Chapter 1 The Matter of the Falling Star

The matter of the fallen star was mysterious and profound. Even the Secret Intelligence Division had sent someone to investigate, but probably because the Jingnan Marquis had given prior notice, the Secret Intelligence Division only sent someone to "greet" them to see if such a thing had happened. After asking, they left, without saying anything about looking at the meteorite or wanting to take it away.

This saved the Earl's manor a lot of trouble, because the meteorite had already been "disemboweled" by Xue San. It wouldn't have been too difficult to fake one at the last minute to hand over as a replacement. After all, meteorites seem mysterious, but their composition is actually quite common. But still, one less trouble is one less trouble, right?

There was also another reason: when the late Emperor was in power, he was superstitious about the arts of Fang Xuan, but after the Yan Emperor ascended the throne, he washed away this trend. Therefore, the people below, including the Secret Intelligence Division, would report, but they would never be foolish enough to send a meteorite to Yanjing as an auspicious omen.

At the same time, no matter what changes occurred in the heavens, as long as it wasn't rolling thunder, the people below would still live their lives as usual.

This gave Zheng Boye the feeling of waking up in later generations, browsing international news, and then washing up to go to the studio as a painter.

Did it have something to do with him?

But what the hell did it really have to do with him?

Xue San had already led his 108 men to set out to explore the road. According to Xue San, 108 was a very nice number, but in the eyes of Blindman and others, it wasn't so auspicious.

About seven days later, Zheng Fan officially set out with nearly a thousand Snow Sea cavalrymen. The number wasn't large, and there was no expedition ceremony, because it was still necessary to pay attention to secrecy.

However, at the time of departure, the Earl's manor hosted a banquet to treat these thousand soldiers. There were no overly exciting words. Zheng Boye didn't use his eloquence. It was a divided meal system, with each person having a small bench, sitting on the ground to eat, forming several circles.

Zheng Boye sat in the very middle.

After eating,

Zheng Boye raised his wine glass.

Everyone raised their wine glasses together.

The military discipline of the Snow Sea Army was almost completely inherited from the Jingnan Army, and was even stricter in terms of details. The ban on alcohol was also strictly enforced. Unless alcohol was permitted during specific periods or holidays, soldiers who dared to drink without permission at other times would be whipped for the first offense and executed immediately for the second offense.

"Brothers, I can't guarantee that everyone will come back with me this time, but I can guarantee that for the brothers who don't come back, if they have families, I, Zheng Fan, will take care of them. If they don't have families, there will be an ancestral tablet in the school, and a child will help you carry on the surname;

"For the brothers who come back,

"Saying promotion and wealth is too vulgar, right?

"I can only say,

"Those who come back,

"We are true brothers!

"Cheers!"

"We are willing to die for the Earl!"

"We are willing to die for the Earl!"

…

While they were eating,

Over there,

Blindman and Liang Cheng sat face to face, with rosters placed in front of them.

Blindman's style of doing things was very meticulous, and he paid attention to taking one step and looking three steps ahead when dealing with matters.

Among the thousand soldiers selected to enter Chu with the lord's team this time, there were barbarians, Jin people, Yan people, and even several young masters from the nearby wild tribes of the Snow Sea Pass, including the Hailand tribe.

At the same time, Jin Shuke was also transferred back from the front line to join this team.

In addition, He Chunlai, the candied hawthorn seller who came back with Fan Li, and Chen Daole, a member of the Chen family, were also thrown into it.

Liang Cheng couldn't help but worry and said, "Being too focused on politics will inevitably affect the military."

Liang Cheng preferred purely leading troops to fight and didn't like involving too many unrelated things in war, because most of the time, this would only bring constraints.

In his opinion, the lord's thousand men should all be selected elites to go there. First, good steel should be used on the cutting edge, and second, the lord's safety could be guaranteed to the greatest extent.

Blindman retorted:

"The lord is infiltrating the Chu Kingdom this time, but not with the intention of fighting. This is different from the time when the lord first led three hundred barbarian soldiers into Qian and was able to capture a city. Now both Qian and Chu Kingdoms are on guard.

"Infiltration is infiltration, but it's not really going to fight to the death. The lord himself obviously understands this, otherwise he wouldn't have been relieved to leave you at home to watch the house this time."

If they were really going to fight, going for great military achievements, how could the lord, with his cautious personality, not bring Liang Cheng?

"So you're turning it into a team-building exercise?" Liang Cheng retorted.

"It's not quite team-building. They can still fight. Our lord still has personal charisma. This group of people will follow the lord for a stroll in the Chu Kingdom, and if they come back alive, they will become our own people.

"For example, this Jin Shuke, the lord values him very much."

"His ability is indeed very good. I think, given time, he will be able to stand alone."

Being able to get this kind of evaluation from Liang Cheng is enough to show Jin Shuke's excellence and potential.

"Let's just treat it as the first class of the Whampoa Military Academy. Hehe, after the lord leaves, what we have to do is combine the production system with the military."

"Are we still going to mess with the Eight Banners?"

"It's about the same meaning. Our Snow Sea Pass may seem very powerful in this area, but that's because the previous wild people's rebellion completely collapsed the surrounding area. Compared with those densely populated large cities, we still seem a bit 'cramped.'

"Anyway, the previous framework was built well. If we modify it again, we can give full play to our subjective initiative. With fewer people and fewer soldiers, how can we compete with others if we don't give full play to our subjective initiative?

"And don't always talk about the Eight Banners. The Eight Banners is just a surface. The essence is still the merit system and the war dividend system, because we will inevitably have to involve the issue of multiple ethnic groups here.

"In fact, what I really want to do is turn our Snow Sea Pass into a war machine, a mode of national external plunder and annexation, just like the Qin Dynasty.

"We must make the people below actively and instinctively desire war, desire external plunder, and be fanatical and uncontrollable about it..."

"Okay, you're back to your old business." Liang Cheng said helplessly, "It's really like multi-level marketing."

"Everything is based on multi-level marketing." Blindman affirmed.

"But this model is easy to collapse."

Blindman smiled when he heard this,

And said:

"You just want to play a big game, but you, a zombie, are still thinking about long-term stability? You're thinking too much, thinking too much."

Liang Cheng leaned back slightly,

Reached out and knocked on the table, saying:

"You are responsible for formulating the rules, and I am responsible for implementing them. Let's try to get everything done before the lord comes back. We have to hurry, I have a feeling that a big war may come before the end of next year."

"There's plenty of time, don't panic." Blindman silently lit a cigarette and added, "Actually, I'm not very concerned about whether there will be a big war or not. I'm only concerned about the Jingnan Marquis."

"At least for now, the Jingnan Marquis can be said to be very good to the lord."

"It couldn't be better."

Blindman flicked the cigarette ash,

And said:

"I'll sort it out again first. Tomorrow night, we'll convene officers above the rank of school lieutenant to the Earl's manor for a meeting."

…

Zheng Boye set off. This time the marching speed was very guaranteed, presenting a state of wartime rapid march, achieving the fastest speed without consuming horses.

Originally, Zheng Fan was thinking of going into Fengxin City again to say hello to the Marquis and freeload a meal, but on the road, he encountered a Jingnan Army team. After the two sides communicated, he learned that the Marquis had already left Fengxin City to go to Zhennan Pass to take a look.

Perhaps he felt that Xue Rang at Zhennan Pass was making a bit of a fuss, so the Marquis personally came forward to calm things down.

Since the Jingnan Marquis wasn't in Fengxin City, Zheng Fan didn't linger here. He continued marching south. About six days later, he joined up with Xue San's advance team at a small dock on the banks of the Lian River.

The Lian River is a tributary of the Wang River. The overall flow is from northwest to southeast. The Wang River is a large river, but it divides into many tributaries when entering Chu.

In fact, entering Chu from here is not only very difficult to march, but also very inefficient, similar to entering the Snow Plain from Shengle back then.

In the past, when the Yan army besieged Jade Plate City, the Chu Kingdom's swordsmith brought the Eighth Prince back to Chu from here, not daring to go east through Zhennan Pass.

However, what surprised Zheng Fan a little was that there was actually a surprise waiting for him here.

…

"This humble one, Fan Yongxin, greets the Earl of Pingye, may the Earl of Pingye have good fortune."

Kneeling in front of Zheng Fan was a man nearly forty years old, with thinning hair and a mole under his nose.

He was from the Fan family. The Fan family was a merchant family in the Chu Kingdom, dependent on the Qu family.

The Chu Kingdom had an aristocratic system. The various positions in the court were basically divided up by the various aristocratic families. Some positions were even the exclusive property of one aristocratic family for generations. When the grandfather died, the father took over, and when the father died, the son continued to take over.

Aristocrats should have the appearance of aristocrats. On the surface, they had to be calm and have the demeanor of aristocrats;

But aristocrats also had to eat, drink, and excrete, and they also needed living expenses. Although the output of their own fiefdoms was certainly an income, the territory was only so large, and there were only so many serfs. If there was a disaster year that affected the harvest, it would be a small matter if the serfs who farmed the land starved to death, but it would be a big matter if the living standards of the aristocratic lords were reduced.

Therefore, basically large aristocratic families would have branches, some were military general branches, and some were branches responsible for business. The Fan family was a business branch under the Qu family.

This kind of branching seems a bit like taking off your pants to fart, but the lords of the Qian Kingdom also did this. Many Yan Kingdom merchant teams also had powerful figures standing behind them. Even in later generations, powerful figures needed to find a front man to do business.

The Fan family's business was not small. Generally speaking, doing business in a county within a country could be considered as having a facade. Doing business within a country was called raising the lintel, but if they could do business abroad, that was called truly making a fortune.

The Fan family belonged to the merchants who had made a fortune. Although they were backed by the Qu clan, the Fan family also had their own thoughts and considerations.

Originally, there was someone from Little Sixth's side in the Snow Sea Pass. This person was usually only responsible for some business matters, as well as sending and receiving letters. After all, the correspondence between Zheng Boye and Little Sixth couldn't go through official channels. If something went wrong and some rebellious content was leaked out, it would be terrible.

At the same time, this person also had some authority. When letters couldn't be delivered in time, he could "make his own decisions."

For example, when he learned that Zheng Fan was ordered by the Jingnan Marquis to enter Chu, this liaison gave the Fan family's line, saying that the Fan family could be contacted.

Before the war between Yan and Chu, Little Sixth had done business with the Fan family. Now that the two countries were in a stage of friction and conflict, trade not only didn't stop, but became even more close and frequent.

Because the war caused the interruption of most trade routes, this kind of smuggling could actually obtain greater profits. "The front is tight and the rear is tight" is not just talk.

The difference is that Little Sixth's "war profiteering" now ultimately flows back into his imperial father's inner treasury. After all, Little Sixth had made a military pledge on money and food, and he had to hand in a satisfactory answer;

As for the Fan family's side, it seems unlikely that they would hand over the smuggling profits, right? At most, it would go to the Qu clan at best.

"Is the road smooth?" Zheng Fan asked Fan Yongxin.

"In response to the Earl's words, although the road is tortuous, it is still smooth."

"Is the road stable?" Zheng Fan asked.

"In response to the Earl's words, it is mixed but not chaotic."

"Then I'll have to trouble you."

"You are too polite, Earl. It is an honor for our Chu, for our Fan family, that you can come to our Chu for a tour. The Fan family will definitely treat you with all sincerity."

"Good, if I have the opportunity to see the head of the Fan family, this Earl will personally send my regards."

"I thank the Earl on behalf of the head of the family."

Fan Yongxin went down. He brought a small fleet, which used to be used for commercial smuggling. This time, they had to smuggle people.

Zheng Fan's team had to wait until night to board the ship and set off, first going down the Lian River, then landing and entering the mountains.

"Earl, is this Fan family trustworthy?"

Ke Yan Dongge asked worriedly.

"You're asking this Earl, who is this Earl supposed to ask?"

"………" Ke Yan Dongge.

What Ke Yan Dongge was worried about was that the Fan family would sell out their team.

In the original marching plan, there was actually no Fan family. The Fan family was added through Little Sixth's relationship.

"San'er, tell us what you think." Zheng Fan pointed to Xue San, who had arrived here earlier and should know the situation better than anyone else.

"Lord, since we're here, let's make the best of it. With the help of the Fan family, it will be much, much easier for us to enter Chu."

Obviously, Xue San agreed to take the Fan family's boat.

Jin Shuke then said, "Earl, you are too important, how can you take such a risk?"

Xue San glanced at Jin Shuke, chuckled, and said, "It's not like we wouldn't be in danger entering Chu without the Fan family."

Jin Shuke knew he had misspoke and immediately bowed to Xue San and stepped back.

Zheng Fan still trusted Xue San's judgment and said, "Since that's the case, then we'll take the Fan family's boat. San'er, you'll have to work harder."

If the Fan family had any malicious intentions, he could only rely on Xue San to give an early warning.

"Lord, don't worry, we brought all our own food, and I have already instructed on the rules. I have arranged people in front and back.

"If the Fan family doesn't cause trouble, then everyone will be happy. If they do cause trouble, I am confident that I can protect the Lord."

Speaking of this,

Xue San pursed his lips,

And said:

"Lord, there are fortresses and outposts all along the road into Chu. Without the Fan family's help to clear the way, we would have to pull out one nail after another along the way, then there would be no point in even entering Chu.

"I think we should give the Fan family some confidence.

"Merchants have no loyalty and like to bet on both sides. Let's just satisfy him.

"When I met with Fan Yongxin a few days ago, he told me that the Sixth Prince promised the Fan family the position of imperial merchant of Chu in the future."

Ke Yan Dongge said blankly, "The Fan family actually believed it?"

Zheng Fan raised his hand,

Signaling Ke Yan Dongge not to ask any more questions, and not to argue about this matter,

And said:

"Forget it, this Earl believes it."

…

Night fell, and the team began to board the ships.

The warhorses were on one batch of ships, and the people were on another batch of ships. They were all cargo ships. Although they didn't look big, and were like a younger brother compared to the Chu Kingdom's naval warships, their carrying capacity was not small.

Going down the Lianshui River and then turning south, if all goes well, they could land in Yong County, Chu Kingdom. Although the distance traveled wasn't far, for cavalry, being able to skip three bay streams, including the Lian River, overnight, was already extremely efficient.

Si Niang personally put a cloak on Zheng Fan. She was disguised as a guard, removing her makeup in the tent at night and standing with Zheng Fan during the day.

Zheng Boye boarded the ship. There were many Fan family boatmen working on the deck. Although it was dark, there were many lanterns on the ship, providing high visibility.

Fan Yongxin was waiting for Zheng Fan on this ship and took the initiative to come over to salute and say:

"Earl, I have prepared wine and dishes in the cabin. The conditions are simple, please forgive me."

"You're too polite."

"Earl, please."

Zheng Fan followed Fan Yongxin into the cabin. After entering, he discovered that it was another world inside, not only with a table of wine and dishes, but also with three maids, all scantily dressed.

"This servant greets milord."

"This servant greets milord."

The three maids knelt down, the wine hadn't been opened and the things hadn't been done, but their faces were already full of charm.

Fan Yongxin then said, "Earl, I will be waiting on the second floor of the ship. If you need anything, just say the word."

Obviously, Fan Yongxin left very tactfully.

After Fan Yongxin left, Si Niang, disguised as a guard, said in Zheng Fan's ear:

"Lord, these three women have all been drugged."

"Drugged?"

"Yes, what this servant knows is that the people of Chu have always treated servants as less than human. This is a trend among the Chu aristocrats."

Si Niang must have researched the "red tent" business in several countries, and also surveyed their practices.

"Hmm."

"However, Lord can do as the Romans do."

Zheng Fan shook his head and said, "After all, we are at war. I'm going out for some fresh air. You help them detoxify. It doesn't look good for their health."

"Is the lord showing compassion?"

"No, I'm going on a long journey, so let's just temporarily hug Buddha's feet and accumulate some virtue."

Zheng Fan walked out of the cabin. There should have been incense burning inside, but Zheng Fan didn't like this extra smell. In short, he couldn't appreciate it. He could be fascinated by a simple body fragrance, but artificially created fragrances, no matter whether they could refresh the mind or not, were a burden.

Just as he walked to the deck,

"Pah! Yan dog!"

A boy wearing a jacket in the middle of winter spat at Zheng Fan.

The saliva landed on Zheng Fan's boots.

"Oh dear, milord, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, damn it, damn it!"

An old boatman immediately came over and pressed the boy's head down to kneel and apologize to Zheng Fan.

Zheng Fan lowered his head and looked at the dirt on his boots.

He reached out and tore off the curtain hanging by the cabin door, squatted down, and wiped the surface of his boots himself.

Then he took out a China brand iron box from his pocket. This iron box had been modified, with roll-up cigarettes on the top half and mints on the bottom half.

Picking up a piece of candy,

Zheng Fan slowly walked towards the little boy,

Squatting down in front of him,

Reaching out,

Touching the boy's face.

These boatmen were from the Fan family. In the past, they only helped the Fan family with smuggling business, but today, they transported a batch of soldiers.

These boatmen were not stupid and could see what kind of people they were transporting, but everyone ate from the Fan family, so naturally no one dared to say anything, but they would inevitably curse a few words behind their backs.

This child must have learned from the adults that the people on the ship were Yan people, so he had this scene when he saw Zheng Fan coming out of the cabin.

However, when his grandfather pulled him down to kneel, the child panicked.

When Zheng Fan walked towards him step by step,

The authentic aura made the boy's emotions completely collapse, and he began to twitch and cry. The previous courage disappeared, turning into extreme fear.

Zheng Fan placed the candy in front of the boy,

And asked softly:

"Do you want some candy?"

The boy nodded while trembling.

Zheng Fan smiled,

"Ah."

The boy obediently opened his mouth wide while sobbing.

Then Zheng Fan put the candy in his own mouth,

And said:

"I won't let you eat it."

————————

During this time, the plot is stuck, and I feel that the writing is not smooth. At the same time, it is leaking rain, and the loss of the chapter comments directly affects my thinking.

Today is also one update.

I estimate that the chapter comments should be restored in another day. I miss you all so much.