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YouTube2Text → Transcripts → ❣️【爆款神剧大合集】第1~4季《持械入宋》五名现代特种兵携重火力坠入大宋，被千军围困命悬一线，狙击枪响，一枪爆头敌帅，横推十万铁骑！

❣️【爆款神剧大合集】第1~4季《持械入宋》五名现代特种兵携重火力坠入大宋，被千军围困命悬一线，狙击枪响，一枪爆头敌帅，横推十万铁骑！ — Transcript

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0:02But one
0:04Come on
0:10It's going to fall
0:26Captain, Engineer Ma, Chuan'er
0:27Where are you guys?
0:28Captain, Captain
0:31Stop yelling
0:31I'm not dead
0:32Stay alert, Wang Haochuan
0:34How were you driving the rear vehicle?
0:35Coming at me like that
0:36The person in front, make a hole
0:37The reinforced vehicle was hit, I couldn't even control the steering wheel
0:38Speak Mandarin! Something grabbed the wheel, it's floating on its own
0:42I can't control it at all
0:45Captain
0:46How come you look younger than me?
0:48What the hell happened to you two?
0:50Did I hit a ghost?
0:51Don't panic yet
0:52Ma Zhenbang and Chen Su haven't come out yet
0:53Find someone! Engineer Ma, Engineer Ma, what are you shouting?
0:56This old bag of bones still
0:58How come you all look like you've rejuvenated?
0:59My hair is back too
1:01Where's Chen Song? Oh no
1:02He's in the middle of the back seat, still sleeping
1:03Save him! Chen Song, Chen Song
1:05Move aside
1:05Let me see
1:09My god, Captain
1:10Is he okay?
1:11Move back, I'll carry him out
1:12This is Dr. Chen, the one who can stitch blood vessels with bare hands, Chen Su, Lin Team
1:15Did he get on the wrong vehicle?
1:16He doesn't look older than my niece
1:17He seems to still be sleeping, hmm
1:20He's been dragged
1:20Stay away from me
1:21Dr. Chen, we're all on the same side
1:22Look at me, I'm Xie Changfeng
1:23This is Captain Lin
1:24Engineer Ma, Chuan'er
1:32Captain
1:32Where are we?
1:34How did we all end up like this?
1:38Now is not the time to discuss this
1:39Location unknown
1:39Surroundings unknown
1:40Danger could be anywhere
1:41Everyone, combat readiness
1:42Check injuries
1:43Inventory equipment
1:45Pistol ammo 150 rounds, SMG 60 rounds, sniper 10 rounds
1:47Total 220 rounds. GPS can't find satellites, Beidou phone
1:50No signal on any frequency
1:51Even the most remote mountains wouldn't be like this, it's as if someone plucked this place out of the entire communication network
1:57Take all supplies and car keys
1:58Cover the military vehicle
1:59Leave immediately
2:01Hmm
2:04Not this kind
2:09This is truly a strange place
2:32This thing looks like it was set up in ambush
2:35You're still laughing? You try it
2:37Let this thing explode right next to your face
2:39Comrade sniper
2:40Were you just almost scared by a chicken?
2:42That was tactical alertness
2:44Hmm
2:44Tactical alertness
2:55There are deer and elephant tracks here
2:57And other small animals, more than one kind
3:00Is this place a zoo?
3:01This place is a nature reserve, right?
3:03Why are there so many living creatures?
3:05This is not right
3:08No human scent
3:09No human scent
3:10It's like thunder has never struck here
3:15This place doesn't seem far from us
3:16Then what does it seem like? Like it's been too long since us
3:19Philosopher, keep going
3:21Keep going
3:29Where's Haizhao?
3:30None of your business
3:32I'm just asking
3:33Ask again and I'll seal your mouth
3:36Are you considered a minor now?
3:38Uh
3:39Should be an adult
3:45Rabbit, the rabbits here aren't afraid of people
3:52There's a success
3:53Don't shoot, everyone stay still, take cover
4:09Hmm
4:12Captain doesn't look like a modern person
4:15Dad
4:15I hit it
4:16It's a gray rabbit
4:17Control him, don't let him hurt anyone
4:20You hum
4:24Don't be afraid
4:25We won't hurt you.
4:27Thank goodness
4:30Qinghe, don't shoot
4:31We won't hurt him,
4:32Don't be nervous,
4:33We mean no harm,
4:34We just got lost,
4:35Please let go of my daughter.
4:37Alright,
4:38We'll let him go,
4:39You put down your swords,
4:40Everyone, no violence,
4:41Changfeng, release him.
4:42Dad,
4:44Little girl,
4:45Your rabbit,
4:46Where are you brave men from,
4:48How come you're so clumsy?
4:49Elder brother,
4:50Let me ask you first,
4:51What is this place?
4:53This is Longshan, under Qinzhou, Dingji, Qinzhou—how come you've never even heard of Qinzhou?
4:58You're not from the Great Song,
5:01Great Song
5:03What about it
5:04What did I tell you?
5:05Time travel
5:06May I ask
5:07What era is it now? Xuanhe Fourth Year,
5:101122 AD,
5:11This is Qinfeng Lu, local official, Jinglueshi, Qinzhou's collection.
5:14That's right,
5:14This place indeed belongs to Qinfeng Lu Shijun, held concurrently by Chief Xiang.
5:17Qinzhou elder brother, to be honest,
5:19We,
5:20are not from here,
5:21from very far away,
5:22met with mishap on the way,
5:23strayed into these mountains,
5:24My name is Lin Zhao,
5:25These are all my companions.
5:27Xie Changfeng,
5:28Wang Haochuan,
5:28Ma Zhenbing,
5:29Chen Su, surnamed Ge,
5:30Xu Ming Sanhuan,
5:31This is my daughter Xu Qinghe,
5:33That's my disciple Li Er, Qiang people, bring water
5:40Dead
5:41Not dead
5:46Several of you
5:46If you don't mind,
5:47The road ahead is wide,
5:48Let's sit down and talk slowly,
5:50Many thanks,
6:04There's actually something hot
6:19A family like Xu Sanzhuang's in such a border area
6:22in the village,
6:23probably already counts as well-off.
6:24If what elder brother just said is true,
6:26now it's Xuanhe Fourth Year,
6:28then sending Liao troops is serious business.
6:31Not bad,
6:32Up north they're fighting Qinzhou,
6:33Troops,
6:34most have probably been pulled north for the Liao affair, and once the west
6:37if they get news,
6:38Western Xia might not stay sad.
6:40You brave men know quite a bit,
6:42But it's only May, not yet time for them to come raiding,
6:46Our Qinghe Village isn't far from Longcheng Fort,
6:48If we really see Western bandit traces,
6:49there'll be beacon fires as signal,
6:50We won't be completely unprepared.
6:52Qinghe Village isn't small,
6:54Total,
6:54altogether sixty-six Han households,
6:56Qiang people also live here,
6:57Usually we all look after each other,
6:58In famine or chaos,
7:00people from nearby small tribes,
7:01often come to our village.
7:02East end of the village is mostly Han households, west side by the slope,
7:04those families have Qiang people,
7:05and intermarried ones, Li Er is Qiang,
7:07learned martial arts from me for years,
7:08now counts as half my son,
7:09Sixty-six households, spears,
7:11Han mixed living at the foot of this mountain is already a rare big village. Xu Sanzhuang can take disciples and run the mountains,
7:16and speaks with such confidence,
7:17clearly not an ordinary poor man just getting by.
7:19No wonder the captain is from a command-related major,
7:21really knowledgeable,
7:21Yeah,
7:23Fangcai wasn't hurt, right,
7:28Almost said it wrong,
7:29It's getting late,
7:30At this hour, tigers are most likely on the road.
7:33If you gentlemen wish to head down the mountain,
7:35you'd best set off early.
7:36Good.
7:51It's a tiger!
8:08Qinghe, get down!
8:25It's alright now.
8:27Qinghe got scared,
8:28didn't you?
8:28A-Die, there's nothing scary about the Amo Temple.
8:40Hey,
8:41brother,
8:42this weapon of yours must be a Lei Xiang Nu.
8:46Just a little fire trick for self-defense.
8:49We've never seen such a thing,
8:50no need to use ordinary weapons.
8:54Back where we're from, this is a protected animal—three years minimum.
8:57This leopard belongs to you—how could that be? This beast was Brother Lin,
9:00you killed it,
9:01if not for your help,
9:02we three—master, disciple, and daughter—would have been dead or wounded. How could I still take this?
9:05If you hadn't noticed first,
9:06we might not have had time to defend ourselves,
9:07besides, this thing is useless to us,
9:08but to you, it's something real and valuable.
9:12Brother Lin, I, Xu, will remember this favor.
9:16Brother Lin,
9:16gentlemen,
9:17let's go back over there and sit,
9:18talk slowly.
9:23It's still some distance to Qinghe Village,
9:25dragging this leopard back in the dark now,
9:28one step steady, scouting ahead,
9:29two li away there's a mountain god temple,
9:31hunters who come back late often rest there.
9:34If you gentlemen don't mind,
9:35we can make do there for the night and head back to the village together at dawn.
9:39Alright,
9:52Are you Western Xia people,
9:53or Liao people?
9:55Neither. We come from very far away,
10:01definitely not mountain ghosts.
10:25Beacon fire!
10:26There's a beacon fire over at Tianhe Village.
10:28Dad, the village!
10:33Halt!
10:35Brother Lin,
10:36the village is on fire,
10:37so we definitely can't rush in blindly. Stay on the move.
10:38Keep talking, don't stop. The village has a few roads,
10:40two entrances—the town gate leads in,
10:43coming down the mountain path,
10:43there's also a dirt road that loops out behind the village,
10:47from the direction of Longcheng Stronghold,
10:49few people usually take it,
10:50horses can run on it.
10:51Then we don't need to worry about the back door,
10:52just guard the front door,
10:53and crush them inside the village.
10:59Mm.
11:05The Western Xia soldiers number around thirty,
11:08Everyone attention, Chen Su,
11:10you take Qinghe and Old Xu to guard the rear,
11:11don't enter the village center for now,
11:13steady the villagers,
11:14guard the village entrance,
11:14don't let anyone run around.
11:15If you find injured villagers, treat them immediately.
11:17Understood, Li'er,
11:19you use your bow and arrows to pin down the bandits at the village entrance,
11:20if any escape,
11:21shoot to kill directly. Good, Changfang.
11:23Old Ma, watch the flanks, rooftops, and alley entrances. Take out the attackers and defenders first.
11:27Haochuan, give me the pistol.
11:29You enter from the front. Use the micro-gun for burst fire,
11:31save bullets,
11:34try not to hit the horses. After the fight starts, the three most important words:
11:36Me, you, horse. Old Xu, remember to collect the horses later—those things are valuable.
11:41Such a wealthy battle,
11:42I've never fought in eight lifetimes. Can you die if you talk less?
11:44Brother Lin, you can't charge in like this. The bandits,
11:46their bows are fast, horses are fast, and close combat is deadly.
11:48You only have four people. Once you charge in,
11:50you won't even have a way to retreat.
11:52They're the ones who should run.
11:56Don't move recklessly.
12:03Move left and right,
12:11No, no,
12:20it's Sankui who's back!
12:21Sankui brought reinforcements!
12:22There are reinforcements! Kill them!
12:24What are you doing?
12:33Silly boy, are you feeling calmer now?
12:38Go back inside.
12:39Lei Xiao Nu!
12:40They have Lei Xiao Nu!
12:43Charge!
12:47Against charging cavalry,
12:49report heads and horses together.
12:55I already hit him!
12:56Why waste bullets finishing him off?
12:57I don't finish off the wounded,
12:58Him falling off his horse is bullshit!
13:00That was clearly me shutting up,
13:01There's another one on the left
13:05One got away
13:12Everyone who can stand, move back
13:13Don't block the road,
13:16Push back.
13:17Men, grab your weapons and don't run around.
13:20Mmm ah ah ah ah,
13:29Brother Lin,
13:30This is Li Zheng Zhou Houde from our Qinghe Village,
13:32Zhou Li Zheng
13:37Benefactor Zhou Lisheng, I can't accept this, how can I not accept it
13:41If not for your help, benefactor,
13:42Qinghe Village would have been completely finished today,
13:45The old and young, women and children in the village,
13:46Who knows how many would have died,
13:47And how many would have been taken away.
13:48This old man kneels for the lives of the whole village, Zhou Lisheng.
13:52Let's not talk about that now,
13:53The most important thing now is to take care of the injured,
13:55And stabilize the village,
13:55Yes, yes
13:57Don't just stand there, the living go to Xiantai, the injured go to Xiantai
14:00We have those not completely wiped out, keep wiping them out,
14:02Watch the horses and weapons left by the bandits,
14:04No one is allowed to touch them,
14:06Please, benefactors, go rest at the Xu family first,
14:08Drink some hot soup,
14:09Eat something.
14:10Today you have fought to the death for Qinghe Village,
14:12There's no reason to let our benefactors stay here in the wind and dust,
14:14No need for us to go to the Xu family to boil water,
14:16Prepare hot soup,
14:17Zhou Lizheng, there's no need for this,
14:19Benefactor, please don't refuse,
14:20If you don't even let us show this little bit of gratitude,
14:22Then I, Li Zheng, might as well not hold this position.
14:23Brother Yun,
14:24Listen to Zhou Li Zheng,
14:25Wash your face and take a breather,
14:26You can barely stand right now,
14:27Why still act tough, Qinghe,
14:29You go back first and take care, boil water for Benefactor Lin
14:30and the others,
14:31I want to stay and help Sister Chen Su
14:35What a formidable young lady
14:37Qinghe,
14:38You go pick people.
14:39The strong men and brave young women in the village, you lead them over,
14:42All follow Chen Xiao Niangzi's orders.
14:44Okay,
14:44Chen Xiao Niangzi, thank you for your hard work,
14:46All the strong men in the village are at your disposal,
14:47What do you need?
14:48Just say it,
14:49I need a big room,
14:50And hot water,
14:51Salt,
14:51Strong liquor, and clean cloth, the more the better,
14:53Bring the seriously injured here first,
14:55Clear the bayonets,
14:56Move all the offering tables away,
14:57Spread straw mats,
14:58Take down all usable door panels,
14:59Hurry
15:03Put the severely injured on the left
15:04Bring in those bleeding heavily first,
15:06Those with minor injuries who can sit up on their own,
15:07All go.
15:07On the right, put children and injured parents in the back,
15:10Don't block the doorway,
15:11Keep boiling hot water,
15:12Don't stop. Separate all cloth, put clean ones here,
15:15Throw dirty ones out directly.
15:16After boiling salt water, let it cool to wash wounds, stop bleeding first,
15:19Then clean the wound.
15:20Finally bandage
15:23For broken bones, stabilize them first
15:25Don't move them randomly,
15:25Don't move me, don't move,
15:27I really want to eat,
15:29That won't do,
15:31Hold him down
15:35What are you crying for?
15:36You, to protect the village,
15:37Aren't even afraid of death for the elders,
15:39And you're afraid to show a little skin?
15:41This young lady seems even more skilled than the doctors in the city,
15:43Indeed, that young man was crying so hard just now,
15:45With one sentence, 'What are you crying for?'
15:46She silenced him,
15:48I've lived half my life,
15:49Never seen a woman like this.
15:56This battle was really damn brutal,
15:58Body isn't tired,
15:58Heart is tired,
15:59Training and actually killing are two different states,
16:02We've been at peace for too long.
16:06Brother Xie, wipe your hands.
16:08How did you know my surname is Xie?
16:10Everyone in the courtyard calls me that. You've got sharp ears.
16:15Why do you keep staring at me?
16:16Is there a flower on my face?
16:18Mm.
16:18Mm.
16:18No.
16:19Hey!
16:20Watch out, you almost fell!
16:21And you'd blame me for it.
16:23Just settle down.
16:25They're only here temporarily to take care of us.
16:26Stop pulling and tugging, no nonsense.
16:28Didn't you see he was about to fall?
16:29Whoa, in front of your sister, don't act so tough.
16:32Have something warm to drink first.
16:36Hey.
16:36What's your name? Qiaoniang? That's an interesting name.
16:42Benefactors,
16:43this is soup freshly made at home.
16:45The eggs were just saved up too.
16:46We don't have anything good at home.
16:48Please, benefactors,
16:48don't disdain it.
16:49Sister-in-law Zhou,
16:50your husband is still injured. This soup
16:52should be saved for him.
16:52Why bring it here? What should be given,
16:54how could I not give it?
16:55If not for you benefactors,
16:56my husband would have died today.
16:58Now,
16:58though he still lies in the ancestral hall,
17:00at least he's alive.
17:01Alive is good.
17:02Alive is good.
17:04Sister-in-law,
17:05thank you for the things.
17:05We've accepted them.
17:06Go back quickly and take care of your family.
17:10Benefactors, please accept them.
17:12Whether for etiquette,
17:13or for wrapping things,
17:14at least it's clean.
17:15The cloth—our family is poor and has nothing good.
17:17This was saved for my daughter-in-law.
17:18I've been reluctant to use it.
17:19Elder, we really can't accept this.
17:21How can you not accept it? My husband's life—
17:23you all saved him.
17:24What's a piece of cloth compared to that?
17:27If you don't accept it,
17:28I, an old woman,
17:29won't be able to sleep at night.
17:31Brother Sanhua.
17:32Brother Lin.
17:33You said not to let the villagers bring things anymore.
17:36Everyone just suffered a disaster.
17:37Being able to offer these now is already a kindness.
17:39If more people come,
17:40thank you for stopping them for us.
17:42We've received things; we can't take more.
17:44But the villagers are sincere.
17:45We saved people,
17:46not for these things.
17:47Right now every household in the village is struggling.
17:48We can't let them keep sending things here.
17:50Okay.
17:50I'll go tell them.
18:00In this battle, the handgun fired thirty-eight rounds.
18:02Weicong fired nine rounds.
18:03Forty-seven rounds in total.
18:04That's not a small number of bullets.
18:05The most was spent when the Western Xia cavalry charged.
18:08In that situation,
18:08using the most bullets, to achieve this
18:10is already quite economical.
18:12But such consumption—
18:12a few more times,
18:13and our ammunition will run out.
18:15So although we won this battle,
18:16the cost was high.
18:17Our guns and bullets can't be a long-term reliance.
18:20They can scare the Western Xia people now
18:21because the enemy has never seen them before.
18:23Once the bullets are gone, the gun is just a piece of hard iron.
18:27We fought this battle fiercely,
18:28but it's a one-time show of power.
18:30Not just power—it's an opportunity.
18:32Right.
18:32After this battle,
18:33we are no longer strangers of unknown origin.
18:34At least in Qinghe Village,
18:36we are the benefactors who saved the whole village.
18:37This favor and this matter can't be let go to waste.
18:40First, solve our identity.
18:41Without identity,
18:42we have no place to stay.
18:42Sooner or later, something will happen to us.
18:44We must quickly secure a local identity, residence,
18:46connections, and resources.
18:47Best to use this battle merit,
18:48and through the stronghold's connections, quickly enter the existing order of the Great Song.
18:51This is the era with the most wars in the Great Song.
18:53The borderlands,
18:54Today there are Western Xia soldiers,
18:55Tomorrow there may be rebels, and after that, refugees, famine, and corvée labor.
18:58To survive here,
18:59just knowing how to fight is not enough.
19:01Guns can no longer be used as regular weapons.
19:03If we truly want to survive here,
19:04we must create weapons that this era can produce,
19:06repair,
19:07and resupply.
19:08Gun ammunition is a one-time deal,
19:09once used, it's gone.
19:10You mean you plan to open an arsenal in the Great Song?
19:13If you insist on saying that,
19:14it's not wrong.
19:15This path is feasible.
19:16If we can establish our own equipment system in the future,
19:17we can truly gain a foothold.
19:20Then we won't go back.
19:21The key is, do you know how you got here?
19:23Then you should ask yourself, you drove me here.
19:27Miss Chen, help!
19:30Please save my man!
19:35What? Injured?
19:35Three days ago, no, four days ago,
19:38while he was gathering bamboo shoots,
19:39a chunk of flesh was bitten off his leg.
19:40He could still walk the first two days,
19:41but then his leg swelled more and more.
19:43Last night he started having a high fever.
19:45This morning he began talking nonsense.
19:50Can Miss Chen save him?
19:52This leg cannot be kept.
19:54If we delay any longer,
19:55we won't be able to save him either.
19:56As long as it saves my husband, we don't want the leg.
19:58We don't want it.
19:59This leg has already rotted inside.
20:00Keeping it will only cost him his life.
20:03Can you hear me?
20:04If you can hear me, open your eyes.
20:05Are you afraid of pain,
20:06or afraid of death?
20:09If you're afraid of pain, then wait to die.
20:10If you don't want to die,
20:11then endure the pain.
20:14Fire.
20:14Good.
20:15Qinghe liquor,
20:16hot water, clean cloths, bring them all.
20:17Also get the sharpest knife and heat the branding iron red, have it ready.
20:20Stop crying.
20:21Stop crying.
20:22Since Miss Chen is willing to help,
20:23there is still a way to live.
20:25Sister Chen, everything is ready.
20:29Don't bring
20:32Hold him steady.
20:35You, uh, nurse
20:41This year
20:43Mm mm mm
20:48Old iron
20:51My
20:54No
20:56This, this is done?
21:00For now, my husband is saved.
21:02Can you hear me?
21:03Answer me, don't touch him.
21:04He is not truly out of danger yet.
21:05Although the bleeding has barely stopped,
21:06the high fever persists and the wound is not necessarily stable.
21:09Tonight someone must stay with him constantly,
21:10not leaving for a moment.
21:11Listen carefully,
21:13move him inside to a place with less draft,
21:14lay something clean underneath him,
21:15and don't let anything dirty touch the wound again.
21:16If his body feels hot,
21:17soak a cloth in cool water,
21:18and repeatedly wipe his forehead,
21:19neck, and armpits. If his lips are dry,
21:21feed him a little at a time.
21:22Warm water.
21:26Brother Lin, Commander Zhou Li has arrived.
21:29Young Master Lin, Commander Zhou.
21:31The matters outside the village,
21:31have been hastily sorted out for now,
21:33but some things are too heavy,
21:34and this old man dare not make decisions on his own.
21:35I'd like Young Master Lin to take a look—is it captured goods, dead and wounded,
21:37or matters from the stronghold? There's everything.
21:41Let's go.
21:48Young Master Lin, I've lived many years,
21:50but I've never seen such a big haul.
21:52Twenty-two warhorses, twenty-eight sets of leather armor, twenty horn bows, and short swords.
21:57Sixteen,
21:57Over four hundred armor-piercing swords,
21:59And horse saw bracers,
22:01Leg wraps,
22:01Water skins,
22:02And a good amount of grain,
22:03Still being counted,
22:04Plus twenty-eight bandit heads, all set aside separately,
22:07Hmph,
22:08According to the borderland reward rules,
22:10These twenty-eight heads are no small number,
22:13This is all money,
22:14Curse you.
22:15The more stuff there is,
22:17The more uneasy this old man feels.
22:19By rights,
22:20All this involves official rules,
22:22No one in the village dares to act rashly,
22:23Even less to secretly divide it up,
22:25How to distribute rewards,
22:25How to report it,
22:26This old man really has no idea,
22:29Please report the dead and injured households to me.
22:31Ten dead, fifteen severely injured,
22:33Over ten lightly injured.
22:34And a few elderly,
22:35Women and children were frightened when the chaos broke out earlier,
22:36And got scrapes, but their lives are not in danger. The ten dead were all strong laborers who could handle things in the village.
22:42Among them, several households have elderly above and young below, their days
22:44Were already hard
22:47Military merit rewards
22:48Prioritize the families of the dead and severely injured,
22:50Set aside what they deserve first.
22:52Young Master Lin asked about the people first,
22:53Not money,
22:54The old man felt reassured.
22:56Zhou Li, there's one more thing,
22:58The beacon fire has been lit for so long,
23:00Why haven't the soldiers from Longcheng County shown up yet?
23:03By rights, when they see the beacon fire, the fort soldiers should come,
23:06But things in this world don't always go by the rules.
23:09In all these years, this old man has seen villagers attacked,
23:12Dragging their families to flee to the fort,
23:13But rarely seen.
23:14Fort soldiers willing to risk their lives for a village,
23:17Especially now with fighting in the north, troops are being transferred north, and the fort's manpower is already gone,
23:23Half of them,
23:23The remaining soldiers are barely enough to defend the fort,
23:26Who would easily come out?
23:29As for the inspector,
23:30If Young Master Mu Enlin really met him,
23:32He would know what kind of person he is,
23:34By then, he would probably just use the words 'defending the city is paramount' to shut people up.
23:38The village's life or death in his eyes,
23:40Is just a light,
23:42Helpless.
23:44Yeah,
23:45Earlier in the mountains,
23:46I didn't say this clearly, first,
23:47Afraid it would hurt everyone's courage,
23:49Second, also,
23:50At that time, I wasn't sure what you all planned,
23:53Who would have thought you'd really dare to lead the villagers in this fight,
23:57Understood,
24:00So from now on, Qinghe Village can't rely on the county,
24:05If not for having an official who still does his job.
24:06The county magistrate here, life in the borderlands would be even harder.
24:11Who is the current magistrate of Longcheng County?
24:13Magistrate Di, Lord Di, still willing to think a bit for us common folk,
24:18Descendant of Di Qing, Di Wuxiang?
24:20Not moved,
24:21The integrity of his ancestors,
24:22It's precisely because there's still an old man in the county willing to do things that I dare to think this matter, if handled properly,
24:26Might even win a few more chances for the village.
24:29In that case,
24:30I'll also share our plans,
24:32We few want to settle in Qinghe Village
24:36Really, really?
24:40That would be great.
24:40However,
24:41You few have merit in defending the village,
24:42And with Old Han and Sanhuai as guarantors,
24:44Find a few more influential households in the village,
24:46After pressing fingerprints,
24:47Go to the county to get the paperwork done,
24:49As fast as half a month,
24:49As slow as a month,
24:50Your status will be settled.
24:52So what do we need to do?
24:53Leave this to Old Han and Sanhuai. The others just did such a great service for the village,
24:57The matter of settling,
24:57Don't worry about it,
24:58Then let's first discuss military merit rewards. The rewards for the dead,
25:00Set aside separately,
25:01The severely injured also get priority care. The rest who participated in defending the village,
25:04Record their merits and handle them in order later.
25:07Additionally,
25:07Besides the deserved rewards for the families of the dead,
25:09Add five strings of consolation money,
25:11From the horse sale money.
25:14Young Master Lin
25:14This is to win the hearts of Qinghe Village,
25:18These bows and leather armors cannot be divided,
25:20And even more so, cannot be sold.
25:21This time we held on by risking our lives,
25:22And also by luck,
25:23But Qinghe Village cannot every time,
25:24Just wait for luck to come,
25:26Such things may very well happen again.
25:27If we still think that when trouble comes,
25:28We can just rely on the fort,
25:29Rely on the city's garrison.
25:30In these times, what protects your life is not a few rewards,
25:32It's this bow in your hand and this armor on your body. What Young Master Lin said,
25:35Is exactly what this old man was thinking,
25:37But I wonder if Young Master Lin is willing to lead this militia for the village and be this archery captain?
25:40I understand. What is an archery captain?
25:42For a village self-defense force with fewer than a hundred people,
25:45Officially organized as a she, the leader
25:47Is called the archery captain.
25:48In normal times, he trains the able-bodied young men,
25:49In times of trouble, he leads the people to defend the village and face the enemy—the backbone.
25:53If Young Master Lin is willing to take this title,
25:55Then the young men of Qinghe Village will all follow your command from now on.
25:59Good,
26:00I will take on this archery captain role. Good, with Young Master Lin's word,
26:04The village's young men finally have someone to lead them,
26:07And these twenty-two horses are also a big problem.
26:11How so?
26:13Western Xia horses are valuable; one sold can be worth seventy guan,
26:16That's already an excellent price,
26:18But according to the rules, a village can keep at most five for its own use,
26:21The rest cannot be disposed of privately.
26:22If you dare to sell or distribute them recklessly,
26:24You'll lose your head.
26:25So strict,
26:26Borderland horses are always strictly controlled,
26:28Especially since these are Western bandit warhorses. Longcheng County has no horse market,
26:31To sell them,
26:31You'd have to go to Qinzhou.
26:32But Qinzhou is far,
26:33And the road is full of bandits,
26:34Without official credentials,
26:36Who would dare to escort these twenty-some horses?
26:38According to the Rites of Zhou,
26:39Right now,
26:39What should we do first?
26:42First go to the county,
26:42Report the heads, military achievements, and captured goods,
26:45Then declare the origin of these horses and open official documents,
26:47Keep the five allowed in the village first,
26:49For the rest, wait until the paperwork is complete,
26:50Then see whether the village provides men,
26:52Or properly escort them to Qinzhou to sell to the government.
26:54Then let's follow this plan first. Keep five good horses,
26:56For the village's own use. The rest, wait until the county's official business is settled,
26:58Then move them.
26:59Then I'll go sort out the official channels that need to be taken,
27:04The fever has broken, it's gone.
27:07Sister Chen,
27:08He seems to have a fever in his leg,
27:12Miss Chen,
27:13Has the man I brought come around?
27:15The high fever has subsided,
27:16He should survive.
27:17Ah,
27:19Continue to watch his water according to the method I taught you before,
27:21Don't let it run out, and don't leave him.
27:22Mm,
27:23Ah, I remember, I remember everything, Guiniang,
27:26Your husband,
27:27I'm here
27:29Feed him more water in the afternoon
27:30Later,
27:30Try feeding him some congee,
27:34Okay
27:36What are these things? Ma Ge, what's wrong?
27:39These things can't even be drawn,
27:40The blade is so soft,
27:42In real battle,
27:42After a few chops,
27:43Nine out of ten will curl,
27:45They just look decent. When it comes to risking your life, what use are they?
27:49And this one is just passable
27:52In a real tough fight
27:53It might not hold up.
27:54Ma Ge,
27:54Your eye is very sharp,
27:55But can you not be so harsh first?
27:57This is the Great Song a thousand years ago,
27:58My brother, you'd have to wait a thousand years,
28:01For you to exist in this world,
28:05Can you change it? Can you?
28:08In the long run, we need to build a furnace and modify the bellows,
28:10Find better coal,
28:10Smelt the steel,
28:11Knives, spears, swords, lances,
28:12The style is one thing,
28:13But material is the root. If the iron is no good,
28:15Everything is useless.
28:16But that's all for later.
28:17We can't rush it if we want quick results.
28:19We can start with the bows and arrows. How?
28:23There's plenty we can modify.
28:25Arrowheads, arrow shafts,
28:26Arrow rain, all can be improved.
28:27The bow itself can also have its materials adjusted.
28:29It won't be hard for me to make a batch that's a notch above what we have now.
28:33These things are made too crudely.
28:35Keep this in mind for now.
28:36The village has just settled down.
28:37No rush to act.
28:38Once the housing, people, and timber are all sorted out,
28:40Then we'll plan carefully. No rush.
28:46Look clearly.
28:48It's Li Zhang who's here.
28:49We should have settled tonight's lodging earlier.
28:51There's just so much going on right now,
28:52So it got delayed a bit.
28:54Please take a seat, Zhou Li, and we'll talk while we eat.
28:55Exactly. No, no.
28:57Let's first talk about today.
28:58For now, you few,
28:58Tonight you each need a place to stay.
29:00A place to settle, besides that,
29:01Wait a couple of days,
29:01Then we'll sort it out slowly.
29:02Young Master Lin and Miss Chen will stay at Sanhuai's tonight. Young Master Lin in the main room,
29:06Miss Chen with Qinghe in the east wing.
29:08Make do for a few days until the Wu house is vacated,
29:10Understood,
29:10Then we'll make other arrangements.
29:12That's no problem at all.
29:13Brother Zhe, Brother Wang,
29:14I've already spoken for you.
29:15The upper households in both villages have empty side rooms.
29:18Go there tonight,
29:18Rest there. No need to worry about food or lodging.
29:21Didn't you just say you had something to tell Brother Xie?
29:25Ah,
29:26With me?
29:28Young Master Xie, it's late today.
29:30If you don't mind,
29:31Please stay at our home first.
29:32The side room is ready,
29:33Bedding,
29:33Can be prepared immediately.
29:34No need. I'll just squeeze in with Ma Gong. It's urgent.
29:36What's urgent?
29:37Let him finish speaking first.
29:39Young Master Xie,
29:40You saved Qiaoniang's life.
29:41Our whole family remembers it.
29:42If not for you,
29:43She would be gone now.
29:45I just saved her casually.
29:46I'd save anyone.
29:47It's nothing.
29:47To you it's nothing,
29:48But to our family it's a huge deal.
29:50We farmers don't understand other big principles,
29:52We only know you saved her.
29:54Young Master Xie, if you don't mind,
29:56We want to entrust Qiaoniang's future to you. What entrust to me?
30:01As a legal wife,
30:01We wouldn't dare dream of it,
30:02And we're not worthy.
30:03If you're willing to let her stay by your side,
30:05Even just to care for your daily needs,
30:06We'd accept. It's not that I saved her,
30:07I just saved her casually,
30:08Not for this.
30:09We know you're a good man,
30:10But this is how it is.
30:11We also mentioned it to Li Zheng earlier,
30:13Li Zheng said,
30:14This isn't out of line.
30:15Then what kind of person am I?
30:16How can this be?
30:17Young Master Xie, no need to be so hesitant.
30:20You've settled here too. Having one more person to look after you in the future,
30:22Isn't bad.
30:23I'm not talking about you. I mean this matter is not right.
30:27That's not what I meant.
30:29Stay tonight. We'll discuss other things later.
30:33Got it.
30:38Tonight, having a place to stay is what matters.
30:41As for how to settle down later,
30:42Three families in the village have died out,
30:43I've already made some plans,
30:45We can vacate and rebuild. If you few really want to settle in Qinghe Village,
30:48You can't keep borrowing places here and there.
30:51Young Master Lin, you four can take a large courtyard,
30:53And fix it up slowly later.
30:55Three main rooms on each side,
30:56Side rooms are enough too.
30:57As for Miss Chen, she'll naturally get a separate courtyard later.
31:00Why? She's a young lady, how can she live mixed with you men?
31:04Then can you build me a hospital too?
31:07What hospital? One specifically for treating the sick and injured.
31:09A place to treat patients,
31:10best to build a two-story building,
31:11upstairs for storing herbs and living quarters, downstairs for treating patients.
31:13Oh my,
31:13my little lady,
31:14this won't do for a border village household,
31:16how can we casually build a building,
31:18this violates the rules.
31:19The clinic you mentioned,
31:21a clinic is a clinic,
31:23but allocating me a big courtyard alone would be fine too.
31:24Hey, this can be the main house,
31:26side rooms,
31:27slowly fix them up,
31:28we can always arrange it for you.
31:28Understood, everyone rest well.
31:30This old man still has things to do,
31:31I'll be going now,
31:40Guanyin Bodhisattva bless.
31:41Guanyin Bodhisattva bless, what Guanyin Bodhisattva bless? I say maybe that Miss Chen is the incarnation of Guanyin?
31:48In plain clothes, she saved so many people,
31:50if not Guanyin, what is she?
31:51Guanyin, Guanyin, isn't she?
31:53Yes,
31:53if not for her, who knows how many would have been carried out of the ancestral hall today,
32:00One two one two one two
32:06Alright
32:08Hmm,
32:13Oh my,
32:21Open your eyes and look,
32:22all sleeping like dead pigs,
32:24what a sight,
32:25They're from out of town,
32:26yesterday they took a knife for us, risked their lives,
32:28today they got up before dawn,
32:29after training they went into the mountains to patrol and eat,
32:31and you? Hmm, all comfortably lounging on the kang,
32:34As farming folk, our lives depend on hard work,
32:37If you don't work the fields, will crops grow by themselves?
32:39You'd rather wait until the sun burns your backside before getting up.
32:41If you don't go into the mountains, will mountain goods
32:42grow legs and run into your pot?
32:45Lazy bones, every one of you,
32:46usually you just curl up in bed enjoying the warmth,
32:48Do you really think heaven owes you? Pah!
32:50I'm telling you now,
32:51from now on, anyone who slacks off like this,
32:52I won't forgive first,
32:53They all have hands and feet,
32:54born worse off than outsiders who work hard,
32:56Aren't you ashamed?
32:58Hmm,
33:00Brother Xie,
33:01My mom made breakfast,
33:02she's calling you back to eat,
33:06Hurry up and go.
33:06Young Master Xie,
33:07Your people are waiting by the road,
33:08Stop making a fuss about food,
33:10The food is still hot,
33:13I'm going to eat,
33:13I'll come find you later,
33:14Don't overthink it
33:18Hahaha,
33:21Today I saw something good,
33:23What is this?
33:25Ore. Longshan isn't just wild vegetables,
33:27There are many herbs, and who knows what good things are buried underground.
33:30Today I looked at the mountain terrain,
33:31and felt these two stones,
33:32I'm pretty sure there's a mineral vein,
33:33If we can find more mineral veins later,
33:35Qinghe Village is really sitting on a treasure mountain,
33:37Don't spread the word yet, wait until we're sure,
33:41I know
33:45Young Master Xie, did you sleep well last night?
33:50Well, very well, as long as you slept well
33:52As long as you slept well.
33:53The young and strong in the village, to be honest,
33:55currently able to fight,
33:56and useful, at most thirty-five people
34:02Few as they are,
34:03at least we have a foundation,
34:04as long as they're willing to train hard,
34:05they might become something.
34:06Young Master Lin
34:08Li Zhao
34:08Is there news from the county again?
34:10No such thing
34:12I came to settle the housing matter first,
34:14There's a well-off household in the village,
34:15The house is empty, and the yard is big.
34:18Young Master Lin,
34:19You four are all men,
34:20I thought I'd assign that place to you first,
34:22If you're free now,
34:23come with me.
34:24Okay,
34:24Thank you, Li Zheng, for your trouble,
34:25Hey,
34:30This place is really not small, huh?
34:32Mm,
34:34Young Master Lin,
34:35You've settled things on your end,
34:36As for Miss Chen,
34:37I originally found her a small standalone courtyard,
34:39But
34:40the young lady didn't want it.
34:41She said she wants a bigger courtyard,
34:43Two main rooms,
34:43Four,
34:44side rooms,
34:44One main room for herself, one as a consultation room,
34:46The four side rooms are just right for accommodating.
34:47She also said,
34:48From now on, we can't keep
34:49carrying patients into the ancestral hall every time.
34:50She wants to combine her living quarters and the clinic
34:51into one place. I can handle that for her.
34:55Right now, there's no big empty courtyard available,
34:57I'll keep an eye out.
34:58If it really doesn't work out,
34:58we can connect two adjacent courtyards,
35:00and slowly fix it up for her.
35:02Young Master Lin,
35:03I still need to go to Longcheng County to handle the household registration,
35:05And also report the work and the captured warhorses.
35:07Yesterday's battle,
35:08The village suffered many casualties,
35:09But the bandits' bodies, weapons, and horses are still there,
35:11All these need to be reported to the county,
35:12This trip will take at least half a day,
35:15I'll be back by evening,
35:16Wait for me to return.
35:17How should we deal with these horses?
35:18How should the village defend itself in the future?
35:19And the matter of your settlement here, I need to discuss with you.
35:20Let's discuss it together,
35:21Li Zhang, just go ahead. I'll keep an eye on things here in the village. With your word,
35:24I feel at ease.
35:26Then this old man will go handle things first,
35:27I'll leave the village in your hands, Young Master Lin and the others.
35:36Good, good, good, throw him!
35:40Hey,
35:41You die, I
35:45Who else
35:46I think Li Dahe is going to show off today,
35:48Li Dahe is a good prospect,
35:50What's the rush?
35:51I still have one hidden here.
35:52Brother Xu,
35:53Where's your disciple? Quick, call Yier down to try.
35:59Good, good, good, good
36:02Mm mm ya
36:06Ya
36:08I told you this kid has potential. Not bad.
36:12Brother Xie,
36:12Why don't you go down and try too?
36:13I think Changfeng,
36:14Aren't you the one with the toughest mouth all day long?
36:15Go down and compete, Brother Xie, go down,
36:17I thought you were pretty capable?
36:19If you're going to fight, then fight. Stop yelling,
36:23Don't just be tough with your mouth
36:25Come on
36:26Let me see how much you've got
36:29Ah
36:31This is
36:34This, this is down already?
36:35Young Master Xie,
36:36What move is that?
36:36Head lock
36:40It has a fierce force
36:41But it's too straightforward.
36:42I've noted it,
36:43Li Er's lower body is still weak,
36:45All the strength is in his hands.
36:46Usually archery is fine, but in close combat like this, he's at a disadvantage,
36:48You make it sound so easy,
36:49You're not convinced,
36:51What, afraid I'll hurt you?
36:57Mm mm mm,
37:00Turn sideways, footwork.
37:01One,
37:01Xie Li
37:07This side
37:11So this Miss Chen not only can save people,
37:14She can also fight people,
37:15If he gets beaten, then he can't beat me.
37:18Young Master, come on, let the young lady come on,
37:21Brother Lin, come on
37:24Young Master
37:25Young Master Lin
37:44I don't know
37:53Young Master Lin and the others are so skilled,
37:55In yesterday's battle, they probably relied not just on the thunder crossbow. After shooting the head,
37:59Will the training teach us these skills?
38:00Right,
38:01And also, can we use the thunder crossbow later?
38:03Thunder crossbow,
38:03Don't even dream about it,
38:04That kind of thing can't be made right now,
38:06But if it's just a hand crossbow,
38:09I've been working with the carpenter all day today,
38:10I've already got a plan in mind,
38:12Give me some time,
38:13I guarantee every one of you will have a crossbow,
38:21We can teach him a good lesson.
38:23Brother Lin, let's all go to Sanhuai's place to discuss things.
38:28Yan Magong, I'm going to the county tonight for this trip; the rest is still being polished, but this one is done first.
38:34In the future, if these horses are sold,
38:36At least on the surface, they'll have a legitimate source,
38:38What does the letter say?
38:40What else could it say?
38:42It's such a mess,
38:43No one wants to get involved,
38:44I had to say a lot of nice things just to barely smooth things over.
38:47On my trip to the county, the news didn't stay hidden either; Mu En from Longcheng Stronghold heard we have Western Xia warhorses,
38:53He sent word privately,
38:54Coming over so quickly,
38:56How can something like warhorses be kept secret?
38:58He first asked where the horses came from,
38:59When he heard the villagers risked their lives to get them back,
39:02He offered thirty guan,
39:03Thirty guan per horse.
39:04He's driving the price down,
39:05Yes, driving the price down,
39:06But his meaning is clear,
39:08Selling to him saves trouble,
39:09If you take the horses out yourself,
39:11And something happens on the road,
39:12Don't blame others for not warning you,
39:13Scaring you while driving the price down,
39:15Scaring is scaring,
39:16But his threats aren't entirely false.
39:17Qinzhou is a hundred and twenty li from here,
39:20Taking horses there isn't easy.
39:21I asked around,
39:22If we can transport them to Qinzhou, selling a warhorse for around seventy guan won't be hard.
39:27Which route to Qinzhou?
39:29What strongholds along the way?
39:31Which sections are the most dangerous?
39:31Where are there often scattered soldiers and bandits?
39:33What are the prices in Qinzhou for grain, salt, iron, and medicinal herbs?
39:36Uncle Li, have you asked around?
39:40From here to Qinzhou is a hundred and twenty li,
39:42The first part is still passable,
39:43All the way,
39:43The further you go, the more mountain roads there are,
39:45There are also several desolate stretches in between,
39:46On the road, you not only have to guard against bandit riders,
39:48But also against uncontrolled scattered soldiers and roving bandits.
39:51Qinzhou is much better than Longcheng.
39:53Grain, salt, and medicinal herbs are available, and iron can be bought too,
39:55But now with war and chaos,
39:56The prices of everything are higher than usual.
40:00Let me speak honestly,
40:01Selling to Mu En,
40:02The price is low but at least it's stable.
40:03If we go to Jingzhou ourselves,
40:04Though the money is more,
40:05We might not make it back safely,
40:07That's what I think too.
40:09Thirty guan is low,
40:10But better than nothing,
40:14We still need to take the horses to Qinzhou ourselves,
40:17If it's just to get rid of the horses quickly,
40:18Selling to Mu En for thirty guan,
40:19Isn't out of the question.
40:20Grain, salt, medicinal herbs,
40:21Iron,
40:22And timber all need to be stocked up on this trip,
40:23If we just sell the horses, we'll still be in the dark going forward.
40:25What's the situation in Qinzhou,
40:26What's the situation on the road,
40:27How chaotic it is outside, we need to see with our own eyes,
40:29What we lack isn't just the money from a few horses.
40:31Qinghe Village lacks the capital to breathe easy in the future.
40:34So,
40:35This trip to Qinzhou really is unavoidable,
40:38And we can't just look at this one trip, Young Master Ling,
40:41Have you seen something else? Tong Guan is drawing troops to attack the court,
40:45The north is occupied, so the west is neglected,
40:47The Western Xia court might not send a large army immediately,
40:49But the tribes and scattered riders below,
40:51Might not be safe.
40:52Qinghe Village is near the border; disasters like yesterday's,
40:55Will only increase, not decrease.
40:59The able-bodied young men in the village who can fight must be selected quickly,
41:01We need patrols, a lieutenant, and to repair the earthen walls and clear the village entrance,
41:04Swords, bows, leather armor, and horse saws.
41:07While I'm in Qinzhou for these few days,
41:08The village can't be left empty; Hao Chuan stays in the village, Hunter Ma Gongding at the entrance and wall, Uncle Xu in charge of gathering people,
41:12I can handle repairing the walls and sentry posts,
41:14No problem on my end either,
41:15It's just that we're still short of many things,
41:16That's why we need to go to Qinzhou.
41:18Forget about the Lei Xiang crossbow for now,
41:19We don't have the conditions, but hand crossbows can be made first. Hand crossbows, hmm, not big,
41:23Best for close combat,
41:24Right now, even with rough tools, it takes time to grind it out.
41:27At best, we can make one a day.
41:29Once we get the first few done smoothly,
41:31we can speed up later.
41:32Then let's first make one that can sweep.
41:34The village will have more confidence.
41:36But just guarding Qinghe Village alone,
41:38is not enough, Young Master Lin.
41:39What do you mean by that?
41:41Qinghe Village can hold out for a while, but not forever.
41:44If we want to stand firm in the future,
41:45we can't rely only on these mud walls.
41:46Connections, information,
41:48and status all need to be built up bit by bit.
41:50We need to place our own person in the Song court. That path is more useful than staying in the village forever.
41:54After that,
41:55you start preparing for the imperial exams.
41:56Let's first get this path started. Get ready.
41:59You've done so much already.
42:01Zhong Yuhao,
42:03Our village really can't go on the old way anymore.
42:06Long-term is long-term,
42:07but for now, we still need to keep the village breathing.
42:09That's right.
42:10That's all for later.
42:11Let's get through this hurdle first.
42:12I'm going to Qinzhou this time.
42:13What do you need from there?
42:14Before we leave, make me a list: herbs, hemp cloth, fine needles,
42:17clay pots,
42:18and liquor are all lacking.
42:19I'll sort it out for you tomorrow.
42:20I also need to list iron materials and gold,
42:22fine files, small drills,
42:24and small stones. As many as possible.
42:26I haven't sold my horse yet.
42:27Money's all spent.
42:28Oh my,
42:29Hey,
42:29If you're not willing,
42:30then I'll go to Linzao. Bah!
42:32You stay and guard the village.
42:37I'll go to Qinzhou myself.
42:38Xie Changfeng will come along.
42:40Also pick ten villagers to come and go with us.
42:42Mo Qiri and Li'er will probably go.
42:44Today, Dahe,
42:44I think it's fine too.
42:45I'll go over the rest tomorrow.
42:48Check their courage,
42:49and family burdens before deciding.
42:51I have a few people in mind too. We'll discuss later.
42:53Two pistols,
42:54I'll take two, leave three and the microbug in the village. Ma Gongchang gets one,
42:57Haochuan gets one,
42:58and the last one stays.
42:58Don't use the trump card unless it's life or death.
43:00No one is allowed to fire randomly.
43:02You'll be gone for seven days.
43:03If someone really comes to the village again,
43:04what do we do?
43:05First, don't chase. If there's an enemy,
43:07report to the women and children first.
43:08The young and children go to the ancestral hall and inner courtyard.
43:10Gather at the mud walls.
43:11The young and village entrance hold the first wave.
43:13If it really comes to that,
43:13only use guns as a last resort.
43:14As long as no one panics,
43:15it's better than yesterday.
43:17I'll start gathering people and checking wall materials tomorrow morning.
43:19Chicken crown iron materials,
43:21I'll go back to the ancestral hall first,
43:22check on the injured.
43:25Brother Lin,
43:26I have a few words,
43:27I want to say to you alone.
43:31Young Master Xie,
43:32My kang is still warm,
43:33and there's soup warming in the pot.
43:34Come stay over tonight.
43:37My courtyard is all cleaned up.
43:39Why go over there?
43:40The courtyard is cleaned up,
43:41but your bedding hasn't dried yet, right?
43:42Isn't it better to use what's ready here than go back and fuss? You're right, my dear Young Master Xie.
43:46Just come over,
43:46so you don't catch a cold.
43:47You talk too much.
43:58Young Master Lin,
44:00Tonight, after hearing your words, I finally understand.
44:03At my age, running errands and talking,
44:05suppressing people for the village,
44:06maybe I can still manage.
44:07But for long-term planning,
44:08I'm not up to it.
44:11From now on, you make the big decisions for the village.
44:13I'm not a coward,
44:14I won't interfere,
44:14as long as you don't mind me being in the way.
44:15I'll step back to the rear,
44:16and handle the village elders' household affairs for you,
44:18If you need men,
44:19I'll summon them for you to do your bidding,
44:20I'll relay your messages,
44:21But how this village moves forward,
44:22I think we still have to follow your lead.
44:25Symptoms
44:25have worsened.
44:26The village's manpower and protection,
44:27and the elders' favors—I'm not familiar with any of it.
44:29If we're really going to move forward,
44:31we'll still have to rely on you to hold things up.
44:32But since we've come this far,
44:33I won't shirk how Qinghe Village should move forward either.
44:36I'll do my utmost.
44:39The journey to Qinzhou
44:40is just the first step for now.
44:42For Qinghe Village to truly stand firm in this chaotic world, the road ahead has only just begun.
44:50Mm mm mm
44:52Ah
44:54There's electricity,
44:55Come on over,
44:57From today on,
44:58you thirty-five shall be counted as Qinghe Village's Xiang militia.
45:00Xiang militia is not the Xiang Army,
45:01nor the imperial guards,
45:02nor are you kept idle away from farming.
45:04In farming season, you work the fields as usual,
45:05in slack season, you drill and take turns on patrol,
45:07and respond to alarms.
45:07If trouble comes to the village again,
45:08you must step up first.
45:09Since you've become Xiang militia,
45:11you no longer just look after your own little plot.
45:12If the village has water,
45:13you go first.
45:17If the village faces enemies,
45:18you must be the first to fight and defend.
45:20What you protect is not just your own family,
45:22but the entire Qinghe Village.
45:23Therefore,
45:23rules for the Xiang militia must be established first.
45:26Without rules,
45:26no matter how much you train,
45:27you're just a mob.
45:29First,
45:30orders must be obeyed.
45:31Second,
45:31alarms must be answered,
45:32no shirking.
45:33Third,
45:34no retreating in battle.
45:36Fourth,
45:36no using Xiang militia status to bully neighbors or stir trouble.
45:39Fifth,
45:40no leaking patrol arrangements.
45:41Sixth,
45:42no drinking to neglect duty.
45:44Seventh,
45:44no misappropriating public weapons and tools.
45:46Eighth,
45:47comrades must look out for each other; in farming season, don't neglect farming or guard duty,
45:48in guard season, don't miss drills.
45:49Whoever is in the Xiang militia,
45:51must uphold the duties of the Xiang militia.
45:54But the village won't let you bear this duty for nothing.
45:56From now on,
45:57each Xiang militia member gets a monthly stipend of one hundred wen.
45:59All court taxes and levies are waived.
46:01Paid every month,
46:02and the levies will be covered for you according to the rules.
46:04Let me be blunt:
46:04right up front,
46:05if anyone takes this money but slacks off,
46:08shrinks back in trouble, or uses Xiang militia status to cause problems in the village,
46:11then this money I can give,
46:13and I can take back.
46:14This Xiang militia status I can grant and revoke.
46:17I don't want people just filling in.
46:18Since you're standing here,
46:20listen carefully first.
46:21Not everyone can be Xiang militia,
46:22and once you are,
46:23you can't stay forever.
46:24If you train poorly,
46:25you'll be dismissed.
46:26If you break rules, you'll be dismissed; if you can't hold up in real battle, you'll be dismissed too.
46:29First establish rules,
46:30then assign responsibilities,
46:31finally give benefits. Benefits given,
46:34but the door isn't left wide open.
46:36This way,
46:37these people on the field won't take the word 'Xiang militia' lightly.
46:41That's all for today,
46:42everyone go back and eat something.
46:43In one hour,
46:44assemble here again to go to the fields.
46:48How did they become
46:49Xiang militia and really think they're just freeloaders?
46:51During farming season, no farming—
46:52You didn't hear that just now.
46:55From now on, during farming season,
46:56we all go to the fields together,
46:57and in idle times, we train together.
46:59Since you get monthly pay and are exempt from corvée,
47:01you can't dodge village work even more.
47:02Hecun doesn't raise people who only know how to eat.
47:04An idler can farm,
47:05can defend the village, and can follow orders. After the crowd dispersed behind a stone,
47:09Anyone who's late,
47:09will run two extra laps tomorrow morning.
47:12This is just one rule.
47:14Though strict training is tough,
47:16but with a hundred wen monthly pay and exemption from corvée, so many benefits,
47:19and more importantly,
47:20becoming a Xiangyong still lets you farm your own land normally.
47:29My second son is actually quite sturdy,
47:30A few days ago, it was his mother who couldn't bear to let him go.
47:32If you still need people now,
47:33my family can send another one. When we first picked people, they didn't come,
47:35now that they see the benefits,
47:36they want to join again.
47:37Where's the logic in that?
47:39Oh, oh,
47:40Ah, I've seen it all,
47:41Ah,
47:44Li Zheng has something
47:47There is something
47:48I came to tell you.
47:49These past few days,
47:50several families in the village keep pestering me,
47:51I said before they didn't think it through,
47:53now seeing that Xiangyong doesn't delay farming and there's monthly pay,
47:56and corvée is exempted too,
47:56their hearts are moved.
47:58They have a few more kids at home who are quite strong,
47:59and want to send another one in.
48:01I know I shouldn't be the one to say this,
48:04When we first picked people,
48:05they didn't come,
48:06now seeing it's good,
48:07they come back.
48:07It really is shameless to ask,
48:09but as fellow villagers, we see each other every day,
48:12it's hard to be too harsh.
48:16Li Zheng means to add a few more people,
48:19I'm not saying we must take many,
48:20if we can really pick,
48:22then look at a few more, and if they pass, follow your rules.
48:24Then let's look again,
48:26but only add five,
48:27still look at their physique,
48:28look at their courage,
48:28look at their family burdens.
48:30If not suitable,
48:31no matter who asks, it's useless.
48:33Alright, this time we're adding people,
48:36not opening a loophole.
48:37If anyone tries to use personal connections again,
48:38Li Zheng, speak for me upfront,
48:40Xiangyong is not a place anyone can just join.
48:42I understand.
48:46All five have been added.
48:47Now we have exactly forty people.
48:49Since you've joined Xiangyong, the rules are the same for everyone.
48:51Those who keep up stay, those who don't are still dismissed.
48:56Brigade Commander Zhou,
48:57Are you going to the county today?
48:58I have to go,
48:59there are still some miscellaneous matters about the coffin that aren't cleared up.
49:01Then I'll go with you,
49:02I want to go to the county to find some books,
49:03and ask about the path to the imperial exams.
49:05Alright, let's go together.
49:10No,
49:13Shopkeeper, how much for this book?
49:15Three hundred wen? That's so expensive.
49:19How about buying two first?
49:21No rush,
49:22If you really want to take the imperial exam path, you need to read more than just these few books.
49:25First figure out which books you need to read,
49:26then go back and think of a way. Shopkeeper,
49:28let me ask you a few more things.
49:29Tell me, where in the county are there bookstores?
49:32And what does this year's exam roughly test?
49:34If I want to take the exam,
49:35what guarantee documents do I need?
49:37You're really preparing for the imperial exams?
49:39Shopkeeper, he just got this idea,
49:41Our Qinghe Village has no scholar to guide us,
49:44If you know, please say a few more words.
49:46This year's county exam requires guarantee documents,
49:50These books all need to be read,
49:51sooner or later you'll have to read them.
49:52Today, write them down first,
49:53then go back and think of a way. Shopkeeper,
49:55Thank you.
49:58Shopkeeper, in a place like Qinghe Village,
50:00there are people who want to take the imperial exam path too.
50:01Folks from border villages really dare to dream big.
50:03No money to buy,
50:03but their ambitions are high.
50:05You just said,
50:06those two are from Qinghe Village,
50:08one is Li Zheng from that village,
50:09the other, younger one, looks like he's had some education.
50:14Imperial examinations
50:15This path is not for ordinary families.
50:17Money for paper,
50:18money for ink and brushes,
50:19money for everything,
50:20guarantees and travel expenses,
50:22all cost money.
50:23Before you even start earning,
50:25this threshold stands right in front of you.
50:29Please,
50:32A child taking the imperial exam sure has confidence!
50:35Need to buy a few? Just buy them.
50:36This sister has no money,
50:37you give me a package of... ,
50:38tell me to take a picture for me,
50:39You can't really just fool me a little, okay?
50:42There's nothing at all.
50:43Is this your way of showing me what copper coins look like?
50:45I've seen them,
50:46It's not that there's no money,
50:49Aren't those all money?
50:50They haven't been turned into cash yet.
50:51I want to buy books now,
50:52I can't just lead a horse into a bookshop and tell the owner to trade it for two copies of The Analects, right?
50:57If it's just about getting some cash first,
50:59There are medicinal herbs in the mountains,
51:00Selling herbs brings money slowly,
51:01I can draw a piece of furniture,
51:03make a sample and find a carpenter to build it,
51:04then haul it to the county to sell.
51:06I have a faster way,
51:07I'll just cover my face and go to the county town,
51:08rob a rich family for you. Robbing a rich family is out of the question.
51:12We can gather herbs or make furniture,
51:14Let's just get some cash first.
51:22This pillar is valuable, pull it out by the roots. I, a cavalryman, came to pick herbs?
51:25What kind of nonsense is this?
51:27If we don't pick herbs,
51:28what will we use to buy books? Endure it.
51:32Hello, shopkeeper,
51:33I'll go sell herbs first,
51:34and come back later to buy books.
51:38About fifty catties,
51:39a little over one string of cash in total,
51:41In half a day's work, I got back more than one string of cash.
51:45Young man,
51:45You're back,
51:46How did the herb selling go? Sold a little,
51:48First, let's buy a few books,
51:49Did you bring the book list I noted earlier?
51:57They're all things you can use right now.
52:03Hey,
52:04Studying is a long-term affair,
52:05You can't rush it,
52:06Buy the essential ones first,
52:07and add more gradually later.
52:08Even if Young Master Wang bought them all,
52:10he's still far from enough.
52:11Studying is really too expensive.
52:13One string of cash for Qinghe Village people,
52:15is already not a small amount,
52:17but when it comes to the imperial examinations,
52:18on this path,
52:19it might not even count as a beginning. Kid, why are you making that face?
52:23Is it that you don't have enough money to buy books?
52:24How do you know?
52:27Hmm,
52:29No need to think about it. Medicinal herbs,
52:30how much can those things sell for?
52:31To make money,
52:31you have to rely on women.
52:33Come,
52:33Follow me, Uncle Ma will show you something good.
52:38This is a lounge chair,
52:38What lounge chair?
52:39This is a rocking chair,
52:40Lounge chairs might not be absent in the Great Song,
52:42but mine is different.
52:45Hey,
52:45Hey,
52:45Be gentle, my little ancestor.
52:47Hmm,
52:47This is not a finished product yet,
52:48Don't break it for me. What thing?
52:51This is just a rough sample,
52:52It still needs careful polishing,
52:53Once it's done,
52:54your exam money might just depend on it.
53:05If this thing really sells,
53:07the later fake sentiments may not be absent. Hello, how about it?
53:11Sell the toilet,
53:12Everyone, be gentle.
53:14This is our first foreign goods.
53:20What's this rocking chair?
53:22I know it's a chair, but it looks like just an ordinary lounge chair.
53:27Shopkeeper, is this thing clever or not?
53:28You can't tell just by looking.
53:29You have to sit on it and try.
53:31Only then will you know how it's different from an ordinary chair.
53:33I've been running this shop for years,
53:34and I've seen all kinds of tricks. This thing doesn't look proper.
53:36Putting it in the shop,
53:37it just takes up space.
53:44When three walk together,
53:45there must be a teacher among them.
53:46Choose what is good,
53:47and follow it,
53:48and correct what is not good.
53:49What kind of chair is this?
53:50It even rocks. Looks quite novel.
53:54A few days ago,
53:54didn't that young man from Qinghe Village come to trade for books?
53:57Today, I don't know where he got it from,
53:58but he has a strange chair up front,
54:00sitting at the entrance of the woodshop selling it.
54:01He's quite the one who won't admit poverty.
54:03It's still that person.
54:04The same one who previously sold medicinal herbs,
54:05and now is selling wooden furniture.
54:06He looks young but has big ambitions.
54:09This young man actually managed to bring a scholarly atmosphere to this bustling street market.
54:15This chair is quite interesting.
54:18This person is extraordinary.
54:20You flatter me, sir.
54:22What is this thing called? A rocking chair?
54:24A rocking chair? You're too modest; I wouldn't dare claim credit.
54:28The design was drawn by my companion.
54:29I just borrowed it to sit on and also sell for him.
54:31Your way of selling is quite methodical.
54:34You always let people see its merits first.
54:38You are... um...
54:39This is pre-sold for eight strings of cash.
54:44Not complete.
54:45Hmm,
54:47I saw you reading by the street earlier,
54:48with quite a bit of calmness.
54:50If you don't mind the intrusion,
54:51come with me to the teahouse ahead and sit for a while.
54:52How about it?
54:56This person came suddenly and bought the chair readily.
54:59Now he's actively inviting me,
55:00a bit too enthusiastic.
55:02But right now I'm eager to figure out the path to the imperial exams.
55:05If I can make connections,
55:06it might not be a bad thing.
55:07Since you don't mind my crudeness, sir,
55:09I'll gladly accompany you.
55:10Please.
55:13Sit.
55:15Earlier on the street, there were too many people to ask in detail.
55:17May I ask your honorable name, young friend?
55:19My humble surname is Wang, given name Haochuan. Do you have a courtesy name?
55:21Not yet registered,
55:22and originally no courtesy name.
55:23If you ask, sir, I might...
55:24Let's just use Wenhan as a courtesy name. Wenhan is quite fitting.
55:28Then I wonder what's strange about Wenhan?
55:32I am not originally from the Central Plains.
55:33My hometown is in a remote place,
55:34ten thousand miles away.
55:35The customs are different,
55:36with mixed ethnic groups and unfamiliar ways.
55:37Han people are also among them.
55:38Later,
55:38by fate, I wandered with several companions.
55:40Arriving here,
55:41just as Qinghe Village was in trouble, I lent a hand.
55:43And so I temporarily settled there in Qinghe Village.
55:47Are you talking about the one that was raided by bandits some time ago,
55:50and later had twenty-eight beheaded?
55:51That Qinghe Village is exactly...
55:53Yes.
55:53So the ones who stayed in Qinghe Village to defeat the bandits were you? More or less?
55:58My elder brother now serves as the village head,
55:59and he manages all village affairs.
56:03I see, I see.
56:04By the way,
56:05Wenhan, you're not an ordinary border village youth.
56:08I just wandered with others,
56:09and luckily survived to this point.
56:14I heard your elder brother wants you to take the imperial exams.
56:16So what books have you read before?
56:18I've read the Four Books and Five Classics several times,
56:19I wouldn't dare say I know the classics; the Hundred Schools of Thought I've only skimmed.
56:22In minor histories,
56:24after the Records of the Grand Historian and the Book of Han,
56:25I've browsed some of the Book of Han and Zizhi Tongjian, and also read the Zuo Zhuan,
56:30but not as much as the classics.
56:32Mencius is the most important:
56:33Which line? 'The people are the most important,'
56:35'the state is secondary,'
56:36'and the ruler is the least.'
56:38What about the Great Learning? The way of the Great Learning...
56:40In manifesting bright virtue, in renewing the people,
56:41In resting in the highest good—there are many scholars,
56:44And quite a few can remember a few lines of refinement,
56:46But if one can only recite from memory,
56:47Then that final layer is still missing.
56:49Since you say you intend to take the imperial exams,
56:51Then let me ask you one more question:
56:53Do you study for fame and rank, or for something else?
56:56If you say it's all for fame and rank,
56:57That would be a lie,
56:58For in this world,
56:59One must first have a footing to stand on,
57:00Without this step,
57:01Many words cannot be spoken,
57:02And many things cannot be done,
57:03But if one studies only for a lifetime of fame and rank,
57:05Then one reads too narrowly.
57:06This student believes fame and rank are merely a path,
57:08Not the ultimate goal—after all, shouldn't one who studies know how the common people live?
57:12How the nation is governed?
57:13And why the world falls into chaos?
57:14Oh,
57:15Then what level do you think a scholar must reach to not fail what they've learned?
57:19This student dares not boast,
57:21But in my past studies, I once came across a line,
57:23And was deeply convinced by it,
57:24Which line? 'To establish the heart of Heaven and Earth, to establish a mission for the people,'
57:28'To continue the lost teachings of past sages,'
57:29'And to open peace for all generations.'
57:34Mr. Hengtian spoke frankly,
57:35Since you remember this line, you must know,
57:37Where the hardest part lies—it's all hard.
57:40Your words are quite straightforward,
57:42Because establishing the heart of Heaven and Earth is too lofty,
57:44Establishing a mission for the people is too heavy,
57:45Continuing the lost teachings of past sages,
57:46Requires learning and inquiry,
57:47And opening peace for all generations,
57:48Is even more beyond the power of one generation or one person.
57:50This student dares not speak rashly,
57:51Of how far I can truly go in the future.
57:53But if one reads the books of sages,
57:54Yet never once thinks in this direction,
57:56Then it's probably all for nothing.
57:58Your answer,
57:58Is not quite polished,
57:59But has some sincerity—sir, you flatter me,
58:02Since you have this heart,
58:03This autumn, do you plan to enter the examination? Naturally, this autumn.
58:07Since you want to take this step into the imperial exams,
58:08You can't avoid it in the end.
58:09This student originally intended to take this path,
58:10But right now I've only just reached the door,
58:11Many rules are still unclear—my books are incomplete,
58:13And I'm not familiar with the channels,
58:14As for entering the exam,
58:15I don't even know what else is needed—recommendations and such are always required.
58:18If you don't even know these things, then no matter how many books you've read,
58:20You may not even be able to enter—you still need someone to recommend you.
58:22It seems you truly don't understand.
58:25This student
58:26Indeed started midway,
58:27And am still figuring out many things.
58:29You.
58:29If you truly intend to pursue recommendations and such,
58:31I could keep an eye out for you.
58:33Sir, don't rush to thank me,
58:35My talking with you today,
58:36Is just because I find you somewhat interesting,
58:38And want to observe you more,
58:40As for whether you're truly worth meeting,
58:41That remains to be seen.
58:46This gentleman before me, I fear, is of even higher status than I previously thought,
58:48Considerably higher.
58:51Another day,
58:52I will make a trip to Qinghe Village,
58:53To see you,
58:54And also to see your elder brother, the archery captain, and your companions—people who can behead twenty-eight enemies,
58:59Yet can also train militia in a border village, sell medicinal herbs,
59:01Make wooden furniture,
59:02And even think of sending someone down the path of imperial exams.
59:04Now I'm truly curious.
59:08Qinghe Village awaits you anytime, sir.
59:11Young Master Wang, Young Master Wang,
59:12Wait a moment
59:15Just now
59:15That customer offered eight strings of cash,
59:16Buying for novelty,
59:17And also to give you face.
59:18But this chair of yours,
59:18I think it can really sell.
59:21Shopkeeper,
59:21What I mean is,
59:22If you can still make them,
59:23I'm willing to buy—make more in the future,
59:25You don't need to hawk them on the street yourselves,
59:26Just deliver them to Five Crowns, one by one,
59:27I'll buy them all.
59:29Eight strings
59:30That chair sold for eight strings of cash.
59:32A middle-aged man with an extraordinary air bought the chair on the spot,
59:34and then invited Young Master Wang to a teahouse for tea.
59:37Don't all rush to speak,
59:37I'll speak for myself.
59:44It actually sold!
59:46White turned black,
59:47already bought.
59:56Knowing Qinghe Village, knowing the twenty-eight levels, and being able to make the county shopkeeper lose his composure like that,
1:00:02and even taking the initiative to invite someone to a teahouse to talk.
1:00:04How many such people can there be in the county?
1:00:09Li Ba,
1:00:10I first mountain mountain mountain among horse one north可可,
1:00:12truly dare to love you,
1:00:15there's more to the story,
1:00:16After I came down from the teahouse,
1:00:17the carpenter shop owner chased after me and said,
1:00:19that gentleman offered eight strings of cash,
1:00:21but he also took a fancy to this chair,
1:00:22if sent later,
1:00:22to his shop,
1:00:23he's willing to buy them all at five strings each.
1:00:25I say selling at eight strings was luck,
1:00:28but five strings is the real money-maker.
1:00:30Keep making chairs,
1:00:33and not just chairs.
1:00:34The carpenter shop needs to expand,
1:00:35we need new furniture,
1:00:37crossbows need to be modified. If we really want to raise Xiang braves in the future, weapons, farm tools, iron smelting—which doesn't need money?
1:00:41This money can't just be Wen Han's book money,
1:00:43it must be money for raising soldiers and doing things in the future. I understand now,
1:00:47the rocking chair is the way to make money,
1:00:48the crossbow is for protecting lives,
1:00:49the way,
1:00:49we must grasp both sides,
1:00:50with income,
1:00:50the Xiang braves from now on,
1:00:51won't have to be so stingy.
1:00:53If spending money,
1:00:54you want to lose,
1:00:55also invest
1:01:00Qinghe Village has about three hundred people in total
1:01:02right now one small clinic is enough,
1:01:05you only know soldiers.
1:01:06I ask you, if the Xiang braves really become a troop in the future,
1:01:08won't they need lots of wound medicine?
1:01:09won't they need anesthesia?
1:01:10won't they need distilled liquor to disinfect wounds?
1:01:11If war really breaks out, stopping bleeding and treating pain,
1:01:13treating wounds and reducing fever,
1:01:14which one isn't crucial?
1:01:15You only see swords, bows, and crossbows,
1:01:16but not human lives,
1:01:17how to protect?
1:01:18If people are wounded,
1:01:18no medicine to save them,
1:01:19what use are the best Xiang braves?
1:01:21This young woman usually seems so quiet,
1:01:24but when she speaks, it's all things I've never heard of,
1:01:25I've never even heard of these tricks, yet she just makes them up.
1:01:28If I could somehow produce a poison,
1:01:30she patted my shoulder and said with a smile,
1:01:32Do you want it?
1:01:33You're too ruthless,
1:01:35Yes!
1:01:36Of course I want it! The crossbow,
1:01:37if it can really be paired with this kind of medicine,
1:01:38it'll be like adding wings to a tiger.
1:01:40The things in these people's minds,
1:01:42I'm afraid I'll never understand in this lifetime,
1:01:44whether it can be made, whether it'll succeed—I'll die trying.
1:01:46But if you don't give me people, don't give me money,
1:01:48don't give me a place,
1:01:49then I can't make anything.
1:01:50Good,
1:01:51Ma Zhenbang, expand the carpenter shop,
1:01:52the old carpenter gets eight strings a month,
1:01:53let him take apprentices and set up the stall,
1:01:55rocking chairs,
1:01:55keep making them. Crossbows can't stop either,
1:01:57first make a prototype,
1:01:57then figure out a way,
1:01:58to speed it up. Leave this to me.
1:01:59Chen Su, the medicine formulas are yours. Wound medicine,
1:02:01anesthesia,
1:02:01liquor distillation.
1:02:02And the poison you mentioned earlier, you can try all of them,
1:02:03but one thing: the formulas and dosages must be accurate,
1:02:05no reckless behavior.
1:02:07I understand,
1:02:09From today on,
1:02:09everyone who works for us gets a monthly wage. The carpenter shop, pharmacy,
1:02:13Xiang brave training accounts must all be recorded clearly.
1:02:15Three days later,
1:02:16I'll personally lead people to Qinzhou to sell horses.
1:02:25It's really him
1:02:27Commoner Zhou Houde pays respects to the County Magistrate
1:02:29Zhou Liren, no need for formalities.
1:02:31The day before yesterday, I met a young man from your village in the county,
1:02:34today I happen to be free,
1:02:35so I came by. The County Magistrate's visit is a blessing for Qinghe Village.
1:02:38It's just Wang Haochuan and the others,
1:02:40They're probably not in the village right now,
1:02:41Not in the village, reporting to the County Magistrate.
1:02:43It's farming season now,
1:02:44The village militia have been raised,
1:02:45But Lin Zhao set the rules:
1:02:47During farming season, no farming,
1:02:48In idle times, they train Wang Haochuan and the others,
1:02:50At this time, most are working in the fields,
1:02:51Training in idle times,
1:02:52Farming isn't neglected, so there's some order.
1:02:54So, you take my men into the village and settle them first,
1:02:56Don't make a fuss,
1:02:57I'll walk around by myself,
1:02:58Go check the fields, County Magistrate.
1:02:59I came out in plain clothes today,
1:03:02I don't want to alert too many people,
1:03:03Just do as you're told.
1:03:13Young man,
1:03:14I see your farming is orderly,
1:03:15I wonder how this summer's harvest will be?
1:03:17Sir, you must be from out of town.
1:03:18Qinghe Village's land is thin; we barely fill our bellies,
1:03:20If drought, pests, or unrest on the border hit,
1:03:22The harvest is even harder to predict,
1:03:23Border folk rely on the heavens; it's never easy,
1:03:26If disaster strikes again,
1:03:27It's even worse.
1:03:28That's why Qinghe Village, though on the border,
1:03:31Is also backed by mountains.
1:03:32Longshan has its factions and troubles,
1:03:33In the mountains, there's wood and medicine,
1:03:34There's hunting,
1:03:35Can farm and defend,
1:03:35If we can really hold out for a year or two,
1:03:37There might be improvement.
1:03:39Why say hold out for a year or two?
1:03:42Because the situation will change this year,
1:03:44How will it change?
1:03:45The conflict between Song and Liao must come to a head,
1:03:48If the north decides a winner,
1:03:49The troops Qin Feng sent north,
1:03:50Will mostly be gradually withdrawn.
1:03:51Come.
1:03:51By then,
1:03:52Even if Western Xia dares to peek at the border,
1:03:53They won't be as brazen as now.
1:03:55Qinghe Village's hardest time isn't the future,
1:03:57But this empty period.
1:04:02To put it plainly,
1:04:03What we fear is Western Xia,
1:04:04Taking advantage of the void to harass Great Song,
1:04:06The main forces,
1:04:06If all eyes are on the northern border,
1:04:08These villages are most vulnerable to losses,
1:04:12You see quite deeply,
1:04:13But the northern situation isn't necessarily...
1:04:15As simple as you say.
1:04:18It's just my own musings as a border person,
1:04:20Far from the court, all I can see,
1:04:23Is where troops are sent and grain,
1:04:24Where supplies are moved to border forts.
1:04:25Whether it's peaceful lately,
1:04:27Since we're on the north,
1:04:29What do you think Great Song's king should do to suppress external threats?
1:04:31What should be done?
1:04:32For the immediate, it's just training troops, enough food, repairing forts, and organizing the army,
1:04:36But for the long term, the greatest fear isn't foreign enemies,
1:04:38Temporary strength or weakness,
1:04:39But raising another wolf yourself.
1:04:42How so? Using a fiercer one to fight the current,
1:04:45This strong enemy seems effortless,
1:04:47But it's borrowing a knife to kill,
1:04:49And raising a tiger for yourself; once the current tiger dies,
1:04:52The later wolf will only be greedier.
1:04:54Borrow his strength today,
1:04:55Tomorrow you'll suffer from him.
1:04:57You mean the Song-Jin alliance, sir,
1:05:00Since you understand,
1:05:01Why make me spell it out? We've talked so long,
1:05:04I haven't asked your name, sir. I'm Gao Xing,
1:05:05My surname is Di, given name Shen,
1:05:09So it's Lord Di. Forgive my rudeness.
1:05:11I came in plain clothes today,
1:05:13So no need for formalities,
1:05:14Just treat it as a casual talk. So you are Lin Zhao,
1:05:18Indeed. You're very different from others in your village.
1:05:25Alright
1:05:27We've rested enough,
1:05:28Time to pack up and return to the village,
1:05:33So this is your trained militia? Farming in the fields,
1:05:38Training in idle times. The land can't be neglected, nor people,
1:05:40Nor can training be abandoned.
1:05:48I thought,
1:05:48So-called Xiangyong,
1:05:49Were just border villages temporarily raised for show,
1:05:52But seeing with my own eyes, I realize,
1:05:54This group, though still rough,
1:05:56Has already shed the usual village militia's disorder and laxity,
1:05:59This crossbow is still being modified,
1:06:02You made this too.
1:06:04A few folks in the village put their heads together.
1:06:06A tiny border village of just over three hundred souls managed to train a decent militia in only ten days.
1:06:12More importantly,
1:06:13this method isn't just empty talk on paper,
1:06:15it's woven right into the farming seasons, the land, and daily village life.
1:06:20Take a rest.
1:06:21They wear cloth masks over their faces,
1:06:24covering their mouths and noses when tending the sick.
1:06:26It blocks some of the bad air,
1:06:27and keeps illness from spreading.
1:06:29Just changed the dressing inside.
1:06:30That patient's fever,
1:06:30has gone down some. You've worked hard.
1:06:32Reporting to the Venerable, this is Miss Chen Su.
1:06:35This clinic in the village,
1:06:36she's mostly the one looking after it these days. A while back,
1:06:39many in the village were injured,
1:06:39or fell ill,
1:06:41and she saved them all.
1:06:42The villagers secretly feel so grateful they call her
1:06:45the Guanyin in Plain Clothes.
1:06:50We're country folk,
1:06:51not very worldly, so the name's a bit crude,
1:06:53but the respect in our hearts is real.
1:06:54If not for Miss Chen,
1:06:55this town and village would have lost many more.
1:06:57Saving people is just what should be done,
1:06:59I'm no Guanyin.
1:07:00Miss Chen has done remarkably well for a border village,
1:07:03but with not enough hands and not enough medicine, what can be done
1:07:05is truly limited. Most women, if praised like that,
1:07:08with a word of admiration,
1:07:09would either panic,
1:07:10or be overwhelmed.
1:07:12But she brushes off all that empty flattery.
1:07:13She speaks only of hands and herbs, as if
1:07:15her eyes see only the task at hand.
1:07:17Exactly.
1:07:22Qinghe Village has really changed lately,
1:07:24many have to find ways to survive. Listen.
1:07:27Magistrate Zhou Li was saying,
1:07:28you're going out of the village tomorrow to Qinzhou to sell horses?
1:07:32Why go far when there's a closer option?
1:07:34Longcheng Fort can take horses,
1:07:36the price is a bit lower now,
1:07:37but it's safer and much less risky.
1:07:40I used to think Mu En buying horses at low prices was the fort's own scheme.
1:07:43But hearing Di's tone now,
1:07:45it seems
1:07:46this wasn't Mu En acting alone,
1:07:48at least the county knows about it.
1:07:49Selling to the fort is indeed safer,
1:07:51but we're short on money right now,
1:07:52and not just a little.
1:07:54So naturally,
1:07:55we have to go where the price is higher.
1:07:57Also,
1:07:58Student greets Lord Di.
1:08:01Wenhan, you've come.
1:08:02The day before yesterday,
1:08:03thanks to your guidance, I benefited greatly.
1:08:05I thought after returning to the village,
1:08:06you'd be busy with the chair business first,
1:08:08didn't expect you'd still be clinging to books.
1:08:10The chair business is immediate, but books
1:08:12are for the future.
1:08:13Can't just focus on
1:08:13the present and lose the future.
1:08:15At least,
1:08:15you still remember which path you want to take.
1:08:18It's getting late,
1:08:19Lord Di, you've been walking in the village for half a day,
1:08:20if you don't mind the simplicity,
1:08:21why not have a simple meal in the village before leaving?
1:08:23Very well,
1:08:24then I'll impose on you.
1:08:30Seeing Miss Chen running the clinic in the daytime surprised me,
1:08:34I wonder who taught you all these medical skills? Reporting to the Venerable,
1:08:39I only know some basic principles of medicine and mixing herbs,
1:08:41all figured out by myself,
1:08:43not some great medical lineage. You're modest,
1:08:46and not arrogant,
1:08:47which is rare.
1:08:50Wenhan, the day before yesterday,
1:08:52what I told you,
1:08:53you've probably thought it over by now.
1:08:55If you truly intend to enter the exams,
1:08:56after the autumn harvest, come see me in the county,
1:08:58and I'll explain in detail.
1:09:00Yes, Lin Zhao in Qinghe Village
1:09:04achieving this in just ten days,
1:09:06your contribution is no small feat.
1:09:07Since you see far,
1:09:08you should know your limits even better going forward.
1:09:09Your teaching, Lin Zhao will remember.
1:09:11You're going to Qinzhou tomorrow to sell horses,
1:09:12I won't stop you,
1:09:13but be careful on the road. Don't lose lives
1:09:14over a few horses.
1:09:15Yes.
1:09:20Ma Zhenbang said
1:09:21This crossbow can shoot up to twenty meters. Within ten meters, it can definitely injure someone. Within five meters,
1:09:25it can even pierce leather armor.
1:09:26Each crossbow can load five short bolts at a time,
1:09:27and each person carries ten more in reserve.
1:09:29So a twelve-man squad like this,
1:09:30when it really comes to a fight,
1:09:32can match an ordinary hundred-man unit. Be extra careful on the road.
1:09:37After all, Qinzhou is a big city.
1:09:38If you see usable paper, ink, or books, bring them back for me.
1:09:41If the price is too high,
1:09:42then prioritize.
1:09:42You're here to see someone off,
1:09:45and still thinking about books.
1:09:47We'll have to buy them anyway.
1:09:50You sure know how to order people around. Nonsense.
1:09:52If you don't go,
1:09:52am I supposed to fly there? Everything else is negotiable,
1:09:55but what I lack most right now is people.
1:09:57After I leave,
1:09:58you'll be in charge of village affairs.
1:10:01I understand. The village committee training can't stop. The carpenter's shop
1:10:03should continue making crossbows and rocking chairs.
1:10:05Don't neglect either side.
1:10:06If there's anything you're unsure about, discuss it with Wenhan and Chen Su.
1:10:09In the end, you make the decision.
1:10:10As for daily village matters, I'll have to trouble Uncle Li to keep an eye on things.
1:10:16It's only right, only right.
1:10:17Just go with peace of mind.
1:10:19With the village in our hands,
1:10:19I wouldn't dare say
1:10:20it's absolutely foolproof.
1:10:20But there shouldn't be any major mishaps.
1:10:22Here, this is for you. What is it?
1:10:25Flatbread my mother made last night,
1:10:26and some dried meat to eat on the road.
1:10:32Mm.
1:10:38That's enough reporting.
1:10:39No?
1:10:40Almost.
1:10:43Guard the village well.
1:10:44Wait for me to come back.
1:10:48This road,
1:10:49what's truly hard to guard against has never been just bandits.
1:10:51Scattered among the Long Mountains are over thirty tribes, big and small,
1:10:54Han and Tibetan living in seclusion,
1:10:55intermingled with each other.
1:10:56Add to that the constant border troubles these years,
1:10:57and refugees, deserters, fugitives, and outlaws are all mixed in.
1:11:01The one herding sheep by the roadside today
1:11:03might block the road with a blade tomorrow. The danger
1:11:05isn't in any one gang of fierce men,
1:11:06but in that anyone could suddenly turn into a highway robber.
1:11:09If we really make it to Qinzhou this time,
1:11:11I'll go see the big city too,
1:11:12see what it's really like.
1:11:15First, get yourself to Qinzhou alive.
1:11:15Enough of that unlucky talk.
1:11:19Besides,
1:11:19with that little thing Ma Zhenbang,
1:11:20who'd really dare get close?
1:11:21I'll give them a taste first.
1:11:24Brother Xie, you haven't even eaten the flatbread yet,
1:11:25and you're already happy.
1:11:26What do you know?
1:11:29At this pace,
1:11:30we really can reach Shijiapu tonight.
1:11:31We can. Shijiapu.
1:11:32Are those people really reliable?
1:11:34Not exactly reliable,
1:11:35but since Han and Tibetan live there,
1:11:36and they usually take in travelers like us, it's better than camping in the wild for a night.
1:11:40Then tomorrow? If there are no delays, we can reach Qingshui County post station, and after that,
1:11:44enter Qinzhou by day.
1:11:48Three days to Qinzhou,
1:11:49and back,
1:11:49bringing those goods and horses.
1:11:51This trip really is a long journey for us.
1:11:53Provided nothing goes wrong on the road.
1:11:55Can't you say something auspicious?
1:11:57That's exactly why I brought you along this far.
1:12:01You go.
1:12:10There really is an ambush.
1:12:11Most likely.
1:12:12Don't panic yet.
1:12:14The gong is sounding.
1:12:14Isn't that a retreat?
1:12:15This is a call to arms and alert.
1:12:22You... you... this... this...
1:12:25Brothers, brothers, leave a toll fee, will you?
1:12:27Not much, just two or three strings of cash.
1:12:31They're blocking the road like this,
1:12:32yet they only ask for two or three strings.
1:12:34This business reeks of poverty.
1:12:36Right.
1:12:37Come, general, state your name.
1:12:39This isn't the Great Song from storytellers' tales.
1:12:40This scene is too much like it.
1:12:41I couldn't help myself.
1:12:45Brothers
1:12:46I won't make it hard for you.
1:12:46You don't look like people headed to Ersan Temple.
1:12:49Up on the mountain, over seventy old folks, women, and children are about to run out of food.
1:12:53I really had no other way.
1:12:55That's why I brought my men down to block the road just this once.
1:12:56Do us a favor,
1:12:57leave a few strings of coins.
1:12:58I'll immediately have my men step aside.
1:13:00I'm sure they're beggars.
1:13:02What's your name?
1:13:04I am Li Kui.
1:13:06Who on the mountain hasn't heard of Song Jiang?
1:13:08There's no such person on my mountain.
1:13:09Fine.
1:13:09Pretend I didn't ask. How about this:
1:13:10What?
1:13:14Didn't you want road toll money?
1:13:16No weapons.
1:13:17You spar a few moves with my brother here, bare-handed.
1:13:19If you win,
1:13:19I'll give you eight strings of cash.
1:13:20If you lose,
1:13:21I'll still give you three strings.
1:13:25Really?
1:13:25I've spoken, so of course it's true. You want to test me?
1:13:29Either way, I get money. Good.
1:13:32Mm.
1:13:35Oh, you've really got some skill.
1:13:40At this rate, I'll lose on my own.
1:13:43Bro.
1:13:43You be the judge.
1:13:44Who wins this?
1:13:45You really want to argue over who wins?
1:13:46Ah.
1:13:50If that had been a real fight to the death,
1:13:52I'd probably have suffered a big loss.
1:13:53This young man who looks so carefree,
1:13:55his moves are refined,
1:13:57not something an ordinary tough guy could train. You didn't win,
1:14:01but you didn't block the road for nothing either.
1:14:02This time,
1:14:04you're not an ordinary merchant caravan,
1:14:05and you're not ordinary bandits either.
1:14:07Not bandits.
1:14:10These men used to follow General Zhang Di of Tian Ce to make a living.
1:14:15Later, the troops were scattered by government forces—some died, some fled.
1:14:18I brought some old brothers and our families,
1:14:20and we hid in the mountains all the way,
1:14:21enduring until now. We truly ran out of food, so we came down to do this shameful thing.
1:14:26I suppose we're just a scattered ragtag army in troubled times, dying in the wild,
1:14:30our names might not even spread.
1:14:32How many people on the mountain? Over seventy, old and young.
1:14:35Those who can follow me down,
1:14:36are just these few. The rest are mostly women and the weak.
1:14:40If we run out of food for two more days,
1:14:42I'm afraid people will start dying.
1:14:46These aren't mountain bandits at all,
1:14:48just a group of people who can't survive.
1:14:51I need to hurry to
1:14:52Qinzhou. I don't have time
1:14:53to go up the mountain with you,
1:14:53nor will I believe everything just from your words.
1:14:55How about this:
1:14:57If what you say is true,
1:14:58when I return to the city, I'll go check your mountain.
1:15:01If they really are people with no way out,
1:15:03I'll give you a way.
1:15:04I'll go with you.
1:15:06I won't go for nothing.
1:15:06If there's trouble on the way to Qinzhou with you,
1:15:08I can help.
1:15:09When you return to the city,
1:15:10I'll lead you up the mountain.
1:15:11If you're really willing to come see,
1:15:12then I'll trust you this once. You can come along, but weapons must be put away first,
1:15:16and on the road, you listen to me.
1:15:17Good.
1:15:19Among your group, who's the most reliable?
1:15:23This is Uncle Zhou. The old and young on the mountain,
1:15:25he usually looks after them.
1:15:26Take your people back to the mountain first,
1:15:27don't come down again,
1:15:28and don't change the place where you block the road.
1:15:29When I return to the city,
1:15:30if you're still there, I'll come see you. Good.
1:15:37You're not still planning to ride this thing, are you?
1:15:38Come with us to Xinzhou.
1:15:39He can actually still run. Bro, this trip,
1:15:41suddenly it's getting more and more interesting.
1:15:43Pack up and continue the journey.
1:15:54So why don't you use two big axes or something,
1:15:57like one in each hand, swinging them,
1:15:58whoosh whoosh, so impressive?
1:16:00I'm not a carpenter,
1:16:01why would I use an axe? And two of them?
1:16:05That would be so awesome.
1:16:05It'd look fierce too.
1:16:08In a battle between two armies,
1:16:09who would use such a weapon? It's short and heavy.
1:16:11Can't even swing it a few times before you're gasping for air. In a real fight,
1:16:14aren't you just going to your death?
1:16:15Why don't you use it?
1:16:17I'm just too lazy to use it, alright?
1:16:19Oh,
1:16:21Then you really don't know that righteous man surnamed Song,
1:16:23I already told you,
1:16:24I don't know him. Never even heard of him. Never heard of him,
1:16:26Really never heard of him.
1:16:29This person is your friend,
1:16:31your elder,
1:16:34Then why do you keep asking along the way?
1:16:36Forget it.
1:16:37Even if I told you, you wouldn't understand.
1:16:40Is this horse of yours actually a horse or a mule?
1:16:42If it collapses halfway,
1:16:43will you carry it or will it carry you?
1:16:44This horse of mine won't collapse.
1:16:45You dare to brag about that?
1:16:47This is what I call a Windchaser Beast.
1:16:48Don't let his skinny look fool you,
1:16:49as long as he's well fed,
1:16:50none of your horses can outrun him.
1:16:52Him? You're saying he can outrun our horses?
1:16:54If you don't believe me, we'll try it later.
1:16:56Fine, let's do it.
1:16:58I'll win you some pride in a bit, what's the harm?
1:17:12Mm,
1:17:14Hey, is that stuff even fit for humans to eat?
1:17:18As long as it fills the belly, it's fine.
1:17:21Here, try some more.
1:17:24Hurry up, will you? Stop dawdling.
1:17:30This meat is pretty good.
1:17:31That's because the woman I brought from home gave it to you.
1:17:35Just eat your food, why so much chatter?
1:17:40You said earlier you came from Yongxing Army Circuit.
1:17:42Mm,
1:17:43How did you end up running all the way here from Shanzhou?
1:17:45We lost. If you don't run, you die.
1:17:47I used to follow someone to make a living,
1:17:49then the troops scattered,
1:17:50and the survivors ran in all directions.
1:17:52I didn't dare go back to my hometown. Even if I did, there'd be no way to survive.
1:17:54My family's long gone too.
1:17:57But those brothers who escaped with me,
1:17:59many still had families. Once the rebel army scattered,
1:18:01if they didn't bring their wives and children out,
1:18:03and left them behind,
1:18:03they'd be implicated too.
1:18:04Once the government troops investigate,
1:18:05who can explain clearly whether you're a soldier,
1:18:06a bandit, a rebel follower,
1:18:07or just swept up in it?
1:18:08In the end, it's all a dead end.
1:18:11This world, see?
1:18:12That's my brother, and also our leader.
1:18:14With him, we feel a bit safer.
1:18:16I can't promise much else,
1:18:17but following my brother, at least you won't starve to death.
1:18:19I know. No need. I've had enough.
1:18:25Hey,
1:18:25By the way,
1:18:26There's this too,
1:18:27Earlier on the road you bragged so much,
1:18:29now the horse has eaten,
1:18:30and grazed on grass,
1:18:30want to give it a try?
1:18:32Yes.
1:18:34What's the fuss, brother?
1:18:35I'll have a horse race with him,
1:18:36just a round trip on the road ahead,
1:18:38it won't delay anything.
1:18:41Just a friendly race, alright?
1:18:48Just to there,
1:18:49whoever turns back first wins. Let's go.
1:19:02Ten thousand deaths!
1:19:04Thanks, brother.
1:19:05Hurry up!
1:19:05They're already out of sight.
1:19:15How about now?
1:19:16With such a good horse, how did you end up starving like that?
1:19:19Even if I die, I won't bury him. He saved my life.
1:19:25Brother, at this angle,
1:19:26we can reach Shijiapu tonight, right?
1:19:28We can. I'm going too.
1:19:29All along the way, I've been dreaming of a hot bowl of soup when we get there.
1:19:31Thanks, brother.
1:19:31Besides food and drink,
1:19:32what else do you think about?
1:19:33Hmph,
1:19:34At least tonight we won't have to sleep in the wild.
1:19:35You know the roads around here, Shijiapu,
1:19:36you know it, right?
1:19:37I know. Over there, the cripples aren't filial,
1:19:38Han Chinese, rebels, all sorts,
1:19:39but they usually take in travelers for the night.
1:19:41I'm going too. That's what I say.
1:19:42My brother always picks the right places,
1:19:43he won't be wrong.
1:19:48Something's off.
1:19:49Someone's fleeing outside.
1:19:57Mm.
1:19:59What's happening up ahead?
1:20:01Hurry, move!
1:20:02Just spit it out already!
1:20:04Something's happened at Shijiapu! At Shijiapu!
1:20:07This cloth shop—
1:20:12Help me!
1:20:15Brother, something really did happen at the Shi family's place!
1:20:18Go!
1:20:19Retreat! Retreat!
1:20:27Don't take the main road.
1:20:27Go right.
1:20:49Hold the gate a moment longer.
1:20:51That buys the people behind one more moment to escape.
1:21:06Damn it, it's the Yaojia Bu!
1:21:09These merchants actually came out to help.
1:21:15We can save them.
1:21:17Brother.
1:21:19Their main force is pushed too far forward.
1:21:21Their rear is exposed.
1:21:23We'll cut through from the flank and rear.
1:21:25Don't rush the poultry and meat; aim straight.
1:21:27Everyone, keep your voices down.
1:21:28Follow me.
1:21:36Leave two men to watch the horses and supplies.
1:21:37The rest of you, with me.
1:21:45Sir, those few over there holding torches—
1:21:46Hit the crowded spots first.
1:21:47Once the rear falls into chaos,
1:21:48the front will naturally loosen up.
1:21:49Stay close.
1:21:49I'll charge first and break their formation.
1:22:07Got it.
1:22:13Reinforcements have arrived! Hold the line!
1:22:15Drive them out!
1:22:19Move quickly!
1:22:24Keep pushing!
1:22:32Weren't you so fierce?
1:22:33Come on again!
1:22:40Get out!
1:22:57Exactly.
1:23:15By the Shijia Bu patrol, Baidu Lu.
1:23:17Tonight,
1:23:18if you all hadn't charged in from the flank and rear,
1:23:19the Shijia Bu would likely be gone.
1:23:21On behalf of everyone in the stronghold,
1:23:22I thank you all. I am Quyi, the Shijia Bu's administrator.
1:23:26Tonight,
1:23:26you all acted righteously,
1:23:27saving our Shi family
1:23:28from great disaster.
1:23:28This kindness and loyalty,
1:23:29we will never dare forget.
1:23:31May I ask, brave warriors,
1:23:32We were passing through on our way to Qinzhou and saw trouble here,
1:23:36so we stepped in.
1:23:38Just passing by from Qinghe Village,
1:23:40yet you dared, when the stronghold was breached,
1:23:41to thrust in a blade.
1:23:42Don't keep standing outside the stronghold.
1:23:43It's already been cleared inside.
1:23:45Hot water and food are being prepared.
1:23:46Tonight, no matter what,
1:23:47please stay. Though the Shijia Bu has suffered disaster,
1:23:49there's still a bowl of hot soup.
1:23:51If you don't mind the simplicity,
1:23:52you must stay.
1:23:54If the Yaojia Bu had truly broken through,
1:23:56the dead and wounded would be far more than those dozen gate guards.
1:23:59Then we'll impose on you.
1:24:05The Shijia Bu has nearly three hundred households, Han and Fan combined,
1:24:09over thirteen hundred people rely on this place to survive.
1:24:12If the Yaojia Bu had broken through tonight,
1:24:15even ten years wouldn't be enough to recover.
1:24:24This night,
1:24:25An Ti, on behalf of all in the Shijia Bu, toasts to your life-saving grace.
1:24:36This sudden attack by the Yaojia Bu
1:24:38truly caught us off guard.
1:24:39The Shijia Bu stronghold has three hundred soldiers in total.
1:24:41Usually,
1:24:41only a few dozen come out to raid and leave,
1:24:43never pressing out so many like tonight.
1:24:44If not for that,
1:24:45the Shijia Bu wouldn't have been beaten like this. In this battle,
1:24:47we lost nearly a hundred dead and wounded; the wave at the gate was almost wiped out.
1:24:51If not for Young Master Lin,
1:24:52a divine soldier from heaven,
1:24:53tonight this stronghold likely couldn't have held.
1:24:55Yao.
1:24:55How many people did the Jia Bu send out tonight?
1:24:57At least three hundred.
1:24:59At first I thought several families had rebelled and joined to attack the Yaojia Bu.
1:25:02Over the years they've often come down the mountain to cause trouble,
1:25:04but never once sent out so many at a time.
1:25:06There have been times they came out in such large groups before,
1:25:08but never like this.
1:25:09Usually just a few dozen, at most a hundred or so to raid,
1:25:11and then they retreat.
1:25:12If a truly large force came to attack...
1:25:13I have connections with the common soldiers at Qingshui Fort.
1:25:15If we borrow the official troops from Yao Family Fort, they should come to our aid.
1:25:17In that case,
1:25:17why haven't we seen anyone from Qingshui Fort tonight?
1:25:19Sigh,
1:25:19I'm also suspicious about this. The Yao family's attack tonight was so fierce, as if they knew Qingshui Fort wouldn't send troops.
1:25:25The Yao family has always been a major threat to the Shi family, haven't they?
1:25:30Indeed,
1:25:31as long as they remain in the mountains,
1:25:32the Shi family won't have a single day of peace. Why not just wipe them out?
1:25:34If they could be wiped out, I'd go too,
1:25:35why would we leave them?
1:25:36To this day, the Yao family is entrenched in the mountains,
1:25:38with treacherous terrain and complex paths over the years.
1:25:40Normally,
1:25:40even the official troops can't do anything about them.
1:25:41They have no way.
1:25:42After all, Shijia Fort is just a border stronghold.
1:25:44Defending the fort is possible,
1:25:45but to truly go into the mountains to wipe them out,
1:25:46where would we get that ability?
1:25:47These savages causing trouble
1:25:48is not a matter of just a day or two.
1:25:50If the official troops could really pacify them,
1:25:51would it be up to Shijia Fort
1:25:53to live in constant fear every day?
1:25:54The official troops can't do it,
1:25:55but that doesn't mean we can't.
1:25:58Young Master Lin means,
1:25:59even though the inspector knows the Yao family is a major threat,
1:26:02don't they want to take this opportunity to uproot them?
1:26:07Normally, of course not.
1:26:09But tonight is different.
1:26:10This time, the Yao family
1:26:11lost several hundred men,
1:26:12which means they likely brought out most of their elite forces.
1:26:15Now, having just suffered a heavy defeat with many casualties,
1:26:17their morale is shattered and they're fleeing.
1:26:18Those who return will first think of saving their own skins.
1:26:21More importantly,
1:26:22they would never expect that Shijia Fort, having just defended the stronghold,
1:26:25would dare to counterattack into the mountains.
1:26:27Tonight is the opportunity.
1:26:30Brother,
1:26:30you mean if the inspector has the guts,
1:26:33tonight we can go wipe them out.
1:26:36Going into the mountains to call for the demon's surrender is not a bad move.
1:26:39The opportunity must not be lost,
1:26:40it will never come again.
1:26:44But the Shi family,
1:26:45has not only suffered heavy losses tonight,
1:26:46if we take more people out,
1:26:47precisely because of that,
1:26:48we can't delay until tomorrow.
1:26:50Tonight you only drove them back.
1:26:51Once dawn breaks and the survivors who fled back to the mountains recover,
1:26:54they'll be on guard,
1:26:54and it will only be harder to deal with them later.
1:26:56But if we strike while their lair is empty and their morale is low,
1:26:57we won't just be fighting this one battle,
1:26:58but for years to come. Young Master Lin is right.
1:27:00If the Yao family really sent out so many people,
1:27:02there won't be many fighters left in the mountains. Such an opportunity
1:27:04doesn't come often.
1:27:06If it's really as the young master predicts,
1:27:08then it is indeed an opportunity.
1:27:09Is it really an opportunity?
1:27:11Interrogate the captives,
1:27:12and we'll know.
1:27:13Hey!
1:27:19One hit
1:27:23Good job, Zhou Song.
1:27:23But we've already
1:27:26interrogated them so soon?
1:27:27The Yao family sent nearly three hundred men out of the mountains this time.
1:27:30Those left in the mountains are the old, weak, and a few guards.
1:27:33Doesn't this match up? The mountains
1:27:34are indeed empty.
1:27:38If Young Master Lin really goes tonight, how should we attack?
1:27:42Need I say? Naturally, we can't go in force; we'll sneak in
1:27:44and hit them hard.
1:27:45Right,
1:27:46we can't take too many people. The wounded, women, and fires in the fort all need people to look after them.
1:27:49Only pick those who can still fight
1:27:50and can march at night. Elite and fast.
1:27:54Mm.
1:28:00Furthermore,
1:28:00travel light, no baggage, no torches.
1:28:02Bring someone familiar with the mountain paths and head straight for their gathering place.
1:28:05No need to search around. They just returned from defeat,
1:28:07their minds unsettled.
1:28:08As long as we get there fast enough,
1:28:09we can catch them off guard.
1:28:10I'll lead the team myself,
1:28:11and pick seventy or eighty more.
1:28:12Those who can stand up are enough.
1:28:14They just got beaten; they'd never dream
1:28:15that we'd dare
1:28:16to charge into the mountains overnight.
1:28:25Do it. Occupy the position. The wounded and the rest are all up to you. Move out at night.
1:28:29Bring the men into the mountains.
1:28:31Good, with me in the stronghold,
1:28:33you just go ahead.
1:28:36The ones picking a fight,
1:28:37find a guide to carry supplies,
1:28:37attack with blades.
1:28:40Now we can't even get a hot meal.
1:28:51Mm.
1:28:57Tonight we must make the Yao family pay.
1:29:11This is a bit closer.
1:29:16Tonight, how to scout, I'll arrange.
1:29:21My men go first,
1:29:22you follow behind. Without orders,
1:29:24no one acts on their own.
1:29:29Good.
1:29:29Brother Lin,
1:29:30this battle,
1:29:31I'll follow your lead, Inspector.
1:29:32Your men know the mountain paths,
1:29:33I'm not as good as you. But tonight's battle isn't won by numbers,
1:29:36but by who disrupts the enemy first.
1:29:37You must keep them in check.
1:29:38Without my word,
1:29:39no one shouts,
1:29:40no one charges recklessly,
1:29:40and no one strikes early. Speed is key.
1:29:43Tonight, we're not here to kill them all,
1:29:46but to make them think we can.
1:29:52I understand.
1:30:36I'll go alone.
1:30:48Mm.
1:30:51Advance.
1:30:58Push forward more.
1:31:04We split into three groups. In the middle,
1:31:06I'll go personally to Xie Changfeng.
1:31:08You take four men and ambush outside. Whoever comes to rescue dies.
1:31:10I want them unable to get in,
1:31:11the more they rescue, the more chaos.
1:31:11Li Kui,
1:31:12you take three men to the stables and set fires. Once lit, guard the horse exit.
1:31:15Kill anyone trying to steal horses and flee. Inspector, your men stay outside until the fighting starts,
1:31:19or the stables catch fire,
1:31:20then you lead them in.
1:31:21Remember,
1:31:22once you strike, shout loudly,
1:31:23if there's a horn, blow it.
1:31:25Tonight is not about killing them all,
1:31:26it's about making them panic first,
1:31:26then collapsing on their own. Split up,
1:31:28go.
1:31:40Good.
1:31:47Kill them all!
1:31:49No!
1:31:57Tell us!
1:32:04Almost there.
1:32:09Take one more step and see.
1:32:34Guard the exit.
1:32:42Look here.
1:32:48You're asking for death.
1:32:55Exactly.
1:32:58Who is it?
1:32:59Lin Zhao of Qinghe Village.
1:33:02Suddenly dead.
1:33:05Kill those who block the way,
1:33:12sudden death, revenge.
1:33:22Kill those who resist.
1:33:24Drop your weapons.
1:33:24Tie up those who surrender.
1:33:26Secure the stables and granaries first. Don't loot. The old and weak,
1:33:28watch the women and children first,
1:33:30no indiscriminate killing.
1:33:39I'm dead,
1:33:41completely dead.
1:33:42With my death, those who surrender are spared.
1:33:47Don't rush. The stables, granaries, exits,
1:33:49assign men to guard each. Search the stronghold again.
1:33:51Fan Zhi, kill those who resist with weapons. Tie up those who drop their blades and kneel.
1:33:54Gather and watch the women, children, old, and weak.
1:33:55Don't
1:33:55take advantage and kill indiscriminately.
1:33:56Put out any fires you can,
1:33:57don't let them burn the grain.
1:34:05The Yao family was killed tonight.
1:34:06Over two hundred able-bodied men surrendered,
1:34:07nearly a hundred dead,
1:34:08most of them wounded.
1:34:10Over eighty good horses fit for riding,
1:34:12plus dozens of pack and old horses. This grain is enough for the Shi family and all to eat for months, besides hides, furs, and felt.
1:34:18Strictly control the polished iron tools, bundles of arrows, sharp blades and spears.
1:34:20Many of these things should have been the lifeblood of the Shi family and nearby villages,
1:34:24but now they're all piled up in the Yao family stronghold.
1:34:27Who knows over the years,
1:34:29how many people they've robbed,
1:34:30how much debt they've taken.
1:34:32Brother Lin,
1:34:33the Shi family owes you too much from this battle.
1:34:35Your people should take whatever they deserve,
1:34:36just say it. Not bad,
1:34:37without you all,
1:34:38the Shi family would have been finished tonight.
1:34:39These things should rightfully be shared with all of you.
1:34:40This battle was fought for the Ten Clans.
1:34:42All spoils from the stronghold go to the Ten Clans.
1:34:44Young Master Lin,
1:34:45How can we just wait like this?
1:34:45Say no more.
1:34:46But tonight's battle,
1:34:47Note: soldiers entering the mountains, Inspector, no need to be polite.
1:34:49Making a living on the border,
1:34:50everyone faces hard times.
1:34:52Tonight we help the Ten Clans. In the future, if Qinghe Village runs into trouble,
1:34:55we might need the Inspector's help too.
1:34:56All the loot goes to you.
1:34:58The loyalty of the stronghold's people goes to you as well.
1:35:00If tonight we kill too recklessly,
1:35:01and plunder in chaos,
1:35:03you won't be able to take over this place smoothly later.
1:35:06I've noted it.
1:35:09Not needed.
1:35:09Ran away.
1:35:11What happened?
1:35:12When we went to the back,
1:35:13we found a few people missing.
1:35:17Luo Zhen's younger brother, Yao Gule, said,
1:35:20Clearly,
1:35:21I searched the back mountain and found several corpses,
1:35:22and a trail of fresh, chaotic footprints.
1:35:24It looks like someone took advantage of the chaos and fled to the back.
1:35:25Later, we interrogated two captives,
1:35:26and they all said,
1:35:26Last night when the chaos broke out,
1:35:27after,
1:35:27Yao Gule took two or three trusted men,
1:35:28and escaped through the back mountain path.
1:35:29My uncle last night was too focused on pushing in and missed the back mountain.
1:35:32That small path is truly more hidden,
1:35:33and better at concealing. If he really escapes into the deep mountains,
1:35:36I'm afraid he'll be a disaster,
1:35:37trouble.
1:35:39If he ran, he ran.
1:35:41We need to strengthen our true foundation,
1:35:42in people, horses, and grain,
1:35:44in this stronghold.
1:35:45Now that these are all gone,
1:35:47even if he escapes,
1:35:48he's just a fish that slipped through the net.
1:35:49If he dares to show his face again, killing him won't be too late.
1:35:59Brother Lin, the lives of everyone in the Shi Clan,
1:36:01this entire foundation, you earned it for us.
1:36:03Right now, I won't speak empty words.
1:36:04When we return to the stronghold, the thanks owed to Qinghe Village,
1:36:06I won't shortchange a single bit. Not bad.
1:36:09Tonight's favor, the Shi Clan will remember.
1:36:12Yes, yes, yes,
1:36:21This
1:36:31You said no one from Qinghe Village died. The fourth brother of the Huili people has no reward. Brother Ye is courting death.
1:36:37Li Kui was forced into a trap,
1:36:38You survived,
1:36:39I'll die.
1:36:53Only one injured.
1:36:54I asked,
1:36:55It's indeed so.
1:37:07What are you looking at me for?
1:37:08I didn't have enough killing last night.
1:37:14Brother Lin,
1:37:15I knew you could fight before,
1:37:16but now I see I underestimated you.
1:37:19Inspector Miao dismissed.
1:37:21Last night's account,
1:37:22Even if someone else brought ten times the men, they might not achieve this result,
1:37:25yet you only had one injured.
1:37:26I'm impressed. Knowing how to kill,
1:37:29isn't a skill,
1:37:30Knowing how to kill without throwing your life away is.
1:37:37I'm a rough man,
1:37:38not good with fancy words.
1:37:40Brother Lin,
1:37:40Last night's battle,
1:37:41you saved the Shi Clan,
1:37:42and saved my life too. Just saying a few thanks feels too light even to me.
1:37:50This sword is from when I served in the Zhong Family Army,
1:37:52fighting alongside General Zhong Shizhong,
1:37:53and because of my merits, General Zhong personally awarded it to me.
1:37:56I've carried it with me all these years,
1:37:57never letting it go.
1:37:58Today I give it to you.
1:37:59If you don't mind my roughness,
1:38:00I'd like to become sworn brothers with you.
1:38:01From now on, Qinghe Village's affairs,
1:38:03are also the Shi Clan's affairs.
1:38:04As long as I, Badu Lu, still stand,
1:38:06these words,
1:38:06will hold. Inspector, you've said it to this extent,
1:38:09if I refuse again,
1:38:10it would seem pretentious.
1:38:12So,
1:38:13you agree?
1:38:14Since that's the case,
1:38:16today is truly a double blessing,
1:38:18I've gained a brother for nothing.
1:38:22Then we must first settle the matter of age,
1:38:23I'll start by saying I'm sixteen.
1:38:27Brother Lin,
1:38:28How old are you this year?
1:38:30Twenty, good.
1:38:32I'm twenty-six.
1:38:32Calling me brother,
1:38:33I can stand by that.
1:38:34I thought my brother was older than you.
1:38:39This courtesy sword,
1:38:41I accept this crossbow, brother.
1:38:42You take it.
1:38:50So you can accept it and succeed as brothers.
1:38:53As for what comes next,
1:38:53I won't beat around the bush.
1:38:54Right now,
1:38:55First clean up the mess at Yaojiabu,
1:38:57We'll talk about Pang's good deeds after returning to Shijiapu.
1:39:00Hurry down to the hall,
1:39:01Speed up the stable.
1:39:02We'll talk later.
1:39:02Since that's the case with the horses,
1:39:04I'll send someone back to Beijing right away.
1:39:05Tonight's great victory,
1:39:06No matter what,
1:39:07We should also give everyone a celebration.
1:39:09I like hearing that, not bad.
1:39:11This wine must be served,
1:39:12And it must be lively.
1:39:13First, to celebrate that Shijiapu has overcome a great threat.
1:39:14Second, to celebrate that I've acknowledged Brother Lin as a brother. We'll drink when we return.
1:39:17Let's finish talking here first.
1:39:26Ah ah
1:39:29There's still a bit, okay,
1:39:32Hey,
1:39:35Tonight's great victory was won for me by Brother Lin.
1:39:38If not for him,
1:39:39Right now I'd either be dead at the gate,
1:39:41Or watching helplessly as Yaojiabu tramples into the village.
1:39:43This first cup,
1:39:44I toast to Brother Lin and to Qinghe Village.
1:39:46Brothers,
1:39:52This wine is as bland as water.
1:39:55Bland or salty,
1:39:55Just drink less.
1:39:57That won't do, it's free wine,
1:39:58How can we not drink it?
1:40:02The inspector speaks of diligence,
1:40:03Let me add a frank word.
1:40:05Last night's battle saved not just the lives of hundreds in Shijiapu,
1:40:09But also the way forward for years to come. Yaojiabu's years of accumulated grain, horses, hides, and weapons,
1:40:15Now all returned to Shijiapu's hands. What Shijiapu owes Young Master Lin is not something a single feast can repay.
1:40:23So I have an idea,
1:40:25Taking advantage of tonight,
1:40:25With everyone here, let's speak plainly.
1:40:27Qinghe Village and Shijiapu should form an alliance starting today,
1:40:30If either side faces emergencies, we must aid each other,
1:40:32Help each other, share resources,
1:40:34And watch out for one another.
1:40:35What does the inspector think?
1:40:36Good,
1:40:37I was thinking the same.
1:40:38Brother Lin,
1:40:39If you don't mind Shijiapu's crudeness,
1:40:40This alliance,
1:40:41I'll take advantage of today's convenience,
1:40:44Since it's about mutual support,
1:40:45I naturally have no reason to refuse.
1:40:47Come, come, come, come, come, no rush,
1:40:48For now,
1:40:49After two rounds of drinks,
1:40:50I'll draft it myself, or,
1:40:52Let's drink first, come on,
1:40:56Young Master Lin, this crossbow,
1:40:58Is truly a good thing.
1:41:00Li Chang likes it. I took it to the village chief's carpenter during the day,
1:41:05The carpenter examined it over and over and said it doesn't look powerful,
1:41:09But it's full of clever mechanisms,
1:41:11Some joints,
1:41:11He couldn't even figure out how they work.
1:41:13I want to ask, sister,
1:41:16What's the price?
1:41:18Five guan each, how about it?
1:41:24Young Master Lin is righteous. If Qinghe Village can produce them later,
1:41:28Shijiapu will order a batch first.
1:41:29Okay,
1:41:31I think five guan is really not expensive.
1:41:34Of course it's not expensive,
1:41:35Our stuff isn't something just anyone can make.
1:41:40Here,
1:41:41Brother Lin,
1:41:42You're going to Qinzhou,
1:41:44I can't let you find your way alone.
1:41:46In my early years in the border army, I knew a few people,
1:41:49Though they may not be big shots,
1:41:51They still have some influence in Qinzhou,
1:41:53Tonight I'll write a few letters,
1:41:54Tomorrow I'll have someone give them to you.
1:41:55When you arrive in Qinzhou,
1:41:56Follow your interests,
1:41:57It's good to have someone guide you.
1:41:59With a familiar face's recommendation,
1:42:00it's safer than barging in on your own.
1:42:02Then I'll thank you in advance.
1:42:04We're brothers, no need for thanks.
1:42:11Someone bring the paper money.
1:42:26The contract is ready, take a look.
1:42:33Ah,
1:42:35Alright,
1:42:43This wine is practically water.
1:42:49Mm,
1:42:53Brother Li,
1:42:54Your wife is applying medicine,
1:42:55not torturing you,
1:42:55why are you so tense?
1:42:57Get lost.
1:43:01Hehehe.
1:43:09Brother.
1:43:14Brother, you saved the Shi family and avenged me,
1:43:16eliminating a great threat.
1:43:17These are gifts from me and Qu Lizhu,
1:43:19and a token of the Shi family's gratitude.
1:43:21Brother, please don't refuse.
1:43:23The things are already like this,
1:43:24there's really no room to refuse,
1:43:25Young Master Lin.
1:43:27These twenty horses were seized from the Yao family.
1:43:29Good,
1:43:29carefully selected, strong and sturdy.
1:43:31The four grooms are the best horse handlers in the village,
1:43:34I thought you'd have many horses and few men on the way to Qinzhou,
1:43:36so someone needs to care for them,
1:43:37so I assigned them to you.
1:43:38As for the ten taels of gold, silver is cumbersome,
1:43:41gold is easiest to store on the road, it's not much,
1:43:44but it's the Shi family's heartfelt gift.
1:43:45Young Master, please don't refuse.
1:43:46I'll remember the Shi family's kindness,
1:43:48Don't mention it,
1:43:49you saved my life and the village,
1:43:51how can these gifts repay such a debt?
1:43:54Earlier I sent three carts of grain, salt, and dried meat,
1:43:55they left the village gate yesterday morning,
1:43:57they're already dozens of miles away,
1:43:59if nothing goes wrong,
1:44:00they'll reach Qinghe Village soon. If there's more later,
1:44:02I'll send another batch. Brother Li, you're thoughtful,
1:44:04It's only right. This letter,
1:44:06keep it safe. When you reach Qinzhou, visit the Chief Hunter first,
1:44:09he helped me when I was in the army.
1:44:11Though years have passed,
1:44:13the old ties remain. A letter of introduction is weak,
1:44:16When you reach Jingzhou,
1:44:17just take the horses to the horse market. The north lacks horses,
1:44:19good horses will sell themselves,
1:44:20I've already sent word ahead,
1:44:21don't worry. If the horse market doesn't work out,
1:44:23Young Master,
1:44:24go to the post station first,
1:44:24then take the letter to find someone,
1:44:25who to see first and last,
1:44:26I've written it all on another paper,
1:44:27tucked in the letter. There are also places to stay,
1:44:29I've included them too. Brother Li Zhu,
1:44:31this kindness,
1:44:32I accept. We're brothers,
1:44:33why do this?
1:44:39Haha, Brother Li Zhen,
1:44:41I've had a smooth journey. If Qinghe Village needs anything,
1:44:46just send word,
1:44:46the Shi family alliance is set, we're on the same path.
1:44:50Young Master Lin, take care.
1:44:54How much is ten taels of gold worth?
1:44:56At least two hundred strings?
1:44:57Two hundred strings, that's the price of several horses,
1:45:00then why sell horses? Just keep them. Twenty horses,
1:45:03you could form a cavalry unit,
1:45:06A village wanting cavalry? Fodder,
1:45:08grooms, armor, which one?
1:45:09Doesn't cost money?
1:45:10You really think gathering horses,
1:45:11and riding them makes an army?
1:45:13It's not impossible to dream,
1:45:16but only when Qinghe Village is big enough to swallow Longcheng County.
1:45:19Besides,
1:45:24Brother, you look like an official,
1:45:26I am Lin Zhao, head of Qinghe Village. I don't know your honor.
1:45:31I am Zhao Chengyi, county lieutenant of Qingshui County. I'm just a rural archer,
1:45:34how dare I trouble you?
1:45:34The county lieutenant personally welcomes me.
1:45:37Head Lin, don't be modest. The battle at Shijiapu,
1:45:40now,
1:45:40has spread throughout Qingshui County. The magistrate heard,
1:45:43knowing you'd pass through today, sent me to welcome you,
1:45:46lodging is prepared at the county post station,
1:45:48and the magistrate intends,
1:45:50to host a banquet tonight for Head Lin. News from Shijiapu travels fast, no wonder,
1:45:55but I'm just passing through Qingshui County,
1:45:58yet a county lieutenant comes out to greet me personally,
1:46:00such courtesy,
1:46:01That would be too heavy a burden.
1:46:08Right now, we're just treating it as a win for the county,
1:46:15The news came too fast,
1:46:17and the etiquette is too elaborate.
1:46:18Plus, that letter mentioned a distinguished guest.
1:46:20This dinner is probably not just a welcome banquet.
1:46:28Brother,
1:46:28I'll give you a hint,
1:46:30later, say less,
1:46:31and watch me more.
1:46:34This way,
1:46:35Headman Lin, you've finally arrived.
1:46:39Magistrate, you flatter me.
1:46:40How could I trouble you to come in person?
1:46:42Hey,
1:46:43Today, there's no magistrate,
1:46:44only a host. Please come in,
1:46:46The distinguished guest has been waiting for a while.
1:46:53This is Mr. Yao, a distinguished guest from Western Zhou,
1:46:55And this is Lin Zhao, the capable man from Qinghe Village.
1:46:59I've long heard of Young Master Lin's great exploits in the Yao family army,
1:47:01Seeing you today,
1:47:02you truly are outstanding in appearance,
1:47:03May I ask, young master,
1:47:04your age and ancestral home?
1:47:07I am twenty this year, my ancestral home is Longxi, but I drifted
1:47:09to here,
1:47:10and now settled in Qinghe Village for twenty years. Young and promising!
1:47:16Not at all.
1:47:24Isn't it that Headman Li's trip to Qinzhou,
1:47:27was to sell horses?
1:47:29Exactly, the village captured some horses,
1:47:31and thought to exchange them for cash at the Qinzhou horse market,
1:47:34to buy some farm tools for the village.
1:47:35Young Master Lin,
1:47:36if you want to sell horses,
1:47:37why go all the way to Qinzhou?
1:47:40Mr. Yao, are you saying you'll buy at a price ten percent higher than the Qinzhou horse market?
1:47:47What do you think, young master?
1:47:58Headman Lin may not know that this Mr. Yao is the steward of the Yao family's military commissioner's mansion in Western Zhou.
1:48:03The Yao family is a prominent clan in Western Zhou,
1:48:05and Yao's army
1:48:06is a key official in the northwest.
1:48:07Steward Yao.
1:48:08Since you've spoken,
1:48:09the price is naturally fair.
1:48:12So you're the steward of Commissioner Yao's mansion,
1:48:14I failed to recognize your eminence,
1:48:15I'm truly sorry.
1:48:16Headman Lin, no need for formalities. Sit down and talk.
1:48:19Steward Yao, I should be grateful for your kindness,
1:48:22but
1:48:24by rights,
1:48:25Western Zhou and Qinzhou are both counties of our Great Song,
1:48:27selling to anyone is the same,
1:48:29I'd also like to sell to Western Zhou for a higher price,
1:48:32but these horses were captured within Qinzhou,
1:48:34and registered with the magistrate of Longcheng County,
1:48:36If I sell them privately to Western Zhou,
1:48:38I'm afraid I can't explain it to Longcheng County.
1:48:40This fortune,
1:48:41I'm afraid I don't have the luck to enjoy.
1:48:42I'll be going.
1:48:43Headman Lin has difficulties,
1:48:44then let it be.
1:48:45Business may fail, but goodwill remains.
1:48:46If there's a chance in the future, I'll cooperate with Headman Lin again.
1:48:59Sir, what do you think of this man? He's no ordinary person.
1:49:03Facing the Yao family's recruitment,
1:49:04he was neither humble nor arrogant,
1:49:05neither greedy,
1:49:05nor afraid.
1:49:06What's more rare is,
1:49:07his quick reaction,
1:49:09with a few words he blocked the path,
1:49:10without offending anyone. If he can be used by the commissioner,
1:49:13he will surely be of great help to us.
1:49:16If this man stays in Qinghe Village,
1:49:17I'm afraid he'll be a variable,
1:49:19but if we can use him,
1:49:20he'll be a good chess piece in the northwest. Brother,
1:49:24That's a price higher than the whole city!
1:49:25Why did we refuse?
1:49:26That Steward Yao,
1:49:27is a big shot in Western Zhou. The Zhong and Yao families have always been at odds.
1:49:30If we sell Qinzhou's horses to Western Zhou,
1:49:33that shows we're taking sides with the Yao family.
1:49:35We're in Qinzhou, siding with Western Zhou,
1:49:37Do you think I'm dying too slowly?
1:49:39Their conflicts among big shots,
1:49:40we small folks shouldn't get involved.
1:49:42There's this layer too,
1:49:44Now you know?
1:49:45The twists and turns in officialdom are more than swords on the battlefield.
1:49:49We just need to sell the horses to the Qinzhou horse market,
1:49:51get the official price,
1:49:52then the money is truly ours. Then we'll leave tomorrow.
1:49:57Qinzhou is where we truly start our cause.
1:50:03Mm,
1:50:20Good horses, all good horses.
1:50:21This golden bone and coat color may have been seized from Sheng Fan,
1:50:25but its foundation is excellent.
1:50:25With a little training, it'll be a top-notch warhorse.
1:50:28Keep it, keep it.
1:50:38A total of two thousand one hundred strings.
1:50:42Two thousand one hundred strings,
1:50:43just this thin piece of paper,
1:50:48this is money.
1:50:50There's no anti-counterfeit mark either.
1:50:53This paper is specially designated,
1:50:53only the government can produce it,
1:50:54and it has a three-color six-seal stamp,
1:50:56others can make it,
1:50:58mine seems a bit different.
1:51:01You two archers,
1:51:01that's the official seal's front guide,
1:51:02commonly used in Qinzhou territory, can be directly exchanged for money,
1:51:04as long as the government is here, this paper is money.
1:51:06Besides,
1:51:07over two thousand strings of copper coins would take several carts,
1:51:08are we going to hire carts to haul them?
1:51:09Hey,
1:51:14Alright, alright, yes,
1:51:19Enter Qinzhou.
1:51:26Oh my,
1:51:27This is truly a great place to live.
1:51:29If our Qinghe Village could have half this liveliness,
1:51:31we'd smile even in our dreams.
1:51:38Guest, would you like a meal or a room?
1:51:42For a room, you need to book in advance,
1:51:43and we have a decent stable,
1:51:44with plenty of fodder. Good.
1:51:46Guest,
1:51:46rest assured,
1:51:47our stable here is famously spacious,
1:51:53I'll pay for five days first,
1:51:54keep the change,
1:51:55get some hot water for the brothers to soak their feet.
1:52:02Let's go eat.
1:52:04Which restaurant in this city is the most grand, guest?
1:52:07You've asked the right person,
1:52:08In our Qinzhou City,
1:52:09it has to be Qinfeng Tower,
1:52:11right in the city center,
1:52:12even generals from the Zhong family army often go there,
1:52:15Then Qinfeng Tower it is.
1:52:16Hey,
1:52:17Mm-hmm,
1:52:20So impressive,
1:52:23This kid is very tempting.
1:52:24One word suppresses others,
1:52:27Mm,
1:52:27Mm,
1:52:28What's so great about the Zhong family army?
1:52:31This private room today,
1:52:32young master,
1:52:32I'll take it,
1:52:33If you know what's good for you, get lost,
1:52:35It's those people again.
1:52:36This is the matter,
1:52:38Old Zheng, who's upstairs?
1:52:40Who else could it be? It must be that untouchable pillar in the city,
1:52:43the young master of the Qin family.
1:52:46Toast,
1:52:47If you don't drink the toast, you'll drink the forfeit. Beat them.
1:52:49Yes, yes,
1:52:53Brother,
1:52:53This Qinzhou City looks prosperous,
1:52:55how come there's such bullying nonsense?
1:52:57In this world, a hard fist is the hard truth.
1:53:00But this place is, after all, the territory of the Qinzhou Zhong family army,
1:53:03yet someone dares to provoke so openly,
1:53:05that's somewhat interesting.
1:53:09Consider yourselves wise. Next time you dare to snatch a private room from Master Qin, I'll break your legs.
1:53:15You guys go back first, I have some personal business to attend to. Alright,
1:53:19Then come back early,
1:53:20Don't get dazzled by some siren.
1:53:30Boss, announce that
1:53:31Lin Zhao from Qinghe Village, under the orders of Badu of the Tenth Division,
1:53:34has come to visit.
1:53:40Brother Lin,
1:53:42Brother, you're awake.
1:53:43I've come uninvited,
1:53:43I apologize for the intrusion,
1:53:44Please come in,
1:53:44Please come in.
1:53:45I am Zhong Lie's uncle,
1:53:46namely Dong Shizhong.
1:53:47Back then, your brother Badu and I were friends when he was in the Dong family army,
1:53:49Don't let Brother Lin laugh at me.
1:53:52Today at Qinfeng Tower, I was so embarrassed,
1:53:53I didn't expect Brother Lin was also there. I wonder who injured Brother Zhong,
1:53:57to not even regard the Zhong family army with respect?
1:54:02Brother Lin, you may not know,
1:54:04that Qin Sheng is the young master of the Qin family's eldest master.
1:54:07The old master of the Qin family once saved the life of Chancellor Tong Guan in the army,
1:54:10so Chancellor Tong shows favor to the Qin family.
1:54:12The eldest master of the Qin family is also known for protecting his own,
1:54:14This Qin Sheng has become a tyrant in Qinzhou City,
1:54:16no one dares to provoke him.
1:54:20Fortunately, the Second Master of the Qin family is generous by nature,
1:54:22and his loyalty and righteousness earned him great prestige in the army.
1:54:26It's just a pity that the Second Master passed away just days ago.
1:54:31If the Second Master were still here, he would never have allowed Qin Sheng to act so recklessly,
1:54:34and do whatever he pleases.
1:54:35The Qin family seems to be a deeply entrenched giant. But let's not talk about such depressing matters.
1:54:38Brother Lin, in the letter you brought today, it says
1:54:39you saved the Shi family,
1:54:40and destroyed the Yao family.
1:54:41That's a great achievement.
1:54:43Brother Zhu,
1:54:44I won't hide it from you either. Qinghe Village
1:54:46is now in ruins and awaiting reconstruction.
1:54:47I want to purchase some things in Qinzhou.
1:54:51What things?
1:54:52Medicine and ironware,
1:54:54and I also want to find a few skilled blacksmiths
1:54:56who are willing to settle in Qinghe Village.
1:54:59Medicine and ironware—
1:55:00although some are banned from sale,
1:55:01with me here, it's no trouble at all.
1:55:03In Qinzhou City, there are plenty of pharmacies
1:55:04and blacksmith shops.
1:55:05There are also blacksmiths willing to settle in the countryside,
1:55:08but that depends on skill and fate.
1:55:10As long as the craftsmanship is good, the price
1:55:11is negotiable.
1:55:16This matter,
1:55:16leave it to me. Medicine—
1:55:18I'll help Brother Lin find the best ironware.
1:55:19I'll have someone inquire as well.
1:55:21As for blacksmiths,
1:55:22I'll have people keep an eye out.
1:55:23If any are willing to leave the city,
1:55:25I'll definitely introduce them to Brother Lin.
1:55:29Thank you, Brother Zhu.
1:55:37Brother.
1:55:38How do you use this crossbow in battle?
1:55:39How do you fire it?
1:55:41Load the groove, pull the string, release the trigger, aim, then press here. It's yours.
1:55:45Really? I can take it?
1:55:50Mm.
1:55:54Brother Lin,
1:55:55tomorrow,
1:55:55I'll have someone deliver the things to your inn. Thank you for your trouble.
1:56:04This—this—is this a scene?
1:56:05Ah,
1:56:05No, this isn't—this is—
1:56:21Young man,
1:56:22you're from out of town, aren't you?
1:56:24You dare buy this young woman?
1:56:25She's from the Qin family.
1:56:27What's wrong with the Qin family?
1:56:30Miss Qin is the daughter of the Second Master Qin's concubine.
1:56:33The Second Master
1:56:33just passed away a few days ago.
1:56:34His body isn't even cold yet,
1:56:35and the main branch already forced her mother to death,
1:56:36then drove her out.
1:56:37This girl is strong-willed, so she's selling herself here
1:56:39to bury her mother.
1:56:40She probably wants to make the Qin family lose face.
1:56:41Don't you see?
1:56:42No one dares to buy her.
1:56:44Listen to an old man's advice:
1:56:45leave quickly.
1:56:46The Qin family now dominates Qinzhou.
1:56:48If you buy her, you'll make an enemy of the Qin family.
1:56:50In Qinzhou territory,
1:56:51you won't have a good end.
1:56:58The Qin family's eldest master forced his sister-in-law to death
1:56:59and drove out an orphan girl.
1:57:01Such behavior is more disgusting than the open blades and spears I've seen on the battlefield.
1:57:16The Qin family doesn't even have thirty strings of cash?
1:57:18Then these thirty strings,
1:57:20I'll pay.
1:57:22Calm and prepared.
1:57:25Actually,
1:57:27May I ask your honorable name and where you're from, young master?
1:57:30I am Lin Zhao, from Qinghe Village, Yongcheng County.
1:57:36Thank you, young master, for your great kindness. I, Qin Hongying, will belong to you for the rest of my life.
1:57:42I will follow you, young master.
1:57:45This is—miss,
1:57:46I can't accept this.
1:57:47I only helped you bury
1:57:48your mother. I didn't intend to buy you. Consider this money as aid.
1:57:52You don't need to repay me.
1:57:59Is this—
1:58:02Young master,
1:58:02where are you staying now? After Hongying buries
1:58:04my mother, I will come to serve you. We're in Qinzhou on business,
1:58:08staying temporarily at Yuelai Inn in the south of the city.
1:58:09You focus on burying your mother,
1:58:10and don't worry about it.
1:58:13I've already given you the money.
1:58:14We're even.
1:58:18This girl is too stubborn.
1:58:26Enter.
1:58:39This time we have plenty of supplies.
1:58:42Hey, buying so much saltpeter and sulfur, Old Ma.
1:58:45Are they really going to build an arsenal in our Qinghe Village?
1:58:54Brother Xie,
1:58:55Look at that girl at the door, she's really pretty,
1:58:57The gun in her hand looks so impressive.
1:59:06Young Master Lin, Hongying has been buried,
1:59:08Mother has come specially to serve by your side.
1:59:12No
1:59:16Mm,
1:59:20Bro, what did you actually do last night?
1:59:22This girl doesn't look simple,
1:59:23The gun in her hand isn't something an ordinary family would have.
1:59:26Miss,
1:59:27I already told you,
1:59:28That money was to help you,
1:59:28Not to buy you,
1:59:29If you have relatives or friends, just go to them,
1:59:31You don't need to follow me.
1:59:34Young Master
1:59:35After my mother passed away,
1:59:36Hongying has no relatives left in this world.
1:59:38Since I took the young master's money,
1:59:39I've sold myself. If you won't take me in,
1:59:43Hongying, Hongying can only spill blood
1:59:46Right here, with this broken body,
1:59:47To thank you for your great kindness, young master.
1:59:48Take the girl in,
1:59:50My brother must take you in, Xie Changfeng.
1:59:52What are you causing trouble for? Kid, don't add to the mess.
1:59:55How did you get me to take in Qiaoniang back then?
1:59:56You basically saved this girl's life too, right?
1:59:59Lin Shitou,
2:00:00This girl looks pitiful. Besides,
2:00:01Don't be fooled by her delicate look,
2:00:02That big gun is no lightweight,
2:00:04Why not let her come back to Qinghe Village with us?
2:00:05Maybe she can even help train the troops.
2:00:06Yeah,
2:00:07Since you spent that money,
2:00:08You have to take responsibility for her,
2:00:09Now she has no one to turn to,
2:00:10She can't stay in Qinzhou either.
2:00:12One more person in Qinghe Village won't make a difference,
2:00:13Why are you still making excuses?
2:00:16Fine
2:00:17If you really want to follow,
2:00:18Then go back to Qinghe Village first.
2:00:19But I didn't buy you,
2:00:20You're just a villager of Qinghe Village,
2:00:22From now on, earn your own living. No need to serve me.
2:00:23Thank you, young master,
2:00:25Hongjun will work hard,
2:00:26And never hold you back. Bro, I didn't see that coming.
2:00:30You really gained a lot from this trip,
2:00:34This isn't just saving a girl,
2:00:35This is practically picking up an ancestor!
2:00:40No no no no
2:00:45To celebrate our successful supply purchase,
2:00:47And to welcome our new partner,
2:00:49Tonight let's go feast at Qinfeng Tower again!
2:00:59Shopkeeper, get out here.
2:01:02Young Master Qin,
2:01:03What brings you to my humble shop?
2:01:05Yes yes yes yes
2:01:12Oh, I... you gave it to Qin Hongzhong,
2:01:14That little slut's money. Kid, judging by your clothes, you're an outsider, right?
2:01:19You even dare to meddle in my Qin family's affairs,
2:01:21Tired of living?
2:01:24Young Master Qin saved someone in danger,
2:01:26It's the right thing to do,
2:01:27I
2:01:27Merely helped out along the way,
2:01:28How is that meddling in the Qin family's affairs? Does doing good deeds mean I have to be criticized by you? Doing good deeds.
2:01:33My Qin family's people, who are you, an outsider, to do good to?
2:01:36Who do you think you are?
2:01:37In the territory of Qinzhou,
2:01:39Doing good isn't up to you. Seize this ignorant brat,
2:01:43Break his legs,
2:01:44Let him know who the master of Qinzhou is.
2:01:49Bro
2:01:51These few losers are enough for us to handle seriously?
2:01:56Qin Yuanhao,
2:01:57I think you're tired of living.
2:02:07Mommy,
2:02:08This this
2:02:13You little slut, shameless
2:02:16How can you be here mixing with these men,
2:02:18Just like your slut mother,
2:02:22You're asking for death
2:02:25This
2:02:27Ah uh retreat retreat ah
2:02:32Mm,
2:02:33Hongying, stop chasing,
2:02:35Don't chase a desperate enemy,
2:02:36This is inside Qinzhou city. If we really chase and hurt them, things might not end well,
2:02:39Let's not bring unnecessary trouble on ourselves.
2:02:41Miss Qin is quite domineering,
2:02:43Her marksmanship rivals any man's.
2:02:44But if you hadn't come out today,
2:02:46These guys would have given us a beating we couldn't avoid,
2:02:48Let's go upstairs first,
2:02:49Don't go out for dinner tonight,
2:02:50have the inn send some food up.
2:02:54What?
2:02:59Let's eat something.
2:03:00You got a fright earlier,
2:03:01and haven't had dinner yet.
2:03:03Thank you, young master.
2:03:05Since you're going to be one of Qinghe Village,
2:03:07tell me your story,
2:03:08so I can understand what's really going on.
2:03:15I am the only daughter of the second master of the Qin family,
2:03:16Qin Yan,
2:03:17Qin Yuanhao is the son of my eldest uncle, Qin Heng.
2:03:20In the Qin family, there are only the two of us children.
2:03:23Although my uncle and father both took concubines,
2:03:25they never had more children.
2:03:27So Qin Yuanhao is the eldest grandson of the main branch,
2:03:29and I am the only blood of the second branch.
2:03:32My mother was a concubine of the second branch,
2:03:34of low birth,
2:03:34but gentle and steady.
2:03:35Last month,
2:03:36my father and his legal wife suddenly fell gravely ill,
2:03:38and both passed away.
2:03:39After my father died,
2:03:40the main branch showed their true colors.
2:03:41They forced my mother to remarry,
2:03:43saying she was just a concubine,
2:03:44unworthy,
2:03:45to remain a widow in the Qin family.
2:03:46I wasn't home at the time; when I returned,
2:03:49my mother had been driven to hang herself,
2:03:50and took her own life.
2:03:51The main branch told me
2:03:52that my mother died for love,
2:03:54but I know she was forced.
2:03:56I went to reason with them,
2:03:58but they only offered a flimsy coffin, saying a concubine didn't deserve a grand funeral.
2:04:02If I wanted a proper burial,
2:04:04I had to marry a high official in the capital as a concubine, as they demanded.
2:04:08That official is over sixty,
2:04:09with a house full of wives and concubines.
2:04:10If I married him,
2:04:11it would be walking to my death.
2:04:12I refused,
2:04:13so they said,
2:04:14either I marry,
2:04:15or they wouldn't handle my mother's funeral.
2:04:18I had no choice but to sell myself on the street to bury her.
2:04:21As long as someone would pay,
2:04:22to let my mother rest in peace,
2:04:24I would go with them.
2:04:25I never expected
2:04:26Qin Hongying's life to be so tragic.
2:04:28The cruelty of the Qin main branch is more chilling than any enemy I've seen on the battlefield.
2:04:31It makes my teeth cold.
2:04:32Rest assured.
2:04:33Since you've come to Qinghe Village,
2:04:34you are one of Lin Zhao's people.
2:04:35If the Qin family dares to cause trouble,
2:04:37I won't let them off easily.
2:04:39Thank you, young master. Hongying will do her utmost to protect you and Qinghe Village.
2:04:43No need for that.
2:04:44Since you're part of Qinghe Village,
2:04:45we will protect you.
2:04:46Zhouquan, let's eat first,
2:04:47we have to travel tomorrow.
2:04:53Brother, done chatting?
2:04:54Qin Hongying is the daughter of the second son of the Qin family,
2:04:56driven to desperation by the main branch.
2:04:57The Qin family's waters run deeper than I imagined.
2:05:00The Qin family
2:05:02How about
2:05:02tonight we go over and slaughter them all?
2:05:04We're not familiar with the city,
2:05:05best not to stir up trouble. Let's sleep first,
2:05:06we need to travel tomorrow.
2:05:14If we say we'll go, we go.
2:05:16OK, then hire another carriage.
2:05:20I won't ride in a carriage.
2:05:23Why?
2:05:26I'm not used to it; it's too bumpy.
2:05:29Then can you ride a horse?
2:05:31If it's just getting on,
2:05:32of course I can,
2:05:33but if I have to ride alone on a long journey,
2:05:35what if I fall off?
2:05:36I'm a woman, if I get hurt,
2:05:38no one will care.
2:05:39So you mean to ride with someone,
2:05:46You want to ride with me on the same horse?
2:05:51Can he do it too?
2:05:53No?
2:05:53I don't agree.
2:05:57Forget it.
2:05:58You get on my horse,
2:05:58I'll lead it for you, that should be fine, right?
2:06:00Okay,
2:06:03This... this is called not being able to ride alone,
2:06:04I've clearly been tricked by this girl again.
2:06:07Young master, please hold the horse.
2:06:14Let's go back.
2:06:15What about him? Does he have any achievements?
2:06:22Household registration.
2:06:22With the authorities, what about the palace banquet?
2:06:26Usually, where is such a play not investigated?
2:06:28Doesn't mean it won't be investigated today.
2:06:29Without a merit banquet,
2:06:29one cannot leave. This is the rule.
2:06:32This matter is probably not a rule,
2:06:33but someone doesn't want Qin Hongyin to leave Qinzhou.
2:06:36You wait here and watch the carriage and goods.
2:06:37I'll go to the Zhong residence, brother.
2:06:39Be careful.
2:06:50Little Du is...
2:07:01Young Master Lin.
2:07:02My master sent me to deliver a message.
2:07:04Who is your master?
2:07:05Young master is a smart man,
2:07:06why ask when you already know? No matter what, Qin Hongying
2:07:08is still a member of the Qin family.
2:07:09Not someone who can be taken away
2:07:11just because someone wants to.
2:07:12Since he has already followed me,
2:07:13what if I insist on taking him away?
2:07:14My master considers you an outsider, young master.
2:07:16Yesterday's matter can still be
2:07:17overlooked. But young people should have some self-awareness.
2:07:20Stretching your hand too far
2:07:21may not be a good thing.
2:07:22Otherwise, I'm afraid in the future, young master,
2:07:23you won't even know how you died.
2:07:32The Qin family really stretches their hands far. Let's go,
2:07:34I'll accompany you to the authorities.
2:07:54Thank you, Brother Zhong. It's nothing.
2:07:56If the Qin family dares to cause trouble again,
2:07:57just come find me.
2:08:14Let them pass.
2:08:28That kid surnamed Lin,
2:08:29do you really want to make an enemy of my Qin family?
2:08:32Go back and tell your master,
2:08:34the Qin family's actions,
2:08:34don't be too ruthless.
2:08:36If you do things too ruthlessly, sooner or later you'll pay.
2:08:43Hongying,
2:08:44I've never understood. Qinzhou is the territory of the Zhong family army,
2:08:49how come your Qin family in Qinzhou
2:08:50doesn't even regard the Zhong family army with respect?
2:08:53What's there not to understand?
2:08:54Chen Yuanhao's grandfather was once an old subordinate of Lord Tong,
2:08:58and even saved Lord Tong's life on the battlefield.
2:09:01Later, when Lord Tong gained power,
2:09:03the Qin family naturally rose with the tide.
2:09:05In the end,
2:09:06it's just one man attaining the Dao, and even his chickens and dogs ascend to heaven.
2:09:10No wonder they're so arrogant.
2:09:13The person who came to the inn looking for you yesterday, wasn't his name Qin Sheng?
2:09:16Why did I hear you call him
2:09:17Qin Yuanhao?
2:09:20His name is Qin Sheng, courtesy name
2:09:22Yuanhao. I don't know where he got the nerve
2:09:24to give himself such a courtesy name.
2:09:27Does he really think that by having 'Yuanhao' in his name,
2:09:28he can have abilities like Li Yuanhao?
2:09:31Hmph, this is something. A local tyrant of Qinzhou
2:09:36actually has the dream of a warlord.
2:09:38Admirable. If he really had that ability, he'd be quite a figure.
2:09:41Unfortunately, besides relying on his family's influence to bully others, he can't do anything else.
2:09:46Hahahaha.
2:09:50But we really need to be careful.
2:09:53The Qin family probably won't let this go easily.
2:09:56We really can't fight them.
2:10:11No,
2:10:11watch out for the enemy.
2:10:19Conceal, spread out, engage.
2:10:26Mm,
2:10:26Hurry!
2:10:34Oh no!
2:10:38No!
2:10:41Hongyan, go!
2:10:50Lin Chao, don't look back, run forward!
2:10:59Ouch,
2:11:02Get down! Everyone get down.
2:11:17No,
2:11:18these are not ordinary bandits. This kind of strange technique,
2:11:20and this tactic of shooting arrows while moving along the range,
2:11:21slowly grinding people to death,
2:11:22cursing the Mongols,
2:11:24actually we can't compare. Use guns,
2:11:38all of you damn well aim at the archers and shoot the people.
2:11:47In just those few rounds of arrow rain,
2:11:49too many of our people have already fallen.
2:11:51And this is just the first encounter.
2:11:54If Xie Changfeng and I didn't still have guns,
2:11:56today's trip to Qinghe Village,
2:11:58this group of people
2:12:00would probably really be nailed alive
2:12:01on this official road.
2:12:05Qinghong Army,
2:12:22Mm,
2:12:38Now! Put it all on!
2:12:58You bastards!
2:12:59I'll cut you down!
2:13:00You all retreat!
2:13:05Don't let them escape!
2:13:16Stop chasing!
2:13:16Gather the horses.
2:13:17Report the casualties.
2:13:28Mm-hmm.
2:13:50Good, good, good.
2:13:53Heh.
2:13:55Three from Qinghe Village died in battle,
2:13:56two severely wounded,
2:13:56many injured,
2:13:58and one woman critically wounded.
2:14:00Here.
2:14:03We have twenty-one in total.
2:14:04They are Mongol mercenary cavalry raised by Guiming Awu.
2:14:06Guiming Awu secretly trades iron weapons with the Qin family for lives.
2:14:08This time, the Qin family hired us on the spot to kill halfway.
2:14:11Those Qin bastards really dare to strike deadly blows.
2:14:14This pair of Mongol cavalry are just raised by the Western Xia,
2:14:17used as mercenaries for escorting goods and doing paid work, but their archery and horsemanship are superb,
2:14:20and their charge is fierce,
2:14:21enough to make one's scalp tingle.
2:14:23If these are just scattered tribes on the border,
2:14:24then in the future, when the real Mongol iron cavalry rises,
2:14:27how terrifying will they be?
2:14:38If not for me, the Qin family wouldn't have chased us.
2:14:41If not for me, these people
2:14:42might not have died at all.
2:14:47So, since you've entered the gates of Qinghe Village,
2:14:49you are one of Qinghe Village.
2:14:51Today, our people died.
2:14:53This debt must be settled with those responsible.
2:14:58Right?
2:15:01Your family members and
2:15:21the women stay behind.
2:15:28You see,
2:15:29go back tonight, take a hot bath,
2:15:31and get a good sleep.
2:15:33Leave the rest to me.
2:15:40First, save the people.
2:15:41Organize the supplies.
2:15:42Yes, yes, yes, yes.
2:15:46No.
2:16:07This disaster
2:16:09is my fault, Lin Zhao, for your deaths.
2:16:11The dead.
2:16:12I'll give each family fifty guan for medical expenses and future support.
2:16:16Qinghe Village will bear it all.
2:16:18As long as I, Lin Zhao, am alive,
2:16:19this promise holds. People are dead.
2:16:23What's the use of saying this?
2:16:42More people are coming!
2:16:44All stinky guys!
2:16:55Champion.
2:17:15This is
2:17:26Young Master Lin.
2:17:28This is Inspector Liao Zhong of Qingshui Fort.
2:17:30We two got the news
2:17:31that Mongol cavalry were fighting
2:17:33and immediately brought men here.
2:17:35Didn't expect it to be you.
2:17:37Thank you, County Defender Zhao and Inspector Liao.
2:17:46These people were all taken down by you.
2:17:50Almost.
2:17:53County Defender Zhao, Inspector Liao, at this time the foreign banners invade our Great Song territory and attack civilians.
2:17:58Today, thanks to
2:17:59you two who rushed here with troops upon hearing the news, the bandits
2:18:01didn't dare stay long and fled in panic.
2:18:03We just barely survived and helped hold them off for a while.
2:18:06We lost several horses
2:18:07and many men.
2:18:10Now, the horses we've gathered back,
2:18:11we only ask to make up for our losses,
2:18:12and that's enough.
2:18:13As for the remaining heads,
2:18:14warhorses, bows, armor, and captives,
2:18:17please handle them according to official rules.
2:18:21Young Master Lin, your righteousness,
2:18:22Zhao will remember.
2:18:24Not really righteous,
2:18:26just that we've just lost people,
2:18:28and right now I have no mind to quibble.
2:18:29These
2:18:31What are you standing around for? First, save the severely wounded.
2:18:33Put them on horses immediately,
2:18:34send them back to Qingshui County,
2:18:35get a doctor, and make room,
2:18:36settle all the living.
2:18:43An arrow piercing the skull,
2:18:45almost impossible.
2:18:47Don't spread the word yet, wait until we're back in the county.
2:18:53You mean Ling Zhao and his men were ambushed on the official road by twenty-one Mongol mercenary cavalry?
2:18:58Exactly.
2:19:00Mongol cavalry,
2:19:01not ordinary bandits,
2:19:02skilled in mounted archery,
2:19:03advancing and retreating with discipline, your humble servant.
2:19:04Judging by their bows, armor, and horses, they're no ordinary bandits.
2:19:06How many died? Over a dozen bodies left on the spot.
2:19:08And one survivor.
2:19:09The rest saw things were going badly,
2:19:10and fled.
2:19:11What about Linzhang?
2:19:12At Qinghe Village, the Xiang militia died in battle.
2:19:13Three severely wounded,
2:19:14two...
2:19:14Several others injured. Of the two blacksmiths' families accompanying them, three died.
2:19:17And one woman severely wounded,
2:19:18but not dead.
2:19:20With these casualties, you still fought like that.
2:19:22And then?
2:19:23What did Lin Zhao say?
2:19:24Lin Zhao said,
2:19:25The barbarian banners are invading our Great Song territory.
2:19:26Today, thanks to the county sending troops upon hearing the news, the bandits didn't dare stay long.
2:19:29They only helped block them for a while.
2:19:31The armor, horses, and captives—please let the county handle them according to official rules.
2:19:34He really said that?
2:19:35Not a word off.
2:19:36He only wants to replace his three lost slow horses.
2:19:38All other credit he yields. Such great credit,
2:19:41yielding it just like that. He...
2:19:43willing to give up fame and fortune.
2:19:45It's not that he's willing to give up,
2:19:46he sees clearly.
2:19:47People died,
2:19:48people were injured.
2:19:49At this time, giving the credit to the county,
2:19:50the county will have to accept this favor.
2:19:54The bodies,
2:19:54you've all examined them?
2:19:55Examined. Any abnormalities?
2:19:57Several bodies died abnormally.
2:20:00How so?
2:20:01A hole right in the center of the forehead.
2:20:03Entering from the front, exiting the back. The wound isn't large,
2:20:05but it pierced straight through the skull.
2:20:06Not a knife wound,
2:20:07nor like a sword wound.
2:20:11Impressive.
2:20:12Able to fight and knows how to deal with people,
2:20:14and still hides his methods.
2:20:15I underestimated him before.
2:20:18It seems before I return to Xuzhou, I must personally visit Qinghe Village.
2:20:31Doctor, sir,
2:20:31We want to see Young Master Lin.
2:20:32Please follow me.
2:20:33It is...
2:20:41That hero brother.
2:20:43This isn't a Hongmen Banquet, is it?
2:20:45Thank you for your trouble, sir.
2:20:46Let's settle in first.
2:20:47Later I'll go ahead and clear things with the hall.
2:20:49Young Master Lin, you overwhelm this humble one.
2:20:50Just rest assured and stay.
2:20:51As for other matters,
2:20:52no need to worry.
2:20:58Is Young Master Lin here? Old sir,
2:21:00I am Lin Zhou.
2:21:01Please.
2:21:01Young Master Lin, lead me to see the wounded.
2:21:10The wound,
2:21:10First apply gold wound powder, don't wrap too tight.
2:21:12Don't let the medicine touch water.
2:21:13Then take angelica and astragalus.
2:21:14In a 2:1 ratio, simmer slowly to make a blood-nourishing decoction. Make it thick,
2:21:17a bit.
2:21:18Take warm in three doses.
2:21:19Old sir,
2:21:19This pillow towel and medicine money...
2:21:20Young Master Lin, no need to trouble.
2:21:22Pillow towel,
2:21:22medicine money—all already paid by someone.
2:21:24I came today only to save people.
2:21:27Someone already paid.
2:21:28Exactly. You just take care of the wounded.
2:21:31Don't think about the rest for now.
2:21:35May I ask which of you are guests with family members at Wang's?
2:21:42Wang's.
2:21:43Tell me clearly the number of people, men and women, old and young. Laying out the body, encoffining, funeral procession, burial clothes, paper money—
2:21:48the vet shop can handle it all.
2:21:54If the family can't decide,
2:21:55my shop can also handle it all.
2:21:57Won't let the deceased suffer indignity.
2:22:09Look at us.
2:22:13What are you doing?
2:22:14Get up first, Young Master Lin.
2:22:16We... we were not human earlier.
2:22:19You knelt to us,
2:22:20and we still treated you like that.
2:22:23But now, even coffins, laying out, and funeral processions,
2:22:26someone has thought ahead for us.
2:22:28Such kindness,
2:22:29we...
2:22:32Our family can have a decent burial.
2:22:34Even in death, we'll remember your kindness. Get up first.
2:22:37Now that everyone has arrived at Qingshui County, the rest can be dealt with later.
2:22:39I won't let the deceased be wronged.
2:22:42No one said outright who arranged it,
2:22:44But the station, medicine, and coffin were all handled just right.
2:22:48Without the nod from that magistrate of Qingshui County,
2:22:50It could never have been so thorough.
2:22:53This Qingshui Immortal truly gave all the dignity that was due.
2:23:02Over here,
2:23:02We can't stay long. Wait for the wounded to stabilize,
2:23:04Then you set off back to Qinghe Village as soon as possible.
2:23:07What about you?
2:23:10Changfeng,
2:23:11You and Hongying take men to escort the wounded and those blacksmiths back to the village.
2:23:15Li Kui,
2:23:16You come with me to Qinzhou.
2:23:19Yes, brother,
2:23:20You just go ahead.
2:23:21Hongying,
2:23:22Anyone who harmed our Qinghe Village,
2:23:24I won't let a single one go.
2:23:25Rest assured, I won't touch a single woman.
2:23:28Mm,
2:23:31I'll go back with you. The Qin family's residence,
2:23:33I know the guards and storehouses well.
2:23:35If you want to make a move,
2:23:36Me being there is far better than you fumbling around yourselves,
2:23:37Much better,
2:23:38Don't worry about me,
2:23:39What do you say?
2:23:40I won't do anything to them,
2:23:41I only want one thing,
2:23:42The Qin family can fall. The Qin family members,
2:23:44Kill them if you must,
2:23:45But the Qin family's assets,
2:23:46Money, grain, and trade routes must be taken over.
2:23:49Qinghe Village has lost lives,
2:23:49And people are wounded.
2:23:51This blood debt can't be repaid with just a few lives.
2:23:53The Qin family's wealth must be sent to
2:23:55Qinghe Village,
2:23:55Consider it compensation. Ruthless enough,
2:23:58Brother,
2:23:59How about I come with you too?
2:24:01Let them rest here for a couple of days,
2:24:02Wait until they recover before leaving.
2:24:03If I go to Qinzhou with you, I can be an extra pair of eyes.
2:24:05Right,
2:24:06An extra person,
2:24:06An extra pair of hands. The wounded
2:24:07Must be sent back to Qinghe Village as soon as possible. The longer they stay outside,
2:24:10The more variables there are.
2:24:11No matter how polite the county runners are,
2:24:12This isn't our own place.
2:24:14Wounded recuperating outside,
2:24:15I'm not at ease.
2:24:16Keep an eye out on the way back.
2:24:18The village is empty now,
2:24:19Short on manpower.
2:24:19You need to hold things together as soon as possible.
2:24:21Qinghe Village is more critical than anything right now.
2:24:24I understand,
2:24:26Leave me your gun and bullets.
2:24:28On your trip back,
2:24:29Given the current situation, there shouldn't be any more trouble.
2:24:31If someone really targets you, relying on one gun,
2:24:33Might not hold them off.
2:24:34Better to let me carry them all.
2:24:39Fine,
2:24:40Just don't die in Qinzhou.
2:24:44With this thing in Qinzhou,
2:24:46I'll know what to do.
2:24:48Young Master Lin,
2:24:49You have a visitor.
2:24:56Mr. Yao, I failed to welcome you from afar. Please forgive me,
2:24:58Forgive me.
2:24:59Young Master Lin, you're too kind.
2:25:00Recently,
2:25:01The matter of Guandao,
2:25:02I, Yao, have heard of how you all fought bloodily to escape danger.
2:25:04It truly makes one shudder with fear. In my haste, I couldn't help much, Great King,
2:25:08I could only do my humble part in matters of medicine and mulberry farming.
2:25:12If you have any other difficulties, Young Master,
2:25:13Please speak frankly.
2:25:14Mr. Yao, this kindness,
2:25:15Lin Zhao will remember.
2:25:16If not for your thorough arrangements today,
2:25:18My brothers and those aggrieved families would still be in a flurry in this rural place.
2:25:21It's just small things within my power,
2:25:23Not worth mentioning as a favor.
2:25:25Mr. Yao,
2:25:26It's chilly outside,
2:25:27Let's talk inside.
2:25:28Excuse me.
2:25:33Ah,
2:25:34Young Master Lin, today's official visit,
2:25:37I already heard about it at the county office.
2:25:39To say something that might make you laugh,
2:25:40Even someone like me, Yao, who's seen bloodshed in borderlands,
2:25:43Was truly shocked after hearing it.
2:25:44Just lucky to have survived.
2:25:46If it were just about survival,
2:25:47Where else could you pull off a fight like that?
2:25:48Twenty-first squad,
2:25:49over half the Mongol mercenary cavalry wiped out,
2:25:51and prisoners taken alive.
2:25:52If Young Master Lin still says
2:25:53this was just luck,
2:25:55then all those who died at the hands of cavalry over the years
2:25:57would have nothing to say.
2:25:58What's even more rare is,
2:25:59not only can Young Master Lin fight,
2:26:01he also knows when to advance and retreat. Such a merit,
2:26:03he just let it go.
2:26:06Others might not see it clearly,
2:26:08but I, Yao, understand.
2:26:09This isn't about whether he's willing to part with it,
2:26:11it's that Young Master Lin has a clear mind,
2:26:13he knows what to take and what to let go.
2:26:17Mr. Yao, you flatter me.
2:26:18Merit earned from death and injury,
2:26:20such things are worthless to me right now.
2:26:23Good,
2:26:24you have skill and character,
2:26:26and a sense of responsibility.
2:26:27I, Yao, won't hide it from you either,
2:26:28coming here tonight is also to ask on behalf of my lord,
2:26:31would Young Master Lin be willing to go to Western Zhou?
2:26:37My lord has always valued those with real ability.
2:26:39If Young Master Lin is willing to go, with today's achievements,
2:26:41plus your skills,
2:26:43starting as a Sub-8th Rank Inspector wouldn't be difficult,
2:26:46whether you'll lead troops or manage debts later,
2:26:47or have other appointments, it's all unknown.
2:26:49In short,
2:26:50you definitely won't be buried.
2:26:53Lord Yao's great favor,
2:26:54Lin Zhao understands,
2:26:55but right now Lin Zhao probably can't leave yet.
2:26:58From Qinghe Village to today,
2:27:00it's only been a short time,
2:27:01everyone in the village has shown me the grace of saving my life,
2:27:03and giving me shelter.
2:27:04Now the village has just been through a bloody battle, people died,
2:27:07people were injured,
2:27:07and the root of trouble outside hasn't been completely eliminated.
2:27:09At this time,
2:27:10if Lin Zhao just pats himself off and goes to Western Zhou to be an official,
2:27:12it's naturally a good path,
2:27:13but Qinghe Village.
2:27:14I would be betraying this kindness. So that's how it is,
2:27:17no wonder Lord Yao values you so much. Lin Zhao won't forget.
2:27:21Not going today,
2:27:21is not disrespecting the lord,
2:27:22nor is it not knowing how to appreciate a favor,
2:27:24it's just this hurdle in my heart,
2:27:25I can't get over it right now,
2:27:26but please, Mr. Yao, take my report back,
2:27:27Lord Yao, I'm grateful for the lord's great favor,
2:27:30Lin Zhao is sensitive and will come in the future.
2:27:32Whenever Lord Yao has orders for Lin Zhao,
2:27:34as long as I have a breath left, I dare not shrink from any danger,
2:27:39Young Master Lin.
2:27:39With these words,
2:27:40my trip tonight wasn't wasted. Your meaning,
2:27:43I, Yao, understand. As for my lord,
2:27:44I, Yao, will truthfully relay it. Thank you for your trouble, sir.
2:27:47Since that's the case,
2:27:47Young Master Lin, for now, just focus on handling things here.
2:27:50Before you leave Qingshui County,
2:27:51if you have any difficulties,
2:27:52just come find me, Mr. Yao.
2:27:54Today's favor is already extremely heavy.
2:27:56There's a long future between us.
2:28:02Don't we need an official now?
2:28:04That's a Sub-8th Rank Inspector. Yes, if I go to Western Zhou,
2:28:07I'll be an official.
2:28:12Official status
2:28:13Sub-8th Rank Inspector
2:28:15What about a 7th Rank County Magistrate? Doesn't it sound tempting?
2:28:18But in this northwest region,
2:28:21what does it amount to?
2:28:25No matter how good an official post is, it's given by others,
2:28:28today they think highly of you and give you an inspector seat,
2:28:30tomorrow if they don't like you,
2:28:31one word can kick you down.
2:28:32Such things are ultimately rootless,
2:28:35but Qinghe Village is different.
2:28:37No matter how small that place is,
2:28:38it's a foundation we've built bit by bit ourselves. It has beams, iron, workshops,
2:28:42and people who dare to risk their lives.
2:28:43Once this root is firmly planted, the tree
2:28:45will naturally grow upward.
2:28:47You mean, as long as this tree of Qinghe Village keeps growing,
2:28:50its branches and leaves will sooner or later cover Longcheng County, Qinzhou,
2:28:54and even the entire northwest.
2:28:55I originally thought he just didn't want to abandon Qinghe Village at this time.
2:28:58It turns out what he values was never an official position,
2:29:01but the entire northwest.
2:29:02I underestimated him before. For a tiny Sub-8th Rank,
2:29:06to lose the root of this tree.
2:29:07Am I stupid?
2:29:09Alright,
2:29:09Don't just stand there.
2:29:10Tonight, go prepare. We move at dawn as planned.
2:29:15Hongying,
2:29:16Why are you still here?
2:29:18I'm going with you tomorrow.
2:29:20I have to go.
2:29:21No one knows better than I do.
2:29:22The Qin family,
2:29:22If you don't take me, just you and Li Kui,
2:29:24you might not be able to do it cleanly.
2:29:25Besides, apart from Qin Yuanhao,
2:29:27the Qin family's direct line,
2:29:28I'm the only one left.
2:29:29If the Qin family falls,
2:29:30others will only think of grabbing,
2:29:31but if I'm here, I can take it over.
2:29:34Take over, right.
2:29:35As long as we take over the Qin family,
2:29:36we can continuously send money, grain, and iron to Qinghe Village.
2:29:39Didn't you say Qinghe Village,
2:29:41this tree needs to grow upward?
2:29:42Then swallowing the Qin family will make Qinghe Village grow even faster.
2:29:45Alright,
2:29:45Tomorrow you come back to Qinzhou with me.
2:29:47Really, why would I lie to you?
2:29:49What else do you want to say?
2:29:50N-nothing,
2:29:52You, you rest early.
2:29:59Just average.
2:30:00Good,
2:30:02Young Master Lin, aren't you coming back with us?
2:30:04There's still a violation to measure in Qinzhou.
2:30:07If there's any trouble, Young Master Ning, feel free to come find me.
2:30:09Yao thanks Mr. Yao.
2:30:18Snakehead,
2:30:19Tonight,
2:30:19how do we move into the city?
2:30:20Besides,
2:30:21if we move at night,
2:30:22I'll take you through the west side gate, and after entering,
2:30:24it's the side courtyard.
2:30:26First to Qinzhou
2:30:31Wait for dark
2:30:32I'll take you up, I'll go.
2:30:35Wait a bit
2:30:37Snakehead, what are you doing here?
2:30:39Meeting someone
2:30:43Brother Lin
2:30:43You're finally back from your trip,
2:30:45I was just thinking about you.
2:30:47What happened?
2:30:48Brother Zhong,
2:30:49I seek an audience,
2:30:50The commander has a confidential matter to tell you. My family is not in the city.
2:30:53If Brother Lin trusts me,
2:30:54I might as well speak first. Naturally, I trust you.
2:30:56Brother Zhong, the Qin family is colluding,
2:30:57Mongol cavalry set up an ambush on the return road to intercept us.
2:31:00What did you say? What exactly happened?
2:31:02Twenty-one Banners Mongol mercenaries ambushed us,
2:31:04We caught one alive and he's already confessed,
2:31:07The Qin family paid them,
2:31:09Are they crazy?
2:31:10At this moment,
2:31:10If there really is a witness alive,
2:31:11Qingshui County won't report it to the prefecture,
2:31:14But even if reported,
2:31:16Do you think we can really bring down the Qin family through official channels?
2:31:20Difficult.
2:31:21Why difficult?
2:31:23The Qin family has been entrenched in Qinzhou for years,
2:31:24Their money, connections, and relationships run deep,
2:31:26As long as they don't openly rebel,
2:31:28rebellion based on one witness,
2:31:29you can't uproot them.
2:31:31Moreover, Qin Sheng's grandfather is still by Tongxiang's side.
2:31:36The investigation will likely end with a few servants taking the blame,
2:31:39and some silver paid to smooth things over.
2:31:44So I didn't come today to ask Brother Zhong to uphold justice for me.
2:31:49Justice,
2:31:51I'll take it myself.
2:31:54What do you want to do?
2:31:55Kill Qin Heng, kill Qin Yuanhao,
2:31:57Let Qin Honglin take charge of the family.
2:32:00You want to destroy the Qin family,
2:32:02wipe them out completely?
2:32:03Rather than borrow their business,
2:32:05The Qin family's shops,
2:32:06trade routes,
2:32:07inventory,
2:32:08and money, I want them all.
2:32:14The women,
2:32:14I won't touch, and I won't kill the useful ones indiscriminately,
2:32:17But Qin Heng and Qin Yuanhao must die.
2:32:23The Qin family is no small household. If the head and heir die overnight,
2:32:27Wouldn't the authorities investigate?
2:32:29How will you end it?
2:32:30The Qin family hired Mongols to do the job,
2:32:32and it didn't succeed.
2:32:33Instead, we lost more than half our men.
2:32:35The remaining men were furious and humiliated.
2:32:37At night, they came to collect the debt, killed the master, and robbed the goods.
2:32:40Then they fled far away.
2:32:43If you want to pass as Mongols, as long as the authorities don't dig too deep,
2:32:47this disguise will be enough.
2:32:49The Qin family has been tyrannical,
2:32:49and Qinzhou has long needed someone to settle this matter.
2:32:52If it really happens, my Dong family just needs to play dumb,
2:32:55not investigate too deeply,
2:32:56and use this as a borrowed knife.
2:32:57Eliminate this scourge.
2:33:03You didn't come today to ask me to help you kill someone,
2:33:05No, you came to ask me not to stop you.
2:33:09Exactly.
2:33:11Normally, for something like this,
2:33:12I should first consult my uncle,
2:33:13but my uncle went to the northwest yesterday,
2:33:15and within a month, he probably won't even be back. He went to join the navy.
2:33:17Northwest,
2:33:20towards Deshun Army.
2:33:21The Western Xia have been restless lately,
2:33:22and troops are already being mobilized at the border.
2:33:24If war really breaks out, the prefecture,
2:33:26won't have time to deal with these old city debts.
2:33:28It seems the situation is even more urgent than he thought.
2:33:30Brother Lin,
2:33:31you were never at the general's office tonight.
2:33:33Thank you, Brother Chong.
2:33:34Don't let this get to the authorities and spiral out of control.
2:33:36If it becomes the talk of the town,
2:33:37I can't pretend
2:33:38I don't see it. Brother, rest assured,
2:33:40since I dare to come,
2:33:41I won't leave any traces in the city.
2:33:43Now I somewhat understand Batu Lu,
2:33:45why he always said you're not simple.
2:33:47Today's matter has troubled Brother Chong.
2:33:49We'll take our leave now.
2:33:55How about the archery head? Let's go.
2:33:58Let's eat first.
2:34:00Tonight we have a big task,
2:34:02can't control our hunger.
2:34:12Lead the way.
2:34:13The Qin residence is too difficult.
5:08:23At this rate,
5:08:24we'll hit ten shops before noon.
5:08:33Brother, you've risen in the ranks and didn't even come
5:08:34to see me.
5:08:35This time, no matter what, you're staying
5:08:36for a few days of drinking.
5:08:37If we don't drink our fill,
5:08:38you're not leaving.
5:08:39I'm just a fairy duck,
5:08:40but watching over a thousand for someone else is tough.
5:08:41Haha,
5:08:42Not much money and no real profit,
5:08:43so I can only bring a small gift to apologize to you, brother.
5:08:53Good brother,
5:08:55you've hit me right in the heart.
5:08:56You've done me a huge favor this time,
5:08:58I couldn't come empty-handed.
5:09:00Brother, take me to see Commander Liu first.
5:09:02Follow me.
5:09:04Three
5:09:07Hey hey
5:09:14Commander Changshun is going to Yashan to suppress bandits.
5:09:16I had a bad feeling,
5:09:17so I sent scouts to keep an eye out.
5:09:19Later, when things looked wrong,
5:09:20I quickly brought men to extract them,
5:09:22but we were still too late.
5:09:23Over four hundred men, two hundred seventy-one died in battle,
5:09:25and almost all the rest are wounded.
5:09:27If you hadn't been vigilant, brother,
5:09:28this time they might have been completely wiped out.
5:09:30Brother,
5:09:30how many did we lose here?
5:09:31We also lost about thirty.
5:09:32This time, the enemy actually had about fifty
5:09:34cavalry on fine Heyun horses.
5:09:35If not for the crossbow squad
5:09:36scaring them off,
5:09:37who knows?
5:09:37Brother,
5:09:37I would have been done for this time.
5:09:38Yashan can't afford to support that many.
5:09:40These fifty Heyun horses
5:09:46Changshun
5:09:48suggest
5:09:50Changshun is incompetent and has disgraced you.
5:09:52Victory and defeat are common for a soldier; as long as you're alive, that's what matters most.
5:09:57The news about bandits in Yashan,
5:09:58where did you get it?
5:10:00Hmm,
5:10:01The owner of Bianyue Tower gave the information.
5:10:05Dianyue Tower, the only brothel in Longcheng County.
5:10:19Oh,
5:10:21We caught a straggler,
5:10:22a merchant bandit hiding in the mountains. After interrogation,
5:10:23he said the second-in-command of Panya Mountain gave them the tip in advance.
5:10:27Panya Mountain.
5:10:28Exactly,
5:10:28That wounded man also said that Panya Mountain and Yashan used to stay out of each other's way,
5:10:31but this time, for some reason, Panya Mountain not only sent word ahead,
5:10:34but also sent over fifty cavalry to help.
5:10:37Who is the second-in-command of Panya Mountain?
5:10:40That wounded man said his name is Yao Gule.
5:10:43Yao Gule from the Yao family? That Yao Gule is Luo Zhen's younger brother.
5:10:49Yes,
5:10:50It's him, damn it,
5:10:52How could I forget that?
5:10:53When we wiped out the Yao family,
5:10:54I thought he ran away in the chaos,
5:10:56but he actually went to Panya Mountain.
5:10:58That explains it.
5:11:00Yao Gule is a ruthless and cunning man,
5:11:02and he's been biding his time. Brother Yao Luozhen,
5:11:04Panya Mountain and the Yao family must have been secretly colluding.
5:11:06When we wiped out the Yao family,
5:11:08they secretly took in Yao
5:11:09Gule.
5:11:11In just two months,
5:11:12he managed to climb to the position of second-in-command.
5:11:14It seems
5:11:15he has quite a foundation in Panya Mountain,
5:11:16or he brought a significant offering.
5:11:19That must be it.
5:11:20This incident,
5:11:21is most likely the work of that bastard.
5:11:23He didn't dare openly seek revenge against you, brother,
5:11:24so he secretly struck while you were suppressing bandits,
5:11:24making you suffer a loss,
5:11:26and you could only blame the Yashan bandits,
5:11:27never suspecting Panya Mountain.
5:11:29Brother, Panya Mountain,
5:11:30this is pushing it too far.
5:11:31Panya Mountain is really pushing it too far.
5:11:36We should wipe them out!
5:11:37Brother Xie,
5:11:40we absolutely must not act rashly.
5:11:42Panya Mountain is naturally treacherous,
5:11:43easy to defend and hard to attack.
5:11:44The only way up is a narrow, steep zigzag mountain path.
5:11:48A large force simply cannot deploy, and the defenders...
5:11:50All they need to do is roll boulders and thunder-wood down the mountain,
5:11:51and no matter how many men you send, they'll be crushed into meat paste.
5:11:53Otherwise, why would the authorities have silently allowed them to exist for so many years?
5:11:56Then we'll surround them, seal off the roads down the mountain, cut off their water and food,
5:11:58and see how long they can hold out.
5:11:59You can't seal it off. The higher up the mountain,
5:12:01the flatter and more open the terrain becomes. There's a natural large lake on the mountain,
5:12:04and it's said they can even cultivate fields and produce their own grain.
5:12:06Back then, the authorities did try,
5:12:07a long-term siege,
5:12:08but the cost was enormous,
5:12:09and in the end, it all fizzled out.
5:12:10That's how the later tacit understanding came about.
5:12:13They don't harass the common people of the prefectures, and the authorities turn a blind eye.
5:12:16And they have indeed kept the agreement all these years.
5:12:19This time, it's likely that Yaogule acted on his own behind the chief Tieshan's back.
5:12:30Just when we were worrying about going to sleep,
5:12:31and had no pillow,
5:12:32someone delivered one right to us.
5:12:35Exactly,
5:12:36Brother,
5:12:36they broke the rules first.
5:12:38If the authorities can't wipe them out,
5:12:39that doesn't mean we can't.
5:12:44Panya Mountain
5:12:44The bandits of Panya Mountain ambushed the Third Battalion,
5:12:46causing heavy casualties among our troops.
5:12:48Investigation reveals they are remnants of the Yao family,
5:12:50and the second-in-command of Panya Mountain,
5:12:51Yaogule, is suspected to be the mastermind.
5:12:52If permitted, I am willing to reorganize my troops and seize the opportunity to attack Panya Mountain.
5:12:57Longcheng County Military Inspector,
5:12:58Hu Linzhao
5:13:01Panya Mountain is high and the roads are treacherous,
5:13:02easy to defend and hard to attack.
5:13:03Zhou Li couldn't take it for years,
5:13:04and several successive officials could do nothing about it.
5:13:06That's why they tacitly accepted the old agreement of not disturbing the prefectures or harming the army and people.
5:13:10For a mere military officer of Longcheng County to dare to lead a bunch of local militia to attack Panya Mountain is simply absurd. Someone, bring me that petition!
5:13:17Summoned here is
5:13:20the Inspector
5:13:20Look, it's done for,
5:13:22immediately draft a petition for me,
5:13:23and send it back to Longcheng County.
5:13:25What, you also think he's crazy?
5:13:27Du Jian is no ordinary low-ranking officer.
5:13:30low-ranking
5:13:32What do you mean?
5:13:33Previously,
5:13:33in the Battle of Qinghe Village,
5:13:34he led a few hundred villagers to hold off a thousand-man Western Xia unit.
5:13:37In the end, not only did they not collapse,
5:13:38but they also earned merit.
5:13:39His low rank was only officially conferred after the Historical Lord successively issued formal commendations.
5:13:42In other words,
5:13:43though this man is young,
5:13:43he is not someone to be judged by ordinary standards.
5:13:46Just because he has some ability, he wants to take on Panya Mountain and Zhou Li?
5:13:49They haven't been able to take it for years,
5:13:50and now he wants to show off first.
5:13:51What the Inspector says makes sense,
5:13:53but this matter doesn't necessarily have to be rejected outright.
5:13:56What do you suggest?
5:13:58It would be better to hold off on this petition for now,
5:14:00and first report the full situation to the Military Commissioner,
5:14:02and let him decide. If the Commissioner
5:14:04deems it unacceptable, he will naturally
5:14:05issue an explicit order. If the Commissioner deems it feasible,
5:14:08then we won't have spoken too soon.
5:14:10What if, what if
5:14:15What if Lin Zhao really has the ability to take down Panya Mountain?
5:14:18If the Inspector outright rejects it now,
5:14:21and it actually succeeds,
5:14:22wouldn't it make us look like we misjudged?
5:14:24This kid really isn't ordinary.
5:14:26It might not be appropriate to shut him down completely. Very well,
5:14:30bring it here.
5:14:31Bring a brush,
5:14:31I will write to the Military Commissioner,
5:14:32a petition.
5:14:35Qinzhou Military Inspector Wen Zhijie,
5:14:37respectfully submits this report to the Military Commissioner.
5:14:41If the Commissioner has other views on this matter,
5:14:41I will immediately comply.
5:14:43If there are no other issues,
5:14:44I will further investigate the matter,
5:14:46and handle it prudently. This concludes the report.
5:14:48Take a look,
5:14:49is it appropriate?
5:14:51Inspector,
5:14:51this petition is brilliantly written. Written this way,
5:14:54it not only highlights the risks,
5:14:55so you don't bear the blame for rashness,
5:14:56but also doesn't block Lin Zhao's path,
5:14:58and finally just submits a report,
5:14:59asking the Commissioner to decide, leaving room for both advance and retreat.
5:15:02You see it clearly,
5:15:04It's not that I,
5:15:04see it clearly,
5:15:05it's that the Inspector's writing is masterful. No flattery.
5:15:08Since there's no harm, just use the seal freely,
5:15:10and send it to Deshun Army at once,
5:15:11Also attach the court aid letter,
5:15:13so the lord can see clearly what's going on.
5:15:18I want to see if you really have what it takes,
5:15:22or if you're just tired of living.
5:15:27Make a copy for the records,
5:15:29and send it immediately to Qinzhou to see Lord Wen at the cavalry crossing.
5:15:32Yes.
5:15:35Tonight,
5:15:35you and Li Kui need to go to Bianyue Tower.
5:15:37Why should I? Bianyue Tower is a hub for information.
5:15:40Then we'll follow this lead and send him another.
5:15:42Spread the word about the Rose Letter, leak the news about sending troops to Yashan the day after tomorrow.
5:15:47Be careful not to make it too obvious,
5:15:48act like you let it slip after drinking,
5:15:50let those who hear it spread it themselves.
5:15:52But I'm about to get married.
5:15:53If Qiaoniang finds out,
5:15:54she might not say anything,
5:15:55but she'll be upset inside.
5:15:57Going to Bianyue Tower at this time,
5:15:58how could he be happy?
5:15:59Hey,
5:16:00this is military business,
5:16:00I'll explain for you,
5:16:02let Hong Ding explain for you,
5:16:03What am I explaining for him?
5:16:06There are a few words
5:16:07that must be heard by the right people.
5:16:09First,
5:16:09troops move the day after tomorrow,
5:16:11second, the destination is Yashan,
5:16:13be careful with the leak,
5:16:13don't be too deliberate.
5:16:14Okay,
5:16:15you go to Bianyue Tower to spread the word,
5:16:17I'll make a trip to Qinghe Village,
5:16:18Right now, Ma Zhenbang's side,
5:16:21still has things to go to Yashan,
5:16:22This battle can't rely on just bull.
5:16:29Hey,
5:16:30Why did you come at this time?
5:16:31I urgently need grenades and landmines,
5:16:32how many can you provide right now?
5:16:33Hey,
5:16:34Tomorrow you can take eighteen grenades and five landmines,
5:16:37no more than that,
5:16:38There's not enough time to get more gunpowder and iron shells,
5:16:40Who are you planning to attack this time?
5:16:42Hmm,
5:16:42Troops move to Yashan the day after tomorrow.
5:16:44Good,
5:16:45You know these things yourself,
5:16:46they're not to be trifled with,
5:16:47Grenade fuse throwing,
5:16:49prone landmine burying, tripwire detonation,
5:16:50your people need to practice first.
5:16:53Especially grenades,
5:16:55they're much more powerful than the crude ones we tried before,
5:16:57If not handled properly,
5:16:58the first to be blown up will be your own people.
5:17:00I'll stay tonight,
5:17:01and tomorrow morning bring people to go through the whole operation.
5:17:09Oh,
5:17:10Two gentlemen, hurry,
5:17:10Upstairs please, it's quiet upstairs,
5:17:12The leeks are ready,
5:17:13Bring wine first,
5:17:14then pick a few who can keep company,
5:17:15Yes, yes, guaranteed,
5:17:16to satisfy you, sir.
5:17:17Where will I wake up from wine tonight,
5:17:19Willow bank, dawn wind,
5:17:20Thank you, sir,
5:17:21Our Yue Niang's performance is top-notch.
5:17:23Who can't do this kind of singing? If you say so,
5:17:26Can you also write lyrics, sir?
5:17:27Red crispy hands, yellow vine wine,
5:17:29East wind evil, joy thin,
5:17:31A bosom of sorrow,
5:17:33Years of separation, oh sir,
5:17:35Where did you get this?
5:17:38Sir,
5:17:38Tonight you can't just sit and leave,
5:17:41Do you think we're not devoted enough? It's not about you,
5:17:44The master has to go out of town the day after tomorrow,
5:17:46need to strengthen his bones first,
5:17:47To kill, kill who?
5:17:49Scary, Yashan,
5:17:51Those Azi guys
5:17:56Enough
5:17:56If we drink more, we'll really be mud.
5:17:58Sir, you must come earlier next time,
5:18:00Yue Niang is still waiting to hear the rest of your story. We'll talk if I come back alive.
5:18:04Hmm,
5:18:07Sister-in-law Chaoguang is here,
5:18:08Who else could it be? No one's stealing women
5:18:11Little lady
5:18:13Go home
5:18:20You really don't blame me.
5:18:24A little.
5:18:27But I know you weren't out causing trouble.
5:18:29If you were really that kind of person,
5:18:30you wouldn't have specifically chosen to go for military funds,
5:18:32and you wouldn't have let Li Kui follow me.
5:18:34I'm just not comfortable in my heart.
5:18:36Wait until I come back, bring my life back first before we talk.
5:18:40I didn't say that.
5:18:40You can go quickly, let go of the door.
5:18:41Not yet bolted.
5:18:46Brother Ma,
5:18:47Counting the days, it's less than five years until Jingkang.
5:18:49If we really want to change this place,
5:18:51and not let this land rot into
5:18:52what it was before,
5:18:53your part is the most crucial.
5:18:55Have you thought about it?
5:18:56How should we move forward in these two or three years?
5:18:59Ah,
5:18:59I've thought about it, thinking about it every day.
5:19:02But thinking is one thing, we need a place to implement it.
5:19:05The Great Song,
5:19:05this place has too many restrictions.
5:19:07Once many things are revealed,
5:19:08either they get confiscated by the authorities,
5:19:09or we get charged with illegally making military weapons.
5:19:12If you really want me to expand this operation,
5:19:13the first thing is not to urge me to make things faster,
5:19:16but for you to quickly take real control of Longcheng.
5:19:19You need absolute authority.
5:19:21Without that, everything we make
5:19:23might end up benefiting others.
5:19:27I know that, what else?
5:19:30And money.
5:19:30And mines.
5:19:32Don't you remember when we first arrived at Qinghe Village and went into the mountains for the first time,
5:19:34those two big black stones I carried back?
5:19:36I remember.
5:19:38That stuff isn't waste rock. There's coal and iron ore here in Longshan.
5:19:41With these two,
5:19:42we can establish the foundation for blast furnaces and steelmaking.
5:19:46Don't get too excited yet.
5:19:46It's too early. With current conditions,
5:19:48we can't build modern electric or converter furnaces.
5:19:50Decarburization technology is also limited.
5:19:52We can't produce true low-carbon steel.
5:19:53But I'm confident we can make medium-carbon steel with carbon content between 0.25% and 0.4%.
5:19:59That's already top-quality steel.
5:20:00Used for forging swords and armor plates,
5:20:02and crossbows, it's more than enough.
5:20:03Its performance far exceeds all current military standard equipment.
5:20:07What about the Folang cannon?
5:20:11What about the Folang cannon? Cannons can be made,
5:20:13but the difficulty isn't the cannon.
5:20:14Copper, for copper.
5:20:17The Frankish cannon is key for future battles against cavalry and sieges.
5:20:20But to make it fire safely and continuously, the barrel
5:20:22must use copper or bronze for good ductility,
5:20:24pressure resistance, and to avoid bursting.
5:20:26A light field-use
5:20:27Frankish cannon,
5:20:28requires about 120 kilograms
5:20:29of copper. If it's a heavy siege cannon,
5:20:31at least over 200 kilograms.
5:20:34Do you know what that means?
5:20:37Based on the current purity and weight of Song dynasty copper coins,
5:20:40one field cannon would require melting about 90 to 100 strings of copper coins.
5:20:43That's just materials, not counting labor and losses.
5:20:45So you not only need to hold power,
5:20:47but also make money quickly,
5:20:48big money.
5:20:49War is about money, and even more about resources.
5:20:52In the next two or three years,
5:20:53our weapon development path,
5:20:54I've roughly thought about it.
5:20:56First,
5:20:56improve and expand production of the existing Qinghe crossbow.
5:20:58This is intermediate. Second, grenades and landmines need stable production capacity.
5:21:02These are sharp weapons for close combat defense and breaking formations.
5:21:04Third,
5:21:05the Frankish cannon.
5:21:06This is the technical high point,
5:21:07and our confidence for future resistance against large-scale cavalry charges and sieges.
5:21:10If everything goes smoothly,
5:21:12I even want to develop hot air balloons,
5:21:13equip them with grenades and special explosive packs,
5:21:15and drop them from the sky. In the Song dynasty,
5:21:16this would be an air force.
5:21:20Air force
5:21:24An air force with aerial strike capability in the Song dynasty
5:21:27This is simply technological碾压,
5:21:29Don't get excited yet.
5:21:30Hot air balloon direction control is difficult,
5:21:32wind has a big impact,
5:21:33and endurance is limited.
5:21:34Even if built, it's more for reconnaissance, harassment, and psychological warfare.
5:21:37Personally, I'm more optimistic about the light crossbow,
5:21:41continuous improvement.
5:21:42Its principle isn't complex.
5:21:43But there's still huge room for improvement in power, range, and reliability.
5:21:47If materials and craftsmanship can keep up,
5:21:48we can make it shoot farther,
5:21:50more accurately.
5:21:51And a repeating crossbow that can keep firing rapidly—in the Song Dynasty,
5:21:54that's a weapon on par with a rifle.
5:22:00So the people of the Great Song no longer suffer the chaos of war, displacement, and slaughter by foreign tribes.
5:22:05For this land beneath our feet,
5:22:07so it won't sink into that kind of hell.
5:22:10Mm,
5:22:11This is an inescapable responsibility we have for coming to this era.
5:22:30Damn, bro,
5:22:31this haul is too fat!
5:22:32Two hundred Heyuan horses,
5:22:34and a full hundred cavalry escorting them.
5:22:37According to the original plan,
5:22:37I'll take the first squad to the opposite side,
5:22:39You guys attack in sequence,
5:22:40Don't get within their arrow range.
5:22:42Remember,
5:22:42this is a victory with no suspense.
5:22:44Our goal is zero casualties,
5:22:46so we can't all rush out at once,
5:22:48Scare the horses away,
5:22:49and we lose them.
5:22:51About a kilometer is good.
5:22:52First,
5:22:53Squad, load your crossbows and follow me.
5:23:03How about it?
5:23:11Brave men on the other side,
5:23:12Which mountain are you from? The Panya Mountain horse escort is passing through—don't dare harass us.
5:23:15Do us a favor,
5:23:16and we'll be friends in the future.
5:23:21No, no, no, no, don't shoot!
5:23:29Fire!
5:23:42Stop hiding, damn it!
5:23:43They've already started the fight!
5:23:50Fine!
5:23:53Kneel and surrender with your horse, and you won't be killed.
5:23:56Run, and you die.
5:23:57Lead your horse and kneel—spare your life.
5:24:00Give me!
5:24:03We Longma—don't shoot arrows, round up the horses!
5:24:06Whoever rounds them up won't die!
5:24:21This damn battle is so frustrating,
5:24:23We lost over seventy
5:24:24horses.
5:24:25All two hundred Heyuan horses are here,
5:24:27You're still frustrated? The horses that ran off aren't horses?
5:24:30Clean up the battlefield,
5:24:31Strip everything usable from the dead.
5:24:33Swords, bows, arrows, armor—all of it,
5:24:35Don't leave anything behind.
5:24:37Those who surrender—not a single one taken. Spare us, sir! Leave your equipment and the corpses.
5:24:41After you withdraw to the mountain,
5:24:43pass on a message for me to your
5:24:43Second,
5:24:43Chief.
5:24:46Tell him
5:24:47he's messed with Lin Zhao of Longcheng County.
5:24:49Tell him to wash his neck clean,
5:24:50and wait for me to come up the mountain and chop it off.
5:24:56I'm telling you, such fine Heguang horses,
5:24:58In their hands, they're just wasted.
5:25:00How much did we get back from Liangshan?
5:25:03Hey,
5:25:03We learned from last time.
5:25:04This time we surrounded on three sides and attacked,
5:25:06I shouted 'surrender and you won't be killed.'
5:25:08When those guys heard that,
5:25:09their legs went weak,
5:25:10Two hundred cavalry brought back,
5:25:12A full one hundred sixty-six horses.
5:25:14This time he really learned his lesson,
5:25:16Chasing and shouting,
5:25:16Afraid someone would ride the horses away. After being burned once, still not learning—
5:25:19Isn't that just stupid?
5:25:22How did the Panya Mountain gambling raid go?
5:25:25Smooth.
5:25:26We intercepted Panya Mountain's reinforcements first,
5:25:28and the Yashan bandits' morale collapsed.
5:25:30As you instructed,
5:25:31we only assisted, didn't take the main attack,
5:25:33In the end, Badulu gave us three hundred Guan Tianya.
5:25:37If we had taken Yashan ourselves,
5:25:39the haul would've been even bigger.
5:25:41There's meat,
5:25:42but you can't eat it all alone.
5:25:44From rescuing Liu Zhangsun to gathering intelligence,
5:25:47we owe Badulu and the Shijia tribe. Yashan—
5:25:50Let them have it. This debt is settled, and future dealings will be easier.
5:25:56But Badulu got a clear look at our Qinghe crossbow.
5:25:59I saw his eyes—he was practically drooling.
5:26:01He'll definitely come to buy.
5:26:03I don't even have enough for myself,
5:26:04Right now, I'm not selling to anyone.
5:26:06Jingya.
5:26:07Someone requests an audience. Who?
5:26:08He says he's from Panya Mountain.
5:26:10Let him in.
5:26:16This humble one, Huang Wentao, pays respects to Lin Jianya. I come on orders from our chief, Tieshan of Panya Mountain,
5:26:21to clear up the misunderstanding from before.
5:26:26Panya Mountain and the authorities have long had a pact,
5:26:28to not interfere with each other.
5:26:29The nation is vast,
5:26:30and we hope to restore old ties with Linjian Valley,
5:26:32from now on, well water won't intrude on river water.
5:26:34As for the lost horse,
5:26:36consider it a small gift from Panya Mountain to Linjian Valley,
5:26:38no need to worry about it.
5:26:40Say that again,
5:26:42Who's giving gifts to whom? Bullshit! Military horses and supplies are what I won in battle,
5:26:46and seized back,
5:26:46What need is there
5:26:47for you to give them as gifts?
5:26:47You think ignoring it makes it go away?
5:26:48Then how do we account for our dead and wounded brothers?
5:26:51Now, General, calm your anger. The chief also knows this matter ultimately started with Panya Mountain,
5:26:57and to show sincerity, is willing to offer five thousand taels of silver,
5:26:59for compensation and medical treatment. Five thousand taels,
5:27:01is already Panya Mountain's greatest sincerity.
5:27:03What does Lin Jianhua think?
5:27:06Are you done?
5:27:07Done talking?
5:27:08Please, Lin, speak.
5:27:09Men!
5:27:11Seize him!
5:27:12Even in war between nations, envoys are not killed.
5:27:13I am an envoy from Panya Mountain, here to make peace,
5:27:15and you dare insult me?
5:27:17Hmm,
5:27:17Brother,
5:27:18This Huang fellow,
5:27:18though full of crap,
5:27:20but taking him down directly like this...
5:27:21He wasn't sent by Tieshan,
5:27:26Not Tieshan.
5:27:29I guess he was sent by the second chief, Yaogule. Tieshan
5:27:33has had an old pact with the authorities for years,
5:27:34and is considered a guardian of Ya Mountain,
5:27:36just a small stronghold of less than a hundred people,
5:27:37worth him risking a falling-out with the authorities,
5:27:39to send two hundred elites to rescue?
5:27:41What benefit could Tieshan gain? It doesn't make sense.
5:27:43He has motive,
5:27:44and the most eager to retaliate against us is only Yaogule. We took down
5:27:47his lair, the Yao family.
5:27:48He wants us dead more than anyone.
5:27:49Right,
5:27:51But if Yaogule sent troops,
5:27:53why use Tieshan's banner,
5:27:54and why send someone to sue for peace?
5:27:58That's the key.
5:28:00If it really was Tieshan's doing, the first thing he'd do is distance himself,
5:28:03and push all the blame for attacking the authorities and breaking the pact
5:28:05onto Yaogule for acting on his own.
5:28:06But this Huang Weitao, from start to finish,
5:28:09did he ever mention Yaogule once?
5:28:12The more he avoids mentioning Yao,
5:28:13the more it shows he's not Tieshan's man,
5:28:16trying to pin all the blame on Tieshan,
5:28:18making us fight Tieshan to the death,
5:28:19so Yaogule can reap the benefits.
5:28:22Exactly,
5:28:23He offered five thousand taels,
5:28:24If we accept,
5:28:25he can claim to the outside that even the undefeated
5:28:27Longcheng Xiang Army was subdued by him,
5:28:29boosting his prestige.
5:28:30If we don't accept, the one we turn against
5:28:32is still Tieshan, not him. A brilliant move of diverting trouble,
5:28:35killing two birds with one stone. Go have him interrogated first.
5:28:37I want to know who's in charge of Panya Mountain now.
5:28:39Is Tieshan dead or alive?
5:28:39Yes
5:28:50Yaogule
5:28:51took down Tieshan,
5:28:52and then used Tieshan's name to negotiate with me? You think I don't know?
5:28:55I don't know what Lin Jianxia is talking about.
5:28:57Even in war, envoys are not killed.
5:28:59Are you treating me like this to completely break with Panya Mountain?
5:29:02The chief will never tell the truth,
5:29:04to avoid physical suffering. If the swordsman trusts me,
5:29:06hand him over to me for interrogation,
5:29:07I guarantee he'll spill everything, whether he should or not.
5:29:11But my methods are rough,
5:29:12so you all better leave first,
5:29:13to avoid covering your eyes.
5:29:15Brother Feng,
5:29:16You have this skill too?
5:29:18I've handled them half my life,
5:29:19and know a thing or two about iron tools and human joints and bones.
5:29:23Don't kill him, leave him breathing. Got it.
5:29:35Mr. Huang,
5:29:36Don't be afraid,
5:29:37I won't scold you,
5:29:38nor hit you,
5:29:39let's take it slow.
5:29:40From now on,
5:29:41I ask one question,
5:29:41If you answer with one wrong word,
5:29:43Or if you're not telling the truth,
5:29:48I'll use these big pliers I normally use for shoeing horses and clamping iron bars to crush one of your fingers—or a toe, that works too.
5:29:55Whatever's easier for you.
5:29:56You've got twenty fingers and toes in total.
5:29:59So which one shall we start with?
5:30:01The right thumb—I hear that one hurts the most.
5:30:09Darling, hmph.
5:30:15Brother Feng, it's such a waste of your talents to be doing armory work.
5:30:18This guy's a real talent,
5:30:21He cracked and confessed.
5:30:23How'd it go, Brother Feng?
5:30:24How many of his fingers did you break?
5:30:25Not a single one.
5:30:26I iced the pliers.
5:30:26The ice had just touched his right pinky and I hadn't even applied pressure yet,
5:30:29And he peed himself.
5:30:30Spilled everything in one go.
5:30:31Pathetic.
5:30:34Okay, okay, okay.
5:30:34Alright, alright,
5:30:35So this Huang Wentao really is Yaogule's trusted man.
5:30:37Over a month ago,
5:30:37Yaogule used a scheme to put Tieshan under house arrest.
5:30:39Now, on Panjiao Mountain, Yaogule is effectively the one calling the shots.
5:30:42Since he could imprison Tieshan,
5:30:43Why not just kill him and be done with it?
5:30:45Tieshan has been running things on this mountain for years.
5:30:47He still has plenty of loyalists holding key positions.
5:30:50Yaogule doesn't dare push things too far for now.
5:30:52He needs Tieshan's name as the big boss
5:30:54To temporarily keep the stronghold stable and maintain outside relations.
5:30:57So that's how it is.
5:30:59No wonder he's willing to pay a huge price for peace.
5:31:01He's afraid of giving Tieshan's old followers a chance to strike back.
5:31:04Brother, this Panjiao Mountain really is a tough nut to crack.
5:31:07According to Huang Wenbin's confession,
5:31:08The mountain has open sentries and hidden checkpoints,
5:31:09Layered one after another,
5:31:10With patrols day and night without pause.
5:31:11Especially the path to the back mountain,
5:31:12Where Tieshan is imprisoned—the security is even tighter.
5:31:15No wonder the government troops haven't been able to take it for so many years.
5:31:18Brother, when do we make our move?
5:31:20Now that we know the inside story, maybe we really can find a weakness,
5:31:22And wipe out this nest of bandits.
5:31:27Foot.
5:31:32Who said we're wiping them out? Our mission objective has changed.
5:31:36From now on,
5:31:37We're going to rescue the big boss Tieshan.
5:32:12Damn!
5:32:15Young Master An is probably being held in a place like this too.
5:32:17It's a spot where you can see the mountain pass,
5:32:18But isn't easily spotted by people down below.
5:32:21It's not wind, it's a person.
5:32:43Old Six.
5:32:44Mm.
5:32:45You bastard, you fell asleep again, didn't you?
5:32:48Mm.
5:32:48Yeah.
5:32:50A little.
5:32:51Steal away.
5:32:59Brother, it's done. I'll take them and grab torches and go.
5:33:01You lead the men and follow up ahead. Good.
5:33:13Must.
5:33:15Okay.
5:33:25Retreat.
5:33:31Green crossbow, stay close to the body, keep low.
5:33:32Reduce exposure.
5:33:38A bit.
5:33:53Advance post, drift.
5:33:58Kill the enemy.
5:33:58Block the doorway, grab arrows.
5:34:01Ask He Du.
5:34:05Push forward.
5:34:11Hold the line, hold the line, don't retreat! Hurry, help Lord Yao!
5:34:17We've taken control of the front stronghold.
5:34:18Keep pushing toward the center.
5:34:18Don't chase.
5:34:20Government troops are attacking Yao
5:34:21Gule is rescuing Tieshan.
5:34:22Tieshan—release the big boss! The back mountain?
5:34:24The government troops are here to rescue Tieshan!
5:34:25Damn it!
5:34:26Kill them first.
5:34:26Them.
5:34:31If we shout like this, Yao
5:34:32Will Gule be cornered and do something desperate,
5:34:33And actually kill Tieshan?
5:34:34That's exactly why we need to shout it out. Before, whether Tieshan was locked in the back mountain, dead or alive,
5:34:38Was only known to Yao Gule and a few others,
5:34:39Kept in their mouths.
5:34:39But from this moment on, it's different.
5:34:41Now the whole stronghold knows
5:34:42The big boss is still alive,
5:34:44And the government troops are here to rescue him.
5:34:45If he dies now,
5:34:46Everyone on Panjiao Mountain will put the first blood debt on Yao
5:34:48Gule's head.
5:34:49What I want is to drag Tieshan from the back mountain to the front mountain.
5:34:55Because of this
5:34:57Which champion are you, blowing up in the dead of night?
5:34:59You blew up my stronghold gate, killed my brothers, and still dare to shout about rescuing Tieshan.
5:35:02My boss,
5:35:02is clearly in the mountains,
5:35:03What are you rescuing?
5:35:04Right,
5:35:05What are you rescuing?
5:35:05Hasn't your Uncle Shan been in the mountains all along?
5:35:06The champion is playing us for fools. Huang Wentao previously explained that you three families, Lu Heihu, Hu Tieshan, and the Gan brothers,
5:35:12Let's fight them.
5:35:13Usually, when dealing with Tieshan, he and Yao GuLe have never seen eye to eye. The one opposite,
5:35:17is the third leader, Lu Heihu,
5:35:19I ask you,
5:35:19How long has it been since you sat down with Tieshan,
5:35:21and had a good drink and meal?
5:35:23Now, is this Panya Mountain completely under Yao GuLe's control?
5:35:25You keep saying,
5:35:27Tieshan is still in the mountains.
5:35:28Then where is he? Why, when Qianzhai is being beaten like this tonight,
5:35:31does he still not come out?
5:35:33Let me tell you,
5:35:35Yao GuLe has imprisoned Tieshan. Imprisoned, my ass!
5:35:38But Uncle Tieshan really hasn't shown up for a long time,
5:35:40His words hit me right in the heart.
5:35:43These days, every time I ask Yao GuLe's side, the answer I get,
5:35:47is always just one sentence: The big boss,
5:35:49his injuries are not healed,
5:35:49he does not see outsiders.
5:35:50Lin Jianya, the government troops have all gone up the mountain,
5:35:56The government troops have all gone up the mountain,
5:35:57The foot of the mountain is also blocked.
5:35:59Damn it, so many people
5:36:02Everyone shut up!
5:36:09Don't fall for their tricks,
5:36:11These government troops are clearly here to sow discord among our Panya Mountain brothers.
5:36:15Tonight, whoever retreats dies.
5:36:17Whoever lets them gain a foothold,
5:36:19Tomorrow, the whole stronghold will lose their heads.
5:36:21Brothers, attack!
5:36:22Drive them down the mountain!
5:36:29Bastards!
5:36:32Stop!
5:36:34Who the hell told you to move?
5:36:36It seems,
5:36:36Lu Heihu has not completely sided with Yao GuLe yet. Lu Heihu.
5:36:40Can't you damn see clearly? Yao
5:36:41GuLe doesn't even dare to mention half a word about Tieshan. The moment he opens his mouth,
5:36:44it's just 'shoot arrows.'
5:36:44You still expect him to call brothers,
5:36:45together little pig,
5:36:46not fall
5:36:53again
5:36:56Second leader, don't attack yet.
5:36:58Bring my boss out to speak.
5:36:59Bring the boss out,
5:37:01Let him say a word in front of all the brothers in the stronghold.
5:37:03If he personally says to fight the champion,
5:37:04I, Lu Heihu, will be the first to charge forward,
5:37:06But if he doesn't come out,
5:37:08Then tonight, no one can muddle through this battle.
5:37:10Yes, invite the big boss out,
5:37:11Let him speak publicly. At this point, we can't hide it anymore.
5:37:14I can't bring Tieshan out,
5:37:16And I simply can't bring him out at all.
5:37:17So I have only one path left,
5:37:19Lu Heihu colluded with outsiders to plot against my stronghold. Whoever kills Lu Heihu,
5:37:22Reward a thousand taels of silver. Shoot arrows, shoot him dead!
5:37:26The wind has stopped
5:37:32Yao HuLe,
5:37:32You dare to kill me? Stop the champion,
5:37:34I'll go invite the big boss out.
5:37:38Lu Heihu,
5:37:39You have a retreat route at the back mountain,
5:37:40Brother,
5:37:40He might go to kidnap Tieshan,
5:37:42He kidnaps Tieshan.
5:37:42What use is that to us government troops?
5:37:43This bastard is trying to escape to the back mountain,
5:37:45There are two paths,
5:37:46One goes halfway up the mountain to the rocky slope,
5:37:47And another chain goes straight down to the mountain top's new ditch.
5:37:51The big boss is not injured
5:37:52No one is allowed to make a move,
5:37:53Follow me to the back mountain,
5:37:54To find the big boss,
5:37:57All troops on alert. The real victory or defeat of Panya Mountain is no longer here.
5:38:03Get lost!
5:38:13Boss,
5:38:15Whoever is fighting outside, the champion is also here to save you.
5:38:23Go in!
5:38:24Hurry!
5:38:32The front stronghold has been pinned down by the government troops.
5:38:35That fool Lu Heihu has also turned traitor.
5:38:38If we stay on the mountain any longer,
5:38:39we're just waiting to die.
5:38:42Once we get past this mountain pass,
5:38:43we'll be safe,
5:38:55We still need to run fast.
5:38:57Kill our way out!
5:38:59I don't believe it.
5:39:05It's over.
5:39:07There is, right?
5:39:09Mm,
5:39:17Oh,
5:39:22Want Gu Lv,
5:39:24Let me ask you,
5:39:25How did you know Xiang Jun was coming to stir up the mountain?
5:39:30Lin Jianhuan,
5:39:32You shouldn't ask me that.
5:39:34You should ask the chief of our Panya Mountain.
5:39:40There are indeed people from Panya Mountain in Long County. Boss Du Xi of Bianyue Tower is one of them.
5:39:45What does he do for you?
5:39:46On the surface, he runs a brothel.
5:39:47Secretly, he gathers and passes information for the mountain.
5:39:50Officials coming and going in the county,
5:39:51troop movements in the city,
5:39:52as long as he finds out,
5:39:53he sends it up the mountain.
5:39:54Then how did Du Xi know about our troop deployment this time?
5:39:57Hehehe, Lin Jianjian,
5:39:59You're really smart,
5:40:01But no matter how smart,
5:40:02you can't guard against your own people wanting you dead. Who offered the position?
5:40:05Chen Shouyi,
5:40:06He doesn't just want you out of power,
5:40:08he wants you dead on Panya Mountain.
5:40:10As soon as you moved troops, the news was delivered to Bianyue Tower,
5:40:12and Du Xi sent it up the mountain.
5:40:14So this time the information came from Chen Shouyi,
5:40:16No,
5:40:16He opened this path for me.
5:40:18A brothel owner can know exactly when your Xiang Army will move,
5:40:20where you'll go,
5:40:21so accurately.
5:40:23Tieshan,
5:40:23There's one more thing I don't understand.
5:40:25Yao Gu Le is just a fugitive from the Yao family,
5:40:27In just over two months,
5:40:28how did he get the position of second chief on your Panya Mountain?
5:40:35Panya Mountain and the Yao family had dealings before. The horse road and tea road on the river king's side,
5:40:39the tea road,
5:40:40we've all borrowed their routes.
5:40:41So when the Yao family fell,
5:40:42he came to you.
5:40:43He brought a few remnants and rescued people up the mountain.
5:40:45At first I didn't plan to put him in an important position.
5:40:46Then what? He reconnected several river sources,
5:40:48old routes,
5:40:48and brought in large numbers of fine horses for the stronghold,
5:40:50making a lot of silver.
5:40:51So you gave him the position of second chief.
5:40:55At that time, everyone in the mountain felt he had connections,
5:40:57had skills,
5:40:58and dared to take responsibility.
5:40:59Business,
5:40:59several deals made money.
5:41:01Horses actually entered the stronghold.
5:41:02Naturally, more and more people supported him.
5:41:04I misjudged.
5:41:05I thought he just wanted to establish himself in the mountain.
5:41:06I didn't expect he wasn't after establishing himself at all,
5:41:08but seizing power.
5:41:09Hmph,
5:41:10Chief Tie, that's harsh.
5:41:13If I really had no ability,
5:41:15why would you give me this position? Jiao Gu Le,
5:41:17You bastard, Black Tiger Yao Gu Le could rise,
5:41:20not just because he has tricks,
5:41:21but because Panya Mountain
5:41:22gave him this opportunity. Take him away.
5:41:30In the battle at Tieshan Cliff,
5:41:32my Xiang Army lost 271 men.
5:41:34I originally came to find Panya Mountain.
5:41:36If Huang Wendong hadn't spoken up,
5:41:38if you hadn't indeed been imprisoned in the back mountain by Yao Gu Lei,
5:41:39no one on this mountain could still be sitting here last night.
5:41:42But 271 lives can't come back.
5:41:44Lin Jianya, this matter is my Tieshan's fault,
5:41:46I'm sorry.
5:41:46Your life-saving grace last night,
5:41:48I will remember. From now on,
5:41:49if there's any need, through water or fire,
5:41:50I will never refuse.
5:41:51As for the Xiang Army's casualties at Cliff Mountain,
5:41:52this debt,
5:41:53my Panya Mountain will pay ten thousand taels of silver and five hundred horses,
5:41:56which can be allocated today as compensation.
5:41:58Since you're here,
5:42:00take me to see Panya Mountain.
5:42:07I also want to see just how much substance your Panya Mountain really has.
5:42:11It's an honor for our stronghold that Master Lin graces us with his presence.
5:42:24Begin.
5:42:32Brother.
5:42:33Mm, yes.
5:42:56Not bad.
5:42:59Mm hm,
5:43:05Change to two hundred steps.
5:43:06Mm,
5:43:11Oh, this, this is amazing!
5:43:14The wild chariots rumble heavily,
5:43:14There's no holding them back anymore.
5:43:50To other government troops, Iron Mountain and Pan Ya Mountain might be a tough nut to crack,
5:43:53But for me, flattening this place is no difficult task.
5:43:56But Yao Gu Le is good at fighting, yet he doesn't represent all of Pan Ya Mountain,
5:43:58Without a battle, how can you kill me?
5:44:00The Xiang Army's—yours, Pan Ya Mountain's—over two hundred and seventy lives,
5:44:03I must give the court an explanation,
5:44:04And also give their parents and relatives an explanation.
5:44:07Iron Mountain, the northern border is unstable,
5:44:09External threats are already pressing at our doorstep,
5:44:10Yet you still gather in dangerous places, hiring soldiers under the guise of avoiding conflict, but in reality, it's separatism.
5:44:13The court must divide its forces to defend against external threats,
5:44:15Do you think a Pan Ya Mountain like yours can continue to exist?
5:44:20Yes, yes, Iron Mountain, brothers, surrender,
5:44:22End Pan Ya Mountain,
5:44:25Willing to return to the court.
5:44:26Those willing to join the army, I will treat equally,
5:44:27Those unwilling, I will give money and silver for them to go home and live in peace.
5:44:30But from today on,
5:44:31The name Pan Ya Mountain can no longer exist.
5:44:37Lin Jian Ya,
5:44:38Please return to the council hall and sit for a while; this matter,
5:44:40Concerns the lives and property of all brothers in the stronghold.
5:44:41Let me discuss with the brothers for a moment,
5:44:43Alright.
5:44:50Brother, there's a letter; look at Iron Mountain's expression, he's really scared.
5:44:54Ten thousand taels,
5:44:55And five hundred horses.
5:45:04Crime: Iron Mountain led all brothers of Pan Ya Mountain to surrender willingly.
5:45:16A hundred and fifty thousand troops,
5:45:17Yet they couldn't even defeat a tottering Liao Kingdom.
5:45:22Zhen Shao Shi, Deng Shu Mi, General Zhong Lao,
5:45:23Back then, they did advise me; some said the Liao clan should not be taken lightly.
5:45:27Some said,
5:45:27Today's people cannot be fully trusted,
5:45:29And some said,
5:45:29The western lord cannot be cleared from the borderlands.
5:45:31Could I be wrong?
5:45:33No, I am not wrong,
5:45:35I am not wrong,
5:45:36The fault lies with subordinates who botched the task,
5:45:37With generals who were ineffective,
5:45:38With the situation changing too quickly,
5:45:39With both the Liao and Jin people being more unbearable and unpredictable than the court originally expected.
5:45:44If I have any fault,
5:45:46It's only that I wanted this great achievement too much,
5:45:48Too much to reclaim that land for our ancestors.
5:45:53Such fine weather,
5:45:55Such a fine early autumn,
5:45:56It should be for getting drunk, painting, appreciating, listening to music, and tasting—
5:45:59Tea, Your Majesty, the princess has entered the palace to pay respects.
5:46:03Tell her to come in.
5:46:08Your child greets Father Emperor. Rise.
5:46:12Your child thought today that Father Emperor has been these days,
5:46:14Busy with state affairs, laboring your mind, and I've been concerned,
5:46:16I hope I haven't disturbed.
5:46:16Father Emperor's peace, right?
5:46:17You girl, always the most eloquent,
5:46:21Father Emperor's calligraphy is still so good,
5:46:23Only this last stroke seems like something is hidden in your heart.
5:46:26Now you can even see this,
5:46:28How would your child understand calligraphy?
5:46:30Your child can only see that Father Emperor is unhappy in his heart.
5:46:35Though your child doesn't understand court politics,
5:46:37I know Father Emperor has been thinking about the unfinished work of our ancestors these years.
5:46:40If not for this ambition in your heart,
5:46:42Why would you labor your mind to this extent to recover Youyun?
5:46:45It was originally a great undertaking that all emperors and ministers of the Great Song wanted to accomplish.
5:46:48Father Emperor has this ambition,
5:46:50And many in the court agree.
5:46:51This is not a mistake; victory and defeat are temporary,
5:46:53How can we judge everything in the long term? Your child only believes Father Emperor will sooner or later achieve the feat that even the previous emperor could not.
5:46:59You really know how to comfort me.
5:47:02A few days ago,
5:47:02I heard that Yu Ge'er has recently started learning to read.
5:47:06Replying to Father Emperor, it's just the beginning of learning,
5:47:08Barely recognizing a few characters.
5:47:09Your subject,
5:47:10Cai Yu Ning Ke Shou Tong Zhe Lang,
5:47:13Your child, on behalf of Yu Ge'er,
5:47:14Thanks Father Emperor for the grace.
5:47:16Yu Ge'er,
5:47:17A few days ago, learning to hold a brush,
5:47:18Smearing ink all over his face. This child is a bit playful,
5:47:21But when he sees books,
5:47:22He's still willing to reach out and flip through them.
5:47:24Willing to read,
5:47:24That's good. He's still young,
5:47:26Playing a bit is fine.
5:47:28Father Emperor still has state affairs,
5:47:29Then your child will not disturb further.
5:47:31On the way back, be careful. After a couple of days,
5:47:33If you have leisure,
5:47:33Bring Yu Ge into the palace again.
5:47:42Today I finally coaxed Father Emperor
5:47:43Into some filial piety,
5:47:44But that suspicion and restlessness in his heart,
5:47:46Has it really not dissipated?
5:47:47Third Sister Zhao Jiu,
5:47:49You're getting more and more out of line,
5:47:51It was your younger brother who was rash and startled Third Sister.
5:47:53Third Sister, please don't go tattle to Father,
5:47:55If I really went to tattle on you,
5:47:57you wouldn't still be standing so steadily right now.
5:47:58I just saw Third Sister coming out from Father's place,
5:48:00and wanted to test the waters first,
5:48:02Mother Consort, stay.
5:48:02I chatted for a while,
5:48:03I thought since I've entered the palace,
5:48:05I should go pay respects to Father.
5:48:07Is Father doing well today?
5:48:09Better than the past few days,
5:48:10I just chatted with him for a while and he even smiled a few times,
5:48:14That's good,
5:48:15When I go in, at least I won't walk right into the blade.
5:48:18You sure know how to talk,
5:48:20These past few days, who in the palace doesn't know Father is in a bad mood?
5:48:22Even I have to first think about what to say,
5:48:24what can be said,
5:48:25what can't be said. Since you know, once inside, say less about other things,
5:48:28just ask properly,
5:48:29greet him correctly,
5:48:30Is Yu-ge doing well? Last time I went,
5:48:33he grabbed the jade pendant at my waist and wouldn't let go,
5:48:35He's very well.
5:48:36Yesterday he was learning to hold a brush, his hands covered,
5:48:37and face all ink, making several wet nurses run around in circles.
5:48:40Then I'll go to the estate in a few days to see him,
5:48:42She just happened to get a little sprite,
5:48:43give it to him to play with,
5:48:44Don't just use these things,
5:48:45to coax her, be careful not to spoil him more and more,
5:48:47A nephew is meant to be spoiled.
5:48:50I'll go see Father first,
5:48:51In a few days when I have time,
5:48:52I'll go to the estate to see Third Sister and Yu-ge. When you go in,
5:48:54watch Father's expression carefully and speak accordingly.
5:48:56Okay,
5:49:06Chen Chenghe has a memorial to present, saying
5:49:11Chen Chenghe, along with Grand Preceptor Wang and Grand Councilor Wang,
5:49:13forgot the border,
5:49:13trusted Jin's words and catered to the above proposal,
5:49:15leading to the royal army's defeat in the northern expedition.
5:49:16The court's prestige is damaged,
5:49:17the various circuits of Hebei are shaken,
5:49:19This act of harming the country,
5:49:20is no small matter.
5:49:21Although the two countries' alliance of over a hundred years has not ended border troubles,
5:49:23overall there has been peace.
5:49:25Now why does the court,
5:49:26on the enemy's move, first send a large army and lightly break the ancestors' old treaty?
5:49:30Now fully trusting the Jin people's words, hastily raising troops, now defeated abroad, military morale wavering, borderlands in turmoil—how can we be so bold,
5:49:36to lightly gloss over it as a mere momentary opportunity?
5:49:40Your Majesty, I have something to say.
5:49:42Speak. What the censor just said,
5:49:44is somewhat extreme.
5:49:45The intention to punish,
5:49:46how could it be something Grand Preceptor,
5:49:47one man, one minister, one chancellor can,
5:49:48arbitrarily decide? The northern old lands are our dynasty's ancestral unfinished enterprise,
5:49:51The court wishes to seize the opportunity to take the old lands,
5:49:53this is an instant response to circumstances,
5:49:55what fault is there?
5:49:56Today's army,
5:49:57does not lie in the chaos itself.
5:49:59but on the battlefield,
5:50:00the commanding generals,
5:50:01failed to carry out the court's strategy,
5:50:03thus delaying military opportunities.
5:50:04If without distinguishing right from wrong,
5:50:06we attribute the national policy entirely to the ministers,
5:50:08I fear it will chill,
5:50:09the hearts of those who dare to take responsibility.
5:50:17Your Majesty, I am guilty.
5:50:19Since you know you are guilty,
5:50:20then tell me where the guilt lies?
5:50:22I received the decree,
5:50:23to command the northern expedition,
5:50:24failed to recover the old lands,
5:50:25causing the court to be shaken,
5:50:26this guilt I dare not shirk.
5:50:27However, the northern front did not fail without reason,
5:50:30The commander led the western army north, originally should have taken advantage of the Liao people's defeat and chaos,
5:50:33to advance in one drumbeat,
5:50:34but this man has always feared Liao like a tiger.
5:50:36On the battlefield he was cautious,
5:50:36too much,
5:50:37suspicious in matters,
5:50:38indecisive, several times losing the opportunity.
5:50:40I repeatedly sent people to urge,
5:50:41him to advance,
5:50:42but he used 'enemy situation unclear',
5:50:44and 'the Jin people cannot be fully trusted' as excuses.
5:50:46He said he was observing, but once the military opportunity was lost,
5:50:48morale declined,
5:50:49ultimately leading to today's situation.
5:50:53Your Majesty, the Grand Preceptor oversaw,
5:50:54military affairs, so naturally he bears responsibility, but national military matters are carried out by the generals.
5:50:57If the generals fail against the enemy and lose the opportunity,
5:50:58If we cannot follow the court's established strategy,
5:51:00Even the best plans will fail. Commander, you should have reported the military situation promptly.
5:51:04Now that we've lost a battle,
5:51:05At this point,
5:51:05We can't say it has nothing to do with him.
5:51:10Your Majesty, I believe the words of Grand Councilor Wang and Grand Preceptor Tong are too simplistic.
5:51:15The frontline defeat—as Commander, you bear responsibility for negligence.
5:51:18No one can absolve you of that.
5:51:20But if we say,
5:51:21that today's defeat
5:51:21lies hidden with Commander Chong,
5:51:22and that he alone missed the opportunity against the enemy,
5:51:24I cannot agree.
5:51:28The art of war: superiors devise strategies,
5:51:30subordinates carry them out. If the plans were rushed and based on blind trust,
5:51:34and external support, battlefield deployment, logistics, and coordination were all inadequate,
5:51:38yet in the end, only the frontline
5:51:40veteran general is blamed,
5:51:41that is far too convenient.
5:51:44Moreover, if I remember correctly,
5:51:46the Northern Expedition's troop deployments and overall command largely came from the Pacification Office and the Supreme Commander. Now that we've lost,
5:51:51suddenly it's all the fault of Commander Tu alone.
5:51:54Then the one who overall commanded the Northern Expedition gets off lightly, Your Majesty. I dare to speak frankly.
5:51:59I misspoke. Although Commander Tu made tactical errors,
5:52:02he is by no means cowardly or afraid of the enemy.
5:52:04He comes from a line of generals and has long served,
5:52:06on the border,
5:52:07and holds great prestige in the Northwest Army.
5:52:08If because of one defeat
5:52:10we place all blame on him,
5:52:11I fear it will chill not just the Commander's heart,
5:52:14but the hearts of all generals in the realm.
5:52:16What I detest are those who, while the borders are quiet,
5:52:19urge raising troops.
5:52:21Now the northern borders with Wei and Jin are not yet secured.
5:52:22If the court issues an edict to punish crimes,
5:52:24and does not consult those who plan for the nation,
5:52:26I fear the consequences will be even greater.
5:52:29I have finished.
5:52:33The campaign against Liao,
5:52:34the court intended to recover lost territory,
5:52:36not to act recklessly.
5:52:38This is something our dynasty should do,
5:52:40and we cannot, because of one defeat,
5:52:41advise retreat. But military affairs are grave,
5:52:44and since there was negligence,
5:52:45someone must take responsibility.
5:52:46Grand Councilor Wang agreed,
5:52:47Grand Preceptor Tong commanded the Northern Expedition and its logistics,
5:52:49and they are not entirely without fault.
5:52:51I am guilty.
5:52:53What Colonel Zhongjun Deng Xunwu said
5:52:55is not without reason.
5:52:56Commander Zheng comes from a family of generals and has long served on the border,
5:52:58and is known for loyalty and bravery.
5:52:59If you say he harbors disloyalty, I would not believe it. But the frontline defeat
5:53:04shook the court and the people,
5:53:05and someone must answer to the realm.
5:53:07Commander,
5:53:08for the frontline negligence,
5:53:09you ultimately cannot escape blame,
5:53:11but we will strip you of your突
5:53:12title of Commander,
5:53:13relieve you of military command,
5:53:14and order you to await further assignment.
5:53:15This matter is settled.
5:53:16The northern defense must not fail. Court dismissed! Dismissed!
5:53:24In the end, they still use Chonglang to plug this gap. If not the frontline,
5:53:27the veteran general takes the blame—
5:53:28as if some people would actually admit their own mistakes.
5:53:34Ah,
5:53:38The Marshal returned last night,
5:53:39two camps of men, mostly scattered from Baigou,
5:53:42many weapons lost,
5:53:43and many horses lost.
5:53:44At this rate,
5:53:45in another two or three days,
5:53:45more scattered troops from various units should return.
5:53:48Organize as many as we can for now.
5:53:51The wounded go to the supply camp; those fit to fight are reorganized into three battalions. If old unit designations can still be found,
5:53:57try to return them to their original units.
5:53:59If not,
5:53:59don't be rigid,
5:54:00just gather them first.
5:54:01The grain supply has been checked,
5:54:02if we only defend and don't move,
5:54:03we can hold out for a while,
5:54:04but too much baggage was lost.
5:54:05If the court's reinforcements are slow,
5:54:07it will be difficult later.
5:54:09Take care of the frontline camps first. If grain is insufficient,
5:54:11prioritize the vanguard and sentries. What's lacking later,
5:54:14we'll shift inward layer by layer.
5:54:15At this time, we cannot let others see we are weak.
5:54:17A defeat is a defeat,
5:54:20no need to save face for anyone,
5:54:21but despite the defeat, the frontline must not collapse.
5:54:24Right now, the most important thing is not arguing who's right or wrong,
5:54:27but to hold the people together,
5:54:28and stabilize our position.
5:54:30Lord Shuai has a loyal man in the capital.
5:54:34Please come in.
5:54:34Yes.
5:54:38Tianshui.
5:54:38You've had a long journey.
5:54:40However,
5:54:40there is an imperial decree.
5:54:41It is indeed an imperial decree.
5:54:43I shall now announce it to Chancellor Zhong.
5:54:45Choose.
5:54:48The commander's failure at the front is undeniable.
5:54:50Zhuo Ba is relieved of his duties and appointed General of the Right Guard.
5:54:58Lord Shuai, withdraw from the front.
5:55:00Who will take over the defense?
5:55:02I only relay the emperor's will.
5:55:04The military handover will be handled separately.
5:55:05Afterwards, the defeated troops from various camps can be reorganized on site.
5:55:08Wait for new orders before proceeding.
5:55:10Handover.
5:55:10This is not specified in the decree.
5:55:12But considering the front-line defense,
5:55:14one cannot just let go all at once.
5:55:17I will remain in my post.
5:55:23The decree has been delivered; I have done my duty.
5:55:25Please, Chancellor Chong,
5:55:26make the handover soon,
5:55:27so as not to delay state affairs.
5:55:28Thank you, Imperial Envoy.
5:55:31Lord Shuai.
5:55:32What kind of decree is this?
5:55:33We lost the battle,
5:55:33we accept that.
5:55:34But the front-line mess clearly
5:55:35still needs you to clean up. Yet the court
5:55:37has stripped you of your command first.
5:55:38Huanzi,
5:55:38isn't this obviously using you to silence the court?
5:55:40Yes,
5:55:40General Tu has suddenly become General of the Right Guard.
5:55:42This is clearly a good thing,
5:55:44but if you insist,
5:55:45it's useless to say more.
5:55:47But this punishment is too...
5:55:52We lost the battle,
5:55:53someone must take responsibility.
5:55:54The court must give the world an explanation,
5:55:56so it's not entirely unreasonable for me to take the blame.
5:55:58Pass my order: all camps must continue reorganization without delay.
5:56:01All previous orders regarding scouts, grain transport, and guard posts remain in effect until new orders arrive.
5:56:03No one is allowed to act rashly before that, Lord Shuai.
5:56:06Also, no one in the camp may spread imperial decrees without authorization.
5:56:08Anyone who dares to disrupt morale will face military law.
5:56:16Money is a good thing,
5:56:18but when there's this much, it's more than just money.
5:56:21If not handled well, it can burn you.
5:56:22Oh my,
5:56:23Mommy,
5:56:23Tieshan,
5:56:24did you rob the national treasury?
5:56:30I didn't expect you to be so crazy,
5:56:31Don't underestimate it,
5:56:32that sachet alone is worth seven or eight strings of cash.
5:56:34Alright,
5:56:35you really know your stuff, huh?
5:56:36Alright,
5:56:36have you calculated it?
5:56:37How much is there exactly?
5:56:38Over the years, we've saved about 15,000 taels of silver and 5,000 taels of gold.
5:56:415,000 taels,
5:56:42plus other jewelry, fine items, and miscellaneous goods,
5:56:45worth at least three or four thousand strings of cash.
5:56:46Damn, 15,000 taels,
5:56:48silver,
5:56:495,000 taels of gold,
5:56:50plus these jewels and valuables piled like a mountain.
5:56:52You've really been living it up all these years,
5:56:53eating fat and drinking well.
5:56:54This is just the main vault.
5:56:56Here we store gold, silver, and fine goods.
5:56:58Over there is another warehouse,
5:56:59full of copper coins, a whole warehouse.
5:57:01A whole warehouse? How much is that?
5:57:03Not much, less than 8,000 strings.
5:57:068,000 strings,
5:57:07you call that not much?
5:57:08Hmm,
5:57:10that must be several tons, dozens of tons even.
5:57:15The granary also has plenty of rice, wheat, and beans.
5:57:17There's also salted meat and salt supplies.
5:57:18Based on the original consumption of about 3,000 people,
5:57:19if we ration,
5:57:20it can last a month.
5:57:21Weapons include bows, crossbows, swords, spears, and shields.
5:57:24There's also leather armor,
5:57:24iron scale armor,
5:57:25iron slag armor.
5:57:26This is no bandit stronghold,
5:57:27it's a small arsenal.
5:57:31As for horses, we have about 500 left.
5:57:35How come only this many? There were over 800 originally.
5:57:37被，
5:57:37你们又劫又抢折了不少，
5:57:39剩下这些已经算好的了。
5:57:41再说山上本就不变养马草料、
5:57:43豆料许多都得从山下往上运，
5:57:44能养到这个数已经不容易了。
5:57:48会议室厅商量一下怎么分配物资，
5:57:51大家商量一下吧。
5:57:53盘牙山这些东西我们上交多少哥，
5:57:55我们打下来的，
5:57:56为什么要上交啊？
5:57:57你听听你说的话，
5:57:58你这是纪律部队的人，
5:57:59该说的话吗？
5:58:00这不是大环境变了吗？
5:58:02咱们现在不是山匪，
5:58:03是官军打下盘牙山是剿匪，
5:58:06不是分赃。
5:58:07我们现在要讨论的不是交不交，
5:58:09而是交多少合适，
5:58:11这里头有两层账得分开算。
5:58:14第一层是铁山和黑虎的账盘，
5:58:17牙山散寨归官不是嘴上说一句怨降就完了。
5:58:21你们两个要想真正洗白，
5:58:23要想让上头刃得拿得出诚意。
5:58:26我们把一部分缴获交上去，
5:58:27就是给你们买个正式出身，
5:58:29买个能见光的官绅。
5:58:31第二层是咱们自己的账，
5:58:33这次绞盘牙山上面不可能一点表示都没有。
5:58:36咱们浇上去一部分十有八九会回赏一部分，
5:58:39可这里头的分寸很要命，
5:58:40浇少了，
5:58:41上头会以你私吞浇多了，
5:58:43回赏未必跟着涨，
5:58:45咱们自己的底子反倒先空了。
5:58:50比如我们交四千两，
5:58:51白银，
5:58:52上面可能回赏两千两，
5:58:53可若交八千两，
5:58:54他回来的也未必就比两千多多少。
5:58:57那多出去的那一节就真是白送了。
5:58:59这么说，
5:59:00既要交还不能傻交，
5:59:01就是这个意思得让上头看见咱们有功有薪，
5:59:04有分寸，
5:59:06也得给自己留足，
5:59:07后手也头整编人马养伤兵、
5:59:09买物料、
5:59:10造机械、
5:59:11补均械，
5:59:12哪一项不要钱，
5:59:14那你心里可有数了，
5:59:15宋庭的胃口到底多大？
5:59:17上面的人会怎么看？
5:59:18这次盘牙山招安，
5:59:19我现在还掐不准，
5:59:20先不急着定死数目，
5:59:22先把能动的动起来，
5:59:23把能藏的藏稳，
5:59:24把该散的散掉，
5:59:25把该留的留下，
5:59:27等最后账目出来了，
5:59:28再决定怎么往上报。
5:59:30红英，
5:59:31今夜天黑以后，
5:59:32你用咱们带来的大车，
5:59:33先把铜钱全部运去，
5:59:34清河村全运全运，
5:59:36这东西留在山上，
5:59:37最扎眼也最难藏运回去交给老马，
5:59:40让他慢慢融。
5:59:41咱们后头做炮证件，
5:59:43正好都用得上这批铜钱，
5:59:44估计得拉上好几天，
5:59:46给你二十个特战队押车，
5:59:47李逵，
5:59:48你也跟着去行长风，
5:59:50你带着赵毅再带黑户，
5:59:52把盘牙山的人散掉大半，
5:59:54现在就散了，
5:59:58现在就散
6:00:00山寨
6:00:01不能再维持原样了，
6:00:02精锐挑出来，
6:00:03留下愿归官，
6:00:04愿从军的编起来，
6:00:05不愿留下的发盘场发泄安家钱，
6:00:08让他们赶紧下山，
6:00:09各回各处人散的越快，
6:00:10后头越好，
6:00:11收尾散到这种地步，
6:00:13不是全散，
6:00:14是散大半盘牙山的架子必须拆掉。
6:00:17你们要的是官身，
6:00:18不是换个名头，
6:00:19继续占山，
6:00:21明白了散人发钱，
6:00:23刘精瑞具体耗了多少都给我记清楚。
6:00:26最后报总数哥，
6:00:28You're really good at calculating now.
6:00:30As for you,
6:00:33come back to Longshan County with me.
6:00:35Right now, Panya Mountain has them wrapping things up,
6:00:39and the aftermath in Longshan County needs to be handled too.
6:00:41If you want to clear your name,
6:00:41you can't keep hiding on the mountain.
6:00:43You have to come down and meet
6:00:44the people you need to meet and go through the proper procedures.
6:00:46Alright,
6:00:47I'll go with you.
6:00:49Everyone remember this:
6:00:50From now on, Panya
6:00:50Mountain is no longer a bandit stronghold.
6:00:51Every tael of silver here,
6:00:52every string of copper coins,
6:00:53every grain of food,
6:00:54every blade must have an explanation.
6:00:55Yes.
6:01:02Give... give an explanation.
6:01:05Bianyue Tower, give an explanation.
6:01:09Doctor Chen, what... what's going on here?
6:01:11It seems Xiangjun is demanding an explanation from Bianyue Tower.
6:01:14An explanation? What explanation? I don't know how badly Liu Changshun is injured.
6:01:18I know best. To have him injured like this,
6:01:20and still have to be carried out,
6:01:21this explanation must involve something big.
6:01:25Come here quickly!
6:01:26Commander Liu! Commander Liu!
6:01:28What kind of show are you putting on?
6:01:29If Bianyue Tower has been inhospitable,
6:01:31please just point it out.
6:01:32I, Du, will definitely apologize.
6:01:35But you've brought so many soldiers to block the door,
6:01:38I can't even do business!
6:01:39Explanation.
6:01:41The news from Yashan,
6:01:43you gave it to Liu Zhihuan.
6:01:45Where did you get that from?
6:01:46My Bianyue Tower is open for business.
6:01:48There are many guests from all over,
6:01:49chatting over drinks.
6:01:50They say all sorts of things,
6:01:51some true, some false,
6:01:51mixed and uncertain.
6:01:52Who can guarantee every word is true? You have to judge the news yourself.
6:01:55Judge? How can you blame it all on my small shop?
6:01:59You spread false news and got many of our brothers killed.
6:02:04Many brothers.
6:02:07Make way! Everyone make way! The County Magistrate is here!
6:02:14County Deputy Chen.
6:02:15You're finally here!
6:02:16Look at this! What kind of behavior is this?
6:02:18This Commander Liu insists that my Bianyue Tower framed him,
6:02:20gave him false information,
6:02:21caused Xiangjun to suffer losses,
6:02:22and brought people to surround my tower,
6:02:23demanding an explanation.
6:02:24How can I do business like this?
6:02:25County Deputy Chen,
6:02:26you must uphold justice for the common people!
6:02:30Liu Changshun, order your men to disperse immediately!
6:02:32Blocking the door and disturbing the people is unacceptable!
6:02:34If there's any issue, have your Inspector Lin come speak to me.
6:02:36What are you causing a ruckus here for?
6:02:38This is Xiangjun's business.
6:02:40What right do you have to interfere, you bastard?
6:02:43I am in charge of law and order in this county.
6:02:45You gathered a crowd without cause,
6:02:46surrounded a merchant,
6:02:46disturbed the market,
6:02:47and disrupted the people. I,
6:02:49now order you to take your men and get out immediately!
6:02:51If you dare delay any longer,
6:02:52I'll charge you with gathering a mob,
6:02:53storming a government office,
6:02:54and lock you up in the county jail! Chen Shouyi,
6:02:55you've got some nerve!
6:02:58Rest! Come!
6:03:00Prince Lin, you've come.
6:03:01Perfect timing. Order your men to disperse immediately,
6:03:03and take Liu Changshun away.
6:03:05Xiangjun,
6:03:05disturbing the people like this is unacceptable!
6:03:07If you don't handle it, I, the County Deputy, will exercise my authority
6:03:09and punish him.
6:03:13Punish? County Deputy, who do you want to punish?
6:03:16For the Yashan bandit suppression, my Xiangjun was ordered to go, with over 270 dead and wounded.
6:03:20Commander Liu was severely injured,
6:03:21nearly killed.
6:03:22Now,
6:03:23he drags his wounded body to seek an explanation from this Bianyue Tower manager,
6:03:26who is suspected of passing messages to bandits.
6:03:28What crime has he committed?
6:03:33Instead, you, County Deputy Chen, without asking why,
6:03:36without investigating, immediately shield Bianyue Tower and keep saying you'll punish my Xiangjun wounded.
6:03:42What are you trying to do?
6:03:46Lin Zhao, this is my county's territory. Market order, civilian affairs, and merchant disputes all fall
6:03:50under my County Deputy's jurisdiction.
6:03:51Your Xiangjun only handles border defense, guarding the land, and military affairs.
6:03:54No right to interfere.
6:03:54And the county has even less right to arbitrarily round up common folk.
6:03:57What's improper about me stopping this according to the law?
6:04:00Full responsibility.
6:04:01Chen Xianwei actually reminded me.
6:04:05Then today I'll make it clear to you—
6:04:07What exactly counts as 'within one's duties'?
6:04:10Secretly passing information,
6:04:11plotting to harm government troops and throw the borderlands into chaos—
6:04:13this is a capital crime,
6:04:15long past an ordinary civil warning,
6:04:17but a grave military case endangering border security.
6:04:19As the acting military supervisor of Longcheng County,
6:04:21in charge of local military affairs,
6:04:22when faced with this grave case of colluding with bandits,
6:04:23I have the authority to interrogate and arrest suspects on the spot.
6:04:25And you, as the county's deputy magistrate,
6:04:27instead of asking whether he colluded with bandits,
6:04:28blindly shield the merchant with every word,
6:04:30only to exonerate this Du Xi and block the local investigation—
6:04:33Chen Shouyi,
6:04:34with conduct like this,
6:04:35are you merely incompetent and negligent,
6:04:37or do you and the Bianyue Tower manager have some shady connection?
6:04:45You—you're spouting blood! Lin Zhao,
6:04:48Don't you dare talk nonsense again,
6:04:50slandering a court-appointed official! Men,
6:04:53seize the Bianyue Tower manager Du Qi and take him away!
6:04:58Officer Chen! Officer Chen, help!
6:05:00I'm innocent!
6:05:01You know me!
6:05:02I'd like to see who dares, without evidence,
6:05:04in broad daylight—
6:05:05How can you Junhan men arrest people at will? Everyone, stop!
6:05:08Out of the way!
6:05:14Colluding with bandits—you dare block my arrest?
6:05:18I see you're not just shielding him,
6:05:19you're an accomplice.
6:05:21Forget taking him—
6:05:23tie up Chen Shouyi too!
6:05:27No!
6:05:29This—hmm.
6:05:32Lin Zhao,
6:05:33you've got some nerve!
6:05:34I am a registered official of the court,
6:05:35a legitimate appointed deputy magistrate of this county—
6:05:36a court-appointed official!
6:05:37You, a mere military supervisor of the Xiang army,
6:05:38dare to beat a court official in public,
6:05:40and arbitrarily detain a local official for collusion and treason—I will definitely report this to the court!
6:05:43I'll impeach you to death!
6:05:45I'll have you skinned and your tendons pulled!
6:05:47Your whole family executed! Chen Shouyi,
6:05:50Du Xi is Panya Mountain's spy.
6:05:52If I don't kill you this time,
6:05:54I, Lin Zhao, will take your surname Chen!
6:05:56Du Xi really is Panya Mountain's spy.
6:05:59He knew all along about the tower standoff.
6:06:01Taking Du Xi—he was waiting for me to come.
6:06:03Just now I openly defended Du Xi.
6:06:05If Du Xi just gives one sign,
6:06:07I'm completely finished.
6:06:12Take him away!
6:06:19Once in the detention hall,
6:06:20as long as he denies everything,
6:06:22Bianyue Tower has so many people coming and going—where did the information come from?
6:06:24Who can say for sure?
6:06:27Tie—Iron Fan!
6:06:30What are you doing here?
6:06:31Go, go quickly!
6:06:32Now's not the time!
6:06:33Why did you come into the city?
6:06:34Get out, quickly!
6:06:35Don't worry about me for now.
6:06:39Go!
6:06:40You—you—are you following me?
6:06:50Lin Zhao,
6:06:50you're out of line!
6:06:54County Magistrate.
6:06:54You arrested someone in the street and beat the deputy magistrate,
6:06:56and even threw him straight into the detention hall's back cell.
6:06:58Do you know how much trouble you've caused today?
6:07:00No matter what Chen Shouyi is,
6:07:00he is a court-appointed official,
6:07:01this county's deputy magistrate.
6:07:02You, a military supervisor,
6:07:03who gave you the nerve?
6:07:04I have solid evidence proving Chen Shouyi colluded with Panya Mountain.
6:07:09Also,
6:07:10Panya Mountain has already been taken—Panya Mountain has been taken.
6:07:13Taken—yes.
6:07:18Panya Mountain's chief Tie Shan and third chief Lu Heihu have led their men to surrender.
6:07:24Do you know what you're saying?
6:07:25This is the surrender letter signed and sealed by Tie Shan himself.
6:07:32Panya Mountain is willing to submit to Guantou City,
6:07:34offering four thousand taels of silver,
6:07:35various jewels and valuables,
6:07:36valued at four thousand strings of cash, horses—
6:07:37four hundred ninety-two, grain and miscellaneous provisions two thousand four hundred measures, long spears and long-handled blades eight hundred,
6:07:42short weapons seven hundred.
6:07:44Five hundred sets of various armor,
6:07:45Three hundred hard bows and crossbows,
6:07:46Nine thousand arrows,
6:07:47Over three hundred sets of various layered armor.
6:07:49This is true.
6:07:51Tieshan is at the military camp outside the city, County Magistrate.
6:07:53If you don't believe it,
6:07:53you can summon him now to confront him. Panya Mountain was clearly taken by force,
6:07:56but in Lin Jianya's records,
6:07:57it became Tieshan showing up to surrender. Tieshan, that black tiger, can use the city to wash off his bandit identity,
6:08:02and what's seen is also the merit of pacification.
6:08:04Gaining people and goods,
6:08:05As for how much was actually seized, on paper,
6:08:06whatever is written is what it is.
6:08:08Since Tieshan is outside the city, bring the people first,
6:08:10And there's Du Xi too,
6:08:12He's also in the camp and being brought here.
6:08:15You're not a simple person,
6:08:18Today you're not just throwing your weight around,
6:08:19but you've twisted Bian Yue, Lou Panya, and Chen Shouyi into one rope,
6:08:23and then used it to strangle
6:08:30Du Xie
6:08:31This county asks you,
6:08:32Do you have connections with Panya Mountain?
6:08:37Du Xiyuan is one of my Panya Mountain people,
6:08:39For years, he's been watching and passing information in the city for the mountain. Bian Yue Lou is just a front.
6:08:43Now,
6:08:44Since Panya Mountain has surrendered, the people and matters of the mountain,
6:08:46there's nothing that can't be acknowledged.
6:08:48County Magistrate, what Tieshan said is correct,
6:08:50This commoner has indeed been working for Panya Mountain all these years,
6:08:53Whenever the county's troops mobilize,
6:08:54when they go to suppress bandits,
6:08:55which route they take,
6:08:56if I can find out, I try to send word to the mountain.
6:09:02As for this time,
6:09:03Liu Changshun led people out of the city,
6:09:04Before that, someone from Chen County Guard sent word first,
6:09:06came to tell me to send the message out. Bian Yue Lou,
6:09:08has been gathering information for the mountain all these years,
6:09:09Usually people come to pass messages,
6:09:11and others come to pick up letters,
6:09:12There are also servants in the building working for the mountain.
6:09:16So it seems,
6:09:17Du Xi was originally a spy planted by Panya Mountain in the city,
6:09:20Since he is a person of Panya Mountain.
6:09:21Now that Panya Mountain has surrendered,
6:09:23he naturally counts as having surrendered along with the mountain.
6:09:25What he confessed today is both an account of old matters,
6:09:27and also only implicating Chen Shouyi,
6:09:28The crime of colluding with bandits is settled along with Panya Mountain's surrender,
6:09:31For now, there's no need to single him out and treat him as a separate crime
6:09:38Du Xi
6:09:38Since he is a Panya Mountain person,
6:09:40he shall be included with Tieshan and others in the surrender.
6:09:42However,
6:09:43This case is not yet concluded,
6:09:44From today on,
6:09:45Du Xi may not leave the city and must be available for summons,
6:09:46The route has already been matched,
6:09:47If there is concealment or backsliding.
6:09:48Then his crime will be reconsidered. Yes, this commoner...
6:09:51No no no no,
6:09:51This lowly one understands,
6:09:52This lowly one understands,
6:09:53Also, those items from Panya Mountain can't just be written on the surrender document and the county will accept them all as listed.
6:09:57Since they are to be items of Panya Mountain's surrender,
6:09:59reported to the prefecture,
6:10:00they must be item by item verified and recorded in the archives. That's proper.
6:10:06This matter
6:10:06will be verified item by item by the Registrar Wen Bodang.
6:10:08Panya Mountain was surrendered by you,
6:10:09When the time comes, you and Registrar Wen will go up the mountain together and check each item on the surrender document. It's Panya Mountain's account,
6:10:14Once verified,
6:10:15then the surrender document and verification register,
6:10:16along with Du Xi's confession,
6:10:18will be sent together to the prefecture.
6:10:20As for Chen Shouyi, temporarily held in the detention hall,
6:10:22No one is allowed to contact him privately in prison.
6:10:24After the initial verification of Panya Mountain is complete,
6:10:25This county will report both matters together in writing,
6:10:28At that time, he will be formally transferred to prison,
6:10:30Understood
6:10:32Enter
6:10:54Good tea
6:10:56The Commander-in-Chief's hand mentioned it, bring it here
6:11:02The matter of suppressing bandits at Panya Mountain
6:11:04Zhuo Linzhao will decide on his own.
6:11:07The Commander-in-Chief's meaning is clear,
6:11:09Lin Zhao wants to fight,
6:11:09then let him fight. If he wins,
6:11:11it's his ability,
6:11:12If he loses, he bears it himself. Young people,
6:11:14full of fire,
6:11:14like to stir things up,
6:11:15It's not surprising.
6:11:16Panya Mountain is a tough bone,
6:11:17Since he wants to gnaw it,
6:11:18let him gnaw it,
6:11:20Even if he breaks his teeth, so be it.
6:11:21Let him know that leading troops into battle,
6:11:23Supervisor Wen and Magistrate Mo Zongyi request your presence.
6:11:25Now Mo Pantai says,
6:11:28Please come at once.
6:11:35Let's go.
6:11:40Mo Pantai, Supervisor Wen, Lin Zhao, the matter of Xiaopanya Mountain,
6:11:43Do you know about it?
6:11:44I know. A few days ago,
6:11:45He submitted a report saying,
6:11:46Imperial encirclement of Panya,
6:11:47The officials at the foot of the mountain have already been dismissed,
6:11:48The report has been sent to the commander for instructions.
6:11:49Then his report of victory,
6:11:50You've seen it too, right?
6:11:52What? The county magistrate of Longcheng County's report,
6:11:55Just arrived: the bandits of Panya Mountain have surrendered, and the confiscated wealth, grain, weapons,
6:11:58And horses are not a small number.
6:12:00The prefecture needs to sort this out quickly,
6:12:01You and I will jointly submit another victory report to the commander.
6:12:07Panya Mountain has surrendered. Not bad.
6:12:11Mo Pintai, your subordinate only received Lin Zhao's order to suppress Panya Mountain seven days ago,
6:12:14The commander's hand seal,
6:12:15Only just reached me today,
6:12:16And it says to let Lin Zhao decide for himself.
6:12:19Now you tell me,
6:12:20He's already finished the battle,
6:12:21But I haven't even seen Lin Zhao's victory report yet.
6:12:24This morning I had family matters and took half a day off,
6:12:26Only returned to the prefecture office in the afternoon,
6:12:27The report that arrived today I haven't had time to look over carefully.
6:12:29I will go back and check now,
6:12:30Hurry and write the victory report,
6:12:32Don't delay,
6:12:37Fought for seven days
6:12:39And took Panya Mountain so quickly.
6:12:46Under orders to suppress bandits, engaged the Panya Mountain bandits several times,
6:12:48After several small victories,
6:12:49Took advantage and negotiated with bandit leader Tie Shan and others,
6:12:51Making them surrender with their followers. No,
6:12:55It's absolutely impossible to be that easy.
6:12:56If Panya Mountain was really that easy to take,
6:12:57Could it have remained until today? In the report,
6:13:00Even the goods,
6:13:01Grain and weapons have been inspected,
6:13:03Mo Pantai still wants to personally co-sign the victory report.
6:13:08What a little holy tree field,
6:13:10Good,
6:13:11A threat and bribe.
6:13:13This Lin Zhao, when writing victory reports,
6:13:16Is even better than when he fights,
6:13:16Still collecting
6:13:19Capable in battle, bold,
6:13:21That's not surprising,
6:13:22But after the battle, knowing how to report, how much to report,
6:13:24How to clean things up,
6:13:25That's not just being able to fight.
6:13:27Seems I really underestimated him before,
6:13:29First go handle it with Pantai,
6:13:30Write the victory report,
6:13:30Then write to Uncle to inquire about the details.
6:13:36To Uncle, respectfully,
6:13:38Bowing,
6:13:38Wishing you peace and health.
6:13:40Today I have a matter to ask Uncle Feng,
6:13:42This person Lin Zhao,
6:13:43What is his usual situation really like?
6:13:44What was the true course of the Battle of Panya Mountain?
6:13:46Why were Tie Shan and Lu Heihu willing to surrender with their followers?
6:13:48Longcheng County?
6:13:49What is the current situation,
6:13:52This person must not be underestimated.
6:13:53If there are other details,
6:13:55I hope Uncle will inform me in detail.
6:14:00Send it overnight.
6:14:01Yongcheng County,
6:14:02Yes.
6:14:04That Lin Zhao has good luck,
6:14:05Just happened to catch Panya Mountain,
6:14:06The bandit leader was cowardly,
6:14:07Picked up a big merit.
6:14:08What luck?
6:14:09I heard he fought Panya Mountain until they were scared,
6:14:12That young supervisor is ruthless,
6:14:14In the report they sent,
6:14:16Just the surrendered wealth and grain is not a small amount.
6:14:18Supervisor Wen, bring the letter from Longcheng County.
6:14:23Able to fight and calculate,
6:14:25And can set up situations,
6:14:27Even after the battle, how to wrap up,
6:14:29How to arrange a way out for subordinates,
6:14:32How to make superiors accept it?
6:14:34He thought of all this. This kind of person,
6:14:36As long as he doesn't die young,
6:14:37Will never stay trapped in Longcheng County. Wang Haochuan,
6:14:41Wang Wenhan,
6:14:43Zhou Xue, Ju Lin Zhao.
6:14:45This group probably hasn't truly faced danger yet,
6:14:52Since it is what the true fisherman criticizes,
6:14:54Not just recklessly using force. As a ruler,
6:14:57One should know internal and external affairs.
6:14:58Those in power,
6:14:59must also bear their own responsibilities.
6:15:03The student arrives late,
6:15:04Please, Professor, punish me. But today's lecture is already over.
6:15:08Today's topic is 'On the Prince's Guarding the Heart',
6:15:11Write an essay in class.
6:15:12Wang Wenhan,
6:15:13Although you didn't hear the whole lecture today,
6:15:14The essay,
6:15:15you still have to submit it like everyone else.
6:15:16When to submit,
6:15:17you don't need to worry about,
6:15:17After writing, send it to the Central Courtyard.
6:15:18My study is
6:15:25It's a pigeon from Longcheng County
6:15:27Panya Mountain is secured,
6:15:28Tieshan Lu Heihu led his men to surrender.
6:15:30The collusion between Chen Shouyi and Bian Yuelou,
6:15:31has been wrapped up.
6:15:33Team Lin
6:15:33This battle was fought beautifully,
6:15:35Not only did he take Panya Mountain, but he also took control of the officialdom of Longcheng County.
6:15:39Mouth.
6:15:40If guarding the heart means just shutting the door and reading books,
6:15:42unaware of what's happening outside,
6:15:44then what are we talking about?
6:15:44Guarding the land and bringing peace
6:15:47The situation in the borderlands
6:15:48A land of weapons,
6:15:49and cannot remain aloof,
6:15:51Seeing chaos but the heart
6:15:52not in chaos,
6:15:52Knowing soldiers but not suited to governance.
6:15:53Reading the books of sages,
6:15:55If unable to use them to guard the land and pacify the people,
6:15:57it's just empty talk on paper.
6:15:59That's all for today,
6:16:01Continue writing your essay,
6:16:02After you finish,
6:16:03deliver it personally to the Central Courtyard,
6:16:04The study is
6:16:06Almost done
6:16:10What to do?
6:16:11What to do?
6:16:16This girl
6:16:21The student salutes
6:16:26For some reason, my mind actually wavered for a moment,
6:16:29Professor, the student's essay is finished,
6:16:34Sit down. I dare not ask you to do it,
6:16:37just do it,
6:16:37Yes
6:16:41Where exactly do you all come from?
6:16:44You, to you, you Lin Zhao,
6:16:47Xie,
6:16:48Changfeng,
6:16:48Ma Zhenbang, Chen Su,
6:16:50Where do you come from?
6:16:52This old man isn't asking where you're from,
6:16:54He's asking what kind of people you five really are?
6:16:57Before, with low status, we could get away with vague answers about remote places,
6:16:59But Ling Zhao has started to rise.
6:17:01After I also entered Zhou Xue,
6:17:02Joining the army, taking exams, becoming an official,
6:17:04sooner or later people will investigate.
6:17:05This loophole must be dealt with from now on,
6:17:08Since we can't avoid it,
6:17:08then I'll fabricate an identity that can be used forever,
6:17:11After all, I know something about love songs and theories,
6:17:12At that time, were you secretly a professional team member?
6:17:15So old man,
6:17:17listen to a lie from me,
6:17:19Listen
6:17:23If you were just ordinary commoners
6:17:24or just holding a nominal position.
6:17:26As a minor official, where you come from,
6:17:28might not be deeply investigated,
6:17:29But if you want to rise high,
6:17:31you must be completely clean,
6:17:33It's impossible to keep muddling through.
6:17:37The student understands,
6:17:39Since the professor asked,
6:17:40I dare not respond with vague words. The students are not natives of this province,
6:17:46but all descendants of the Han,
6:17:49He Jie and others originally left the Central Plains due to wars and chaos,
6:17:53and migrated west afterwards,
6:17:54After generations of wandering, we gradually arrived.
6:17:55We settled on a large island in the Western Sea and nearby ports,
6:17:59That place is already west of the Great Desert, and further west is the great sea.
6:18:02So there are few records in Central Plains histories.
6:18:04Although our ancestors lived in a remote corner for a long time,
6:18:05we never dared to forget.
6:18:06Our surnames unchanged,
6:18:08Our writing not abandoned,
6:18:09Sacrifices,
6:18:09and weddings and funerals still follow Han customs,
6:18:11But having been overseas for many years,
6:18:13Eventually a large Han settlement formed there, and we established an army overseas for generations,
6:18:17Why return east?
6:18:18Later,
6:18:19That place was invaded and destroyed by a strong enemy,
6:18:20The seas and lands are restless, and trade routes are easily cut off.
6:18:22The Han people, who originally lived together in restricted areas, were gradually forced to scatter.
6:18:24Some fled south,
6:18:25some went north,
6:18:25and others attached themselves to foreign tribes, studying and waiting, as their parents were unwilling to end their days in a foreign land.
6:18:28So they brought their families eastward, hoping to return to the Central Plains.
6:18:30But the road eastward
6:18:32was harder than they had imagined.
6:18:33There were dangers at sea,
6:18:34and on the road, soldiers, plague,
6:18:36bandits,
6:18:36famine—
6:18:37they never ceased along the way.
6:18:42By the time we reached Qinzhou,
6:18:43most of the elders in our families had already passed away.
6:18:46The old records we had carried with us,
6:18:48and old discs were mostly lost along the way.
6:18:51In the end, only the five of us remained,
6:18:54depending on each other for survival.
6:18:56You five originally came from the same place,
6:18:59though not of the same clan or surname,
6:19:01your families' elders looked after one another,
6:19:03so naturally the younger generation survived together.
6:19:05Since you claim to be descendants of the Han,
6:19:06do you have any proof?
6:19:07If you mean evidence that can be entered into the prefectural records for official verification,
6:19:10I truly cannot produce it,
6:19:12but it's not entirely without traces.
6:19:14What traces?
6:19:15In our old home, there were a few remnant pages recording the origin of our surnames and a few ancestral precepts.
6:19:20Unfortunately, after all the hardships along the way,
6:19:22only a few remain,
6:19:24at most they can only show that we are not without roots.
6:19:27Since you have long entered Song territory,
6:19:29why until today are you still unwilling to clarify your origins?
6:19:33It's not that we're unwilling,
6:19:34it's that we dare not.
6:19:37When we first entered
6:19:37Qinzhou,
6:19:38we students were still young,
6:19:40and had no elders by our side to vouch for our origins.
6:19:42If we spoke too strangely,
6:19:43I feared others would not believe us,
6:19:44and would instead treat us as people of unknown origin.
6:19:47At that time, all we sought was to survive first,
6:19:49how could we dare to invite trouble upon ourselves?
6:19:51But now it's different,
6:19:52Lin Zhao is no longer the one who only needed to beg for a meal.
6:19:54I, Lin Zhao, am no longer the person I was when I first entered Qinzhou,
6:19:56only able to bow my head and avoid the world.
6:19:58The professor just said.
6:19:58Yes,
6:19:59if you want to move forward,
6:20:00your identity and origins
6:20:01cannot remain vague forever.
6:20:06Since today the professor has asked me,
6:20:07I will clarify everything I can.
6:20:09So by telling me all this today, what do you want?
6:20:14That tower is high and cold,
6:20:16all the dark kitchens report blockage.
6:20:21We students have already entered Song voluntarily and been assigned to the border prefectures. If the court is willing to accept us, we are willing to henceforth consider ourselves immigrants of the Central Plains and no longer conceal it.
6:20:27From now on, whether we discuss military affairs,
6:20:29join the army, become officials, or practice medicine,
6:20:30we should follow the laws of the Central Plains,
6:20:31and act accordingly,
6:20:32seeking only an upright and legitimate identity.
6:20:35Sit down.
6:20:39Your essay today is well written,
6:20:42better than many in the hall.
6:20:43But rather than the essay,
6:20:44what I want to see more today is you as a person.
6:20:46Whether what you just said is true or false,
6:20:48I will not discuss for now.
6:20:49But one thing you said is not wrong:
6:20:51if you want to rise high,
6:20:52your identity
6:20:52cannot forever hang over you.
6:20:54If you five want to stand firm in the Great Song,
6:20:56this matter indeed needs an explanation.
6:20:58The professor means there's no need to rush.
6:21:00What you said today,
6:21:01I will look into further, not fully believing,
6:21:02but at least not entirely disbelieving either.
6:21:06I understand. Leave the essay and go back.
6:21:10Yes.
6:21:14Daddy.
6:21:20Rather than Brother Bing and the two others,
6:21:21we know that little brother still has eyes here. Since he's come,
6:21:25then stay and write well,
6:21:26and no need to walk with arms akimbo.
6:21:28Since you've forgotten to give... since you've come,
6:21:30then tell us about the customs and taboos over there,
6:21:32and let my Yun'er broaden his horizons.
6:21:34Hoga,
6:21:34That tower of mine is still sturdy,
6:21:40as if most beautiful.
6:21:43But what I know
6:21:44is mostly from listening to elders in my youth or from fragmented records seen in broken old books.
6:21:48If there are any omissions or absurdities,
6:21:50I hope Miss Mo and the professor will be forgiving.
6:21:52Young Master Wang, please go ahead.
6:21:57The place where my ancestors lived is called Yuewan.
6:21:59That place is different from the Central Plains.
6:22:00It lies ten thousand li west of Dashi.
6:22:02But the length of day and night,
6:22:03is extremely peculiar.
6:22:04Day and night are indeed different.
6:22:06The farther north you go,
6:22:07in summer, the days grow longer,
6:22:08in winter, the nights grow longer.
6:22:09At the northernmost point,
6:22:11there is even half a year
6:22:12of continuous daylight, half a year
6:22:13of continuous darkness.
6:22:15Half a year
6:22:15of daylight, half a year of darkness.
6:22:17How do the people there live?
6:22:19When I first heard this, I also found it unbelievable.
6:22:22But think about it,
6:22:23Qinzhou and Hangzhou are both in the Central Plains, yet their winters and summers differ in cold and warmth.
6:22:26The world is so vast,
6:22:27the farther north you go, the more day and night differ from ours.
6:22:29So it's not surprising.
6:22:31Moreover, the people there look very different from those in the Central Plains.
6:22:33How are they different?
6:22:34To the west,
6:22:35there are many people with high noses and deep eyes.
6:22:40Their hair colors include golden yellow,
6:22:41brown,
6:22:42their eyes are blue, gray, or green,
6:22:44and their skin is extremely white.
6:22:45Further southwest,
6:22:46after crossing a vast desert, one can see a kind of people whose entire body is black as charcoal.
6:22:49Their hair is curly,
6:22:50and only the whites of their eyes and teeth stand out against their pitch-black bodies.
6:22:52Isn't that like the Mo people?
6:22:53Exactly. This is not something I fabricated.
6:22:56In the Jingxing Ji written by Du Huan of the Tang Dynasty, it records that he saw people with chestnut-black skin, curly hair, and thick lips west of Dashi.
6:23:01Some related records are also preserved in the Tongdian compiled by Du You.
6:23:03You've even read the Tongdian?
6:23:05I've dabbled a little.
6:23:07Such records,
6:23:07are indeed in the Tongdian, Father.
6:23:09Do we have the Tongdian at home?
6:23:11Yes,
6:23:11Then I'll take a look later too.
6:23:12Let him finish first about what other strange things are there.
6:23:16Their means of transportation are also very different from ours.
6:23:18On land, there are iron carts that need no oxen or horses to pull them,
6:23:20yet they can speed along on their own.
6:23:21They move,
6:23:21like a great frontier,
6:23:22can carry dozens of people,
6:23:23and travel a thousand li a day.
6:23:24In the sky, there are flying vessels that can carry hundreds of people, shaped like giant birds with flapping wings, soaring from the East Sea at dawn,
6:23:28and reaching the Western Regions by dusk.
6:23:29In the sea, there are shallow ships that can dive deep and walk underwater, with glass windows,
6:23:34allowing one to see fish and dragons in abundance.
6:23:40I know these sound far-fetched,
6:23:43but they actually make sense.
6:23:45That flying ship in the sky also makes sense?
6:23:47Does the young lady know about Kongming lanterns? Naturally, I know. At the Lantern Festival, I even set off lanterns with candles underneath,
6:23:51and the fire lanterns rose into the air.
6:23:55Exactly this principle.
6:23:56If you make a Kongming lantern extremely large,
6:23:58and hang a bamboo basket below it, heating the air inside with fire, it can rise into the air together with the basket.
6:24:05People can sit inside too.
6:24:06Yes, but it is greatly affected by wind,
6:24:08hard to control direction,
6:24:09and there is a risk of falling.
6:24:10That actually sounds somewhat reasonable.
6:24:13As for the diving ship, the principle is not difficult either.
6:24:14What principle is that?
6:24:16Does the young lady know,
6:24:17that water actually has pressure?
6:24:19It should be called pressure intensity.
6:24:21The deeper the water,
6:24:22the greater the pressure intensity.
6:24:23Pressure intensity? What is pressure intensity?
6:24:25Jiu Li Ba Hao is even worse,
6:24:26Gan Pu is digging a pit and stepping on a few roots.
6:24:30It's a bit troublesome to explain.
6:24:31Young lady, go get a cup and a piece of paper, and fill the cup with water.
6:24:34Okay,
6:24:36Here.
6:24:38Everyone knows
6:24:39that water flows downward, and a cup turned upside down will drop the paper if it's light.
6:24:42That is naturally correct.
6:24:43Mm,
6:24:44but between heaven and earth, there are many forces we usually cannot see.
6:24:49Yes, yes, yes.
6:24:51Ah
6:24:54This really held it up. This is related to pressure intensity.
6:24:56Although the air outside is invisible,
6:24:58it is always exerting force on things.
6:25:00Air also has force?
6:25:01Of course, but normally it comes from all directions.
6:25:04So we cannot detect it.
6:25:06So to speak,
6:25:07what you just said is not entirely nonsense.
6:25:10Naturally, it's not just blowing hot air,
6:25:11Blowing with thunder and lightning strikes,
6:25:13I also want to shake that big box that runs on the ground.
6:25:17That one? That's even simpler,
6:25:19You're making things up again this time,
6:25:21No need to make it up; when the young lady gets a chance to go to Qinghe Village,
6:25:24I'll take you to see what a car is,
6:25:27We actually brought one,
6:25:28Really, really,
6:25:30No need for oxen or horses,
6:25:31It moves on its own without being pushed.
6:25:32Right,
6:25:33It's in Qinghe Village,
6:25:34It's in Qinghe Village,
6:25:35Then you'll really take me to see it later,
6:25:36I'll really take you, it's a deal,
6:25:38It's a deal,
6:25:38Why does this scene feel so weird?
6:25:43Hmm,
6:25:45What?
6:25:47That was really close,
6:25:50Each one is harder to deal with than the last,
6:25:52Lately, haven't I been performing beyond my usual?
6:25:57Then you'll really take me to see it later,
6:26:03This is really ghostly,
6:26:05He wouldn't dare,
6:26:09Wenhan,
6:26:10You're back early,
6:26:11I was just thinking,
6:26:12When you went to Professor Mo's place,
6:26:14I was afraid you'd get a good scolding,
6:26:15How come the old gentleman didn't punish you?
6:26:19No, I wish he had punished me; why do you look like that?
6:26:23Could it be that your essay was really criticized badly?
6:26:26Today when I went to the middle courtyard, I seemed to see another young lady at the professor's house,
6:26:30You saw the fourth young lady of the Mo family.
6:26:33Wenhan,
6:26:33Let me tell you,
6:26:34You can provoke anyone you want normally,
6:26:35But whatever you do, don't provoke her,
6:26:37Me provoke her?
6:26:38Today it was clearly her and her father teaming up to bully me, okay?
6:26:41What does that mean?
6:26:44Professor Mo had a daughter in his old age,
6:26:45This girl is the Mo family's most treasured jewel; though young in years,
6:26:48She is extremely doted on at home,
6:26:49Precious beyond measure. Her eldest brother,
6:26:50Mo Zongheng,
6:26:50Now in the capital, he serves as the Grand Chamberlain,
6:26:51Her fourth brother, Mo Zonglü, works as a judge at the Court of Judicial Review,
6:26:54Her third brother, Mo Zongming, is the assistant prefect in Qinzhou,
6:26:57With just this one sister, since childhood,
6:26:59Everyone has been holding and protecting her,
6:27:00Not to mention Professor Mo.
6:27:02If you were just joking around, that's one thing,
6:27:03But if you accidentally cause some gossip,
6:27:06Not to mention the middle courtyard,
6:27:07You might not even be safe in the Zhou Academy,
6:27:09So it's not just the father who's hard to deal with,
6:27:11There are three brothers standing behind her,
6:27:13Remember, the young lady of the Mo family,
6:27:15Is not someone you or I, Zhou students, can easily provoke. Don't worry,
6:27:17I know what I'm doing,
6:27:28After years of campaigning,
6:27:29My bones and muscles are exhausted,
6:27:30With my brother's temperament,
6:27:32Unless it's truly time when he has no choice but to retreat,
6:27:34He would never say it.
6:27:35Under such words,
6:27:36Human nature is greedy and fickle; normally they are obedient,
6:27:38Only because they fear our military might,
6:27:40Now that news of the defeat in the northern battle has spread,
6:27:41The jackals at the border will surely eye us covetously.
6:27:43Although my brother has retreated, the safety of the western border,
6:27:45Must never be lost. Send in the military documents from Qinzhou.
6:27:52Longcheng County troops and horses are all happy.
6:27:53Lin Zhao first used the Xiang braves to set an ambush and strike the enemy's vanguard,
6:27:56Then sent people into the mountains,
6:27:57To divide them with benefits and recruit them to surrender.
6:27:58The Panya Mountain group then followed the village leader to surrender; the bandit threat was resolved,
6:28:01The leaders were all placed in official positions and assigned to border management; also seized from the stronghold swords,
6:28:05Spears and lances,
6:28:05Armor and equipment,
6:28:06And grain,
6:28:06Rice,
6:28:06Oxen and horses, etc., were recorded and registered,
6:28:08Ordering a report to be sent up: Qinghe Village, with the strength of one village, held off a thousand men from the west,
6:28:12And in a blink, also pacified
6:28:13Panya Mountain's years of banditry,
6:28:15Last time it could be said to be courage plus luck; this time,
6:28:18We absolutely cannot treat him as just a brave man.
6:28:20Lin Zhao knows how to use troops, knowing when to kill and when to recruit,
6:28:22He can not only break the deadlock,
6:28:23But also clean up the mess.
6:28:24Xijiang is about to fall into chaos,
6:28:26This man is exactly the one who can be of great use.
6:28:35Something big has happened!
6:28:36Today I went to deliver an essay to Mo Huaiyuan.
6:28:38I thought at most the old man would nitpick a couple of things,
6:28:41But then this old geezer looked up and said,
6:28:42Where exactly did you all come from?
6:28:44Note, I'm asking all five of you to get your stories straight together.
6:28:48So now I'm giving you a very serious notice:
6:28:49Starting today,
6:28:51the five of us must have a unified, complete, closed-loop story about our origins.
6:28:55Here's the version I already made up for everyone today—memorize it all.
6:29:00Mm.
6:29:02Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy—that's the only line you know from start to finish.
6:29:06Can you blame me?
6:29:08Wang Haochuan,
6:29:08The first part of this letter is like he's confessing everything,
6:29:11then it turns and glosses over our ancestors' origins,
6:29:13and finally he even blabs about the Beiqi Warriors.
6:29:17See what Wang Hao's like?
6:29:19The old man interrogated him and he made stuff up all the way,
6:29:20but the little girl
6:29:21just looked at him and he spilled everything.
6:29:22If our secrets weren't already all out,
6:29:24I bet tomorrow he'd want to confess about the hidden pioneers
6:29:26and have us help him go far away.
6:29:27He really is good at shifting blame.
6:29:28Hey,
6:29:29we're all brothers.
6:29:30If we can help, let's help.
6:29:31He even dares to talk about the Beiqi Warriors outside.
6:29:34Aren't you afraid of stirring up big trouble?
6:29:35The earlier story is fine,
6:29:37usable—the problem is what comes after.
6:29:39So now he's basically leaked another layer of the village's affairs.
6:29:42It's about the same—Mo Huaiyuan is no ordinary person.
6:29:45Since he took it in,
6:29:46there will definitely be more to follow.
6:29:47In other words,
6:29:48we still have to help him explain where the Beiqi Warriors came from.
6:29:51Use the earlier story as is.
6:29:57If anyone asks about our origins again later,
6:29:58just follow the letter.
6:29:59Answer.
6:30:00As for the Beiqi Warriors, some in the village have seen them before. Later,
6:30:03if anyone really asks about Qinghe Village, we'll deal with it then.
6:30:05Right,
6:30:05the most important thing now is to unify our story first.
6:30:09Haochuan made up a whole pile of history for the old man.
6:30:11Now we need to digest that pile of history.
6:30:12Ugh, don't make it sound so disgusting.
6:30:14He still has the nerve to talk about others improvising, huh?
6:30:16The one who improvises the most is clearly himself.
6:30:20I've brought the people here.
6:30:22What's going on?
6:30:23Oh my,
6:30:24So from now on, should I call you sister-in-law
6:30:27or little sister?
6:30:29Alright, enough.
6:30:29Stop messing around.
6:30:30Oh my,
6:30:31Still, being older,
6:30:32you know how to care for people.
6:30:33I just said one thing,
6:30:33and you're already defending her.
6:30:35Just don't know if our captain would protect you like that too.
6:30:40Hey,
6:30:40No, no, I was wrong.
6:30:41I was wrong,
6:30:42I was wrong.
6:30:42How come you two are ganging up on me?
6:30:44Let's go out and check on the weapons.
6:30:46Mm.
6:30:48Alright,
6:30:48Everyone's gone out.
6:30:49Be honest with me.
6:30:51Say what? Still pretending?
6:30:52Of course it's about why you like Ma Zhenbang.
6:30:56I don't know either,
6:30:57if that counts as liking him.
6:30:59There's no 'counts as' about it.
6:31:01After my father and senior brother died in battle,
6:31:03on the surface I seemed fine,
6:31:05but actually I could never move on.
6:31:07During that time, when I was alone at night,
6:31:09my mind was full of them—Brother Ma.
6:31:11He took good care of me back then.
6:31:14If you ask whether I have feelings for him,
6:31:16I can't even explain it myself.
6:31:17I only know I can't let him go.
6:31:19A husband like a father and brother—
6:31:22That sounds more like you can't live without him,
6:31:24not like you like him.
6:31:25Maybe.
6:31:26But I truly admire him.
6:31:28He's exceptionally clever.
6:31:29He can forge all kinds of tools, and no matter how tricky the problem,
6:31:32in his hands he always finds a way to deal with it.
6:31:34I understand.
6:31:36After my parents died, I felt so helpless too.
6:31:38Later, all I wanted was revenge.
6:31:43I want to disgrace the Qin family.
6:31:45I want them to know they drove my parents to death.
6:31:47They can't destroy me either.
6:31:49I
6:31:50Later, I got my revenge.
6:31:51But suddenly, it feels like I have no family left in this world.
6:31:55Don't think like that.
6:31:56You're not alone anymore, besides.
6:31:58Lin Zhao is extremely responsible.
6:31:59He will take good care of you.
6:32:01I don't know, he never said.
6:32:03That he wanted to marry me.
6:32:05Brother Lin.
6:32:05Sister Su.
6:32:07Mm.
6:32:07Are your parents also gone?
6:32:10I smuggled with them.
6:32:12They must be thinking.
6:32:12My.
6:32:16It's getting more and more real.
6:32:17The furnace can be started by the end of the month.
6:32:19When can it be put into use?
6:32:20Once the furnace is started at the end of the month, we can practice.
6:32:22We've already given you over seventy crossbows.
6:32:24In seven more days, we'll have two hundred new crossbows, but we can't wait to plant them.
6:32:28After the steel comes out, we'll make pulleys.
6:32:30They also need to be replaced with iron pulleys.
6:32:31By then.
6:32:32This crossbow will truly be completed as a grenade.
6:32:34Now there are fifty types of landmines, but they haven't been made yet. The copper coins you transported back a while ago also need to be used as a pickaxe furnace before they can be melted into ten copper structures.
6:32:41Ten field support wolf cannons.
6:32:43Unexpectedly, they can't be immediately formed into an army; the cannons must be slowly cast, and the shells specially made.
6:32:47To truly form a new combat force.
6:32:49It will have to wait until next year, which isn't slow either.
6:32:52It can catch up to Chen Su.
6:32:56I'll go take a look.
6:32:59I miss my parents.
6:33:06The house is all cleaned up.
6:33:08These two can go into the city to check the house.
6:33:11Don't live in the county.
6:33:17This doesn't look like a place for people to live, but rather for people to see. Young lady, these words are wrong.
6:33:21Only when it looks proper can one live securely.
6:33:23The best part of our Qinghe Workshop isn't these houses.
6:33:27What is it? The underground sewers and waterways are all under the buildings.
6:33:32It's not slow originally.
6:33:33Hire more carpenters and bricklayers.
6:33:34Plus the militia helping to move wood, tamp foundations, and transport stones, all heavy work has people.
6:33:39In a month, the houses can be finished.
6:33:41The truly amazing part is underground.
6:33:42These invisible processes.
6:33:44Below are brick and stone sewers with covers level with the ground.
6:33:47All the latrines are connected.
6:33:48In the future, no need to use chamber pots; the house has its own place.
6:33:51A sedimentation and water storage tank was built by the city wall.
6:33:53Drawing river water from outside the city to settle.
6:33:54Using dragon bone waterwheels to lift and time.
6:33:56Water delivery.
6:33:57Really no need to pull chamber pots.
6:33:58As long as you use it according to the rules.
6:33:59Then no need for this place to pour.
6:34:01It really seems like a place to settle down.
6:34:03Ladies.
6:34:04Today's first priority is to choose your own homes.
6:34:06Each family has been assigned.
6:34:07Properly, house numbers are posted on the doors.
6:34:13Here, the first courtyard has fifty units; the thirty-six households staying in Qinghe Village get one unit per household.
6:34:17Distributed by household; over there, the second courtyard has ten units.
6:34:19Li Kui got one unit; the innermost five units of the third courtyard have their own owners. Yes, this is our home, Mom.
6:34:25This is ours.
6:34:27Living in the city now.
6:34:30Li Kui.
6:34:30That second courtyard unit was also decided long ago.
6:34:33When Qinghe Village was attacked.
6:34:34He fought side by side with us against the Western Xia.
6:34:37He contributed.
6:34:37And saw blood.
6:34:38Give him a second courtyard unit.
6:34:40If anyone has something to say.
6:34:41Just come to me.
6:34:42What's there to say?
6:34:43It should be distributed; if not Li Kui, who gets it? What about the third courtyard?
6:34:46Those five units: Supervisor Lin, Young Master Xie.
6:34:49Mr. Ma.
6:34:50Miss Chen.
6:34:50Young Master Wang.
6:34:51One unit each.
6:34:52Decided beforehand.
6:34:54Without them.
6:34:55We wouldn't even be living in the city now.
6:34:56I'm afraid our bones would be buried in some desolate ditch.
6:34:58Even the third courtyard, if not for them, would it go to others?
6:35:00Exactly.
6:35:02The remaining unassigned houses are also listed.
6:35:05The first courtyard has fourteen units left.
6:35:06The second courtyard also has only five units left.
6:35:11Miss Chen.
6:35:12Is there anything you're not satisfied with?
6:35:14Everything else is fine.
6:35:15Let me ask you.
6:35:16Why doesn't Hongying have a house?
6:35:18How could Madam Qin not have a house?
6:35:20Isn't Madam Hongying staying at Lin Jianhu's place?
6:35:24I thought this was decided long ago.
6:35:27Oh my.
6:35:27So that's how it's divided.
6:35:29Stop messing around,
6:35:31I'll stop teasing you.
6:35:32But this really does sound great.
6:35:41By imperial decree:
6:35:47By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: in governing the state and its military officials,
6:35:50To secure the borders, the Longcheng County troops are to guard and oversee Linzhao, Qinzhou, suppress bandits, pacify chaos, and defend Longcheng against enemy invasion.
6:35:57By imperial order, Zhuolin Zhao is hereby promoted from the 7th rank Martial Arts Officer to the 7th rank Martial Virtue Officer, still concurrently serving as Longcheng County Troop Supervisor,
6:36:04Additionally appointed as Qinzhou Militia Inspector,
6:36:06To oversee the Qinzhou Xiang Army militia patrols and bandit suppression,
6:36:09For recruiting and pacifying volunteer troops, Xie Changfeng is promoted from the 9th rank Martial Righteousness Officer to the 8th rank Martial Righteousness Officer, serving as Qinzhou Patrol Commander and Deputy Commander under Linzhao.
6:36:20Li Kui is formally enlisted in the military as a 9th rank Chengxin Officer, stationed at Longcheng,
6:36:24Militia Personal Guard Chief Li Shanlu,
6:36:26Black Tiger enters the Qin district with old crimes pardoned,
6:36:29Enrolled in the military register,
6:36:30Respectively assigned to Qinzhou's reduced volunteer forces as Commander and Deputy Commander; Chen Su accompanies the army for medical aid,
6:36:35For meritorious service in protecting the army, granted the title of Imperial Medical Officer.
6:36:38Qinzhou Army Chief Medical Officer, Longcheng Military Medical Affairs Manager, overseeing all military medical matters in the state, with imperial rewards,
6:36:45With authority over the medicine depot and fertile lands; Qin Hongying, for meritorious service in two battles,
6:36:50Courageously risking her life,
6:36:51Specially appointed as 9th rank Chengxin Officer, Longcheng Female Patrol Commander, leading an elite women's unit directly under Linzhao's command,
6:36:56Monthly salary of five officers' rations; military merits to be separately recorded,
6:36:59Sacrifice
6:37:03Ma Zhenbang appointed as 9th rank Jiang Shilang Civil Official, Longcheng Military Workshop Supervisor, granted land, stipend, official materials, charcoal, and iron; his entire family exempt from all corvée labor, and his name listed with the Ministry of Personnel for priority promotion.
6:37:16Thus ordered to increase,
6:37:17Each with merit,
6:37:18Soldiers and officers each receive rewards,
6:37:20The remaining officials newly appointed to serve the public,
6:37:22To win over and pacify the people,
6:37:23To repay the court's favor; proclamation to all, let the wise hear and comply.
6:37:29The lord asks
6:37:31Quickly go set up a banquet in the back hall
6:37:33To entertain honored guests
6:37:38Hongying
6:37:39You've really become a female general now.
6:37:43You must be Sister Chen Su,
6:37:44My name is Mo Qingyuan,
6:37:47You're that little sister with the bright eyes.
6:37:49What bright-eyed little sister,
6:37:53This is Mo Qingyuan, Mo Tongpan's sister,
6:37:55The bright-eyed little sister Wang Haochuan wrote about in his letter,
6:37:58She even mentioned me in the letter.
6:38:00Mm,
6:38:01Sister Chen Su,
6:38:02Since Wang Haochuan told you in the letter,
6:38:04Then the things he promised me,
6:38:06Shouldn't you be the ones to make them happen?
6:38:09What did he promise you?
6:38:14He said,
6:38:14When I arrive in Longcheng County,
6:38:16You'll take me to all the fun places,
6:38:18And eat all the delicious snacks.
6:38:20He really said that?
6:38:21Really,
6:38:23Wang Haochuan isn't even in Longcheng,
6:38:25Yet he's already arranged everything perfectly. Qingyuan,
6:38:27No causing trouble,
6:38:28Manager Mo, rest assured,
6:38:29I'll show him around.
6:38:37Hey,
6:38:37Hand in hand, so affectionate,
6:38:38Yes
6:38:43Hey,
6:38:45Sister Chen Su,
6:38:46I want to go to Qinghe Village,
6:38:46To see the big iron box that runs,
6:38:49This is what Wang Haochuan promised me,
6:38:50He promised you again.
6:38:51Yes,
6:38:53Hey, Qinghe and I are heading back to the village, let's go together,
6:38:56Perfect, let's go together.
6:38:57Hey,
6:39:04Sister Chen Su, where's that big iron box that runs?
6:39:07What big iron box? The one that runs, the one Wang Haochuan talked about. Didn't you want to see the village first?
6:39:14How come you just got here,
6:39:16And you're already only thinking about that,
6:39:17You can see the village anytime, but that's different.
6:39:20Sister Chen Su,
6:39:20Take me to see it first.
6:39:21There,
6:39:22It's right over there.
6:39:28Hey,
6:39:36Sister Chen Su,
6:39:37I want to ride it for a lap,
6:39:38This is what Wang Haochuan promised me
6:39:40No
6:39:41If he wants to eat snacks at the workshop,
6:39:42That's fine.
6:39:43But this village treasure is the foundation of Qinghe Village,
6:39:46Unless in crisis,
6:39:46It is never used,
6:39:47Even Linzhao normally can't bear to use it.
6:39:49No matter how reckless Wang Haochuan is,
6:39:51He would never agree to this,
6:39:54If Wang Haochuan really promised you, naturally.
6:39:56I see,
6:39:57He said before that this thing,
6:40:00Only someone he likes can ride it
6:40:03So that means
6:40:04He just likes you.
6:40:06Then, Sister Mo Qingyuan,
6:40:07Do you like him?
6:40:10I-I-I said that only his future wife is worthy of that thing.
6:40:17Qingyue, since you've already come this far,
6:40:19then you should go in and sit for a while.
6:40:20No, no,
6:40:20I don't really want to sit inside, it's so dark and creepy,
6:40:22I'm scared.
6:40:26We're all like this.
6:40:27What's wrong with us?
6:40:29Didn't you say it yourself?
6:40:30It was all Wang Haochuan who promised you,
6:40:32You can sit but not run,
6:40:33This car is old and can't be moved around.
6:40:35Now staying in the village is to prevent big trouble,
6:40:37not for playing.
6:40:39But Wang Haochuan has a fun item,
6:40:41it's with me,
6:40:42I'll make a decision for him and give it to you.
6:40:50This is Wang Haochuan's
6:40:51Of course it's real, if you don't believe me, go see him later,
6:40:53ask him to sing it according to this tune,
6:40:55he even knows the lyrics.
6:41:03Brother Ma
6:41:03You old man are pretty good at fooling little girls,
6:41:06to help you out,
6:41:07and pave the way for Haochuan,
6:41:08Is it easy being an older brother?
6:41:10Oh no, the batch of parts from Qinghe Workshop, go check on Hongying's residence,
6:41:14You go arrange it, yeah,
6:41:19That's about enough,
6:41:20If you broadcast it two more times,
6:41:21the whole Qinghe Village will know Wang Haochuan gave you a treasure,
6:41:24I'm just looking, who said this is a treasure?
6:41:28Little Chen Su sister,
6:41:29Do you think Wang Haochuan can pass the imperial exam?
6:41:32I think he can, really, really,
6:41:33He's always been a top student,
6:41:36What's a top student?
6:41:36It's someone whose brain works really fast,
6:41:39Others read a book three times,
6:41:40he reads it once and remembers most of it,
6:41:42Anyway, when it comes to studying,
6:41:43he's better than most people,
6:41:45So if he really passes, he'll have to go to the capital,
6:41:48Yes,
6:41:49After the autumn results are posted, he should leave,
6:41:51Unless he doesn't pass,
6:41:53What, afraid he'll forget you after he leaves?
6:41:56Who's afraid of that?
6:41:57I was just, just asking casually,
6:41:59Don't worry.
6:42:00From what I see, that guy's memory is pretty good,
6:42:02As long as it's people and things he finds interesting, he won't easily forget them,
6:42:17Exactly.
6:42:19Brother, enough flattery,
6:42:20No,
6:42:21Not yet, are you leaving tonight?
6:42:22Not leaving,
6:42:23Staying here tonight,
6:42:24Going back tomorrow,
6:42:24Really, why would I lie to you?
6:42:29Go call Brother Ma to the Qinghe Council Hall,
6:42:31Let's discuss something.
6:42:32Okay,
6:42:34If Mo Pan and Tan Ruo are willing to listen,
6:42:36they can come over later too.
6:42:37Alright,
6:42:39Settle your sister here first,
6:42:41Qingyue,
6:42:42Don't run around,
6:42:45If you really want this girl to stay put,
6:42:48I'm afraid it won't be that easy.
6:42:51Mm,
6:42:53Baby,
6:42:54I did it to help Chen Su out,
6:42:56and also gave Haochuan a hand.
6:42:58That thing,
6:42:58I can make you ten or eight of them anytime,
6:43:00I'll make you a better one later.
6:43:01I'm not angry,
6:43:03Really, I'm not.
6:43:05Brother Ma, the captain
6:43:06told me to call you to the meeting.
6:43:11Sister-in-law Qinghe, the captain is having a meeting over there,
6:43:13The Mo siblings are staying tonight,
6:43:14The village will probably need help,
6:43:15You help arrange it,
6:43:16I got it.
6:43:24Mm,
6:43:26What's wrong?
6:43:26Brother Ma,
6:43:27What's up with your baby?
6:43:28Cut the crap and get going,
6:43:31I gotta say, you're really something,
6:43:32Good stuff,
6:43:33not for your own wife first, but to coax someone else's.
6:43:35Little girl, Sister-in-law Qinghe would be pouting for sure,
6:43:39That was to help Chen Su out,
6:43:40and also give Haochuan a hand, Haochuan needs it,
6:43:43You're helping someone who's an arts student.
6:43:44What's wrong with being a liberal arts student?
6:43:45You don't even understand liberal arts students,
6:43:46They speak with such eloquence,
6:43:48and have endless tricks when chasing girls.
6:43:50Someone like Haochuan doesn't need that,
6:43:51You just help set things up,
6:43:52He can handle it with just his mouth.
6:43:54What kind of nonsense are you spouting?
6:43:57You're a mechanical engineer,
6:43:58so stop being a love consultant for others,
6:44:00That's out of your field.
6:44:01Get lost, hahaha
6:44:06Oh my
6:44:06This is this is not this place
6:44:11The Western Xia have made a move; the front-line Deshun Army has already clashed with the Western Xia.
6:44:19I am the Qinzhou Tongpan,
6:44:21but this is Lin Chao's factory,
6:44:25Let me tell everyone some news,
6:44:26The Western Xia have made a move; the front-line Desheng Army has already clashed with the Western Xia.
6:44:31And another piece of good news,
6:44:33Thanks to the Commander-in-Chief and Mo Pintai's favor, the four hundred warhorses captured at Panya Mountain are left for our Xiang Army.
6:44:39Panya Mountain,
6:44:39That batch of weapons will also be prioritized to arm our Xiang Army with four hundred warhorses and weapons,
6:44:45This is no small matter.
6:44:49So next, we'll assign tasks.
6:44:51Li Kui, Qin Hongying,
6:44:53Tie Shan,
6:44:55You three each hold a Fu Xun talisman,
6:44:58and bring the inspection warrant stamped with my official seal,
6:45:02Each take fifty personal soldiers and go to the three lines to reorganize.
6:45:05Xiang Army
6:45:07Remember two things
6:45:09First,
6:45:10Do not touch the Imperial Guards.
6:45:12Second,
6:45:13Select the elite from the Xiang Army for me,
6:45:15Those who can fight get priority for quality equipment,
6:45:17Train on the spot. Orders received. If local militia commanders cooperate,
6:45:23follow the rules,
6:45:26If they don't cooperate,
6:45:28take them down on the spot.
6:45:33If they dare resist,
6:45:35cut off their heads directly.
6:45:38I didn't come here today to sit in on the discussion at all.
6:45:40Lin Zhao,
6:45:41This is putting me here to endorse on the spot,
6:45:44Mo Pantai, Guan,
6:45:46This order doesn't violate any rules, right?
6:45:52Good,
6:45:52Lin Zhao really doesn't waste anything,
6:45:55Inviting me here
6:45:58doesn't break the rules.
6:46:00Changfeng
6:46:02Here
6:46:06Special Forces
6:46:06How many people have been trained now?
6:46:08Three hundred people have all passed the cycling test,
6:46:12All qualified
6:46:14Mountain running
6:46:15Night marching and lurking,
6:46:17Lurking and long-distance raids are all ready for use.
6:46:21Since Western Xia started the border conflict first,
6:46:24Commanders,
6:46:24The front line has already engaged the enemy.
6:46:26As subordinates of that elder,
6:46:28We can't just sit idle,
6:46:31This kid wouldn't just get promoted,
6:46:33and want to overstep his bounds, would he?
6:46:36Brother,
6:46:37We we have no authority to deploy troops to fight Western Xia,
6:46:45My superior is sitting right here,
6:46:46How could I openly do something against the rules?
6:46:49I don't intend to deploy a large army,
6:46:50I'm deploying three hundred people,
6:46:52That's still within my authority, right?
6:46:54Mo Pantai, you say,
6:46:56Right?
6:46:58This kid is using me as a ready-made seal again,
6:47:00But he's not wrong to ask.
6:47:02The state inspection commissioner on border patrol can deploy three hundred to five hundred people on the spot,
6:47:06without prior approval,
6:47:08just report afterward.
6:47:11So I don't intend to fight the Western Xia,
6:47:13But
6:47:15I want to conduct a foraging raid.
6:47:19A court official actually wants to conduct a foraging raid?
6:47:23Lin Xunda
6:47:24You consistently deploying three hundred people for border patrol, I have nothing to say,
6:47:27Crossing the border at this time,
6:47:29Technically, it's not a violation,
6:47:30But you only have three hundred people entering Western Xia territory,
6:47:34Unfamiliar terrain, unclear enemy situation,
6:47:35Using three hundred against a whole nation is like walking into a tiger's mouth,
6:47:39If you fail, you'll lose troops and generals,
6:47:41Even lead to major consequences, mishandling,
6:47:43The crime of underestimating the enemy and advancing rashly.
6:47:44You can't escape it.
6:47:49Pantai
6:47:49Your golden advice, I will remember,
6:47:52But I can't possibly fail.
6:48:00That's easy for you to say,
6:48:03as if you're just stepping out to grab something.
6:48:06If I dare go,
6:48:08I naturally have some confidence.
6:48:10Just taking three hundred brothers out for a spin,
6:48:12if it works,
6:48:12best if it doesn't
6:48:15we retreat
6:48:15even if we take some losses,
6:48:18that's just part of war.
6:48:19I'll take full responsibility,
6:48:20that's that.
6:48:23I, Lin Chao, on military duty,
6:48:25deeply indebted to the nation, holding this whip at the border unrest,
6:48:28with the Hu cavalry watching for a chance,
6:48:30how dare I not fight to the death?
6:48:31Forward,
6:48:31to repay the nation's crisis, even if it's a mountain of blades and sea of fire,
6:48:34I must charge through,
6:48:35if I can slightly err,
6:48:36the bandit wind as the front line,
6:48:37to share the commander's worries,
6:48:38even if I'm shattered,
6:48:40I will not decline
6:48:43High-sounding words,
6:48:45but the excitement in his eyes,
6:48:47he can't hide it at all.
6:48:48In that case,
6:48:49Lin Xun, take care of yourself,
6:48:51I still have official duties at the office,
6:48:53tonight I'll take Shemei back to the city,
6:48:58respectfully see off the rebel.
6:49:01Lin Zhao is a sharp sword,
6:49:02and a double-edged sword,
6:49:04the commander must be on guard early.
6:49:09This time Western Xia sent about twenty thousand troops,
6:49:11the main attack on the right vanguard of the Deshun army, three thousand cavalry, has broken through two of our small camps. The commander is consolidating forces and retreating to defend the fortress,
6:49:17temporarily not engaging in field battle.
6:49:18Old Dong's approach is correct.
6:49:20Western Xia iron cavalry excels at field battles,
6:49:21our army is exhausted,
6:49:22morale hasn't recovered.
6:49:23At this time,
6:49:24relying on fortress deep trenches and high walls to first err,
6:49:26blunting their spirit is the best strategy.
6:49:28As long as we can make the Western Xia unable to move before our fortress,
6:49:31banging their heads and bleeding,
6:49:32that's victory time.
6:49:34Before I pass my orders, the front army three commands,
6:49:37immediately advance thirty li,
6:49:39occupy the险,
6:49:39put on an attacking posture,
6:49:41give me,
6:49:41keep a tight watch on Western Xia's left route,
6:49:42if they dare move, press on them.
6:49:44Commander,
6:49:45this is a strategy.
6:49:46Ying Zhong Huai Chuan to share the pressure for the Deshun army.
6:49:48But don't you often say,
6:49:49with the Dong family bastards
6:49:52I can't stand the Zhong family, it's silk
6:49:54it's a sword of faction,
6:49:55fighting Western Xia to defend the Great Song border is a national matter,
6:49:58it's public,
6:49:59how can private matters override public ones? Opposite,
6:50:01holding swords and spears,
6:50:02wanting to break our pass,
6:50:03killing our people are Western Xia invaders. Zhong Huai Chuan, despite all discomforts,
6:50:07at this moment is wearing our Great Song attire,
6:50:09guarding Great Song territory's bronze robe,
6:50:10is my robe.
6:50:11Brother Liu
6:50:13If the Western Xia dare to split forces eastward
6:50:14don't wait for central army orders, immediately harass the flank and cut
6:50:17their supply route,
6:50:17don't let them comfortably go fight the victorious army. Hmph, old Zhong,
6:50:21I don't like you,
6:50:23but this Great Song border isn't for Tangut barbarians to run wild,
6:50:26you'd better hold it for me,
6:50:27don't lose face for our Xijun
6:50:37You think this Mo Pan Tai going back,
6:50:39will he complain about us in front of the commanders?
6:50:40I saw his final expression, it wasn't good, right?
6:50:42He will, he definitely will write a monster,
6:50:45got a bit carried away.
6:50:46The words 'da cao gu',
6:50:47are too harsh for someone like him,
6:50:48they can listen to 'xun bian jing' but can't stand this.
6:50:51Then make it more elegant,
6:50:52besiege Wei to save Zhao, secretly cross at Chencang,
6:50:54or else fake a retreat to lure the enemy,
6:50:55sounds so strategic and high-end,
6:50:57Changfeng, in the Great Song, your knowledge has narrowed,
6:51:00idioms one after another.
6:51:01Hey,
6:51:01what does this have to do with knowledge,
6:51:03some people just fall for this, diploma level,
6:51:05sometimes really doesn't represent what's in the brain,
6:51:06How's the repair of the fifty iron waist armor captured by Brother Ma going?
6:51:10Done long ago,
6:51:11The damaged parts were patched with cold electricity,
6:51:12Key connections were reinforced,
6:51:13Defenses are solid,
6:51:14The weight is a bit light—sixty grenades, twenty landmines, all stealth and charges checked,
6:51:17Ready to use anytime. The Changfeng Special Forces have trained in throwing,
6:51:19No sandbags or wooden blocks—all trained,
6:51:21Movements,
6:51:22No problems,
6:51:22Not a single live round,
6:51:23With our limited resources, how could we afford that?
6:51:27Grenades are still controlled by us two. Landmines are for delaying and early warning on key routes.
6:51:30Red Camp reorganizes Qingshui County's Xiang Army,
6:51:32Li Kui goes to Chengji County, Tieshan to Tianshui County.
6:51:34Remember,
6:51:34Fast, accurate, ruthless—pull out the tough bones.
6:51:36Black Tiger and us go to battle, Ma Ge,
6:51:38Guard the village well,
6:51:38Our equipment might not even match the army's. When necessary,
6:51:41The county's Xiang Army can help with hard labor,
6:51:43The county's round cakes are not to be dropped.
6:51:44The Xiangyong are all trained by me,
6:51:46With the Northern Warriors here, anything can be achieved. Come to Round Cake,
6:51:48Let's do as you say,
6:51:49Depart at dawn tomorrow,
6:51:54The great battle is truly about to begin.
6:51:55We five came to a thousand years ago,
6:51:57Swept into this torrent,
6:51:58Can we really change anything?
6:52:00If we can leave a slight difference in the history books,
6:52:02This bizarre journey,
6:52:04Might be worth it.
6:52:05Sister Song,
6:52:06You say Ling Zhao took three hundred men to rush into Western Xia,
6:52:09Can it really succeed?
6:52:10Isn't it too dangerous?
6:52:11It can succeed. You must believe in him,
6:52:13He is an outstanding military commander,
6:52:15Seemingly risky, but behind it must be meticulous calculation,
6:52:18His future dangers likely won't come from frontal enemies,
6:52:21Not from enemies,
6:52:22Then from where?
6:52:23From within,
6:52:24The Great Song is already rotten to the core.
6:52:26The higher Lin Zhao climbs,
6:52:27The more eyes watch him,
6:52:29The blades on the battlefield may not reach him,
6:52:31But the things in the court are deadly.
6:52:33Then what to do?
6:52:35We don't just have Ling Zhao. Wang Haochuan is clever as a fox—speaks human language to people,
6:52:39And can chat with ghosts too.
6:52:41The future court's twists and turns, secret memorials,
6:52:42Will rely on him to maneuver.
6:52:43We five each have our uses,
6:52:44Complementing each other.
6:52:46I really envy you five, coming together from so far away, advancing and retreating as one,
6:52:50Always able to look out for each other.
6:52:52Will you all go to the capital in the future?
6:52:55Ma Ge has no scheming mind; going to such a place...
6:52:58Ma Ge has his own battlefield to handle,
6:53:00Let us have the best swords, armor, and meat,
6:53:01With sharp tools others don't have,
6:53:03Court struggles likely won't need his direct involvement,
6:53:06I will go,
6:53:06And I will definitely take you along. Besides,
6:53:08We are not five people now,
6:53:10Haven't you two already joined?
6:53:12Joined?
6:53:19We're back,
6:53:20Did you enjoy yourselves?
6:53:21The village is quite interesting.
6:53:22Sister Chen Su,
6:53:23They're fine too,
6:53:24It's just that Third Brother insisted on rushing back
6:53:28Sit
6:53:29That Lin Zhao
6:53:30And his Qinghe Village,
6:53:32Is there anything unusual? Father,
6:53:34Now I increasingly believe what they say about returning from the past,
6:53:37May not be false. Reorganizing,
6:53:38The Xiang Army's methods are cruel, crossing borders,
6:53:40Attacking enemies without concern,
6:53:41Already becoming blatant. 'Burning grass and valleys'—such style is incompatible with our Great Song's officialdom that values moderation and harmony. Instead,
6:53:47Like a wild thing growing in the wilderness,
6:53:48Only resembling a human,
6:53:49But the wildness in the bones is not smoothed away,
6:53:51Only hearing of his unscrupulous methods,
6:53:53Only for his auspiciousness,
6:53:54And for his virtue.
6:53:55This child's talent and courage are top-notch,
6:53:57But his edge is too sharp and exposed,
6:53:58Later, draft a secret urgent report to the commander,
6:54:01Asking him to add more caution early.
6:54:02Lin Zhao is a sharp sword—used well, can cut enemies; used poorly, can harm oneself.
6:54:07Let's see how this 'burning grass and valleys' turns out.
6:54:11Western Region tactics stir up the border front,
6:54:13Already engaged. The rear border must adapt on the spot,
6:54:15Cannot be entirely too peaceful and law-abiding.
6:54:17Although Lin Zhao's move is shocking,
6:54:18It is not entirely without reason,
6:54:20But what I worry about may not be his failure, but his success.
6:54:23If he succeeds in one battle,
6:54:25he'll only grow more ruthless in purging,
6:54:26and with power shifting, I fear
6:54:27it may not bode well for the borderlands.
6:54:29If so, you must be vigilant,
6:54:31and you must intercept,
6:54:32I fear this order to investigate
6:54:33may not catch up with Lin Zhao's actions.
6:54:39Bao Du Xun's seventeen border peaks have been lighting beacons for three days as if for help,
6:54:42no reinforcements,
6:54:42no grain transports to the western border; patrols have only been strengthened,
6:54:47Qingshi Fort and three other forts have no troop increases, and their gates are lax,
6:54:50watchtowers lack ports, and there are no frequent signal orders,
6:54:52nor any army reorganization or fortification.
6:54:55Qingshui River Old Fort
6:54:56twenty li from here, garrisoned by fifty-three men,
6:54:58at night only ten patrol the walls.
6:54:59Recently,
6:55:00Lin Bao is over thirty li away,
6:55:01the mountain roads are hard to traverse,
6:55:02they absolutely cannot save Xijing in time,
6:55:03they've put their main force and attention entirely on the east,
6:55:05never expecting the Song army to dare cross the border proactively,
6:55:07over three hundred men deep in enemy territory,
6:55:09can't just grab and run,
6:55:10we must first take a fort as a foothold and supply depot,
6:55:15right here, Qingshui River Old Fort.
6:55:17Tonight at the third quarter of the zi hour,
6:55:18Changfeng and I will lead fifty elites, with muffled horse hooves, up from the side gate cliff to take out the sentries.
6:55:24Open the fort gate; once it's open,
6:55:27within half a shichen at most, Black Tiger, you lead the remaining three hundred fifty riders, one man,
6:55:31two horses each, follow behind; once the fort gate opens,
6:55:33charge in at full speed immediately, quickly clear the remaining enemy,
6:55:35seize grain,
6:55:36weapons, and horses; move fast,
6:55:38within half a shichen at most. Orders received: kill those fifty or so in the fort,
6:55:43no matter what,
6:55:45but try not to make too much noise.
6:55:47Check equipment, eat dry rations, depart at zi hour.
6:55:55A proper seventh-rank Wujie Lang should stay in the central army, but Lin Tou said
6:55:59he'd go himself, and he really did take Xie Changfeng and fifty elites to sneak over.
6:56:02Feng Gui Feng,
6:56:03but he doesn't gamble with others' lives,
6:56:06he puts his own life on the line first.
6:56:10Okay,
6:56:11Go
6:56:24Oh
6:56:27What do you want to say?
6:56:30Hmm,
6:56:35This inspector really isn't relying on luck,
6:56:38he's capable,
6:56:40and he can thrust the knife all the way to the deepest point.
6:56:48Inspector, the fort has been cleared; three wind fields,
6:56:51one coal light controlling the watchtower, fort gate, stables,
6:56:54inventory,
6:56:54grain,
6:56:55water, military boots, and horses.
6:57:02Leave fifty elites.
6:57:03Shou Bao, strip the Xijing people's clothes,
6:57:05wear whatever fits.
6:57:09From now on,
6:57:11this fort must still look like it's in Xijing hands,
6:57:20move the bodies aside first,
6:57:22bloodstains,
6:57:22cover what you can; keep watch as usual; without my order,
6:57:26no lighting fires randomly.
6:57:27This is both our retreat route,
6:57:29and a transfer point for spoils,
6:57:33anyone who reveals a flaw will face military law.
6:57:45Bro
6:57:46So this is our Northern Border.
6:57:47It's really damn magnificent.
6:57:50Your geography must have been taught by a PE teacher,
6:57:52Beijing is even further north,
6:57:53we're on the grasslands by the plateau in the northwest hinterland; it's all about the same,
6:57:58can run horses, has grass to eat,
6:57:59that's a good place.
6:58:01Comrades,
6:58:04below Bao Fort, the road ahead is open,
6:58:06from now on, two hundred equipped
6:58:08with Qinghe crossbows, cavalry special forces as the main assault vanguard; one hundred fifty light cavalry guard the flanks,
6:58:14and send captured goods in batches back to Qingshui River Old Fort to Zhao Yi,
6:58:17transferred to Longcheng County,
6:58:18after handover, resupply immediately and come out again,
6:58:20to receive the next batch of reserves.
6:58:23We're not here to fight to the death with the Xijing army,
6:58:25we're here to snatch meat,
6:58:27spot a fat sheep, take a fierce bite, and leave,
6:58:30don't get bogged down,
6:58:30don't show off; keep your lives for later.
6:58:34There are plenty more battles to fight. Depart!
6:58:48Zhang Feng, look,
6:58:49see that?
6:58:49The Xiji army's pasture supply point,
6:58:51you lead the team to take it,
6:58:52take all livestock and military supplies.
6:58:54How to take it?
6:58:56Hmm,
6:58:56What, don't know how to seize spoils?
6:58:59Don't know? Back in the army,
6:59:01If I dare take the common people's things,
6:59:02what will you do?
6:59:02Punish me?
6:59:03You
6:59:05Isn't it obvious?
6:59:07I've never even trained for this,
6:59:08how am I supposed to know how?
6:59:09So this is your first lesson:
6:59:11first, distinguish civilians from military supplies.
6:59:14But those herders,
6:59:15they're just ordinary people.
6:59:20Once here, you can't treat everyone as an enemy.
6:59:22You speak of the Dragon Kingdom,
6:59:24but this is the Great Song.
6:59:25Ahead there are guards,
6:59:26official armor,
6:59:27and military horses.
6:59:27It's a Western Jin military supply point.
6:59:30My orders are to take it down,
6:59:33without harming the innocent.
6:59:34Black Tiger,
6:59:36ahead is the Western Ji Army's pasture supply point.
6:59:39Take your men and seize it,
6:59:40bring back all the livestock and weapons.
6:59:42Password: Brothers, the former Yangzhou commander fled with only fifty men,
6:59:46the rest, follow me!
7:00:10Understand what?
7:00:15How long has it been?
7:00:21These people were just herding,
7:00:23and in a blink, they became captives.
7:00:25This kind of account is different from the ones I know.
7:00:30Chief Lin,
7:00:32Four to five hundred sheep,
7:00:34over seventy cattle,
7:00:34sixty horses, twenty riding bows, ten leather armors, twenty-two short sabers, over seven hundred swords.
7:00:42What do we do with these people?
7:00:43Pick fifty,
7:00:44send the cattle, sheep, and horses back to Qingshui River Fort and hand them to Zhao Yi.
7:00:47Then choose a dozen or so from these people who know herding and can drive flocks,
7:00:50give them enough water and food along the way.
7:00:55If anyone disrupts the group on the way, tie them up first,
7:00:58and hand them to Zhao Yi for handling. Damn it,
7:01:01this really is a fat sheep.
7:01:05Brother,
7:01:06this is called 'beating the grass valley'—raiding for supplies.
7:01:09It's only just begun.
7:01:19What's going on?
7:01:20The Xiang Army has switched to herding?
7:01:22Yeah,
7:01:23one wave goes out of the city, another comes back.
7:01:25Why are there more behind?
7:01:26Are you blind?
7:01:27These sheep aren't from near Longcheng.
7:01:29Could they have been driven back from the Western border?
7:01:32Wave after wave,
7:01:34how much has the Xiang Army brought back?
7:01:40Whole animals are selling for thirty percent less than usual.
7:01:43There's more behind, don't push, don't push!
7:01:47Thirty percent off,
7:01:48are they trying to kill us?
7:01:50Hey,
7:01:51stop shouting,
7:01:52let's pool our money first.
7:01:53We'll buy whole animals,
7:01:54slaughter and sell them ourselves.
7:02:00This one,
7:02:00at this price, any lower and it's really not possible.
7:02:02These are live sheep I'm selling.
7:02:08The camp can't hold them all.
7:02:08Split into two routes: one to Qinghe Village,
7:02:10one to the city to sell cattle.
7:02:11Don't touch,
7:02:11don't touch the cattle,
7:02:12register everything, it's too much.
7:02:18General Digong is selling sheep in the streets, the county town
7:02:21is about to be blocked by cattle and sheep.
7:02:30Zhao Yi,
7:02:31as the Xiang Army's commander,
7:02:33you're not in camp,
7:02:34how come you're in the streets doing
7:02:36business instead of training troops?
7:02:37Where did all these sheep come from?
7:02:40The Kui Di Palace is all Lin Xunda's,
7:02:41brought back from the Western border.
7:02:44What?
7:02:45In just one morning, over fifteen hundred sheep have been brought back,
7:02:48plus several hundred cattle,
7:02:49and over a hundred and forty horses. The barracks can hardly hold them.
7:02:51If we don't divert them, the roads behind will be jammed.
7:02:56You mean Lin Xun is doing business with the Western Jing?
7:03:01What business?
7:03:01Duke Di, Lin Xundong,
7:03:02that's raiding for supplies—'beating the grass valley'.
7:03:06Beating the grass valley?
7:03:08That's something the Great Song's official army can do?
7:03:10Nonsense! Was this reported to Zhou Li?
7:03:13Did you get permission?
7:03:15I have orders to assist in transport.
7:03:18As for whether Zhou Li knows,
7:03:19or Judge Mo knows,
7:03:20That's not something I can ask. Go get Wang Fulin.
7:03:29Lin Xundu went to Xijing to raid for supplies.
7:03:31Was this reported to Zhou Li?
7:03:35Exactly—whether it was reported or not.
7:03:36This subordinate doesn't know.
7:03:38But during the discussion that day,
7:03:41Judge Mo was present.
7:03:42If Lin Xundu dared to do this right in front of Judge Mo,
7:03:44then Zhou Li at least wasn't completely in the dark.
7:03:45It shouldn't be considered acting recklessly on his own.
7:03:47Yet it actually worked.
7:03:50The world is getting harder and harder to understand.
7:03:52Lin Qunxia,
7:04:04we have enough men now—let's just split our forces.
7:04:05I'll take a hundred, Changfeng takes a hundred,
7:04:07and we each sweep a different area.
7:04:08We'll loot faster that way.
7:04:09Got carried away with looting, huh?
7:04:13This is Western Xia territory,
7:04:14not the backyard of Qinghe Village.
7:04:15You two have barely had a few bites of meat,
7:04:17and you've already forgotten your own names.
7:04:18You still dare to split our forces?
7:04:19Things are going smoothly now only because the small tribes along this line haven't reacted yet,
7:04:20and the main forces haven't picked up our trail.
7:04:22Once the enemy scouts,
7:04:23especially the tribal warriors, are fully mobilized,
7:04:24sending out your hundred men in one group is just asking to die faster.
7:04:25What's wrong?
7:04:27See for yourself.
7:04:44Scouts—the small tribes have been plundered so much, the nearby larger tribes
7:04:46can't possibly have shown no reaction at all.
7:04:49These people are most likely sent out first to scout. Perfect—bring one back and question him.
7:04:53No rush.
7:04:55Everyone mount up.
7:05:01Prepare your gear.
7:05:03Follow these scouts.
7:05:07You want to find their home base?
7:05:08Iron柚子,
7:05:09armor and leather straps.
7:05:24Changfeng,
7:05:24take fifty Qinghe crossbow special ops and charge first.
7:05:31Stick close to the enemy scouts and use binoculars to keep an eye on the front.
7:05:32If you spot their settlement or a large enemy force ahead,
7:05:34report back immediately.
7:05:36If you encounter a small group of cavalry you can handle, wipe them out.
7:05:38If it's a large force, retreat at once.
7:05:39Understood?
7:05:41Understood. No unauthorized engagements.
7:05:43Do you know what your mission is?
7:05:44I know. My mission is to lure the enemy in deep, Great King.
7:05:46Come catch me!
7:05:48Left wing: a hundred Xinhe crossbow cavalry led by Lu Heihu, spread out to the left.
7:05:50Right wing: fifty Xinhe crossbow cavalry and fifty light cavalry, follow me.
7:05:54Center: fifty Iron柚子, hold the rear.
7:05:57Keep five hundred paces between each unit.
7:06:00No disorder.
7:06:03The remaining fifty new cavalry, watch the baggage and horses.
7:06:04Push forward.
7:06:05They're running!
7:06:10So they really were scouting.
7:06:16This is actually a large tribe of thousands.
7:06:19I have to report back to the captain.
7:06:28We've found the place.
7:06:30Alright,
7:06:32they really took the bait.
7:06:44Hold on.
7:06:45Four hundred paces,
7:06:47three hundred paces,
7:06:55two hundred paces.
7:06:56Everyone prepare to turn and shoot.
7:06:57Here they come!
7:06:58All units, accelerate! Left and right wings, flank the center!
7:07:07Iron柚子, prepare to charge!
7:07:09Captain, reinforcements have arrived!
7:07:12Turn around,
7:07:19tangle them up!
7:07:20Iron socks!
7:07:20How could Song troops have iron socks? We've been tricked! Retreat to the stronghold!
7:07:26No need to pursue too closely.
7:07:27This time we've really found a big one.
7:07:39Now this is a proper place.
7:07:43Captain, the western wall—
7:07:46The western wall can't hold much longer!
7:08:00Ladders! They're killing our men!
7:08:01Damn it, they dare to come up!
7:08:02Mm.
7:08:05Reinforcements—why haven't reinforcements arrived yet?
7:08:10Commander!
7:08:15General Yao Zheng's side is making a move.
7:08:46The vanguard has left camp twenty li.
7:08:47Looks like they intend to flank and force Yuning to retreat. Yao Zheng, that old butcher, ultimately still considers the big picture?
7:08:48Zhong Huaichuan,
7:08:49this old fellow can really hold out.
7:09:01Commander!
7:09:01The vanguard's three-point meeting is in position. Shall we press forward as planned?
7:09:07Commander! Urgent military report!
7:09:08Twenty li to the northwest, a large Western Xia force has been spotted, bearing the banner of the Zhuoluo River Southern Military Command.
7:09:16Commander!
7:09:17Urgent military report!
7:09:24Commander
7:09:25Fourth, the elite Ming'a Wu forces number no less than ten thousand banners,
7:09:27and are advancing toward our army's flank.
7:09:30Guiming Awu Zhuoluo River Southern Command
7:09:33Well, well,
7:09:34The elite of the Guimingji family have also been deployed,
7:09:37They're guarding against me stabbing them in the back.
7:09:40Commander,
7:09:40If our army advances further, our flank will be exposed to Guiming.
7:09:42Awu, should the vanguard continue forward? Continue my ass,
7:09:46I'm going to relieve Zhong Huaichuan, that old bastard,
7:09:48not to throw my life away. Pass the order,
7:09:49The vanguard is to halt immediately,
7:09:50and use the high ground to construct defensive positions on the spot.
7:09:52The central army's left and right flanks are to close in toward the center,
7:09:53and steady the formation for me.
7:09:54If that Guiming Awu doesn't come, fine,
7:09:56but if he dares to come,
7:09:57I'll let him taste the hard assault of the Tongyuan Army.
7:10:01Zhong Huaichuan, I've been stopped by this fierce tiger of the Guiying clan,
7:10:04The rest is up to your own skills,
7:10:20It's really not that I don't want to
7:10:23Alright, alright
7:10:26Target
7:10:27Archers on the wall
7:10:29Fire at will
7:10:30Suppress them
7:10:36Big eyes
7:10:50Scatter
7:10:59This is a mortar.
7:11:00They even have this thing here,
7:11:02Crossbowmen, keep suppressing the spearheads,
7:11:04Anyone who dares to poke their head out, I'll nail them down
7:11:09Cover Tao
7:11:15Fire
7:11:15Don't let him get close
7:11:30Okay, okay, okay, okay
7:11:30Alright, alright,
7:11:31One
7:11:34Iron Duck, into battle
7:11:43Follow up, follow up,
7:11:44Kill your way in for me
7:11:47Go
7:12:05Kill all who resist without mercy. Retreat, hurry
7:12:17Brother
7:12:19We've made quite a big fuss this time,
7:12:22It is quite big,
7:12:23Will Xijing be angered into retaliation?
7:12:25and start an all-out war with Nanjing?
7:12:26No,
7:12:27They will retreat,
7:12:29How do you know?
7:12:30Because this time it's likely not a national war officially decided by the Western Jin court,
7:12:33If I'm not mistaken,
7:12:33this attack on Nanjing
7:12:34was initiated by the Xishou Baotai Military Command on their own,
7:12:36If they win,
7:12:37the court will naturally play dumb and turn a blind eye. If they lose,
7:12:40then those in the court who never wanted to fight,
7:12:41the court officials,
7:12:42will eagerly tear into them.
7:12:43But we've fought our way into their heartland,
7:12:45and even breached such a large stronghold and looted it,
7:12:46Like this,
7:12:47Can they really swallow this insult?
7:12:49They'll have to swallow it even if they can't. They started the raid for grass first,
7:12:51Now that they've suffered a loss, the anti-war faction in the court will use this to attack: 'The Xishou Baotai Military Command has ruined the country.'
7:12:55If this battle escalates further,
7:12:57into a full-scale war,
7:12:58Xijun,
7:12:58the court may not be willing to bear the consequences, Changfeng.
7:13:01Do you know why this dynasty eventually fell?
7:13:04It wasn't the mistake of forming an alliance to attack an old enemy and letting the wolf in,
7:13:06That wasn't the real big mistake,
7:13:08There were two,
7:13:09First, breaking faith with the nation,
7:13:11A century-old alliance,
7:13:11The peace that was so hard to obtain, they tore it up themselves first.
7:13:15Second, breaking faith with people,
7:13:17Since someone surrendered,
7:13:18and was accepted,
7:13:19they became one of us,
7:13:20But then they turned around and killed them,
7:13:21and sent their heads back to the enemy state.
7:13:24Speaking of which, that surrendered general in the north with heavy troops is about to rebel too.
7:13:27The court's second northern expedition is also imminent.
7:13:32Brother,
7:13:33Hearing you say that,
7:13:34I actually feel even more disheartened about the future.
7:13:36Our mission is to prevent countless civilians from being massacred,
7:13:39and to avoid the suffering of displacement.
7:13:46Take away all the spoils: cattle, sheep, and horses,
7:13:48Drive away everything that can be driven.
7:13:50Gold and silver vessels,
7:13:50Weapons and armor, gather them first,
7:13:52We'll sort them later. Tear down all the tents for me. Prisoners,
7:13:55bring them all along. Dong Fangmu can drive them all. Pick them all and bring them back to Linxue. I've estimated that the sheep and cattle together,
7:14:01are probably nearly ten thousand head. Warhorses over a thousand,
7:14:02all good horses currently grazing in the stronghold.
7:14:04Gold and silver vessels,
7:14:05Furs,
7:14:05bows and arrows,
7:14:05blades and armor—too mixed up,
7:14:06no time to count it all yet,
7:14:07we'll just haul it back first and tally it later—nearly ten thousand head.
7:14:11Heh heh,
7:14:12Lin Xunxia, this time I've earned merit, right?
7:14:14When we get back, rewards will be given by merit.
7:14:29The Western Xia are coming—close the stockade gates!
7:14:30Close the gates! Get on the walls, all of you, on the walls!
7:14:33Prepare to defend the fort.
7:14:38Wait, no—
7:14:40It's sheep!
7:14:47Oh my god!
7:14:48How many is that?!
7:14:51Mm,
7:14:58Not called
7:15:09Commander Du
7:15:10Say
7:15:11The Rou Wolf Clan at the foot of Rou Wolf Mountain is gone.
7:15:15What? The Southern Army crossed the border, first breaking through
7:15:17the outer scouts, then luring and killing the fort's cavalry,
7:15:18then storming the main fort—cattle, sheep, warhorses, discarded armor, gold and silver all plundered. Those still alive
7:15:23were all swept away by the Southern Army.
7:15:26Who did it? The Hui tribal command—it was a Southern Army banner unit that penetrated deep into the grasslands.
7:15:30The one leading the troops is a Southern Jing.
7:15:30The general's surname is Lin—Lin.
7:15:33A Southern border general—when did another Lin pop up? This is no ordinary skirmish.
7:15:39This is a slap to our face, a humiliation.
7:15:44The Nanman crossed the border without honor,
7:15:45slaughtered deep into our land,
7:15:46plundered our cattle, horses, and people.
7:15:48This is a monstrous insult. I petition
7:15:49to raise troops and march south,
7:15:50with blood,
7:15:50to avenge this hatred.
7:15:52Right now the entire Rou Wolf Clan is wiped out—a hole punched through our rear.
7:15:55At court,
7:15:55those who never wanted to fight
7:15:57won't just curse the Nanman,
7:15:58they'll curse me even more—
7:15:59clearing the border,
7:15:59ruining the country and the army, which invited the Nanman in.
7:16:02Send orders: all troops that entered the Southern border,
7:16:04no matter where they've fought to now,
7:16:05retreat immediately,
7:16:05all withdraw back to the Western Border Command.
7:16:07If we retreat now,
7:16:08won't that make the Nanman
7:16:08think I'm a coward?
7:16:09Our rear has been hollowed out,
7:16:10and you're still talking about face?
7:16:14The Rou Wolf Clan is gone.
7:16:16The other tribes
7:16:16are all watching now.
7:16:17If we don't pull back the front-line troops,
7:16:18are we waiting for the Nanman to stab a second knife in?
7:16:20Third,
7:16:21Send scouts—find out about this Lin.
7:16:24Which faction is he from?
7:16:24Under whose command is this Southern Jing general?
7:16:25How many men did he bring?
7:16:26Which route did he take in?
7:16:27How did he get in?
7:16:28I want to know everything. Requesting battle is one thing,
7:16:30withdrawing troops is another.
7:16:32We'll just have to swallow this for now.
7:16:38Captain, will the Western Jing army come again?
7:16:42They will.
7:16:46This
7:16:49Gotta eat, no choice
7:16:51When the final push really comes,
7:16:53you won't even have the strength to lift a blade.
7:16:57Longde Fort has reached its end.
7:16:59Holding out this long
7:17:00is thanks to human lives,
7:17:01thanks to that unbroken spirit.
7:17:04If we really die here,
7:17:05someone will carry our hearts home.
7:17:07The old woman will weep,
7:17:08the son will know,
7:17:10but that little brat,
7:17:11in a few years he probably won't remember his grandpa.
7:17:14That's fine too.
7:17:21Du Du and the others—how did they get beaten?
7:17:25Actually, tell the brothers,
7:17:27report back first.
7:17:38Commander!
7:17:38The front troops have advanced another twenty-some paces.
7:17:42Twenty-some paces—too slow.
7:17:45Grinding forward inch by inch like this.
7:17:49Raise shields!
7:17:50Lower spears! Everyone hold the line!
7:17:55No,
7:17:56they're not trying to charge the formation.
7:17:58For a breakthrough, the flank cavalry would have pressed in by now.
7:18:01Right now the cavalry only kicks up dust,
7:18:02no charge, no attack,
7:18:04only shooting arrows without following up.
7:18:05This is a smokescreen.
7:18:07They're not trying to advance,
7:18:08They're falling back to relay orders,
7:18:10Send the cavalry forward and cover me.
7:18:12They
7:18:20are not retreating in defeat
7:18:20Front and rear are orderly,
7:18:21Cavalry rear guard, alternating attack and cover,
7:18:23Someone issued a military order,
7:18:25ordering them to withdraw on their own,
7:18:26But Longde Stronghold hasn't been taken yet.
7:18:27Why withdraw at this exact moment?
7:18:29Something must have happened behind them.
7:18:31Commander, keep probing Longde Stronghold.
7:18:33The Western Jin troops besieging the stronghold have all pulled back.
7:18:35Good that they're still there.
7:18:36Old Yang,
7:18:36That life wasn't lost after all,
7:18:38Wild Wolf Valley is withdrawing,
7:18:39Longde Stronghold is withdrawing too,
7:18:40This isn't just one unit acting on impulse,
7:18:42Keep a close eye on all Western Jin forces.
7:18:44I want to know why they suddenly withdrew,
7:18:54This is a recall under orders.
7:18:55Commander, the Western Advance Army,
7:18:57This is a recall,
7:18:59But why did they suddenly retreat?
7:19:01At this stage of the battle,
7:19:03The Western Advance Army suddenly pulled back across the board,
7:19:05It can't just be because they failed to take Pingyi,
7:19:08Something bigger must have happened behind them,
7:19:11So big they can't even hold onto the gains they've already bitten into at the front,
7:19:17No
7:19:19Commander
7:19:19Word came from Qinzhou,
7:19:20One of our officers led troops deep into Western Jing territory to raid for supplies, shaking their rear,
7:19:23That's why they urgently recalled the front lines.
7:19:24Who reported to the Commander that it was Lin Zhao?
7:19:26Lin Zhao
7:19:28Hahaha, I knew that kid couldn't sit still!
7:19:31The fighting up front is intense,
7:19:32And he goes and hits them from behind.
7:19:34Commander,
7:19:35He went deep into Western Jing to raid for supplies,
7:19:37So what if he raided for supplies?
7:19:38If their rear catches fire, they naturally can't keep fighting,
7:19:43Can a thief never be caught?
7:19:54Report: Western Advance troops at Wild Wolf Valley have retreated; besiegers at Longde Stronghold all withdrawn,
7:19:57Retreated back to Western Jing.
7:19:58Report: scouts from Ceyi return,
7:19:59All Western Advance units have pulled back,
7:20:01No border crossings reported; Western Advance troops facing Tongyuan Army have all retreated one by one,
7:20:05Why are they all retreating at the same time?
7:20:16Send scouts farther out!
7:20:18I want to know what the hell happened behind Western Jing!
7:20:21Commander, an urgent message from Qinzhou has arrived.
7:20:24Group Leader
7:20:31Lin Zhao
7:20:31Entered Western Jing territory to raid for supplies.
7:20:35This Lin Zhao actually had the guts,
7:20:37To lead three hundred cavalry alone into Western Jing,
7:20:40No wonder the Western Jing army had to retreat,
7:20:42Their rear caught fire,
7:20:44So naturally they couldn't keep fighting at the front.
7:20:47Come
7:20:49Everyone, look
7:20:51Deep into Western Jing to raid for supplies,
7:20:52No wonder the Western Jing army pulled back across the board,
7:20:54So their backyard was on fire,
7:20:55Well fought, well fought,
7:20:57Lin Zhao's strike really relieved the front line.
7:20:59If not for this strike,
7:21:00Driven in hard,
7:21:01Longde Stronghold might not have held until now.
7:21:03No telling how much longer Wild Wolf Valley would drag on,
7:21:05And Yao Zheng's side, no telling how much longer they'd be tied down,
7:21:07But this strike was indeed too reckless.
7:21:09Since Mo Zongmin specifically sent this letter,
7:21:12It means someone in Qinzhou can no longer sit still,
7:21:14Next, it won't just be about military funds.
7:21:22You've heard about the Lin Zhao affair,
7:21:24Returning to the matter, sir, this student has heard some things about reclaiming lost territory,
7:21:28One should abide by the rites and laws of the Central Plains. The royal army relies only on easy compliance,
7:21:32Not on the sharpness of weapons,
7:21:34But on knowing what is proper in the exchange of rites,
7:21:36And what is not.
7:21:37Although the Western tribes were provoked into invading Lin,
7:21:39They still trespassed into enemy territory, slaughtered the masses,
7:21:41Seized people,
7:21:42Plundered cattle, sheep, and goods before returning,
7:21:43Abandoning benevolence and righteousness,
7:21:44Focusing solely on martial power and slaughter, neglecting civilization.
7:21:45If this is considered ability,
7:21:46If this is considered merit,
7:21:47Then the royal army and the barbarian enemies are the same. Haochuan, you've also read the books of sages. Such principles,
7:21:51Do I still need to teach you?
7:21:52What Teacher Wang says is correct. The royal army punishes the people for their crimes,
7:21:55Should not focus solely on slaughter,
7:21:55When facing the enemy, only discuss gains and losses.
7:21:56Sir.
7:21:57These words,
7:21:57This student is convinced in his heart,
7:21:58But this student is foolish,
7:21:59There has always been a doubt in my heart,
7:22:00I have never been able to figure it out,
7:22:01Please, sir, begin to explain,
7:22:03This student sees things shallowly,
7:22:04Only knows that the Tangut customs of collecting and marrying are inherently against the Central Plains' moral order,
7:22:07Their leader Li Chengchuan also killed his mother to seize the throne,
7:22:09Killing kin,
7:22:10Moral order swept away,
7:22:10Human relations utterly lost,
7:22:11With such rites-less and righteousness-less customs,
7:22:12Can they truly be respected as humans?
7:22:13If their actions,
7:22:14Are no different from beasts,
7:22:15How can we treat them entirely with Central Plains benevolence and righteousness?
7:22:18Nonsense! The difference between humans and beasts
7:22:20Is not in territory,
7:22:20Not in clothing,
7:22:21But in whether one can guard one's own heart.
7:22:23Even if Tangut customs go against Central Plains' moral order,
7:22:26It does not mean you can call them beasts,
7:22:27And kill them all,
7:22:27Beating them to death for their customs is shameful.
7:22:29It precisely shows the value of Chinese civilization.
7:22:31If because they are rites-less,
7:22:32Righteousness-less, and abandon reason,
7:22:33Because they report without meaning,
7:22:34Because they pursue profit without meaning,
7:22:35Only discussing pros and cons,
7:22:36Then our dynasty and the barbarians,
7:22:37What difference is there?
7:22:38Haochuan,
7:22:38You must understand the way of sages,
7:22:40It has never changed because of the enemy.
7:22:46What sir says is right,
7:22:48Perhaps this student
7:22:48Has thought wrongly,
7:22:50But this student still has one matter,
7:22:52That I have never been able to understand,
7:22:53Speak,
7:22:54If two families have a feud and have agreed,
7:22:56To face each other in a death duel.
7:22:56Sir knows clearly that in this battle, defeat is more likely than victory, and behind you,
7:22:58There are parents,
7:22:59Wife, children, clan members, and juniors. Once defeated,
7:23:00Which family will suffer disaster?
7:23:01The entire clan will be at the mercy of others,
7:23:02Just before the decisive battle,
7:23:03The opponent turns his back alone,
7:23:04Completely exposing his unguarded back to sir,
7:23:07At this moment, only one strike is needed,
7:23:08To easily take his life,
7:23:09Eliminate future troubles,
7:23:09Preserve.
7:23:10The whole clan. What would sir do?
7:23:14I would never do such a despicable thing,
7:23:16Since we have agreed to an honorable duel,
7:23:18We should face each other and decide who is superior,
7:23:19Even if defeat is more likely than victory.
7:23:20Even if it brings disaster upon oneself,
7:23:22There is absolutely no reason to break faith, destroy the agreement, and strike when the opponent is unprepared.
7:23:25If to merely preserve one's life,
7:23:26One disregards faith,
7:23:27And launches a sneak attack,
7:23:28Then that is no different from beasts hunting. Sir, I am impressed,
7:23:30This student admires,
7:23:32But this student still has a bit of confusion.
7:23:34Sir alone can uphold and die for it.
7:23:36This student believes, but sir's parents behind you,
7:23:39Wife and children,
7:23:39Clan members and juniors, are they all willing to die with sir?
7:23:43If they are also willing,
7:23:44Then naturally it is a family of high righteousness,
7:23:46This student dares not say more,
7:23:47But.
7:23:48If they might not resent sir,
7:23:50How can you pledge their lives away on their behalf?
7:23:54This student is not challenging sir,
7:23:56The student is merely dull,
7:23:57always turning things over in his mind.
7:23:57But he cannot get past this bend. Master, you uphold your own principles. The student understands. But the lives of parents, wives, children, and the clan's sons and brothers—their lives are ultimately their own.
7:24:04Master, you may pledge your own death,
7:24:06but by what right do you decide their deaths for them as well?
7:24:11Perhaps the student has read too little,
7:24:13so he can never grasp these grand principles.
7:24:14If I have spoken wrongly,
7:24:15please punish me, Master.
7:24:17But just now, Master,
7:24:18since you said loyalty and righteousness outweigh profit and loss,
7:24:20and even ten thousand people cannot change that,
7:24:21then the student is even more confused.
7:24:23The Chan Yuan Covenant should be honored. Yet now, with grave crises and enemies everywhere,
7:24:27Logically, at such a time,
7:24:29one should most uphold loyalty and righteousness,
7:24:29most uphold proper names and duties. Why instead start talking about expediency?
7:24:32These two words, 'loyalty and righteousness'—are they meant for self-discipline,
7:24:35or only for blaming others?
7:24:36If for self-discipline,
7:24:37why can the Anlan Covenant be abolished?
7:24:40If only for blaming others,
7:24:42then even if Lin Chao has faults,
7:24:44and the court and all you gentlemen speak of it,
7:24:45these two words are far too precious,
7:24:47only willing to press down on others,
7:24:49but not willing to fall back on oneself.
7:24:50On one's own head.
7:24:51The student speaks crudely, Master.
7:24:52Do not blame me. Are you
7:24:56Outrageous! Private feuds and state affairs
7:24:58How can the rights of nations be conflated?
7:25:00The court's covenants are weighed by the court,
7:25:02How dare a mere child like you speak recklessly?
7:25:05Read a few pages of books
7:25:06and you dare use these twisted arguments to stir trouble,
7:25:08presumptuously discussing state affairs,
7:25:09Do you still have any sense of hierarchy?
7:25:10Is there no order of superiors and inferiors, no laws of sages? Student, you
7:25:14Base sophistry!
7:25:15Using profit and loss to disrupt the teachings of sages!
7:25:18Go copy the Analects ten times!
7:25:20If you don't finish today,
7:25:21no food for you!
7:25:36Fine, I'll copy.
7:25:37Better than actually daring to go out and use force.
7:25:46Wang Haochuan,
7:25:48Why are you here?
7:25:49Where's my dad?
7:25:51Isn't it obvious?
7:25:52He's being punished.
7:25:56You get punished too?
7:25:57Why are you punished? Said the wrong thing, huh.
7:26:01Wait.
7:26:05Mm,
7:26:08Or
7:26:10Look
7:26:13One by one, bright and sparkling
7:26:15The sky is full of little stars,
7:26:18Hanging in the sky, shining bright,
7:26:20As if full of use.
7:26:22Eyes—so it is yours.
7:26:24You know this tune and lyrics?
7:26:27How did you get this?
7:26:30Brother Ma gave it to me.
7:26:32He said it was from you to me.
7:26:34Since you left it with him,
7:26:36he can decide for you.
7:26:39Don't worry,
7:26:40I don't want it anymore.
7:26:44Later I'll make you a better one with a different tune.
7:26:46Really?
7:26:52Why would I lie?
7:26:55What tune?
7:26:57Dark sky with bright stars following,
7:27:02Bugs fly,
7:27:04Bugs fly,
7:27:06Who are you missing?
7:27:14Father,
7:27:17My child has come.
7:27:21Father,
7:27:22About the Ming Dynasty matter,
7:27:23You must have heard.
7:27:25Heard some. More than some.
7:27:28Now the Zhouli is almost in an uproar. Child,
7:27:30I and several state officials jointly submitted a petition to the Commander-in-Chief,
7:27:32asking him to send troops to Lin Zhao for unauthorized entry into enemy territory,
7:27:34a move that alerts the enemy,
7:27:35Several academic officials in Zhouxue also submitted petitions,
7:27:36all meaning that this precedent cannot be set,
7:27:38setting it would damage the royal name and duties. Father,
7:27:40Did you know about this?
7:27:43Then do you think Lin Zhao really did wrong?
7:27:47Was he right or wrong?
7:27:48Never mind Father,
7:27:50Do you know how the Commander-in-Chief replied?
7:27:51How did he reply? The Marshal first issued a reprimand order,
7:27:54saying Lin Zhao's unauthorized entry into enemy territory was reckless,
7:27:56Meng Mang cannot be forced,
7:27:58This is still prudent. Father, don't worry.
7:28:00There's still the commander behind this,
7:28:02and another group has gathered to submit a memorial.
7:28:03The court said,
7:28:04Lin Zhaoshan acted recklessly and should be punished,
7:28:06Please punish him with one year,
7:28:07of salary
7:28:08A one-year salary deduction is enough,
7:28:11A one-year salary deduction is too heavy.
7:28:14Father,
7:28:15if you keep listening,
7:28:20the commander's office replied,
7:28:21Lin Zhao's cross-border gains of cattle, sheep, horses, armor, and people have no proper status,
7:28:24it's inconvenient to enter the pass,
7:28:25and not suitable to be taken in.
7:28:26In other words,
7:28:26these things are not accepted by the government,
7:28:28not taken by the army nor stored in the treasury.
7:28:32Then these things are for Lin Zhao to handle himself.
7:28:37Father,
7:28:37think about it,
7:28:38on the surface it's a reprimand,
7:28:39a salary deduction,
7:28:40telling everyone this matter is against the rules,
7:28:42but that one year,
7:28:43of salary is only four or five hundred strings—what does it compare to tens of thousands of cattle, sheep, warhorses, armor, and people?
7:28:48He said these things have no proper status,
7:28:50inconvenient to enter the pass,
7:28:51sounds like he's complaining about their origin, but if they don't enter the treasury, then whoever seized them,
7:28:54keeps them for themselves.
7:28:55Is this a punishment?
7:29:00Father, those scoundrels in the prefecture are now punching cotton,
7:29:05The commander's office isn't ignoring us,
7:29:07he's handling it,
7:29:08just too thoroughly,
7:29:10so thoroughly that no one can even get angry.
7:29:12Since the whole court is full of upright men,
7:29:13gentlemen,
7:29:14and disciples of sages everywhere,
7:29:16then the word 'loyalty' should be worth more than elsewhere—why is it that at the critical moment,
7:29:21they don't recognize him first?
7:29:24Zhong is pregnant
7:29:26What a move!
7:29:31Hurry up!
7:29:32Lord Di, Lin Xunda, the cattle, sheep, and horses have been roughly counted,
7:29:35over eleven thousand three hundred sheep,
7:29:38eight hundred twenty cattle,
7:29:39over one thousand three hundred horses,
7:29:41of which about nine hundred can serve as warhorses,
7:29:43not counting gold and silverware,
7:29:44vessels,
7:29:44leather goods, and weapons.
7:29:45The most urgent thing now is,
7:29:47the daily fodder for these live animals is astronomical—the county's official granary and the military camp's pasture were filled yesterday with the newly driven batches, and these can only be temporarily kept in the fields outside the city.
7:29:55But this is not a long-term solution,
7:29:56not to mention wolves and thieves, just these tens of thousands of mouths,
7:29:59no amount of grass can withstand being eaten.
7:30:01Brother Lin,
7:30:02your Xiang soldiers,
7:30:03can you spare some men to sell a batch in nearby prefectures at a slightly lower price,
7:30:08but just sell quickly.
7:30:10There are bullets here
7:30:16Jingxi Route Commandery and Anfu Office, Jing,
7:30:18Chuan Prefecture Yamen jointly issued a document to Jing,
7:30:20Chuan Prefecture Xiangbing Inspector,
7:30:21Lin Zhao receives the order.
7:30:24Investigate Jing,
7:30:24Chuan Prefecture,
7:30:25Xiangbing Inspector,
7:30:26Lin Zhao, relying on his power, attacked the border without waiting for orders, leading his troops across the border to cause trouble.
7:30:30Although the neighboring state is called an enemy, it is actually a leak,
7:30:32although there were gains,
7:30:33it damages national dignity.
7:30:34Such reckless action,
7:30:35neglects the royal army's punitive intent,
7:30:36greatly violates the court's policy of appeasement,
7:30:37to uphold military discipline and serve as a warning.
7:30:39Severely reprimanded,
7:30:40and memorialized to the throne requesting punishment.
7:30:41One year's salary,
7:30:42to observe the aftermath, hoping you reflect deeply,
7:30:44correct your mistakes,
7:30:45and not betray the nation's grace.
7:30:48This order
7:30:53issued for one year
7:30:56After this matter,
7:30:57I must join several colleagues from the council to submit a joint memorial,
7:31:00even if we can't revoke the order,
7:31:01we must find some other way to compensate Lin Zhao with real benefits,
7:31:05we can't let the soldiers bleed and lose heart.
7:31:07Order that this garden's cross-border gains,
7:31:09all livestock, goods,
7:31:10armor,
7:31:11people, etc., have no proper status and are not from the captured prefectures, so they are not to be stored,
7:31:16and are not suitable to be taken in.
7:31:17This garden's Lin Zhao is to handle them himself,
7:31:19no need to prepare
7:31:25handle himself
7:31:30Hmm,
7:31:35My god,
7:31:35this move is so sly!
7:31:37Handle it as you see fit.
7:31:40Brother,
7:31:40Did you hear? We can handle these things as we see fit.
7:31:43These sheep, cattle, horses, and all this gold and silver treasure are ours.
7:31:47We can do whatever we want with them.
7:31:49A sheep's market price is five strings of cash.
7:31:50Even if we sell them cheap,
7:31:52That's still tens of thousands of sheep.
7:31:54And cattle too,
7:31:55And horses, brother.
7:31:56Your salary deduction is so well done, so brilliant!
7:31:58This bit of salary is nothing compared to these things.
7:32:01You'd have to have your salary deducted for a hundred years to break even, right?
7:32:04Wang Shuli,
7:32:09Go immediately to the rural military camp outside the city and relay my orders.
7:32:11First,
7:32:11Set up all the captured bacterial tents,
7:32:13Let those over one thousand seven hundred captives,
7:32:15First have a place to settle, separated by family.
7:32:16Women, children, elderly, and weak get priority.
7:32:18Provide basic food daily, no abuse allowed.
7:32:20Second,
7:32:20Those over two hundred able-bodied young men are to be guarded separately. Starting tomorrow,
7:32:23Zhao Yi will send people to lead them to reinforce the various forts and clear the battlefield,
7:32:26As labor.
7:32:27Tell them to work honestly,
7:32:29And they'll have food.
7:32:30If they dare to make a move,
7:32:30Kill them without mercy.
7:32:35Third,
7:32:35Send someone to have Lu Heihu select two clever captives who can speak some Dangxian language,
7:32:40Take my letter,
7:32:41Go into the Western border territory,
7:32:42Find the remnants of the Rou Wolf tribe,
7:32:43Ask them,
7:32:44If they are willing to ransom these tribespeople. The condition:
7:32:47One healthy warhorse,
7:32:48In exchange for one person.
7:32:49Only horses, nothing else. Give them ten days to consider.
7:32:53Fourth,
7:32:53Order the entire army: any Xiang Army guards who don't yet have a good match,
7:32:56If interested, they may go to the captive camp to look,
7:32:58But must follow three rules. First,
7:33:00Only allowed to look at widows who lost their husbands or unmarried women.
7:33:03Second,
7:33:03The other party must be willing,
7:33:05If there's any half-heartedness,
7:33:05Forced marriage will be dealt with by military law.
7:33:06Third,
7:33:07If sincere, must properly marry with betrothal gifts,
7:33:08Cannot be treated as servants.
7:33:09Have Xu Qinghong and Chen Su help watch the hot spots.
7:33:11Fifth,
7:33:12All captured weapons,
7:33:14Armor,
7:33:14Gold and silver items,
7:33:15Coins, etc., all registered and cataloged,
7:33:17Temporarily stored in the Xiang Army warehouse under strict guard.
7:33:19These will all be useful in the future. Your subordinate understands.
7:33:22I'll go do it now. Changfeng, stop laughing.
7:33:25The disposal of cattle and sheep is up to you,
7:33:26Sell them as soon as possible and convert to money and grain.
7:33:28Now Longcheng, Qingshui, Chengji,
7:33:30The Xiang Army in the four counties of Tianshui are all in our hands.
7:33:33You draft a plan to share some profits with each place,
7:33:35Don't hog it all,
7:33:36Specifically how to price,
7:33:37How to sell?
7:33:37You decide. Okay!
7:33:39Brother,
7:33:39Don't worry, this matter,
7:33:40I'm good at it.
7:33:43Brother Zhao, let's go.
7:33:44Let's go do it now and make a big fortune.
7:33:59Everyone listen up,
7:34:00The commander has ordered: these sheep, we won't hoard them. Two strings of cash,
7:34:03One each. You heard right.
7:34:04Market price is five strings,
7:34:05We only sell for two strings,
7:34:05As long as they're our county's commoners, no one is refused.
7:34:07Brother Zhao,
7:34:07Have our people escort two thousand sheep to each county,
7:34:09Whether local or from other counties,
7:34:10Xiangbin brothers buy one string per sheep; outsiders,
7:34:12Others buy three strings per sheep. Price is higher than Long County.
7:34:13There's no way around it, transportation has losses.
7:34:15So cheap,
7:34:15Everyone quiet down.
7:34:18Also, those who participated,
7:34:19In this transport and export, brothers,
7:34:21Regardless of rank, each person is rewarded one sheep.
7:34:23Brothers who participated in killing Western Jin dogs on the grassland,
7:34:25Each rewarded three sheep.
7:34:26This is a small reward from us.
7:34:27But this isn't the full reward,
7:34:29Other rewards will be distributed separately.
7:34:31Now we're just rich,
7:34:35Also send fifty sheep to Qinghe Workshop,
7:34:37One per household,
7:34:38The rest, Old Zhou, the rest is all handed over to you, elder.
7:34:42You decide how to distribute it to the needy families in the village,
7:34:44or to those who have done favors for our Xiang Army.
7:34:46It's all up to you.
7:34:49Commander Xie, the benevolent and chivalrous Inspector Xie, on behalf of all the village elders, I thank you for your great kindness.
7:34:56Mm.
7:35:07Go pick five of the fattest sheep,
7:35:08and deliver them to Anchor Wen's residence.
7:35:10Then pick five—no, ten—
7:35:11the best ones, and send them to Magistrate Di's residence. Thank you, Commander.
7:35:14How can this be allowed?
7:35:16Deputy Commander Xie, ten sheep?
7:35:19Are you trying to make me open a sheep pen in the back of the county office? It's not allowed, absolutely not.
7:35:28Magistrate Di, Mr. Wen,
7:35:29you two, please don't refuse.
7:35:31This is a token of appreciation from our Xiang Army brothers.
7:35:33You two have worked hard for us,
7:35:35eating a few sheep,
7:35:35what's the big deal? Don't worry, the sheep
7:35:37I'll have someone deliver them
7:35:38directly to your residences.
7:35:39Just you wait and see,
7:35:39Alright.
7:35:44Mm.
7:35:52The Shou crossbow can now produce twenty per day,
7:35:54the Qinghe crossbow is slower,
7:35:54ten per day.
7:35:55According to the plan, first focus on producing two hundred.
7:35:57After the Qinghe crossbow, we'll try using the newly smelted carbon steel
7:35:59to forge the crossbow body and limbs.
7:36:00That's stronger but also harder.
7:36:21We've smelted quite a bit. Before the end of the year,
7:36:23five Frankish cannons should be completed,
7:36:26but we still need to figure out the cannonballs.
7:36:31Get out.
7:36:47Mm-hm.
7:36:49Is it over?
7:36:53Today I really showed off.
7:36:55When the mutton was distributed, those people were like it was New Year.
7:36:58Magistrate Di wanted to scold me,
7:36:59but I shut him up with three sentences,
7:37:01he opened his mouth for a long time but couldn't make a sound.
7:37:03Oh my,
7:37:03oh my,
7:37:04his face was so stifled,
7:37:04I almost couldn't hold back
7:37:05from handing him some water.
7:37:10Mm.
7:37:10Good.
7:37:11It's me.
7:37:19Selling sesame cakes!
7:37:25Make way! Reporting urgent military intelligence to Inspector Lin.
7:37:32Yes, yes, yes,
7:37:37Qin Chengxinlang,
7:37:38he—he was reorganizing the Xiang Army in Qingshui County and something happened.
7:37:43Because—slowly, speak clearly.
7:37:46Reporting to Inspector.
7:37:47Qin Chengxinlang, carrying your father's token and the eldest son, arrived at Qingshui County.
7:37:50At first everything went smoothly.
7:37:51The Qingshui County militia totaled over 1,600 men.
7:37:53Qin Chengxinlang, following your instructions,
7:37:55selected 500 strong men to form the Xuanfeng Camp for separate training.
7:37:59These days, following our Longcheng rules, we've been giving the Xuanfeng Camp brothers extra food subsidies,
7:38:03with more meat and fine grains than ordinary militia.
7:38:07But this caused dissatisfaction among the other Xiang Army troops.
7:38:10A few days ago, Wang Mao, the Qingshui County military supervisor, approached Qin Chengxinlang about this.
7:38:15Qin Chengxinlang, in the army, the greatest fear is favoritism.
7:38:18We're all Qingshui militia,
7:38:20either all militia get the same subsidies,
7:38:23or none get them.
7:38:28This is an old rule of Longcheng,
7:38:29and also a rule set by Inspector Lin.
7:38:31The Xuanfeng Camp trains hard,
7:38:32so it should be this way.
7:38:35Yesterday,
7:38:36Wang Mao again informed Qin Chengxinlang,
7:38:37that today all militia would leave camp
7:38:39to build the stockade wall of Qingshui Fort outside the city.
7:38:40Tomorrow the whole camp will go out to build the fort. The Xuanfeng Camp must go too—no choice.
7:38:44The Xuanfeng Camp is in training,
7:38:45and key personnel do not participate in such labor.
7:38:49Wang Mao then brought up the subsidy issue again, but was still refused.
7:38:52As a result, early this morning at dawn,
7:38:53Wang Mao led dozens of his personal guards into the training camp,
7:38:55insisting on taking the Xuanfeng Camp to build the fort.
7:39:00Xuanfeng Camp, assemble your men
7:39:02and follow me out of camp!
7:39:03No one moves!
7:39:06Qin Chengxinlang.
7:39:08This is the Qingshui Xiang Army,
7:39:09building Qingshui Fort,
7:39:10is also the Qingshui Xiang Army's duty.
7:39:12Yesterday I already replied to the Xuanfeng Camp,
7:39:14they do not participate in such labor.
7:39:16I am the Qingshui County military supervisor,
7:39:21I am training the Xuanfeng Camp under Inspector Lin's orders and the eldest son's command.
7:39:24If you want to transfer them,
7:39:25bring Inspector Lin's military order.
7:39:28What if I insist on taking them?
7:39:30You can't take them.
7:39:36Mm.
7:39:40But how could he be a match for the Qingcheng groom?
7:39:41The Qingcheng groom disarmed him bare-handed,
7:39:43and took down the several guards who tried to jump in as well.
7:39:45They're still tied up on the training platform at Xuanfeng Camp.
7:39:50Hongying's got skills—bare-handed blade snatch!
7:39:53And then?
7:39:55Then that Wang Mao, who's ruled Qingshui County for years,
7:39:57word spread that he was captured,
7:39:58Outside the camp,
7:39:59soon gathered over a thousand of his militia,
7:40:00clamoring for Qin Cheng to release him.
7:40:02Right now, the camp is surrounded, and Qin Cheng's life is on the line.
7:40:05I slipped out through a gap,
7:40:06A fast rider came to report to the patrol inspector.
7:40:08Qingshui is over sixty li from here.
7:40:10If I set out now,
7:40:11even with two horses per person to reach Qingshui County,
7:40:13it'll take about two shichen.
7:40:14In that nearly four shichen,
7:40:16anything could happen.
7:40:17Outside are over a thousand incited, leaderless militia,
7:40:19Once someone takes the lead and forces their way in, the conflict escalates,
7:40:21the consequences would be unimaginable.
7:40:23Were the fifty guards Hongying took injured?
7:40:26No, our people are all inside the camp, no one's hurt.
7:40:29How's the morale at Xuanfeng Camp?
7:40:30The brothers at the camp have benefited these days,
7:40:32and they admire Qin Cheng's skills and character; right now they're all united,
7:40:35willing to follow Qin Cheng to defend the camp.
7:40:38No time to send for troops from Longcheng County.
7:40:40Take the twenty special ops members who came back to the village with us,
7:40:42two horses per person, set out immediately.
7:40:44Ru Heihu,
7:40:45you stay at Qinghe Village with Ma Zhenbang and watch the home front.
7:40:47If anything unusual happens, act as you see fit. Yes, sir.
7:40:59Go.
7:41:09Mm.
7:41:21Which camp are you from? Who's your commander?
7:41:24This lowly officer is the commander of the Second Camp of Qingshui Xiang Army,
7:41:26Sun Xin. I don't know your esteemed position.
7:41:30I am Lin Xun, the Xiang Army Inspector of Qinzhou,
7:41:32here.
7:41:34Sun Xin pays respects to Inspector Lin.
7:41:37I didn't know the Inspector was coming; forgive me for not welcoming you. Commander Sun,
7:41:40What's going on here?
7:41:41Why bring troops to surround the camp?
7:41:43It's not that I intended to surround the camp,
7:41:45It's just that Qin Cheng unjustly detained the Qingshui County troops and Wang Mao,
7:41:48Lord Wang.
7:41:49Lord Wang is our direct superior,
7:41:51With our superior detained, we're anxious,
7:41:53so we came to ask Qin Cheng to release him,
7:41:55to show our loyalty to our comrade,
7:41:57and stabilize the troops' morale.
7:41:58Lord Wang is detained inside?
7:42:00Absolutely true, tied up on the training ground. Inspector Xun,
7:42:03why not go in first,
7:42:04and have Qin Cheng release Lord Wang.
7:42:09As long as Lord Wang comes out safely,
7:42:10This lowly officer,
7:42:10will immediately lead the brothers to disperse,
7:42:12and absolutely not cause trouble.
7:42:13If they really wanted to rescue him,
7:42:14they would have charged in long ago.
7:42:15Surrounding without attacking,
7:42:16is just putting on a show for Wang Mao, waiting for Qin Hongling to yield,
7:42:20or waiting for someone above to mediate.
7:42:21Since you know Lord Wang is detained inside,
7:42:23why not directly lead troops in,
7:42:25and rescue your superior,
7:42:26instead of just surrounding here wasting time?
7:42:28We are all lowly officers,
7:42:29how dare we rashly use weapons and cause a disaster?
7:42:32We only hope Qin Cheng will consider the bigger picture.
7:42:36Sun Xin,
7:42:38I am the Qinzhou Xiang Army,
7:42:39Inspector,
7:42:39Envoy,
7:42:40your superior.
7:42:41I now order you,
7:42:41to immediately have your men drop their weapons,
7:42:43and withdraw to your respective barracks.
7:42:44Did you hear clearly?
7:42:48Inspector Lin, it's not that I,
7:42:49defy orders,
7:42:50but my direct superior is Wang Jianxiao.
7:42:52He is now trapped in the camp, his safety unknown,
7:42:54without his order, I really cannot comply.
7:42:56Why not ask Inspector Xun to go inside first,
7:42:57and have Wang Jianxiao come out.
7:42:58If he orders it, I will naturally comply.
7:43:00This is truly the sorrow of the border,
7:43:02and the sorrow of military men,
7:43:03Generals are bound tightly by literati, vanguards, and all sorts of rules,
7:43:07unable to even command their own nominal subordinates.
7:43:11Crossbows loaded.
7:43:16Sun Xin, listen carefully,
7:43:17I, Lin Zhao,
7:43:18Qinzhou Xiang Army Supervisor, am your superior. Gathering troops to surround the camp, inciting clansmen, is tantamount to rebellion.
7:43:22I'll now count to three,
7:43:23Tell your men to drop all weapons, hold their heads, and squat down on the spot,
7:43:26Otherwise, everyone standing armed, including you, will be shot dead.
7:43:32Everyone around, listen carefully.
7:43:34I'll count to three.
7:43:36Anyone still standing with a weapon dies.
7:43:38One.
7:43:42Two! Squat down, everyone squat! Drop your weapons, hurry!
7:43:47This... damn, bro!
7:43:49They're well-trained,
7:43:50neat and uniform!
7:43:51Open the door!
7:43:54Lord Wang, don't panic.
7:43:56Lin Xunjia has come to save you.
7:43:58Lin Qunxia, your subordinate is here, subordinate...
7:44:00Here! Ah,
7:44:01This Lady Qin arbitrarily detained me.
7:44:02Lin Qunxia,
7:44:03You must stand up for me!
7:44:05Bro,
7:44:05This guy can't be a clown, can he?
7:44:07Untie him.
7:44:10This lowly official, Wang Mao, military supervisor of Qingshui County, has long heard of Lin Xuxia's great name.
7:44:12Meeting you today,
7:44:13is truly a blessing for three lifetimes! A blessing for three lifetimes!
7:44:15Bro,
7:44:16This is your die-hard fan.
7:44:17Wang Tianxia, tell us your situation.
7:44:19There is a situation!
7:44:20This lowly official accuses Lady Qin of three crimes.
7:44:22First, arbitrarily detaining me, defying court law.
7:44:25Second,
7:44:25unfair treatment,
7:44:26favoritism towards subordinates—all are Xiang Army.
7:44:29Why does that five hundred Xuanfeng Camp
7:44:30get to eat meat and fine grains every day,
7:44:31while other brothers can only watch? Third, privately meeting with soldiers to buy loyalty, with ulterior motives.
7:44:35I told him to do that.
7:44:36Exactly!
7:44:37Yeah, you also said...
7:44:39Ah!
7:44:40The three charges you just mentioned were all decided by me.
7:44:43Xuanfeng Camp,
7:44:43I had him train separately, and the meal subsidy,
7:44:45I also had him add it.
7:44:47He detained you because you brought people to raid the camp,
7:44:48drawing weapons and causing trouble. If it were me,
7:44:50I'd do the same. Wouldn't you?
7:44:53Li Qunjia,
7:44:54We are all your soldiers,
7:44:56How can you play favorites?
7:45:01Favoritism?
7:45:04They train intensely,
7:45:05Do you know how much they consume in a day?
7:45:06Weighted prisoner training, combat drills, mountain running, crossbow shooting,
7:45:09Which one doesn't require stamina?
7:45:10Shouldn't I subsidize them?
7:45:12Anyone who participates in the same training,
7:45:15trains to the same intensity,
7:45:16I will give Lin Jujian, this lowly official.
7:45:17There's one more thing I don't understand,
7:45:18Tell me, why do you have female subordinates?
7:45:21What's wrong?
7:45:22Isn't that inappropriate?
7:45:23Can you beat her in a fight?
7:45:24I'm a good man who doesn't fight women.
7:45:28Mao Mao,
7:45:29I can tell you're not bad at heart. You're causing trouble.
7:45:31This time it's not for yourself but to fight for food and subsidies for the Tang soldiers below. I don't blame you for that,
7:45:38But your approach is wrong.
7:45:41Xuanxian Camp trains elites,
7:45:42It's not the training method for ordinary Tang soldiers.
7:45:44Since they endure this hardship,
7:45:45Of course they deserve this subsidy.
7:45:47As for the other brothers,
7:45:48I won't forget these things either,
7:45:50You should have come to me, not trouble Qin Hongying,
7:45:53And definitely not bring people to raid the camp,
7:45:54draw weapons and besiege the camp.
7:45:56This matter ends here today.
7:45:58If you dare do this again,
7:45:59It won't be as simple as tying you to a wooden stake.
7:46:02Yes, yes, this lowly official understands.
7:46:04This lowly official knows his mistake.
7:46:05Good that you understand.
7:46:06I've already suppressed the people for you.
7:46:08Later when you go out, tell them to return to their camps,
7:46:09No more trouble.
7:46:10Xuanfeng Camp continues training as usual.
7:46:12Whoever dares disturb the camp again,
7:46:13I'll hold you responsible. Yes.
7:46:19Do you know who Qin Hongying is?
7:46:21Who?
7:46:22That's Lin Xunxia's wife,
7:46:36Sheep from Longcheng for one yuan each,
7:46:37Sold only to Xiangbing.
7:46:39Outside, one sheep costs at least five strings of cash.
7:46:42Are you kidding me? Lin Xundu said it himself,
7:46:44Wang Jianxiang and others have gone to collect,
7:46:45You didn't go,
7:46:46I collected it for you.
7:46:50How much can the remaining sheep be sold for if Champagne takes them to the county town?
7:46:53Is that their business?
7:46:54Longshen County only collects a fixed cost of one string of cash per patrol.
7:46:57Your meaning is,
7:46:58The sheep are Champagne's to sell for however much,
7:47:00sell for little,
7:47:00keep it all for themselves,
7:47:02no need to hand it over.
7:47:06Having mixed in Champagne for over a decade,
7:47:08the good officials I've seen,
7:47:09at most didn't embezzle grain and pay.
7:47:11This one, however, distributes pay and weapons,
7:47:14distributes armor and heavy equipment,
7:47:15and even lets the soldiers sell for money themselves,
7:47:16Is this even a superior?
7:47:18This is the God of Wealth!
7:47:30Someone,
7:47:43learn from your subordinate,
7:47:45your subordinate has no way to repay,
7:47:46from now on,
7:47:46if there's any task, through water and fire, your subordinate will not say a word.
7:47:52I don't need you to go through water and fire,
7:47:54You and your soldiers cooperate with Qin Chengxinlang,
7:47:56train the Selection Camp to be elite.
7:47:58The Xiang Army is not just Longcheng County and Qingshui County,
7:48:01The soldiers you train here will be prioritized for expansion in the future.
7:48:07Expansion and promotion,
7:48:09Then my soldiers will have a chance to be promoted,
7:48:11go to better positions,
7:48:12eat better grain and pay.
7:48:14What do soldiers want? Isn't it just a way out?
7:48:17Your subordinate understands.
7:48:22Xunxia,
7:48:23Then Qin Chengyinlang in the future,
7:48:24how should your subordinate address you? Call you Qin Xunling,
7:48:27or call you
7:48:30your subordinate
7:48:30understands from now on,
7:48:32Madam's words are your words,
7:48:35you can directly represent Hongying,
7:48:36I am
7:48:40Tongying, there's something
7:48:42I want to discuss with you,
7:48:43Go ahead.
7:48:45About training new soldiers,
7:48:46I want you to settle down long-term to supplement and train troops.
7:48:50This job is very important to us,
7:48:51we need someone I trust,
7:48:54and I don't want you always going to the battlefield, it's too dangerous.
7:48:59As long as I'm with you, there's no danger.
7:49:02But I'll listen to you,
7:49:05so we need to settle our status.
7:49:10You, as my wife, will hold down Longcheng,
7:49:13overseeing the Selection Camps of four counties with a proper name,
7:49:16others will find it hard to gossip,
7:49:18and Wang Mao and his ilk won't dare to openly provoke again.
7:49:25You're doing this for convenience.
7:49:29Of course not.
7:49:34In my heart,
7:49:35when we left Qinzhou City,
7:49:37you were already my wife.
7:49:44Good,
7:49:45When?
7:49:50August.
7:49:53The people in Qinghe Village who were in mourning have all finished their mourning period,
7:49:55Zheng Bang wants to marry Qinghe,
7:49:58I think we should hold ours together.
7:50:07Good,
7:50:13You and I are both people without parents.
7:50:15During this time, I'll first find a chief witness and a matchmaker,
7:50:18everything must be formal,
7:50:19you can't be wronged. Who will you find?
7:50:21As chief witness, Magistrate Di,
7:50:23Will he agree?
7:50:24He will,
7:50:25If he doesn't agree,
7:50:25I'll sit at the county office every day.
7:50:28Then the matchmaker?
7:50:30Zhou Lizheng.
7:50:31He is an elder of Qinghe Village,
7:50:32seniority,
7:50:32high rank, his words carry weight.
7:50:37Dry weather and dry things,
7:50:40be careful with fire and candles.
7:50:54Hongying,
7:50:55Before August, there are still many things to do: the house,
7:50:58needs to be tidied, betrothal gifts,
7:51:00need to be prepared, invitation cards also need to be written,
7:51:01You don't need to tell me these things,
7:51:04I don't care about these matters,
7:51:06I only care about training soldiers.
7:51:15Mm,
7:51:22Uncle, oh,
7:51:23Haven't seen you for a few days,
7:51:24you've gotten a bit more gluttonous,
7:51:26In the future when you have time,
7:51:27come visit the Princess's courtyard more often,
7:51:28so we siblings can talk more,
7:51:30Royal Sister speaks,
7:51:30how would I dare not come?
7:51:33These past two days, the court has been in an uproar over the second review and punishment.
7:51:35I'm afraid they've been arguing like crazy again.
7:51:36Has the result come out?
7:51:38It's out.
7:51:39Father Emperor has changed his mind.
7:51:41With the death of the new lord of Beiting,
7:51:43the people of the northern capital are even more unsettled.
7:51:44Everyone in court says
7:51:45this is a heaven-sent opportunity to reclaim the sixteen prefectures of the northern frontier.
7:51:48Prime Minister Tong has already begun integrating troops, dispatching forces, and mobilizing military supplies.
7:51:54Ah,
7:51:55There's going to be another war in the northern border.
7:51:57Now it's truly at the end of its rope.
7:51:59Four of the five capitals have been lost,
7:52:00only the northern capital remains,
7:52:01still struggling to hold on.
7:52:02Father Emperor wants to take this opportunity to reclaim the sixteen prefectures of the northern frontier,
7:52:05fulfilling the century-old wish of our ancestors.
7:52:07I naturally understand this intention,
7:52:10but those in court are truly too lazy to even bother.
7:52:13It's just punishing the unjust.
7:52:14Junior brother speaks with such righteousness,
7:52:16but in the end, it's just seeing the north in chaos and weakness,
7:52:18and wanting to tear up the north-south alliance and take a bite.
7:52:22If we really want to do it, it's not impossible,
7:52:24but they can't even be bothered to come up with a decent excuse,
7:52:26groundwork,
7:52:26it's just too ugly.
7:52:27Some Eastern Commandery.
7:52:29Beijing is about to enter, but Eastern Commandery,
7:52:31may not be willing to spit out the meat in its mouth to others.
7:52:33Sending vassals to send troops, everyone in court pretends the matter is over,
7:52:36but the military won't forget,
7:52:37border officials,
7:52:38won't forget.
7:52:38The people of Zhuzhou in the north won't forget me either.
7:52:41The court's military strength is superficial,
7:52:42after the previous vassal's defeat,
7:52:43military morale is low,
7:52:43everything is rushed and too big,
7:52:45it may not really be a good time.
7:52:50But Father Emperor's mind is made up.
7:52:52Doctor Tong is also eager to make contributions,
7:52:54in court,
7:52:54all the ministers follow the imperial will,
7:52:56who would still be willing to say something inappropriate at this time?
7:52:58You and I, as royal children,
7:53:00in the end, we just see a bit more clearly than others but still can't do anything.
7:53:04Father Emperor's nature is at its peak.
7:53:06The more people advise him,
7:53:07the more he feels what he plans is highly feasible.
7:53:10I'm thinking of requesting to leave the capital in a few days.
7:53:14Leave the capital?
7:53:15Yes,
7:53:17I want to go to Zhending Prefecture.
7:53:17To Longxing Temple to offer incense and pray for the royal family.
7:53:20Now the second northern expedition is imminent,
7:53:22as a foundation,
7:53:23I should for the soldiers of the three armies,
7:53:24pray for blessings,
7:53:25and also pray for peace for the people in the north, Royal Sister.
7:53:28This matter is probably not appropriate.
7:53:29Now,
7:53:30the northern region is not peaceful,
7:53:31bandits, defeated soldiers, and refugees are everywhere in Beian Prefecture,
7:53:34it's already close to the border,
7:53:35and the journey is long,
7:53:35who can guarantee safety along the way?
7:53:38I know all of this.
7:53:40But now,
7:53:41the royal army is ready, pointing straight at the northern frontier,
7:53:43I want to for the soldiers of the three armies,
7:53:44pray for blessings,
7:53:45and also pray for peace for the people of the northern frontier,
7:53:47if I don't go north,
7:53:48where else should I go?
7:53:53Royal Sister,
7:53:56this matter hasn't been decided yet,
7:53:57I'm just telling you in advance, it's still early for it to take shape.
7:54:09If Royal Sister really goes north, bring plenty of guards,
7:54:12not a single imperial guard or personal attendant can be missing, understood.
7:54:15Now that you've been made a prince,
7:54:17you're more and more like an old man who loves to worry.
7:54:19Anyway, Royal Sister, take care.
7:54:25Can Father Emperor really achieve this great feat?
7:54:43Ah ah ah
7:54:51Hmm
7:55:04What's wrong?
7:55:06Let me tell you guys,
7:55:07after I finished my college entrance exam back then,
7:55:09my parents even brought me a song,
7:55:11people take the imperial exam to become nobles, walking out of the exam hall alone,
7:55:13not even a relative comes in.
7:55:15Now only one percent just wants to scheme,
7:55:16Speak human language.
7:55:19Oh my,
7:55:19Sorry,
7:55:19Sorry,
7:55:20Mom couldn't go to see you off for the exam.
7:55:21The imperial examination in the Song Dynasty is even more brutal than our college entrance exam.
7:55:25You're such a pervert.
7:55:27Let me tell you,
7:55:28Really,
7:55:28First, you have exams for three days straight.
7:55:30On the surface, it looks a bit like the college entrance exam,
7:55:32But this imperial exam isn't like finishing one subject,
7:55:34and then you can go out and rest.
7:55:35You're trapped in the exam hall all day,
7:55:36You have to wait until evening when the exam is over to come out, and eating, drinking, and relieving yourself all happen inside the exam hall.
7:55:39That sealed environment reeks of stale air,
7:55:41It's so stuffy it almost makes you stink all over.
7:55:47After the first exam is over,
7:55:48Your whole body is covered in a foul aura.
7:55:54What you see now, this fresh and handsome guy,
7:55:56Is me after washing up and dressing up,
7:56:00But I can still smell the stench,
7:56:03So this is way stricter than our college entrance exam.
7:56:06Hahaha, is this why you didn't even get into university?
7:56:11Mm.
7:56:12Hey, Haochun,
7:56:13What do you think if I take the exam next year,
7:56:14How about you find a way to remove this imperial exam plot?
7:56:18Back then you had no hope for the college entrance exam,
7:56:19Now you definitely have no hope for the imperial exam either,
7:56:20Why is that?
7:56:21Why do I have no hope?
7:56:22The imperial exam tests your thinking,
7:56:24Do you have any?
7:56:25I do!
7:56:26And lots of it!
7:56:27That's not called thinking,
7:56:27That's called ideas.
7:56:28What's in your mind needs to be put into writing,
7:56:30Clearly organized,
7:56:31With appropriate wording.
7:56:32You need to let the examiner see that you are calm and steady,
7:56:34Of upright character and fit for court service.
7:56:37On the first day, the examiner throws out the classics,
7:56:40Asking you to expound your views,
7:56:41Each question must be elaborated to at least five hundred characters,
7:56:43And it's not just one question, but five big ones.
7:56:46All together, you'll write around two thousand five hundred characters,
7:56:49You have to think while you write,
7:56:50Your handwriting must be neat,
7:56:51Absolutely no sloppy handwriting,
7:56:52The examiner has no time to guess your characters.
7:56:54So the first day mainly tests your understanding of classics and expression,
7:56:57Not just interpreting the texts,
7:57:00But also testing your stance, perspective, and sense of propriety,
7:57:01How should you expound?
7:57:03To what extent?
7:57:04Too shallow,
7:57:05Doesn't show your talent; too far,
7:57:06Will bring disaster.
7:57:07It's like the college entrance exam's classical Chinese comprehension plus politics subjective questions,
7:57:10With a bit of essay writing requirements thrown in.
7:57:13Yes,
7:57:15That's the flavor.
7:57:15The second day,
7:57:16The master tests poetry,
7:57:17This year's topic is 'Autumn as Belt Moon',
7:57:18'Autumn as Belt Moon',
7:57:21Haven't heard of any famous person writing that?
7:57:22Hey,
7:57:23This is a poetry test.
7:57:24Actually, singing of wind and moon,
7:57:25At first I almost wrote it as words,
7:57:26Then I realized,
7:57:27It's not about romantic leisure.
7:57:28Should use it to express feelings about the exam mindset when taking the exam,
7:57:30You almost wrote it as an autopsy!
7:57:34Mm.
7:57:40The quality of poetry often hinges on a single thought,
7:57:41Luckily I was frustrated and put it on the shelf,
7:57:43Stopped my pen in time,
7:57:44And finished it in one go.
7:57:46Teacher Wang is mighty! Mm.
7:57:47After writing the poem, next is the rhymed prose.
7:57:50The topic is 'Border Defense and Pacifying the Frontier Prose',
7:57:51And they even gave the rhyme scheme,
7:57:53Requiring to use 'cautiously solidify borders, pacify distant lands',
7:57:54With 'pacify the frontier' as the rhyme.
7:57:56What does that mean?
7:57:57It means at the end of each paragraph or key positions, you must rhyme with one of these eight characters,
7:57:57You can't just end it randomly.
7:58:01For example, my first line:
7:58:02The king resides in the center, ruling over the nine domains, soothing the jade,
7:58:04What Jiang Yu awaits is profound,
7:58:07How is it?
7:58:10Is there depth or not?
7:58:11Too much!
7:58:12Second line,
7:58:13Swiftly guarding the frontier,
7:58:13Cultivating armor and helmets,
7:58:14Protecting the peace and calming the people, the state machinery is already solid, right?
7:58:15Solid,
7:58:18Completely solid.
7:58:18The Shijia prose,
7:58:21I spent two hours on it.
7:58:21I spent two hours on it.
7:58:23The second day was the only day I still felt like a human,
7:58:28The third day was the most disgusting.
7:58:30The third day tested classical and historical essays.
7:58:32For example, asking about the Tang Dynasty's military governors,
7:58:33their pros and cons,
7:58:34the impact and analysis points,
7:58:36emphasizing argument structure,
7:58:37and then there were side questions,
7:58:38asking for governance strategies on current affairs.
7:58:41Ah,
7:58:42The third day was the most unbearable,
7:58:43Don't write over four thousand characters,
7:58:45After two days of exhaustion, the mind is already weary,
7:58:48yet you must continue answering with precision.
7:58:50Good heavens,
7:58:51Can you even pass this exam?
7:58:52Who knows?
7:58:54After the college entrance exam,
7:58:54you can still estimate your score,
7:58:55but after this exam, you can only estimate your fate.
7:59:03Whether you pass or not doesn't matter,
7:59:04If you pass,
7:59:05you'll live in the capital as an official,
7:59:06If you fail,
7:59:06you'll live in the capital as a merchant.
7:59:08Wolf Fang Mountain,
7:59:08That Du Xi has already gone to the capital,
7:59:10I'll give you a money pouch first.
7:59:11Since separation is destined,
7:59:13why meet now and start fate?
7:59:15I saw you in the crowd,
7:59:17I saw you in the crowd, damn it,
7:59:20What madness are you up to now?
7:59:21You don't understand.
7:59:23This is an examinee.
7:59:23In the face of fate,
7:59:24the final literary rebellion,
7:59:27You go to the capital,
7:59:28no matter what identity,
7:59:30you must pave the way,
7:59:31I'm counting on you there,
7:59:34After the results are posted, whether I pass or not,
7:59:35I will set off,
7:59:36Time waits for no one,
7:59:37Brother Ma, make me another music box, remove the bug flying.
7:59:41What are you looking at?
7:59:42It's all because of his twinkle twinkle little star.
7:59:45Hmm,
7:59:55This old man is unusual,
7:59:58Hey,
8:00:00You two stay outside and watch the horses, old Zhao in the village
8:00:03No tours today,
8:00:05I'll just take a walk.
8:00:06Hey,
8:00:06That won't do either,
8:00:07The village has its rules,
8:00:08When outsiders come in,
8:00:09they must first greet,
8:00:11If you really want to see,
8:00:11why not say who you're looking for,
8:00:13we'll go announce,
8:00:17My name is
8:00:19The rules are well established
8:00:21Then go find someone who can make decisions.
8:00:23Forgive me, the village has been crowded these days,
8:00:24one must be careful in all matters,
8:00:28This old man doesn't look ordinary, quick go find Lin Shetou
8:00:37Some suspicious people have arrived at the village entrance
8:00:39Hello,
8:00:42An old man has come,
8:00:43with a few people,
8:00:44like a rich merchant,
8:00:45but not like a rich merchant,
8:00:46with great momentum,
8:00:48This is someone who has seen battle and been on the battlefield, and there's an indescribable resemblance to the person in memory.
8:00:55I am Lin Zhao, a villager, rude,
8:00:56I didn't know a distinguished guest had arrived, much disrespect,
8:00:58I hope the old gentleman forgives me
8:01:02It's Lin Zhao, the old gentleman knows me.
8:01:04Hmph
8:01:06These days
8:01:07my ears have been filled with your name.
8:01:10The one guarding Qinghe Village is you, the one foraging is
8:01:12you, old man,
8:01:13Along the way, the most heard is you, I don't deserve it.
8:01:17However,
8:01:18some small tricks in the countryside have reached the old gentleman's ears,
8:01:20I am truly ashamed, you are calm,
8:01:23since you guessed it, you didn't say it,
8:01:26If I'm not mistaken,
8:01:27you should be the chief minister, oh,
8:01:30You recognize me, I had the honor of seeing the chief minister in the past,
8:01:34Today I see your eyebrows and eyes are somewhat similar.
8:01:36Moreover,
8:01:36Although you are in casual clothes, your demeanor and posture, along with your attendants' behavior,
8:01:40your bearing is by no means ordinary,
8:01:41If I can't see through it,
8:01:43then I'm blind.
8:01:45What a Lin Zhao,
8:01:46No wonder people say you have sharp eyes and quick hands.
8:01:49So it's true, you weren't bragging, Old Zhong Huaiyuan.
8:01:53So it really is the Duke who has arrived. This junior failed to welcome you from afar—my deepest apologies.
8:01:56Since I came here on my own,
8:01:59let's skip the formalities.
8:02:08Since you've recognized me,
8:02:10you shall be the host.
8:02:12Let me take a good look at this number one village of the Great Song.
8:02:15Naturally, Duke.
8:02:16Please come to the council hall first,
8:02:17have some tea and rest your feet.
8:02:18I want to see that place.
8:02:22The workshop east of the village, Qinghe Village.
8:02:24The place that can least be shown to others now,
8:02:26is just the village's iron-forging and farm tool workshop.
8:02:28The fire is big and smoke is heavy,
8:02:29and the noise is loud—I fear it will dirty your ears.
8:02:30Why not go to the hall first, sit and have some tea,
8:02:32and this junior will accompany you to see other places slowly.
8:02:35Blacksmith shop.
8:02:37I,
8:02:37in my whole life, this is the first time
8:02:39I've seen such a large blacksmith shop.
8:02:41The more you don't let me see,
8:02:43the more I want to see. Well then!
8:02:45Since the Duke is interested, this junior will naturally accompany you.
8:02:57Mm.
8:03:02This crossbow has a range of one hundred fifty paces.
8:03:07You're understating it.
8:03:09This thing is at least two hundred.
8:03:13Lin Zhao,
8:03:14you've got some nerve!
8:03:21Duke, this subordinate built this crossbow out of
8:03:23helplessness.
8:03:23Helplessness is—
8:03:26The Western cavalry charges the formation,
8:03:27the invincible Northern Mystic Cavalry attacks, our southern border militia's armor is worn and discarded,
8:03:30military equipment is incomplete.
8:03:31If we have no strength to rely on,
8:03:32are we to let our brothers use flesh and blood to fight strong enemies head-on? What this subordinate seeks
8:03:36is nothing more than to give the men under my command a bit more confidence to survive,
8:03:38to slay one more invading enemy. With strength in hand, one can win battles with fewer casualties,
8:03:42fewer lives lost.
8:03:45Silver-tongued!
8:03:46Even if you speak eloquently,
8:03:48privately developing and mass-producing crossbows is transgression.
8:03:51Since you have such clever ideas,
8:03:52and can create such sharp weapons,
8:03:54why not present the blueprints and manufacturing methods to the court,
8:03:56to be uniformly built and equipped by the Armory Bureau,
8:03:58to strengthen the nation's prestige for all lords.
8:04:00Could it be you only want to keep it for yourself with other motives,
8:04:03harboring disloyalty to the court? This subordinate
8:04:07dares not, dares not—it's not that I dare not,
8:04:09I fear that if I present it today, before long,
8:04:11the armories of the two northern kingdoms will have identical items.
8:04:15Absurd! Military state secrets have their own laws and regulations—blueprints are archived, craftsmen are controlled.
8:04:21How can it leak just because you say so? Duke, laws are important,
8:04:24you've campaigned half your life,
8:04:25seen much and know much.
8:04:26Do you think the military secrets of our southern border can really be kept airtight?
8:04:30Or have we ever really treated it as a secret that needs strict guarding?
8:04:38In this subordinate's view,
8:04:39the biggest traitors are not those who flee the border.
8:04:42Nor private merchants, nor generals who fear death and fail to die,
8:04:44but precisely those two who wrote books and established taxes, famous throughout the land,
8:04:47revered by countless
8:04:47scholars as models—the nobles and ministers.
8:04:49Insolence!
8:04:50Continue.
8:04:52Their evidence of guilt is that book praised by scholars as the treasure of military kings,
8:04:55even intended to be translated for foreign nations,
8:04:57to display national prestige—that military classic,
8:05:00with weapon shapes, sizes, materials, offensive and defensive equipment manufacturing methods,
8:05:02gunpowder ratios, cannon cart designs, all printed and spread across the land.
8:05:06Once resold,
8:05:07it's no different from handing over one's housekeeping skills
8:05:08to the enemy with both hands—heavy industry.
8:05:11How can there be such logic in the world?
8:05:13Those two famous scholar-officials earned eternal fame as learned and loyal worthies,
8:05:16leaving only empty fame in history, but bringing suffering—
8:05:17harming the nation and border soldiers. Foreign enemies learn our dynasty's weapon techniques and offensive-defensive strategies from that book,
8:05:23imitate sharp weapons,
8:05:24invade territory and slaughter civilians.
8:05:25This is the most absurd act of aiding the enemy,
8:05:27far more than spies
8:05:28or traitorous generals' acts of betrayal,
8:05:29more damaging to the nation,
8:05:30more detestable.
8:05:34What a Lin Zhao!
8:05:35You sharp-tongued brat, what you say,
8:05:38though it's discussion,
8:05:39hits the vital point in every sentence.
8:05:40Even I for a moment have no way to refute.
8:05:43These words of yours are treasonous; if they spread,
8:05:46enough to cost you your head ten times.
8:05:48But strangely, I,
8:05:50your father, find some sense in it.
8:05:52At least regarding this crossbow matter,
8:05:54your reason for not daring to present it,
8:05:56I'll believe for now.
8:05:58This lowly general spoke out of turn,
8:05:59I beg my lord's forgiveness.
8:06:02The things—
8:06:02Take good care of them,
8:06:04Don't cause any trouble for this old man,
8:06:05Otherwise, I won't let you off first,
8:06:08You are my subordinate, remember your soldiers?
8:06:11Let this old man see your soldiers return to the palace.
8:06:14The main forces are training at the Xiang army camp in Longcheng County.
8:06:16Here there are only a few guards and defenders.
8:06:20Over there, go to Longcheng.
8:06:21Go now.
8:06:26Qinghe, where are you going, Ma Ge?
8:06:27Where are you going?
8:06:28You've completely abandoned me, your old master, and thrown yourself into the arms of Master Craftsman Ma.
8:06:33Sister Su,
8:06:33You—don't talk nonsense,
8:06:34I didn't, I—
8:06:35I'm going to the barracks to learn about logistics and medicine.
8:06:38Big brother,
8:06:39Your gunpowder workshop isn't in the village, right?
8:06:41Putting that thing in the village,
8:06:42One day, a careless operation,
8:06:44Or if Xiao Xiao sneaks in,
8:06:45Bang, the whole village, young and old,
8:06:47The workshop we worked so hard to build,
8:06:49All would go up to heaven.
8:06:50I already moved it to the back mountain,
8:06:51In a hidden valley,
8:06:52Ten miles from the village, don't worry.
8:07:01How is this a rural militia?
8:07:03This is clearly a trained,
8:07:04well-disciplined,
8:07:05decently equipped,
8:07:06high-morale elite fighting force.
8:07:08Even better than some pampered imperial guards in the capital.
8:07:15What's the difference?
8:07:16These few hundred men, defending with all their might,
8:07:19If commanded properly,
8:07:20I'm afraid they could hold off ten times the enemy.
8:07:22If used as a sharp blade to break through,
8:07:25A good strong army, Lin Zhao,
8:07:27You've trained good soldiers.
8:07:33This junior, Di Shen, magistrate of Longcheng County, pays respects to Elder Jinglue Zhong.
8:07:36I did not know the Elder was coming to our county and failed to welcome you. I beg your forgiveness.
8:07:40You are a direct descendant of Dai Zong of Wu?
8:07:45Replying to the Elder,
8:07:46This junior is the grandson of the fifth lord,
8:07:47Grandson of the direct line, Jiumu. The Elder's fame in guarding the western borders of Wei is renowned.
8:07:52To see your esteemed presence today,
8:07:53Is truly a blessing of three lifetimes,
8:07:54fortunate.
8:07:55What a pity.
8:07:56Since the enemy.
8:07:57After the Wu village,
8:07:58The Di family descendants gradually left the military,
8:08:01No more fierce generals. That's fine too.
8:08:04Studying and entering officialdom is the same,
8:08:05It's serving the country. This battlefield is dangerous,
8:08:08Staying away might not be a bad thing.
8:08:10Elder,
8:08:11You've had a long journey,
8:08:11Please take a step and rest.
8:08:13This junior has ordered a simple meal prepared,
8:08:14To welcome you.
8:08:16Good,
8:08:17Let's go to the official inn.
8:08:18You five, come with me.
8:08:28Your boy,
8:08:29These people are all from your Longcheng County? Replying to the Elder,
8:08:34Indeed. Lin Zhao, Xiang army inspector of Jingchuan Prefecture,
8:08:36Concurrently county inspector. Miss Chen Su, outstanding medical skills,
8:08:40Years of treating soldiers and civilians,
8:08:41Now chief medical officer of the army, medical affairs director of Lucheng military office,
8:08:44Granted the title of Protector of the Nation Medical Officer, Xie Changfeng.
8:08:46Former border army brave general.
8:08:47Now,
8:08:48Qinzhou selection inspector and patrol officer, concurrently deputy commander under Lin Zhao, Wu Yilang, rank 8.
8:08:53Ma Zhenbang is a great general recruited by Lin Xuncha, with outstanding skills,
8:08:57Currently the Longcheng military workshop director, rank 9 general attendant.
8:09:00As for Wang Haochuan, he is a student of this county,
8:09:03Educated,
8:09:03Skilled in martial arts,
8:09:04Also participated in the defense of Qinghe Village.
8:09:06The official fourth-rank righteous scholar also participated in this year's autumn,
8:09:08For a woman to be able to practice medicine and save soldiers and civilians,
8:09:12Serving the country, good.
8:09:15Unexpectedly, a scholar with both civil and martial skills also entered the field,
8:09:18Rare, rare.
8:09:24This junior is ashamed.
8:09:25I only have a slight understanding of civil and martial basics,
8:09:27Qiu Wei is just encouragement,
8:09:28I dare not hope for more.
8:09:29Good, good.
8:09:32As for this Lin Zhao,
8:09:33Inspector Lin is brave and decisive,
8:09:34Skilled at training troops and managing affairs,
8:09:36This great victory.
8:09:36Defeating the Western Jing army, protecting the peace, truly excellent.
8:09:40This old man doesn't need your introduction. I'll see and hear for myself.
8:09:43I roughly know what kind of person he is,
8:09:46A bold as brass,
8:09:47dare to think and act fool,
8:09:51Hmph,
8:09:52Not convinced?
8:09:53Calling you a fool is being polite, kid.
8:09:55This time you made quite a scene with your raid,
8:09:58and gained quite a lot.
8:09:59But in my view,
8:10:01it's actually a bad move, a terrible move,
8:10:04You think you won a battle,
8:10:06showed your face,
8:10:07trained your troops and gained strength, right?
8:10:09But this battle earned you no credit at all,
8:10:11You offended people you shouldn't have,
8:10:13putting yourself and Longcheng County on the fire.
8:10:17Think carefully, how can those clean-stream civil officials in court tolerate a military man like you who moves troops without authorization and starts wars?
8:10:24They will only see you as lawless and unruly.
8:10:29Today you dare to send troops without authorization, tomorrow,
8:10:32in their eyes,
8:10:33you would dare to provoke a national war on your own.
8:10:37Xijing suffered losses,
8:10:38such troops and supplies,
8:10:39how could they let it go?
8:10:41Right now they have no time to invade,
8:10:43but once they recover,
8:10:44they will surely retaliate heavily.
8:10:49At that time,
8:10:50Longcheng will bear the brunt,
8:10:52and your troops will be the thorn in their side they want to remove.
8:10:57You think winning a battle,
8:10:59your colleagues around,
8:10:59will respect you.
8:11:00Dear,
8:11:00you may not be the tallest tree in the forest,
8:11:03but the wind will destroy it.
8:11:04You, a mere rural patrol officer, achieved such a great result,
8:11:08where does that leave those border troops who have no achievements for so long,
8:11:09and officers? From now on, jealousy,
8:11:12suspicion, and even those who secretly trip you up will only increase.
8:11:17After this battle,
8:11:19Western Jin eyes you like a tiger in front, court officials suspect and block you from behind, and colleagues around you,
8:11:24all look at you with cold eyes.
8:11:25Lin Zhao,
8:11:26you tell me,
8:11:27this battle,
8:11:28how foolishly fought,
8:11:29isn't it a misstep?
8:11:34Generals, I didn't think so far ahead at the time.
8:11:37The Western Jin army invaded, burning, killing, and looting,
8:11:39should we just because we fear retaliation,
8:11:40fear offending others,
8:11:41sit and watch the people
8:11:42suffer and let them plunder and leave?
8:11:44I only know that maintaining an army
8:11:45is to defend against enemy invaders,
8:11:47and when they come, we should fight back with all our might.
8:11:49As for all the consequences,
8:11:50I will bear them alone.
8:11:52As long as the people in the south suffer less,
8:11:53and Lucheng can be stable,
8:11:55my personal honor or disgrace,
8:11:57what is there to care about? Foolish,
8:11:59too foolish,
8:12:00pure brute courage,
8:12:02the act of a reckless man.
8:12:03You think leading troops into battle
8:12:05just requires charging with soldiers.
8:12:07You think the way of a general
8:12:08is just bravery and skill in battle,
8:12:09is enough?
8:12:17Long-distance raids,
8:12:18surprise attacks, battlefield maneuvers.
8:12:19These duties of a general you do well,
8:12:22but a general fights for a moment and a place, while a commander plans for the whole situation.
8:12:25In everything, a true commander must understand strategy,
8:12:27know when to advance and retreat, weigh pros and cons,
8:12:29understand troop types,
8:12:30coordinate, leverage timing and terrain, gather people's hearts and morale,
8:12:32and even more, watch court trends and border situations,
8:12:35the pros and cons for the common people,
8:12:36and discern the enemy's strength and weaknesses.
8:12:39War
8:12:40is a contest of national power and people's hearts,
8:12:41and even more, court strategy.
8:12:42You think training a few hundred elites,
8:12:44making a few fine weapons,
8:12:45will make you invincible? Lin Zhao,
8:12:48are you willing to be just a brave but not wise fierce general who charges into battle your whole life?
8:12:50with more courage than strategy.
8:12:53My past thoughts
8:12:55were always trapped in how to win the immediate battle, protect my subordinates,
8:12:57and strengthen myself.
8:12:58As for the long-term picture,
8:13:00I never delved deep.
8:13:01In the end,
8:13:02I have always lacked someone in a high position,
8:13:04who can guide me forward.
8:13:08No, old sir,
8:13:09you are not scolding or belittling me.
8:13:10Lin Zhao is clearly using this as an opportunity to give him guidance,
8:13:13and even seems to have the intention of taking him as a disciple. How could an ordinary superior be so painstakingly patient with an unrelated subordinate, explaining in such detail the way of a commander
8:13:20and the dangers of the court.
8:13:21This shows he sees him as a promising rough gem and has developed a love for talent,
8:13:24intending to polish and cultivate him. What kind of figure is the old lord?
8:13:26Though he has resigned from office,
8:13:27his former students and subordinates are spread throughout the court and military, and his prestige is deep.
8:13:30If one could gain his appreciation and join his ranks,
8:13:33what one would gain is far more than military tactics and strategy.
8:13:40Good lad,
8:13:41don't be a blockhead,
8:13:42don't miss the old commander's implied meaning,
8:13:44and miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
8:13:47To be a general or commander,
8:13:49with my current abilities, guarding a fishing village and fighting a few battles,
8:13:52in this era of great change, is that really enough?
8:13:55Not enough.
8:13:56I am not content to be confined to one corner,
8:13:57seeking only small victories.
8:13:58I want to protect a region,
8:13:59turn the tide,
8:14:00this requires strength, wisdom, and vision,
8:14:03and even more, a guide of high caliber.
8:14:06This subordinate is foolish and in the past relied only on hot-bloodedness,
8:14:08shallow in thought,
8:14:09and reckless in action.
8:14:10Today,
8:14:10having received your guidance,
8:14:11I now understand the vast difference between being a general and a commander.
8:14:13This subordinate dares to presume,
8:14:14and earnestly requests your many teachings,
8:14:15to accept this subordinate as a disciple.
8:14:16This subordinate is willing to perform the rites of a disciple,
8:14:18follow by your side, inherit military tactics and strategy, and learn the way of a commander,
8:14:21and hopes you will grant this. Good lad, you've wised up.
8:14:24Hahaha
8:14:28You have some spirit after all. Rise.
8:14:30I accept you as a disciple. Thank you, Master.
8:14:37Congratulations, old lord.
8:14:38Congratulations, Brother Lin. Old lord,
8:14:40gaining such a disciple will surely carry on your legacy.
8:14:42Brother Lin, with a renowned teacher, your future is limitless.
8:14:45This is a double blessing, worthy of celebration.
8:14:48The old lord accepting a disciple in my presence,
8:14:49though it shows his love for talent,
8:14:50actually wants me to be a witness.
8:14:52With me, a local official, present, the master-disciple relationship between Lin Zhao and him can spread accordingly,
8:14:55which is both protection
8:14:55and covert support. The old lord's intention,
8:14:57I understand. I know my limits.
8:14:59What should be kept, I keep;
8:15:00what should be spread, I spread. This favor,
8:15:02how could I not do it?
8:15:04Young master of the Di family, I and this newly accepted disciple
8:15:07have some things to discuss. You are busy with official duties,
8:15:10so go ahead and attend to them.
8:15:12About today's matter,
8:15:13rest assured, old lord,
8:15:14this junior,
8:15:14knows the weight of it.
8:15:15Today, this junior
8:15:16only accompanied the old lord
8:15:17to inspect the military camp,
8:15:18caught a slight cold,
8:15:19and returned to the office early to rest.
8:15:23You few, I won't ask about your origins,
8:15:26I can tell,
8:15:27you are not ordinary people.
8:15:32I only have one reminder,
8:15:34no matter your background,
8:15:36since you are stationed here at the border town and the southern region,
8:15:39sharing the people's fortunes,
8:15:41I hope you will be devoted to this land and care for the people of the southern region. Lin Zhao is now my disciple,
8:15:46and you share his fortunes and misfortunes.
8:15:47I hope you all assist him with all your heart, each keeping your own principles. On the road ahead,
8:15:51even if it is treacherous,
8:15:52as long as your heart is with the country,
8:15:53and you do not forget your roots, through twists and turns,
8:15:55you will not lose the greater cause.
8:15:57We will follow the old lord's teachings and remember them in our hearts.
8:16:02Lord Ming has returned.
8:16:02Has the old lord been settled in?
8:16:04This subordinate was thinking of preparing some wine and food
8:16:06to welcome the old lord. No need.
8:16:09Lord Zhong probably doesn't need me around as a hindrance now.
8:16:13He has taken Lin Zhao as a disciple.
8:16:14What? He took Lin Zhao as a disciple?
8:16:17Why? Although Lin Zhao has military achievements,
8:16:19his actions are quite overstepping. He's just a small inspector,
8:16:22how could he be worthy of the old lord's attention? But from your tone, it seems you don't think much of Lin Zhao.
8:16:30This subordinate dares not speak recklessly.
8:16:32Inspector Lin's resistance against bandits,
8:16:32protecting the people, this subordinate already admires.
8:16:35But this person rose suddenly,
8:16:36his actions are unusual, and his subordinates are quite special.
8:16:39Lord Dong is a veteran of the border and highly respected in the court. Though retired, his every move
8:16:42still draws everyone's attention.
8:16:43The matter of taking a disciple
8:16:44is no small matter. Lin Zhao,
8:16:45can he bear this title?
8:16:48Boda,
8:16:49You are well-versed in official affairs, skilled in logistics, and perceptive in judgment.
8:16:51You have always been methodical,
8:16:51and abide by old rules.
8:16:52This is normally fine for assessing people and matters, but one should also break free from fixed preconceptions,
8:16:56and look at the heart and the big picture.
8:17:01Have you ever carefully considered,
8:17:03what has Lin Zhao brought since his appearance?
8:17:08By his side is Miss Chen, a skilled and kind-hearted healer,
8:17:09who has saved countless lives,
8:17:10truly deserving of the title Guardian Medical Officer, and there is a fierce warrior like Xie Changfeng,
8:17:14In just ten days,
8:17:15he trained a group of incense soldiers to be sharp and spirited,
8:17:17and there is also the equipment crafted by the skilled Ma Zhenbang,
8:17:19even the old minister was moved by it.
8:17:20Look at Lin Zhao himself—training troops, building cities,
8:17:23defending against enemies, and constructing—every single deed is extraordinary.
8:17:28At first, I also doubted their origins,
8:17:31but their actions,
8:17:32are all for Longcheng, for the border people—preserving Qinghe Village, securing the frontier, and saving countless lives,
8:17:36achieving solid, tangible merits.
8:17:37Now, what's the use of dwelling on the past?
8:17:40The court has long accepted them and rewarded them with official positions.
8:17:43Now even this border veteran is willing to take him as a disciple,
8:17:45do you still not understand the weight of this?
8:17:48This represents that at the upper levels of the court,
8:17:49at least the old minister's faction of insightful people has already accepted him,
8:17:52acknowledging his talent and potential.
8:17:54The so-called unclear origins and tendency to cause border troubles,
8:17:56and colleagues' criticisms,
8:17:57can no longer hinder his steps,
8:17:59this might even cause a major shift in the entire border situation,
8:18:02Moreover, it's not only Lin Zhao who wants to leverage the old minister's influence,
8:18:06the old minister, after setbacks and retirement, taking in
8:18:07this capable junior is itself a brilliant move.
8:18:10Once Lin Zhao succeeds, the old minister,
8:18:12his prestige in the court and military,
8:18:13can rise again through him.
8:18:19Ah,
8:18:21Your insight is profound,
8:18:22I am not as good as the old minister,
8:18:24who, in a high position, recognizes talent,
8:18:25This is a strategic move,
8:18:27his favor for Lin Zhao is a bet on the future,
8:18:30this child is indeed extraordinary.
8:18:34So, Boda, Lin Zhao's path is now laid out.
8:18:37If he succeeds, it's not bad for Longcheng, you, or me,
8:18:40in the future, where accommodation is due, give some leeway.
8:18:42Such a favor, even if not powerful,
8:18:44at least won't incur resentment.
8:18:47I,
8:18:47understand,
8:18:49Master, why did you keep me alone?
8:18:50What is your intention?
8:18:52The Northern Expedition,
8:18:53what do you think?
8:18:56Replying to Master,
8:18:57I think the timing for the Northern Expedition might be good,
8:19:00but the method is greatly flawed.
8:19:02How so?
8:19:03In the court and among the people,
8:19:03many say that attacking external enemies is like nurturing a tiger,
8:19:05but the Fang family has endless troubles,
8:19:07I don't see it that way.
8:19:08In relations between nations,
8:19:09attacking one side is inherently a game,
8:19:10the long road doesn't distinguish right from wrong,
8:19:11only interests matter; the key is to discern immediate small gains from the long-term big picture.
8:19:15Between nations, there are no eternal enemies,
8:19:17only enduring interests.
8:19:18I think this defeat in attacking the enemy,
8:19:20stems from an improper name; as the ancients said, if the name is not proper,
8:19:23then words are not smooth,
8:19:24then things are not accomplished.
8:19:25The court strongly advocates using force.
8:19:26However,
8:19:26under the banner of mobilizing the people to attack the enemy,
8:19:27and reclaiming lost territory,
8:19:28the name sounds noble,
8:19:29but in reality, it's superficial in the court,
8:19:31and among the people, there is still endless debate,
8:19:33with divided opinions,
8:19:34if internally we cannot be united,
8:19:35how can we expect soldiers to fight to the death and win?
8:19:41Also, the hexagram,
8:19:42there is a saying: a true battle,
8:19:44people in haste have no salvation,
8:19:45this truth is that a justified war needs a foundation of righteousness,
8:19:47the foundation must be solid.
8:19:49But the name under which our court sent troops this time,
8:19:52even the common people can smell the
8:19:54haste for quick success,
8:19:55and the restlessness of seeking gains amidst fire.
8:19:55Such a military campaign, I assert,
8:19:57will not achieve great success,
8:19:58the first battle will suffer setbacks,
8:19:59even if troops are sent again,
8:20:00it will still be hard to escape
8:20:00defeat. The second Northern Expedition,
8:20:04how do you conclude there will be a second?
8:20:07Master
8:20:08This matter is not hard to guess. Those captains are eager for great achievements,
8:20:10craving unparalleled glory. Those who advocate war are bent on earning titles and wiping away shame.
8:20:14The first battle was lost,
8:20:15how could they be willing to let it go?
8:20:17Seeing the enemy nation declining day by day,
8:20:19this easily attainable glory and territory—
8:20:20they will surely take the risk again.
8:20:22Since you also say it's easily attainable,
8:20:24why are you so certain they'll fail again? In their eyes, Master,
8:20:28this is an easy
8:20:29victory to attain.
8:20:30But relying on your student's sword to defeat the enemy nation
8:20:32is easy for our dynasty,
8:20:35The enemy nation is declining,
8:20:36exhausted from resisting powerful foes.
8:20:37This is the truth.
8:20:38But they have no heart for a fight to the death. What they fear is the wolf-like foreign tribes. When facing our dynasty,
8:20:42Whether it's the northerners or the surrounding
8:20:44tribes,
8:20:45they all think our dynasty's military is weak and starving,
8:20:46easy to bully,
8:20:47easy to humiliate. They fear powerful foes, but against our army they dare to fight,
8:20:50even eager to battle.
8:20:51Defeating our dynasty
8:20:52means they can plunder wealth far more than fighting
8:20:54a strong enemy to the death.
8:20:56This is the difference in mindset,
8:20:57and also the iron curtain cast in people's hearts
8:20:59by decades of strong-weak dynamics.
8:21:01Therefore, your student judges,
8:21:02even if there's a second northern expedition,
8:21:03facing cornered beasts fighting back,
8:21:04and with our army seen as the weaker force by the enemy,
8:21:06our dynasty hastily assembling
8:21:07an army with divided loyalties has slim chances of victory.
8:21:10This kid actually has such insight.
8:21:12Taking this disciple today,
8:21:13perhaps it's even more worthwhile than I imagined. I've found a treasure.
8:21:17Zhao'er,
8:21:18are your parents still alive?
8:21:23Replying to Master, your disciple—
8:21:24my parents died years ago during the eastern migration.
8:21:28Any other relatives?
8:21:30No.
8:21:32Your disciple, along with Chen Su, Xie Changfeng,
8:21:34Ma Zhenbang,
8:21:35Wang Haochuan,
8:21:36they are all the same—
8:21:37parents died early,
8:21:38orphaned and helpless,
8:21:39drifted here,
8:21:40supporting each other,
8:21:41depending on one another.
8:21:44All are pitiful children.
8:21:45So, have you all now started families,
8:21:48or have marriage engagements?
8:21:51I was just about to inform Master. Your disciple and Miss Qin Hongying are in love,
8:21:54and have pledged ourselves to each other.
8:21:56Ma Zhenbang and Xu Qing, and Xie Changfeng also have someone in mind.
8:21:59We discussed and plan to hold our weddings together this month.
8:22:02Oh,
8:22:04good things come in pairs—no, in threes! This is a great joy.
8:22:09Since that's the case,
8:22:10none of you have elders present. For you three couples' wedding officiant,
8:22:14let this old man do it. Let that brat Dishen be the ready-made matchmaker.
8:22:17Are you willing?
8:22:22Your disciple Lin Zhao and my siblings thank Master for his deep affection, Master.
8:22:25Your great kindness, your disciples are endlessly grateful. Get up.
8:22:31We've talked so much today,
8:22:31my stomach feels a bit empty.
8:22:34Go check on Dishen.
8:22:35How has that kid arranged things?
8:22:37Tell him to prepare some simple food,
8:22:39no need for extravagance.
8:22:40You and I, master and disciple, can take this chance
8:22:42to talk more. Yes, Master.
8:22:48What do you want?
8:22:53Hey, listen up, everyone!
8:22:55Our Qinghe Ward's Patrol Officer Lin,
8:22:57Commander Xie, and Vice Minister Ma,
8:22:59these three lords are getting married together!
8:23:01It's set for the auspicious day of August 18th.
8:23:07Three lords marrying together,
8:23:08this is a tremendous joyous event!
8:23:09Which family's girls are so fortunate?
8:23:11Who else could it be?
8:23:12It must be Miss Qin,
8:23:13Miss Xu,
8:23:14and that Qiao girl Commander Xie has his eye on!
8:23:19Do you know who the officiant is this time? I'll tell you and shock you—
8:23:23It's Lord Zhong!
8:23:25What? Lord Zhong?
8:23:27That second-rank official in the court!
8:23:29My heavens, our ancestral graves must be smoking!
8:23:31No, wait?
8:23:32It's the whole Qinghe Ward that's burning incense!
8:23:34And the matchmaker?
8:23:35It's our Magistrate Di!
8:23:38Duke Zhou Wei, if not for your old discerning eye back then—
8:23:41Overcoming all objections,
8:23:42they kept Lord Lin and his group in Qinghe Village.
8:23:44Where would our poor backwater get such a thing?
8:23:46Now so glorious,
8:23:49Where,
8:23:49where is Lord Lin?
8:23:50They have their own abilities. Thinking back to when we decided to take in those strangers at the entrance of Qinghe Village,
8:23:57it seems we truly found a treasure.
8:24:02Slow down,
8:24:06Shopkeeper, this is for Lord Lin Xun, Commander Xie, and Vice Minister Ma,
8:24:10prepared for the three lords' weddings. It's only proper, only proper, the three lords.
8:24:13But they are the heroes of our Longcheng,
8:24:15just share in the joy of the occasion.
8:24:16Hey,
8:24:16Congratulations, congratulations!
8:24:25Come give a hand,
8:24:31Can't remember this, Vice Minister Ma?
8:24:34What time is it now?
8:24:35Can you just casually see the bride?
8:24:37Go back, go back,
8:24:38if there's anything, wait until after the wedding.
8:24:42I don't know,
8:24:45Is it really necessary?
8:24:46Ah,
8:24:46Is it really necessary?
8:24:47It's just getting married,
8:24:48is it necessary to not even come out the door?
8:24:49Now I want to find someone to go shopping with,
8:24:50to talk to, but can't find anyone.
8:24:51Hongying,
8:24:52she used to accompany me to gather herbs,
8:24:53now I can't even see a shadow of her,
8:24:54Qinghe is also hiding all day,
8:24:55embroidering at home,
8:24:56You too, if you have nothing to do, stay at the clinic,
8:24:59why wander around instead of treating patients?
8:25:01Hey,
8:25:01Xie Changfeng,
8:25:02I'm afraid I've been too lenient with you,
8:25:04what's the big deal about getting married?
8:25:06Hmm,
8:25:08This guy acts like you can just get married whenever you say.
8:25:11Great Physician Chen,
8:25:12If you end up as an old maiden in Nanju,
8:25:14that would be truly embarrassing.
8:25:17Xie Songfeng,
8:25:17You think you're so great, huh? Hey hey, Uncle Chen,
8:25:19calm down,
8:25:19I was just talking about the younger ones, right?
8:25:21Shrink my power, shrink, see my big house is the cheapest
8:25:28What's wrong, Haochuan?
8:25:30Has the list been posted?
8:25:33By the date, it should be posted, right?
8:25:34If there's no news sent to Longcheng in the next two days,
8:25:36then most likely you failed the exam,
8:25:38If you really failed,
8:25:40I really can't accept it, Haochuan, don't.
8:25:43Like this,
8:25:43the imperial examination is not our only way out,
8:25:45and not even the best strategy.
8:25:46To build our own intelligence network,
8:25:48we don't necessarily have to enter the court through the examination,
8:25:50The examination is smooth,
8:25:51it can access core information faster.
8:25:52If this path is blocked,
8:25:53we'll find another way,
8:25:54there's always a feasible method,
8:26:00Don't forget, the time left for us is already not much, great disaster,
8:26:03imminent,
8:26:04not far off.
8:26:05No matter the situation,
8:26:06we must act immediately,
8:26:08the intelligence system,
8:26:08must be built as soon as possible in our own way,
8:26:12Yes, there are too many people we need to save.
8:26:23Tenth-rank inspector Badulu Dao, Jingchuan Prefecture Tongpan Mo Zongyou Dao,
8:26:31Jingchuan Prefecture Military Supervisor Wen Zhijie arrives
8:26:36Qingshui County Magistrate Liu Wenjun arrives
8:26:45Brother Lin,
8:26:46this is your fault,
8:26:47such a big happy event as marriage, and you didn't even inform your brother,
8:26:50Brother,
8:26:51I'm really angry,
8:26:52If the master hadn't reminded me,
8:26:53I would have almost missed this excitement.
8:26:55Mr. Yao, you flatter me, little brother,
8:26:56Xizhou is far from here,
8:26:58I really didn't dare trouble you.
8:26:59Your presence,
8:26:59please come in, come in
8:27:02Hahaha, the master specially instructed, a little token
8:27:05Congratulations to Brother Lin,
8:27:06on your wedding joy,
8:27:07a harmonious union lasting a hundred years.
8:27:10Master actually used his own reputation and connections,
8:27:11to pave the way for me,
8:27:12The people sue the court,
8:27:13I, Lin Zhao, am his disciple.
8:27:15This kindness is as heavy as a thousand catties,
8:27:25the heart has only the road ahead.
8:27:28Right,
8:27:28What a fine self you are,
8:27:30It just depends on whether you want to play,
8:27:31Catch!
8:27:42Red hand, bright moon reflecting rosy clouds
8:27:45Ten miles of parting, reluctant to see the bride off
8:27:57Time to sleep!
8:28:00Not too excited,
8:28:02Everyone
8:28:04The mortal world stretches far
8:28:05Walk freely,
8:28:06Not failing each other.
8:28:07Everyone, please come this way and take a seat
8:28:11Golden cup washes the sword
8:28:12First bow to heaven and earth, the world holds tight, enjoy the fireworks together.
8:28:17The Chang family's dream.
8:28:19Second bow to the high hall
8:28:22Girls, spring, summer, autumn, winter
8:28:23So it turns out, bow to each other as husband and wife
8:28:29Eyes full of waking up,
8:28:34With happiness, I rush toward life and death, love,
8:28:38Brave forward
8:28:44This grand wedding
8:28:45Is not only the joy of three couples,
8:28:47But also silently.
8:28:48Declaring that Lin Chao Yi has established a firm foothold in Longcheng Qin Fengzheng,
8:28:53And begins to enter a broader vision.
8:28:58Hello,
8:29:03Try it
8:29:09Early morning,
8:29:10Morning,
8:29:11What time is it now,
8:29:12You're still early, useless.
8:29:13Hey,
8:29:14You say I'm useless.
8:29:17Hmph, Lin Zhao,
8:29:19Lin Zhao, why not find something else,
8:29:20Must find a martial artist, after this big battle, victory is uncertain,
8:29:37Husband
8:29:42Awake
8:29:43Still early, you can sleep a bit more.
8:29:44Mm,
8:29:44Not sleeping,
8:29:45Time to get up
8:29:47Ah ah
8:29:55Great joy, great joy.
8:29:57Good news from Longcheng County, Qinghe Fang, son Wang Haochuan,
8:30:00Young Master Wang,
8:30:01Jing Ke,
8:30:02Jingchuan Prefecture, Prefectural Scholar, passed the exam in fifth place,
8:30:05Golden榜题名, Jian Song goes to the capital to participate, after the whole event,
8:30:08Chuan passed fifth place.
8:30:09That's great,
8:30:18Passed, really passed,
8:30:20Heaven opens eyes, ancestors bless,
8:30:23Our Qinghe Fang has produced another noble person.
8:30:25The Wenqu Star has descended to our Fang,
8:30:29Where's the happy iron? Golden flower iron? Let me see quickly.
8:30:31Hey,
8:30:32You're so rude,
8:30:33Are you Wang Haochuan,
8:30:34Young Master Wang?
8:30:36I'm his brother, the happy sister given to you, let me see,
8:30:39So you're Young Master Wang's elder brother,
8:30:40My apologies, my apologies,
8:30:41Please look,
8:30:42Please look, this was just issued by the Zhou Yali Room,
8:30:45Fresh and warm golden flower notice
8:30:49Goodness
8:30:50This thing is made so exquisitely, truly precious.
8:30:53Such display, compared to what I've seen before,
8:30:54Everything is more outstanding.
8:30:56Alright,
8:30:57Haochuan, look at this admission notice,
8:30:59High-class and prestigious, much more impressive than that crappy college entrance exam paper
8:31:05Loyal scholar,
8:31:06This time, truly a scholar.
8:31:11Fifth,
8:31:12I really passed,
8:31:14Now I can relax,
8:31:15Our top student can relax,
8:31:17It feels like back when the results were posted,
8:31:19Actually, whether I pass or not doesn't matter,
8:31:21It's just a bit sudden,
8:31:22That's too much,
8:31:23You passed,
8:31:24Still saying that, taking advantage,
8:31:25And acting innocent.
8:31:26As a slacker student,
8:31:26You'll never understand.
8:31:27For those top students,
8:31:28Failing an exam is their eternal nightmare.
8:31:31Lord Zhou Yu, this place really nurtures people,
8:31:33First produces generals, then scholars, and later, I'm afraid,
8:31:35It's not going to produce a prime minister.
8:31:38Quick report.
8:31:39Luocheng County, Qinghe Fang, son Wang Haochuan, golden榜题名
8:31:49Father Emperor
8:31:49Are you worried about the northern warriors and Grand Tutor Cai Shu's secret,
8:31:52They all say they're almost ready,
8:31:54Soon we can raise troops again to reclaim Beijing.
8:31:56Ah,
8:31:56But the first Northern Expedition suffered heavy losses,
8:31:58and the national treasury was also greatly depleted.
8:32:00For this second campaign, Father is the Son of Heaven,
8:32:03so heaven will surely protect us,
8:32:04and the soldiers will certainly do their utmost.
8:32:06The day before yesterday,
8:32:06your daughter went to Baolu Palace to pray for the Northern Expedition army.
8:32:09Mm,
8:32:10But your daughter always feels that just praying quietly in the palace,
8:32:12the sincerity is still a bit lacking.
8:32:15Your daughter wishes to ask Father's permission.
8:32:17On the second day of the ninth month,
8:32:18to go to Longxing Temple for the Northern Expedition soldiers,
8:32:19and for the southern border's relief and fasting prayers.
8:32:21The Qishi Zhen Ding Mansion is your daughter's,
8:32:23If I could go in person,
8:32:24it would also fulfill a wish.
8:32:26It is good that you have this intention,
8:32:27Approved. Thank you, Father, for your approval.
8:32:31During the day,
8:32:32I ordered the imperial son-in-law to go south to supervise the Cao transport. The Northern Expedition is imminent,
8:32:35the Liang route must not have any problems.
8:32:37The Cai family has managed Jiangnan for many years,
8:32:38this assignment is both a fortune and...
8:32:40Yes,
8:32:41Some loyalty and some duty must always be put to the test,
8:32:45only then can we know if it's real or fake.
8:32:46The warehouses of the six routes in the northwest and the Hedong route are already empty to support the first Northern Expedition,
8:32:52This second campaign will consume even more.
8:32:55Grand Tutor Tong is urging urgently,
8:32:56President Liu's Holy Army is even more demanding,
8:32:58asking for three months of grain and wood in advance. Where will the grain come from? Most of it still depends on the southeast Cao transport,
8:33:03But those Cao officials,
8:33:04you also know they exploit layer by layer and delay with excuses,
8:33:06if the transport is unfavorable,
8:33:07neither you nor I can bear the responsibility.
8:33:12So His Majesty this time appointed you,
8:33:13to go south to manage the Cao transport and supervise the northward grain transport,
8:33:16is a tremendous grace,
8:33:18and also a heavy responsibility.
8:33:19However,
8:33:20you are now the imperial son-in-law,
8:33:21a close minister of His Majesty.
8:33:23This assignment,
8:33:24on the surface is to supervise grain transport,
8:33:25but in reality, His Majesty is placing the lifeline of the Northern Expedition army in our Cai family's hands.
8:33:30This is trust,
8:33:31and also a test. If done well,
8:33:33for the country and the family,
8:33:33and for your future, it is a great merit.
8:33:36The Jiangnan Cao transport grain route has always been our family's business,
8:33:39you know the official channels well,
8:33:41be sure to be cautious,
8:33:42and even more thorough.
8:33:43Family supervising family,
8:33:45this is the dignity given by His Majesty,
8:33:46and even more an opportunity for you and the Cai family.
8:33:48Along the way, at key points,
8:33:49bribe where you should bribe,
8:33:50urge where you should urge, ensure the grain ships flow smoothly,
8:33:53and arrive at the northern Zhu warehouse on time. If this succeeds,
8:33:56I dare not say you'll be credited with the Northern Expedition's success,
8:33:58but an evaluation of effective coordination and proper保障 is unavoidable,
8:34:01and your foundation in the court will be stable.
8:34:05Father and elder brother's teachings, I will remember them well,
8:34:07and do my utmost,
8:34:07not betraying the imperial grace,
8:34:08nor the family's trust. Someone from the Grand Tutor's foundation courtyard requests the imperial son-in-law to come over. Let's disperse for the night,
8:34:13The princess is here, do not neglect her,
8:34:15what needed to be said has been said.
8:34:17Tomorrow, rise early and prepare to go south.
8:34:19Yes
8:34:23I want to go to Longxing Temple on the second day of the ninth month for the Northern Expedition soldiers
8:34:26to pray for blessings. Father has already approved,
8:34:29but His Majesty ordered,
8:34:29I go south tomorrow to transport grain,
8:34:31since you are going north,
8:34:32why don't I enter the palace to request a few days' extension to accompany you? No.
8:34:36The Northern Expedition army's grain is a state affair, imperial son-in-law,
8:34:38go to your post with peace of mind,
8:34:39that is also good,
8:34:41Take care on the journey, imperial son-in-law,
8:34:42Tomorrow you still have a long journey,
8:34:43you need to rest earlier.
8:34:44Since that's the case,
8:34:45I will go back first.
8:34:47Di Ji, rest earlier,
8:34:48imperial son-in-law, rest earlier too.
8:34:55Su Tongjun and Lin Zhao destroyed my Rou Lang tribe,
8:34:58killed my people,
8:34:59captured my women and children, seized cattle, sheep, and warhorses,
8:35:01and now they dare to use my tribe members to trade for warhorses.
8:35:03If I don't avenge this,
8:35:04I, Ye Li Cang Lang,
8:35:05how can I lead my people? Let me take the warriors of my tribe and attack,
8:35:08raze Longcheng to the ground,
8:35:09and cut that Lin fellow into a thousand pieces to avenge Cang Lang,
8:35:12Do you think that with the remaining warriors of your Rou Lang tribe, you can break through the pass and invade the southern border?
8:35:17Attack the Longcheng Commander's army.
8:35:21If most of our warriors hadn't followed the army on campaign,
8:35:23and been pinned down by the main force of the Nanjing army,
8:35:25how could that Xinglin have succeeded in a sneak attack?
8:35:28Our tribe can still muster two thousand warriors,
8:35:30and the smaller tribes that follow us can also gather enough men to make up two thousand.
8:35:33A full thousand cavalry is no problem, Commander.
8:35:37I don't ask the Military Command to break the rules,
8:35:38I only ask that you tacitly allow the border to be opened,
8:35:40and let us pass through.
8:35:41I am determined to fight that man surnamed Lin to the death.
8:35:43He robbed our tribe and humiliated us too much.
8:35:45And now he even dares to send someone with a message.
8:35:47A complete humiliation.
8:35:48He wants to trade people for war.
8:35:50Horses are
8:35:52The messenger said
8:35:53If you don't want your women and children to starve to death,
8:35:55then bring fine Hexi
8:35:56horses to exchange one person for one fine warhorse.
8:35:58Horses
8:35:59Exchange people for horses
8:36:00This Nanjing inspector has quite an appetite,
8:36:02and he's quite bold. Rise.
8:36:05Revenge doesn't necessarily require meeting blade to blade immediately.
8:36:08Since he wants to talk,
8:36:09then let's have a good talk with him. Commander, do you mean to agree to his terms? Give him warhorses to exchange for your tribesmen?
8:36:21But there aren't any,
8:36:22But how to give the horses, what kind of horses, and where to exchange?
8:36:27There's a lot to consider here.
8:36:31It just so happens that I, the Commander, also have some gifts I'd like to send to this Inspector Lin,
8:36:35and to Longcheng behind him,
8:36:37and also
8:36:39to that newly appointed official
8:36:40who is still unwilling in his heart, Old Master Chong.
8:36:46I understand, subordinate.
8:36:46I will make that man surnamed Lin pay back everything with interest. Alright,
8:36:49Even a thousand miles, we must part. Let's stop here.
8:36:53I'll say it again,
8:36:54take ten men with you,
8:36:56they'll escort you all the way to the capital,
8:36:57to avoid any mishaps on the road.
8:36:59Brother Lin,
8:37:00I appreciate your kindness,
8:37:01but this trip,
8:37:02I won't go directly to the capital.
8:37:05The old masters
8:37:05gave me four letters,
8:37:06one for Xiao Chengli, the cavalry general of Zhending Prefecture, and three for old friends in Kaifeng Prefecture.
8:37:11I need to go to Zhending Prefecture first to deliver the letters. Too many people
8:37:13would be inconvenient instead,
8:37:14and easily attract attention.
8:37:15I'll go alone on horseback, disguised as a traveling scholar, which is safer.
8:37:19Be careful along the way,
8:37:21if anything seems wrong,
8:37:21immediately reveal your identity,
8:37:23or seek help from the local authorities or find a relay station to pass on the message.
8:37:26Xiao Chengli is my master's savior, trustworthy. The capital is even more dangerous,
8:37:30act according to circumstances. Understood.
8:37:36Inside here are fifty short swords specially for the crossbow,
8:37:38I personally poisoned them, blood seals the throat. The arrowheads are sealed with wax, be careful not to break them.
8:37:43In case, I mean in case you encounter a critical moment, use them to save your life. Remember,
8:37:48never let the arrowhead scratch yourself. If the poison enters your body, you won't be able to move within a few breaths,
8:37:51and you'll surely die within a quarter of an hour.
8:37:54No doubt,
8:37:54when you've used them up or feel unsafe,
8:37:56throw away the whole quiver,
8:37:57don't keep it. Sister Su, rest assured,
8:37:59I know how serious it is. You brat,
8:38:01repaying kindness with enmity!
8:38:02Which of us is older?
8:38:03Don't you know?
8:38:06Here,
8:38:07your sister-in-law cooked for a long time,
8:38:08made it for you tonight.
8:38:11Get lost!
8:38:12You're younger than me.
8:38:13Two months,
8:38:13Qiaoniang,
8:38:13when did she become my sister-in-law? Shameless?
8:38:15Hey,
8:38:16how are you talking?
8:38:17Haven't you heard 'first to marry is elder'?
8:38:18I got married first,
8:38:19so she's your sister-in-law, set in stone.
8:38:24Brother Haochuan can only help you this far.
8:38:30Brother Ma,
8:38:31Thank you.
8:38:32The things,
8:38:33keep them safe.
8:38:33But there's something
8:38:34I can't hold back from saying,
8:38:35the girl is still young,
8:38:36don't be too beastly.
8:38:38Don't talk nonsense,
8:38:39I don't mean that at all. Besides,
8:38:41my sister-in-law doesn't seem that old either, right?
8:38:44Brother Ma,
8:38:44which of us is more beastly?
8:38:46You little brat!
8:38:53Take care, everyone.
8:38:54Wait for my good news,
8:38:55Take care on the road, and when you arrive,
8:38:57remember to send word back.
8:38:58Safe travels, Young Master Wang.
8:39:12Lin Xu, there's a reply from the Western Xia side.
8:39:14The Rou Lang tribe agrees to exchange warhorses for captives,
8:39:15but they don't agree to
8:39:16one person for one horse.
8:39:17And their chief, Ye Li Cang Lang, specifically demands to talk to you face to face.
8:39:22Interesting,
8:39:23I killed their soldiers,
8:39:24destroyed their camp,
8:39:25and took their people and livestock.
8:39:27Now they're not thinking about how to fight to the death,
8:39:29but instead want to negotiate with me, their enemy.
8:39:32Brother,
8:39:33you mean,
8:39:34they have ill intentions,
8:39:35the negotiation is a cover,
8:39:36The Rou Lang tribe suffered this great disaster,
8:39:37almost wiped out,
8:39:38They will never be content. With their remaining strength, a large-scale revenge attack to break through the prepared Dragon City is absolutely impossible.
8:39:44Moreover, their commander Ye Li Ren Yong just suffered a defeat,
8:39:47right now he's probably being impeached by those who oppose military action, overwhelmed,
8:39:49unable to even take care of himself,
8:39:50let alone allow his subordinates to start large-scale training and cause more trouble.
8:39:53So the only feasible way for them to take revenge,
8:39:56is to lure me, the political leader, out of Dragon City to a place they control,
8:40:00then directly kill me and be done with it,
8:40:03and give their tribe an explanation.
8:40:05Damn it, it's indeed a weasel paying New Year's greetings to a chicken—no good intentions!
8:40:09Tell them to ignore him.
8:40:10I'll go reply: if they want to talk, talk to me, Lu Heihu. If not, forget it.
8:40:13Tell them to get lost.
8:40:15Don't,
8:40:16Heihu, killing is mutual.
8:40:19As for who ultimately succeeds in killing whom,
8:40:22that depends on each side's methods.
8:40:26Changfeng,
8:40:27how many bullets do you have left for that L224?
8:40:31If you don't use them soon, I'm afraid your precious thing will go bad, right?
8:40:33How could it go bad?
8:40:34That thing is sealed really well.
8:40:35But Brother Lin,
8:40:37you have to be reasonable,
8:40:38When I was in the army, I trained for hours every day without fail,
8:40:40that feel and accuracy were honed through practice,
8:40:42but now, with only a few precious bullets, I have to be stingy,
8:40:45saving them has made my feel rusty.
8:40:47I'm telling you in advance,
8:40:49if you ask me to hit a target at 1,500 meters now,
8:40:50I can't guarantee a sure kill.
8:40:52This really isn't my fault.
8:40:55Brother Ma, technically, can we find a way to imitate Changfeng's gun and make one with longer range
8:41:01and higher accuracy?
8:41:02Hmm,
8:41:03like something called a sniper crossbow?
8:41:09Boss Lin,
8:41:10Boss Xie,
8:41:11For the last time, I'll use the most direct,
8:41:12least roundabout,
8:41:13and most straightforward way to explain to you the most basic weapons.
8:41:15Principle knowledge: any long-range projectile weapon,
8:41:17its power source ultimately comes down to two types,
8:41:19either elastic force,
8:41:20or thrust.
8:41:21Bows, crossbows, including our Qinghe crossbow, rely on the elastic force stored by bending the bow limbs, while guns,
8:41:27the thrust that sends bullets flying all comes from modern propellant,
8:41:31that is, high-grade explosives,
8:41:32violently, stably, and controllably exploding in the gun barrel.
8:41:37First,
8:41:38we can't make that kind of modern propellant with stable performance and extremely high detonation velocity,
8:41:41Yang Hei Hui Yao,
8:41:42the power is far inferior,
8:41:44and the combustion is unstable.
8:41:49Second,
8:41:50even if we luck out and produce a usable propellant,
8:41:53we still can't make the rifling that makes bullets spin at high speed
8:41:55to maintain flight stability.
8:41:57That thing's requirements for materials and machining precision are hell-level.
8:42:01Third,
8:42:02even if we carve out the rifling,
8:42:04we can't forge special gun barrel steel that can withstand high temperatures. Bullets spinning at high speed inside the barrel create friction,
8:42:08generating temperatures of over a thousand degrees. The barrel,
8:42:10turns red after one shot,
8:42:11is ruined after a few shots,
8:42:12or even bursts.
8:42:13So give up early,
8:42:14that hope, Changfeng.
8:42:16Those bullets, once used, are one less each.
8:42:19Just treat them as out-of-print souvenirs,
8:42:21and after they're used up, forget about sniper rifles.
8:42:23The reality is that the black powder we currently produce provides effective thrust
8:42:26only enough to send a projectile two to three hundred meters,
8:42:28and it can't fire continuously with consistent accuracy.
8:42:31This is why I never even considered making guns,
8:42:33but focused entirely on improving crossbows.
8:42:35As for gunpowder,
8:42:36let's just honestly work on the blasting direction.
8:42:38These are where it should truly shine.
8:42:42Alright,
8:42:42Brother Ma, I was too presumptuous,
8:42:44So with our current technology, what's the maximum range and power you can achieve for a spring-driven crossbow?
8:42:52I can restore and improve the Eight-Ox Crossbow,
8:42:54that is, the Three-Bow Bed Crossbow,
8:42:57making it easier to draw,
8:42:58and the range might be a bit farther.
8:43:00But that thing is a heavy siege engine for engineering corps, hard to move and slow to fire,
8:43:05and its role will eventually be replaced by the Franco cannon we're building.
8:43:09Lin Tao,
8:43:10Can you guys trust me?
8:43:12I can build things that are decades or even centuries ahead of current technology,
8:43:18I've almost spilled all my secrets today,
8:43:20What more do you want?
8:43:24Hmm,
8:43:24Brother Ma is absolutely right,
8:43:27We were just speculating,
8:43:29Don't mind us, alright?
8:43:31You're discussing all this fighting and scheming now,
8:43:33I can't get a word in,
8:43:35I'll head home first,
8:43:35Qinghe is waiting for me for lunch,
8:43:37After eating, we have to go back to the Qinghe Village workshop for a bunch of things.
8:43:40Alright,
8:43:40Master Ma,
8:43:41Take care,
8:43:42This way, please,
8:43:43Watch the threshold,
8:43:43The floor is slippery
8:43:45Wait, wait, wait
8:43:48Brother Ma,
8:43:48This tech guy really has a bad temper,
8:43:49Provoke
8:43:51Got off track
8:43:53Serves him right to be taught a lesson by Ma.
8:43:54Let's get back to business, Changfeng.
8:43:56Since building guns is hopeless,
8:43:57your LR-24 and the remaining bullets are our last strategic deterrent.
8:44:00If we go to negotiate this time,
8:44:02you carry it and hide it well. Unless absolutely necessary,
8:44:05do not fire.
8:44:06Understood,
8:44:07Once you fire,
8:44:08first find the most valuable one. If it's just Wild Force Canglang,
8:44:11then shoot him.
8:44:11If there's a bigger fish,
8:44:12show up,
8:44:13then shoot the bigger fish first,
8:44:14Either don't act, or if you act,
8:44:16make sure it's a one-shot decapitation.
8:44:17Understood,
8:44:18I always feel this time it might not just be the Rou Wolf tribe,
8:44:22Maybe there's a bigger fish. Black Tiger, go ask them how to negotiate,
8:44:26It's Xunya
8:44:32Canglang within ten steps
8:44:34I'll give you ten capable deputy generals,
8:44:36disguised as your personal guards,
8:44:37How confident are you,
8:44:39to definitely kill Lin Zhao, the Commander,
8:44:41Why so troublesome.
8:44:42Lin Zhao will bring at most two hundred cavalry to negotiate. I'll lead two hundred,
8:44:45elite blades in one charge,
8:44:46can trample him and his horse into minced meat,
8:44:49Why need the ten-step trick? Foolish?
8:44:51If you miss,
8:44:52and let him escape back to the Southern Border,
8:44:54Do you want to lead my iron cavalry across the border,
8:44:56to hunt him down? Right now,
8:44:57How many eyes in the new mansion are watching me,
8:44:59Those civil officials in court are just waiting,
8:45:00unable to find my weakness,
8:45:02Listen carefully.
8:45:03You have two chances,
8:45:04First, within ten steps in close combat,
8:45:07life-and-death struggle.
8:45:08I will select ten deputy generals from my personal guards who are best at close combat,
8:45:11disguised as your personal guards,
8:45:12each has crawled out from mountains of corpses and seas of blood,
8:45:14In terms of average, not lower than you, in terms of killing skills.
8:45:17Within ten steps,
8:45:18they have the courage of ten thousand men,
8:45:20Second, at two hundred steps away,
8:45:23I will assign you fifty iron socks,
8:45:25let them mix in your one hundred fifty light cavalry, hide at the back of the formation with armor.
8:45:29Once you make a move, two hundred seventy,
8:45:31immediately charge,
8:45:32Remember, these fifty iron socks are the real killing move.
8:45:35I will personally lead three thousand banners at the border.
8:45:38Hidden in the valley on our side,
8:45:39Once engaged,
8:45:40I will immediately rush out to support,
8:45:42You can cross the border,
8:45:43but do not go deep. Kill.
8:45:46Lin Zhao immediately retreats. I,
8:45:48understand, will not disobey orders.
8:45:53Both sides' main forces must not cross the border,
8:45:56but each can bring two hundred cavalry,
8:45:57but cavalry must stop two hundred steps away for negotiation,
8:46:00leaders each bring ten personal guards within ten steps.
8:46:03Qing soldiers are only allowed short sabers,
8:46:04No bows and arrows. The location is on a half-dry riverbed in the Qingshui River Valley, two li from the border.
8:46:10They really are confident in their cavalry.
8:46:13Hu Chen, how many gunpowder weapons have recently arrived at Ma Zhenbang's place?
8:46:18Reporting to Xunxia, forty newly stored iron fish bombs,
8:46:21One hundred palm thunder bombs, all as you instructed.
8:46:23Stored separately in the newly built warehouse outside the city,
8:46:25Guarded by double posts,
8:46:26Day and night without rest.
8:46:28Good, Changfeng,
8:46:29How are those grenadiers you trained doing?
8:46:32I selected one hundred from the crossbowmen for special training.
8:46:34Currently, thirty are training well,
8:46:36Their arm strength and accuracy are sufficient.
8:46:37But among these thirty, only ten have thrown live bombs.
8:46:39Thirty is actually enough.
8:46:41The ten who have thrown live bombs will be the core,
8:46:43Next is your job: negotiation.
8:46:46That day, you ambushed on the slope at our border mountain pass,
8:46:49Find a good position yourself,
8:46:50Aim carefully and only shoot the biggest fish,
8:46:52If you're not sure or the fish isn't big enough,
8:46:54Save the bullets for me.
8:46:55This time I only allow you to use two bullets. Are you confident?
8:46:59Brother,
8:47:00Rest assured, for targets not worth this price,
8:47:02I will never take the bait.
8:47:07We can currently mobilize one thousand light cavalry and five hundred elite crossbow special forces cavalry. For the negotiation, I'll only take two hundred crossbow cavalry.
8:47:13Once it starts,
8:47:14I won't fight head-on,
8:47:15Only fight and retreat,
8:47:16Dragging them toward our border. Hongying,
8:47:19You lead three hundred crossbow cavalry to support me from three li behind my flank. Your task:
8:47:22Not to charge,
8:47:23But to receive my two hundred cavalry,
8:47:25Don't let the enemy use their speed,
8:47:26To scatter us,
8:47:28Once both sides merge,
8:47:29Then fight and retreat,
8:47:30Retreat into the border.
8:47:33Tieshan
8:47:35Afterwards
8:47:36You and Li Kui each lead five hundred banner troops hidden at the border.
8:47:38Once you see the enemy in disarray in our valley,
8:47:41Or see my signal,
8:47:42Immediately launch a surprise attack on them.
8:47:43How much meat you can bite off,
8:47:44Depends on your skills.
8:47:47Afterwards
8:47:47Send someone to lead five hundred Xiang army infantry following the cavalry.
8:47:49Their only task is to clean up the battlefield,
8:47:52Swords, spears,
8:47:53Armor,
8:47:53Warhorses, drag them all back.
8:47:54As long as it's good,
8:47:55And usable, drag it all back.
8:47:56Our Longcheng is still poor.
8:47:59Black Tiger, you've been following the grenade and landmine drills these days.
8:48:02Will you handle it again this time?
8:48:04You lead people to bury the landmines on the main road first,
8:48:06After all our people have passed,
8:48:08Don't move yet.
8:48:10Wait until more than half of the Xijing troops have passed,
8:48:12Then pull the wire for me to detonate. Thirty grenadiers are also under your command. Remember to detonate the landmines first,
8:48:17Once their formation is in chaos,
8:48:18Then send in the grenadiers.
8:48:23Lin Qunxia, Hu Chen requests to fight.
8:48:28Hu Shen,
8:48:28You're now in charge of the armory, a crucial responsibility,
8:48:31Without a good commander, Hu Chen is just a guard,
8:48:33But with you, Hu Shen wants to be one who can go to battle and kill enemies,
8:48:35General, just give me a warhorse and a broken saber.
8:48:38Damn, Brother Hu Shen,
8:48:40When Mr. Huang from Panya Mountain was interrogated,
8:48:41He did show his skill,
8:48:43Maybe he really is a fierce general material.
8:48:46Good,
8:48:47Approved,
8:48:48Go get a suitable set of armor and weapons yourself,
8:48:51You'll join Tieshan and Li Kui's squad. Xie Qunxiang,
8:48:54Did everyone understand?
8:48:55Understood,
8:48:56Go prepare separately. Tomorrow at noon,
8:48:58We'll meet that Canglang chief of the Roulang tribe,
8:49:01See if he's a wolf or just a
8:49:04Wild dog that only bares its teeth.
8:49:05Understood.
8:49:10Do you really think Yeli Renyong will come?
8:49:12He set up this trap, so he won't just let a dog bark in front. The fisherman,
8:49:16Always has to watch the float to feel at ease.
8:49:19Then let's see
8:49:21Who is the fish.
8:49:29They're here.
8:49:33What? What?
8:49:39Chief of the Roulang tribe, Yeli Canglang.
8:49:41May I ask the opposing side,
8:49:44Captain Lin Zhao of the Dragon Country Special Operations Brigade.
8:49:46I greet your father. What kind of things are the Dragon Country Special Operations Brigade?
8:49:56Retreat!
8:50:01The chief has made his move!
8:50:02Chongzhen, take down the one surnamed Lin.
8:50:08Front squad, halt and form up!
8:50:09Bite onto them for me.
8:50:10Iron Tiles, follow first,
8:50:12Once their formation falls into chaos,
8:50:13Then smash right in for me.
8:50:18Go!
8:50:22Grey Wolf!
8:50:22They've made their move.
8:50:24Pass the order!
8:50:25Whole army, press the whistle.
8:50:34Lin Zhou,
8:50:35Today,
8:50:35Let's see where you can run.
8:50:39Fall back!
8:50:40Fight while retreating,
8:50:41Keep the distance beyond two hundred paces,
8:50:42Don't let them close in. First hundred lines continue, last hundred lines turn and fire.
8:50:49Don't panic!
8:50:50Everyone spread out and prepare,
8:50:53Don't let them turn around safely.
8:50:59Hongying, bring your men to cover the rear. Understood!
8:51:04Fire!
8:51:08Don't give!
8:51:18Du, Commander, the wild force Grey Wolf is dead? What? That Lin guy?
8:51:21That Lin guy didn't even talk,
8:51:22The moment they met,
8:51:23He struck to kill.
8:51:23Chief Grey Wolf,
8:51:24Was killed on the spot,
8:51:25Of the ten deputy generals you borrowed, four are dead,
8:51:27Two severely wounded,
8:51:27The rest may have survived,
8:51:29But all have lost their combat strength.
8:51:33What a fine spiritual summon! Order the front army deputy general to chase! Authorized to pursue into Songjing for twenty li.
8:51:39No matter what,
8:51:40Bring me Lin Zhao's head,
8:51:42Yes!
8:51:47Commander Du,
8:51:49Commander Su, the front army has pursued into the southern border.
8:51:51You want to watch with your own eyes as Lin Zhao is torn apart by iron cavalry to be at ease?
8:52:05The big fish is here,
8:52:08Damn, look at this demeanor, so elegant,
8:52:10He's pretty photogenic too, damn.
8:52:17Commander, should we chase the front army?
8:52:19No need, let them bite Lin Zhao,
8:52:22We'll follow the central army and keep track of the battle ahead,
8:52:26Closer, a bit closer, ah.
8:52:30This old thing is steadier than expected. Damn it,
8:52:34With a thousand-pound strength, he's here as a flag officer.
8:52:42Good swordsmanship,
8:52:44If I were down there too, it'd be so thrilling to watch,
8:52:48They're back.
8:52:48Good,
8:52:49They're back.
8:52:52Iron Mute,
8:52:54Damn, there really are heavenly fangs.
8:52:58Form battle formation!
8:53:06The time has come.
8:53:08Kui Hu!
8:53:09What is this dog doing?
8:53:11Enter Black Tiger,
8:53:13Like Black Tiger, just watching the fun,
8:53:16Almost forgot the main task, damn, almost missed the big event,
8:53:20Right,
8:53:31Stop, stop!
8:53:36Bye-bye,
8:53:39Thank goodness,
8:53:40Although this Black Silk hesitated for a moment,
8:53:42In the end, he didn't fully grasp the main task,
8:53:47Still a bit late.
8:53:48Crossbow battle, fire!
8:53:55Seventy paces!
8:53:56Fifty paces,
8:53:57Miao Family Phoenix shoots the horse's eye! Twenty paces! Ten paces! Wu paces!
8:54:05Good, good!
8:54:07It's my turn for the second move,
8:54:09Left and right,
8:54:11Left number seven is here,
8:54:12Throw! Quick, throw, throw!
8:54:20What is that?
8:54:22It's a spell! It explodes on the ground,
8:54:23And it explodes overhead too! Run!
8:54:26It's not a demonic spell.
8:54:26There are people over there! Front squad, charge with me!
8:54:29They
8:54:31Hongying, catch them! Bombardiers, retreat!
8:54:38Patrol!
8:54:38Fire!
8:54:41They're charging up!
8:54:43Retreat quickly!
8:54:44Kill!
8:54:57Qin Xiaqi,
8:54:59Enter the battle!
8:55:06Li Kui, sneak in and crush them for me!
8:55:08They
8:55:12Are formidable!
8:55:14Hold steady, form up, form up!
8:55:16Lu Xi, hold the front,
8:55:17Don't let them reform their ranks!
8:55:20It's just wrong.
8:55:27The old bastard actually stood still.
8:55:31Fine,
8:55:33If you won't come,
8:55:34I'll take you on myself.
8:55:37Comrade Du, Comrade Du!
8:55:41Hold him down, quick!
8:55:45Quick, lift him onto the horse and go back!
8:55:47Hurry back!
8:55:49Protect him!
8:55:49Comrade Du fell too fast,
8:55:52Couldn't even see where he was hit,
8:55:54Definitely didn't hit the head,
8:55:55If it really hit the head,
8:55:56It wouldn't look like this,
8:55:57I still have one bullet, get up quick!
8:55:58Let me finish you off with a shot!
8:56:02Too far away,
8:56:03Consider yourself lucky,
8:56:08In close combat,
8:56:10We're still a notch below. Get lost, sword!
8:56:15That Feng Hucheng guy,
8:56:16Heh, damn, he's really something.
8:56:19Bottom right,
8:56:21Annual salary,
8:56:22Withdraw troops, the presidential army has retreated,
8:56:24Run!
8:56:25They've retreated, the enemy,
8:56:26Retreated, charge!
8:56:28Kill them, chase, you bastards!
8:56:29Weren't you so tough just now?
8:56:30Why are you running now?
8:56:31Don't let them catch their breath,
8:56:33Chase and cut them down,
8:56:33Whole army, press the attack, chase!
8:56:43Don't just stand there collecting stuff,
8:56:45Hurry and save our own people.
8:56:46This new thief is still alive, rebel, quick!
8:56:49This horse can still be used, knife,
8:56:51Don't step on that knife and break it,
8:56:52Take off the armor, don't waste good stuff,
8:57:00This battle,
8:57:00Our cavalry lost 341 men,
8:57:02Seven grenadiers died,
8:57:04Over a hundred wounded, enemy.
8:57:05On the enemy side,
8:57:05Total 816 corpses recovered, 272 enemy captured,
8:57:08Collected 722 warhorses and weapons.
8:57:10Armor and such still being sorted,
8:57:11Inventory,
8:57:14Losses are still significant,
8:57:15First landmines blew up the formation,
8:57:17Then grenades disrupted,
8:57:18After that, Qinghe crossbows pressed layer by layer,
8:57:20Under these circumstances,
8:57:21The Western Xia's fighting spirit hasn't completely collapsed,
8:57:24If our cavalry really clashes with them head-on,
8:57:27Casualties,
8:57:27Still this high?
8:57:29What does this show?
8:57:30It shows our cavalry foundation is still inferior to theirs,
8:57:33Don't think they're just a small country,
8:57:34We haven't been able to deal with them for years,
8:57:36There's a reason for that,
8:57:38In the future, cavalry training must be strengthened,
8:57:39Horsemanship, charging formations, changing formations,
8:57:41Close combat,
8:57:42None can be neglected.
8:57:43We've only gained the raft,
8:57:44And gained equipment strength,
8:57:46But when it comes to foundation,
8:57:48Still far behind,
8:57:49Yes,
8:57:53What's with that look?
8:57:55The mission was completed well,
8:57:56Why still look like you lost your money pouch?
8:57:58Good my ass,
8:57:59I aimed for so long,
8:58:00That last shot probably didn't hit him,
8:58:01Head,
8:58:02A headshot doesn't feel like that,
8:58:03Don't I know?
8:58:03Headshot,
8:58:05No matter where your shot hit,
8:58:07I can confirm Yeli Renyong,
8:58:08Either dead,
8:58:08Or severely injured,
8:58:10Why?
8:58:11Because as long as Yeli Renyong,
8:58:12Was still a bit conscious at the time,
8:58:13He wouldn't let his men sound the retreat,
8:58:16That's a major military taboo,
8:58:18But they did sound the retreat,
8:58:19It means Yeli Renyong either died on the spot,
8:58:22Or has completely lost consciousness,
8:58:24Can't issue orders at all.
8:58:26Oh right,
8:58:27So where did I hit?
8:58:28Chest,
8:58:31What a pity.
8:58:32Still haven't seen his head explode with my own eyes, bro,
8:58:34How do we report this battle online?
8:58:36They won't bite back,
8:58:38Saying we provoked the border conflict, right?
8:58:39Nonsense! Of course we report truthfully: Xijin's Rou Lang tribe used negotiations as a trap and brazenly crossed the border,
8:58:45Xijin's Commander-in-Chief,
8:58:46Ye Liren-yong,
8:58:46personally led a massive army to the border,
8:58:48intending to penetrate deep into our territory and raid the border.
8:58:50Our army was forced to fight back in self-defense,
8:58:52and crushed the enemy.
8:58:53Additionally,
8:58:54request the Prefecture Governor and the Ministry,
8:58:55and the Imperial Court to officially issue a document,
8:58:56condemning Xijing's cross-border provocation.
8:58:58This battle, we not only have to win,
8:59:01but also stand on the side of justice.
8:59:05Remember,
8:59:07this is our legitimate self-defense counterattack.
8:59:10Yes, yes, yes,
8:59:11that's the phrase,
8:59:12self-defense counterattack, good phrase!
8:59:14It sounds justifiable,
8:59:15This battle could be fought like this thanks to the commander,
8:59:18everyone united as one,
8:59:19charging forward bravely,
8:59:20later, not a single merit will be forgotten.
8:59:23Hu Chen,
8:59:24Tiger God is here, from today on,
8:59:27over at the warehouse,
8:59:27you first find a reliable person,
8:59:28to take over the rules and account books,
8:59:31the gunpowder storage, hand it to me,
8:59:32hand over everything clearly, item by item,
8:59:33not a single mistake allowed. After the handover, you report to me for orders.
8:59:38Thank you, Xue Xia. The warehouse is important,
8:59:41the people you bring out yourself must be just as reliable.
8:59:44Don't let it be that as soon as you leave,
8:59:45the warehouse falls into chaos first. Understood?
8:59:47Please rest assured, Xu Xia.
8:59:48Hu Chen will definitely teach the rules clearly. Alright,
8:59:51Brother, you hide your talents well,
8:59:53during the day you were still counting iron in the warehouse,
8:59:54then you dare to mount a horse and chop people.
8:59:56Master Xie overpraises me,
8:59:57Master Xie overpraises me.
8:59:58This Hei San really stole the spotlight today,
9:00:00We won this battle,
9:00:02but it was a somewhat bitter victory.
9:00:13Student Wang Haochuan pays respects to his honored teacher,
9:00:15I accept this card,
9:00:16It's you who accepted it,
9:00:17I came specially to thank my honored teacher for the guidance and cultivation,
9:00:20You... how did you pass the exam?
9:00:23I... I mean, some people in the prefecture school studied for years,
9:00:26and still might not pass. You...
9:00:28You passed on your first try? Fool, what nonsense are you spouting? Wenhan is naturally gifted,
9:00:32with exceptional talent.
9:00:33Actually,
9:00:33those mediocre and stupid ones,
9:00:34compared to the teacher's praise, the student is just lucky,
9:00:39Here, this is the music box I promised you before. I have fulfilled my mission and made it.
9:00:47The melody in this music box is so strange,
9:00:51the notes are completely outside the five-tone system,
9:00:53I have never heard of it,
9:00:55what kind of music is this? Replying to honored teacher,
9:00:57This is Western music, different from the Central Plains' five tones,
9:01:00it has a seven-note basic scale,
9:01:01so when modulating and changing keys,
9:01:03the freedom is greater,
9:01:04and the emotional colors it can express are richer,
9:01:06more suitable for expressing high and intense emotions. Oh.
9:01:09According to you,
9:01:10seven tones are superior to five tones,
9:01:12There is no superiority or inferiority.
9:01:13The Central Plains' five tones are ancient and profound,
9:01:15suitable for laying out subtle expressions and their seven-tone transitions are more harmonious.
9:01:19Just like poetry and lyrics have different styles,
9:01:21These words are quite sound.
9:01:23You just said the seven-tone scale is more suitable for expressing high and intense emotions,
9:01:27Do you have such a piece?
9:01:29Yes,
9:01:29Listen to this
9:01:32Hmm, where's the music coming from?
9:01:37Hello,
9:01:37Handsome,
9:01:37Do you think I'm in a martial arts circle?
9:01:39Template group,
9:01:39I'm ordering a car,
9:01:41What a great line: forsaking the picturesque mountains and rivers,
9:01:42to exchange for her smile like a flower,
9:01:44better than him with hands folded, a hero of the world,
9:01:46Hatred and romantic love can actually be so compatible.
9:01:48Wenhan,
9:01:49You're not just talented, you're a genius.
9:01:52Mm-hmm,
9:01:54Wenhan, explain and record your merits,
9:01:56What are your plans next? Replying to honored teacher, the student plans to bid farewell to honored teacher today,
9:02:01and then set off for the capital.
9:02:02Oh,
9:02:03Such a remote province won't see spring until next year, and it's only late August now.
9:02:07Though the journey is long,
9:02:07there's no need for such
9:02:08haste.
9:02:08First, I wish to arrive in the capital early,
9:02:10to familiarize myself with the capital's environment,
9:02:11and second, to visit some seniors and make more preparations.
9:02:14Furthermore,
9:02:15along the way, I need to deliver a letter for an elder in the family,
9:02:18so I set off early. Mm,
9:02:20The capital is prosperous but also full of troubles.
9:02:22On this trip, you must speak and act cautiously,
9:02:23focus on your studies,
9:02:24With your talent,
9:02:25passing the imperial exam
9:02:26should be no challenge. I will remember your teachings, Master.
9:02:31Qingyuan, take care. If this music box breaks,
9:02:34or if you want to hear new tunes,
9:02:35wait for my return,
9:02:36and I'll make them for you.
9:02:49Farewell.
9:02:50From Qinzhou to the capital is a thousand miles,
9:02:53the road ahead is long.
9:02:55First, go to Zhending Prefecture.
9:03:02Brother,
9:03:03this disciple you've taken is truly extraordinary.
9:03:06Oh,
9:03:07what has he done now?
9:03:08Some unconventional act?
9:03:09Tell me,
9:03:10see for yourself,
9:03:11Yeli Renyong suffered a big loss at his hands.
9:03:18The chief of the Rou Wolf tribe in the western border, Yeli Canglang, delayed the peace talks and agreed to meet me at the Qingshui River valley. I suspected his words were inconsistent.
9:03:25The agreement was made, so I secretly sent someone to verify. Indeed, I heard that Yeli Renyong had
9:03:27hidden banners and ambushed outside the border valley,
9:03:29and ordered Yeli Canglang,
9:03:30the Yang family,
9:03:30and He Yi to harbor ambushes to kill me. So I prepared my troops and, with 270 men, feigned agreement and sent Qin Hongying and others to ambush behind, while Xie Changfeng and others
9:03:37with Gao Yao, Aolu,
9:03:38Black Tiger, and others, all lay in wait with fire.
9:03:40I knew they would rebel, so I struck first and killed Yeli.
9:03:42Canglang, in front of the troops, then led the soldiers to slowly retreat,
9:03:44luring them deeper. When the enemy cavalry and heavy cavalry entered the ambush, we detonated landmines and used river-crossbows to strike,
9:03:50the enemy was thrown into chaos.
9:03:51Our army rushed to support and attack,
9:03:52slaughtering from front and back under his command,
9:03:53they fled in panic, supporting him as they retreated.
9:03:55The eastern army also mistakenly named,
9:03:55the remaining enemy was terrified,
9:03:57and collapsed. We decapitated 811 enemy soldiers and horses,
9:03:59promoted 277 men,
9:04:01and captured 712 warhorses.
9:04:03Yeli Renyong wanted to set a trap for Lin Zhao, but instead he turned it around, Huaichuan.
9:04:08From this report,
9:04:09Yeli Renyong is most likely dead or severely injured,
9:04:12otherwise his central army couldn't have sounded the retreat while the two flanks were still fighting,
9:04:16that's a major taboo in military strategy,
9:04:17the most likely is he's dead,
9:04:19even if not dead, he's half-dead.
9:04:22But one thing is strange,
9:04:25how did they manage, across the chaotic front army,
9:04:28to still wound Yeli Renyong?
9:04:33Did you know they made their own crossbow,
9:04:36called Qinghe.
9:04:37I know a bit about crossbows,
9:04:39I've only heard the name before,
9:04:41this crossbow's maximum range,
9:04:43effective killing at 300 paces,
9:04:45at 200 paces, around 150 paces it can pierce leather armor,
9:04:50within 70 paces it can break iron armor.
9:04:53What? Such a weapon exists?
9:04:55If that's true,
9:04:56then the border army's crossbows,
9:04:58can all be scrapped,
9:04:59but with such military strength,
9:05:00why not present it to the court,
9:05:01but make and use it privately?
9:05:03I asked that too.
9:05:05He said,
9:05:05if it falls into the court's hands,
9:05:07I'm afraid today it's presented, tomorrow it's in the enemy's hands,
9:05:09and it's over.
9:05:10He also said the biggest traitor in our dynasty isn't at the border,
9:05:12not in the enemy camp,
9:05:13but right in the court.
9:05:15This child's words are a bit extreme,
9:05:17but not entirely without reason,
9:05:20he's too sharp,
9:05:21and his remarks are too direct,
9:05:23but he doesn't see things superficially.
9:05:24Though this boy's origins are hard to trace,
9:05:26since he entered the Great Song,
9:05:27his actions have been proper,
9:05:28with no rebellious acts.
9:05:29His plans and thoughts mostly focus on our Song people. The northern border is Fang Yin.
9:05:33If the court cares about the overall situation and the northern expedition,
9:05:35then the western path will surely take the opportunity to spy on the border.
9:05:38If our army goes north,
9:05:38and the west is empty, then between the passes,
9:05:40there may not be peace.
9:05:41The court had long surrounded the area, intending to keep troops at the Guanxi border,
9:05:44to prevent the western army from attacking when they saw an opening.
9:05:46Just an ordinary patrol knight.
9:05:46After winning a battle,
9:05:47all they think about is reporting their merits,
9:05:48asking for rewards, shifting blame, and claiming credit.
9:05:50But Lin Zhao,
9:05:50this brat's eyes have already crossed Qingshui,
9:05:52the river valley,
9:05:53and are looking toward the northern and western borders.
9:05:55This child's vision isn't limited to a single city or region.
9:05:57Since that's the case,
9:05:58we can't treat him like just another border general.
9:06:17Would you like to listen, sir?
9:06:19A little tune to liven things up,
9:06:24Old man, over here
9:06:28Young master, feel free to pick whatever you'd like to hear
9:06:31Just sing your best piece
9:06:41Hoo
9:06:47From parting
9:06:49The sun rises in the west with rain
9:06:54It's not that I'm heartless,
9:06:55but I do have feelings
9:07:00Singing
9:07:01Good,
9:07:01This is your reward.
9:07:04This... this servant wouldn't dare, young master,
9:07:06This is too much,
9:07:10Young master, a song is twenty to thirty coins,
9:07:13You're giving a whole tael of silver in one go,
9:07:14That's a full thousand coins.
9:07:17If they accept it today,
9:07:18and word gets out,
9:07:19who would dare hire them to sing tomorrow?
9:07:22This breaks
9:07:23the guild rules and cuts off their livelihood.
9:07:24Their future path in life,
9:07:29Without excessive generosity,
9:07:32you might also cut off someone else's livelihood.
9:07:34I see, I was being too cold,
9:07:36Thank you for the advice, shopkeeper. Two hundred coins for the leeks, take one hundred fifty,
9:07:41and exchange the rest into small change.
9:07:42Hey,
9:07:43Singer, come over and sing a couple for us too,
9:07:45Let's hear it
9:07:49Young master
9:07:50Please wait, young master, please wait
9:07:57Young master
9:07:58Kid,
9:07:58I have something good here,
9:07:59It's an old porcelain passed down from my family,
9:08:02Take a look and name a good price,
9:08:03We can negotiate
9:08:05No
9:08:10If you don't want it, why smash my porcelain?
9:08:12This is my family's heirloom treasure!
9:08:14You... you brute, how dare you rob my belongings! Someone help!
9:08:18There's a robber!
9:08:21This street
9:08:22No one cares at night,
9:08:23Hit him,
9:08:23You'll be beaten for nothing. Pay one tael of silver and get lost,
9:08:26Otherwise you'll leave horizontally,
9:08:30Why didn't you say so earlier?
9:08:32Wasted so much of my time
9:08:34Hmph
9:08:37Right
9:08:39Enemy
9:08:44How do you two want to go?
9:08:47Hmm
9:08:49I'm not going,
9:08:53Is there more?
9:08:53Brother, you really look good.
9:09:00Brother,
9:09:01Your move is usually used as a finisher, right?
9:09:04No rider would come at it like that,
9:09:06You really scared me just now,
9:09:09Oh,
9:09:16Kid, you've messed with the wrong person,
9:09:22I messed with you, so what?
9:09:23What, is that enough?
9:09:25But today I'll beat you until even your mother won't recognize you.
9:09:29Spare us, hero! Spare us, young master! We failed to recognize your greatness,
9:09:32Don't do this kind of thing again. Get lost,
9:09:38Hey,
9:09:39Still not good enough.
9:09:40This level is far from Lin Zhao and Xie Tingfeng, those two beasts.
9:09:44Hmm,
9:09:47Young master, someone is looking for you in the front hall, says they have urgent news,
9:09:53No
9:09:58Young master, I offended you earlier,
9:10:00I was just tagging along with them for some pocket money,
9:10:01I didn't intend to harm your life,
9:10:04Looking for me, huh?
9:10:05Young master,
9:10:06You've offended Shi Hanhu,
9:10:07His brother is the bandit leader on Mao'er Mountain,
9:10:09He has over a hundred men under him,
9:10:12You're heading to Fengling Prefecture,
9:10:13You'll have to pass through Mao'er Mountain,
9:10:14Shi Hanhu has already gone overnight to fetch his brother.
9:10:16Most likely, he'll intercept you on the way.
9:10:19What's your name?
9:10:20Why did you come to tell me this?
9:10:22I'm just a rogue.
9:10:24At home, only a thirteen-year-old sister remains.
9:10:26If it's true,
9:10:27Because of today's incident, you might lose your life,
9:10:30My conscience won't let me rest.
9:10:33Good,
9:10:34If this matter is true,
9:10:35Come back,
9:10:35I will believe it myself.
9:10:37Young master,
9:10:38Be very careful if you set off tomorrow,
9:10:40Absolutely do not take again
9:10:40the official road you took before.
9:10:43I thought it was just a bunch of street thugs after drinking,
9:10:44Ruffians,
9:10:45A good beating would settle it,
9:10:47But unexpectedly, it dragged out a whole nest of bandits.
9:10:51The roads of the Great Song are indeed not easy to travel.
9:10:57Mm,
9:10:59Your Majesty, please uphold justice for your old minister,
9:11:01My son, benevolent and brave, loyal and courageous, guarded the country,
9:11:03Defending the western frontier for many years,
9:11:04With great merits,
9:11:05Yet tragically died.
9:11:06At the hands of the Nanjing army,
9:11:07This is a great humiliation for our Yeli clan,
9:11:09And even more so for the western frontier,
9:11:10If we do not send troops to avenge this, your old minister has no words,
9:11:12To live on in shame,
9:11:13The ancestors of the Yeli clan cannot rest in peace.
9:11:18Father, Renyong was the commander of the Zhenxi Baoning Army, a pillar of the nation,
9:11:22Yet was killed in battle by an unknown Nanjing patrol knight.
9:11:26This is not just Yeli's,
9:11:26A family feud,
9:11:28It damages our national prestige and morale.
9:11:30Nanjing betrays trust and righteousness,
9:11:31First attacking our northern Jin ally, then harming our generals. I beg Father to immediately issue an edict to send troops for a punitive expedition.
9:11:37Nanjing not only breaks the alliance between the two nations,
9:11:39But can also flatten the Jinchuan route,
9:11:40To avenge the Yeli commander,
9:11:42To wipe out the shame, we must punish. I am willing to be the vanguard,
9:11:45Flatten Longcheng,
9:11:46Capture and kill Linzhou,
9:11:47Capture and kill Linzhou,
9:11:50Yeli,
9:11:50Commander Su sacrificed for the country,
9:11:52The court and the people mourn together.
9:11:53But now the world situation changes rapidly,
9:11:55Southern Jin and Eastern Jin join forces to attack Northern Jin, which is about to fall,
9:11:57Western Jin is caught between the three nations,
9:11:59One wrong step,
9:12:00And there is danger of collapse.
9:12:01At this time, we should assess the situation and plan before acting,
9:12:04We must not lightly start a war.
9:12:07The Empress is a princess of Northern Jing,
9:12:08The two nations have been allies for generations.
9:12:09Good,
9:12:09Now Nanjing is attacked by Meng in the north first, then harms our generals,
9:12:13Can Western Jin just sit and watch its ally be destroyed?
9:12:15Where is the national prestige when a great general is wronged?
9:12:17Where is the sovereign's heart?
9:12:25Your Majesty, I have three questions.
9:12:30Your Majesty, I have three questions. First,
9:12:33The strategy of Yuanbei,
9:12:34Is it appropriate, Empress?
9:12:35Now she is the mother of Western Jin,
9:12:36No longer just a princess of Northern Jin. The northern border is lost, exiled outside,
9:12:39Eastern Jin is frozen and struggling.
9:12:41Should Western Jin exhaust its national strength to save a dying ally,
9:12:44Or first protect its own territory, people, and vitality?
9:12:47If Yuanbei was a wrong move from the start,
9:12:49Today, opening war against the southern border,
9:12:50Isn't it adding mistake upon mistake?
9:12:54Second,
9:12:55The battle of Zhenxi Baoning Army,
9:12:57Who started it first,
9:12:58Who crossed the border first is clearly written in the report,
9:13:02Yeli Renyong first set a trap to kill Lin Zhao, and after defeat, led three thousand
9:13:07Light cavalry crossed the border in pursuit,
9:13:09Since our army struck first, Renyong died in battle,
9:13:13Not slaughtered by the Nanjing army without cause.
9:13:15If the court sends a large army for this, under what name?
9:13:19Who in the world would be convinced?
9:13:22Third,
9:13:23Who exactly is this Lin Zhao,
9:13:25And what did he use?
9:13:27Yeli Renyong wore iron armor,
9:13:29Surrounded by guards, ordinary bows and crossbows
9:13:32Could never break armor in a chaotic army,
9:13:35And precisely kill.
9:13:36In this battle of Longcheng,
9:13:38The southern border's weapons are different from before,
9:13:40If we don't even understand how the enemy won,
9:13:42And rashly send the whole nation to attack,
9:13:45Is this avenging the country,
9:13:48Or is Song seeking its own death against the enemy?
9:13:54Chalie is right.
9:13:56Starting a war now is suicide.
9:13:58But we can't deny the Yelishi their face or their military power.
9:14:01It's time to rein it back in.
9:14:07The Prince of Jin is shrewd.
9:14:07His schemes for the nation are minimal.
9:14:11The pain of losing a son.
9:14:13I share your grief, but Renyong's reckless advance across the border to defeat is an indisputable fact.
9:14:19Now,
9:14:20the situation is unclear.
9:14:21Western Jing should not rashly send troops against a strong enemy again.
9:14:26Your Majesty is wise. Zhenxi Baoning is the gateway to the western region and cannot be without a leader for a day.
9:14:30The Yelishi clan is grieving and angry,
9:14:31eager for revenge.
9:14:32It's only human nature,
9:14:33but guarding Wei's borders requires calm and steadiness.
9:14:36Remember not to act on impulse.
9:14:36Acting on emotion, I believe,
9:14:38the Yelishi should no longer command the Zhenxi Baoning Army in the short term. I recommend Guiming Anheng, Deputy Director of the Privy Council, to succeed as Commander.
9:14:45The Lishi clan for generations,
9:14:46loyally guarded Canglang Ridge and protected the western territories, their merits are for the nation, as is Yeli Renyong's.
9:14:51Li Renli is to succeed as Commander of the Zhenxi Baoning Army,
9:14:55but Zhenxi Baoning is a vital western frontier and cannot afford any mistakes.
9:14:58Leading in person,
9:14:59there may be oversights.
9:15:00Former Guimin Anheng is appointed as Army Supervisor to assist Yeli Renli.
9:15:02For military affairs, any troop movement of over a thousand men,
9:15:05must have the Privy Council's
9:15:06tiger tally to proceed. This old minister accepts the decree.
9:15:09Thank you for your grace.
9:15:11Southern Jing.
9:15:12And that kid named Lin Zhao,
9:15:15you'd better not disappoint me.
9:15:25Elder, may I ask which way to Mao'er Mountain?
9:15:28Follow this official road straight ahead,
9:15:30about twenty li and you'll reach it. There's a group on that mountain,
9:15:34though they haven't come down to rob in recent years, it's not a safe place.
9:15:37Young master, don't go near the foot of the mountain.
9:15:40Thank you, elder.
9:15:41I know what I'm doing.
9:15:44People used to say a fast horse travels a thousand li by day and eight hundred by night,
9:15:47now that I've ridden one myself, I know
9:15:49that's pure nonsense.
9:15:51If you really need to travel a long distance,
9:15:52you have to let the horse conserve its strength,
9:15:53otherwise the horse will be exhausted before you even reach the capital.
9:15:58One-five-eight,
9:16:00Could Liu Meng really have lied to me?
9:16:03Cool off for a bit.
9:16:04Thank you,
9:16:04thank you.
9:16:06Are mountain bandits and travelers this harmonious these days?
9:16:10Bro,
9:16:11I told you we came out too late.
9:16:13He must have passed already.
9:16:14That kind of scholar loves to start early,
9:16:16by now he's probably twenty li away.
9:16:18If he's passed, let him pass.
9:16:20It's not a big deal.
9:16:22If you hadn't insisted on scheming for his few coins last night, we wouldn't have gotten this beating.
9:16:27I'm telling you, bro,
9:16:29you should do some proper business like your big brother,
9:16:32stop the cheating and swindling all day.
9:16:35Han Gu, were you waiting for me?
9:16:37Bro,
9:16:37it's him!
9:16:43That scholar!
9:16:45Since you hit my brother,
9:16:47I won't make it hard for you.
9:16:48Just compensate him for medicine and we'll call it even.
9:16:51We don't want your life.
9:16:53First, put down that bow and arrow, ranged weapon,
9:16:56don't point it at people, damn it.
9:16:59Or let's see who's faster, okay?
9:17:03You—how do you have a military crossbow?
9:17:06Who exactly are you?
9:17:07I'm from Qinghe Village, Longcheng County.
9:17:13Oh!
9:17:14So you're a hero from Qinghe Village!
9:17:16A misunderstanding, a misunderstanding! You blind fool,
9:17:19kneel down right now!
9:17:24I, Shi Daxiong, make a living at the foot of Mao'er Mountain.
9:17:27Usually I haul goods for people,
9:17:28occasionally do some costless business,
9:17:30but I only target Western Jing
9:17:31and guest merchants,
9:17:32and I never kill or harm anyone.
9:17:34Qinghe Village makes Western Jing people cry for their parents,
9:17:36we all respect true heroes.
9:17:38We don't dare provoke Qinghe Village people.
9:17:41Then you won't rob me?
9:17:43No, no, we wouldn't dare.
9:17:44You passing through here,
9:17:44is giving us face.
9:17:46How dare we rob you?
9:17:47Alright then,
9:17:48unhitch the horse from the carriage and give it to me.
9:17:53Hero,
9:17:54this horse is for my hauling,
9:17:56if you take it away,
9:17:56My car is ruined,
9:17:58Stop your damn nonsense,
9:17:59I'm robbing you,
9:18:00Can't you tell?
9:18:03Mm,
9:18:06Yes, yes, yes,
9:18:06Over here
9:18:11This one
9:18:17Is anyone there?
9:18:30Where's your brother Liu Meng?
9:18:32My brother left before dawn,
9:18:34What did he do?
9:18:37This world is truly harsh on poor kids,
9:18:41Don't be afraid, I'm his friend,
9:18:43He helped me,
9:18:44I promised,
9:18:45to thank him.
9:18:47Brother said he went to the city to work as a helper,
9:18:49I don't know when he'll be back
9:18:53Go find him and bring him back
9:18:55I'll wait here,
9:18:59No, I think
9:19:03What, afraid I'll steal your stuff?
9:19:05Even if you add up all your belongings,
9:19:07they're probably not worth as much as that horse outside.
9:19:19Okay,
9:19:22Oh,
9:19:22Young master, this morning I went to the inn before dawn to find you,
9:19:25afraid you'd ignore everything,
9:19:26and just hit the road,
9:19:27If that happened,
9:19:28you might run into the Shi brothers,
9:19:29be blocked by them,
9:19:30and robbed
9:19:33hit the road
9:19:34Stop robbing!
9:19:36Ah,
9:19:37That horse outside,
9:19:40I stole it from Shi Daxiong and Shi Hanhu
9:19:44Alive, young master
9:19:45You robbed them?
9:19:49Alive
9:19:49Young master,
9:19:50You robbed them? Nonsense,
9:19:52Should I wait for them to rob me?
9:19:53I can't,
9:19:58Liu Meng,
9:19:59I'm going to the capital, and I need a follower on the way,
9:20:02and after arriving, someone to handle trivial matters for me,
9:20:05Do you siblings want to follow me, eat,
9:20:07wear, live,
9:20:08I'll cover it all, one silver coin per month for you
9:20:13Young master
9:20:13You said one coin per month?
9:20:17What, think it's too little?
9:20:18Then how about... no, no, no, not too little,
9:20:20the pay is too much.
9:20:22How are people like us worth that price?
9:20:25Shengmei, Shengmei, if working in a rich household serving tea and water,
9:20:28washing clothes and sweeping the floor for a month,
9:20:30it's only sixty wen,
9:20:32I go out to do heavy labor,
9:20:33for a month,
9:20:34at most only two hundred wen. Young master, you offer one guan,
9:20:38that's a full thousand wen,
9:20:40too much,
9:20:41really too much,
9:20:42You're quite honest. Alright,
9:20:44one guan, no change.
9:20:45If you're willing,
9:20:46come with me now,
9:20:49Young master, please let me discuss with my sister first.
9:20:51Mm,
9:20:51Come
9:21:01Young master
9:21:02I, Liu Meng,
9:21:03and Shemei,
9:21:03Liu Cui, are willing to follow you
9:21:08Alright
9:21:09Get up quickly.
9:21:09Don't give me such grand gestures in the future,
9:21:11I don't like seeing it,
9:21:15From now on, if you're willing, just follow me,
9:21:17If one day you're not willing,
9:21:18you can leave anytime.
9:21:19I won't stop you
9:21:24Go to the market and buy a covered cart
9:21:26Use that horse outside to pull it, you drive the cart,
9:21:29let your sister sit inside,
9:21:30we'll be fine.
9:21:30Hit the road, young master,
9:21:32Don't worry, I'll go now
9:21:36Young master
9:21:36Then I'll go in and pack up,
9:21:39just the essentials,
9:21:40don't move everything onto the cart,
9:22:00Further ahead is the capital,
9:22:04First roast, first stand firm,
9:22:07First make yourself substantial enough,
9:22:11As long as you can obtain fame and merit,
9:22:13Eventually, there will be a chance to gradually touch that threshold.
9:22:17Come with me.
9:22:19We set off at dawn.
9:22:25The left and right flanks have already split.
9:22:26Outside Jing'an Gate, the Duke's guards protect the front and rear of the carriage.
9:22:29The Imperial City guards accompany and protect the incense carriage, Dharma items, scriptures, and falcons, all fully prepared per the decree.
9:22:35Zhaohua Diji boards the carriage.
9:22:44His Highness's carriage to Qining Temple in Ningchuan Prefecture has been forced...
9:22:53Today, I am merely leaving the capital by imperial decree to pray for blessings.
9:22:56Why is it that standing here, my heart feels as if gently tugged by something?
9:23:00Your Highness.
9:23:03It's nothing. Let's depart.
9:23:09Zhaohua Diji, by imperial decree, proceeds to Ningchuan Prefecture,
9:23:11to pray for the nation's blessings and fortune.
9:23:20Yes.
9:23:26Brother.
9:23:27Look at that tall building over there.
9:23:28And so many shops.
9:23:32All the towns we passed along the way combined aren't as lively as this place.
9:23:36My goodness!
9:23:37So this is the capital.
9:23:48Restrain yourself a bit, don't
9:23:49act like a country bumpkin who just entered the city.
9:23:50People will laugh and I'll lose face.
9:23:52Hey.
9:23:52Young Master, rest assured.
9:23:53I won't look anymore.
9:23:57I'm not looking around randomly.
9:23:58I just want to remember the way.
9:24:00This place is so big.
9:24:01If we get lost,
9:24:02I'm afraid even with several people searching, we won't find our way back.
9:24:04That's not wrong.
9:24:06First, find a place to stay.
9:24:07After we settle down,
9:24:08then you can take your time looking around.
9:24:10Excuse me, how do I get to Chunfeng Tower?
9:24:12Go east along this street, pass two intersections,
9:24:14and there it is, with two big red lanterns hanging at the entrance.
9:24:16You'll spot it at a glance, Young Master. Thank you.
9:24:27Young Master.
9:24:28This place was indeed left by Lin Tou.
9:24:29It's almost dark.
9:24:30How come there isn't a single customer?
9:24:33This is the place.
9:24:34Go in and ask,
9:24:34and naturally we'll know what's going on.
9:24:41You two wait outside first.
9:24:42Wait a moment.
9:24:43Hey.
9:24:44This way please, Young Master.
9:24:46I'm looking for Du Xi.
9:24:50Young Master.
9:24:50One moment, I'll go announce you right away.
9:24:55Are you Wang Wenhan,
9:24:57Young Master Wang?
9:25:01We
9:25:02Oh my!
9:25:03You've finally arrived!
9:25:05Lin Tou sent a letter long ago,
9:25:06saying you were coming to the capital and told me to prepare in advance.
9:25:09I was even wondering,
9:25:09it's been so many days,
9:25:10why haven't you arrived yet?
9:25:12I almost thought something went wrong on the road.
9:25:15This humble one, Du Xi, pays respects to Young Master Wang.
9:25:19We were delayed on the road for some days.
9:25:20Sorry to keep Manager Du waiting.
9:25:22I dare not accept the title of Manager.
9:25:24Lin Tou personally instructed,
9:25:25now that you've come,
9:25:25from now on I'll follow your orders in everything. We're all family.
9:25:28Please come in and sit.
9:25:31So those two are Liu Meng and
9:25:33Liu Cui. Come in.
9:25:36Two people newly recruited on the road.
9:25:38Liu Meng will run errands by my side from now on,
9:25:39Liu Cui will take care of daily chores. Good.
9:25:43Since they're the Young Master's people,
9:25:44then naturally they're family too.
9:25:46Lin Tou thought of everything for you in advance.
9:25:47When I came to the capital,
9:25:48I followed his wishes,
9:25:49and prepared two sets.
9:25:50One three-courtyard residence for me to stay,
9:25:51I'll settle there myself,
9:25:52the other left empty, specially prepared for you, with furniture,
9:25:54bedding,
9:25:54stove,
9:25:55and tea sets all complete.
9:25:56You can move in tonight.
9:26:01Lin Tou,
9:26:01he really went all out to settle in the capital.
9:26:03Lin Tou always does things flawlessly.
9:26:07His
9:26:10Mm.
9:26:11How long has your tower been open?
9:26:13Why does it look so deserted?
9:26:14It's only been open less than a month. The capital has no shortage of such places—high-end ones have high-end ways to play,
9:26:19and cheap ones have cheap tricks.
9:26:20The girls in my establishment aren't famous enough,
9:26:22and our signboard hasn't made a name yet,
9:26:23Snatch.
9:26:23But those old establishments lose nearly enough in a month to open half another house.
9:26:30It doesn't matter,
9:26:31Now that I've come to the capital, no place can be stronger than us.
9:26:38Now that I've come to the capital,
9:26:40no place can be stronger than us.
9:26:44Young Master Wang has this ambition,
9:26:45which is naturally a good thing,
9:26:47but the affairs in this establishment,
9:26:48can't be explained in a moment,
9:26:50You go settle down in the residence first,
9:26:52later I'll explain the ins and outs here,
9:26:54and give you a detailed account,
9:26:57so you can also,
9:26:57help evaluate
9:27:00Dazhu
9:27:00Dahe, brother,
9:27:01come quickly and see who's here.
9:27:05Dahe, Dazhu
9:27:08The young master loves to eat
9:27:10Why are you here?
9:27:12Aren't you in the special assistant team?
9:27:13Young Master Wang,
9:27:14you've finally arrived,
9:27:16I was so anxious,
9:27:17Boss Lin instructed long ago,
9:27:18saying that as soon as you arrive in the capital,
9:27:19we should follow you and serve.
9:27:21Young Master Wang, Boss Lin said,
9:27:23after you arrive in the capital,
9:27:25many things will need to be handled.
9:27:26When our Boss Lin sent these two, he said,
9:27:30Don't judge these two brothers by their rough appearance,
9:27:32but when it comes to getting things done,
9:27:33they are both extremely useful,
9:27:36More than just useful,
9:27:37this is sending the family's foundation to me in the capital.
9:27:40Boss Lin said,
9:27:41The capital's waters run deep,
9:27:43without a few reliable people by your side, it won't do,
9:27:45We all come from Qinghe Village.
9:27:47Seeing our own people in the capital makes us feel at ease.
9:27:52Alright, alright,
9:27:53stop standing around talking,
9:27:55Young Master Wang has had a long journey, first
9:27:56settling down in the residence is the priority.
9:27:58Dahe, Dazhu,
9:28:00you take the young master over.
9:28:02Alright,
9:28:10Young Master,
9:28:10please
9:28:12You just
9:28:16My heavens
9:28:17This, this must be worth several hundred strings of cash,
9:28:20Several hundred strings? What are you saying?
9:28:22The place my brother Dahe and Manager Du live in is even smaller than this, and it cost two thousand six hundred strings,
9:28:28This one cost three thousand one hundred strings.
9:28:32How much?
9:28:34On this trip to the capital,
9:28:36how much silver did Ling Chao have you bring in total?
9:28:39Three thousand taels of gold. Lin Zhao has staked his entire future on the capital.
9:28:42I absolutely cannot make a wrong move in this step.
9:28:47Young Master,
9:28:48if you don't come see me soon,
9:28:49I'll really have no confidence.
9:29:02Hmm,
9:29:07How many girls are in the establishment now?
9:29:09Eight,
9:29:10Two were bought at a high price.
9:29:11This year they're eighteen, with good looks,
9:29:12their voices and figures are not bad,
9:29:14prepared to be promoted as the top stars.
9:29:15Five are contracted for three years as resident performers,
9:29:17selling art, not their bodies,
9:29:18the establishment provides food, lodging, and clothing,
9:29:20and shares the profits with them,
9:29:21after three years, they can choose to stay or leave.
9:29:22There's one more, call everyone here,
9:29:24Let me take a look first,
9:29:27Let me see their appearance first,
9:29:28and where their conversation and talents fall short.
9:29:31Ah,
9:29:31Okay, okay,
9:29:33By the way,
9:29:35Who named your establishment, Young Master?
9:29:37This name was thought up by me, Young Master,
9:29:41In this entertainment industry, without some culture, it really won't do, huh?
9:29:44Yes, yes, I also know it's vulgar, but I see other flower houses all have such names,
9:29:48like spring,
9:29:49moon,
9:29:50red,
9:29:51jade, and so on, I couldn't think of anything else for a moment,
9:29:53so I just randomly picked one and took it down,
9:29:58Take down this shabby sign for me.
9:30:00Change the name to 'Human Realm Jade Terrace'
9:30:26Girls,
9:30:27This Young Master Wang will be the owner of this establishment from now on.
9:30:43Li, Li, old Li, tell them all to stand straight and not move.
9:30:46Did you all hear that? Straighten your backs and shoulders,
9:30:47Level them,
9:30:48Stand firm.
9:30:53Stretch legs left and right.
9:30:56Everyone do as instructed.
9:30:57Whatever Young Master Wang says,
9:30:58you do.
9:31:02Ah ah!
9:31:04Change moves, everyone stand firm in horse stance,
9:31:13Just like this.
9:31:15Mm mm,
9:31:17Legs apart,
9:31:18Press down knees,
9:31:19Keep back straight, don't slouch,
9:31:23Whoever lasts to the end gets this silver ingot.
9:31:29Hey,
9:31:30Mm mm,
9:31:37Alright,
9:31:37Stop!
9:31:43You two split it equally,
9:31:45Okay,
9:31:47Thank you, Young Master Wang. Take them away,
9:31:49let them rest.
9:31:50Yes.
9:31:56You don't need to.
9:31:59Those two bought-out courtesans just now, what are their names? Report, Young Master.
9:32:04One is Liu Xin Niang,
9:32:05the other is Qin Su Wan.
9:32:06Have them both move to my residence. Young Master,
9:32:11They are courtesans; if they become deflowered,
9:32:15they won't be worth much.
9:32:20What are you thinking?
9:32:23I intend to make these two the top courtesans of the Mortal Jade Terrace,
9:32:26but being courtesans is their identity,
9:32:28they still need training,
9:32:30and it's necessary training.
9:32:32How many Qinghe Special Ops members did you bring to the capital this time?
9:32:35Counting me and Da Zhu, twelve in total,
9:32:37all veteran members selected from Qinghe Special Ops,
9:32:40Next, keep recruiting.
9:32:41I want you to expand to fifty people in the capital as soon as possible,
9:32:44These fifty must have clean backgrounds,
9:32:46no street thugs.
9:32:47Remember,
9:32:48I want people who can be trained according to Qinghe Special Ops methods,
9:32:51who can get things done,
9:32:52and keep secrets.
9:32:53Better to have none than to have scoundrels,
9:32:55but the numbers must go up. Liu Xin Niang and Qin Su Wan will move to my place.
9:33:00On regular days, you will lead them in physical training, basic moves, obedience, and reaction drills.
9:33:04As for close combat,
9:33:05grappling and joint locks,
9:33:06I will teach personally. Running businesses
9:33:09is just our way of staying in the capital,
9:33:11not the goal.
9:33:12We have more important things to do here.
9:33:16With foundations like Liu Xi Yang and Qin Su Wan,
9:33:18Good,
9:33:18Miss,
9:33:19find me two to four more with looks,
9:33:21figure, brains, and resilience that pass muster, and talent.
9:33:25Let Old Li train their martial arts,
9:33:27I will train them personally.
9:33:28As for the performances they will present to the public later,
9:33:31I will handle it all.
9:33:32Yes, I understand.
9:33:38And the business must make money.
9:33:40Only if Mortal Jade Terrace makes money,
9:33:42can our plans in the capital move forward.
9:33:44Have you secured the official brewing rights?
9:33:47Young Master, we can brew our own now,
9:33:50but the yeast must be from the officials.
9:33:53Later I'll write you a new method,
9:33:55Mortal Jade Terrace's wine will have three tiers,
9:33:57First tier: Jade Terrace Mellow, main money-maker, stronger,
9:34:00set around 42 degrees.
9:34:02Second tier: Light Sway Spring, high-end, smoother taste,
9:34:05around 15 degrees,
9:34:07specifically to compete with top wines from places like Jinhua Tower.
9:34:09Third tier: Jade Terrace Clear, mass-market wine,
9:34:125 to 7 degrees, sell in volume.
9:34:14Remember, each has its own tasks,
9:34:15no one treats coming to the capital as a vacation.
9:34:17In a few days,
9:34:18I still need to go to Ningchuan. There's a letter to deliver to Zhongda Works.
9:34:22Young Master,
9:34:23If you're going to Ningchuan,
9:34:24these days it's lively there,
9:34:25How lively?
9:34:26The day before yesterday, the palace foundation,
9:34:28On the day you arrived in the capital, the palace foundation's carriage had already set off for Ningchuan Longxing Temple to pray.
9:34:34Now many people in the capital are talking about it,
9:34:37What did you say?
9:34:40The foundation went to Ningchuan?
9:34:44No need to wait a few days,
9:34:46I'll set off tomorrow.
9:34:53Your subject Zhong Huai Chuan reports urgently,
9:34:55Ye Li Ren Yong led three thousand cavalry across the border,
9:34:57but was defeated by Lin Zhao with firearms ambush and crossbow formation, killing 811 enemies,
9:35:02277 captured.
9:35:04Since Lin Zhao took office,
9:35:05he has fought over ten battles without a single defeat.
9:35:07Now Tongcheng An is in Beijing overseeing the battle,
9:35:09and has also transferred the elite Western Army,
9:35:10heading north to Jingxi Road,
9:35:11leaving the defenses empty, Your Majesty.
9:35:13I request that Lin Zhao be given command of Zhou's troops,
9:35:14and Ma Lin be appointed as my deputy,
9:35:16with the deputy overseeing compilation affairs, supporting the underground talent,
9:35:25You all take a look.
9:35:44Your Majesty, I believe Zhong Huaichuan
9:35:46although this memorial has intentions of not deploying the bedchamber,
9:35:48but his words are not without reason.
9:35:49Grand Tutor Tong led the northern expedition and drew some elite Western troops,
9:35:52yet the pressure on the northwest defenses is heavier than before.
9:35:55Zhong Huaichuan is in Qinfeng,
9:35:55his burden along the way is already heavy.
9:35:57Now,
9:35:57if he has a capable deputy,
9:35:59it is only proper.
9:36:04In my service, appointing people values ability to handle practical matters,
9:36:08Ling Zhao,
9:36:08has both practical experience,
9:36:09and achievements in slaying generals and defeating enemies.
9:36:10If Zhong Huaichuan personally promotes him, the Western Army might feel disheartened.
9:36:15What does the Prince think?
9:36:16How about it?
9:36:18Your Majesty, I believe Zhong Huaichuan's memorial cannot be fully
9:36:21followed. Although Lin Zhao has merits,
9:36:23currently he is only a seventh-rank Wujielang cavalry officer,
9:36:25and also just the Jingchuan Prefecture Xiang Army commander.
9:36:27If we follow Zhong Huaichuan's request and suddenly appoint him as Zhou's cavalry commander,
9:36:30that would be a sudden rise from seventh rank to fifth or sixth rank,
9:36:33crossing too many ranks. Military promotions have their own rules.
9:36:36If today because of one border merit we suddenly do this,
9:36:39tomorrow everyone will vie for merit,
9:36:40seeking rewards from the court—what decorum is that?
9:36:42Moreover, this time killing Yeli Renyong and annihilating the Western Xia
9:36:45invading cavalry on the battlefield.
9:36:46After all, it was within Longcheng County,
9:36:48Lin Zhao certainly has merit, but
9:36:49the Longcheng County magistrate personally dispatched local transport of grain and stabilized the city's coordinated defense,
9:36:53how can it be said he has no merit at all?
9:36:55If all credit is attributed to Lin Zhao alone, it may cause resentment.
9:36:57I believe Lin Zhao can be rewarded,
9:36:59can be promoted,
9:37:00but not raised too high in one step,
9:37:01otherwise it won't convince the masses.
9:37:05What do you point to?
9:37:09Use truth and righteousness.
9:37:25Lin Zhao is dispatched as Lucheng County magistrate and concurrently Zhou Xiang Army inspector.
9:37:29Xie Changfeng is dispatched as Lucheng County military inspector; the former Lucheng County magistrate is transferred back to the capital,
9:37:34promoted to Dalisi Pingshi.
9:37:35The rest of the merit-seeking intentions,
9:37:36are clearly selfish.
9:37:38Brother,
9:37:38your move is indeed quite shrewd, Your Majesty.
9:37:41Indeed, my original petition was not approved, and Wang Yanheng also blocked it,
9:37:45but in the end,
9:37:46your disciple still smoothly
9:37:47obtained real power in Longcheng County,
9:37:49What he wanted,
9:37:50was never the empty title of a state military commander.
9:37:52Now,
9:37:52the legitimate son is transferred to the capital, and Xie Changfeng is replaced,
9:37:55so the military and political power of Longcheng County all falls into Lin Zhao's hands.
9:37:59That is enough,
9:38:00Yes,
9:38:02Only when real power is in hand can things be done.
9:38:08The northwest is on the brink of chaos.
9:38:09People in the capital may not yet see it clearly,
9:38:12but we here can no longer wait.
9:38:16I understand,
9:38:26Brother Ma,
9:38:27now you can let go,
9:38:28and do it.
9:38:28From now on, all resources,
9:38:30whether the government's,
9:38:30or our own,
9:38:31will fully support you.
9:38:32Additionally,
9:38:33Liu Changshun and his battalion of Xiang soldiers,
9:38:35I plan to station them long-term in Qinghe Village,
9:38:36to train for you and manage for you. Qinghe Village's walls will continue to be heightened and thickened.
9:38:40Since even the government has designated it as the first village for southern advancement,
9:38:41our doing so is not considered unauthorized.
9:38:44Then I will let loose on my side.
9:38:45Previously, I was afraid of being too conspicuous in some places.
9:38:48Now that the status is secured,
9:38:49I will proceed along the path of being able to defend, able to fight,
9:38:51and able to withstand a major war.
9:38:52That's how it should be done.
9:38:54From now on, this is not an ordinary village,
9:38:55it is our foundation.
9:38:58Now that Haochuan has entered the capital,
9:39:00you need to continuously send him what you know,
9:39:03We need money,
9:39:04a lot of money,
9:39:05you must shoulder this.
9:39:07Let me first report on the work during this period.
9:39:10First,
9:39:11Now that high-purity alcohol has been produced,
9:39:13the military doctors can take it to clean wounds for the wounded,
9:39:15which can greatly reduce infections.
9:39:16Second,
9:39:17a simple painkiller made from willow bark,
9:39:19an anti-inflammatory drug, has also been tested out.
9:39:21Simple aspirin, as you put it, is roughly considered simple.
9:39:24Aspirin, though not pure enough,
9:39:26but it's already usable.
9:39:27Third, the money-making stuff.
9:39:29Currently, I can stably produce two things on my side,
9:39:32one is skincare essence.
9:39:34You said before that noble ladies and young women in the capital are willing to spend money on their faces,
9:39:37so I followed that idea and made it,
9:39:39temporarily without a name,
9:39:40let's call it 'Fairy Water' for now,
9:39:41later let Hao Chai go to the capital,
9:39:43and repackage and rename it.
9:39:45This thing can be shipped soon,
9:39:50the cost is basically sixty to seventy wen,
9:39:52let's set the recycling price at two jars first.
9:39:54As for the capital side,
9:39:55how much it finally sells for,
9:39:56let Hao Chuan and the others decide the profit,
9:39:59keep it in the capital as funds
9:40:01can't be kept
9:40:02Besides, the cleansing cream has a very good face-washing effect,
9:40:06the total cost is about seventeen to twenty wen,
9:40:08our recycling here should be lenient,
9:40:10these things are all made, huh,
9:40:12first get two boxes for our young lady,
9:40:14why, does your Qiao Niang want to eat them as meals?
9:40:16Two boxes, it's our own product,
9:40:18shouldn't we treat our own people first?
9:40:22But what I lack most now is not formulas but people,
9:40:25some people, after getting married,
9:40:26spend all day cuddling with their husbands and don't come back to help.
9:40:30Alright, alright,
9:40:31I was just about to tell you to go back to the clinic,
9:40:32This is what sister-in-law said herself,
9:40:34we all heard it.
9:40:38These products will mainly use Qinghe Village people first, if not enough,
9:40:42then recruit from outside.
9:40:43As for wages, division of labor, process, and confidentiality rules,
9:40:46you decide among yourselves,
9:40:48leave this to me, I'll write a letter to Hao Chuan,
9:40:51telling him after going to the capital,
9:40:52to find a way to send gifts to curry favor with,
9:40:54Wang Yan,
9:40:54Heng,
9:40:54Tongcheng Jun.
9:40:55These people, this kind of scum, we still have to curry favor with.
9:40:59Time is tight now,
9:41:00the task is heavy,
9:41:01don't let yourself be morally kidnapped.
9:41:03We save the people of Nanjin from fire and water.
9:41:05This matter itself is the greatest moral foundation.
9:41:08As long as it can help us achieve our goal,
9:41:10at this time there is no absolute good or bad person,
9:41:13whoever can be used by me,
9:41:14has value. Once things are done,
9:41:17then we'll slowly settle scores with them.
9:41:21I remember Wu Zixu had a saying that suits us now: 'The day is late and the road is far, one must act against the norm.'
9:41:38Mm,
9:41:41The area towards Ningchuan Road is not peaceful,
9:41:44need to bring some weapons
9:41:50Hand crossbow, dagger
9:41:52Iodophor, bandages
9:41:55All set
9:41:59Wait a minute
9:42:05Just this
9:42:08Let's go
9:42:08Alright,
9:42:13Retreat, retreat, retreat
9:42:20No sharing
9:42:43Take some food over
9:42:53I am me
9:43:05Stop
9:43:17Mm,
9:43:19Mm,
9:43:21Isn't this a prosperous era now?
9:43:24Isn't it said that our Nanjing is at the most prosperous time in the world?
9:43:28Why are there so many people who can't eat?
9:43:33Father Emperor,
9:43:34must this war really be fought?

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This page contains the full transcript of ❣️【爆款神剧大合集】第1~4季《持械入宋》五名现代特种兵携重火力坠入大宋，被千军围困命悬一线，狙击枪响，一枪爆头敌帅，横推十万铁骑！ by AnimeTown, generated from the public captions YouTube serves with the video. The transcript has 74,256 words across 11,310 segments, with the original timestamps preserved so you can click any line to jump to that moment in the embedded player.

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