The morning sun's radiance casts a layer of light over Tokyo, and the gentle sunlight penetrates the early winter mist and sprinkles on all things. The brass bell on the temple tower swings left and right as it is struck, and its golden color exudes a metallic luster.
In addition to the residents of the city, soldiers were often seen on the streets along the Bianshui River these days. After resting, the rural soldiers were summoned to Tokyo for assembly and would soon head north to the Hebei front. Some of them arrived earlier than the others and went into the city to admire the scenery of Tokyo when they had nothing to do.
The Zhang brothers were also strolling in the streets with groups of soldiers. They were wearing military uniforms issued by the Five Military Commanderies Office and had no weapons. They just came into the city to see the excitement.
"It's more beautiful in spring and summer, when the flowers and willow branches are in full bloom," said a soldier.
But in Zhang Da's eyes, the present is also beautiful. The winding river, the refreshing brick ground, the tall seven-story pagodas and pavilions can be seen everywhere, there are beautiful pavilions, and there are also towering inner city towers in the mist. The weather is a bit cold, but there are still a lot of people here, and the bustling traffic is more lively than the festival. Compared with the dilapidated and poor village, Tokyo seems to be another world in the sky.
Zhang Da was reluctant to even step on the fallen leaves on the ground with his boots, so the road was very clean and the leaves were not covered in mud.
This was not his first time in Tokyo. He had been here once many years ago and had a deep impression of it. The experience was completely different from this time. At that time, he was wearing ragged clothes, was dirty, and walked timidly in the corner with his head down. Compared with people on the street, he would unconsciously feel inferior and could not raise his head at all, and was worried that the officials would drive them away.
But now it was different. Zhang Da and the others could look around with their heads held high and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the imperial capital. No one would look down on them. In fact, they quickly got used to being looked at with awe by the people. In this era, warriors were special.
Moreover, the generals above them kept telling them: Brothers, you are the emperor’s people, brothers, you must protect the emperor, Tokyo City and the whole world belong to the emperor.
Zhang Da said without thinking: "It's a bit hard and scary to be in the army, but I think it's good to be in the army."
At this time, the beautiful sound of the pipa, as clear as pearls and jade, came from the small building beside the Bianshui River. Several men could not help but stop and listen attentively, with intoxicated expressions on their faces. Although they did not understand the rhythm of music, they could still recognize the beautiful sound.
A window upstairs opened, and a young woman holding a handkerchief smiled coquettishly and said: "Military officers, please come in and relax. There is good wine and beautiful women to accompany you. You can touch them as you like."
Bachelors like Zhang Laosan were immediately aroused and stretched their necks to peek inside, very curious about what was inside.
Someone else said: The higher-ups said that the army is not prohibited from drinking and visiting brothels these days, so everyone can relax and have fun.
Zhang Dadao: I have taken home all the reward money given out last time.
The man just now said again: We are going to set out for the war soon, and the royal family will give us resettlement expenses. Let's go back and borrow some from General Yu Shi to exchange for this tiger skin, and then we can return it to him after we get the money.
Several people echoed excitedly. Zhang Dalang pulled Zhang Laosan and whispered: "Brother, don't come out for a while. No matter how much money you spend on that prostitute, you can't marry her home. When you come back from Hebei, we will spend money to marry you a wife. It's a serious matter. You can sleep with her every day and it doesn't cost money."
Zhang Laosan nodded: "Big brother is right."
Unfortunately, they did not find General Yu Liang, but found the captain. The captain was also a hot-blooded young man, and after hearing the news, he went to visit the brothel with everyone else.
Yu Liang went to Hongying's house. He couldn't explain why he often wanted to go to Hongying's house. Hongying heard that he was going to fight against Khitan in the north, so she prepared a large table of delicious food and wine to entertain him in the evening. Today she was particularly enthusiastic.
Hongying sat opposite him, looked Yu Liang up and down, picked up the exquisite little wine cup, and said: This cup is for General Yu Shi, a good man. A real man should avenge his country and recover lost territory.
Upon hearing this, Yu Liang straightened his chest and accepted the glass of wine with a dignified manner.
Unexpectedly, Hongying couldn't help but say after drinking: Although Yu Lang is a little tanned, he still looks handsome and tender. The Khitans are all beasts and devils. People like you
Yu Liang was a little unhappy after hearing this and said: "A real man cannot be like that fierce and strong guy who bullies the weak and fears the strong. He was so scared when he went into battle that he trembled. This is not something I have never seen before."
After hearing this, Hongying said: "Yu Lang, kill a few more Khitans. I hate Khitans the most."
Yu Liang pretended to be generous and said: I drank the wine of Lady Hongying, and I will kill more enemies in the battle to repay you.
Hongying smiled and said: Yu Lang seems to speak differently this time.
Yu Liang said: Second Mother often said that I was very powerful. I didn’t feel that before, but now I feel it deeply. I also survived the rain of arrows and guns on the battlefield.
Who is Er Niang? Hongying asked with a smile.
Yu Liang stammered: Xu Erniang, who saved my life in Lingnan, I later found out that she was a maidservant of the imperial physician Lu Lan, and she was also a poor person.
Lu Lan Hongying pondered for a moment, looked at Yu Liang and said in a deep voice, "You must hold on to this Xu Er Niang tightly."
Yu Liang said: Why did Madam Hongying say that
Hongying rolled her eyes at him, shook her head and said: "Luckily you didn't take the imperial examination to become an official, you don't understand such a simple thing. Lu Lan is someone close to His Majesty. I heard that Cao Bin's army was trapped by miasma in Lingnan. Fortunately, Lu Lan prescribed a good prescription. Think about it. His Majesty will be grateful to her. This girl is the adopted daughter of the Privy Councilor Wang Pu and saved Wang Pu's life. What kind of people are these? Lu Lan's words may be more effective than your ten battles. Although Xu Erniang is of low status, she can see Madam Lu. Do you understand now
Yu Liangdao: Xu Erniang treats me so well, how can I use her
Hongying said earnestly: This is not exploitation, she treats you well, you should treat her better. Yu Lang, listen to me, I have never harmed you. Today I heard that Yu Liang is going to fight against Khitan in the north, I sincerely wish you well. I am now disabled and in this state, all thanks to the Khitan people.
If it weren't for this, I wouldn't bother to give you advice. This is a coincidence, seemingly simple, but actually very promising. Maybe in the future Yu Lang can really enter the circle of generals of your majesty, surrounded by wealth and beautiful women, so you won't be afraid of looking down on me, a disabled woman.
After hearing this, Yu Liang raised his head and drank the wine in the pure silver cup in one gulp, then sighed.
He stroked his hand on the rough and sturdy leather wristband and turned to look at the room. The silk curtains were hanging low, the carved windows were closed, and the red candles were shining dimly. The rich furnishings, the unclear light, were filled with a gentle atmosphere, and the gentle countryside was just like this.
Yu Liang used to be very angry with Hongying, but now he doesn't hate her at all. The entanglement between men and women seems to be like this, you can't hate her, but you can't get into your heart, the entanglement is unclear and can't be explained.
Yu Liang drank one cup after another. Because the cup was too small, he picked up the wine jug and took a big gulp.
Don't look unhappy. It's not good to be happy before going to war. The north is a bitter and cold place. Hongying advised softly, and asked the maid to bring the pipa. I will sing a song for you and drink slowly. I will accompany Yu Lang all night tonight.
Yu Liang squinted his drunken eyes, looked at Hongying's beautiful eyes and red lips, and gradually became a little obsessed.
A few days later, neatly-organized lines of infantry marched out of the outer city gates of Tokyo. Many people on the road watched, and the scene was very lively early in the morning.
A young captain riding on a horse had a bright red lipstick mark on his face, but he was unaware of it. He seemed to be nostalgic for the joy of last night, riding on the horse with an intoxicated look on his face.
At this time, a brightly dressed woman on the roadside wiped her tears, waved her hands and choked up and said: General, now that you are back, do you still remember Bi'er in the Drunken Red Tower
The woman was dressed in a rather vulgar way, and it was obvious that she was doing that. The captain was immediately embarrassed. After this incident, people immediately noticed the lipstick marks on his face, and the people burst into laughter. The soldiers couldn't help but smile.
The captain's face flushed, and he sang loudly and clearly: The grape wine is in the luminous cup, and the pipa music is urging me to drink. Don't laugh at me sleeping drunk on the battlefield, how many people have ever returned from the battles in history
At this moment, a young woman shouted with joy: Yu Lang
Yu Liang, who was riding in front of a group of infantry, heard the sound and looked over. He hurriedly rode away from the group, jumped off his horse, led the horse to the front of the young lady and asked: "Why are you here, Second Lady?"
Xu Erniang's face flushed and she stood there: I'm here to see you off.
Yu Liang looked down at her face and said: I wanted to say goodbye to you yesterday, so I went to the gate of Guo's old residence and asked you. You said that you would occasionally go there with Madam Lu to pick herbs, but you were not there, so I guessed that you were in the palace. I am a general, but I can't see anyone in the palace.
Xu Erniang was silent for a while, her eyes turned red, and she shed a few tears.
Yu Liang reached out his hand and wiped her tears with his thumb. Xu Erniang's body trembled immediately, but she did not move away.
Xu Erniang choked up and said: I am very worried about you.
Yu Liang said: "It is my duty to raise an army for a thousand days and use it for a moment." He added in a deep voice, "I will fight the enemy to avenge your former Zhao Hu. When I come back, you will not feel sorry for Zhao Hu. The dead cannot be resurrected, and the living still have to let go."
After hearing this, Xu Erniang cried even harder.
At this moment, a general on the roadside turned his head and smiled, singing in a long voice: Cai Shuiqing, Bian Shui is flowing, my lover is on the bank.
The troops burst into laughter.
Yu Liang hurriedly said: "Second Mother, please go back first. I have to catch up with the people quickly. It will be difficult to find them if there are too many people."
After saying that, he turned around and got on the horse, kicking the horse and looking back as he walked. Seeing Xu Erniang looking at him eagerly, Yu Liang was a little reluctant to leave. Behind the young lady was the Tokyo city tower and the bustling city scene, looming in the morning mist.
Goodbye, the prosperous city with singing and dancing. Yu Liang turned his head and saw the endless post road ahead, as well as a long line of soldiers and horses, and in the distance were beacon fires and smoke.