The surging Yangtze River flows eastward day and night.

As an important river that divides the north and south sides of the Central Plains, many ships travel back and forth every day, especially merchant ships carrying various cargoes, rushing on the river all day long, completely revitalizing the economy of the north and south of the Song Dynasty.

Since September, there have been more ships traveling from north to south on the Yangtze River, and thousands of sails compete, which looks spectacular from afar. However, these ships that continue to travel back and forth on both sides of the river are no longer carrying a wide variety of cargoes from north to south, but people, and more specifically, the official army. The ships full of ships are constantly coming from the north to the south, gathering on the pier not far from Jinling, and then driving along the official road to the ancient city.

Fang La's sudden proclaim of emperor had completely touched the bottom line of the Song Dynasty court. In just two months, the court had dispatched tens of thousands of troops to Jiangnan to quell the chaos and suppress the bandits. In this way, the Yangtze River channel became the busiest passage, and hundreds of ships were transported from morning to night to come to the south.

After more than a month of long journey, Sun Tu finally led his army here. The army also took ships on the north shore, crossing the undulating Yangtze River, and setting foot on this completely unfamiliar territory of the Song Dynasty.

To be honest, not only the soldiers under his command, but also Sun Tu, the commander of the three armies, was very unfamiliar with the Jiangnan area. Since he traveled to the Song Dynasty, he has been in the northern regions, and even went abroad to the Western Xia of Liao, but he has never arrived at the southern routes. So when he got off the boat and saw the scenery here completely different from the north, he couldn't help but feel something.

But soon, his feelings were interrupted by the actions of the soldiers who were lying on the river and vomiting. Although his troops were elite enough, most of them were northern men and were not used to the bumps on the water. Today, the storm on the river surface became stronger. After more than two hours of sailing, many people suddenly turned over and over, and they vomited a lot after getting off the boat.

Only the brothers from Liangshanpo did not see any strangeness at this time, and were still energetic. This also made many Qingzhou veterans feel ashamed and felt that they were embarrassing Sun Qian. Sun Tu had no intention of blaming them at all. Instead, he walked around with concern and greetings for a few words, and then asked the soldiers who had recovered to gather together, waiting for batches of robes to arrive continuously.

Until dusk approached, all the more than 20,000 talents under his command crossed the Yangtze River. However, it would be difficult to rush to Jinling City at this time. Even if they rushed over, they would probably be locked outside Jinling City. In the past, Zhuzhou City of the Song Dynasty was not closed at night, especially in the economically developed areas in Jiangnan. For commercial exchanges, there was no such thing as a city closed. But now it is different. Fang La's anti-military force is huge, which scared the city so hard that the cities did not dare to slacken. Especially in Jinling where Zhu Xie was located, closing the city gate at night became a regular operation.

Just as Sun Tu was wondering whether to let the army station on the riverside for one night, a group of people slowly came from the official road ahead. Just looking at the banner he had put out, he knew that they were from the government. This made the soldiers happy. Someone quickly came forward to ask about the identity and purpose of the visitor, and soon reported to Sun Tu: "The chief minister is Tong Mu, the Suzhou advisor, who came to welcome us with an order."

"Oh?" Sun Tu immediately showed a happy smile on his face: "I really met an old friend in a foreign land, why did I forget him?" As he said, he walked quickly towards those people. Soon, he met a young official with a slightly thin face. Both of them were stunned at first, and then they all quickly stepped forward and smiled, "Qianli (second brother) hasn't seen each other for many years, are you okay?"

The two of them said the same words in unison. As soon as they said that, they were stunned, and then they couldn't help laughing. Although they had not met each other for many years, the relationship between them was still there.

Tong Mu, Tong Guan's nephew, helped Sun Tu a lot in Bianjing City. It can be said that the foundation for Sun Tu to achieve such achievements today was really laid by him. At least if he had not helped him, Tong Guan might not have attached such a bottomless young man so much.

However, since Tong Mu passed the literary examination and became an official in Jiangnan, Sun Tu has never met him again. The two were in the south and the north. Although they had passed many letters over the years, they were separated by thousands of mountains and rivers. However, the friendship between them was not indifferent because of the obstacles of this space and time. Today, they met again, and they immediately found the feeling of having fun together in the capital. Without too much greeting, they were already intimate.

"Qianli, I heard that you have made many contributions in Shandong in recent years. Someone calls you the number one general in the Song Dynasty. Think about it, you had the ambition to join the army in the capital. Now, is it a fulfilling your wish?"

"Haha, that's just a flattery from some colleagues and people. I can't afford such praise. But second brother, you can be promoted to the first government official in just a few years. It's really gratifying." Sun Tu sincerely congratulated.

His words came from the heart. The Yifu Promoter is already the second-in-command of the local civil servants. Even if he is placed in the court, he is a middle-level official. Tong Mu, as a civil servant who is not a Jinshi, can do this in just about five years, which is enough to show how outstanding his ability is.

Although Sun Tu is now the fourth-rank chief of the commander, he seems to have a higher status than Tong Mu, but in fact, in terms of his status in the court, he is far from comparable to Tong Mu.

When Tong Mu heard this, he smiled bitterly and shook his head: "You shouldn't know how many of my promoters are based on my own talents and how many of them are supported by my uncle, right? Besides, Suzhou has become a rebel, but I can only hide in Jinling. I am really ashamed."

After hearing this, Sun Tu patted his shoulder: "I know that it is more than enough to be a local promoter with your talents. As for the fall of Suzhou, it is not your fault. If you really want to talk about it, the only one who should be ashamed of Zhu Xie and others who are in trouble with the country."

"Haha, after many years of meeting you and my brothers, I won't mention such despair. Let's go to Bajiao Town, which is ahead to sit down and talk. Knowing that you will lead your army recently, I specially asked for your order to welcome you, and prepared a lot of food for you, enough for your entire army to enjoy." Tong Mu did not take Sun Tu's words, and quickly changed the subject. Of course, Sun Tu would not refuse this arrangement, so he immediately issued an order and took the more than 20,000 people to Bajiao Town not far away. After learning that the local government had prepared accommodation and food for him, the soldiers who were still a little angry were immediately happy. When they looked at Tong Mu and others, they also brought more favors and kindness.

As a town adjacent to the Yangtze River and the great city of Jinling, this Bajiao Town covers a considerable area, covering more than ten miles of land. There are hundreds of houses in the town, which is enough for all the troops to stay in it. In this way, it is much more comfortable than letting the army station in the field.

After entering the town and seeing this scene, the soldiers cheered again, and then moved into a yard under the arrangement of their respective generals. Soon after, the officials sent wine, meat and other food into the yard like flowing water, which won the cheers of the soldiers again.

Sun Tu was naturally quite satisfied with Tong Mu's arrangement. However, after looking at this town where there were almost no ordinary people, he frowned slightly: "Second brother, I can naturally understand your kindness. But isn't this too disturbing to the people? Now that I'm waiting to live in the people's homes, where should they live?"

Tong Mu forced a smile when he heard this: "Don't worry, this government is naturally ready, you just need to live with peace of mind."

"What do you mean?" Seeing that he seemed to have a hidden secret, Sun Tu frowned at him again and said, "What can you and my brothers say between you and me? Why should you be so hesitant?"

Seeing that Sun Tu was still relentless, Tong Mu could only smile bitterly: "Let's go, let's sit in the house first and drink while talking about other things."

Seeing him keep glancing around as he spoke, Sun Tu realized that he was obviously worried. He said in cooperation: "You and I haven't seen each other for many years, so I really have to talk about the past." As he said that, the two turned around and entered a large mansion beside him. The local government officials brought a table of sumptuous wine and food into the house.

After the two of them sat down, the food and food were served, and there were only the two of them left in the room. After a glass of wine to each other, Sun Tu looked at Tong Mu again: "You can always say this now, right?"

"Hey, Qianli, you still can't rub the sand in your eyes as before..." Tong Mu put down his cup and sighed softly: "To be honest, I really envy you. Although I am a military officer, I live happily enough, but I am much more comfortable than I am here in Jiangnan. Whether I was in Suzhou before or in Jinling these few months, I always have to do something against my conscience. Every time I dream of it at midnight, I always feel guilty."

"Huh?" Sun Tu looked at the other person thoughtfully. It was not until then that he truly saw the changes in Tong Mu's appearance. He was indeed more mature than before, or had become much more vicissitudes. He had long lost the original aura of escape between his eyebrows, but he had a little more depression.
Chapter completed!