Chapter Sixty: Mountain Bandits

  (Collection, recommendation, support Ah Cao)

  The imperial edict finally arrived in Qingyang five days later, and the first achievement was naturally Li Jinhua's. The praise of being a great general, such as "leading by example", "not avoiding danger" and "having the talent of a great general", was only a matter of course. The main point was to promote Li Jinhua, the brave and fierce captain, to the position of fourth-grade lower-ranking general, not to rush back to the capital to report for duty. The Xianfeng Army suffered heavy casualties and lacked a leader, so it was just right to lack a leading general. As a result, this female general, who almost became a new noble in the army overnight, immediately became the commander of the Xianfeng Army, with real power and status equal to that of Li Renwei and others. She was given half a year to reorganize the Xianfeng Army.

  Next, a strange name appeared on the list of merits and rewards. Li Wu, the deputy commander of Xingfeng Army, was promoted to the position of Deputy General of the Fifth Rank for his achievement in beheading the Western Xia general Ye Lizi. As for this result, it did not cause any big waves among those who knew about it or did not know about it. After all, the merit was not theirs, so what's the fuss?

  Thereafter, all the regular troops of the Hu Lun Army were incorporated into the Xiangfeng Army, and those above the rank of captain were promoted one grade, awarded double pay. As for the militiamen in the Hu Lun Army who wished to stay on, they were also incorporated into the Xiangfeng Army, with their original salary doubled.

  Li Renquan and others, due to unclear handling of affairs, were rebuked by the imperial court for shrinking from the enemy. However, the Qingyang army mutiny had its reasons, and they also made some minor contributions to the country during the suppression of the mutiny. Therefore, their official positions were only demoted one rank, with a penalty of one year's salary, and they were allowed to remain in their original posts for observation. The big stick was raised high but put down lightly, which can be considered as a generous appeasement.

  There is also the case of Chen Heng, the commander-in-chief of Qingyang, the prefect of Qingyang, and the transfer officer of Qingyang, who privately sold military rations. These people have already died, but their families are still around, so their property will be confiscated, and three clans will be executed. The remaining relatives and servants will be sent to the teaching department, women will be sent to the education office, and men will be exiled to Lingnan. As for Li Jizong, the punishment is even more severe, with the crime of colluding with Western Xia and plotting against the court. His head will be displayed in the border towns, nine clans will be exterminated, family property will be confiscated, and clan members do not need to be sent to the capital for trial, they can be executed directly in Qingyang, adding a few more colors of blood to Qingyang.

  As for the matter of pacifying the people, it will be handled by the newly appointed prefectural governor, and there is no need to say more about it here.

  The imperial court's reward was very generous, with silver, money, and cloth all available. It was a joyous occasion for everyone. However, on the third day after receiving the reward, Zhao Shi led the twenty or so survivors from Zhaojia Village to quietly leave Qingyang. Everyone had large and small packages with them, and they even hired a camel cart to carry all their belongings. Although Zhao Shi's achievement was stolen by others, leaving everyone dissatisfied, thinking about the wealth they had accumulated, which would be enough for their families to use for several years, made them feel like they were returning home in glory. They all smiled with joy. As for joining the imperial guard and staying in Qingyang, after experiencing so many things, only a few people, including Turen and Daniu, occasionally mentioned it, but since everyone had come out together, they hadn't thought about seeking fame or fortune. With old and young family members at home, how could they be at peace serving as soldiers in Qingyang? A few people muttered to themselves for a while, but when no one responded, they stopped talking about it.

  They didn't move very fast, and after seven days, they arrived at a mountainous area near Qingyang. They dug up the remains of the villagers who had died in battle. Since the bodies were already rotting, and it was getting hot, it wasn't convenient to carry them. Zhao Shi suggested burning the bones and then bringing them back for burial. Everyone thought this was acceptable, as long as they could return home and rest in peace.

  After passing through Pingliang, they entered Qin Feng and headed southeast. On the way back, everyone was very relaxed. For these people who grew up in mountain villages and may not have left their homes for a long time, the scenery along the way was enough to attract their attention. Anyway, this year's busy farming season has almost passed, and going back won't be of much help. Plus, the rewards they received made it seem like even if they didn't harvest anything this year, it wouldn't be a big deal. The group walked slowly, stopping frequently, becoming more and more leisurely.

  When they arrived at the border of Huining County, it took them a whole month, which was even three points slower than when they left.

  Having arrived here, it's as if we've returned to our hometown. Everyone seems refreshed and rejuvenated overnight, and the pace of our journey has also quickened considerably.

  "Look, what's going on up ahead?" Actually, there was no need for anyone to shout, as everyone's gaze had already been drawn over by the smoke rising high in the distance.

  "There should be a ten-li inn over there. Is that house on fire? How did such a big smoke come up?" Shang Yanzu said beside Zhao Shi.

  Everyone, cheer up! Divide into ten people to guard the car, let's go take a look. Zhao Shi has been converted to a regular forbidden army and has added an official position, now he is in the form of a traveling general. He resigned from his post in Qingyang and will report to the office of the team leader of Qin Fengxi Road. As for whether or not he will be supplemented with a real shortage, it's hard to say, but he is already considered an official. Therefore, regardless of his position or his actions on the road, these people now all look up to him as their leader without a doubt. After hearing his words, everyone immediately obeyed and drew out their knives to surround and protect the camel car, looking very much like soldiers. The car owner they hired in Qingyang was frightened, wondering how things had suddenly turned around. Looking at the young faces with a hint of murderous intent, he felt even more anxious, silently reciting the name of Amitabha Buddha.

  They say that if you gaze at a mountain long enough, the horse will die of exhaustion. The smoke pillar looks close by, but is actually dozens of miles away. By the time you arrive, half a day's effort has been spent.

  "What's going on?"

  "They said they were ambushed by mountain bandits and two people died, the bandits set fire to the relay station...". Turen stood in front of Zhao Shi, sweat dripping down his face, but he stood straight as a pen, not even wiping it off. He and four others, including Da Niu, were now considered soldiers under Zhao Shi's command. They had grown up with this young man from childhood and had a deep-seated respect for him. From their careful observation, they found that no matter what time it was, Zhao Shi was always somewhat displeased with people who dressed sloppily or stood in an irregular posture. He wouldn't say anything, just frown, but this showed his discontent. As a result, the few people in front of Zhao Shi tried to avoid making such mistakes, speaking briefly and forcefully, and over time, they truly had the demeanor of real soldiers.

  "Mountain bandits?" Zhao Shi shifted his gaze to Shang Yan Zu, at this time they were about two or three miles away from the ten-mile relay station. Zhao Shi was also somewhat puzzled, having been in Zhao Jia Village for so long, he had never heard of any local bandits...

  Shang Yanzu shook his head, indicating that he didn't know either, but a hint of worry crept into his expression. This place was only thirty miles away from Zhaojia Village, yet there were bandits who dared to attack the imperial relay station in broad daylight. What else could be going on in the village?

  Zhao Shi's eyes narrowed, and he immediately said: "Uncle, you take Turen and the others to investigate clearly, where did the mountain bandits come from, how many people... The more detailed the better. The rest of you follow me back to the village..."