Chapter 21 Old Friend

The climate in the Longyou Plain is not bad, and Xue Chongxun has been used to it for a few months. I heard that it will be very cool in summer, but now it is not very cold in the middle of winter.

The winter here is long but the temperature is stable, and the wind is strong and dry, so he never rides a horse when he can go out.

If the dry wind blows too much, I will be afraid that my face will crack. This is what Cheng Ting tells him. Women are indeed more meticulous in their daily minds.

I ate the snacks made by Cheng Ting last night. Xue Chongxun is now staying in a felt car and still misses the taste of venison, chicken and rice noodles.

The carriage was parked at the west entrance of the city gate, and it was sealed tightly above and around it. Only one window was opened and the bamboo curtain was opened so that it could see the situation outside.

The carriage and windows are all pine wood. This wood itself has natural and beautiful textures, so it is generally not painted. The natural patterns of the wood are like exquisite patterns and have a fresh flavor.

The car is old, but it can be seen that the workmanship is very exquisite, and the windows also have fine carved grids.

The natural wood and the true bamboo curtains are simple and elegant.

Every time Xue Chongxun takes this car, he will most likely not help but want his ex or the governor of Shanzhou who made it.

Outside the car window, rows of soldiers were jogging out of the city, with neat steps and a little imposing. This kind of queue is not much more discipline than the modern army, and they are all wearing iron armor, with a heavier pace and more textured.

They are the Shield Army, which has just been established for a month: the scientific name Shen Ce Army.

Originally, there was no armor, but now because of the heavy losses of the border army in Shanzhou, the Shence Army replaced the border army's organization and had armor.

The iron armor is similar to the dark gray color. The iron stain that cannot be removed after being polished for too long is the color.

The ancient and grand city gates and the iron armored queues were gradually unfolding, which made Xue Chongxun realize his vision.

At that time, most of the Shanzhou army of twenty regiments suffered casualties, and only a thousand people were left together. To recover, in addition to joining the ten regiments of the Shence Army, one thousand people were still needed, and the remaining quotas had to be re-enlisted.

Yin Ci, the interim general who was responsible for training new recruits, continued to let him serve as general; while Zhang Wulang was revoked his military power to command the Shanzhou army, and Xue Chongxun planned to wait for him to rest for a while before taking office as the chief general of the Jiannan army.

At this time, General Yin Ci also came out of the city from behind. He rode his horse to the carriage and turned over and got off the horse and clasped his fists in the car window and said: "Lord, the governor Cheng Jie has opened a military warehouse, and has counted the amount of food and grass, and the rear army is escorted westward."

Xue Chongxun said: When you arrive at the local area, first set up a porridge shop so that the people will not starve to death, and then ask local officials to help distribute the food to the Ding households who need it the most.This is military ration!Those who dare to be greedy will kill first and then report.

The last one will get orders!

Xue Chongxun also reminded: The people around Shancheng are deeply affected by the war. You must strictly observe military discipline and prohibit disturbing the people, and mobilize troops to help the people repair their houses and spend the winter. Let the new army gain the hearts of the people, which will be of great benefit to future defense.

Seeing that the new army was still decent and Yin Ci was also an old member of the Flying Tiger Regiment, he felt relieved and asked the groom to drive the cart back to the city.

A team of cavalrymen in the Flying Tiger Regiment protected the felt chariots, and a group of chariots and horses came to the military camp station in the north of the city. Xue Chongxun still gave condolences to the surviving soldiers of the former army in Shanzhou as if they were decent.

Recruiting the brigade commanders and asking if there is a shortage of food and clothing.

Although the supply is distributed according to the rules of the military and military officials, Xue Chongxun does not have to worry about it himself, but I ask you to express your concern. Just like modern leaders, at least you have to do it to behave like a person, right?

He also asked the soldiers to count the number of people and report it. Except for those who were lucky, all those who died in battle and disappeared on the Shanzhou military list were considered to have died in battle and given the prescribed pension.

After the things ran away, it was noon before they knew it, and the soldiers kept Xue Chongxun for dinner.

Xue Chongxun remembered that Cheng Qianli, as the governor, often stayed with the soldiers and ate together to show closeness, and he also learned to stay and eat.

Because there is a local chief here, the schoolmen specially asked the chef to make a few dishes, including stews and stir-frying dishes.

The taste is natural and good as that of the professional chef in the yamen, but the amount is enough, and the containers are all large and rough.

The five lieutenants sat together with Xue Chongxun, while the other generals sat at another table, which was still lively in the same barracks.

These generals were the ones who launched the mutiny. None of the generals standing on Chen Tuanlian's side stayed in their positions, or were run away or went to prison to wait for the crime...

It seems that not only do I need to stand in the officialdom, but also in the military camp.

Seeing that Xue Chongxun was easy to talk, everyone was honest with them in terms of substantial interests, and gradually they could not let go of a few bowls of wine and talked more.

At this time, a chef who was making dishes ran in and showed his face and asked: Do you think what I made is good?

Xue Chongxun pointed at the big bowls with chopsticks: The taste was not very strange, it was enough.

Haha... the generals burst into laughter.

After a while, a general casually asked the person next to him: "Bunny, why don't you move?"Not every meal has meat.

The man muttered an answer without any meaning, but it made everyone think of something, and they all bowed their heads to eat, and the house suddenly became much quieter.

...After dinner, I met a Xu servant sent by the state yamen to report to Xue Chongxun: The new Sima has arrived at the yamen, and Wang Changshi asked Xiaodi to come and tell Ming Gong.

New Sima?

Xue Chongxun remembered that it was Yuwen Xiao!

More than two months ago, Xue Chongxun took a letter to Chang'an to transfer Yuwen Xiao to him. It was time to arrive recently.

Xue Chongxun thought that Yuwen Xiao had resigned from the official from Jingzhao Mansion, so he frowned and said: Why is there no news in advance?I only realized what people at the post station should eat. If the superiors and colleagues at the same level come to visit, wouldn’t it be rude for us to do this!

Xu Fan was timid and didn't know how to answer, so he was a errand runner and of course he couldn't talk much.Xue Chongxun did not make things difficult for him, so he bid farewell to the generals and went straight back to his house.

Last time, he was angry and killed the arrogant governor of the prestigious governor, and he needed someone like Yu Wenxiao to form an effective intelligence agency.

Perhaps his memory has the influence of the information age, so he attaches great importance to intelligence, and this is the first thing he thinks of.

Walking into Xiao Qiang, who was engraved with the ferocious beast's minions, Xue Chongxun suddenly saw a pure girl in white standing under the eaves. She turned her back to the door and stretched out her hand to pick up the little snowflakes outside...

Although he couldn't see his face, Xue Chongxun recognized him immediately just by looking at his back. Who is it if it wasn't Bai Qimei?

Why did she come with Yu Wenxiao?

Xue Chongxun was very surprised. In his impression, their relationship had long been broken. Even if the hatred was relieved later because of Xue Chongxun's relationship, it might not be so easy to completely resolve it.

At this time, Bai Qimei shrank her hands back, held them in front of her mouth and let out a breath, rubbing her palms.

When Xue Chongxun took off her fur coat and walked up quietly, she also felt someone approaching and turned around. When she saw Xue Chongxun's face, she suddenly showed a sweet smile. The clear eyes under her long eyelashes suddenly became a crescent curve, looking particularly pure...

Very confusing.

Xue Chongxun put his coat on her body and pressed it on her shoulder: The post station and the officials in the mansion are not doing their best. I just learned that you have arrived in Shanzhou.

Bai Qimei bit her lower lip and looked down at the coat on her body, pouted her mouth and said coquettishly: She left Chang'an without saying a word. She left the palace so boring, but she didn't dare to go east, so she had to follow Yu Wenxiao to Longyou to find you... Have you ever thought about me?

When Xue Chongxun heard her call Yuwen Xiao by calling him the name of her, how could he have any respect?He couldn't care much, and just teased: What do you think?You helped me last time, but haven't repayed you yet.

……

At this moment, Cheng Ting had just walked out of the side door of the northeast wall. She had heard that there were female relatives from Chang'an, so she wanted to come out to ask about finding a place to settle the guests. Unexpectedly, she saw Xue Chongxun's hand on a young lady's shoulder, and her movements were very intimate...

Obviously, the little girl was still wearing Xue Chongxun's coat.

The younger ones meet Mrs. Process.The servant on duty at the door bent down.

Cheng Ting took back one of her feet that had just stepped out of the threshold, retreated, and said: You two go find something to shovel the snow at the door.After hearing this, the two soldiers ran away consciously.

She lowered her head and was stunned for a moment, then exhaled a long breath and walked out, heading towards the eaves.

At this time, the little girl in white said in a coquettish voice: Sister is so beautiful, is she from Xue Lang’s family?

When Cheng Ting heard this, she suddenly felt that the girl seemed not so annoying, although her voice was a little disgusting.

Xue Chongxun looked up and smiled and said, "It's cold, how can Ting'er come out?"Bai Qimei, Yuwen Duke’s goddaughter.

Bai Qimei said angrily: Do you have to say that?He turned his head and smiled, "Sister, don't worry, I won't steal your husband, hehe...

Cheng Ting smiled and said: I heard that the officials from Chang'an had internal relatives, so I naturally had to ask, otherwise what would we say if we ignore them?

Although Bai Qimei didn't see Cheng Ting, she saw Xue Chongxun's woman at first sight. She was not afraid of being angry. She walked forward with a smile and held Cheng Ting's hand. I saw that my sister was kind-hearted, so why not live with you.

Xue Chongxun was stunned: Don’t, you’re going to be with Yuqing in Chang’an!Ting'er, please take Bai Qimei to talk and arrange it. I'll go to the hall to meet Duke Yuwen.After saying that, he quickly got out and walked towards the lobby.

Cheng Ting didn't forget to sarcastically say: You don't even wear coats, just meet guests in such a disheveled manner?

Xue Chongxun was not very concerned about anything. He had already entered the door of the lobby. As soon as he asked about Xu Jun, he saw Wang Changling and Yu Wenxiao walking out of the Zan Zhengting room next to him. They looked a little special when they were together.

Xue Chongxun did not wait for Yu Wenxiao to see the ceremony, so he took the lead and said: Duke Yuwen resigned from his official position in Jingzhao Mansion and came from afar, but I failed to greet him, and was rude.

Yuwen Xiao looked like he was a human, and said disrespectfully: "Young uncle said that the weather is bad, the news is not good."

Seeing this, Xue Chongxun asked again: How about Sister Yuwen?

I still planted medicinal materials all over the yard. When I left, I was really afraid that she would pull out all my vegetables!Yuwen Xiao frowned.

Xue Chongxun laughed and said, "I have just been appointed as the general manager of the Fuqidao Army in the court. Look, my mother intends to restore my throne."

What he said meant was that if he became a prince, he could be granted Yuwen Ji as his concubine, and his status was still quite good.

In terms of calculation, Yuwen Xiao and Cheng Qianli are both their relatives, but Yuwen Xiao is different: Yuwen Ji is his only biological daughter, with extra care; he has no foundation in the power field, and he can only have a foothold if he becomes a Hedong tribe and the Taiping Party.

So of course Xue Chongxun treats him more as his own person in his heart.

The three of them walked into Zanzheng Pavilion together and sat down. Xue Chongxun said again: Duke Yuwen resigned from the official position of Jingzhao Prefecture and went to Shanzhou to be a little Sima. I feel really wronged. I'll accompany you.

Yuwen Xiao smiled and said: The official position is as light as willow catkins.

I want to do something practical in Longyou. I lack people and need a capable person who can handle internal and external information... Shao Bo is good at planning and is not suitable for doing this. When I think about it, I must not be in charge of Duke Yuwen.

Xue Chongxun said seriously, I set up a new "Information Bureau". The young master found some literati and just made a skeleton. From now on, the department will be handed over to Duke Yuwen.

Wang Changling hurriedly said: The "dictionary" of the main bus last time, we will find the method according to the strokes you mentioned. We have summarized and collected thousands of words and are about to be completed.But, what is the role of this thing in government affairs?

Xue Chongxun smiled and said: I want to invent a password letter. At that time, I will compile a password and match it with a series of institutional controls. Those who collect information in the enemy territory will not be afraid of being intercepted by the enemy halfway after they come back from the news. They will not understand it even if they intercept it.Of course, there are other functions that will be used slowly in the future.

Yuwen Xiao pondered: Is the "Information Bureau" that Xue Lang mentioned is the yamen specializing in collecting information?

Xue Chongxun looked back and lowered his voice and said: Not only to collect information from the outside and strengthen centralization from the inside.One thing is going to be done recently. The Shanzhou Army still needs a system of 1,000 people. Duke Yuwen mobilized personnel to find some recruits to form a secret "grid police". When you go to the army to better control the army and adjust the generals in a timely manner.

Wang Changling said: This plan allows the lord to sit in the tent and know the affairs of the army, but he is a little bit disgusted by the sidelines. The generals in the army may feel complained when they hear the wind.

Xue Chongxun sneered: It’s okay, people will do whatever they want without fear, and only by being respectful can they restrain themselves.

Yuwen Xiaodao: This is not difficult, just leave it to me, it just requires additional expenses. If you want to make people do things, you must be compensated, otherwise it will not last long.

Wang Changling frowned and said: Public expenses can be used to investigate the movements of the enemy country, but it may be difficult to find a name when arranging a military police officer.

I had long thought of the source of wealth. Tubo was newly defeated. The Tuyuhun people are now trembling and want to seek peace. They have lost the vast area of ​​Hehuang. In order to survive, they must repair their relationship with our Tang Dynasty... I am now in charge of Fu Shidao, so when will I not take the opportunity to make a decision?

After hearing this, Yuwen Xiao couldn't help but look at Xue Chongxun with a look of praise.

Xue Chongxun said again: In the future, Shao Bo will take charge of financial power. When making accounts, he will spend some effort to hand over part of the money he cheated from foreign countries to the national treasury and leave some of it.Even if someone impeached the charity of the corrupt officials, the Political Affairs Hall would never do anything to me because of this.

The three of them discussed secretly for a while. Xue Chongxun thought that Yu Wenxiao had just arrived and was not in a hurry to say some details, so he asked Wang Changling to arrange a place for Yu Wenxiao to rest in the prefecture yamen and drink dust wine tonight.

Most of the officials in the state yamen came to drink, and they happened to meet the newly appointed Sima, who would work together in the future. Naturally, public expenses for food and drink were traditionally done at the table.

When Xue Chongxun finished his work and returned to the inner house, he just came into the door and met Cheng Ting and suddenly felt a pain on his arm and was twisted!He was a little angry: The more this woman treats her, the more she will be.

Cheng Ting was also angry and asked: I know how many months ago you just reunited with your wife and did not take a concubine. What happened to Bai Qimei?

Xue Chongxun said openly: Which law stipulates that the Duke can only have one woman?It’s not the first day that you know me, I can find as much as I want!

He thought to himself, Yu Wenxiao's daughter is also my lover, how come?

After hearing this, Cheng Ting was stunned and frowned: I am not jealous, I only advised the husband not to ruin the innocence of the good wife for nothing. What is this unclear thing?

Xue Chongxun smiled and said: Haha, Bai Qimei is not a good wife, you will know it after a few days.Don't be too close to her, be careful.

What to guard against?

Xue Chongxun said: Don’t let her touch you.

Cheng Ting spitted and her face turned red: Bad things, just say something messy.

When the two returned to the bedroom, Cheng Ting looked unhappy, but she still brought the hot water with her own hands and placed it heavily in front of him.

Xue Chongxun had to take off his boots, unbutton his socks, and put his feet into the basin.

He didn't care about his bad attitude. It would be abnormal if she looked happy. This kind of thing would not make her happy. Her scheming was indeed not as good as her uncle Cheng Qianli's move.

People from the Cheng family have very different personalities.

Xue Chongxun washed his feet and climbed onto the kang alone. After a long time, he felt a soft thing sticking to his back. Cheng Ting said aggrievedly: Do you think I am jealous?

Xue Chongxun was amused: Is this matter going to be put aside later, and I still have any reason?He turned over and touched her face: Are you jealous?

Cheng Ting shook her long hair and said softly: Even the wife doesn’t care about it. What do I have to say when I am a lie?Because my husband has been with me for only one of the past few months, I became more and more arrogant. Today, there was something that others were very uncomfortable with.Just now, I thought that it is rare for a man to never mess with his family on weekdays...

You finally figured it out.Xue Chongxun said shamelessly.

Cheng Ting suddenly hugged his bite and choked and said: When my lust is gone, will you not want me anymore?Where should I go then? Will I stay under my uncle's eaves...

Xue Chongxun hurriedly said: Doing this kind of thing is completely in line with my style.