Chapter 176: Loyalty

After Pang Tong was indeed the first choice to block the second batch of Liang, Gao Chong solemnly invited Pang Tong to discuss in detail, expanding from the future idea of ​​fighting over the Central Plains to the key points of the entire battle situation. While comprehensively analyzing the pros and cons of his own side and Cao Cao's side, Gao Chong directly and clearly informed Pang Tong of the purpose and significance of this decisive battle against Xiliang.

In fact, Gao Chong doesn’t have to spend too much time on the verge of words. With Pang Tong’s eyesight and talent, he also saw the key to breaking the deadlock lies in the death and life of the chess tendons hanging alone in the northwest.

If born, you can revitalize the overall situation and play a huge role in blocking the enemy and restraining Cao Cao.

If you die, you can only fight Cao Cao head-on, such a variable is too great.

In the winter of the twelfth lunar month of the sixth year of Jian'an, Pang Tong took off his original task of recruiting talents from Jingxiang and immediately began to select capable officials to go with him. This task is equally arduous. Although the mediocre people cannot be ranked, those who are capable may not be willing to leave the wealthy Jingxiang and go to the barren land of Xiliang, which is full of wind and sand.

Comfort is the breeding ground for lazy people, and suffering is the ladder for those who are determined.

At this point, young people have fewer concerns and more passion than older people. After Gao Chong issued a notice to support Liangzhou, the students from Tianwei Academy were the most courageous to sign up.

This institution, founded when Yuzhang first started, has become more large in recent years with the continuous expansion of Gao Chong's power. On the basis of insisting on the original taxi and not changing the admission ratio, the content of the subject has also been greatly enriched to adapt to the scientific examination. Encouraged by the policy of "learning martial arts as a battle, and learning literature to promote the country", the students who graduated from here have more practical and pioneering spirit than their parents, and they will undoubtedly become pillars of Jiangdong.

In the end, among the five hundred carefully selected people to go to Xiliang, 351 were from Tianwei Academy, and the other 149 were also reserve officials selected from each county and county, forming the second batch of main forces to enter Liang. Gao Chong was both satisfied and worried about such a result. Young means moving forward bravely and resolutely; young also means having to bear possible failures and paying a mature price.

What surprised Gao Chong was that two familiar names appeared among the five hundred people: Lu Ji and Zhang Wen. Lu Lang, who was pregnant with orange back then, is now a beautiful young man on his fifteenth year. Under Gao Chong's instruction, Lu Ji entered Tianwei Academy to specialize in literature and history. He was already familiar with all kinds of documents and bamboo slips. After being trained by Princess Wu, Zhang Wen's ability to work has also made considerable progress.

Before leaving, a sudden winter snow wrapped the post road outside Xiangyang City in silver, which was particularly charming. On the branches decorated with silver flowers, perhaps the snow that had just melted fell down one drop or two drops, turning into crystal clear pieces.

"Squeak-Squeak!" The steps were on it, and the coldness surged through the soles of the boots. The sudden drop of weather made many self-sustaining young and strong students who were not wearing much clothes stamped their feet.

Gao Chong was patrolling the team. While he untied the cloak that was draped on his body and covered a young boy beside him, he smiled and said, "This heavy snow is really time. Before you reach Liangzhou, you have felt the bad weather in the northwest in advance. This is welcoming everyone! When you really arrive in Liangzhou, you will have greater difficulties waiting in front. Now, tell me, can you persevere?"

"Yes!" A pair of hot and young eyes followed Gao Chong's figure, Pampered handsome. In the eyes of these Jiangdong students, these two words were no longer just a person, but a god.

"Okay----I have a word to tell you before leaving that you have no failure, because young means you have the opportunity to come back. When you encounter difficulties, you must remember that failure is not scary. The terrible thing is that you can't get up after failure. Today you can bravely stand up and sign up for Xiliang. You are already proud of your decision. When everyone returns here again in the future, you will become heroes that everyone admires." Gao Chong's voice was excited and surging, with a temptation that cannot be escaped.

Heroes———a dream that will never be destroyed in every man’s heart.

Many people will pay the price of their lives for this dream, but they will never regret it until death.

Bury your bones by the green mountains and return to your hometown. When the passionate ideals are stirred in your heart, and when the desire to make achievements occupies all your body and mind, everything is no longer important.

At this moment, looking at these warriors who were about to go to Xiliang, Gao Chong's heart was also ups and downs. Once upon a time, his young self was writing his own legend with youth and blood, just like these warriors who were determined to do so. Today, looking at them, Gao Chong seemed to see his former self.

These young students have received systematic concept education and solid writing skills. Putting them on a broad and severe battlefield to exercise is conducive to their growth.

In the spring of the first month of the seventh year of Jian'an, the bell on New Year's Eve had just been ringing, and the Lantern Festival was ushered in the blink of an eye.

"Fire trees and silver flowers are connected, and the iron locks of the star bridge are opened; dark dust follows the horse, and the bright moon comes to the crowd." For the people of Jinling who live in a stable and peaceful environment, this is a year worth celebrating.

Under the governance of Lusu, Jiangdong finally embarked on the road of prosperity and strength. This was the result of the hard work of Lusu, Gu Yong and other Jiangdong officials. Gao Chong did not dare to make a contribution. Even when the people in the city welcomed him back to Jiangdong, Gao Chong felt that he was not content with complacent, but was ashamed.

In recent years, in order to support the continuous attack on Jing, the seven counties in Jiangdong, as the rear, have shouldered the heavy responsibility of supplying food and supplies. If there was not a stable supply line, it would be debated that Gao Chong would quickly occupy Jingxiang.

On the first day of the Lunar New Year, early in the morning.

Gao Chong, who woke up after a night of fatigue, moved his sore muscles and bones all over his body. Over the years, the battles in the military have looked glorious, but only one person can understand the taste of it. The life of being separated from his wife and children is hidden behind the scenery, leaving behind a series of guilt.

Now, it is difficult to have few wars. As a husband and father, Gao Chong’s obligations need to be fulfilled are no less relaxed than on the battlefield.

Musa fell asleep sweetly with her eyes closed. Such days were too long for her. Last night, when it was lingering and burning, Musa told her secret in Gao Chong's ear - Hongzhuang beat the drum and fought with her husband.

The great roc spread its wings for 30,000 miles, the wind and moon of the mountains; the horses return several times on the battlefield, and the iron-blooded songs are sing.

A man's perseverance and courage can only be fully reflected on the battlefield. For Musa, it has been a long time since he saw Gao Chong's domineering arrogance that no one else can dominate me.

"Hao——, Adu!" A low and timid childish voice rang in Gao Chong's ears.

Gao Chong looked down and saw a two-three-year-old girl wearing a lilac embroidered silk shirt and green small waist pants staring at herself innocently. She tied an orange scarf around her neck. The cold wind blew it slightly across the girl's temples, making people feel infinite pity.

"Little Guy, hug!" Gao Chong hugged the girl vigorously, raised her high above her head, and then gently placed her neck. This girl was Qingyue, the baby girl who Gao Chong regarded as the pearl in his hand.

The little guy rarely saw Gao Chong, and he was always a little timid. When he shouted, his father's pronunciation was a little inaccurate, but in Gao Chong's eyes, these were nothing. His whole body and mind were filled with Qingyue's voice Adu.

If you are not a father, you don’t know what your father means, but you have become a father, you will know that it is sweet.

Even an invincible hero can't stand scolding in front of his children. At this point, perhaps to make up for his previous shortcomings, Gao Chong's attitude towards Qingyue is almost the same as spoiling. Of course, if Qingyue is a boy, Gao Chong might not have loved him so much. Gao Chong thought that a man's mission is to go to battle to kill the enemy and protect his family. Too much pampering will only harm him, while girls are different. Embroidery and makeup windows, women should be loved by water. After all, there are very few women with unique and strong sex like Musa.

At this time, the personal servant rubbed his sleepy eyes and rushed over to report: "People handsome, Lu Xiang asks for a meeting!"

"Please!" Gao Chong agreed while putting down Qingyue who was pressing on his head.

In the front hall, Prime Minister Lu Su was waiting there early, and beside him, a military general with armor was also standing there.

"What's the point of Zijing coming so early? Isn't this Captain He?" Gao Chong asked.

The general standing behind Lu Su was nothing but the Pingdong Camp Commander He Qi and the Shanyin clan of He Qi, Kuaiji, have been leading his troops in the Jian'an, Hanxing, Nanping and Dongyang areas in the south. As a general of the army, he would not be allowed to leave the troops without the orders from above. This time, He Qi came to Jinling, must have something important to do.

Lu Su said: "Pampered by the handsome guy, Huang Gaicheng is captured!"

"Zijing, what did you say?" Gao Chong was shocked and asked anxiously.

Huang Gai was one of the four tiger generals that Sun Jian relied on when he was alive, and he was the only one who had the fruits to survive. Among the other three, Zu Mao was killed in the battle of Yangren, Han Dang died in the fierce battle of Qu A, and Cheng Pu also died in the chaotic army in the bitter battle of Shenting, which was related to life and death. After Sun Quan floated on the sea with a group of confidants, Huang Gai continued to lead the remaining soldiers to resist tenaciously in the mountains in the Dongyang area.

Capturing Huang Gai means that the remnants of Sun's family have been uprooted, which means that Gao Chong no longer has to worry about the riots from the rear affecting the stability of Jiangdong, and it will also be of great help to Gao Chong implement the next strategy.

"Huang Gai fell into the trap of luring the enemy set up by General He in the Qixi River in Dongyang. After failing to break through, Huang Gai tried to kill himself, but was stopped by our soldiers and captured." Lu Su said.

A surprise flashed across He Qi's face. It was not easy to get the praise of Lu Su. With just one word from him, He Qi's status in front of Gao Chong can be improved by several levels.

He Qi thought for a while and added: "It was Jiang Qin, the thief, who was discussing the plan with me. He first pretended to be angry and not being valued, so he joined Huang Gai's team. Then we worked inside and outside to successfully lure Huang Gai to the Qixi River ambush circle. The battle process was quite perfect. All 175 people in Huang Gai's troops were wiped out, and none of them missed the net. Huang Gai himself was caught by Jiang Gei himself."

Jiang Qin, this name is not unfamiliar to Gao Chong. He was from Shouchun, Jiujiang County. He was a thief in Jiang like Zhou Tai in his early years, but he defected to Sun Ce to serve. In the battle of crossing the river in Danglikou, Jiang Qin, as Han Dang's deputy general, escaped from the battlefield by chance. Later, after Sun Quan escaped, Jiang Qin led his troops to surrender.

Since surrendered at the latest, and Gao Chong was somewhat resentful about Zhou Tai, Jiang Qin did not receive any respects like Lu Fan, Ling Cao and other surrendered generals after surrendering. He was first arranged to be under Zhu Huan's command, and after Zhu Huan's army was transferred to the west, he was assigned to He Qi's tent. He Qi's army was always responsible for fighting against Huang Gai, who was entrenched in the Dongyang area. Therefore, if Jiang Qin wanted to prove his ability, he could only face his former colleagues.

As a colleague from the past and today, He Qi and Jiang Qin had a good relationship. Now that he has made contributions, he naturally shares them together. However, the word "love" in the credit has been erased by ruthlessness.

Gao Chong nodded to He Qi with approval and said, "Your Maowen has made contributions to the fight against the thief and should be rewarded. The rest of the people will also be awarded the honors. Zi Jing will prepare the specific matters later. Where is Huang Gai being held now?"

He Qi said: "Since the capture, I have been escorting all the way. I arrived in Jinling City yesterday evening. Now I am being held in the prison of the government office as a retaliatory criminal."

"Okay, Zijing, Gongmiao, you two lead the way. I will go and meet Huang Gongfu immediately." Gao Chong said in a deep voice.

In prison.

Huang Gai, who was originally very handsome, has become quite old due to his long-term detention. His beard was all white after fifty. It can be seen that the battles he has been stuck in the mountains over the years have made him exhausted.

"Public rebuttal, the coach is here to see you!" He Qi said, signaling the guards to open the prison door.

Huang Gai sat on the wet and cold ground. When he heard He Qi's call, he angrily raised his eyes and shouted: "The thief who is carrying the Lord, how can my name be said by your dirty mouth!"

He Qi was scolded by Huang Gai, and his face turned red, so he couldn't hold back. In fact, He Qi's surrender was also forced. At that time, Sun troops from all walks of life were defeated. Under the advance of Li Tong, if He Qi did not surrender, he would have to die. But in Huang Gai, who could not tolerate any sand, it was natural to die for the Lord. Like Zhou Tai, Cheng Pu, and Han Dang who died in the battlefield in battle, they were heroes worthy of respect, and all those who surrendered and favored were despicable villains.

"Huang Gai, Sun Quan has been missing for three years. What's the benefit of you resisting with your own strength?" Gao Chong said.

After hearing this, Huang Gai slowly turned around, spit out a mouthful of thick phlegm at Gao Chong's "puff", and sneered: "People, I just wish I could not eat your bones in this life and suck your marrow. I want me to give up resisting, go dreaming!"

"Huang Gai, you are already a trapped beast in a cage, and you are still so stubborn, aren't you afraid of beheading?" Gao Chong said angrily when he saw Huang Gai so pedantic.

Huang Gai laughed loudly, raised his hands with iron chains above his head, and said, "Behead, have you wanted this head of Huang long ago? If you are afraid of death, do you still have to work hard to mobilize others like this?"

"Huang Gai, there is an old saying that those who know the real thing are heroes--!" Lu Su advised.

"Stop talking, Lu Su, if you say something more, I will scold you!" Huang Gai stared at Lu Su without hesitation.

Seeing Huang Gai's arrogant look, Gao Chong suddenly laughed. His laughter was full of disdain, pride, catch and confidence.

"What are you laughing at?" Huang Gai said angrily.

Gao Chong replied: "I laughed at you, talking about loyalty and righteousness, but what I did was so ruthless."

"Where have I ever done something ruthless?" Huang Gai retorted.

Gao Chong sneered: "Well, Huang Gai, you think that raising the flag to resist is loyal to the Sun family and doing their duty, but have you ever thought that those who follow you have to leave their families because of you have to endure hardships and endure hardships. They are also flesh and blood people, and they also have the right to choose their own lives. You are for your own selfishness, and your temporary foolishness even makes them lose their lives. Aren't what you do ruthless and unrighteous?"

"You're talking nonsense, they are all my old subordinates of many years, and they all volunteered to follow me!" Huang Gai defended loudly. Although his tone was still tough, Gao Chong knew that Huang Gai's confidence had begun to shake.

"Okay, if you don't believe it, we can ask the captured soldiers now and hear what they answer?" Gao Chong said confidently, then turned around and walked towards the prison cell on the side, where the captured soldiers were locked up with Huang Gai.

A pair of eyes longing for survival projected from the wooden fence of the cell. On their hungry and panic-like faces, Gao Chong saw that behind the despair and helplessness, his desire for life was faintly revealed.

"Do you want to live happily like the people outside from now on!" Gao Chong shouted to them.

"Think—!" Almost before Gao Chong could finish his words, a series of loud shouts were heard in the prison cell. The shouts were so exhausted and so confused that everyone who heard them felt cold.

"So if I let you out, will you take up your weapons to resist the government?" Gao Chong said again.

"Pamper your handsome guy, if we are stubborn, we will not be human. At that time, you will kill our whole family!" A thick and tall man answered loudly.

Huang Gai closed his eyes in pain. He was very familiar with this man. He once followed him all the way from Changsha to Luoyang, and from Luoyang to Jiangdong. He has been loyal over the years, but today--.

"Great, open the prison door and let them all go home and reunite!" Gao Chong ordered.

Hearing this sound, the cell suddenly revealed a deafening cheer, "People-super-super-super-super-super-super-super-super-super-super-super-super-super-super-super-super-super-super-super-super-super-super-super-super-super-super-super-super-super-super-super-super-super-super-super-super-super-super-super-super-super-super-super-super-super-super-super-super-super-super-super-super-super-super-super-super-super-super-

Sometimes, it is not just intimidation that can work, and proper forgiveness may achieve better results.

"Huang Gai, have you seen it all? Have you heard it all? Why don't you dare to open your eyes and take a look at all this!" Gao Chong suddenly shouted at Huang Gai. At this time, Huang Gai's snow-white beard stood up under his jaw. He closed his eyes tightly, his body trembled for a moment, and then a trace of blood was overflowing from the corner of his mouth.

After a long time, Huang Gaifang slowly opened his eyes and said with difficulty: "I was wrong. I'm sorry to them. Now, they all have a good home. I have no choice but to miss this life. If—, if possible, please take care of my family!"

"They all chose to live, why did you choose to die?" Gao Chong stared at Huang Gai.

Huang Gai smiled sadly and said, "My division is against you because of me. You let them go because they will no longer pose a threat to you. On the contrary, they will be grateful to you. They will promote your noble character of high favor, benevolence, righteousness and magnanimity everywhere. I am different. If you don't kill me, I will continue to resist. Only by killing me can you eliminate future troubles forever!"

Gao Chong asked, "Do you really want to die so much?"

Huang Gai said in a deep voice: "Mr. Wentai is no longer here. Darong (Zu Mao's name), Demou and Yi Gong have all followed him. If I don't go again, they will blame me."
To be continued...