After reading the letter, Li Hong slowly closed it. This was Yuan Shuji's report to him about the cement passing through Yumen Pass. Because he had the royal customs clearance document, he could not check the quantity. He only knew that some cement was inside.
There is actually a document for royal departure from the city! Li Hong knew that Yuan Shuji had noticed something unusual, but he had no right to check, so he informed him urgently.
Li Hong was very pleased. He didn't expect that what he said at Yumen Pass would make Yuan Shuji suddenly enlightened. What's even more commendable is that Yuan Shuji was so vigilant. After knowing the huge role of cement, he might have checked it. Yumenguan's goods were more cautious than his own, otherwise the cement would not have been discovered by him.
Li Hong even wondered if the hole in the cement bag was intentionally made by him
After letting Xu Yanbo leave, Li Hong thought in his mind that there are too many businesses that can manufacture cement in Datang, and it is impossible to conduct a large-scale investigation.
It can only be checked through the Royal Pass. There are not many people who can use the Royal Pass to take anything out of Yumen Pass.
But no matter what Li Hong thinks, he doesn't know who is so prodigal and brought cement to the Western Region. Is it because he wants to make money? Or do you want to betray your country? Or was he deceived
Thinking of the word "deceit", Li Hong couldn't help but think of his prodigal father, who could give Shangguan Minyue a model of new money to play with. I'm afraid it's not impossible to give this cement to others with a slap on the head.
Shaking his head helplessly, the stove in the room was burning brightly, and the little wolf ran to the stove to keep warm.
Xia Zhi brought some good grape wine, looked at the little wolf's cute appearance, and suggested, "Master, give the little dog a name."
Li Hong has already accepted it. He has told them so many times that they are simply uncivilized. They are just wolves and insist on calling others dogs.
However, Xia Zhi's suggestion reminded him that it was time to give the little wolf a name so that he could take it back to Chang'an. There are many noble families who raise tigers. If you raise a wolf yourself, you should not be impeached by the censor.
"You said its fur is black and shiny, how about calling him Bai Chun?" Li Hong looked at the little wolf holding the bones and grinding its teeth, and winked at Xia Zhi and said.
Xia Zhi looked frightened, looked at each other with Banmei and the others, and pretended to be timid and said: "Master, you can make up your own mind. If you name it Bai Chun, I'm afraid you are the only one who has the right to call it Bai Chun." Yes, if we shout, Bai Chun won’t eat us.”
"Call me Bai Qi. The famous general of the Warring States Period is worthy of him." Li Hong suddenly looked a little lonely.
Xia Zhi, Banmei and others were a little strange. Seeing the sudden loneliness in Li Hong's eyes, they were a little unsure whether the person Li Hong was talking about was Bai Qi from the Warring States Period or Bai Qi who was lying beside the stove chewing bones.
But at least the little wolf's name has been determined. According to Li Hong, if Bai Chun's parents, siblings, etc. can't be found in Anxi, the little wolf will be given to her as a younger brother. Anyway, they all have the surname Bai. Well.
Pei Xingjian led the two chief officials of the Anxi Protectorate, Ma Zai and Li Jingxuan to Li Hong's residence.
Li Hong did not choose the mansion arranged by Pei Xingjian at the beginning, but chose this small, medium-sized three-entry courtyard. The front and rear yards were always arranged by the guards. Only the middle courtyard, including He and Xia Zhi live together, that is, there are only seven of them living there, which is enough for Li Hong.
And there are not many guards. Apart from his two hundred personal guards, the rest are the Tiefutu who are responsible for city defense and take turns guarding.
Ma Zai and Li Jingxuan came here for the first time. Naturally, they were not in Kucha during this period. After returning to Kucha today, they were hurriedly dragged over by Pei Xingjian to meet the new Protector.
The two knew that Anxi had a new guardian, and as soon as he took office, he immediately put down the rebellion in Shule, and at the same time effectively attacked the Ashinadu branch and other branches.
But as for the identity of this Great Protector, it has always been a doubt in their minds, because until now, Pei Xingjian has not told them who this Great Protector is.
"The last generals Pei Xingjian, Ma Zai, and Li Jingxuan have met the Protector." The voices of three people sounded at the door.
"Let them in." Li Hong snatched the bones from Xiaolang Baiqi's hand, making Baiqi whine.
After they sat down and the greetings were completed, Ma Zai and Li Jingxuan were even more surprised. The imperial court must have been so ridiculous now that they randomly sent a young man to be the Chief Protector of the Anxi Protectorate.
"The chief official of the Anxi Protectorate has been traveling to Khotan recently to talk about the recent situation in Khotan." Li Hong looked at the confusion in the eyes of the two people and did not explain.
Ma Zai and Li Jingxuan, both officials from the fourth rank now, looked at the young man's relaxed expression and murmured at Pei Xingjian. Finally, Ma Zai stood up and answered.
"Back to the Great Protectorate, Khotan is relatively stable now, but the people in the twelve states where the Qiang people mainly live are now a little confused. The general and others have been carrying out comfort and other related matters before returning. Recently, it was said that the army in Tubo Some generals died mysteriously, which also eased the pressure on Khotan and other places, but the general believed that when the Tibetans found out the cause of death of the army generals, they would still covet the twelve states where the Qiang people lived. "Ma. Zai stood up and said seriously.
"Normally, after Tubo invaded Tuyuhun, they began to set their sights on the Twelve Qiang Prefectures, but if Khotan is stable, Tubo will not act rashly. Thank you for your hard work." Li Hong motioned for them to drink tea.
Vegetables are too scarce here. In winter, they rely on vegetables shipped from the customs. Since people eat meat all year round, if they want to relieve the greasiness in their stomach, Pu'er tea is the best drink. This is why Datang tea has always been popular.
Although they don't know the scientific basis, the benefits of Pu'er tea to them are obvious.
Pei Xingjian took out an invitation and handed it to Li Hong. On it, it was clear that Zeluo was inviting the Protector of Anxi and others to have a banquet at his mansion tomorrow.
Li Hong looked up at the ceiling. After thinking for a while, he motioned to Xia Zhi to hand his token to Ma Zai and Li Jingxuan. In his memory, these two people could be regarded as virtuous ministers and famous generals.
The two of them looked at the token handed over by Xia Zhi. After observing it carefully, the expressions on their faces turned pale with shock: "Your Highness the Crown Prince!?"
They did not expect that during the current chaotic period in Anxi, His Royal Highness would actually visit the Anxi Protectorate in person and sit here to face the turbulent situation in Anxi with them.
Pei Xingjian looked at the two of them with a smile and said, "Now you know why I have been unwilling to reveal it. The safety of His Highness the Crown Prince is Anxi's top priority. Naturally, I cannot reveal His Highness the Crown Prince's identity to others at will. , Now that His Highness is telling you two, it is also a recognition of your loyalty, but please remember that this matter is only known to a few of us. "
"That's right, General Pei is right. General Mo and others will never tell others easily." Li Jingxuan looked at Li Hong and said hurriedly.
Like him, Ma Zai's eyes were filled with excitement and worry at the moment. He was excited because His Highness the Crown Prince did not conceal his identity from him and others, but he was worried that His Highness the Crown Prince's presence here would hinder the various strategies of the Tang soldiers and horses in Anxi. After all, His Highness the Crown Prince is a newcomer who has never led an army in a war.
Looking at the darkening sky outside, Li Hong stood up and waved, saying: "You haven't eaten yet today. It just so happens that I bought a sheep in Qiuci today and had mutton skewers today. We just happened to chat while eating."
"Mutton skewers?" The three of them asked at the same time in confusion.
"It's a pity that there are no spicier condiments, otherwise it would be more delicious, but it doesn't matter, I guess it won't taste bad." Li Hong looked at the morals of the three people with doubtful faces and said angrily: "Pei Xingjian, don't you believe it?"
Pei Xingjian was startled, and the shock on his face immediately turned into a smile, and he said hurriedly: "How can it be possible? Your cooking skills are very clear to the generals and others. If you say it tastes good, it must not be delicious."
Just kidding, Pei Xingjian has completely believed it since the first time he failed to catch that random stew. Now even if His Highness the Crown Prince says that the loess outside is delicious, he will believe it without hesitation.
"That's okay. Hua Meng and Mang Zhong should be almost done with their work. Several hours have passed and it should be fine. Bai Qi, come here and follow me." Finally, Li Hong looked at the bone that was bigger than Bai Qi's body. He ran happily behind him obediently.
As for the vague worry in Ma Zai and Li Jingxuan's eyes after learning about Li Hong's identity, Pei Xingjian naturally saw it and informed the two of them on the way to the small garden behind the mansion. .
After explaining it, it was like a thunderbolt was placed in the hearts of the two people, which shocked them so much that they were at a loss on the spot.
This is unbelievable. With 20,000 troops, they were able to control Ashina, known as the prairie wolf, on the grassland. He fled with Li Zhe in a crawling wolf, shrinking into the depths of the grassland and not daring to show his head.
Hua Meng and Mang Zhong, along with several members of Li Hong's personal guard, had already put on the skewers, and the charcoal had already been lit, waiting to put meat on them for roasting.
Pei Xingjian looked at the simple operation and murmured: "This way of eating is very common here."
"What you are talking about is nonsense. Who told you that roasted whole lamb is different from this one? The meat is more tender and cooked. Although roasted whole lamb is good, it is not as good as this one. You'll know after you taste it." Li Hong sat down on the chair Xia Zhi had placed.
The little wolf smelled the smell of blood nearby and saw the man throwing a bloodied bone. He immediately howled and rushed over excitedly, and began to throw the leg of lamb on the ground in excitement.
(End of chapter)