Huan Rong

Chapter 219 Returning to Xuyi

After traveling day and night, Huan Rong finally arrived in Xuyi in early March.

The day when the team entered the city coincided with the Shangsi Festival, and the city was extremely lively.

There is a constant flow of people in front of the city gate, including gentlemen and girls who go out for an outing to enjoy the scenery, as well as ordinary people and businessmen who go to the city to buy goods.

In addition to the Han people, the faces of the Hu people are sandwiched between them. They all wear Han clothes and speak Chinese, and some can speak fluent Wu official dialect.

Don't look at the appearance but only listen to the words, no difference from the Han people.

Most of these people settled in Xuyi, and they had already taken Chinese names and entered the Baiji.

Compared with the unregistered Hu people, they have a considerable advantage. They can buy a house in Xuyi and settle there.

Even if they have to pay quite high taxes, there are restrictions in other aspects, and they still flock to them, holding gold and guarding in front of the yamen, just to settle down in Xuyi and bring the whole family into the city.

If even gold can't do it, the only option is to pick up a long knife and be called to fight as the assassin of Youzhou.

For most Hu people, this is not difficult.Even better than gold.

After all, gold is a one-shot deal. If you can join the state army, you will have the opportunity to gain military exploits. It is really enviable to see those Qiang people who were the first to seek refuge!

Coincidentally, as Xuyi and Yandu became famous, more and more Han refugees and Hu people flocked to Youzhou.Everyone rushed to Xuyi wholeheartedly, wanting to find a way out for the whole family, but they couldn't stop them simply by intercepting them at the border.

Compared with Eastern Jinzhou County, the Qin family, who is busy digesting the Di Qin forces, has more headaches.

For Huan Rong, the more the population, the better.It wasn't him who started the robbery, but he ran to Youzhou by himself, and there was no reason for others to pursue it.

It doesn't matter whether the Han people or the Hu people, as long as they don't harbor dissent, anyone from Youzhou will not be rejected.It doesn't matter if they have different intentions. If they are found out, they will be sent to the saltworks for labor reform. Within three months, they will be more honest than each other.

Most of the spies caught in the past two years were dealt with in this way, and the effect was very remarkable.

It is obviously better to add more labor than to snap it off with a knife.

When the shortage of manpower was at its worst, Huan Rong even hoped that the spies would show up. They could work without wages. Is there anything better than this?

Now that you have become a big feudal landlord and become an evil ruling class, you naturally want to do what you do and love what you do.

The well-being of the people under the rule, foreign spies and people with ulterior motives, regardless of whether they are willing or not, must devote themselves to the construction of Youzhou, contributing to the development of Youzhou and shining.

Not wanting to attract everyone's attention, Huan Rong ordered a detour, but the west city, and entered the city directly from the south gate.

Diankui Xu Chao took the order and ordered the two horsemen to gallop south, first to deliver the letter to the city gate.

Knowing that it was Huan Rong's return, the state soldiers guarding the city immediately pulled the noose and opened the city gate.

Because it is the garrison of the army, the south gate is rarely opened unless necessary.

People and caravans usually choose the west gate or the north gate when entering and exiting the city.Dongcheng is a place where tyrants and officials live together. Usually, vehicles come and go, and outsiders rarely enter.

Huan Rong ordered the state soldiers to put away the five-element flag and pass through the city gate as quickly as possible without blowing the horn.

He didn't feel it when he was far away, but the moment he saw Xuyi City, he realized what it meant to "turn his heart like an arrow".

When the city gate opened, someone had already flown to report to Princess Nankang.

Knowing that it was Huan Rong who came back from the north, Princess Nankang asked someone to clean the front of the mansion, opened the front door, and waited for her son to return to the mansion.

After the team entered the city, the state soldiers immediately transferred to the camp.After counting the army register and checking the military achievements, you can receive rewards and reunite with your family after a long separation.

Wu Che went straight to the Assassin's Mansion.

The sound of horseshoes and wheels mixed together, and Huan Rong's heart beat accordingly, and there was only one thought in his mind: to go home.

In the past few years in the Eastern Jin Dynasty, he finally felt at home.

Dian Kui whipped the horse, and Xu Chao tightened the reins.

In front of the Assassin's Mansion, several healthy servants stood on the left and right under the stone steps, while the porter looked up from the steps.Seeing the familiar military chariot, he immediately became excited, and gave some instructions to the boy beside him, who nodded and immediately turned around to deliver the letter to the back house.

Walking to the gate of the mansion, the military chariot stopped,

Dian Kui and Xu Chao jumped off the shaft one after another, the door was pushed open from the inside, Huan Rong bent down and walked out, seeing everything familiar, he couldn't help smiling.

"Welcome the Duke of the county to return to the mansion."

Sima Huan drove the crane back to the west, and Huan Rong became the head of the Huan family, and the title of Jian Servant was changed accordingly.He is no longer the Wulang Lord of the Huan family, but the well-deserved Lord of Huainan County and Lord of Youzhou.

Huan Rong neatly jumped off the shaft of the chariot and stepped up the stone steps.Walking quickly, he walked through the front yard and walked straight to the east yard.

Meeting Ah Mai on the way, knowing that Princess Nankang specially asked her to welcome her, the smile on Huan Rong's face became even wider.Not much to say, speed up under your feet, pass through two corridors, and reach the outside of the east courtyard.

"Master Lang."

The tiger girl and the bear girl stood in the courtyard, and when they saw Huan Rong, they immediately blessed themselves and saluted.

"waived."

Huan Rong didn't stop, directly stepped onto the wooden corridor, took off his boots, and walked towards the inner room.

The indoor screen has been removed, and Princess Nankang and Mrs. Li are talking sideways.

Yuan Feng was sitting under the head of Princess Nankang, his back was straight, his small face was still round, and his brows and eyes were stained with a bit of youthful fortitude.

Huan Xuan and Huan Wei are still four-headed, driving the Trojan horse with one mind, playing battle games on the special wooden plate.The two insisted on not wanting help from the nanny, and always acted on their own.

Murong sat between the two of them, with a smile on his face, no longer sharp as before, only kind and gentle.

The sound of footsteps came, and Princess Nankang and Mrs. Li raised their heads at the same time.

Before his mother could speak, Huan Rong took a step forward, knelt down and bowed his head, and said: "My son is back, I have seen my mother!"

"Get up." Princess Nankang leaned over and patted Huan Rong on the shoulder, "Is this trip going well?"

"Go back to Mom, everything is fine."

Huan Rong insisted on finishing the salute before sitting upright.

Yuan Feng and Huan Wei and Huan Xuan went up to salute, and then sat quietly aside.Yuan Feng's face was a little excited, and the two four-headed bodies opened their eyes wide, watching Huan Rong without blinking.

"Azi lost weight." Princess Nankang looked at Huan Rong with a bit of distress, "It's freezing cold, so I went to Chang'an at the coldest time."

Huan Rong smiled.

"Grandmother, my son is fine. There are doctors accompanying me along the way, and there are also medicinal materials prepared by my mother and auntie." Speaking of this, Huan Rong's smile deepened, "These medicinal materials transported to the Northland are really useful. "

"I know." Princess Nankang said, "I'll change people if I can't run out, right?"

"It turns out that mother already knows." Huan Rong pretended to be bitter, "I want to be smart again."

"You."

Princess Nankang shook her head and laughed, Madam Li also curled her red lips, and said: "Sister, I just came back, I have something to say later, let me wash and rest first."

"Yes." Princess Nankang said, "Even though it's March, the sky is still a bit cold. Azi, please rest well, and we can wait until tomorrow to talk about the rest."

"Grandma, I'm not tired." Huan Rong said with a smile, "On the way back to the city, I hunted two wolves with my own hands, and the wolf skins have already been brought back, and they are used as mattresses for Grandma and Auntie."

"Lang Jun hunted it by himself?" Mrs. Li was surprised, which immediately turned into a smile of approval, "Lang Jun is brave."

Hearing this, Yuan Feng couldn't hold back anymore, and said, "Brother."

Huan Rong turned his head, smiled and patted him on the shoulder, seeming to be able to guess his mind, and said in his mouth; "Don't worry, brother, learn how to ride and shoot first, not to mention two wolves, even tigers and leopards can hunt have to."

Yuan Feng nodded vigorously, feeling a burst of excitement in his heart.

"Brother Wen went to the Northern Expedition with the army for the first time, and he captured Xianbei Zhongshan King alive on the battlefield and made great military exploits. Feng Ding studied the art of war diligently, practiced martial arts diligently, and lived up to his brother's teachings!"

"Okay." Huan Rong nodded with a smile, but turned his head but blushed.

It is true that Murong Chong was captured alive, but it was mostly luck.Outsiders don't know how it is mentioned, but when children say it face to face, they still have such adoring eyes and tone, and they always feel a little hot in the ears.

After coughing twice, Huan Rong changed the topic, and ordered someone to carry several wooden boxes, which contained wolf skins for Princess Nankang and Mrs. Li, and jewels and jades he brought back from Chang'an.

"Mum, these are Fu Jian's private possessions."

Huan Rong took out two boxes of pearls, both the size of longan.There are also three boxes of colored treasures, as well as polished tourmaline and amber, which are laid out one by one.

In addition, there are three exquisite short blades, the shape of the handle is very distinctive, and the pattern is very simple.It is not suitable for adults, and Yuan Feng just took advantage of it.

"These are gold hairpins for my mother and aunt."

Huan Rong took out several boxes of colored treasures and said, "If Mom and Auntie like it, they can throw it away and play with it, and listen to it."

Princess Nankang was picking up an amber when she heard this and laughed on the spot.Mrs. Li was also trembling with laughter.

When Murong saw the two boxes of colored treasures in front of him, he didn't expect Huan Rong to remember him.Hearing these words while being surprised, he couldn't help sighing in his heart, and said, "Your Highness, it's rare in the world for the Duke to be so filial."

Princess Nankang nodded with a smile, and said, "Listen, thank you for being able to figure it out."

"As long as Grandma is happy, why not?" Huan Rong continued, "I will use colored treasures and corals to pave the ground for Grandma if I am happy to open up trade routes in the Western Regions."

"The more you talk, the more outrageous it becomes." Princess Nankang shook her head.Saying this on the mouth, the smile on the face has never diminished.

When the mother and son were talking, Yuan Feng was picking up the short dagger, feeling the weight in his hand, and rubbing the bronze handle, he couldn't put it down very much.

"Brother, did you get this from Chang'an?"

"Yes." Huan Rong turned his head and saw Huan Wei and Huan Xuan throwing away the wooden horse, one on each side, surrounded Yuan Feng curiously, and took out two daggers from the box.

They were also made of bronze, but these two were not sharpened. Compared with the ones in Yuan Feng's hands, they were more like toys through and through.

Using a dagger as a toy may be unimaginable in future generations, but it is really normal now, especially among the Hu tribe.

"Mr. Xie Jun."

Murong thanked Huan Xuan and Huan Wei on behalf of Huan Xuan and Huan Wei.

The two four-headed slapped their big eyes a few times, and said at the same time: "Thank you brother."

After the words fell, they rushed forward at the same time, each hugging Huan Rong's leg.

Huan Rong looked down, and then turned to look at his mother. Princess Nankang waved at him, meaning that she could figure it out.

Helpless, Huan Rong hugged Huan Wei, Huan Xuan pursed his lips and was about to speak when Yuan Feng patted him from behind.

The young man's voice was crisp, but his tone was very serious: "Have you forgotten all the etiquette and rules? My brother is tired from the journey and just returned home. Don't make trouble! If you dare to disturb my brother, you are not allowed to ride a pony for two days!"

This "threat" was extremely effective, Huan Xuan sat down immediately, and Huan Wei stopped pestering Huan Rong.

Looking at the majestic young boy and the honest four-headed body, Huan Rong inexplicably thought of Huan Si who was far away in Jiangzhou.Undoubtedly, Ah Feng and Gong Zu have a lot in common.

Knowing that Huan Rong must have something to say to Princess Nankang in private, Murong got up to leave and took Huan Xuan and Huan Wei with him.Yuan Feng saluted, said he wanted to practice riding and shooting, then got up and left.

Mrs. Li said with a smile, when Huan Rong returns today, he needs to host a banquet to welcome him, so he must prepare carefully.

"Leave the matter to me. My sister will just talk to my husband."

After the words fell, Mrs. Li left the inner room, and a gust of fragrant wind went away.

When only the mother and son were left, Huan Rong took a sip of tea soup to moisten his dry throat, and said that he got the bronze tripod from Chang'an and reached a contract with the Qin family to take charge of Guzang and other matters in the future.

"Bronze cauldron?" Princess Nankang's complexion changed slightly, and she said in a deep voice, "Who else knows about this?"

"Zhong Sheren and the two Sima." Huan Rong said solemnly, "Mother, don't worry, it will not be known to outsiders."

"That's good." Princess Nankang heaved a sigh of relief, "This matter is no small matter, so be careful."

"promise!"

"In the first month of the first month, Jiankang was full of excitement. Now that Wang Wendu is seriously ill, there may be an accident in Taiyuan Wang's family. There are many rumors in Jiankang, the situation is unstable, and people's hearts are even more chaotic. Your uncle is going to give up Yangzhou Mu again. , the Langya Wang family and the Chen Jun Xie family will be involved."

"Mom, since uncle made this intention, he must have thought it through carefully." Huan Rong said seriously.

"I know." Princess Nankang nodded, "It's just that these high-ranking trees have deep roots and cannot be easily shaken. How has the Jin family been these years? In the future...you may be in trouble."

The unfinished meaning of the words was to remind Huan Rong that if he took the position of the Sima clan, he would also have to face Wang Xie's family when he ascended the throne in the future.At that time, the cooperation between the two sides will definitely not exist, and they will even directly become enemies.

"I have already thought about my mother's worries. There are no absolutes in the world. No matter how difficult the puzzle is, as long as you work hard, you can always come up with the answer."

"How to say?" Princess Nankang showed doubts.

Huan Rong smiled and didn't speak, but picked up the bamboo chopsticks, picked up a piece of fried cake, cut it in two, and put it on the side of the lacquered plate.Then, pick up two fried cakes and put them on the other side.

Princess Nankang furrowed her brows deeply, and she suddenly understood for a moment.

"Grandmother, if there is only one piece of fried cake, if several people want to share it, there must be a dispute for uneven distribution. If the number of fried cakes is increased to two or more, each person will not get a small piece, but A large piece or even more, of course there will be disputes, but it will not hurt the fundamentals."

"Ah Zi, have you ever thought about the lack of people's hearts?" Princess Nankang sighed.

"I know." Huan Rong smiled and nodded, but the smile didn't reach his eyes, "If you want to get benefits, you have to pay a certain price."

With limited territory, disputes are inevitable in order to consolidate and expand one's own interests.

What if the territory is expanded?

The Central Plains, the Western Regions, and even the Far West are the keys to resolving conflicts.The above is not enough, you can also visit Tianzhu in the south and Tuyuhun in the west.If you can't get enough to eat, then set sail to find a new continent.

The lack of people's hearts is indeed a good statement, but now it is no different from later generations, war is the norm, and the territory of the Eastern Jin Dynasty is really not big, there is enough room for expansion.

Once you taste the benefits, you are like a shark that tastes blood, and you can never turn around and become a vegetarian.

There are certain risks in doing so, but, unlike the Sima family, Huan Rong has the army in his hands, the east and west trade routes, and more importantly, the new technology!

The plan is still rough and needs to be further improved.

For now, it is necessary to draw the attention and energy of the Wang Xie clan to the Western Regions, so that they are no longer limited to their own one-acre three-point land, and stop talking all day long. It is best to turn from Laozhuang to Han Fei, and from Fengya Turning to Iron Blood, from a weak lamb in the eyes of barbarians to a fierce predator.

This is the first step, and the most important one.

With a new goal, Huan Rong will be able to slowly disintegrate and disintegrate, and then hold on to power by making everyone look away.As for whether his neighbors will be harmed, whether life will be difficult, whether he will be denounced as cruel and heartless by later generations, he doesn't care at all.

People are boiled in water, tigers and leopards are torn apart, and all beasts retreat, so the reputation of later generations is nothing.