Aspirations for Nation and Beauty

Chapter 266: Suspicious clouds in Jiangnan

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A panoramic pavilion on the bank of Xianghu Lake in Yuhang Prefecture, Jiangnan County. Jiangnan in late autumn seemed so leisurely and elegant that many literati and poets took the opportunity to travel, which aroused a lot of poetry and poetry and left many popular poems.

There is a lake on both sides of the Qiantang River, the largest river in Yuhang Prefecture, which is famous for being the leading tourist attraction in the south of the Yangtze River. The West Lake on the north bank, with its heavy makeup, is like a rich boudoir; the Xiang Lake on the south bank is elegant and simple, like a countryside. Xiaojiabiyu. But in comparison, the reputation of West Lake is even better. Visitors from outside are more attracted by the eternal masterpiece of the great poet of this dynasty. In terms of actual scenery, the Xiang Lake in the south of Qiantang River is actually no less than the one in the north of the Yangtze River. West Lake.

The mountains are beautiful and sparse, and the water is clear and deep. People in the city say that the scenery is as beautiful as Xiaoxiang, so Xianghu Lake gets its name. Xianghu Lake is shaped like a gourd, with a vast surface, an island in the lake, a mountain in the island, a spring in the mountain, and a pavilion beside the spring. The scenery is elegant and beautiful. When you climb up to the pavilion and look up, you will see that "people's houses are faintly connected to their mulberry trees, and monks and Buddhist monks are leisurely walking out of Xueluo", which makes people feel that the sky is high and the clouds are clear, and the mind is open and open.

Today, there are only a few people in the Yilan Pavilion. A lake patrol sergeant has already blocked the boat going to the island in the middle of the lake. Although a group of literati were full of complaints, they did not dare to openly resist, so they had to swim around the lake in frustration, looking at the center of the lake. Shanshui sighed.

His fat and bloated body made it difficult for him to climb up to the Yilan Pavilion, which was not too high. He declined the idea of going up the mountain in a sedan chair. Only then did he realize that going up the mountain was not something that such a person could do easily. With help, I climbed up to the Yilan Pavilion halfway up the mountain. I was already panting and sweating.

After he had rested for a long time and returned to normal to enjoy the scenery outside the pavilion, Jiuhou's guests also arrived quietly. With a wave of his hand, all the people waiting next to him left, and the capable guards quickly moved around and were deployed within ten feet of the pavilion. , to prevent anyone from snooping and being disadvantaged.

Zhanyan extended his hand to signal the visitor to take a seat, and the fat man turned around with a smile.

"Mr. Liao, why are you sighing?" The visitor raised his thick eyebrows and sat down with a smile.

"It's just something I feel. How long can I take advantage of such beautiful autumn colors?" The obese man looked worried about the country and the people.

"Oh? Why did Mr. Liao say this?" The visitor was so surprised that he even put down the tea cup he had just picked up.

"Come, come, taste this Yuhang tribute - purple bamboo shoots. This is brewed from Jinsha Spring. Even His Majesty the Emperor rarely tastes it." The obese man did not answer, picked up the tea cup and took a sip. .

Seeing that the other party did not answer, the visitor did not ask any more questions. He picked up the teacup and uncovered it. The white steam floated up, and he slowly brought it to his nose. He took a sniff first, showing an intoxicated look, and then took a small sip. , and carefully appreciated, "The Book of Tea says: 'In the Yangya Yinlin Forest, the purple ones are on top, the green ones are second; the bamboo shoots are on top, and the buds are second.' Honesty should not be deceived."

With a faint smile, the fat man put down the tea cup and said, "How are you, Your Highness?"

"Thank you, Mr. Liao, for your concern. Your Highness is fine. However, the domestic situation has been unstable recently. Your Highness is worried about national affairs. He doesn't want to eat during the day and can't sleep at night." After saying this, the visitor glanced at the other party quietly, but saw that the other party didn't seem to have any thoughts. Any other expression, he felt a little disappointed but also a little relaxed.

"Oh? The soldiers will stop you, the water will cover you with the soil, and the disease of ringworm and scabies will be of no concern. Your Majesty is wise and wise, and has the talents of the world. Many important ministers in the court will follow you, and they will definitely be able to decide the world with a sword." The fat man's face showed a trace of the world. With a half-smiling expression, he raised his chin slightly and said.

The visitor was a little confused. What did the other person mean? Why is it so hard to figure out

Seeing that the visitor's expression was normal, but there was doubt in his eyes, the fat old man didn't explain much, just served the tea and sipped it slowly.

"Is Mr. Liao too optimistic? If the Taiping Sect could only call it ringworm and scabies, then I'm afraid the empire would not be in the state it is now." The visitor spoke very cautiously, looking at the fatness carefully. The man's expression changed.

"Hehe, although the current situation is not good, it will not damage the foundation of the empire. As long as Jiangnan, Wuhu and East China Sea are not in chaos, the empire is capable of reversing the situation. Besides, there is a threat from the northwest behind the Taiping Religion. If you want to easily gain a foothold, Survival, I'm afraid, is not easy." The obese man replied lightly. Indeed, the fiscal taxation and material production of the three counties of Jiangnan, Wuhu and Jinling can account for almost 80% of the empire's total revenue. As long as these three counties are behind them, there is no need to worry.

The visitor's eyes narrowed suddenly, and his face became solemn, "According to Liao Gong's opinion, will Li Wufeng send troops to Guanxi?" He learned from the intelligence that Li Wufeng had a close relationship with the fat man in front of him when he was in the imperial capital. Could it be that this guy is related to Li Wufeng also got involved

"What do you think?" the fat man asked with a smile.

The visitor nodded silently, with a thoughtful look on his face and said no more words.

"Based on Mr. Liao's wisdom, where will the empire's future situation go? His Highness is very worried about the situation at hand. I came to Jiangnan and wanted to hear Mr. Liao's opinion." The visitor no longer dwelled on the previous questions and asked directly. .

The obese man secretly thought, "Here he comes," but showed no expression on his face. He smiled and said, "Sorry, I'm stupid. There's no such thing as a wise opinion. But after this chaos, it's hard to live in peace in the north."

He cursed the old fox in his heart, but the visitor had to act like he was being taught and nodded happily in agreement.

He didn't want to go around too much, but the fat man in front of him was too slick. Every time he talked about the key points, he would talk about him and he couldn't get an accurate answer from him. However, Jiangnan County's political circles were This person runs the business like an iron barrel. Even the senior generals in the garrison have a sworn relationship with him. The high-level relationship with another important force, the Imperial Navy, is even more extraordinary.

His master has always hoped to get the support of the other party, but no matter how good his side is, this guy always has an ambiguous attitude. On the surface, he is firmly supportive and there is nothing unusual about it, but it is always difficult to be absolutely sure of what he is like deep down.

Now that the empire has become turbulent, his master wants to come to Jiangnan by himself. In addition to strengthening the control of the original forces on his side, another big purpose is to explore this guy's background again. If he can't get a clear answer. The answer is, I'm afraid my side will have to make other arrangements.

But judging from the current appearance, this guy is very likely to be vague again, and his master's idea may be in vain. Thinking of this, the visitor stood up and walked to the window, holding on to the pavilion pillar, looking at the vast lake, The water was shining brightly and the mountains were empty. At this moment, a drizzle started to fall quietly, adding to the hazy atmosphere of the scenery outside the window.

"Green bamboo hats, green coir raincoats, slanting wind and drizzle don't have to go home. There is heaven above, and Suzhou and Hangzhou below, it is true." Although I was in a bad mood, looking around, I could see the lakes and mountains, and I also felt I couldn't help but sigh from the bottom of my heart.

"Oh, sir, since you like it so much, why don't you stay here in Jiangnan for a while, why do you have to return in a hurry?" The fat man also got up and came to the window, smiling.

"I have official duties, so I can't help myself." The visitor also smiled, "Next time I have a chance, I must travel to the scenic spots in the south of the Yangtze River."

"Why bother next time? This time is just right. The autumn air is crisp and the sky is clear. It is a perfect time for autumn outings. Liao really hopes that Mr. can stay in Jiangnan for a longer time. Maybe by then, Liao will still have many ideas to think about. I'm communicating with my husband." The obese man looked serious at this time, and there was nothing unusual about him.

Suddenly hearing the fat man's words, the visitor was also surprised. He looked at the other person's expression, but it didn't look like a joke. Did the other party really want to have a clear break with him? But why do we have to wait for a while? Or will there be other changes in the current situation during this period? But no matter what the situation is, just because of what the other party said, he has to stay. If he can really get the other party's support, what's the harm in staying for a year and a half

"Then it's better to be respectful than to obey. I'm sorry for bothering you." The visitor finally accepted the fat man's invitation.

Bonan City is a battleground with tight fortifications, one sentry every five steps, and one post every ten steps. This has become the base camp for Wufeng to plan his eastward march. The third and fifth divisions of the Northwest Army have already arrived, and the independent troops who have been reorganized and renamed have already arrived. The 3rd Infantry Division is also stepping up its march to Bonang and is expected to arrive in Bonang today.

"The empire hasn't responded yet?" Wu Feng asked Qin Shuangying, who was sorting out information next to him, anxiously.

"Well, not yet. The information sent by Mr. Guji said that it seems that the central government of the empire has great differences on which part of the troops should be allocated to reinforce the Kansai battlefield, and His Majesty the Emperor has difficulty making a decision. Currently, there is only the Fourth Army Corps staying in Tianshui. The third and fourth divisions have already set off to march westward, but the progress is very slow, maybe they are still in the running-in period." Qin Shuangying raised her head and looked at Wufeng with a pair of beautiful red phoenix eyes.

"Well," Wu Feng took a long breath and asked casually: "How is the situation of She Nei and Yue Shan's division?"

"The Independent Second Division is in very good condition. It has been secretly hidden in Yangmakou. It has followed your order. Except for retaining a brigade of troops stationed at the pass, others are not allowed to leave the camp to prevent the situation from being leaked." Qin Shuangying was a little confused. He glanced at his boss and lover strangely. This was the second time he asked this question today. It seemed that his lover was indeed a little absent-minded.

The Independent Second Division has been holding back in Partridge Pass for a long time. Since the Kansai War broke out, Wu Fengbian ordered the troops to enter the highest combat readiness state, especially the Independent Second Division, which is on the front line, is even more prepared. , just waiting for Wu Feng's order, he can swoop towards Partridge Pass dozens of miles away according to the plan that has been practiced many times.

Not to mention that they were already eager to wait, Wu Feng himself was already eager to give it a try, but without an order from the court, Wu Feng was unwilling to take the risk of raising an army without permission. He had better wait a little longer. I believe it won't be long before he can One side will get real orders, Wu Feng thought as he looked at the night sky outside the window, but he did not expect that the central government's wariness against him had reached such a deep level. Even in the face of numerous crises, he still did not The plan to let his troops enter Kansai to quell the rebellion was taken into consideration.