Chapter 1246 Crossing the River

  Why is there a lot of aristocratic families in Hedong?

  Because since the beginning of history, this place has been one of the centers of Chinese civilization activities.

  Why did it become the center of Chinese civilization activities?

  In addition to its superior geographical location and pleasant climate, another important reason is that it produces salt.

   Not only human beings, but even wild beasts and the like cannot lack salt.

  If the salt in the body is not replenished for a long time, the limbs will be weak and the spirit will be weak.

  If the salt in the body falls below a certain level, there may be neurological symptoms and cerebral edema.

  If the cerebral edema is further aggravated, cerebral herniation will occur, respiratory failure or even death will occur.

  The Salt Sea in Hedong has always been an important supplier of salt in the Central Plains.

  After Ji Han regained Hedong, he first slapped the local aristocratic family to the point of cerebral hemorrhage, and then stuffed a handful of sweet dates into his mouth.

   Now it is almost time to tame the local aristocratic family like a dog.

  If not, why didn't Hedong respond to the big commotion caused by the rich clan in Shangdang?

   Without the support of the Hedong family, the Hedong salt smuggled to the east is naturally becoming scarcer by day.

  Of course, it is impossible to say that it is extinct. After all, as long as there are enough huge profits, there will always be people willing to take risks.

   But no matter what, the salt smuggled from Hedong is at most 10% of the amount compared to before, and there can be no more.

   Wanting to steal salt from under the noses of a certain former smuggler surnamed Shi, no one without great wisdom and courage can do it.

  So in the past few years, the price of salt in Luoyang has risen again and again, and even wealthy people feel that it is a bit unbearable.

  Why did Sima Yi plan so hard for so many years, even if he took the risk of being a surprise soldier, he still wanted to jump out of the cage of Hanoi, Henan?

   It is because the grain and grass are controlled by their own people, and the strategic material such as salt is blocked by Ji Han, which is really uncomfortable.

   If you don't want to do anything, then you really have to wait to die.

  It can be said that Maojindu, an ancient ferry, has now become the crucial place where the last sip of salt in Hanoi and Henan is hanging.

  So the Wei army guarding the south of the river, while looking forward to a boat smuggling over from the other side every day.

   On the one hand, he was always on the verge of schizophrenia because he was always on the lookout for a boat from the other side to cross over by force.

   Just when Wei Jun, who was guarding Hangu Xinguan, was looking forward to see through the rear, a caravan coming from Luoyang also happened to arrive at Maojindu.

   "Hey, Mr. Mi Lang? Why did you come here in person?"

  General Wei, who was guarding the ferry, was a little surprised when he saw the leader of the caravan, and hurried forward, "This time, could it be something big?"

  When Mi Shishilang heard this, he smiled apologetically at General Wei, looked around, and did not explain.

  As soon as Wei Jiang saw the other party's appearance, he immediately came to his senses and said with a smile:

   "I'm talking too much, don't blame Mi Lang, don't blame!"

  Mi Shishilang smiled again, like a bright flower, which made people feel good about him, but when he saw the other party raised his sleeves in salute:

   "This time, I will trouble the general again."

   "No trouble, no trouble, I wish Mi Lang-jun could come over every day!"

   After all, every time Mi Langjun's caravan comes to the ferry, the supplies they receive are always valuable.

   Like brown sugar, candles, etc., soldiers like myself would definitely not dare to get involved.

   Only nobles in Luoyang are eligible to enjoy it.

  But for things like salt, as long as Mi Langjun leaks a finger, it is enough for the brothers at the ferry to support their families.

  This Mr. Mi Lang is really a wonderful person!

  This person is a retainer of Princess Dachang's mansion, and has contacts with many big families in Luoyang City.

  On weekdays, he is willing to give in without compromise, even a common man can be honest.

  The most important thing is to be forthright, very forthright.

  The defenders at the ferry crossing, not to mention seeing Mi Langjun coming in person, even if the caravan under his name came, they would be very happy.

  The reason is still the same sentence: no other, bold, very bold.

   No, within a few minutes of the salute between Mi Langjun and Wei General, several tickets have been handed over to Wei General under the cover of Mi Langjun's wide sleeves.

   General Wei didn't change his face, and slipped the ticket into his wrist armor very smoothly.

  The movements are smooth and flowing, and they are done in one go.

   "Mr Mi Lang, when will the other side come over this time?"

   After accepting the ticket, General Wei's smile became even brighter, and he asked proactively.

  Mi Shishilang smiled and shook his head:

   "Who can tell for sure? People coming from the other side are not as convenient as our side, they can come at any time."

   As he spoke, he looked to the north, lifted his chin, and sighed:

   "Maybe a delay of one or two days, or even two or three days in advance, is possible. So every time we are here, we have to come and wait in advance."

  Of course, coming in advance is not only to wait for the goods, but more importantly, to report to the defenders at the ferry.

  In order to prevent the delivery from the opposite side, it will be regarded as a secret work.

  Hearing the helplessness in Mi Langjun's tone, Wei Jiang persuaded with a smile:

   "Why does Mr. Mi Lang need to be like this? Another way of thinking, as long as you can still receive the goods from the other side, it means that the thief will not think about attacking."

   "So this product, what's the point if it's delivered two days earlier or three days later? What's important is that it's good if the goods can be delivered. What else is there to be dissatisfied with?"

  Hearing this, Mi Shishilang pointed to General Wei and couldn't help laughing:

   "The general can still speak."

  Although he has no official position, at this time, he can be regarded as representing the face of the Eldest Princess.

  Facing the general of the Wei Army who is not too high-ranking in front of him, there is no need to be too rigid.

  In addition, even if the two of them have not reached the point of familiarity, they are not unfamiliar, so there is no need to be too cautious if they chat and laugh occasionally in private.

   Unexpectedly, facing what Mi Shishilang pointed out, General Wei shook his head:

   "I am not comforting Mr. Mi, I am also comforting myself."

   Speaking of this, Wei Jiang also looked at the opposite side, with a little confusion in his eyes:

   "What I just said is actually from my heart. If it is possible, I really hope that Mr. Mi Lang and your family can come here to pick up goods every day..."

  This time, it was Mi Shishilang's turn to see the opponent's psychology.

  He stepped forward and said in a low voice:

   "General, there is no need to worry too much. In my opinion, what the general just said is very reasonable. The Han army should not come from there for the time being."

   After a pause, he continued:

   "Just now the general asked me why I came here in person. In fact, it doesn't hurt to tell the general."

  Mi Shishilang looked around, then lowered his voice again:

   "I heard that Taifu has won a big victory in the north, Shangdang has been restored, and people in Hedong are now floating."

   "So the people who cooperated with each other took advantage of this good opportunity to make a big deal and have to ship a large amount of goods over."

   "I was worried that the people below would not be able to handle it, so I came here to watch myself."

   "Oh?!" Wei Jiang frowned when he heard this, and looked at Mi Shishilang in surprise, "Is this true?"

   Shangdang was restored, this has long been rumored.

   But he is just a guard at the ferry, and he is not qualified to know the latest news ahead.

   Not to mention that Hedong is still occupied by western thieves, where does he know the real situation inside Hedong.

   At the most, he just asked for superficial news from the smugglers passing by the ferry.

  Even if he occasionally saw the secret work suspected to be sent to Hedong by the imperial court, he dared not ask more questions, for fear of causing trouble to his upper body.

  So at this time, from Mi Shishilang's mouth, he heard that Hedong's heart was fluttering, and he couldn't help being a little dubious.

  Mi Shishilang didn't care when he saw him like this:

   "I also heard from the person sent over from the opposite side. As for whether it is true or not, we will know whether it is true or not when their goods are delivered."

   As he spoke, he pointed to the fellows behind him:

   "However, for things like this, it is natural for a certain person to prefer to believe what they have, not to believe what they don't have."

   "No, I have transferred all the people who can be transferred now."

   Wei Jiang followed Mi Shishilang's fingers and said suddenly:

   "So that's it. I said why so many people came this time, some of them looked very strange!"

  Mi Shishilang noticed the direction the other party was looking at, and the smile on his face remained unchanged:

   "Don't be afraid of the general's jokes. This time, I brought all my family background. See, that is the old man who has been by my side since I was a child."

   "Unless it's a major event that I'm not sure about, I've never dared to ask him to come out with me."

   General Wei nodded, his eyes finally passed over this person.

   Being in the State of Wei, he naturally understands that any family with some background will keep some guest ministers in case they are used at the most critical time.

  Those people he noticed, headed by the old man who seemed to have passed his destiny, with a bulging waist and a sharp knife in his arms, all of them carried a bit of arrogance.

   It seems that it should indeed belong to the Mi Langjun in front of him.

   But he didn't care.

  Don't mention these people, it is endorsed by the Princess Palace.

  Even if it is an ordinary guard of other people, it is normal to carry a knife and a sword on his body.

   After all, the people of the Wei Dynasty couldn't help but use swords.

  The ordinary swords and swords of the people have no way to deal with the spears and crossbows of the army, so they are nothing to be afraid of.

   Moreover, this Mr. Mi Lang is also considered to be interesting. He didn't let those people approach, but just let them stand far away to avoid suspicion.

   "If Mr. Mi's wish is really fulfilled this time, then I will congratulate Mr. Mi in advance."

  Mi Shishilang had a meaningful smile on his face:

   "According to the auspicious words of the general, if you can really get what you want this time, I will definitely thank the general!"

"Hahaha…"

  As soon as these words came out, even Wei Jiang felt a little hopeful in his heart. He only hoped that this time, the North could really send a big gift.

"Hahaha…"

  The two looked at each other and smiled.

   "Mr. Mi, I don't know when the other side will come over. Why don't you go inside and have a rest first."

   "For fear of breaking the rules in the army and implicating the general, it is fine for someone to set up a tent outside."

   "Hey! Isn't Mi Lang-jun seeing outsiders? If it's someone else, it's naturally breaking the rules, but Mi Lang-jun is not an outsider!"

  Maojin Ferry has existed since ancient times. On both sides of the ferry, there are small earthen cities, which have been repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt.

  Usually manage the ferry in order to extract the vehicle tax.

   During wartime, the army is stationed, and the operations are strictly investigated.

   It is half an army and half a city. As for who can enter and who cannot, it is naturally up to the guards to measure themselves.

  Mi Shishilang still had a somewhat embarrassed look on his face:

   "Uh, then, so-and-so, uh, thank you General?"

   "Please please please!"

   "Rong X give orders to the servant first?"

   "Should be."

  Mi Shishilang pleaded guilty, then turned around and walked towards the old man just pointed out, trying to show a natural demeanor, but his words were extremely low:

   "Mr. Han, I will enter the city first, and you will bring someone to wait here. When someone comes from the opposite side, remember to notify me as soon as possible."

  Han Long glanced at Xiaotucheng passing by, and asked with some concern:

   "Mi Lang-jun, how about I go in with you?"

  Mi Shishilang immediately refused:

   "No, don't say they will agree. Even if they agree, there are too many people entering the city, and they might be more vigilant."

   "Because they are not suspicious now, we will act according to the plan, don't make more troubles, I will go in and check first."

  The two of them couldn't talk for too long. Han Long saw that his attitude was firm, so he didn't insist anymore, but just nodded:

   "Lang Jun, be careful. If there is an accident, remember to send out a firework signal immediately, and I will lead people into the city, and I will definitely bring you back to Dahan safely."

  When Mr. Mi Lang heard the words, his eyes flashed with emotion:

   "It won't get to that point."

  Han Long wanted to shake his head, but he held it back so as not to be noticed by the thief Wei:

   "The old man was entrusted by the Central Capital Protector to protect Mi Langjun thoroughly, so be careful, there is always nothing wrong."

   "Only after sending Mr. Mi Lang back to Dahan, can the promise be fulfilled."

  Hearing the word Zhongduhu, Mi Langjun was in a daze.

   How old is it?

  Back then, he seemed to be just a school lieutenant, but now he is actually the commander in chief of the Han internal and external military.

  The events of that year seemed to be not long ago, but unexpectedly, so many years have passed.

   Really... time is not forgiving!

   "Mi Langjun?"

   "Oh, it's all right. I'll leave the outside matters to Mr. Han."

   "Please rest assured, Mr. Mi, and please pay attention to your own safety, Mr. Mi."

  Mi Shishilang gave the other party a reassuring smile.

  An Ran has been lurking in Wei State for so many years, how could he still be planted in a small earthen city?

  Backing to General Wei, Mi Shishilang smiled apologetically:

   "This time, even a certain person was a little nervous and felt a little unsure, so he talked a lot with the old man at home, and made the general wait for a long time."

   General Wei licked his lips when he heard this. It seems that the goods that came this time are really not to be underestimated!

  Thinking of this, the smile on his face became even more enthusiastic:

   "It's okay, it's okay, Mr. Mi, please."

   "General please first!"

  The goods smuggled from the north never arrive at night.

   This approach is naturally to avoid the eyes and ears of idlers as much as possible, and it also means to keep this business going for a long time.

  Seeing that the sky began to darken, and night fell.

  On the opposite side of the big river, at some point, a few stars appeared.

   "It's on, it's on, isn't it coming?"

   "Keep your voice down, go and report to your husband!"

  Han Long, who was standing on the south bank, immediately asked people to follow him and light up the few firewood piles that had been arranged earlier.

  As the fire burned more and more vigorously, after a while, small stars began to appear on the river surface, and then the stars seemed to get brighter and brighter.

  These star points, with the guidance of the fire on the south bank, are all like moths to the flame.

  At this time, Mi Shishilang trotted over like a whirlwind, and asked anxiously:

"how?"

   "Lang Jun, I'm right, it should be here."

  Han Long pointed to more and more dots on the river, "It should be boats."

"Very good!"

  Mi Shishilang hadn't spoken yet, General Wei who was in charge of the ferry answered.

  But seeing him stretching his neck and looking at the river, he suddenly asked in surprise:

   "Those lights are all ships, come so many?"

  Mi Shishilang was also a little surprised.

   Fortunately, under the cover of night, General Wei couldn't see his expression clearly.

  I only heard Mi Shishilang take the initiative to say:

   "General, it seems that there are a lot of ships coming over tonight! This is a very important matter, and let someone pick up the goods here, the general will go back to the city first, and let the soldiers get ready, just in case?"

"Very good!"

   Wei Jiang saw so many star points representing ships, and his heart was a little drummed.

  Hearing Mi Shishilang's words, he felt that it was reasonable, so he quickly turned around and went back to make arrangements.

   "This... sir?"

  Watching Wei Jiang disappear into the night, Han Long was a little anxious.

  Why do you still remind the thieves to be vigilant?

   "Don't be impatient, I have my own ideas."

  (end of this chapter)