The Bookish Scholar of the Red Mansion

Regarding Mao Daqing's appearance, Chen Heng's reaction was not as panicked as the guard's. Chen Heng, who has experienced the baptism of Qingfeng Village, can see through the details of the army far better than ordinary people.

At first glance, Mao Daqing's subordinates numbered between two and three thousand. But most people don't even have a decent piece of armor, and they lack weapons such as artillery for siege. It is undoubtedly a dream to break through the heavily guarded Jiannan Pass with only the swords, guns and sticks on hand.

It was after seeing through the other party's details that Chen Heng became even more curious as to why the other party was here. With such subordinates, Mao Daqing lacked the resourcefulness and bravery to be remembered in history. What kind of confidence supported him to lead his troops to invade?

Chen Heng couldn't understand the reason for Mao Daqing's behavior, just because he didn't know the other party's recent fortune.

The grass bandits in Qingfeng Village have gathered in the name of family feud and hatred from the very beginning. Although these people come from all over the world, their similar origins and experiences are the fundamental reason why they are united and difficult to destroy.

Although water-soluble support and information are indispensable secretly. Neither Shui Xiong nor the head master expected a problem, and Qingfeng Village was able to develop and grow. Their intended enemies and targets were wealthy families like Feng Ziying and Wei Ruolan.

From the beginning, there was an irreconcilable contradiction between the two.

In the early days, the big boss could still rely on his past prestige to persuade the brothers to accept the recruitment and coexistence with him, with the reason of bringing everyone back to a bright and prosperous world.

When Mao Daqing and others felt more and more excluded and despised by Feng Ziying and Wei Ruolan in the army, the conflicts secretly intensified rapidly.

It was precisely because Shui Rong and Shi Ding saw through this that they chose to divide their forces into two areas. It can not only surround a point to call for reinforcements, but also take the opportunity to consume a wave of rogue bandits. After all, Feng Ziying and Wei Ruolan can bring significantly greater political help than the gangsters who are arguing.

The trade-offs and political compromises involved are all aimed at reintegration and achieving unity in the military, even if it is only superficial harmony.

Shui Rong and Shi Ding's plan was good, but they didn't expect Xin Suzhao to come so quickly and hit him so hard.

Relying on the veteran border soldiers who were good at riding and shooting, Xin Suzhao gave full play to the mobility of his troops. Fight if you want, leave if you want. Occasionally shooting a few rockets in the middle of the night can also cause some commotion.

The setbacks in recent days, as well as the ineffectiveness of the war, and Fatty Feng's delay in coming to join them, are all aggravating the outbreak of conflicts. Seeing that Shui Rong had no intention of doing anything to the family, he would only make some conciliatory moves.

Thinking again about the happy and comfortable life of being a bandit and roaring in the mountains, Mao Daqing, who felt disappointed and heartbroken, immediately contacted several brothers who were good friends in the past.

Several people hit it off immediately, originally thinking of escaping and finding a new world.

I don't know who had the bad luck to leak the news. By the time Mao Daqing was about to leave the next day, hundreds of people had secretly expressed their intention to leave with him.

These are all old brothers from Qingfeng Village. They used to eat in a big pot and sleep in a bunk. It's really impossible for Mao Daqing to abandon him.

Mao Daqing is a man of temperament. If he didn't have this temperament, he would not neglect his good military career.

But with so many people leaving, if they were discovered, they would be disgraced and the boss would not tolerate them.

Mao Daqing thought of a way. He had to wait for an opportunity.

Within a few days, this opportunity came to him.

Xin Suzhao once again led his troops to attack the camp, and Mao Daqing, who was once again dissolved by water and left behind, finally chose to part ways completely.

Xin Suzhao, who was pursuing, did not embarrass the small group of rebels who had strayed from the team. Perhaps because he didn't like this bit of mosquito meat, Xin Suzhao bit at the back of the water-soluble army from beginning to end.

Mao Daqing, who was lucky enough to escape from trouble, walked for half a day in Ping'an Prefecture and found that many brothers came to join him after hearing the news.

Seeing that more and more people were following him, Mao Daqing had no choice but to take people back to Qingfeng Village to stay temporarily.

But when they returned to Wumon Mountain, they saw the village that had been burned to the ground by Chen Heng and turned into ashes.

Looking back at the brothers behind him, Mao Daqing also felt deeply powerless.

Even Qingfeng Village, which he regarded as his home, has been reduced to nothing. Where else in the world can he settle down?

Mao Daqing stood on the empty mountain road, thinking silently.

There are not many choices available to them at the moment, whether to continue hiding in Tibet with a group of brothers, or to be alone and live in peace and quiet.

Mao Daqing actually wanted to choose the latter, but looking at the brothers who had high hopes for him, it was difficult for him to say such depressing words as to make everyone go their separate ways.

Mao Daqing, who was widely trusted by his brothers because of his fame, was eventually burdened by his fame.

If one person is barefoot, if thousands of people are barefoot, then it is not barefoot.

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Then why don't you go and claim the mountain as king?

Under the city gate, Chen Heng looked at Mao Daqing, who had tied his arms and dismounted from his horse, and asked.

It's important for people to know themselves. Mao Daqing lowered his head. He didn't look like the arrogant man who used to cause trouble in the Zhen family.

I can't even read a word, so how can I lead them to fight for their lives? In the end, it's just the same result!

He didn’t know what he had gone through. In Chen Heng’s sight, Mao Daqing said with despair, “Anyway, no matter what I do or what I do, in their eyes, I am just a mud-legged farmer.”

Who are they in Mao Daqing's mouth? Chen Heng also had some guesses, but he didn't know if he was right or not.

After saying this, Mao Daqing let out an inexplicable chuckle: If I drag my brothers to occupy a mountain and force them to abandon their homes and lives for me, what's the difference between me and those people?

Xu Shi knew that his death was coming. Mao Daqing showed a sad smile to Chen Heng in front of the guards around him, They all say that you are a good official. Mr. Chen, you read a lot. Let me ask you something. In one sentence, is there really a place in the world for lowly people like us to live and work in peace and contentment?

For this man who took the initiative to surrender and wanted to exchange his life for the safety of his brothers.

Chen Heng has some sincere respect. He can do things that ordinary people cannot do. How can he not be a man of the world?

Yes. Chen Heng said seriously, The great unity of the world described in the book has never been a fictitious rumor. It is the aspiration of the people, and it will definitely be realized in the future. It is just a matter of sooner or later.

Listening to Chen Heng's confident tone, Mao Daqing was silent for a moment, then suddenly raised his head and laughed.

Smiling, two lines of tears fell from his face.

After a long time, Mao Daqing sighed to Chen Heng and said: If I really have a next life, let me have a good pregnancy. Let me have a taste of what it is like to be a son of a noble family.

It is really sad to hear this. Chen Heng couldn't think of words to comfort him, so he had to sit back and watch the guards come up and capture Mao Daqing.

What followed was thousands of bandits preparing to surrender. I don’t know how Mao Daqing persuaded them. When this group of people walked in dejectedly, they all took a cautious look at Chen Heng.

They were looking at Chen Heng, and Chen Heng was actually looking at them.

Mao Daqing wanted to find a way out for them, but the court had its own rules. The problem facing Chen Heng was how to find a way out for these people.

The guard on the side was still happy for Chen Heng, and said with envy: Congratulations, sir. With this contribution, your future will be prosperous and just around the corner.

Chen Heng didn't react at all. He just stood by the ramp of the tower and watched Mao Daqing's retreating back.

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Ten days later, it was the last day of November. Chen Heng finally received a reply from Daiyu. The words written in the letter were filled with joy that her husband was safe and sound.

It is said that the war lasts for three months, and a letter from home is worth ten thousand gold. The poems of the Tang Dynasty are still applicable today. Chen Heng had to sigh with emotion at the amazing similarities in history.

During his leisure days in Jiannanguan, having such a letter from home was enough to comfort Chen Heng's lonely heart. Daiyu's warm words made Chen Heng miss his family even more.

Before December came, Chen Heng hid in Jiannan Pass, preparing to write an official letter to the court, hoping to take the people away in advance. Recently, many government troops and state troops have come to support, and Chen Hengneng's role is really limited.

Rather than wasting time here in vain, it is better to take the husbands home early so that they can be reunited before the New Year. Chen Heng originally thought so, but his plan was disrupted by a sudden visitor.

Your Highness, why are you here? Chen Heng exclaimed to Li Jun.

The latter had just been brought in by the guards, and when he saw Old God Chen Heng sitting in the hall, he immediately said: My father is worried about you, so I asked Grandpa Huang to let me come and see you.

Unexpectedly, the prince thousands of miles away was still thinking about him at this moment. If Chen Heng said he was not moved, that must be a lie. After all, the candidate sent by the other party was his eldest son Li Jun.

Unexpectedly, Li Jun did not come empty-handed. He had just met Chen Heng, and he didn't even bother to drink tea. He began to pass on Li Zhi's oral instructions and signaled Chen Heng to come to Beijing immediately to face the saint.

Why did it happen at this time? Chen Heng murmured in his heart. But in official circles, people can't help themselves. He could not resist the order, so he had to pack his bags and follow Li Jun on the road.

Traveling with him were Liu Xianglian, Jia Baoyu and others.

Baoyu, Baoyu, I can finally go home.

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On the seventh day of December, Chen Heng returned to the capital after a year-long absence. As soon as the people got off the boat at the ferry, the carriage sent by the Lin family to pick them up had been waiting here for a long time.

Li Jun knew that Lin Yushi must have something to say to his son-in-law, so he only agreed with Chen Heng that the palace would send someone to pick him up after the court tomorrow morning.

After they parted ways, Chen Heng took Liu Xianglian and Xinda and immediately got on the carriage home. When he arrived at the door, Chen Heng saw Lin Ruhai waiting here wearing official robes. When he looked at the other party, he saw that he had just returned from the office and had not even had time to change his clothes.

Chen Heng quickly jumped off the carriage, walked quickly to Lin Ruhai, and greeted: Father-in-law...

Lin Ruhai stopped Chen Heng who was about to salute, took a good look at him, and then said with peace of mind: It's good that everything is safe, it's good that everything is safe.

When he said this, Lin Ruhai's own eyes were slightly red, and he really couldn't see the confidence of the other party in strategizing in the past.

Hearing his family's concern after a long time, Chen Heng's nose was sore. He suppressed the fluctuation in his heart. Chen Heng took the initiative to hold Lin Ruhai's hand, and the father-in-law and son-in-law walked into the home side by side.

Jia Min, who had been waiting in the lobby for a long time, saw Chen Heng and began to scold his son-in-law: Heng'er, you are now a married man. Didn't your father tell you in the letter to do your best and protect yourself? You have to be prepared for what happens, what do you ask Yu'er to do, what do you ask mother to do.

Knowing that Jia Min was concerned, Chen Heng did not dare to say anything. I had to lower my head and listen to the teachings of my elders.

Jia Min talked again before letting go of the anger in her heart. Looking at Chen Heng's haggard look again, Jia Min couldn't help but sigh and said: Take good care of yourself at home these days. Mom ordered someone to stew some supplements for you. If you want to go back like this, Yu'er will not know when she sees it. How many tears will you shed?

Seeing that Madam finally relented, Lin Ruhai spoke up at the right time: Okay, without Heng'er's clever handling, Ping'an Prefecture would have been in trouble.

The head of the family has said this, and Jia Min can't say much. She found an excuse to get up, leaving the hall to the couple.

Seeing that no one else was around, Lin Ruhai looked at his former student again and said after a long time: You did a good job in this matter. I know your concerns and worries. I am very happy for you that you can take the people of the world as your responsibility.

The two teachers and students have known each other for more than ten years. Lin Ruhai knew Chen Heng well and could see the significance of Chen Heng's choice.

Chen Heng was relieved to gain the understanding of his mentor. Jia Min's angry look just now made him very scared even when he looked at it.

Don't worry about your mother. All she says are angry words. She only hopes that you and Yu'er can live a good life, and there is no need to make achievements.

My child knows. Chen Heng smiled, poured a cup smartly, and handed it to Lin Ruhai.

After enjoying the service of her son-in-law for a long time, Lin Ruhai smiled quite contentedly and said: His Majesty will summon you to the palace tomorrow. Do you know why?

Isn’t this what you have been waiting for? Chen Heng chuckled and showed an expression asking for advice.

Your Majesty intends to thoroughly investigate the nobles involved in the rebellion. Lin Ruhai knew the importance of Chen Heng. When this child enters the Linjing Hall tomorrow, countless heads may fall to the ground as soon as he opens his mouth.

Now that there were only Weng and his son-in-law, Chen Heng asked directly: Dad, what do you mean?

Lin Ruhai liked Chen Heng's ability to understand a few things. He immediately waved to his son-in-law and said, Come here.

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The next day, when Chen Heng saw Li Zhi again in Linjing Hall, he was surprised by his haggard appearance.

He thought that His Majesty should at least celebrate the passing of the Supreme Emperor, not only to express his deepest condolences to his parents, but also to celebrate his death. Looking at the other person's appearance that he has aged several years out of thin air, it really doesn't look like he is pretending.

Today, apart from Chen Heng and Li Zhi, there is only one chief assistant, Wei Yinghong, present in the palace. Yes, Wei Yinghong, who had just joined the cabinet, was promoted to chief minister during the state funeral.

Gu Zaiyong, an old fox, took advantage of the death of the Supreme Emperor to write letters to resign.

Lao Gu has indeed been immersed in the field of power for a long time, and his timing was so perfect.

He claimed to be ill and asked for leave for various reasons, forcing Li Zhi to nod in agreement.

The smooth change of cabinet directly led to Gu Zaiyong's retirement. Even Yan Hu, the Minister of Civil Affairs, started to pretend to be sick.

The vacuum in the two core power institutions coupled with the deterioration of the external situation. Li Zhi had to let them go and focus on the nobles who intended to rebel.

The monarch and his ministers reunited after a long absence. After Li Zhi looked Chen Heng up and down, he rarely praised him: He looks more manly than before.

Wei Yinghong glanced at Chen Heng tacitly, and then responded aloud: Wei Chen thinks that the number one scholar is thinner and more haggard.

Has Lin Aiqing lost his temper with you? Li Zhi actually had the leisure to gossip, and he seemed to be in a good mood.

To pave the way for the following conversation, Chen Heng took the initiative and answered honestly: My father-in-law didn't, but my mother-in-law was a little angry.

It should be. Li Zhi was a little surprised that his minister was so candid. He simply nodded and sighed, What a pity the hearts of parents in the world.

The state funeral will not end until the end of the year. Li Zhi's words are really interesting.

But Chen Heng must have been overthinking it, because what Li Zhi said next was: Your mother-in-law was always careless when she was young. It's normal to lose your temper, so you don't have to think too much about it.

Chen Heng responded honestly and stood in front of the two people politely.

Seeing his reserved look, Li Zhi waved to Xia Shouzhong and brought Chen Heng a stool.

The latter quickly glanced at the chief minister, and when he saw the chief civil servant blinking, he sat down.

Afterwards, the three of them chatted for a while, nothing more than making fun of Lin Ruhai. At that time, Chen Heng decided to stick to Ping'an Prefecture, and Lin Ruhai guessed that it was Wei Yinghong and Li Zhi's idea behind it.

His father-in-law was not easy to get angry with Li Zhi, but he did not need to be so polite to Wei Yinghong.

The only son-in-law in the old Lin family, Chen Heng and Daiyu were newly married and had not even given birth to any children.

If anything happens, the family relationship between the Lin family and the Wei family may be severed right here.

Wei Yinghong said a few words: Please help me and your father-in-law to be accommodating. Our two families must turn over this matter.

How could Chen Heng not agree? Let the newly promoted chief assistant just feel at ease. When he comes back and finds an opportunity, he will definitely make peace for the two elders.

Seeing that they were almost finished talking, Li Zhi finally said: Tell me about what you saw in Ping'an Prefecture.

The highlight finally came. Chen Heng took a deep breath and went over Lin Ruhai's reminder in his mind.