[R18] Will drink wine – “About Wine” Chapter 275 [English]

Chapter 263, Tiger

In August, when the autumn harvest was being harvested, Wang Xian, under the orders of Shen Zechuan, and Yu Xiao once again inspected the six state granaries, compiled the Zhongbo grain into a volume, and reported it to Duanzhou in detail.The carriage rolled over the gravel. Wang Xian, wearing a regimental shirt, looked through the window at Duanzhou City, which was getting closer and closer.

“The moat is still under construction, but the city gate is ready.” Yu Xiao pointed it out to Wang Xian again, “Brother Minshen, this is where the city is guarded.”

Wang Xian nodded and wiped the sweat from his forehead.

Yu Xiaozai had dealt with Wang Xian when he was still in Qudu, but the responsibilities were different at that time and they were just a nod to each other. It wasn’t until they worked together in July that they became really familiar with each other.He comforted and said: “The Lord is generous to others. Since he is willing to use you, he is willing to trust you. You don’t have to remember the past accounts.”

Wang Xian smiled bitterly and said: “I was demoted from the capital and exiled to Zhongbo. If it hadn’t been for the care of the second master, I would have lost my head. Now that the master has ignored the past, I am so grateful that I can still keep accounts. I’m just afraid that I will be clumsy and tongue-tied, and I won’t be able to answer in court later.”

Yu Xiaozai knew what Wang Xian was worried about, he thought for a moment,He said: “Brother Min Shen, look at me. I came to Zhongbo under the assignment of my teacher, Censor Cendu, to negotiate peace with the Lord of the State. Later, the peace was not reached, and I couldn’t go back. I originally wanted to buy a few acres of fertile land in Zhongbo, and just become an ordinary citizen, but the Lord of the Palace supported me and made me become a commoner in Zhongbo.”Brother Min Shen was demoted from the capital because of the Second Master’s bribery case, which was framed by Fu Linye and others. The Second Master is a man of friendship and always remembers this matter. This time, Brother Min Shen succeeded in planning the Libei Army. He will not embarrass Brother Min Shen in both public and private matters.”

Wang Xian felt a little more generous and waved his hands and said: “I am the only one who has done the best, so I can’t praise him enough.”

The carriage arrived at the place and passed the lowered portcullis.The two people got off the carriage one after another and saw Fei Sheng waiting at the entrance of the passage.

“You two adults are tired from traveling, please come in quickly.” Fei Sheng led the two of them in. “The Lord has prepared a banquet in the house to welcome the two adults.”

Wang Xian was slightly shocked and said: “I’m just following orders, how can I be so loved by the Lord?”

“Don’t be anxious,” Yu Xiaozai said with a smile, “My Lord has never been extravagant in his banquets. They are just ordinary dishes. You will be invited to eat, drink and drink tea.”

* * *

“Wang Xian prepared military rations quickly,” Shen Zechuan tilted his head and said to Xiao Chiye behind him, “What’s rare is that he can reach an agreement with the yamen of each state. It’s a grievance for him to be left in Chazhou.”

Xiao Chiye tied gauze on Shen Zechuan and said, “He can even hold up my accounts, so he is naturally good at dealing with the yamen of various states.”

Shen Zechuan gasped slightly following Xiao Chiye’s movements and said, “Kudu Overlord is going to break my waist.”

“This waist,” Xiao Chiye measured it a few times, moved his hands forward, and brought Shen Zechuan back to his chest, “it’s as thin as an object in the palm of your hand.”

“That’s why we have ‘sink-waist and pan-whiskers’,” Shen Zechuan pressed his back against Xiao Chiye’s chest, “Don’t be envious of Mr. Xiao.”

“It’s all mine anyway,” Xiao Chiye said, “It’s only the envy of others.”

* * *

Since the man under the eaves saw the maid coming in and out, he clasped his hands and turned his head to Ding Tao and said, “We have guests here.”

There was something in the little monk’s words. Ding Tao crossed her arms and answered clearly: “Your vegetarian food is indispensable. The Lord has already ordered it.”

Since then, he immediately showed a look of joy and said: “Oh, Buddha, brother Ding Tao, you are smarter than the fish in the pond!”

Shen Zechuan has already come out of the main room. The side hall is well prepared and all the gentlemen have already taken their seats.When Wang Xian and Yu Xiao arrived, they first bowed to the monarch and then greeted the gentlemen at the table.

“The six-state move to the warehouse is the top priority of the year,” Shen Zechuan said. “You Jing and Min Shen have worked hard.”

In August, when the autumn harvest begins, grains are sorted and stored in various places. Then in September, surplus grain reserves in various places are planned and prepared for the winter.According to the process of Zhongbo, Libei’s military rations could not be prepared so quickly, but Wang Xian had been making preparations as early as June. As soon as the Duanzhou defensive battle was over, he asked the state garrison to allocate manpower to start harvesting. It was in time for August’s leisure time, giving the six states that were about to supply military rations some breathing time.

Wang Xian hurriedly stood up and returned the greeting, saying: “I am acting as ordered. This is all the Lord’s foresight.”

“I heard that Tantai Tiger took out his anger on you?” Xiao Chiye smiled at Wang Xian before he even moved his chopsticks.

“General Tantai is concerned about the war, so he naturally wants to ask about the preparations. We had a great chat in Dunzhou.” Wang Xian knew that Tantai Tiger was chosen by Xiao Chiye to go to Dunzhou. He has military exploits and a position to speak in front of Shen Zechuan. Of course, he cannot offend him. “Those rumors are not enough to be believed.”

It seems to be true.

This was not the first time that Tantai Hu had a conflict with civilian officials. He was impatient and was a close confidant of Xiao Chiye. In Dunzhou, he was initially compatible with the yamen officials. Military reports were submitted directly to Shen Zechuan’s desk and there was no need to be supervised by the yamen. Logically speaking, there could be no conflict between the two parties.However, the Dunzhou garrison received several rewards and claimed to be a branch of the Forbidden Army. By the time of the Battle of Duanzhou, it was even more popular among the six-state garrison. The preparation of military rations was a matter between Wang Xian and the state food supervisors, and Tantai Tiger dared to intervene.

When the world is at peace, discord between generals and generals means they cannot work together. But when the world is not at peace, discord between generals and generals is a major issue affecting the whole world.

Kong Ling had a clear mind and came out to smooth things over, saying: “General Tantai was born in the Forbidden Army and shared weal and woe with Libei. As early as when the second master decided to attack the Twelve Divisions, he had discussed the matter of military rations with me. Mr. Fu, General Tantai has been on the rescue march several times, so he is naturally more concerned about military rations than others.” heHe turned his head and smiled at Yao Wenyu, “Yuan Zhuo and I often ask about the city wall fortifications. We were frightened during the battle to defend the city.”

The gentlemen laughed and the atmosphere relaxed a bit.

Yao Wenyu said to Wang Xianda: “Brother Minshen once served as the head of the household department, and Cen Du Yushi often praised brother Minshen for his speed in doing things. Now when it comes to preparing military rations, brother Minshen’s extraordinary ability is really evident.”

Yao Wenyu’s words were half true and half false. Wang Xian was indeed capable, but not so conspicuous. Xue Xiuzhuo, who often dealt with the Ministry of Household Affairs at that time, was even more favored by Hai Liangyi.Furthermore, the Ministry of Husbandry has always been controlled by aristocratic families, and the Ministry of Personnel tried to promote Wang Xian by referring to Yan Guan Feng Criticism, but could not do so.But even if this was false, Yao Wenyu still gave Wang Xian enough face.

Wang Xian has been a capital official for a long time, how can he not understand?Yao Wenyu meant what Shen Zechuan meant. Yao Wenyu was willing to comfort him, so he should just give up.This matter has been reported, and the master and the second master will make their own arrangements in the future.

Wang Xian saluted and said: “How dare you be praised by Yuan Zhuo? I am really scared.” heIn this way, I relaxed a little, and then said, “Regarding the military rations, I still need some advice from General Tantai. Fortunately, the general did not mind it and analyzed it in detail with me. To be honest with you and the second master, although I am also in charge of military rations in Qudu, I have never dealt with such a long-distance supply. Issues such as the consumption of grain trucks and the increase or decrease of baggage weight are all handled by General Tantai as my detailed consultant.”

Kong Ling glanced at Zhou Gui, who was not far away, and sighed in his heart: After all, he is a capital official, smart and aware of current affairs, and he can speak three-point words.

Zhou Gui also came here to prepare military rations. He arrived a few days earlier than Wang Xian and others. He was sitting in his seat and listening carefully. He didn’t know why Cheng Feng wanted to look at him. He only felt that Wang Xian had a measured advance and retreat, and his speech was very decent.

They talked about some official matters for a while, and Shen Zechuan asked Wang Xian to sit down and signaled that the banquet was open.

* * *

When he returned to the house at night, Xiao Chiye took off his clothes and looked uncertain.

When Shen Zechuan was changing his shoes, he said: “You know the temperament of a tiger. He is not a proud person.”

Xiao Chiye was still taking off his clothes and said: “The Dunzhou garrison is soldiers recruited from Fan and Deng states. There are many grass bandits among them. If the army is not strictly managed, bad things will happen.”

Shen Zechuan saw that the side of the wolf on Xiao Chiye’s back was reflected in the candlelight and looked very powerful, so he poked it with his finger.

Xiao Chiye caught it with his backhand, squeezed it, and continued: “I know that Tiger will not take credit for himself, but I am also afraid that he will be instigated by others and let the Dunzhou garrison imitate the Forbidden Army.”

The Forbidden Forces are lazy and lazy, but when there is nothing to do, they will be the first to draw their swords and go into battle when the real war is imminent.The Forbidden Army dared to be ruffians because they were not ruffians at all. The 20,000 soldiers were carefully selected by Xiao Chiye who worked all night long. They came from serious military families, so their training was naturally different from others.The soldiers who were originally from the Forbidden Army were all treated with cold eyes in the palace. Their tempers have been tempered for a long time, and they have a certain degree of control, which is definitely not something that the Dunzhou garrison can do in a short while.

“This time I will lead the Northern Iron Cavalry to the east. If Qudu wants to take this opportunity to attack Zhongbo,” Xiao Chiye turned around, “you will have to rely on the Dunzhou garrison.”

Yin Chang’s death in battle was undoubtedly a heavy blow. The newly established Cizhou garrison needed a new commander, and it would take time to find a suitable candidate.The Duanzhou garrison was damaged, and the Fanzhou and Dengzhou garrison were established not long ago. Only the Dunzhou garrison and the Jinyi Cavalry were really useful, and the Jinyi Cavalry was scarce in number.

“The Tantai dragon can die for Dunzhou, and the same goes for the Tantai tiger.” Shen Zechuan looked up at Xiao Chiye, “You are marching thousands of miles east, don’t worry about the rear, I have my own way.”

“Although the Eighth Battalion is often known as incompetent, now that Han Cheng is dead, the new governor is still unknown,” Xiao Chiye looked worried, “If Xue Xiuzhuo has a good candidate…”

Without the control of the aristocratic family, the Eighth Battalion can recruit again.

Xiao Chiye said: “I will leave you five thousand forbidden troops.”

* * *

A few days later, Tantai Hu was ordered to rush to Duanzhou. As soon as he entered the mansion, he knelt down in front of Xiao Chiye.

“Master…”

Before Tantaihu finished speaking, Xiao Chiye said: “You are now the general of the prince.”

Tantai Hu buried his head and changed his words: “Second Master! Is that some bullshit official here to sue me? They came in to prepare military rations, and they also had to check the Dunzhou ration book. Wang Xian said in front of so many people in the hall that our Dunzhou garrison was wasting public money!” heHe raised his head angrily and said, “Second Master, among the six states’ garrison, we, the Dunzhou garrison, are the only ones who can provide timely rain. In order to support the bald men on the border, the military expenditure must be much more than others! Is this worth hesitating about? You also know it!”

Xiao Chiye supported his knees with one arm, turned his body sideways and turned his fingers around, but did not reply.

Chen Yang, who was waiting by the side, winked at Tantai Hu many times, but he refused to look at it.

Tantaihu knew Xiao Chiye’s temper, but he felt angry in his chest, so he suppressed it and continued: “Wang Xian has something to say to my face! Why did he frame me behind the scenes like this? What is the difference between this mother and those officials in Qudu? He said that I wasted public money, bah! I haven’t said that he wasted food with Luo Mu in Chazhou!”

“You are wronged.” Xiao Chiye raised his eyes.

Looking at Xiao Chiye’s expression, Tantaihu couldn’t help but feel a sore nose and said: “Second Master and I have been through life and death, why do you teach them to behave like this! The Lord knows the account, but he doesn’t reprimand Wang Xian, I, I don’t accept it!”

“You don’t accept it?” Xiao Chiye suddenly said coldly, “If you don’t accept it, someone will drive Wang Xian out of the Yamen? Is that your responsibility? When I transferred you to Dunzhou, Lan Zhouqing clearly said that if you can’t dominate you in civil affairs, you can’t dominate others!”

Tantaihu’s chest heaved and he said: “Then he can’t speak like that, it will chill the hearts of my brothers!”

“I have read the account books of the Dunzhou garrison. After the Duanzhou war, you mobilized troops back to the city. You did nothing else. You first summoned the local squires to host a banquet.” Xiao Chiye looked gloomy. “All the money for the flowing banquet went to Dunzhou public funds. You are so majestic. The government rewarded your Dunzhou garrison in Duanzhou. You are not satisfied, and you have to slap your face to reward the sergeant. I think you make me even more chilled!”

“It was so easy for Yin Chang to attack Fanzhou in the first place. As soon as the Cizhou garrison returned, the king of Fuzhou held a banquet to reward them. When it was our turn, the Dunzhou garrison only received a reward of taels of silver.” Tantaihu lowered his voice, “Second Master, can a few taels of silver buy the lives of my brothers? I am just representing the king of Fuzhou -”

Xiao Chiye stood up suddenly, and a shadow immediately enveloped Tantai Tiger.

“Second Master!” Chen Yang knelt down, “He has simple thoughts, just for that meal! It is indeed wrong to waste money on Kuyin, Second Master will just punish him!”

The freedom that Shen Zechuan gave Tantaihu was a favor, but Tantaihu could not demand it in exchange for the favor. If he dares to make his own decisions because of his dissatisfaction today, he will be able to ignore the emperor’s arrogance tomorrow.During the several conflicts between he and the civil servants, Shen Zechuan kept silent. It was for Xiao Chiye’s sake.

Tantaihu knew that he had made a mistake, and he was also in a hurry. He buried his head at this moment, but could not clear his face to beg for mercy.

“Give him the grain book of Dunzhou’s closed warehouse.” Xiao Chiye held up the Langlu knife and put it on his waist. “Let him see the land that Tantai Long defended with his life.”

Chen Yang took down the grain book and presented it in front of Tantai Tiger.

“Your soldiers,” Xiao Chiye emphasized these three words, “are well fed because the people in Cizhou and Dunzhou have tightened their belts. There are all kinds of delicacies from the mountains and seas on the flowing water mat. My Lan Zhou was still eating Duanzhou wild vegetables with the gentlemen even though he was ill.”

Tantai Hu couldn’t help but blush when he saw the details of the grain book. He knew in his heart that he was wrong, but he still wanted to defend himself: “When I was in Dunzhou, I saw that the grain warehouse was plentiful…”

Xiao Chiye whistled, raised his arm to catch Meng, and walked away without looking back.