Chapter 002: I recognize the characters, but they do not recognize me
Immediately, someone said: "We cannot let them enter the city. If they do, it will be easy for them to discover our flaws, and then it will be a great trouble!"
These words stirred the blood of everyone outside the city, and even Lin Ziran felt that if he were truly an officer in the Great Doctor's camp, he would undoubtedly act in such a manner
As a battalion officer and a dignified lower official, how could I be easily rejected by a mere garrison
Lin Ziran just mentioned wanting to enter the city, but in reality, it was merely to deliberately showcase the official status of himself and his companions
This Qing Shan Town is not normal
After all, that money and grain do not belong to us
The military system of Daheng is divided into three ranks and ten levels. The highest rank, the first level, is known as Shangqing; the middle rank, the second level, is referred to as Zhongdafu; and the lowest rank, the third level, is called Xiashi. Additionally, there are four classes of soldiers, which are respectively Junshi, and first, second, and third class soldiers.
Before the words were finished, someone from the side interjected: "Yes, give it, after all, this money and grain do not belong to us!"
But do not allow these officials and soldiers to enter the city
Lin Ziran gazed up at the sky, pretending not to hear
Upon hearing Lin Ziran instruct them to open the city gates, Wang Jinquan on the city wall hesitated
This statement, to Lin Ziran, quite accurately reflects the situation of both parties. He understands what the other side is concerned about, which is nothing more than the fear of chaotic troops crossing the border
However, after thinking it over, I have not discovered any issues at this moment. All I can do is say to those around me: "Everyone, stay alert and do not let any clues slip by!"
First, send someone to take control of the city gates. Even if there is a trick within the city, as long as the gates are secured, it can ensure a retreat. At worst, he can simply lead his men to escape.
Once this is done, it is akin to placing a wolf in a sheepfold, and the consequences are unimaginable
The officials in this Qingshan Town are behaving quite unusually
Lin Ziran naturally did not feel like speaking, but instead summoned a few subordinates nearby: "You few, go over and keep watch!"
What great audacity!
At this moment, Luo Mazi had returned to Lin Ziran's side and flattered, "The chief's strategy is indeed one in a million. The opponents must be so frightened that they are stunned, how could they still care about questioning our authenticity!"
They had already discussed it yesterday. Since they have put on this military uniform, they should make good use of it, disguising themselves as soldiers preparing to enter the mountains to eliminate bandits, claiming to be passing through Qingshan Town and requesting them to supply military provisions
It seems like quite a scene, but in fact, Lin Ziran didn't say much; he merely instructed Luo Mazi to act according to the plan
It is quite easy to let Lin Ziran enter the city, yet he is still worried
They are indeed false soldiers, and this order is naturally forged; it is uncertain whether it can be concealed.
What Lin Ziran had previously estimated was that although the people of Qingshan Town had been deceived by him and were suppressed by his false identity, at most they would only send more money and provisions to serve as military supplies
It is not that Lin Ziran is overly suspicious, but rather that the reactions in Qingshan Town are indeed somewhat strange. He instructed Luo Mazi to shout a few words casually, pretending to be a bit arrogant, merely to make himself and his companions appear more like officials and soldiers.
Just escaped from Pingdan County, Lin Ziran is unwilling to provoke the officials and soldiers from Lianguan County again
Boss, look, there is a character '五' (five) on this, and just now they said they are from the Fifth Garrison Battalion. I thought these characters must refer to the Fifth Garrison Battalion. There is also a character '匪' (bandit), and didn't they say they were going into the mountains to eliminate bandits? This also matches!
However, the people of Qingshan Town were directly frightened and agreed to open the city gates
To speak frankly, it is not only the people under him who are afraid; he Wang Jinquan is also afraid
Since the other party is willing to actively provide the money and supplies, it could not be better
However, this statement from Luo Mazai caused Wang Jinquan and others on the city wall to feel alarmed and fearful again
At this moment, Luo Mazi beside him remarked: "The leader acts with caution, truly embodying the demeanor of a king. I admire this. With the comprehensive arrangements made by the leader, I believe they cannot turn the tide!"
Thus, it is now a matter of deceiving whenever possible; if deception fails, then consider resorting to violent means
However, soon, Lin Ziran no longer had to worry, as the officials on the city wall had already provided an answer
Outside the city, Lin Zi Ran had always been watching the officials on the city wall. Seeing them gathered in conversation, he estimated that they were assessing the authenticity of the documents and the legitimacy of their identities.
Wang Jinquan is also aware of the gravity of the situation. He immediately cupped his hands and said towards the forest outside the city: "Your Excellency, our Qingshan Town is small and truly cannot accommodate a large army. How about we organize the local militia to send out money and provisions? What do you think, Your Excellency?"
Any reasonably normal local official would not easily allow soldiers, especially those from outside, to enter the city
Nonsense, didn't they just say it? This is to go into the mountains to eliminate bandits, we are merely passing through Qingshan Town, demanding money and supplies
Quickly, open the city gates immediately, otherwise do not blame the artillery for being merciless
The establishment of the Great Heng Kingdom involved the setting up of a four-tier administrative system consisting of provinces, prefectures, counties, and towns, with the town being the lowest level of local governing officials.
These officers and soldiers are going into the mountains to eliminate bandits, and they cannot stay in Qingshan Town for too long; they are expected to leave by tomorrow
This is not normal
Yes, indeed!
However, upon hearing the official's response from the city wall, Lin Ziran furrowed his brows
What if there are ambush troops in the city gate tunnel, waiting to take them all down when they enter the city
At this moment, a middle-aged man dressed in official attire shouted loudly from the city wall: "I do not know which forces you represent, but do you have any seals or documents?"
Meanwhile, on the city wall, several individuals dressed in official attire gathered together, and one could be heard saying: "Boss, is this letter real or fake?"
At this moment, Lin Ziran was staring at the few people on the city wall.
This does not mean that Lin Ziran does not enjoy hearing flattery, but rather that Luo Mazi's level of flattery is truly too low, making it feel particularly awkward to listen to
Holding the letter, he opened it to find a middle-aged man dressed in the uniform of a town guard. With a square face, he now wore a stern expression and said: "How would I know if it's true or false? I can recognize the characters, but I cannot understand them!"
At that moment, the officer said: "We are from the 5th Patrol Battalion, tasked with entering the mountains to eliminate bandits. This is the order for requisitioning military supplies from various places along the route"
At this moment, Luo Mazi was also moving forward with his short legs, but he did not dare to approach too closely. Instead, from a distance of one hundred meters, he gathered his strength and shouted: "People in the city, listen up! Quickly open the city gates and prepare sufficient money and provisions for military needs!"
Luo Mazi nodded and said words like 'Yes' and 'At your command'
Moreover, there is an official seal on this, do you still remember, the notice issued by the authorities to hunt us down also had a similar large seal on it
At this moment, the middle-aged man nodded and said: "If they come with the order and we do not provide the money and grain, they might become suspicious. If they find out that my position as the guard is a sham, it would be a serious problem"
What do a group of subordinates think? How could Wang Jinquan not know? It is nothing more than the fear that the officials and soldiers might truly become enraged and then break in.
Through the memories of his original self, he is well aware that this is indeed a time of chaos
Since the officials in the city made an abnormal decision and even opened the city gates, even if there were irregularities inside, Lin Ziran decided to turn the pretense into reality
At this moment, Luo Mazi quickly took two steps forward with his short legs and shouted loudly:
"Do you want money and grain? Then shall we give it to you?"
The sudden influx of so many people into Qingshan Town naturally drew the attention of everyone within the town
At this moment, Luo Mazi turned to look at Lin Ziran, who nodded in response, indicating for him to continue with the plan.
Moreover, if a fight breaks out, their identities will be exposed, thereby attracting the encirclement of the officials and soldiers
On one hand, there is the fear of being exposed upon entering the city, and on the other hand, there is also concern about potential ambushes or similar threats
Lin Ziran is now too lazy to even look at him!
A mere guard dares to act recklessly in front of my esteemed master; do you believe that a single cannon shot could obliterate you?
It is uncertain whether this forged document can pass unnoticed
Immediately, he spoke loudly to the outside of the city: "My lord, please calm your anger, my lord, please calm your anger, I will open the city gates to welcome the army right away!"
Even if Lin Ziran does not care about this face, the officer of the Fifth Reserve Battalion, whom he impersonates, must care about this face
The young man at the forefront, riding a Shayang horse, dressed in a double-breasted jacket adorned with brass buttons, and wearing a gold peony pin on his collar, appeared handsome and imposing
However, early this morning, over a hundred people appeared outside Qingshan Town. These individuals were all dressed in deep blue straight-buttoned tops and gray straight-leg military pants. Many of their uniforms were clearly ill-fitting, looking loose and baggy, resembling a group of bandits.
To put it bluntly, it is a deception for food
The city gate of Qingshan Town was swiftly closed, and before long, several individuals appeared on the gate tower, with the foremost person dressed in official attire
Looking at the arrogant demeanor of these officials and soldiers, it is highly likely that they will indeed bombard Qingshan Town, and by that time, it will be equally troublesome
As soon as these words were spoken, others also leaned in to take a look: "Indeed, I hadn't noticed it before, but there is indeed an official seal on it, just like the one stamped on the notice from the government that was previously issued to hunt us down, both are red!"
He then instructed Luo Mazi, saying: "You first take a team of people inside, secure the city gate, and keep watch around!"
Saying this, a small soldier was dispatched to deliver a letter.
Qingshan Town, located in a remote area, has always been very tranquil, with few outsiders visiting them.
Outside the city, Linzi Ran observed this scene, gently tapping the saddle with his finger. After a moment, he beckoned to Luo Mazi and whispered a few words in his ear
Wang Jinquan and the others do not dare to do so, as allowing the officials and soldiers to enter the city would easily expose their true intentions
Soon, the city gate was breached. First, two soldiers in uniform emerged, and shortly thereafter, a few individuals sent by Lin Ziran cautiously approached and entered the city
This inevitably leads him to suspect that there is deceit within the city
He immediately let out a cold snort and then nodded towards Luo Mazi
This group of people is indeed Lin Ziran and his companions
Currently, Lin Ziran is disguised as an officer of the Fifth Garrison Battalion, wearing the insignia of a lower-ranking military noble. In terms of status, it is significantly higher than that of a garrison commander. If he were too courteous towards them, it would instead raise suspicions, so Lin Ziran pretends to be aloof.
Boss, why not let them into the city? After all, they only want money and supplies; if we give them that, it's settled
Luo Mazi then said: "The leader truly deserves to be called a hero of our time, considering everything so thoroughly. Rest assured, esteemed leader, I will personally monitor those officials and soldiers, and there will definitely be no mishaps!"
The middle-aged man at the top of the city wall said: "So it is Lord Lin from the Fifth Garrison Battalion. This official, in charge of Qingshan Town, has failed to extend a proper welcome to Wang Jinquan, and I hope for your forgiveness"
Once these officers and soldiers leave, we will be able to continue to enjoy ourselves here
If you are asked to open the city gates, then open the city gates, why are you being so verbose
What are these officials and soldiers doing in this impoverished and remote place like Qingshan Town!
Another person took over the letter, pretended to read it and said: "It is hard to say, hard to say!"
However, the officials of Qingshan Town were easily intimidated and allowed themselves and others to enter the city
The middle-aged man, dressed in the uniform of the garrison officer, took the document again, examined it carefully, and nodded slightly: "I think it does resemble it; so it seems they are indeed the officers and soldiers of the Fifth Patrol Camp!"
The officials and soldiers on the city wall did not dare to open the city gate directly, but instead used a吊篮 to hoist the letter up. Soon, someone opened it to read.
The anticipated sound of gunfire did not occur, and within a short time, the few individuals he sent over had even climbed to the top of the city wall, signaling to him that it was safe. Moreover, someone jogged back to report: "Boss, everything is normal inside the city; we did not find any ambush!"
To this end, Lin Ziran even specially had someone forge documents such as the order and appointment letter
However
At this point, the conversation could no longer be handled by Luo Mazi. Lin Ziran, who was mounted on a horse, stepped forward and said, "Well, since you all are aware, then open the city gates. My troops need to enter the city to rest"
Really let them into the city
However, these words still did not reassure Lin Ziran
In fact, they could also resort to force, but Qing Shan Town is, after all, a town, and there are officials and soldiers within it
In times of chaos, whether it be bandits or soldiers, their ability to wreak havoc in a region is equally matched, each being no better than the other