Zhang Shicheng was respectful to the wise and humble, and was very generous to his followers. He often gave them luxurious houses and carriages, and many famous people in Jiangsu and Zhejiang came to him.
After Zhu Yuanzhang had a brain seizure, the famous scholars who had originally looked down on Zhang Shicheng for his salt merchant background also discovered that Zhang Shicheng was a wise leader.
The Yuan Dynasty rulers disliked the fact that some scholars from the Central Plains boasted about poetry and songs, yet were completely clueless about the art of governing the country. The imperial examination system, experimentally implemented during the reign of Emperor Taizong and formally established during the reign of Emperor Renzong, eliminated poetry and songs and focused on studying the classics. Poets and lyricists, deprived of their official careers, turned to writing to express their discontent.
Therefore, although there were many Confucian scholars serving as officials in the Yuan Dynasty, there were also those who were good at poetry and songs but did not understand the worldly affairs. They had free time and were good at speaking and writing. They expressed many complaints about "Confucian scholars being worse than prostitutes" in their works, which made many people in later generations believe them to be true.
Zhang Shicheng himself lacked literary talent, but he was highly skilled in poetry and song. Suzhou and Hangzhou were thriving with brothels and prostitutes, home to renowned courtesans and courtesans. Talented men and beautiful women exchanged poems, creating a scene of prosperity and prosperity under Zhang Shicheng's rule.
Zhang Shicheng was flattered and really thought he was a benevolent and wise ruler unparalleled in the world.
Originally, he had only supported this group of people with high positions and generous salaries, and he did not often consult them for advice. Now, whenever he held a major military meeting, he would call all the wise men to the table and humbly ask for their advice.
The wise men admired Zhang Shicheng even more, and even wrote poems to defend Zhang Shicheng's surrender to the Yuan Dynasty.
In the Battle of Gaoyou, Zhang Shicheng fought to the death and refused to surrender. Now that Zhang Shicheng is even more powerful, he accepted the Yuan Dynasty's offer of amnesty, obviously not for his own sake.
He must have done this to prevent the people in western Zhejiang from suffering from the ravages of war. He must have bided his time and recuperated in order to plan for the overall situation in the Plains. He must have been unable to bear to see the people of Yuan Dadu fall into famine, so he sent food to Yuan Dadu!
After reading the poems praising his achievements, Zhang Shicheng touched his newly grown scholar's goatee and nodded seriously.
Yes, that's right.
Therefore, he cared even more for this group of talented people under him, and his love for them was second only to his arrogant, licentious and greedy brother Zhang Shixin and son-in-law Pan Yuanshao.
Zhang Shicheng and his wise men and ministers got along well with each other, like dragons in clouds and fish in water, a perfect match for a wise ruler and virtuous ministers.
However, although Zhang Shicheng likes to be praised, he is not stupid.
Poets and writers could only entertain themselves during ordinary banquets, and the literati that Zhang Shicheng valued were mainly former officials of the Yuan Dynasty.
Shi Er was one of Zhang Shicheng's most trusted literati.
Shi Er was a Jinshi (Jinshi) in the Yuan Dynasty. He had served as a local official before resigning and retiring. When Zhang Shicheng rebelled against the Yuan Dynasty, he personally invited Shi Er to serve as his military advisor.
Although Shi Er was in charge of logistics and only offered advice, unlike Li Shanchang who was busy with all matters, working overtime while others celebrated the Lantern Festival, Zhang Shicheng's literati all believed that Shi Er's status in Zhang Shicheng was the same as Li Shanchang's in Zhu Yuanzhang.
Shi Er's status in Zhang Shicheng's heart is indeed higher than that of ordinary people.
Zhang Shicheng usually accepted advice with an open mind, but after asking, he would still do what he wanted. However, he would still consider what Shi Er said.
Zhang Shicheng, who had completely abandoned the narrow-sleeved short shirt worn by military commanders in favor of a wide-sleeved long robe, and whose demeanor and speech resembled those of a scholar, stroked his goatee and said, "A few years ago, I fought a few battles with Zhu Yuanzhang and suffered some minor losses. Can't I really send troops this time to seize the land of eastern Zhejiang?"
Zhang Shicheng and his brother Zhang Shixin had the same idea: eastern Zhejiang was rich, and he was greedy.
Shi Er had followed Zhang Shicheng for a long time. Unlike other newly arrived celebrities, he was not deceived by Zhang Shicheng's courtesy and humility. He knew that Zhang Shicheng was a greedy and short-sighted person.
He didn't say anything big, but walked directly to Zhang Shicheng and pointed at the map, saying, "My lord, your territory is vast, stretching from Jinan in the north to Shaoxing in the south and running all the way to Runan in the west. Even Zhu Yuanzhang's hometown, Haozhou, is in your hands."
Zhu Yuanzhang occupied eastern Zhejiang, while Zhang Shicheng occupied western Zhejiang. At this time, eastern and western Zhejiang were not geographical concepts, but administrative divisions in the Song Dynasty, the abbreviations of Liangzhe East Road and Liangzhe West Road.
Geographically, western Zhejiang includes northern Zhejiang and southern Jiangsu, and the entire estuary of the Yangtze River Delta is under the control of Zhang Shicheng. It not only has a vast area, but also the largest population and property.
Zhang Shicheng not only controlled western Zhejiang and part of Huaixi, but also most of the territory of Huainan East Road and South Road. So now Zhang Shicheng was completely the most powerful force east of the Yangtze River.
As Shi Er drew on the map, Zhang Shicheng nodded reservedly, feeling extremely proud.
Shi Er added, "South of the Yangtze River, Fang Guozhen and Chen Youding lack ambition and are only concerned with defending themselves. Although Zhu Yuanzhang appointed himself Minister of Fujian Province, he only controls a few small ports in Jianning Road and part of Fujian's rugged mountainous areas. He is not a major power."
Zhang Shicheng nodded continuously.
Shi Er drew a line south of the Yangtze River: "Chen Youliang betrayed his master and established himself, annexing Xu Shouhui's former territory. He has become the most powerful force south of the Yangtze River."
Zhang Shicheng narrowed his eyes and said, "Mr. Shi's point is that Zhu Yuanzhang has little territory, and even his hometown has been occupied by me. He has also made many stupid decisions, and his generals, civil officials, and civilians have all betrayed him. He is not to be feared. However, Chen Youliang is a formidable opponent, and we must not allow him to gain power."
Shi Er breathed a sigh of relief. "My lord, you understand. That's great."
"Indeed," Shi Er said, "the chaotic times at the end of the Yuan Dynasty are reminiscent of the Spring and Autumn Period, with warlords vying for supremacy. Chen Youliang is a fierce and cunning hero, and I'm afraid he will be our lord's greatest enemy in his quest for dominance in the Central Plains."
Zhang Shicheng stroked his goatee again and said, "So Mr. Shi is saying that I should help Zhu Yuanzhang fight Chen Youliang?"
Shi Er's ears suddenly started buzzing.
He really wanted to pick up the inkstone on the table and slap Zhang Shicheng on the head.
I told you not to help Chen Youliang, but you're helping Zhu Yuanzhang? Are you just one-track-minded?!
Shi Er suppressed his anger and contempt and said, "My lord, you should not help either side, but sit back and watch the fight between Zhu Yuanzhang and Chen Youliang, both of whom will suffer heavy losses. My lord, you can accept Chen Youliang's invitation and pretend to attack Zhu Yuanzhang, forcing Zhu Yuanzhang to write to you and ask for peace and cede territory."
Zhang Shicheng tugged at his beard and asked, "What if Zhu Yuanzhang refuses to sue for peace?"
Shi Er said viciously, "Then, my lord, prepare your weapons and wait for the battle between Zhu Yuanzhang and Chen Youliang to become tense. Then, attack them both simultaneously and force them to make a decision! If they return in force, plunder their people and property! If they send envoys to sue for peace, negotiate a bargain with them and capture a fortress or two. Don't push them too hard, and let them continue fighting!"
Zhang Shicheng was still hesitant: "If they are defeated quickly, then our plan will be in vain."
Before Shi Er could say anything, someone spoke up, "Chen Youliang is powerful, and Zhu Yuanzhang is stubborn. This battle should be a close one. If one side wins quickly, it will be due to the right timing and location, not human effort. Every strategy has risks. We are only offering advice to our lord, explaining the pros and cons. Your lord is wise and intelligent, and we dare not make a judgment for him."
Shi Er looked at the person who spoke. The person who interrupted was named Chen Ji.
Chen Ji was a student of the great Confucian scholar Huang Xi. When he traveled to the capital with his teacher, he was granted the position of Jingyan Jiantou directly because of his talent and reputation. That is, he was a grand scholar in the palace, accompanying the emperor in reading and drafting imperial edicts for the emperor.
Because Chen Ji was convicted, he fled to Wuzhong and was asked by Zhang Shicheng to draft documents for him.
Normally, Chen Ji rarely offered suggestions, mostly working silently to polish Zhang Shicheng's writings, completely different from the enterprising Shi Er. Today, he was the first to speak out, which made Shi Er a little confused.
Zhang Shicheng nodded and said, "That's true. Please offer a few more suggestions and I'll take a look at them later."
After Zhang Shicheng said this, a hint of sadness flashed in Shi Er's eyes, and he returned to his seat silently.
The wise men were very happy.
If Shi Er had said everything by himself, what would be the point for them?
Everyone offered their suggestions. Although none of them supported Zhang Shicheng helping Chen Youliang fight Zhu Yuanzhang, they each had their own plans.
Some people, like Shi Er, believe that Zhu Yuanzhang is not to be feared, and that Chen Youliang is too powerful and should not be allowed to become stronger; some people believe that with Zhu Yuanzhang as a barrier to resist the Yuan army, the Yuan court will allow Zhang Shicheng to continue to live in peace; some people believe that only by keeping Zhu Yuanzhang, this idiot, as a control group can Zhang Shicheng quickly win back the hearts of the people... There are different opinions.
Zhang Shicheng was persuaded, but for the sake of his lord's dignity, he said he would make a decision later.
When Shi Er was leaving, he caught up with Chen Ji and invited Chen Ji to ride in the same car.
After he got on the carriage, he asked, "Jingchu, why did you stop me from continuing to offer advice?"
Chen Ji, who had been resting with his eyes closed, opened them and said calmly, "My lord is a stubborn person. If you talk too much or push too hard, he will do the opposite."
Shi Er was speechless. His expression was somewhat dejected.
Chen Ji sighed inwardly and bowed to Shi Er, "Mr. Shi, why are you so concerned about him? Do you really believe what those people say about Zhang Shicheng being a wise leader?"
Shi Er was nearly twenty years older than Chen Ji, but he was known for his straightforward and radical nature. He said, "Jingchu! You are appreciated by the lord! How can you speak of the lord like this in private?"
Chen Ji snorted coldly: "Since you don't like it, then go and tell the lord that I said behind his back that he is not a wise leader and ask the lord to kill me."
After saying that, Chen Ji continued to close his eyes and rest.
Shi Er immediately put away his angry expression: "It's just a joke, don't be angry."
Chen Ji glanced at Shi Er and said nothing.
Shi Er said to himself, "I hope my lord will not covet Zhu Yuanzhang's territory and listen to Chen Youliang's advice. Chen Youliang is a villain. As soon as he defeats Zhu Yuanzhang's army, he will immediately lead his troops to continue their advance eastward. My lord's soldiers have long been greedy for pleasure. Without Zhu Yuanzhang as a shield, I'm afraid they will be defeated soon."
After hearing Shi Er's words, Chen Ji snorted again: "You don't need to say this to me, tell your good disciple. Your good disciple is too active, and I'm afraid it will bring trouble later."
Shi Er said helplessly: "Guan Zhong has ambitions to become king. He has already decided that the Lord is his true master. Even as a teacher, I can do nothing to persuade him."
Upon hearing this, Chen Ji sighed deeply, "I have always hoped that the Lord is the true Lord. But the Lord now... Alas."
Shi Er and Chen Ji were willing to assist Zhang Shicheng because they admired the great hero who kept a million soldiers out of the city walls during the Battle of Gaoyou.
At that time, Zhang Shicheng had nothing, and the Yuan court offered him amnesty many times, but he sternly refused.
He held his ground until the Yuan court was in internal turmoil. He then led the remaining thousand or so soldiers who were still able to fight out of the city to fight, and the Yuan army, which was said to have a million troops, was defeated.
How can this be heroic?! How can it not be heartbreaking?!
The most heartbreaking thing in the world is not the hero’s old age, but the hero’s bent back, lowered head, and turned into a mediocre and hedonistic person.
Whenever Shi Er and Chen Ji saw Zhang Shicheng and a group of literati who flattered him playing with the geishas' feet and performing palm dances, their hearts bled.
But after all, they once deeply admired Zhang Shicheng, so even though they were disappointed, they would still do their best to give him advice, hoping that Zhang Shicheng could return to his original state.
They don’t know how many times they will be disappointed before they become disillusioned with such persistence.
Shi Er's residence arrived first. When the carriage was about to stop, Chen Ji suddenly said, "Mr. Shi, do you really think Zhu Yuanzhang is nothing to be feared as you say?"
Shi Er remained silent.
The carriage stopped, Shi Er lifted the curtain, and said in a barely audible voice: "If Chen Youliang can consume most of his strength in this battle, I will immediately persuade my lord to attack Zhu Yuanzhang."
The carriage started moving again. Chen Ji looked up at the top of the carriage, was in a daze for a while, and smiled bitterly.
…
"Although Zhang Shicheng possesses a vast army and territory, he is like the tangerines sold by a swindler, all show and no substance. His generals have become increasingly arrogant and indulged in pleasure. It is said that when Zhang Shicheng orders them to fight, they demand large sums of money before they will go."
"Zhang Shicheng loved poetry and songs, and he favored scholars who sang his praises with flowery rhetoric, which gradually alienated his former advisers."
"However, Zhang Shicheng had several very capable advisers, such as Chen Ji, Song Jinglian's junior apprentice. But precisely because of these powerful advisers, they would definitely prevent Zhang Shicheng from supporting Chen Youliang."
"Chen Youliang is treacherous. If our lord is destroyed, his army will probably march directly down the river and take western Zhejiang!"
Liu Ji talked about the map and Zhu Yuanzhang nodded continuously.
Song Lian was not very good at marching and fighting, but he understood his fellow apprentice Chen Ji: "With Jingchu's wisdom, he must have seen that Zhang Shicheng's support for Chen Youliang was courting his own destruction."
Wang Xi smiled and bowed, saying, "My lord, I am willing to serve as an envoy to persuade Zhang Shicheng to hold his troops in place."
Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand and said, "I've already sent Yang Xian. Yang Xian is an old acquaintance of Zhang Shicheng. He has been arrested and released by Zhang Shicheng several times. If he goes to persuade him, Zhang Shicheng will not be suspicious."
Wang Xi's smile immediately fell, and he complained, "My lord, when will you give me a chance?"
Zhu Yuanzhang was puzzled and asked, "Zichong, I've never treated you unfairly! Being an envoy is not an easy job. If you're not careful, you could lose your life. What do you want this opportunity for?"
Wang Xi's eyes sparkled as he said, "When I read history books, I admire the envoys of the Han and Tang dynasties the most. I wish to follow the path of my ancestors!"
Zhu Yuanzhang smacked his lips. "No, no, no, my son... I've heard that the envoys from the Han and Tang dynasties, especially those from the Han period, were all incredibly eccentric. They courted death, using their own deaths as an excuse for the Han Dynasty to send troops and destroy their kingdoms. Why are you imitating them, Zi Chong?"
Wang Xi said dissatisfiedly: "My lord, please honor them as true warriors who are ready to die!"
Li Shanchang was trying to absorb the counselors' experience. When he heard Zhu Yuanzhang and Wang Xi chatting nonsense, he quickly interrupted: "Let's get down to business! Stop chatting!"
Zhu Yuanzhang and Wang Xi said in unison: "Oh, okay."
Song Lian held his forehead. Why had his junior brother become so foolish? Was it because he'd been writing letters to Biao'er on behalf of the lord, and had too much private contact with the lord?!
Liu Ji coughed dryly and said, "Has the lord sent someone to lobby?"
Zhu Yuanzhang nodded. "When Chen Youliang proclaimed himself King of Han last December, I sent Yang Xian with him. He has already distributed all the gold and silver he brought with him, and he should be back soon."
Liu Ji was very satisfied: "My lord is wise!"
It was a rare compliment from Liu Ji, and Zhu Yuanzhang actually felt a little embarrassed. He scratched his head and said, "I'm just particularly talented in fighting, hehe."
The corners of Liu Ji's mouth, which had just been raised, immediately drooped.
He was just thinking that his lord was acting like , but the sound of "hehe" almost ruined his thought.
Liu Ji took a deep breath, suppressed his dissatisfaction with Zhu Yuanzhang, and said, "We can't completely rely on Zhang Shicheng not to send troops. My lord, you should send troops to cut off any possible avenues for Chen Youliang and Zhang Shicheng to unite."
Zhu Yuanzhang thought for a while, then pointed at the map and asked, "How about Guangxin Prefecture?"
Liu Ji came forward, gestured carefully in front of the map, and said, "Yes!"
Zhu Yuanzhang said: "Hu Dahai, set out tomorrow and take Guangxin Prefecture directly."
Hu Dahai said: "Yes!"
Although Liu Ji had just joined Zhu Yuanzhang's army, Zhu Yuanzhang trusted him. Zhu Yuanzhang's subordinates trusted Zhu Yuanzhang very much. They trusted whoever Zhu Yuanzhang trusted without any prejudice based on seniority.
What's more, Zhu Yuanzhang finally had a serious adviser under his command. It felt quite fresh to them that the generals were not fighting based on their own talent and intuition.
Zhu Yuanzhang was even more satisfied.
Finally, someone caught on. Unlike Mr. Li, who was a master of logistics, Mr. Li's mind would become tangled if he had to deploy more than three troops.
Everyone has their own expertise. Although Liu Ji was disliked, he was still qualified as a counselor.
Only after Liu Ji set the general direction did Zhang Yi and Ye Chen begin to offer suggestions.
Liu Ji was good at planning the overall situation, and the two of them were good at deducing and calculating specific battles.
Zhu Yuanzhang hesitated for a moment, then gritted his teeth and sent Ye Chen to follow Hu Dahai and offer advice to the army.
The capture of Guangxin Prefecture was a matter of great importance. If Zhang Shicheng lost his mind and insisted on joining forces with Chen Youliang to attack Yingtian, whether Guangxin Prefecture was in Zhu Yuanzhang's hands would almost determine the survival of Yingtian. Even though Zhu Yuanzhang was worried about the blindness of swords and guns in the battlefield and the injury of his few important literary subordinates, he still handed Ye Chen's hands to Hu Dahai with great care.
Hu Dahai's head twitched, and he said, "Marshal, your action is a bit like an old father marrying his daughter."
Zhu Yuanzhang cursed, "You want to be beaten with a military stick, don't you?! Apologize to Jingyuan now!"
Ye Chen smiled nonchalantly and said, "The red candles were lit in the bridal chamber last night, waiting for the dawn to greet my uncle and aunt. After putting on my makeup, I whispered to my husband, 'Are my eyebrows painted deep enough to be fashionable?' General Hu, can I use my new bride?"
Hu Dahai shook off Ye Chen's hand and took a few steps back.
Ye Chen laughed.
Zhu Yuanzhang turned around blankly and looked at his intellectual advisers.
Song Lian suppressed a laugh and said, "This poem is from the Tang Dynasty poet Zhu Qingyu's 'A Recent Examination to Zhang Ji's Water Department'. He compares himself to a bride and recommends himself to the chief examiner, Zhang Ji."
Wang Xi grabbed Hu Dahai and said, "General Hu, you should , 'A Yue woman, newly made up, appears before the mirror, knowing her beauty, yet even more profound. When Qi silk is not enough, a woman is valued; a single song of lotus leaves is worth ten thousand gold.' This is Zhang Ji's reply to Zhu Qingyu. Quick, repeat after me, I'll read a line, you read a line. Don't be a coward."
Hu Dahai's face flushed dark red. He hesitated for a long time before finally pushing Wang Xi away and squatting down with his head in his hands. "You scholars are the ones who have the most fun! I can't do this! I can't! Don't you feel ashamed?!"
The scholars smiled, the trusted generals laughed, and Zhu Yuanzhang couldn't help laughing.
It was obvious that Chen Youliang had his army pressing forward, Zhu Yuanzhang had already put on his armor, and was eating and sleeping in the military camp outside the city. However, the military tent was filled with a happy atmosphere, and it did not seem like a big battle was about to begin.
Only Li Shanchang slammed the table with a stern face: "Be serious, be serious! Let's talk about business! Let's laugh after we finish the business!"
So everyone quieted down again and continued to talk about business.
When the details were finalized and the generals were about to receive their orders and leave, Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly had an idea.
He stopped Kang Maocai, the Yuan general who had surrendered two years earlier, and asked, "I heard that you and Chen Youliang were old friends?"
Kang Maocai was sweating profusely: "Marshal! I have absolutely no second thoughts!"
Zhu Yuanzhang patted his shoulder and said, "I know, I know. Relax. Go write a letter to Chen Youliang, telling him you want to rebel against me, and agree to cooperate with Chen Youliang to jointly plot against Yingtian."
Before Kang Maocai could answer, Liu Ji asked in confusion, "My Lord, your plan is too crude. Will Chen Youliang fall for it?"
Zhu Yuanzhang said, "It's just a letter. If Chen Youliang believes it, that would be the best. Then we won't have to calculate Chen Youliang's marching route, and your strategy of luring the enemy deep into our territory can be used directly. If Chen Youliang doesn't believe it, we won't lose anything. It's just a fool's errand."
Li Shanchang beside him said quietly, "I think Chen Youliang will fall into the trap eight or nine times out of ten."
Liu Ji was puzzled: "Why?" Mr. Li is not good at military strategy, right?
Li Shanchang complained, "You don't know how terrible our Lord's reputation is. The poems and essays that insult him are enough to bury him. So isn't it normal for our generals to betray us?"
Everyone was silent, and then burst into laughter.
Kang Maocai, who was frightened by Zhu Yuanzhang, couldn't help but laugh: "My lord, are you really not afraid that I will rebel against you? Lord Li said that you have a bad reputation outside."
Zhu Yuanzhang smiled and said, "You said that your repeated defeats by me were destiny. I spared your life and you served me like a dog or a horse. You are a good man, and I believe you."
Kang Maocai said happily, "Since you said 'trust me', Marshal, I will write a letter right away! What should I write?"
Zhu Yuanzhang looked at Liu Ji and said, "Bo Wen, please help him write a letter."
Liu Ji smiled and bowed: "Yes, my lord."
After bowing, Liu Ji realized that he was smiling and immediately turned down the corner of his mouth.
How could he laugh because his lord's image was damaged? This is unacceptable!
…
Zhu Yuanzhang left home again, and Chen Biao felt a little uneasy.
Almost all the shops in Yingtianfu City have closed down, and only the Chen family has opened a few shops to ensure basic living.
The people who had fields on the outskirts of the city returned to their huts next to their fields.
They dug cellars, built earthen attics, and patrolled the village in shifts every day with crude weapons in hand.
Zhu Yuanzhang combined the well-field system with his previously established militia system, organizing regular militia drills during the slack season. Soldiers patrolled the streets regularly, and civilians stopped wandering around. The once bustling city of Yingtian became solemn and quiet.
When Chen Biao went to Yangzhou, Yangzhou had already been captured. Although there were still corpses that had not been collected, the overall situation was safe. Chen Biao was used to seeing dead people, so he did not feel uneasy.
The current atmosphere in Yingtian City allowed Chen Biao to intuitively feel for the first time what chaos and war were.
Even though he had the memory of another Chen Biao, he couldn't help but panic.
He rubbed his head. Even if he had the memories of the later Chen Biao, that Chen Biao grew up in a very peaceful country, and might not be as accustomed to the chaotic world as the "six-year-old Chen Biao".
If Chen Biao was only slightly panicked when his father just left home, when Ma Xiuying left, this panic turned into fear.
Chen Youliang marched south in the intercalary fifth month, less than two months after Ma Xiuying gave birth.
Although Ma Xiuying recovered quickly, less than two months was not enough for her to recover. Her two sons were still sick and it was unclear whether they could be raised.
But she decided to leave the children and go to the battlefield.
For the first time, Chen Biao grabbed his mother's sleeve to stop her from leaving home.
Ma Xiuying leaned over and hugged her eldest son, who was sobbing silently with tears in his eyes, and gently stroked his head: "Biao'er, if Yingtian can't be saved, we will have no home. Take good care of the house. Mom will be back soon and bring your father with her."
Chen Biao grabbed the cloth on Ma Xiuying's shoulders, his voice trembling: "Does mother have to go? Even if mother is missing, it doesn't matter. There are so many women who have just helped on the front line. I donated money and supplies to replace mother. I told the Marshal that mother doesn't need to go..."
Ma Xiuying patted her son's head gently. "No, I have to go. It's not the Marshal who asked me to go, it's me who wants to go. I have to go. I want to protect your father, you, and the people of Yingtian City."
Ma Xiuying loosened her embrace, squatted on the ground, and gently wiped Chen Biao's tears: "Biao'er, as long as the Marshal wins, your mother and father will be back immediately; if the Marshal loses, you should ignore your father and mother and run away with your uncle immediately. Whether you go into the mountains or out to sea, don't worry about your parents, and run as far away as possible."
Chen Biao grabbed Ma Xiuying's sleeve tightly and refused to let go.
Ma Xiuying sighed and did not scold Chen Biao. She just gently hugged Chen Biao in her arms again and gently stroked Chen Biao's head.
One, two, three times... Ma Xiuying's legs gradually became numb from squatting.
Chen Biao's small hands slowly let go of Ma Xiuying's sleeves, and hung limply on both sides of his body.
He pushed Ma Xiuying gently, and then asked someone to support Ma Xiuying, whose legs were numb, to stand up.
Chen Biao rubbed his eyes hard until they turned as red as a rabbit's, and the tears finally stopped.
He tried to put on a smile and said, "Don't worry, Mom. I'm very capable. You don't have to worry about anything at home!"
Ma Xiuying nodded, hesitated for a moment, wanted to hug her son again, but finally suppressed her reluctance, turned around and got on the carriage without looking back.
Chen Biao stood at the door for a long time, so long that Chen Chong woke up from his nap and ran around the house looking for his mother and brother.
"Brother! Where is mom?!" Chen Chong rushed towards Chen Biao.
Li Zhen quickly grabbed Chen Chong, fearing that Chen Chong would throw the dazed Chen Biao to the ground and make him fall on his butt.
Chen Biao came back to his senses: "Mom went to help Dad."
Chen Xun was stunned for a moment and whispered, "Mom left again?"
He pursed his lips, hung his head, and stamped his feet angrily: "Humph, go if you want, I don't care!"
Chen Biao took Chen Chong's hand and said, "Chong'er, Chen Youliang wants to attack Yingtian. Do you understand what this means?"
Chen Chong pursed his lips: "Hmm?"
Chen Biao said, "If Chen Youliang takes Yingtian, my family will have to hide everywhere and we will no longer have a home."
Chen Xun's pouting mouth slowly opened: "Huh?"
Chen Biao took a few deep breaths, his expression finally calming down. "Our father and mother went to fight Chen Youliang. When you grow up a little, you'll know that the world is in chaos right now. There are wars everywhere, and people are dying everywhere. Our parents left us so that we could have a safe home..."
Chen Chong is still young. For a child this young, his parents probably won’t preach to him.
But no matter whether his younger brother could understand or not, Chen Biao would explain the truth to him and treat him as an adult.
Even if my younger brother doesn't understand now, he will eventually understand. Treating my younger brother like an ignorant child and letting him think that his parents have abandoned him is irresponsible to him.
Chen Biao held Chen Xun's hand and explained what his parents were going to do, the dangers they would encounter, and his own sadness and worry when his mother resolutely left despite her poor health...
Chen Chong suddenly stopped: "Brother..."
Chen Biao tilted his head: "Hmm?"
Chen Xun let go of Chen Biao's hand, rushed over and hugged Chen Biao tightly: "Brother! Don't cry! Don't be afraid! I will protect you!"
Chen Biao was stunned.
He blinked and found that he had started crying again without knowing when.
It turns out that sometimes people really don’t even realize that they are crying.
For the first time, Chen Biao felt an urgent desire to do something to end this chaotic world as soon as possible.
…
Ma Xiuying put on leather armor and tied a red scarf on her arm. A strong woman behind her unfolded a flag with two words written on it - "Xiuying".
She took the flag and turned to look at the women carrying the grain: "Let's go!"