When the night song of Tian Mansion reached the clouds, the Jiangzhou City, which Wangchong was overseeing, was as quiet as a tomb.The pale moonlight shone upon the city that had been abandoned for many years, revealing a corner of the city, along with the damaged city walls, under the dark blue sky.
A cluster of weeds that grew between the bricks of the city, and the messy lotus flowers trembled in the night wind like strange creatures, which added to the horror and desolation of the ancient city.Occasionally, they would see one or two lanterns emitting a dim halo of light.
Like ghostly flames, they would drift past the city walls and vanish into the night air.
As soon as the lights came, they would often hear a few rough scoldings and crisp whips.
These were soldiers who had been scouting the city for the night and were punished for dozing off.The sound of scolding reverberated throughout the open wilderness, making the surroundings seem even more miserable.At this moment, the streets and alleys of Zhizhou were even darker and quieter.
The man and woman rendezvous in the ancient poems had long since disappeared.
Even wild dogs who had taken advantage of the night to hunt for food had not been seen.
They had been captured and eaten up by the famine for two consecutive years.It was rare to see mice nowadays.
If they caught one, they would be able to sell it for twenty copper coins.
It was said that this wasn't considered expensive.
Fuyang had been surrounded during the chaos of history, and a mouse was worth thousands of dollars.The night wind passes through the empty street, lifts a corner of the drapes that are posted on the high walls of the mansion, and makes the sound of crickets.
In the daytime, there will always be spectators standing here, fighting to see all kinds of "opinions" on the drapes; some are legal thieves, and their names are full of red rings of vermillion pens; some warns you not to hide, or commit the same crime as thieves; in the end, there will always be a "smelling envoy who hears it, and no disobeying."The most eye-catching thing is the reward of Wang Yanwei, who is "against the head".
On it is the age, origin and crime of Ren Yanwei.
Under the article of "situation", it reads: "the face is red, the eyes are shining, the voice is like the cry of the dragon, and the treachery is successful"; in addition, it is marked with big eye-catching words."If you catch it, you will be rewarded 200,000 yuan (the earliest one is 100,000 yuan).Not long ago, there was a very eye-catching piece of special cloth, which was an announcement to the world.
Today, Wei Zihu, Zhengyue, Xinyue, and Xinyao "had something to do in the south" and "with a drought prisoner, amnesty, and punishment under death penalty"." At this time, these drapes are hidden in the dark night.
Only one or two ghost like shadows occasionally walk by from below; it's the guards of the Diandu palace patrolling, which can be vaguely recognized as the light of the knife in their hands, sometimes flashing in the dark.All of the households shut their doors tightly, as though they had fallen asleep.
In fact, no one dared to sleep.
As long as there was a sound, even if there was a cry of geese from the distant sky, it would make one sit up and listen.
In the dark silence of the thousands of households, people were whispering all kinds of terrible news.In addition to saying that Thieves kill people as soon as they come, they also say that they want to eat "two-legged sheep"; so-called "two-legged sheep" are people!
Normally, no one may believe this, but now there are more people who believe it.Because this year, there was another big drought.
As the saying goes, "I'm not afraid of old disasters, but I'm afraid of even disasters", even the official records do not deny that "the Guandong is in a drought year after year.
The Zhou county doesn't know the truth, and the people flow up and down."Under these circumstances, people are so hungry that they really want to eat wood.
It's not strange that they say 'thief eats people'.Furthermore, there had been records of "people eating" as early as during the chaos of Anshi.At present, although they did not see any cannibalism in the city, they had already reached the level where they could eat anything other than humans.
The amount of rice had already increased to three thousand, several hundred times more than usual, and a thousand times more than when the country first opened!
According to older people, Zhen Yuan and Yong Tai did not have such a price.At that time, Master Jing's fighting rice had risen to 1,400, and now it was only half of it.
It was already shocking.In fact, even if you have money, you can't buy rice now, because it's from an official.
Chang Ping warehouse.
It's already been used by officials for a long time, and it's even more nameless.As for the line of rice, it was closed for fear of snatching, and for fear of the authorities collecting it.
So all the things that could be eaten were brought to the market for sale: acorn, root, elm, dog, cat, snake, and mouse.
In particular, the ravens were many and fat.
This was because the head of the thieving corpses on the north court court, which emitted the stench of urchins, attracted a large swarm of black crows to peck at them.Some people tried to catch it and pretended to be chicken meat and brought it to the market for sale.
Although it was quickly seen through, it still didn't meet the demand.The only thing that could be eaten now seemed to be the number of ravenous harems lying on the roadside.
As expected, there were rumors of people eating corpses, and people pretending to be mutton to sell on the market.
So the words of "two-legged sheep" sounded more and more convincing.What was even more horrifying was the fact that not only did Wang Yanwei eat people, but he also had to drink with the liver of a living person.
His heart must be still beating in his plate!
It was said that Wang Yanwei was a Scarlet Flames, which was why he drank human blood every day.In addition, there were also some legends that made the people of the Zhizhou Province feel even more that 'the calamity is coming, and it's almost impossible to escape.'"In Pu Du Temple on the south side of the city, the old nun heard Bodhisattva crying; then said that a strange pig with eight legs had been planted in the village outside the city; and said that on the northern feeler field, there were many headless ghosts on the road looking for a substitute; and said that a certain family in the east city had a devil with hair all over their body; and this was not only said to be seen by people, but also the mother-in-law of the pregnant woman.There was also a legend: Those who were proficient in Qi Watching saw that there was a black cloud heading straight for a bullfight in the southwest.
It was said that this was the sign of an army, and that direction was precisely where Thieves first 'intruded' into chaos.Many people listened to this legend and stared at the southwest sky for a long time.
It's strange that the more they look at it, the more they feel different from normal All these strange rumors, in the end, all of them come to a conclusion: the demons descended to the Lower Realm, and the chaos of the world in sixty years came again!
Yes, since "the chaos of history" to this year, it has been exactly 120 years, and there should be two great tribulations together!
Who can sleep peacefully in these days?.Many people listened to this legend and stared at the southwest sky for a long time.
It's strange that the more they look at it, the more they feel that it's different from normal All these strange rumors and talks, in the end, all of them come to a conclusion: the demons descended to the Lower Realm, and the chaos of the world in sixty years came again!
Yes, since "the chaos of history" to this year, it has been exactly 120 years, and there should be two great tribulations added together!
In these days, who can sleep peacefully?While the entire Zhou state was immersed in the horrifying darkness, only Candlelight Shadow could be seen in the main hall of the House of Reflections, illuminating the entire night.
Perhaps this was the only place in the entire city that dared to light up lights.
Wangchong sat down on a large chair and began to discuss with his colleagues on how to deal with Thieves.Ever since Wang Yanwei led the rebel army to take down the Zhou State, Wangchong had never had a good sleep.
This was because the Zhou State was only 150 kilometers away from the Zhou State.
According to the speed of the army, it would only take one night for the rebel army to reach the base of the city.
For the past few days, this third rank official, who dominated the power of life and death in several states, was extremely exhausted, but his face was still bloodshot.The dark purple brocade robe on his plump body reflected the red light of the candle flame, making his blood energy not diminish.
Only the eyebrows of the broommates who had their long hair hanging upside down and had their eyes drooping over the top of their eyebrows said that this was the 'Lifestar's Eyebrow'.
Only now did they seem to be tired and hung upside down.However, the bloodshot eyes under the 'Lifestar's Eyebrows were still shining with intimidating light, which was even scarier than normal.The years of being a bureaucrat made him always speak in a dignified, commanding tone, and at this moment he sounded dry, as if he were a little bit:"Ahem, I really didn't expect things to be this chaotic!
You all usually only want to enjoy yourselves and ignore political affairs.
Don't play over your duties again.
You have to go to the city to patrol more often.
When you see that someone's defense is not good enough, you immediately do it.
This matter must be strict.
Do you hear me?""I heard it." The group of colleagues responded in unison."Have you all gone to check?""I've checked it several times.""Are there any movements?""No.
"Wangchong lowered his head and remained silent for a moment.
Then, he muttered to himself in confusion, "Hm?
That's strange.
Why haven't there been any movements from the thieves?" Then, he suddenly looked around and asked loudly, "Who can tell you the truth?"The surroundings were silent, and no one dared to answer.Everyone felt "strange" in their hearts, but it was not that they "came to see the movements of the rebel army", but that the lord Wang, who had always been independent and independent, had discussed with his subordinates!
The more they felt strange, the more they dared not answer.
Even those colleagues who wanted to flatter and fawn at the first chance also remained silent."What kind of logic is this?
Which one of you can talk about it, hmm?"The surroundings were still silent."Hm?
Why aren't you guys saying anything?" Wangchong patted the armrests of the chair anxiously.When everyone saw that Lord Wang was about to lose his temper, they felt extremely pressured.
However, when they looked at each other, they remained silent.It turned out that something that had happened not too long ago had caused everyone to feel a chill in their hearts, and they felt that it was better to talk less about it.
That was because Wangchong had slammed the table and scolded the city guards for being too incompetent.
In his fury, he had decided to personally dispatch his supervisor to deal with it.
One of his trusted aides immediately stepped forward and advised, "No, no!""There are tens of thousands of bandits in the span of several months." To everyone's surprise, Wang Chongruxiang seemed to have suffered a great humiliation.
He pointed angrily at his advisor and said, "What a joke!
How could I be so scared when I saw a few bandits?!
I'm going to hunt them down!""No matter how cowardly someone is, military law is not allowed!"With these words, the advisor's face was filled with shame, and he had no choice but to retreat.
Wangchong immediately sent his supervisor out.
Sure enough, there were no obstructions along the way, and they marched ahead in a clamor.
Wangchong simply urged the troops to move quickly, fearing that a large group of 'thievers' would run away.
When they reached the eastern borders of Fan County, they finally encountered 'thievers'.To his great surprise, the smoke ahead covered the sky, and the "thief" were coming like a tide.
He was about to raise his army to meet them when suddenly the "thief"soldiers, which were hard to distinguish from the trees, grass, and earthhills, leapt out of them, throwing stones and sharpened bamboo poles at them.A sharp bamboo suddenly flew over his head, breaking the knots on the lance.
Only then did Wangchong feel that the advisor's words seemed to be reasonable.
He quickly gathered his troops, but the front army was already in chaos.For a time, people were running and panicking.
Fortunately, Zhangjie, the front guard of the horse, led him on a small path, and because the "thief soldiers" didn't pursue him closely, he ran back to Yanzhou.Back in Zhouzhou, Wangsui was both embarrassed and annoyed, but he still put on a look of disdain as he said to his colleagues, "I've always been like a broken tree, but I hate the fact that the vanguard is incompetent, which prevented me from obtaining a complete victory."Fortunately, the forward general didn't run back to Huhai with him.
Although his life or death was uncertain, he would definitely be executed if he returned.Wangchong hated that he couldn't find a scapegoat.
But at that moment, the advisor who advised him not to leave the army walked over.

He thought that what he said was true, and that his talent was extraordinary.
In the future, he should have been used again, so he swaggered over with pride, "Victory and defeat are the norm in the military.
There's no need for you to be brooding about it.
I don't think so...""Shut up!" Wangchong bellowed angrily, his face flushed red.
Then, he pointed and cursed, "You're always the one who spoke ill of me, preaching and stealing my three armies.
Damn it, I'm going to kill you!"As soon as the advisor heard this, his face immediately turned ashen, because Wangchong's words of "doing" meant killing his head!
He immediately knelt down on the ground, kneeled in front of Wangchong's feet, and pleaded for mercy.
Although the people around him sympathized with him, none of them dared to speak out.
They were afraid that they wouldn't be able to make things worse, so they could only watch helplessly as the advisor was pushed out of the room.As soon as everyone thought of this, they immediately heard the sound of the advisor crying when he was pushed out.
Therefore, they remained silent when they heard Wangchong's question.In truth, Wang Chongxian's shamelessness didn't change his habit of using his muscles, but rather, it was an abnormality that had developed to an extreme degree.
It was almost as though a warlord that had committed murder had suddenly begun to believe his words.
Seeing that the crowd hadn't heard a single sound, he slammed the table nervously."I know that all of you are afraid of talking.
This time, I'm the one who told you to say it.
What is the truth?
Just say it boldly." After saying that, he swept his gaze over and threw it towards a soldier.The soldier felt that he couldn't avoid it, so he had no choice but to bow and reply, "In my humble servant's opinion, the criminal army didn't dare to make a rash move when they saw Eunuch Ming here, so they didn't make a move.
Wangchong isn't stupid.
He knows that it's flattery, and it's a bit too explicit.
However, to some people, especially people like Wangchong, the flattery is like a potion of syrup used to melt Qi.After hearing this, he found it hard to say anything, so he slapped another screen caller, "Mr.
Yiyun".Mister Yiyun was stunned.
Although he had always been known as a 'treasure scholar' and was familiar with history, he still had countless thoughts about this matter.
However, when he saw that the person who had replied to Yiyun's words hadn't been harmed, he had a rough idea of what to do.
Thus, he replied with that tone, "Sneak soldiers are just a bunch of trash.
How can they dare to offend the Bright Noble Tiger's prestige?"When he said this, he felt that he still needed a few more people to help him.
Even if something happened in the future, he would not only be blamed on himself.
So he said to his colleagues modestly, "what do you think?"When the colleagues heard this, they felt that if they were silent again, they would not agree with Lord Wang's "tiger power".
They had to answer in unison: "Mister Yiyun's opinion is very correct.
The citizens of my province are safe and sound.
It is really thanks to the power of the Duke."All of his colleagues began to praise Wangchong, and he finally calmed down a great deal of the anxiety and anger in his heart.
Normally, he would be able to end things with great joy.
But now that there were so many thieving soldiers pressing down on him, Wangchong couldn't be at ease.
Then, he tapped on the table with his fingers and said, "Don't waste your time talking.
You should talk more about the possibility of retreating."Who would have thought of this first?
Why don't you report it to me?!" Then, his eyes fell on Mister Yiyun.Mr.
Yiyun couldn't help but shudder.
He felt that he couldn't be alone this time.
However, he also had his ways.
He specifically chose those insurances that wouldn't be harmed, "Secrets on the path of using weapons.
'They don't have the courage to come without them, but they have the confidence to wait for me.' But now, in order to strengthen the city's defenses, there's no way."Since I have the strength of a golden soup, the thieves naturally wouldn't dare to invade.
I wonder what Ming GongGong thinks?"Wangchong nodded slightly, then turned to look at the others.
Everyone followed Mr.
Yiyun's words.
As a result, I finally came up with a plan that didn't disappoint Wangchong's expectations.
This was to increase the number of expeditions, take grains, and take money.In addition, in order to prevent the "robbers" from sneaking in, they close the city gate another two hours in advance every day.
After this final decision, the sky is already bright.Although everyone was very tired, they were happy because they were finally able to enjoy a peaceful night.Wangchong was also relieved.
He had secretly calculated that Zhangjie's time limit for Chang'an had been reduced by another day.
It was time for him to return.
He felt that this was more important than anything else, and the safety of Linzhou City was on this mission.When dawn came, although the darkness had been eliminated, it did not eliminate the panic and unease.
As soon as the gate opened, there was a clamor.
Many people who were waiting to enter or leave the city had already crowded there.
It turned out that the gate was closed early, and there were more people who wanted to pass the gate.It was particularly crowded today.
Many mule and horse carriages, some carrying trunks, some carrying various things, and even carrying coffins, were rushing into the city together.Most of the people who rushed into the city were rich.
Among them, there were scattered villa masters, vassals, vassals, local gentlemen, rich merchants, bureaucrats, 'famous warriors' in the slumbering Jianghu, and tycoons who ran rampant in the countryside.
There were also some people who weren't very rich, but they were either 'dressers' or 'genuine men'.
They were also afraid of 'thieving'.All of these people who rushed to the city, although they were all frowning and depressed, they were happy to see several people in the city: the gatekeeper, the official in charge of locking the gate.Although they are just big officials in Sesame, they can be majestic in terms of their power, and they can get a lot of extravagance every day, because those wealthy people who are busy entering the city, if they don't politely put money in their hands, then the gate will be closed, or they can find an excuse to keep it.Next was the owner of the inn or someone who had rented a house.Due to the huge increase in population in the city, the residences were obviously very nervous.
Some of the haunted houses that had not been able to leave for many years were also occupied by people, so the rent was naturally still sky high.As these refugees continued to flood, not only did their rent soar, but everything from Li, Mi, Mi, and Salt also soared and soared.
This not only made the commoners of the Zhou state feel even more like beads of rice and cinnamon, but it also brought with it a great deal of mental damage.
The frightening news of 'monsters' came from them.On the contrary, there are quite a few people who are busy leaving the city.
Most of them are poor, mostly peddlers, pickers, or travelers who are busy with their livelihood; and some are so-called "loser." Behind them, these people hear a secret message that "thievers" not only don't eat people, but also split their food and salt for people to eat; although they say that they have to go with them on average, it still sounds fearful, but as the saying goes: "a thousand people dare to die, a hunger cannot be tolerated, but rather than starve to death in the city, it is better to run out of the city with a thread of vitality, and rush to the direction of Jiaozhou.Usually, these people would take advantage of the city gates when they were squeezed out.
At that time, the soldiers guarding the gate were busy collecting money from the people rushing into the city, so they didn't have the time to question them.Today, just as the vehicles and crowds of people squeezed through the city gates, they suddenly saw a person on a horse rushing over from outside the city, sweating profusely.
He waved his whip left and right and shouted, "Get out of the way!
Get out of the way!
Don't delay my business!"The pedestrians avoided one side and looked sideways, only to see that the man had run all the way to the mansion, and soon disappeared.
However, he left a great deal of panic and unease on the streets.
Everyone whispered to themselves, feeling as if something urgent had happened.Just as everyone expected, it was a scouting horse sent by Wangchong.
After entering the Divination Mansion, he headed straight for the back hall.
When he saw Wangchong dragging his weary feet towards the inner mansion, he immediately went up and reported, "My lord, I have found a cavalryman in the western outskirts of the city!"Wangchong's drowsiness immediately disappeared.
His eyes widened as he asked, "How many people are there?
Which direction are we heading in?""Not many, only four; and they'll be gone in a while, south."Wang Chongzhi waved his hand dismissively.
"Go check it out, and then report it!" Then, he saw an inspector walking over and waved his hand, "Go to the city gates!" Then, he hurried back to the main hall.
As soon as he saw that his colleagues had already left, he immediately shouted, "Someone come!"He was pacing back and forth in the hall, irritated, with a servant carrying a vermilion vermilion plate of Luo Sa delivering breakfast.
It was a cold tray of all sorts, and a bowl of buttered chicken soup, with a hot fragrance.
If it had been placed on the streets, it would have been broken by the hungry starved folk, or perhaps even killed.Not long ago, there were two people fighting to death outside the Northern Gate for a dead crow.
But when Wangchong saw the chicken soup, he furrowed his long hair and said angrily, "Go, go, go.
Who told you to send this?
I have something important to deal with right now."The servants hurriedly carried the tray and bowed away.
They knew that if they walked too slowly and angered the adults, they would definitely receive a series of scoldings and even whippings.
The colleagues finally arrived one after another.
After listening to Wangchong's report on the horses, they all felt that the situation wasn't looking good, especially when they recalled the 'thief soldiers' attacking the Zhou state.
They also started off with light cavalry, and their faces became even more fearful."You've all said that thieves don't dare to come.
Aren't you here?" Wangchong asked in a flustered tone.