Chapter 7: Dong Jin's Enthusiasm and a Free Lunch

  Unexpectedly, the Ximen garrison seemed to be extremely sparse, with only 200 cavalry coming to greet them, and the rest were just sparsely standing at the gate, roughly estimated to be around a thousand people, leaning against the city wall in a relaxed manner.

  And Li Su, as the Castle Gate Commandant, didn't think much of it either - although I'm not quite sure if this "Castle Gate Commandant" was actually in charge of managing the city gate guards...

  However, I soon understood a bit more: the West was where Dong Zhuo's foundation lay, and for ten years it had been his sphere of influence. Many Qiang tribal leaders had connections with him, and many of his generals were also from the northwest. The core strength of his army was also the Liangzhou soldiers. In Liangzhou, eight out of ten aristocratic families and warlords who could exert some influence also had connections with Xiang Gong - at the moment when Dong Zhuo's power was at its peak, how many people dared to challenge his authority?

  The northwest can even be said to be his last stronghold, where his family is located, and he doesn't worry about it at all, so the defense of the west gate is also somewhat lax.

  Behind him, a mighty army of 20,000 troops marched into the city. The streets of Chang'an were exceptionally wide compared to other small towns, with at least eight horses able to ride abreast on the main thoroughfares, which were clean and tidy. However, in this era, the population was sparse, and housing was not as cramped as it had been in previous generations. As a result, the streets were more open, and the cavalrymen could hardly wait, barely restraining their mounts as they filed into the city.

  I turned back to take a look, and only the hundred or so cavalrymen in front could maintain some semblance of formation, with a certain distance between each row. From the tenth row onwards, the soldiers and horses began to scatter, and later became completely mixed together, with as many as twenty horses squeezed into one row, pushing and shoving their way into Chang'an. Although it was chaotic and noisy, from a distance, this spectacle was quite impressive.

  The soldiers, due to the "long-term" ideological education and our repeated mobilization work before entering the city, generally had a certain degree of self-awareness, and their self-control ability was also strengthened to some extent. Therefore, when walking, they were still quite disciplined, mostly following us honestly from behind, straight through the middle of the main road. Of course, ordinary people had long since fled in advance, all families locked their doors tightly and hid indoors with their families to avoid the harm of the Northwestern Tigers and Wolves soldiers. Before we arrived, the streets were basically empty.

  I have no way to do this, we can't just enter the city gate and loudly shout the three major disciplines and eight points of attention, blowing trumpets and propagating some sentimental words about the relationship between the military and civilians. Now this city is not ours, let alone you see the current situation, tens of thousands of fierce horses are galloping in unison, although the speed of the march is not fast, but what if one of the horses suddenly gets a cramp or the rider is not paying attention because he had two more cups of wine last night, and this horse head lightly touches you, I reckon you will be knocked dead by the "seven or eight yards" per second speed, and the other party probably won't even get a lash.

  I can only slightly comfort myself: it's also good this way, even if our riding skills are more refined and the horse is more docile, but sometimes we may still get startled and lose control - what if I become a bull in a china shop when surrounded by enthusiastic fans because of shyness and my blood pressure suddenly rises? If I were to accidentally kill someone, it would greatly damage the reputation of our army - although up until now, our reputation has never been actively improving...

  "General Li, how many barracks are there in the city? Can they accommodate our 20,000 troops?" I spurred my horse on a bit and asked General Li.

  "A few days ago, General Niu Fu led away the main force of 40,000 soldiers from the city, so now one western camp is enough for you to stay in. Moreover," Li Su said with a careless smile, "there are still tens of thousands of civilian houses inside Chang'an City, isn't that enough?"

  Although he is a literary man, his overbearing and tyrannical manner makes me feel cold all over; I can only nod my head, unable to make any response.

  Li Su didn't care much: "Shou Cheng brother, just ahead is the Western Camp, Third Master is waiting there."

  This doesn't need him to explain, we can all see that there are already troops waiting ahead. Compared with the structure of ordinary houses, the layout of professional barracks is simple, and most of the houses are the same, but it seems that some civilian houses on both sides have also been enclosed within the barracks, which is probably what Li Su meant.

  The simple camp gate was wide open, standing there was the highest leader of this city.

  "Oh, Brother Ma," Li Su said calmly, "Third Master has already come out to greet you."

  The old man and Li Su both urged their horses forward in a hurry, dismounting simultaneously ten zhang away.

  "In the lower horse, ask General San for peace." Old dad said very politely, and the etiquette was not dare to differ by a single point.

  "General Ma is good, polite and courteous." Dong Yin looked like he was also in his 40s, with a few white hairs on his temples, and had the typical tall and sturdy build of people from the northwest. However, his belly was now noticeably protruding, after all, he came from a wealthy and powerful family since childhood, unlike Ma Teng who grew up in poverty.

  He returned a courtesy and stepped forward two steps to hold onto Old Man, laughing as he asked: "It's been many days since I've seen Shou Chengxian, it seems like you've lost quite a bit of weight?"

  "Thanks to the care of Prime Minister Cao and Imperial Uncle, Ma Teng was appointed as the Governor of Liangzhou for the first time. There are many things to do, and our family is short-handed, so I can only work harder." What Ma Teng said was true, official business was busy, and there were not enough people, so he had a lot to do. But Dong Chao, this blind man, was purely talking nonsense. Father has obviously gained weight recently, no, he's gotten more robust - of course, this "recently" refers to after beheading Han Sui.

  "Liangzhou is a poor and remote place, with many ethnic minorities gathered here. It's hard to be a good brother," Dong Yin said, seemingly also speaking from the heart. "Come, come, take a look at the few Long'an dishes I've prepared for you, let you have a taste of the local flavor."

  "Third Master is so thoughtful, I'm honored and surprised." Ma Teng hastily expressed his gratitude, and then he and Dong Hui entered the military camp one after another, while Li Su quietly beckoned us to follow them into the camp.

  Twenty thousand people poured into the camp, of course, it was a considerable commotion. Ordinary soldiers entered the camp in batches, each with a large pot of rice waiting for them. Only five of us could participate in Dong San's welcome banquet as high-ranking generals: my sister, I, Ma Dai, Pang Hua and Pang De.

  Our side, including Old Man, totals six people. The other side has only sent three representatives: Dong San Ye is the first, Li Meng is the second, and Li Su is the third. Li Meng and Li Su seem to be around the same age, but he's obviously a typical roughneck, barbaric and crude. I estimate his IQ is below Ma Teng's, making him an enemy we can feel safe with.

  Nine people from both sides took their seats in order, this should be the first time I've participated in such a formal banquet in my life, and the other party is our target to eliminate, I couldn't help but feel some tension. Fortunately, Dong Zhen was also a rough person and didn't demand too much etiquette, we fulfilled the superficial politeness, and then it was casual at the dinner table.

  The hall was extremely spacious, and the food was absolutely sumptuous. Each person's table in front of them was packed tightly, and the wine jars had already been filled to the brim by the maidservants.

  The main seat was naturally yielded by Father to Dong Jing, who sat down, while Father sat on the upper hand, I leaned close to him, Big Sister and Ma Dai followed, and Pang Rou and Pang De, two brothers, sat separately behind Father and me.

  Across from them was empty and desolate, with only two people present.

  Each person had two maids behind them, one adding dishes and the other pouring wine, which was extremely professional.

  "My dear brothers and nephews have all been working hard, I, as the elder brother, have been guarding Chang'an, and have prepared some food and wine for you all, I hope you won't despise it."

  Dong Jin, as the host, should naturally be the first to make a toast - however, this remark is really too tactless. "For my brother to garrison Chang'an"? Then our loyal and righteous warriors will certainly have no mercy in severely attacking you rebels who harbor ambitions of dividing the land and becoming autonomous.

  Everyone echoed and raised their cups, drinking them dry in one gulp.

  Absolutely authentic grain wine brewing, without a hint of industrial alcohol, drinking is quite strong, but it's smooth and refreshing.

  "Teng had just eliminated the rebel Han Wei for the imperial court, and things were still unstable in Liangzhou. It was thanks to Prime Minister's recommendation that he could take office as the governor of a state. Now that Prime Minister has given an order, how could Ma dare decline the hardship?!" Later, Old Father raised his cup, speaking with righteous words and gratitude, "Although Teng's army is small and weak, with only 20,000 soldiers, and his generals are just his nephews and sons, he is still willing to be at Prime Minister's command..."

  Dong Jin was extremely pleased, and everyone else also finished their drinks in one gulp.

  Then came the repeated toasting and dining time. Our side, except for my old father, were all young and weak in body, and had not drunk much, while the other three were all good drinkers who drank a lot, even if they poured their own drinks, there was already a hint of intoxication between cups and plates.

  "This humble meal was a bit hasty, and for any shortcomings in hospitality, please forgive me." Li Meng said with a smile, picking at his teeth.

  "General Li is being polite." To be honest, the standard of this meal has reached at least 18,000 yuan per person. We are all poor people and should be content with what we have.

  "That's right, this little meal is not exciting enough!" Dong Jin also responded in agreement, "Tonight I'll find a few songstresses and dancing girls to help us liven things up!"

  His drunken eyes were full of intoxication.