"What? Qianzhou granary?"
Chen Tang's voice suddenly rose several degrees, and even Ning Yan outside the house could hear it. Even Chen Tang, who was used to big storms, couldn't control her expression. It was not her fault that she had poor self-control, but Xie Qi's operation was really unexpected.
She immediately lowered her voice and asked again: "Is this true?"
"It's absolutely true. I'm willing to guarantee it to Mr. Shen with my own head." This is Xie Qi's biggest political bargaining chip. It was originally used as a precautionary measure, but plans can't keep up with changes. Now that it can be put to good use, it can be regarded as making the best use of it.
Chen Tang didn't look very happy.
She frowned and put down the object in her hand: "Zheng Qiao is so cautious, it is unlikely that he really trusts anyone. Isn't Shi Zang worried that this is a deliberate trap? He took the initiative to let your family leave, and this behavior itself is suspicious."
Xie Qi was shocked: "Mr. Shen, are you doubting Xie?"
Chen Tang waved his hands and explained, "No, no, no, no, I didn't mean that. Although I dare not boast that I have a keen eye, I have never misjudged anyone over the years. I can trust Shi Zang, and I am glad that you are willing to confide in me... But Zheng Qiao is insidious, and I have to be on guard. He may indeed use Shi Zang to plot against me. This matter cannot be taken lightly."
After hearing this, Xie Qi calmed down and began to sweat secretly.
Shen Tang’s worries were not without reason.
It was indeed something that Zheng Qiao could do.
This guy likes to throw out a handful of bait to lure fat fish to the bait. Who can guarantee that Xie Qi is not the bait that Zheng Qiao deliberately put out to catch the fat fish Shen Youli? Xie Qi's heart was churning, and he said with self-blame: "It is indeed Qi who was not thoughtful enough."
Chen Tang smiled and comforted Xie Qi: "Shi Zang, don't belittle yourself. That's just my guess. No matter how powerful Zheng Qiao is, he is just a lonely man who has been deserted by his friends. Even if he has countless ideas, he is short-sighted. It is impossible for him to be thoughtful and considerate of everything. I am just curious, how did Shi Zang know the location of this batch of food? Isn't it said that Zheng Qiao is suspicious?"
Xie Qi had calmed down and replied, "No matter how suspicious he is, he can't take on all the responsibilities and do everything himself."
Zheng Qiao was not a diligent person, and he was not the type to do everything himself. Zheng Qiao was best at threatening those who could do the work to help him. If they did a good job, they would continue to work, but if they did not do a good job, he could kill them at any time to vent his anger. It happened that Xie Qi was the one who was capable of doing a good job and did not complain, which led to his position as a minister being dismissed, but he was never fired by Zheng Qiao, and his life was still comfortable.
He also has access to a lot of confidential information.
However, Xie Qi knew that this kind of comfort was only temporary. As Zheng Qiao's condition worsened, the Dragon Slaying Bureau in the outside world was eyeing him covetously. With internal and external troubles, he would lose his life sooner or later if he followed Zheng Qiao.
If there is a chance to escape, of course the best thing to do is to leave.
Chen Tang: “…”
She even imagined that Xie Qi stole confidential information before leaving, and Zheng Qiao expected all this. She forgot that Xie Qi was a worker, and his work might involve him coming into contact with confidential information. Now, she was not sure.
Xie Qi's gift is too tempting.
She hesitated and wavered for a moment.
He sighed, “This is too difficult.”
"If the granary can be taken, Zheng Qiao will definitely lose this game!" Xie Qi carefully tested it. This was a perfect opportunity to hit Zheng Qiao's vital point with one blow. Risks and crises coexisted. "Mr. Chen, are you worried that there is an ambush in the granary? If the granary is burned..."
In theory, you don't need too many elite troops.
Compared with the investment and benefits, it is not worth mentioning.
Chen Tang let out a cry and asked Xie Qi, "What do you mean by burning the granary? Why do you want to burn the granary?"
Xie Qi and Chen Tang looked at each other, each confused.
"How can we win if we don't destroy the food and grass and cut off the enemy's roots?"
Chen Tang did not agree with Xie Qi's move. She sighed, "As the Word Spirit says: Who knows that every grain of rice on the plate is the product of hard work? This is already a disaster year. The local forces are only concerned with fighting each other, how can they manage the people's livelihood? If the war continues, how can the common people farm in peace? Previously, Zheng Qiao fortified the city of Yanzhou, not only destroyed the spring plowing, but also plundered the food from all over the place, took away all the young and strong, and the old and weak who were left behind were helpless and could only wait for death in despair. If the Qianzhou granary is burned, it will be tantamount to sending these people to their doom."
Lament the hardships of people’s lives.
Even if Chen Tang knew rationally that burning the granary was the cheapest means and the most effective way to hit Zheng Qiao's troops and quickly destroy their morale, how could Chen Tang bear it when he thought about the lives that food related to? Burning the granary was tantamount to killing people.
Xie Qi's face turned a little paler when he heard this.
He only thought about the benefits this chip could bring him.
He had never considered what Shen Tang said.
Even though Xie Qi didn't think there was anything wrong with his ideas, he actually felt a little ashamed when facing the sincere words of Mr. Shen.
"I don't mean to blame you, this is my problem. I am not a decisive person, and I am even a little too indecisive... Shi Zang, you are just doing your duty as a strategist." Chen Tang sighed with self-blame in frustration.
Xie Qi panicked and said, “Mr. Chen must not think like that.”
The young man in front of him was too sincere and kind, but this was not wrong. As for the violent Zheng Qiao, they were decisive enough to kill, but did their existence make the world a better place
People's livelihood was in decline and the war continued.
Because of Yan An, Xie Qi was also somewhat concerned about Chen Tang. He knew that Chen Tang had nothing to do with the word "indecisive". He had a kind heart but also a fierce look. Having a kind heart and having an overflowing kindness were two different concepts.
With Zheng Qiao as a control group, Chen Tang is emotionally stable and kind-hearted, so he is very suitable for him.
Chen Tang's eyes fell on the "dowry" on the table.
He said, "Let's plan this matter slowly."
The granary location is most likely real. Even if Zheng Qiao had a plan, it would be impossible to move so much grain in just a few days. The benefits this time are enough for Chen Tang to take a risk. But there is a shortage of manpower at the moment, otherwise he would really want to take advantage of it.
Xie Qi bowed and said, "Yes."
After Chen Tang came out, he touched the furry heads of Xie Qi's two daughters and said a few words of auspicious wishes. The two children were not afraid of strangers. The younger one even looked up at her without blinking. Chen Tang asked with a smile: "Why are you looking at me like this, my lady?"
Mrs. Xie Qi's heart was in agony.
She was afraid that her daughter's poor performance would leave a bad impression on others.
Unexpectedly, the youngest daughter said, "Mr. Chen is so handsome. Can I touch your face? You also touched my head."
Chen Tang half-knelt and stretched out his face: "Here, touch it."
The little daughter touched her cheek very carefully. This scene made Mrs. Xie Qi's blood pressure soar and her heart was tense.
Before Chen Tang left, he reminded her: "You sisters must study hard and practice with Master Ning. Only when you grow up can you become pillars of society and work for the well-being of the people of the world."
The two girls nodded seriously and took note.
Gu Chi had been waiting for Chen Tang for a long time, and joked: "Does the 'dowry' brought by the new bride Xie Shizang satisfy the master?"
Chen Tang complained: "It's good to look at but not to use! Wang Chao, can you please stop using this metaphor? It's as if I'm a scumbag who covets the bride's dowry... No, a scumbag..."
Gu Chi smiled but said nothing.
But, his eyes seemed to say it all.
Chen Tang: “… I am so lucky to have you!”
"A blessed man should serve a blessed master. So, the relationship between you and Chi can be considered as 'stealing by trickery', right?"
Shouldn't this be compensated
Chen Tang: “…”
Gu Chi couldn't help laughing, but stopped before Chen Tang got angry. At the same time, he reminded Chen Tang, "Oh, by the way, Shi Zang doesn't know that the master is a girl. I'm afraid that the couple will be in a dilemma for two days when they go back this time."
Chen Tang's forehead was full of question marks.
"Shi Zang should be quite satisfied with me. I am back home."
Why do we have to be so upset for two more days
Could it be that she had sung, recited, acted and fought too hard just now
Gu Chi burst out laughing, but refused to say why.
Just as he expected, not long after Mrs. Xie Qi returned, she looked frowning for no reason, which left Xie Qi confused.
The two daughters successfully became apprentices, and the youngest daughter also reserved a powerful teacher. The three daughters' futures were guaranteed, but he couldn't understand why his wife was still unhappy. After he asked her indirectly, his wife spoke awkwardly: "Mr. Shen is old..."
Xie Qi said: "Young talents have great ambitions regardless of age."
Unexpectedly, the lady asked, "Mr. Chen doesn't have an engagement yet, right?"
Xie Qi was puzzled: "Ask this... Do you want to be a matchmaker for the master? Don't make rash decisions on this matter, or you will offend others."
Madam pinched the soft flesh on his waist and said, "Who said we should be matchmakers for Mr. Chen? What I meant is that Mr. Chen is so young and has no marriage contract yet, and our daughters are talented... Today, it seems that Mr. Chen is very kind to them..."
Xie Qi: “…”
Become the future father-in-law of the new master
If there is a destiny, it is not impossible.
The lady was furious: "What can you do?"
Xie Qi said: "Not to mention that this matter has not yet appeared, even if it really happened, the lord has such good conditions that it is too late to grab it."
The lady, however, was unable to lose her temper.
"It's no use talking to you about this!"
She hopes her daughter will be Ning Tunan!
The couple's voices woke up the second daughter next door who had not yet fallen asleep. Most people in this era matured precociously. She said calmly, "Isn't Mr. Shen a girl?"
Why did you think of Shen Jun when choosing a son-in-law
Xie Qi and his wife: “???”
Their daughter's question echoed over and over in their minds.
The second daughter asked in confusion: "Isn't it?"
Shen Jun is the most beautiful female monarch she has ever seen. She is good-looking, speaks softly, is stronger than her father, and is her father's new master. She wants to be such a person. If her husband is like Shen Jun, it seems to be a good thing.
Xie Qi and his wife: “…”
Madam looked at Xie Qi: "Female, female?"
Xie Qi answered with difficulty: "... I don't know."
Because of their second daughter's careless words, the couple tossed and turned all night, unable to sleep. It was not until the next day before dawn that the teacher Ning Yan came to the door, and Xie Qi was cautious and asked indirect questions. Ning Yan said: "Shi Zang, you just know?"
Xie Qi: “…”
It would be strange if he knew that Chen Tang was a girl!
Ning Yan laughed at him: "You are so cunning, you have taken on Dawei's identity, but why are you so blind in front of the lord?"
Xie Qi: “…”
He really didn't expect it.
Ning Yan smiled and said, "My lord has always believed that a forced melon is not sweet. If you, Shi Zang, think it is shameful to serve a woman as your master, it is not too late for you to regret it. My lord will not blame you."
Xie Qi's face turned as black as the bottom of a pot.
If he backs down now, his wife will tear him apart with her bare hands, and this will also affect the future of their three daughters.
Xie Qi asked, "When did Xie regret it?"
Nujiao was once his master, so what if he was a woman
He vaguely understood the secret of how Ning Yan and the other girls were able to practice, but it was no longer important.
Because the defense of Cunshan City was well-armed, Zheng Qiao only sent people to keep watch instead of attacking, so Chen Tang had two days of leisure. In contrast, the Dragon Slaying Bureau coalition was not so at ease...
Huang Lie generously shared the Hercules Pill with his allies. To everyone, this thing was good, but it was quite life-consuming.
At first, I thought Huang Lie was exaggerating, but after using a batch of them, I realized that what he said was true, and the success rate was indeed only 10%. Did they back off because of this? Of course not.
This brings us to the composition of the troops.
The strongest fighters are naturally the elite troops of each family, well-equipped, experienced in combat, obedient to orders, and some with high skills can even absolutely follow orders. However, they are only a minority. A considerable number of them are cannon fodder recruited in an emergency.
The levels are uneven and the equipment and weapons are even more rudimentary.
Why bring them to the battlefield
Of course, it is because they are numerous and can provide morale.
Naturally, the coalition members were reluctant to let their elite troops take the Hercules Pills as they would not bring much improvement. On the contrary, it was different for the lower-level soldiers.
They have average physiques, weak combat power, and bad mentality, which are the most vulnerable weaknesses on the battlefield. If they are allowed to take the Hercules Pill, it is worth it to produce one heavy shield warrior among ten of them, which is very cost-effective. Speaking of this, everyone is extremely envious of Huang Lie. During the civil turmoil back then, how many refugees and bandits regarded Huang Lie as a savior and followed him
No matter how many Hercules Pills you make, there will always be someone to eat them.
Soldiers are ordinary people, how can they know the plans of the upper class
Kang Shi, Gu Ren and others were silent for a long time after hearing the news.
The same sentiment was expressed at the same time.
Few of their allies are human beings.
Slay the dragon
It's just dog biting dog.
But what Kang Shi didn't expect was that these allies were not attacked, but he himself was sued by someone with dishevelled hair and dirty faces, bloody scabs on his feet, claiming to be Tao Yan's subordinate. When crossing the river, he was attacked by Shen Tang's troops, and asked the leader to seek justice.
Everyone looked at this man with a strange look in their eyes.
Tao Yan's former subordinates were completely unaware. He encountered a lot of trouble along the way, and it was the thought of redressing the grievances of his former master that supported him to come here. He thought that the leader was such a wise man, he would definitely be able to seek justice for his former master and bring all the evildoers to justice!
But what he never expected was—
Leader Huang asked him back, "Do you know that Tao Shenyu secretly colluded with the tyrant Zheng Qiao and planned to assassinate County Magistrate Shen?"
The old subordinate's mind was buzzing and he was confused.
"This, this, this, this is absolutely not possible!"
How could his lord collude with the enemy
Huang Lie said: "The evidence is solid, with witnesses and evidence."
The old subordinate's shoulders slumped, as if all his energy and spirit had been drained away. He looked at the people in the tent in a daze. These important people were not usually seen by him. At this moment, they were so close to him, but also seemed very far away from him. They were high above him and laughed at his stupidity.