Chapter 1 Circles

Any place, as long as it's a bit bigger, will have its own circles, commonly known as cliques.

For example, those in the east of the city look down on those in the west, those in the city look down on those outside the city, and on a larger scale, the people of Qian generally look at the people of Yan with the mentality of barbarians, and naturally despise them.

Beifeng County is adjacent to the desert. Although the rise of the Silk Road in recent years has improved it a lot compared to before, Yinlang County is the "Little Jiangnan" of Yan.

One reason is that it is close to Qian, making it a commercial hub. The second reason dates back a hundred years, when the first Marquis of Zhenbei forcibly migrated the population after conquering three counties of Qian. This not only prevented Yinlang County from declining due to the war a century ago, but also greatly enriched it.

This also greatly damaged the vitality of the three counties on the Qian border to this day. First, places heavily garrisoned are not suitable for ordinary people to live in. Second, because the three borders have been under the shadow of war, the Qian court has not deliberately restored or developed the three borders, which is similar to Fujian in its early years.

The people of Yinlang County have their own sense of pride. Therefore, they usually look at the caravans or travelers from Beifeng County with a condescending attitude.

They always ask how the people over there are doing, what they like to do during festivals, and whether their children can attend private schools. All of this is a prelude to showing off their good life.

However, this time, when a group of knights in black armor entered the outskirts of Yincheng, the people of Yinlang County looked at them not with contempt or regional discrimination, but with excitement!

Everyone spread the news, and the people inside and outside Yincheng were in an uproar.

The scene of "presenting food and drink to welcome the king's army" spontaneously formed without any rehearsal.

The people of Yincheng took out their own food reserves, their winter bacon, rice cakes, and other New Year goods, generously and proactively going to the military camp to show their appreciation.

The subtle glances from young women and the enthusiastic cheers from the men made the vanguard of the Zhenbei Army, which had just entered Yinlang County, caught off guard.

They really didn't expect this kind of treatment.

There are three main reasons for this scene:

First, the martial spirit is prevalent in Yan. Although it has been peaceful for decades, the kind of blood in the bones of the Yan ancestors, who would grab a knife, mount a horse, and fight the barbarians, still remains.

Therefore, in Yan, the status of civil officials has never been able to suppress that of military generals, and has even been suppressed in reverse. At the same time, there is no tradition among the Yan people similar to Qian's "good men don't become soldiers, good iron isn't used for nails."

Second, the caravans from Beifeng County, the travelers from Beifeng County, and the immigrants from Beifeng County will indeed be discriminated against based on their region. However, the Zhenbei Army has been guarding the desert and suppressing the barbarians for nearly a hundred years, preventing them from advancing south. This great achievement has transformed the Zhenbei Army into a kind of "guardian deity" or "totem" in the hearts of the common people.

Third, as long as they aren't fools, everyone knows that there is a war going on. Although they have only heard the sound of gongs and drums and haven't seen the real thing, although Yinlang County also has its own Jingnan Army stationed there, the common people, even the valiant Yan people in their bones, actually have a fear of war.

The arrival of the Zhenbei Army, the most capable army in Yan, is the greatest guarantee for them. It is only natural for the people to be excited and cheer.

Zheng Fan came with A Ming. Usually, unless there were special circumstances, Commander Zheng liked to take A Ming with him when he went out. Which boss doesn't like a subordinate who can block bullets for you without hesitation?

Moreover, it's not a one-time thing. You can raise him and he can continue to block bullets next time. It's just too comfortable.

At the same time, Zheng Fan also brought thirty riders with him. After the incident at the Yincheng post station and then being asked for directions again on the way home from Nanwang City, Commander Zheng felt that the lone ranger style still had to be changed.

Since he has subordinates, he should take some with him on the road. At the very least, they can help you hold the rear.

"Wow, how lively."

Outside the Zhenbei Army's camp, there was a sea of people, and the common people spontaneously gathered here to express their enthusiasm.

Fortunately, Zheng Fan went out this time wearing armor, and his knights were also wearing armor. In addition, most of the equipment in Cuiliu Fort was imitated from the Zhenbei Army's style, so the surrounding people thought it was a Zhenbei Army colonel returning to camp and consciously made way.

After entering the camp, Zheng Fan turned back and looked at the knights who followed him. Each of them was holding eggs and rice cakes, and several of them had silk ribbons hanging on them.

This is the way Yan girls express their love. It's no wonder that these children of aristocratic families used to be young masters, so their appearance and bearing are naturally not bad. It is normal to receive so much favor.

Zheng Fan looked at his own empty hands, then turned to look at A Ming, and smiled:

"Why didn't you receive a silk ribbon?"

A Ming helplessly opened his pocket and took out a large pile.

"............" Zheng Fan.

A Ming continued to ride lazily on his horse, with an attitude of:

I didn't intend to show off, but you insisted on seeking balance.

After verifying their tokens and identities, Zheng Fan and his party were allowed to enter the camp.

Yes, this time he was summoned not by Marquis Jingnan, but by Marquis Zhenbei.

A captain led the way, and Zheng Fan's subordinates could not continue to follow. The military camp was strictly regulated.

A Ming handed the box containing the head of the Prince of Fu to Zheng Fan,

And said:

"My lord, your lucky bag."

Zheng Fan took the lucky bag and continued to walk inside.

The military camp tents, layer by layer, ring by ring, all seemed extremely solemn, which also reflected the discipline of the Zhenbei Army.

After leading soldiers himself, Zheng Fan deeply understood a truth, that is, an army without discipline is difficult to use. Occasionally, relying on rewards or the encouragement of the general, everyone rushes forward, which seems to have a good effect, but it is difficult to sustain.

It's okay to bully opponents with low combat power, but it won't work against elite opponents.

Zheng Fan walked into the central core area of the military camp. He saw Li Liangshen. Xiao Liuzi had introduced him to him at the Zhenbei Marquis's mansion.

Li Liangshen was sitting on a round log with his eyes closed. Beside him, a broad sword with a very ancient shape, somewhat similar to the Qin Dynasty, was inserted into the ground.

Zheng Fan came, but he didn't even open his eyes.

From Chen the Swordsman, Zheng Fan had heard some Jianghu (martial world) stories, knowing that this General Li Liangshen was one of the Four Great Swordsmen.

However, compared to the other three, this "swordsman" in the military camp really gave a sense of desecrating the "sword immortal" image in everyone's mind.

Of course, this wasn't like the various lists in later generations that required money to get on, nor did it require hiring water armies to swipe data. Li Liangshen's ranking among the Four Great Swordsmen was really not what he wanted.

The Sword Saint of Jin was a madman. One of the Four Great Swordsmen was praised by him, and Li Liangshen was found by him specifically to fight.

Continuing to walk inside, Zheng Fan saw a shirtless man sitting there, holding a baked naan in his hand, taking bite after bite.

At the feet of the big man, there was also a plate, and on the plate were peeled garlic cloves.

People who don't like garlic won't eat it at all, but for those who like garlic, no matter what dish it's paired with, the taste will be half less.

This big man is called Li Bao, also one of the Seven Great Generals, and there is another one called Li Yuanhu. The two are known as the Tiger and Leopard of the Zhenbei Marquis's mansion.

Seeing Zheng Fan coming, he gave Zheng Fan a simple and honest smile.

This scene made Zheng Fan think of his own Fan Li.

Zheng Fan immediately bowed slightly and saluted, then continued to follow the leading captain forward.

Outside the tent, two people were sitting.

One was an old acquaintance, Qing Shuang, who had walked the catwalk together in the Yan capital palace.

The other had a long, narrow face, similar to the portrait of Zhu Yuanzhang that has been passed down, whether it is true or false, black or restored.

Xiao Liuzi once said that among the Seven Great Generals, there is a horse face named Li Fusheng, who is ruthless and likes to exterminate clans the most. Whenever the Zhenbei Army uses troops against the desert barbarian tribes, as long as Li Fusheng leads the army, he will definitely exterminate one tribe and return.

In fact, Li Fusheng is not young. The outside world says that the Seven Great Generals of the Zhenbei Marquis's mansion, six are surnamed Li, and all except Qing Shuang are adopted sons of the Zhenbei Marquis. But that's not true.

Jianghu rumors are always told in a way that people like to hear. In fact, the reason why there are six people with the surname Li is based on the tradition of Yan.

The rule of aristocratic families in Yan has been going on for hundreds of years. The "surname" is no longer just a symbol of inheritance, but a symbol of power.

Before Emperor Yan trampled on the aristocratic families, the middle and upper classes of Yan would add a place name and a surname before introducing themselves.

This is very similar to the West, where introductions begin with "grandson of xxx, son of xxx."

The social atmosphere is like this, and the Zhenbei Marquis's mansion cannot be exempt from it. Anyone who wants to follow me must first take my surname, indicating that we are all one family from now on.

At the beginning, the princess wanted to take Zheng Fan as a retainer of the Li family. If he became a retainer, Zheng Fan would have to change his surname to "Li Fan."

The younger generals, including Qing Shuang, treat the Zhenbei Marquis as a foster father, but Li Fusheng is probably only seven or eight years younger than the Zhenbei Marquis Li Liangting, so there is no way they could be foster father and son.

"Zheng Fan."

Qing Shuang introduced to Li Fusheng beside him.

This introduction was brief enough.

Li Fusheng looked Zheng Fan up and down,

And said:

"Oh."

As cold as it could be.

Since entering the heart of the military camp, Zheng Fan has been walking along the way as if watching a male model show.

Fortunately, in the Yan capital palace, he had personally seen Emperor Yan lead the strongest male group of this era, the two Marquises of the North and South,

So now he can still maintain his peace of mind.

Qing Shuang pointed to the big tent behind him,

And said:

"The Marquis is waiting for you inside."

Zheng Fan nodded, then smiled at Li Fusheng again. Li Fusheng laughed a few times, pointed at Zheng Fan, and said:

"The Marquis said that this kid has the universe in his eyes, but I didn't see the universe. I did see that this kid is very similar to me, both are ruthless."

"............" Zheng Fan.

Zheng Fan didn't delay any longer, lifted the curtain, and walked into the big tent.

Just as Zheng Fan was about to call out his official position of Protectorate Commander of the Zhenbei Army stationed in Hutou City to pay homage to the Zhenbei Marquis, he was stunned for a moment, and found that Marquis Jingnan was also in the big tent.

Commander Zheng immediately changed his words and said:

"Zheng Fan, Commander of Cuiliu Fort, pays homage to Marquis Jingnan, pays homage to Marquis Zhenbei."

Commander Zheng knew very well whose rice he was eating.

Marquis Jingnan was sitting in the seat of honor, which was very strange. In the Zhenbei Army camp, it was Tian Wujing, not Li Liangting, who was sitting in the seat of honor.

This is because Zheng Fan didn't know that the upcoming war would be commanded entirely by Tian Wujing. Even Li Liangting had to listen to Tian Wujing's dispatch.

This seemed very ridiculous, because the Zhenbei Army had 200,000 troops going south, while the Jingnan Army only had 50,000.

But fortunately, Zheng Fan had seen many such "ridiculous" things in Dayan, so he didn't find it too incomprehensible.

Li Liangting was sitting below, holding a handful of sugar-roasted chestnuts, eating them one by one.

Zheng Fan knew that the Zhenbei Marquis had lived a hard life since he was a child, so Zheng Fan was not surprised that every time he saw the Zhenbei Marquis, the Zhenbei Marquis was eating something.

"Little Zhengzi." The Zhenbei Marquis spoke.

If Tian Wujing wasn't here, Zheng Fan would really want to climb up the pole and shout:

"Yes, this servant is here."

Thinking about the familiar history in his previous life, the Marquis of Huaiyin could endure the humiliation of crawling between someone's legs, and Qi Jiguang could call himself Zhang Juzheng's lackey in order to please him.

Commander Zheng felt that he had nothing to let go of. In addition, the Zhenbei Marquis was not young, so he just took it as teasing his own senile old man to make him happy.

But Tian Wujing was here,

Zheng Fan really felt embarrassed, like being with his mistress while his husband was also present.

Therefore, he could only respectfully say:

"Marquis, your subordinate is here."

"The items you mentioned to this Marquis in the Imperial Garden last time, have they now shown results?"

"Replying to the Marquis, this subordinate overestimated the stupidity of the Qian people."

Raiding with small units, putting pressure on the Qian people, luring the elites of the Qian border out, and then finding an opportunity to eat them was the main purpose of Zheng Fan's plan.

But the Qian people not only didn't take the bait, but Grand Commandant Yang wasn't transferred away either. Instead, they began to implement a large-scale scorched earth policy, resolutely refusing to play field battles, not giving you a chance.

The Zhenbei Marquis shook his head and said:

"Times are different, the Qian people have a vast land and a large population, they can't all be fools."

This was actually an attempt to excuse Zheng Fan.

"The Marquis is right."

"It's useless if this Marquis says so."

The Zhenbei Marquis hinted something.

Tian Wujing, who was sitting in the seat of honor, turned his gaze to Zheng Fan at this time,

Zheng Fan immediately felt the pressure on his body increase sharply.

In fact, according to their relationship, he had only met the Zhenbei Marquis twice, and the second time included this one.

No matter how you calculate it, he had a better relationship with Marquis Jingnan.

However, Marquis Jingnan's act of exterminating his entire clan really frightened the young and fragile heart of Commander Zheng, and he had nightmares because of it after returning.

Therefore, facing Marquis Jingnan, Zheng Fan was really more afraid the more familiar he became.

"Commander Zheng." Marquis Jingnan spoke.

"Your subordinate is here!"

"Cuiliu Fort, how many armored soldiers do you currently have?"

"Replying to the Marquis, we can dispatch 2,500 riders, all fully armored, with two horses per person!"

"It's a pity that Commander Zheng doesn't do business."

"Thump!"

Commander Zheng was so frightened that he knelt directly on the ground.

This was really frightened, without any performance.

In this life, in addition to taking the time to cultivate himself to the eighth rank of martial artist, Zheng Fan spent most of his time and energy learning to act.

How could he not hear the implication of Marquis Jingnan's words?

Some things, you can fool Xu Wenzu, but it's difficult to fool Marquis Jingnan!

The entire Yinlang County, and even the entire border situation, probably couldn't escape the eyes of this Marquis. The leader of the secret service in Yinlang County and the entire Qian border was his woman.

Avoiding war and preserving strength is a major taboo, and no superior will allow this to happen. This is a sore spot.

In addition, Marquis Jingnan was the kind of person who would exterminate his entire clan without hesitation. Even if he appreciated him again, he could wave his hand and chop him down.

This time, Zheng Fan came out with only thirty riders, and those thirty riders were just for show in the army...

Oh, and there was also A Ming, but without a large army taking action, any of the four generals of the Zhenbei Marquis's mansion could easily beat A Ming into a meatball.

"Haha."

The Zhenbei Marquis smiled very happily, with a sense of being a male best friend next to a couple arguing, seemingly trying to reconcile but actually fanning the flames:

"Commander Zheng is a clever person, but why do you do foolish things? You must know that everyone in my Dayan knows that the Jingnan Army is strictly disciplined, alas..."

Tian Wujing looked at Zheng Fan calmly.

Zheng Fan understood everything he said, which made the next moment awkward.

Sometimes, it's not a good thing for subordinates to be too smart.

The Zhenbei Marquis continued to pour oil on the fire,

And said:

"Little Zhengzi, tell me, what should you use to exchange for your head? I heard earlier that you beheaded many Langtu soldiers, but that little fat Xu Wenzu has already given you 1,500 barbarian riders. This military merit has already been exchanged. Now, what are you going to use to exchange for your head?"

The Zhenbei Marquis glanced at Tian Wujing, who was sitting above,

Continued:

"This Marquis has interceded for you, but your Marquis is an iron-faced and selfless person who only recognizes military discipline and not affection. Tsk tsk tsk, he said he wanted to chop you, and he must chop you. This Marquis said a lot of good things, unless you can use the head of a Qian king to exchange for your own life.

But, little Zhengzi, you still..."

The Zhenbei Marquis first used Marquis Jingnan's previous words to block Marquis Jingnan's mouth, and then gave hints, digging the wall a second time after the first attempt failed!

However, before the Zhenbei Marquis could finish his words,

Zheng Fan immediately pushed the box he had placed beside him forward and opened it.

His forehead touched the ground,

And said:

"The head of the Qian state's Prince of Fu, Xiang, is here!"

"............" Zhenbei Marquis.

Li Liangting clenched his left hand fiercely, and the remaining half of the chestnuts turned into powder. He raised his head and looked at Marquis Jingnan, who was sitting in the seat of honor, and found that Marquis Jingnan still had a calm expression.

Damn it,

This guy already knew that this Zheng kid had chopped off the head of a Qian king!

This couple was singing a duet here,

What was he doing jumping around in the middle?

Marquis Jingnan said peacefully:

"Fine, I'll give the Zhenbei Marquis some face."

"............" Zhenbei Marquis.

——————

I'll fix the typos in this chapter later.

This month, chun jie di xiao long has updated 340,000 words. To be honest, it's been several years since I've updated so many words in a month.

Because each chapter has a lot of words, and I sometimes write a big chapter when I'm in the mood, the update can't be very stable, because writing takes a lot of time. It's impossible to rush out a chapter like before, so please forgive me for this.

I'm very happy writing this book, so I basically make sure to start writing after I've had enough rest and my emotions are brewed enough. Sometimes when I'm not in good condition, tired or exhausted, I don't force myself to write. Although I've updated a lot of words this month, I'm really happy writing every day.

Well, the next chapter should be a big chapter. It usually takes half a day to write a 10,000-word chapter, so don't wait,