Lord Chun Shen. Doorman.

But just a few days after he joined Chun Shen Jun's shogunate, he encountered the Thorny Gate Incident. Li Yuan killed Chun Shen Jun, and his disciples dispersed. Bo Sheng was afraid of being implicated, so he ran away with him.

After ten years of wandering around, he went to the Kingdom of Wei and worked as a diner at Lord Ningling of Daliang and Prince Jiu of Wei, making a living.

Bo Sheng was not bad in appearance. After staying in the Wei Mansion for a long time, he actually fell in love with a girl from a distant clan of Wei Jiu's family.

But as if they were cursed, the two had an affair only once, and then encountered the battle of Qin to destroy Wei. Lord Ningling left east, and the city of Daliang was destroyed. The entire Wei clan was captured by Wang Ben, but Bo Sheng was destroyed in the city. The former took the daughter of the clan and hid it in the flooded city. They stole food for her every day, but at least they did not starve to death. Later, in the first war, Qin defeated Chu and won. The two fled eastward and returned to Chu State...

At this time, Li Yuan had already been killed by King Chu of Chu, and Chun Shenjun's retainers were not pursued. Bo Sheng took the pregnant daughter of Wei Guozong back to his hometown of Wuxian County, planning to live a good life.

Although Chu later fell to Qin and Wu County was under the jurisdiction of Qin's Kuaiji Prefecture, it had nothing to do with Bo Sheng. He was just a small official with a hundred stones, doing his job diligently.

The daughter of Wei Guozong was also old. According to the custom of this era, she was called Wei Yu when she was only forty years old. She gave birth to a pair of children for Bo Sheng: the eldest daughter was Bo Ji, and the younger son was Bo Zhao.

The early days of running away and hiding, the country and the family were ruined and seemed to be gone forever. The days were dull and relaxing. Although the security in Kuaiji County was average, there were many groups of thieves in the grass and swamps, and the Wuyue people also became vendettas, fighting with swords and weapons every day, but at least, The public security in Wu County is as good as other counties in Da Qin.

This peaceful day was broken by the rumors of "the death of the First Emperor"!

Bad news came one after another. First, there was a battle between the Southern Expeditionary Army and the imperial army in Nan County, and then a major rebellion broke out in Jiujiang County in Jiangxi. Before the Kuaiji Governor could react, he cut off contact with the imperial court. Jiangdong suddenly became a target. An isolated island surrounded by rebels...

Revolution is like a plague. From April to May, the Chu people in various places in Kuaiji County began to become restless. Bandits and riots occurred one after another. Some Chu people even joined forces and besieged the county town.

Kuaiji County was in danger. At this moment, Xu Shu, the county meritorious officer who was transferred from Yuzhang County two years ago, relied on a "ingenious plan" to help the county governor reverse the situation!

"Your Majesty, today's Kuaiji County has more than 100,000 households and more than 500,000 people."

"Among them, the Qin officials and their foreign garrison soldiers accounted for only one percent, with only five thousand soldiers. The Chu people only accounted for one-fifth, just one hundred thousand, and the majority were indigenous Yue people. …”

"Now that the Chu people want to cause chaos, why don't the commander-in-chief send the Yue people to attack the Chu people, so that the Chu and Yue people attack and kill each other, while the Qin officials sit on the mountain and watch the tigers fight? In this way, Kuaiji can be defended!"

The governor of the county, Yan Qing, was helpless. Although Xu Shu had followed Marquis Wu Zhong, he had been loyal in the past two years and accepted his plan.

Under the instigation of Qin officials, the Yue people, who were originally third-class citizens, obtained weapons secretly provided by the government and began to fight against the Chu heroes who had gathered to cause trouble. For a time, the Chu and Yue people in Kuaiji County attacked and killed each other. Within a month, Thousands of dead...

The entire county was in chaos, especially in the south of Zhejiang, and even entered a state of anarchy. Until the Vietnamese soldiers came from Dongou under the banner of the "Northern Expeditionary Army", several counties in southern Zhejiang were invincible and surrendered without a fight. The Yue people who took government weapons turned against each other without any psychological burden.

At the same time, another huge naval force entered Zhenze along the Wusong River and approached the city.

Only then did Commander Yan realize that something was wrong, so he stayed behind closed doors. At the same time, he vented his anger on Xu Shu, thinking that it was Xu Shu who had made a random idea that had plunged Kuaiji County into chaos and attracted rebels.

The county magistrate was still scolding Xu Shu for his crime: "Well, Xu Shu, the county guard treats you well, but you only remember the old master and forget the new master?"

Bo Sheng knew that these accusations were absolutely true, because after Xu Shu came to Kuaiji County, he often asked him to help draw maps of Kuaiji. Recently, he often asked him to come forward to contact the leaders of the Yue people in Kuaiji, and also gave Bo Sheng hints. :

"Bo Jun, from now on, my position as a meritorious officer may be yours."

After Bo Sheng experienced the turmoil in his early years, he became timid. When he went home to consult his wife, Wei Wei's eyes lit up and she advised him:

"You are from Chu, born in Wuzhong, and married a Wei wife. Why do you want to be loyal to the Qin government? What's more, if things go well, and Marquis Wu Zhong rewards you for your merits, you will be able to get rid of this lowly little guy. The position of an official can also help your daughter marry better!"

When Wei was young, she was crazy about love and had an affair with Bo Sheng. But when she got older and had enough of the bitterness of ordinary people, she began to dream about the days when she was a daughter of the Wei clan, where she could wear many beautiful new clothes and eat delicious food. Food Jiarou...

Seeing her children growing up day by day, she decided that she could not let them live the same life she had lived for more than ten years.

Now, it is an opportunity to get rich.

With Xu Shu's inducements and his wife's instigation, Bo Sheng joined Xu Shu's plan and fell deeper and deeper into the trap.

So, when the cold ax was placed on his neck, he couldn't help but burst into tears, filled with regret...

But Xu Shu next to him had already seen the Northern Expedition Master on Zhenze and burst into laughter:

"Junjun, if you kill Xu Shu, will Wu County not fall and keep Kuaiji safe?"

…

"The Lord is still confused? Please let Xu Shu analyze the situation in the south for the Lord."

"There are forty-eight counties in the world, including Nanhai, Guilin, Xiangjun, Yuzhang, Minzhong, Changsha, Nanjun, Hengshan, and Dongting. A total of eight counties have erected the banner of the Northern Expedition. One of the six is ​​divided, which is no less than the one and six kings in the past. Princes."

"And I heard that Jiujiang and Donghai are in chaos. After Xiang Yan supported the King of Chu and restored Chu, Jiangxi rebelled. The Chu bandits are expanding their territory day by day and want to take over Jiangdong. Their soldiers are already wandering along the river, and Jiangdong The Chu people's heroes also started to stir up troubles from the swamps, hoping to respond."

"The two counties in Jiangdong are like isolated islands, surrounded by water and fire on both sides. If they are not affected by water, they will be invaded by fire. Want to protect yourself? It is impossible!"

Above the Xu family, Yan Qing had a headache. He really should have shut Xu Shu's mouth. Such a eloquent tongue reminded him of Xu Shu's resume.

Xu Shu was originally a scholar from Pengze. More than ten years ago, he entered the official career because of his meritorious service in welcoming Sima Heifu of the Farewell Department to Yuzhang.

He first served as a county official in Yuzhang for several years. After Kuaiji County was separated from Zhang County, he worked there as a county official for a period of time. Later, he was transferred to Kuaiji County and became a meritorious official. This person is very smart and diligent in his work. Yan Qing was transferred just over a year ago and he relies heavily on him.

As if to strengthen his decision to defend the city, Yan Qing said: "You also said that the rebels and Chu bandits have disrupted at most ten counties in the south, but Guanzhong and the north are still stable. You know, the household registration in the north is several times that in the south, so the First Emperor can Sending hundreds of thousands of troops to quell the rebellion will be like hitting an egg with a stone..."

Because he had lost contact with the imperial court, even though the "Second Emperor" had succeeded to the throne for more than two months and everyone knew about the death of the First Emperor, Yan Qing did not receive the Xianyang edict and refused to acknowledge the death of the First Emperor. This has become a problem. This gave him the greatest motivation to persuade everyone to stick to it.

Xu Shu broke his illusion, pointing to Zhenze's huge fleet and said: "Your Majesty, the First Emperor has died, the court is controlled by treacherous ministers and rebellious sons, Wu Zhong only followed the imperial edict to appease Nan, and the city gate was opened to welcome the righteous army. , definitely not rebellious! "

"If the commander-in-chief insists on going his own way and tries to resist, it is better to calculate which one is faster, the reinforcements from the Northern Expedition or the imperial court?"

Yan Qing was choked by these words, and Xu Shu took the opportunity to continue:

"What's more, when the Northern Expeditionary Army conquers counties and counties, they will not kill the officials who surrendered first. They will only kill those who resist fiercely and have deep resentment among the people."

"But the Chu bandits are not like that. Every time they conquer a county, they will indiscriminately rope in their chief officials and massacre the Qin people."

"If we surrender the Northern Expeditionary Army, then dozens of Qin officials and thousands of garrison soldiers in the city will not have to die."

"On the other hand, if Wu County is captured by Chu bandits, then everyone in this city will be slaughtered by them, Lord Commander!"

Speaking of this, Yan Qing was forced into a corner. He looked hesitant, pacing repeatedly at the top of the city, looking at the sails of the Northern Expedition fleet outside the city, and then looking at the county soldiers hurriedly carrying wood and stone inside the city. Death, and tens of thousands of people with ulterior attitudes...

But in the end, he turned his attention to the official seal on his waist and said solemnly:

"My family is from Yandao, Shu County. I am the descendant of Chuilizi, Lord Yan, and the clan of the Qin Dynasty. I have won the title for my merits and deeds. I have been deeply favored by the First Emperor. I abide by the laws of Qin. No matter whether the First Emperor is present or not, I must abide by my duties. How can I Abandoned the imperial court and surrendered to the rebels? How could you see Lord Yan at the foot of the spring after death?"

"I would rather die for Zixu than live as a Bo Pei."

Having said that, he was determined and ordered someone to push Xu Shu down and shout:

"Shu Zi, if there are any other rebels in the city, we will call them one by one! I will keep your whole body!"

Bo Sheng on the side opened his mouth. Unfortunately, he didn't know how many accomplices Xu Shu had in the city.

Xu Shu just sneered: "Yan Qing, you are so stubborn. If you don't see me, you will be confused and the world will be in chaos. Take a good look. The Qin people, Chu people, and Yue people in this city are all members of the Northern Expeditionary Army. Who has not secretly prepared a way out, and when the city is defeated, cut off the head of the commander-in-chief and offer it to him? He will definitely be rewarded with thousands of gold, and he will be promised wealth!"

These words seemed to be threats and hints, and many people's expressions suddenly changed.

Yan Qing was also completely angered, pointed at Xu Shu and cursed:

"He is messing with the morale of our army. Kill this officer to strengthen the will of the army and the people to defend the city!"

Being dragged to the edge of the city by the county soldiers, Xu Shu was not afraid at all. He turned towards Yan Qing and others and shouted:

"You have no choice!"

"If you resist, the Northern Expeditionary Army will attack the city and I won't spare you!"

"Bringing several Yue monarchs to justice for an excuse will make the Yue people angry and unable to spare you."

"For so many years as an official in Kuaiji County, I have killed my father and brother, left my son alone, cut off my limbs, and tattooed my face, too many times to count. Those Chu people who consider themselves loving fathers and filial sons all wish they could eat your flesh raw and take revenge. He The reason why I dare not stick my sword into your belly is because they are afraid of the law. Now that the world is in chaos, the only one who can maintain order in Jiangdong is Marquis Wu Zhong! If you don't surrender at this time to protect your wealth, how can you wait for the city? After it was broken, were you killed by someone with a random sword?"

Yan Qing felt puzzled: "A dying dog still wants to bark? This county guard will never follow a thief! Second or third son, stop his mouth!"

The county guard also grabbed a sword and planned to execute the execution himself. Unexpectedly, he took a few steps forward. As the guard screamed, a cold sharp blade pierced his waist from behind. rib!

"Junjun!"

Looking back, Yan Qing saw the county magistrate Liao Guang in disbelief. He was holding a sword with blood on his hand...

"It's you?"

What Xu Shu just said was actually directed at this person.

This was something Yan Qing never expected. This county magistrate, the third-in-command in the county, was clearly a close friend of him. They had supported each other for two years and tried their best to protect Kuaiji. How could he...

"it's me."

Liao Guang gritted his teeth and pulled out his sword suddenly, blood spurting out. Yan Qing staggered back and fell from the tall tower of Xumen!

"The prince wants to follow Wu Zixu's example and die for the country, but we still want to live, so we can only be humble uncles!"

The county guard was assassinated, the county magistrate rebelled, Panmen City was in chaos, and the guards of both sides attacked and killed each other! In this chaos, Liao Guang immediately untied Xu Shu and then raised his sword high.

"The cruel official is dead, Wu County is in trouble anyway! Open the Xumen and welcome the Northern Expedition!"

The Xumen slowly opened, just like it did more than two hundred years ago, but there were no more barbarians in the Jianghu of Wuyue...