Chapter 315 Taking Control of Qiongzhou
Tianshui Lane in Jinzhou Prefecture is extremely lively today.
Dozens of soldiers were wearing military uniforms and badges, looking very majestic. The two people walking in the front were carrying a long plaque about three meters long and one meter wide. On it were four big characters "Home of Gloriousness" written in regular script, with gold edging, making it even more majestic.
As soon as the soldiers entered Tianshui Lane, they were immediately surrounded by the neighbors in the lane. The children also followed the soldiers and imitated the way they walked. Soon, a group of people gathered.
"What's going on? Why are there so many people?"
"Haven't you heard that the Fang family got a plaque for being a glorious family?"
"What's this plaque for? 'Glorious Family'? Oh, now I remember. There was an old man named Zhang whose eldest daughter was a soldier. I think he got one before. It caused a sensation in the whole city at the time. It was said to be even more exciting than the parade of the top scholar!"
"Yes, yes, I was there to watch the fun. I don't know what kind of blessings Old Man Zhang had accumulated in his past life. He only had three daughters and was nearly fifty years old without a son. Who would have thought that the eldest daughter not only earned a plaque for a glorious family, but is said to be the prefect of Qianzhou now! His second daughter is also amazing, she is also serving in the army! Just tell me, in this world, what's the difference between having a son and a daughter? Old Man Zhang has three daughters, but he still has a straight back and lives a very comfortable life!"
"That's right. So no matter the gender, the child still needs to be successful. Otherwise, there's no hope of having a boy or a girl."
"What about this family, the Fang family? Which Fang family?"
"You don't even know about the Fang family? How many Fang families are there in Jinzhou Prefecture? There's the one who used to be in charge of agriculture, and there's also a girl who's in charge of education. Speaking of which, our eldest was once Teacher Fang's student."
"The Fang family!" the man said in a daze. "Is that the Fang family that collaborated with the enemy and sold out their country? The one whose eldest daughter ran away?"
"Didn't you hear what the soldiers said just now? She wasn't collaborating with the enemy, but His Highness sent her there to be a traitor! The soldier just now was saying, 'This girl is incredible! She navigated the enemy camp all by herself and even killed Prince Ming. Incredible, incredible!'"
Someone said smugly, "You're talking about Teacher Fang, right? Oh, I've seen that girl before. She's very polite and pretty. I was wondering if she looked like a collaborator. Maybe she has some hardship. Look, I was right!"
Some people immediately laughed at her for being a hindsight expert.
Such a commotion naturally alarmed several people from the Fang family's main branch.
Today is Saturday, and no one in the Fang family went out. They got nervous whenever they heard any noise outside the door, fearing that someone was coming to cause trouble. Especially today, they could hear loud gongs and drums and a lot of noise from afar, which made the Fang family, who had only one daughter, Fang Ningmo, even more frightened.
Grandmother Fang is old, and now she no longer looks like the dignified and noble lady in Bianjing City. The old lady has killed people, seen blood, and helped grandmother Xu to patrol the streets, so naturally she is more imposing than before.
In addition, the members of the Fang family are all thin-skinned, and now they dare not talk back even when they are scolded. They can only take a detour without saying a word.
When people call them the families of traitors, what can they say in rebuttal?
Who made Fang Ruyu really run away with the people from Qiongzhou?
Even if they have mouths all over their bodies, they cannot explain themselves clearly, and instead cause greater trouble. It is better to keep quiet.
At this moment, she slowly got down from the kang and snorted coldly, with a rather menacing air. "Well, it's only been quiet for a month or two, and these people are causing trouble again? Are they bullying our Fang family because there's no one there?"
After saying that, she groped behind the door, found a machete on her waist, and walked out.
Fang Ningmo was worried that something might happen, so he had no choice but to follow.
The Fang family's main branch has few descendants, with only two daughters. Now one of the daughters is far away in Qiongzhou, and Fang Ningmo is the only one who can support the entire branch, making it even more powerless.
When the grandfather and grandson walked to the door, they realized that something was wrong.
From afar, they saw dozens of ceremonial soldiers playing musical instruments and carrying plaques. Everyone in the alley was pointing and talking. It looked like some family had won a great achievement.
Grandmother Fang finally felt relieved. She grabbed Fang Ningmo's wrist and said, "It wasn't us. The ceremonial guards were here to distribute the plaques, not to cause trouble."
Fang Ningmo finally felt relieved. However, a familiar old lady, upon seeing the two people standing at the Fang family's door, immediately shouted the good news: "Ah, Sister Fang, there is a happy event in your family. It's a great joy!"
A few quick-paced and quick-talking people shouted, "Fang family, great news! Great news! Hurry, hurry, they're giving your family a plaque!"
This shout actually alarmed the old man of the Fang family. Ever since Fang Ruyu left, the grandfather of the Fang family had been bedridden amid the curses of the people. Now his hair was gray, his body was hunched, and he was much thinner than before.
Now he walked out supported by his eldest son and daughter-in-law, frowning slightly as he looked at the team of ceremonial guards that were gradually approaching.
"What happened?"
Fang Ningmo's heart was pounding. He looked closely and saw only the words on the plaque. He gasped, "House of Honor? Who?"
Grandma was also confused. "What is this 'Glorious Home'? Is it the plaque on Old Man Zhang's house a few years ago?"
"Oh, Sister Fang, great joy! Your eldest granddaughter has made great contributions on the front lines, and His Highness has sent someone to present her with a memorial archway."
The neighbors all enthusiastically held the hands of Grandmother Fang. The faces that used to speak harshly to her were now all attentive and fawning, with constant voices of congratulations. Even the children came up to her.
The Fang family members were completely confused about what was going on. Only the leading soldier, upon arriving, gave them a standard military salute and asked, "Excuse me, are you Fang Ruyu's family?"
Everyone in the Fang family looked at each other. Fang Ningmo was at the front. "Yes, what can I do for you?"
"Miss Fang Ruyu performed military service on the front lines. This is the battle report. The Propaganda Department has also issued a notice, informing the thirteen prefectures and one hundred and twenty-one counties of Jinzhou Prefecture. This is the 'Home of Honor' plaque awarded by the Propaganda Department. We can help you hang it up."
The Fang family stood there in shock.
Fang Ruyu? Served on the front lines?
Fang Ningmo's eyes widened. "Are you talking about Fang Ruyu? Could you be mistaken? My sister went to Qiongzhou."
"That's right. You can read the battle report yourself." The man handed the battle report to Fang Ningmo, and everyone immediately came over, even Old Master Fang couldn't help but come forward.
The more everyone in the Fang family watched, the more frightened they became. Then Madam Fang burst into tears, practically beating her chest and sobbing, "This girl, such a big thing happened, and she can still keep her composure!"
Madam Fang was shocked and asked, "Ruyu killed Zhou Heng?"
Old Master Fang looked extremely embarrassed.
Although he had never agreed to let Xu Zhenying work, the young ones were doing well in Jinzhou Prefecture and had a bright future, so Pianfang Ruyu ran away again.
For a moment, Mr. Fang didn't know whether he hoped that Jinzhou Prefecture would be good or bad.
It's not a pleasant feeling to be pointed at and called a "traitor".
But now, the late emperor's only son is dead, which means that the Zhou Dynasty is like a candle in the wind, ready to collapse at any time.
Mr. Fang closed his eyes in despair and almost fell down. Fortunately, Mr. Fang on the side kept supporting him.
"Zhou Heng is dead?" Fang Ningmo was extremely shocked.
Is Zhou Heng really dead?
Just die like that?
A man who had been entrenched in the east for seven or eight years, controlled one side of the lords, and almost shook the foundation of the Great Zhou Dynasty, was killed by Fang Ruyu just like that?
Fang Ningmo's mind was full of questions, as if he wanted to see the whole picture of the matter from the few words in the battle report.
The battle report was not long. Perhaps due to confidentiality issues, many things were explained vaguely, and even the cause of Zhou Heng's death was not explained clearly.
But just based on the fact that Fang Ruyu had been dealing with that damn Zhou Heng in Qiongzhou for half a year, you can tell how dangerous she is this time!
Fang Ningmo felt heartbroken when he thought of Fang Ruyu leaving her hometown and hanging around in front of her enemies day and night, trying to protect herself while trying to find a way to kill Zhou Heng!
That's her sister—
A sister who has never suffered any hardship in her life.
Fang Ningmo felt uncomfortable watching this, but she could only bear it. She just wished Fang Ruyu would come back soon so that she could ask her everything clearly.
So she asked the ceremonial guard, "Since my sister is not a traitor, when will she come back?"
The man shook his head and said, "You may need to ask the secretary for details."
Seeing the expressions of the Fang family members, the neighbors who were watching became anxious.
"Oh, what happened? They say you've done something meritorious, but what kind of merit did you actually do?"
"Why are you in such a hurry? There's a notice. Let's go and see it later."
Those who were curious were eager to get over and read the mysterious war report with the Fang family.
The Fang family's grandmother laughed heartily after seeing this, sweeping away the gloom that had lingered for months. She glared at her neighbors, then spoke to everyone with full energy, "See? My eldest granddaughter is not a traitor! Her going to Qiongzhou was deliberately arranged by His Highness! My granddaughter and His Highness worked together in Qiongzhou, killing hundreds of enemies and even Prince Ming. Now, our people from Jinzhou Prefecture are almost reaching Qiongzhou!"
The people around looked ashamed, but they also knew that the Fang family would probably make a comeback soon, so they could only quickly agree.
"That's right, I've always said that the eldest daughter of the Fang family doesn't seem like someone who would collaborate with the enemy or betray her country! Now she has made great contributions, and I'm afraid she will be even more powerful in the future!"
On the other hand, someone with a sincere personality spoke frankly, "Yes, Miss Fang, this is not our fault. His Highness never told us. We didn't know that Miss Fang was sent to Qiongzhou by His Highness. We were wronged in the past. It's our fault."
Fang Ningmo tugged at his grandmother's sleeve and said to everyone with a smile, "Everyone, His Highness always thinks long-term. Furthermore, my sister is joining the enemy ranks, so her identity must be kept secret. You all share a common hatred for the enemy, proving your kind hearts and your dedication to Jinzhou Prefecture. Our Fang family will not blame you."
Fang Ningmo's words were so beautiful that they made the neighbors who had previously embarrassed and ridiculed them feel a little relieved.
Having said that, just as a broken mirror is difficult to mend, they used to be like enemies, and now they see each other every day, so the Fang family can't help but feel uneasy.
Fang Ningmo, on the other hand, was thinking of more important things. The little girl was now doing things calmly and leisurely, beginning to act like someone in charge of a family. "Dad, Mom, you stay here first. Let's hang up the plaque so that everyone in Jinzhou Prefecture knows that our Fang family is a family of loyal martyrs. If the neighbors come to ask about it, everyone will smile more. Now that my sister has cleared her name, our family members may have to return to work. This is a sensitive period, so everyone should be more careful in what they say and do. I'll go inform my eldest cousin—"
Madam Fang quickly responded, wiping her tears and saying, "Okay, okay, go quickly. We're here. My sister-in-law always resented us, but now that she's cleared of all charges, we can reconcile our two families."
Fang Ruyu responded repeatedly and left quickly amid the congratulations of the crowd.
She ran very fast, but her mind was very clear, and she felt her steps were lighter than ever before.
She thought a lot along the way.
She thought about how Fang Ruyu accepted the task in a critical moment, how she dealt with Zhou Heng, and how she killed Zhou Heng.
Although Zhou Heng was their enemy, Fang Ningmo would still feel terrified if she actually killed her enemy.
She wanted to know everything.
She ran to the door of the second room of the Fang family. She didn't care about anything else now. She walked through the door with dignity. When she faced her second aunt, she no longer felt inferior to her. She even raised her voice a little, "Second aunt, where is my cousin?"
Madam Fang Er naturally had a bad face towards Fang Ningmo, and she was even more angry when she saw her coming in uninvited. But when she raised her eyes, she saw Fang Ningmo running away with a red face. Her heart skipped a beat, fearing that something strange had happened again.
Fortunately, Fang Ningmo immediately said, "Second Aunt, go get my cousin! My sister...she's been wrongly accused! It was His Highness who sent her to Qiongzhou! Our Fang family has been cleared of all charges and the label of 'traitors.' Quickly have my cousin come out and go with me to the government office to get an explanation."
When the people in the room heard the noise, they all came out. Fang Xun was a little stunned, "Ning Mo, what's going on?"
Madam Fang was also stunned. "Are you talking about Fang Ruyu?"
"The details are on the notice! Many people came to my house today to present a plaque for the Glorious Family. They said my sister had made great contributions on the front lines and that she went to Qiongzhou under the secret order of His Highness, but the details are unclear. Cousin, come with me, and we'll go find Sister Yinxi and ask her for clarification."
Fang Xun immediately said, "Mother, go to the government office and read the notice. If anything happens, notify the rest of the Fang family as soon as possible. Father, please go check on Grandfather."
When Mrs. Fang saw the two children running out, she became extremely anxious and rushed out the door regardless of anything. The three of them hurried towards the government office.
This government office was once the most familiar place for the Fang family. They went in and out countless times every day.
But ever since Fang Ruyu left, they didn't have the face to come.
This is the first time they have broken in in more than half a year.
This government office has become somewhat unfamiliar now, and they no longer even recognize the guards at the door.
Fortunately, after they gave their names, they were quickly brought in.
Although they were familiar with the route, Fang Xun and Fang Ningmo were still a little nervous.
Fang Xun had already exchanged information with Fang Ningmo on the way. At present, both of them only knew that Fang Ruyu did not really go to Qiongzhou, and everything was arranged by His Highness, but they were confused about the details.
After waiting at the door of Xu Yinxi's office for about a quarter of an hour, Xu Yinxi hurriedly opened the door to greet them in person. "Fang Xun, Ning Mo, I'm so sorry, I've been a bit busy these days. Please take a seat."
When they met again, all three of them felt a little awkward.
Ever since Fang Ruyu was accused of "collaborating with the enemy and betraying the country", the former members of the Xu family's political team have intentionally or unintentionally distanced themselves from the Fang family.
Although they once had a life-and-death friendship, after all, Fang Ruyu acted like that, and the Xu family members could not be as rational as Xu Zhenying. Therefore, even though they knew that the Fang family members were innocent, they could not help but vent their anger on the other members of the Fang family.
Of course, the Fang family themselves were too embarrassed to ask for help even if they encountered a big problem later.
The Fang and Xu families are like strangers.
Even if they met in Jinzhou Prefecture, they would act as if they didn't know each other.
Now that they met again, Xu Yinxi was still a little dazed.
Fang Xun subconsciously asked, "What about the situation on the eastern battlefield?"
Xu Yinxi subconsciously guarded against Fang Xun, but then she changed her mind and thought that the Fang family would soon be revived, and they would be comrades fighting side by side in the future, so she said: "That's right, Zhou Heng is dead, the eastern front is fully advanced, and His Highness is personally in charge-"
Fang Xun and Fang Ningmo were both shocked when they heard the news of Zhou Heng's death.
"Is Zhou Heng really...dead?"
"How did he die?"
Xu Yinxi asked them to sit down and then handed them the battle report. The brother and sister read it quickly, but they only saw the situation on the battlefield and had no idea how Fang Ruyu killed Zhou Heng.
Xu Yinxi handed them another encrypted letter.
Only then did Fang Ningmo know everything.
It turned out that when the Qiongzhou side sent an envoy to propose marriage, His Highness had already guessed that they might act through Fang Ruyu and made arrangements in advance.
But Fang Ningmo never expected that her sister would have such courage!
She has never traveled far away alone in her life.
Now, he dared to be surrounded by enemy troops in a foreign land. He first joined forces with Wang Sanniang and others to sell all the discarded waste in Jinzhou Prefecture to Qiongzhou Prefecture at a high price, earning 500,000 or 600,000 yuan in real money, and then he used ignited flour to blow up all the main figures in Qiongzhou.
Although there were only a few dozen words, Fang Ningmo felt a surge of murderous intent coming towards her, which made her terrified!
Fang Xun was also deeply shocked after reading it, and then said with guilt: "We have wronged my cousin——"
Fang Ningmo asked anxiously, "Where is my sister?"
"He should be staying in Qiongzhou. As you all know, the fighting there is fierce. Fang Ruyu wants to stay there to make achievements and completely wash away the stigma on himself."
Fang Ningmo's eyes reddened. "Why would she do this? The Fang family's stigma has been cleared, and she even won back a plaque for the Fang family as a glorious family. If my parents knew what she had done in Qiongzhou, they would definitely be proud of her."
Fang Xun was obviously thinking more, "When my cousin comes back, I think the entire Eastern Territory will be taken over by us, and then it will be time for us to head north."
Going north?
The three people in the room were all a little frightened.
I didn’t expect that they could fight back to Bianjing City so quickly?
Yes, after Zhou Heng's death, it was only a matter of time before the eastern border was taken over, and the Zhou Dynasty was already on the decline. Only Zhao Yi was useful, but once Zhao Yi left, the Tartars in the north could not be resisted. Therefore, no matter how you look at it, the process of unifying the world seemed to be suddenly accelerated.
Maybe after waiting for another two or three years, they can really become the masters of this world!
Xu Yinxi smiled. "You and I just need to follow His Highness's instructions. First of all, I'd like to congratulate you two. Along with the battle report comes the documents confirming your reinstatement. All your salaries and benefits from the seven months you were expelled will be fully repaid."
really.
Fang Xun's eyes lit up.
Even Fang Ningmo was a little excited.
On the way here, the two people vaguely felt that since Fang Ruyu was innocent, it was very likely that all the members of the Fang family would be reinstated!
Xu Yinxi stared at Fang Xun, "Minister Fang, this is a critical time for Jinzhou Prefecture. Have you rested enough at home? If you have, you can report to the government office now. You can help me share some of the burden."
Fang Xun's eyes were full of brilliance, "Okay, I will not break my promise."
——————————————————
On Xu Zhenying's side, the war to the east was going quite smoothly.
Although Zhou Heng had the advantage of "pure bloodline", his core personnel were blown away, and he was leaderless for a while. In addition, after Zhou Heng's death, the officials under him had more concerns, and some were even bold enough to raise the white flag of surrender directly towards Jinzhou Prefecture.
As soon as one person starts, others will follow.
The war turned towards Xu Zhenying with overwhelming force.
In some places, even before Xu Zhenying's men arrived, they had already hung up the flag of Jinzhou Prefecture and unilaterally declared that they belonged to Jinzhou Prefecture. There were even county magistrates who directly sent letters to invite Xu Zhenying to take over.
The common people had heard of the reputation of the southwestern female rebel long ago, and because Jinzhou Prefecture did a good job in propaganda, they knew early on what kind of life the people in Jinzhou Prefecture lived. They were even more familiar with things like universal education, standardized breeding, and cowpox vaccine, and they just wished they could become people of Jinzhou Prefecture as soon as possible.
Therefore, wherever Xu Zhenying went, he was warmly welcomed by the people.
The remaining forces of Qiongzhou Prefecture suffered repeated defeats, even Zhou Heng died, and the soldiers under him had no choice but to surrender.
It can be said that Xu Zhenying reached Qiongzhou with almost no effort.
On the day of entering the city, the whole Qiongzhou was in an uproar.
There were tens of thousands of people at the city gate, from the former civil and military officials of Qiongzhou Prefecture to the pawnshop servants, as well as the famous and prominent families of Qiongzhou Prefecture. They were all ordered to gather at the city gate to welcome the new city lord into the city.
The legendary Prince Zhao arrived in a carriage.
As soon as she arrived in Qiongzhou, the entire city wall suddenly fell silent and into a dead silence.
Everyone stared intently at the ordinary-looking carriage that slowly stopped at the city wall gate. Then the green curtain was lifted, and a very young woman got out of the carriage.
The woman was dressed in a cyan silk dress. The style didn't look fashionable, even a little strange. It was probably the long coat and trousers typical of the women of Jinzhou Prefecture. Her hair was tied up high, and she wore no extra jewelry, revealing her smooth forehead and eyes as dark as the ocean.
Her dress and appearance are very much like a man.
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