The Bookish Scholar of the Red Mansion

The mobilization of the army could not be hidden from anyone. Perhaps Shi Ding had no intention of hiding it at all. In front of everyone, he openly packed up all the battalions and units, and began to retreat in an orderly manner.

Wang Er finally didn't offend again. Shi Ding had set up camp in front of him before, and he even wanted to go out to attack the camp aggressively.

To this day, he hopes that Shi Ding will leave as soon as possible, and it is best not to come back again.

There is really no way, the casualties are really too great. If he hadn't successfully defended Qingfeng Village in the end, Wang Er would have been ashamed to come out to see Chen Heng.

Liu Xianglian and Jia Baoyu's reaction was the most direct. The two hugged each other and cheered without hesitation.

Affected by them, the civilian husbands who caught up with the villagers, as well as Xinda, Yan Xiaoer and others couldn't believe that the war ended like this.

Amid the cheers, Chen Heng silently looked up at the sky. It is already the end of October, and the first ray of cold in early winter can be felt even if you are wearing thick clothes.

He did not stay on the village tower for long. He turned around and walked past the surging crowd towards the village.

From time to time, I encountered familiar or unfamiliar faces on the road. It was a good time to celebrate now, and everyone became more courageous. As soon as they met Chen Heng, they all asked.

Master, master. Are the people outside the village really gone?

Gone, really gone.

Sir, when can we go home?

I'll make arrangements right away, and after one more day, I'll take you home.

Like a traveler traveling against the current, Chen Heng, who responded with a smile, passed through the cheering crowd and finally arrived at Dongzhai.

Half of this place is a wounded barracks, and the other half is...

Looking at the densely packed graves in front of me, there wasn't even a decent tombstone in sight. Chen Heng knew, however, that there were definitely more than one or two people lying in these raised graves.

In order to avoid causing the plague, every civilian who died in the battle was hastily brought and buried on the spot.

One layer is covered with another, one grave is connected with another. There is no trace left behind except the pension list in the hands of civil servants.

As for trivial matters like collecting old clothes and old things, we don’t have that leisure time on weekdays.

When things were precarious before, no one cared about the dead. Everyone was working hard to survive.

Looking at the countless unmarked graves in front of him, after the joy of returning home faded away, Chen Heng was left with only bitterness in his heart.

Of the 30,000 civilians who accompanied him up the mountain, only a little over 10,000 are able to return today.

Chen Heng didn't dare to think about the word 'if', so he had to stand silently. Finally, he took out the jug he brought along the way and poured the rice wine into the yellow land alone.

We won, everyone can go home. After Chen Heng said this, it was difficult to say more.

The emotion on his lips that he was about to say but stopped at, was a silent sigh.

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The people in the village waited for one more day before encouraging Wang Er to come over and inquire about the evacuation.

The people who are still alive really want to go home and don't want to wait any longer.

When Wang Er came in, Chen Heng was reviewing official documents under the lamp. Seeing the adult looking up at him, Wang Erqian smiled and said cautiously: My lord, when will we leave?

In fact, this is an inappropriate question to ask, as the commander in front of half the formation. What Wang Er should ask most at this time is our next move.

After all, the overall situation is a game of chess, and many things affect the whole body.

But Wang Er also knew that these ordinary people at hand had been guarding for more than half a month.

Seeing the hope of escape right in front of him, if Chen Heng insists on missing it, he is afraid that he will pretend to be a ghost again and it will easily lead to a civil uprising.

Chen Heng pretended not to notice Wang Er's temptation and directly agreed: Send some spies out tonight to explore a larger area. As long as there are no ambush halfway, we will leave the day after tomorrow.

Seeing that Chen Heng did not continue to show off his strength, Wang was very surprised and asked, Sir, why is it tomorrow? The sooner we leave, the better. What if Shi suddenly reacts and kills us...

Then we can't leave right away. Chen Heng was also worried about this and explained at the same time, If we delay for one more day now, the safer our way back will be.

Why? Wang Er didn't understand why the slower the reaction, the safer it would be.

Even if his military rations are not at the bottom, I'm afraid they won't be far behind.

Chen Heng knew that this was an objective meaning and would not change due to Shi Ding's wisdom and will. There are tens of thousands of mouths in the whole army, and they all have to open their mouths to eat. If you don't have a full stomach, where will you have the strength to fight?

As soon as he explained it like this, Wang Er understood immediately. The latter's spirit immediately perked up and he nodded in agreement.

Then let me go down first and let everyone pack their things? We have to let them find something to do, so as not to get dizzy and cause unnecessary trouble.

Chen Heng didn't think about this issue, so he agreed hastily, It's better that you think carefully, so I'll do as you wish.

After the two discussed it, they went their separate ways.

The civil servants headed by Xinda have just compiled a partial list of those killed in battle. More content will be followed slowly later. Xinda took it with him first and came to Chen Heng to report the situation.

Seeing the long and heavy name on the document, Chen Heng didn't say much. He just waved his hand and asked Xinda to leave first.

This is what I will rely on to file lawsuits with the Ministry of War in the future.

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At noon the next day, everyone in the village was still looking forward to tomorrow.

Two or three riders had already rushed to the front of the village, and Liu Xianglian, who happened to be stationed here, poked his head to take a look.

Seeing that it was a familiar face that I had met once in Suzhao camp, I hurriedly asked someone to open the gate of the village and let people in.

As soon as these people entered, they went straight to Chen Heng's location and reported two pieces of news.

One is that Xin Suzhao took advantage of the darkness last night to launch an ambush on the official road, defeating Shi Ding's troops and killing nearly ten thousand enemies.

Second, Xin Suzhao ordered them to set off quickly and rush to Jiannanguan to make arrangements for the overall transportation of grain.

With these two pieces of definite news, Chen Heng no longer hesitated and directly announced his immediate departure.

Take everything you can take with you. Things that cannot be taken away are gathered and burned on the spot.

Liu Xianglian was left to communicate with the messenger about Xin Suzhao's situation, while Chen Heng asked Wang Er and Xinda to handle the departure matter.

He took several civil servants with him to Xizhai to explain to the family members of the bandits who were trapped here, and told them to leave first.

Sir...Sir, how about we wait until you guys leave before leaving?

These people were still afraid that the soldiers in the camp would secretly kill them to vent their anger.

The tombs in Dongzhai are like hills.

Who wouldn't be afraid after seeing such a blood feud?

Impossible. Chen Heng waved his hands without any doubt and said solemnly, You have to leave right away! This cottage will be set on fire before we leave.

Shi Ding sent people to build this place before, which really took a lot of effort. If you continue to keep this cottage, it will be a disaster at best.

A group of old, weak, women and children had no choice but to hurry on the road at the urging of Chen Heng.

Fortunately, they also knew that Chen Heng's move was for their own good and did not cause any drama.

As for where these people will finally settle down, whether they will hide in the countryside or find support from rogues elsewhere, that is not Chen Heng's concern.

As long as they don't follow the right path, sooner or later they will be seen on the Ministry of Punishment's death row list.

Wait until the figures of this group of people disappear into the distance.

Chen Heng finally raised his hand, patted his face repeatedly, and said softly: Go home, go home.

Half an hour later, the hastily packed long team filed out of Qingfeng Village. Wang Er and Liu Xianglian, who were left at the end, looked at each other and threw down their torches toward the building filled with kerosene.

The blazing fire and the huge rising smoke were the last impression left on Chen Heng of Qingfeng Village.

He withdrew his sizing gaze, and with renewed determination, he looked further south.

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It took three and a half days to arrive in front of Jiannan Pass without incident. Chen Heng took Liu Xianglian, Wang Er and others forward to report to the defenders, and then he was able to bring the civilian husband into the pass.

In ancient times, there were more than just two sections of city walls at the front and back. There is an open space in the middle for a few people to live here. It's just that there aren't many such houses, and most people still prefer the bustling and lively atmosphere of the main cities.

With more than 10,000 civilians stationed here, the number of tents that can be set up is limited after all. Although everyone was crowded together, they thought that they no longer had to live in fear, and it was okay to suffer some grievances.

Chen Heng promised them that he would treat them to a nice drink once they returned to Jiannanguan.

All he needs to do is nod his head, and his subordinates will take care of it naturally.

Chen Heng walked around Guanzhong and asked the guard about some recent details.

Although the latter has never been involved in the war, he is very knowledgeable about news from everywhere.

He first told the visiting Master Chen a piece of bombshell news, which made Chen Heng exclaim in shock regardless of his image: Why is the Supreme Emperor dead?

The guard nodded cautiously. He did not have the confidence of Chen Heng to speak out. Just now he pointed his finger to the sky to hint at this matter.

At this moment, the guard said again: Now is the time for state funerals. Sir, if you let the common people drink, I'm afraid you will get into trouble.

If this is to be spread, the Yushitai cannot be fooled by just a few words.

It's troublesome. Chen Heng waved his hand nonchalantly.

Others are just passing through the gate of hell, but they can survive for half a month on the gate of hell.

How can we break the promise of all the people for what we promised on the road?

Chen Heng turned around and said, You didn't say anything just now. We just got out of trouble, and we don't know anything.

The guard was also a smart man. When he heard what Chen Heng said, he tacitly brought the topic to Shui Rong.

Hearing that the other party finally raised a flag of rebellion, Chen Heng asked about the situation outside the customs.

The guard general said: In some places, commanders raised flags in response. I also heard what the people who came here said, so I don't know whether it is true or not.

Is there any common people who dare to come here at this time?

Since a month ago, your whereabouts have been unknown. Newspaper shops all over Jiangnan are reporting rumors about you.

Some people say that you were all killed by bandits, while others say that you encountered a great epidemic and all of them died of illness in Ping'an Prefecture. With people in panic, many people went to Guanzhong to look for their relatives and inquire about their relatives.

The more Chen Heng heard, the more upset he became. He originally thought that Daiyu and Yinglian were far away in Songjiang and would not know what was going on in Ping'an Prefecture.

Looking at it this way, the other party may not be worried for how long. Chen Heng sighed, not knowing how to evaluate the booming newspaper industry.

That's all, the court didn't issue corresponding legal provisions for such trivial matters. Why should I worry about this?

In the early stages of development, barbarism and crudeness are unavoidable.

Chen Heng shook his head and asked the guard again. Half a month ago, the whereabouts of the wounded soldiers who left the camp were found.

As soon as the guard heard this, he immediately got excited and said: My lord, they are all dead. Those thousands of people died on the way. We only found out after General Xin came and sent spies to find out. About this?

All dead? Chen Heng himself was surprised.

Thinking about it again, I couldn't help but feel scared. The only thing that could kill these wounded soldiers was Shui Rong and Shi Ding.

If we had chosen to change the route and build Nanguan at that time, we might have ended up with the same fate.

I guess the rebels didn't want the news to leak out.

Chen Heng thought for a while and agreed with the guard's judgment. That’s it, no more needs to be said. Raising his hand to say goodbye, Chen Heng walked down the tower alone and began to walk around the pass.

The civilian husband who had just escaped from danger was enjoying the joy of the rest of his life. Everywhere he looked, there were cheering and smiling faces.

Infected by it, Chen Heng's steps became even faster. But he had only taken a few steps when he was recognized by a nearby citizen.

A group of people surrounded Chen Heng in the middle of the road and kept asking him to drink. He was so embarrassed, he just said that the lice on his body were very itchy and he had to wash himself off first.

After rejecting the invitations of a group of people, Chen Heng returned to the inn where Xinda had booked and heard someone calling to him at the door.

Hold on?!

Seeing Chen Heng turn his head subconsciously, the man was even more surprised and said: Hold on!!!

Chen Heng rubbed his eyes before he saw clearly the figure flying towards him.

Brother Xue, why are you here!

Xue Biao, who arrived at Jiannanguan more than ten days early, couldn't help but said excitedly: As soon as the news about you came out from Songjiang, we set off here. The two brothers and sisters were very worried at home. If I hadn't stopped them , I’m afraid I’m going to come here too. It’s great, it’s great that you are safe and sound!!”

Hearing his friend's incoherent words, Chen Heng also said with deep emotion: I'm sorry for your trouble. Please accept my respect, Brother Xue.

Why are we talking about these false gifts? Xue Biao hurriedly supported Chen Heng's body, looked at the other person up and down, and said happily, Okay, okay, there are no arms or legs missing.

Chen Heng wanted to laugh when he heard this, but couldn't think of answering for a moment. Another burst of resentment and joy came from the voice, It's a great day, what nonsense are you talking about, brother? What's missing, what's lacking. It's obviously the blessing of Bodhisattva, and good people have their own destiny.

Chen Heng looked over in search of the voice and saw Bao Qin, who was dressed in men's clothing. He didn't know when he was standing here. He was surprised and asked: Second brother, why are you here?

When Xue Biao heard this, he immediately smiled bitterly and couldn't help complaining: Originally, I told my two younger siblings that I would come to Jiannanguan to inquire about you first. Who knew that my sister insisted on coming, and I didn't want to take her with her? She came to take the risk. She took the carriage by herself and rushed ahead of me to reach the pass first.

Suddenly being exposed by his brother, Bao Qin showed a rare sense of being at a loss as to what to do, with an inexplicable and aggressive tone: The life or death of the eldest brother is uncertain. How can he be so busy when he is here alone?

Seeing that his sister was still arguing, Xue Biao had no choice but to shake his head. Chen Heng on the side looked at Bao Qin subconsciously. The two looked at each other, and the latter looked away guiltily.

Zhi Xing, do you want to rest for a while? Xue Biao asked from the side. He looked at Chen Heng who was in a state of embarrassment and could smell the bad smell on his body. You have endured hardship these days. ”

It's good to be alive. Chen Heng shook his head indifferently, but as soon as Xue Biao reminded him, he immediately thought of what he had not done.

The three of them walked into the inn together. After Chen Heng cleaned up, he joined Xianglian, Baoyu and Xinda who had come after hearing the news, and toasted and drank in the inn where they rested.

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A group of people stayed in the pass until mid-November. Chen Heng did not have any more headaches except continuing to deploy the grain transport team to transport Xin Suzhao.

This half month is when Chen Heng sleeps most soundly. I thought that days like this would end with Xin Suzhao getting good news one after another.

One day in the second half of the year, a group of rebels suddenly came to Jiannanguan Pass and called Chen Heng by name to answer. Although the guard general saw that the enemy army was throwing away its armor, he did not dare to hesitate when he saw the number of the enemy. He hurriedly asked Chen Heng to come to the tower to answer questions.

Chen Heng, who had worked so hard to get here, leaned out on the tower and saw a fierce general riding his horse in front of the enemy's formation.

Mr. Chen, the magistrate of Huating County, do you still remember this old friend of mine?

Chen Heng recognized the other party and couldn't help but sneered: Why don't you remember? You are just Mao Daqing who caused trouble in the Zhen family.

Okay, okay, Mr. Chen, just remember to be here. Mao Daqing smiled and nodded, and said, It's not in vain that I come to give you this old friend wealth.

Wealth? ! Chen Heng frowned slightly, why did Mao Daqing act as a lobbyist for Shui Rong?

This is what he thought, and he was about to refuse. Unexpectedly, Mao Daqing patted his big head and said loudly: Mr. Chen, I have a great head here. Can you please take the credit for me?