April 1st, at noon.

After joining the army and horses from Zijing Pass in the settlement the day before, Chen Xi finally led his troops to Datong Town, Datong Town.

The governor of Datong Cui Yan, the prefect Wang Menghong and many generals came to greet him, and the people gathered at the city gate early to wait. The scene was grand and grand.

When Chen Xi and his party arrived, there were gongs and drums on the city and firecrackers roaring. This lively scene made Chen Xi, who was riding on the horse, frown.

"It seems that the land of Shanxi is very polite to Shangshu Chen." Tang Yin rode behind Shen Xi, speaking in a sarcastic tone.

Jing Yuezong immediately stepped forward and asked for instructions: "Sir, will you enter the city immediately?"

Seeing that the vanguard had come to contact us, the local officials who were greeting had already begun to walk here, and they could not say that they would not enter the city. He nodded slightly: "I have come here, can't I still have to station outside the city? I'll order the three armies to enter the city!"

Chen Xi rushed forward and when he was about to reach the city gate, the crowd automatically gave in.

Datong Governor Cui Yan took the initiative to lead Chen Xi. Others may not recognize him, but Chen Xi clearly recognized this official. He was an important member of the eunuch party who had defected to Liu Jin before and was an important member of the eunuch party. When Chen Xi was transferred to Governor General Xuanda for the last time, Cui Yan was the governor of Datong.

"Mr. Shen, you are here. The people of Datong are all looking forward to your return soon." Cui Yan looked at Chen Xi with a respectful look. His eyes were so eager that Chen Xi had an illusion that this person was his own hardcore fan. But Chen Xi understood that the reason why Cui Yan reacted like this was because this person was a treacherous villain. If he believed his lies, he might have the same gaze toward whom he would respond in the future.

Chen Xi turned over and dismounted, and then the horses were accompanied by a group of military generals, eunuchs and followers behind him. At the same time, Datong Prefect Wang Menghong also brought local officials to salute and greet Chen Xi, and his words were very respectful.

Chen Xi waved his hand: "I am tired from the journey and am ready to arrange my troops under my command earlier after entering the city. Then I will have a good rest. Other matters will be discussed later."

Cui Yan looked surprised: "Mr. Shen arrived at Datong Mansion and was exhausted. It was a good idea to take a break earlier, but no matter what, you have to visit the King of Dai first, right?"

The vassal king whose Ming Dynasty was stationed in Datong was exactly what Cui Yan mentioned. Although the kings of all dynasties did not involve specific military power, they had the responsibility to protect the border. Because they were in-laws with Xu Da, the founding hero of Zhongshan, and were brother-in-law with Chengzu, the kings of all dynasties were powerful among the many vassal kings of the Ming Dynasty, and their influence on the local area was far greater than that of other vassal kings. Therefore, Cui Yan reminded Chen Xi to visit first and then arrange other things.

Chen Xi shook his head: "I will not visit the Dai Prince's Mansion in person, and will send a special person to contact us later... You don't have to stay here. Now the war with the Tatars is rekindled, and the people are out of the city to block the city gate. If they encounter a raid of the Tatar cavalry, what should we do?"

Cui Yan smiled and said, "How is this possible? The Tartars heard that Lord Shen was coming, so they had been hiding far away. Who dared to come to Datong City to act wildly? Please rest assured, Mr. Shen, I have sent people to investigate the situation hundreds of miles outside the Great Wall to ensure that there is no whereabouts of the Tartars. You can rest assured."

In his words, Cui Yan performed his best to compliment and praised Chen Xi as a god.

Chen Xi was tired after hearing this. This was not the scene he wanted to see.

"I didn't expect that after Liu Jin fell, the local atmosphere was so corrupt. Fortunately, Wang Shouren was in charge in Xuanfu. If it were the same as Datong, I'm afraid my emperor's disciple would stay in Xuanfu and be happy... But even so, will that boy Zhu Houzhao definitely go to war with peace of mind?"

The more I saw this situation, the more I was worried.

Under the introduction of Cui Yan and Wang Menghong, Chen Xi met with local officials and military generals, among which Liu Chong, who had just been transferred to the General of Datong.

Liu Chong is the deputy commander of the commander-in-chief of Shanxi Xingdu. In the current situation where the commander-in-chief of Shanxi Xingdu is vacant, he is actually in charge of the commander-in-chief of Shanxi Xingdu.

In addition, there are some generals from the Shanxi Xingdu Commander Command. Chen Xi had done his homework before, and had a basic understanding of these people, which were capable and which were just making a living. He himself did not expect these people to follow him to send troops. Their main task was to garrison the place, so he did not communicate too much, but just met in etiquette.

However, Cui Yan was very keen on introducing and tried his best to praise everyone's contributions, indirectly demonstrating his approach to governing the local area and seeking credit from Chenxi.

After seeing it briefly, Chen Xi rode his horse into the city, and the people gathered at the gate of Datong Prefecture began to cheer, with drums and drums. Chen Xi frowned when he saw it and ordered: "If you can retreat in this situation, it is best to ask the people to give in, otherwise it will delay the in and out of the troops."

Cui Yan smiled and said, "This is the local people's welcome to the adults, so it is not easy to dissuade them!"

Seeing that Cui Yan had no intention of persuading the people to retreat, Chen Xi had to raise the airs and shouted: "I'm confused! The army is carrying a secret firearm. If there are Tartars hidden in the people, our top secret information may be stolen. Is this the result you want to see?"

Cui Yan was stunned when he heard this, and then looked at a few glances with the officials, and then arranged for the officials to persuade the people to retreat and prevent them from getting too close to them.

...

...

Even if there were officials to maintain order, Chen Xi led the army into the city and caused quite a stir.

The people did not force the government to come out to greet them, but welcomed Chen Xi's leadership from the bottom of their hearts.

As we all know, since Chen Xi led the army, especially in the northwest, he had never lost a battle. Chen Xi chose Datong Prefecture as the starting point for this war, which means that there was a famous general on the front line of Datong Prefecture that made the Tatars afraid. In this way, Datong Town became the safest town among the Jiubian Army Towns.

And the people also want to know what the most famous minister in the Ming Dynasty looks like now?

Because of his young age, coupled with his outstanding military achievements and experience, Chen Xi has long become a myth in the court and the public, and is an "idol-level" figure among the people.

Especially Chen Xi was transferred to Xuanda twice and had a close relationship with Datong Prefecture. Local people felt that this was a hero who walked out of them. Now that this big man was leading his troops, he naturally was willing to come out to welcome him.

The more enthusiastic the people are, the more troublesome the officers and soldiers enter the city.

After all, Chen Xi did not only bring a team of entourages into the city, including tens of thousands of people and logistics personnel transporting food and grass. There were many cars and vehicles, and there were many complexities, including many heavy artillery, guns, etc. Even though these things were basically wrapped in tart cloth, they still couldn't stop the people's urge to find out.

The people rushed forward in crowds and were stopped by officials. In the end, soldiers even needed to hold hands and act as human walls to protect them, so as to avoid being attacked by the driver.

Cui Yan followed Shen Xi on a horse. Seeing that the scene was almost out of control, his face was a little uneasy. He turned his head and saw Chen Xi with a dark face. His heart sank, and he felt that he had done something bad.

Chen Xi was about to head to the military camp in the north of the city, Cui Yan asked for instructions: "Mr. Shen came from afar. There is no good house in the city to settle down. Why not stay in the governor's office first?"

"No need!"

Chen Xi shook his head and said, "I suddenly let the official sleep on the high bed and soft pillow during the journey. I was a little uncomfortable for a while. I just found a place to settle down... Oh, by the way, Cui Zhongcheng, I want to ask you for help if I have something to do."

Cui Yan was overjoyed when he heard that he could help with things and quickly said, "Mr. Shen, but it's okay."

Chen Xidao: "It may take half a month to one month before the war begins. During this period, all the weapons workshops in the city may be requisitioned by our officials, and then the Governor's Office needs to help allocate all the raw materials for making gunpowder in the city... Because the ammunition we use needs to be matched by ourselves, is that okay?"

"Well……"

Cui Yan felt a little embarrassed when he heard this, but after hesitating, he immediately agreed, "Don't worry, Lord Shen, let's make arrangements now. There is no problem with the weapons workshop, but the raw materials for this gunpowder... There is not much storage in the city, so there is as much charcoal as possible, including saltpeter and sulfur... It may need to be collected from the public..."

Chen Xi shook his head: "How can such important materials be collected from the public? It mainly depends on military supplies... Datong Town is the fourteen guards and is one of the top nine sides. How can it lack raw materials? It is related to the overall situation. In any case, I have to ask Cui Zhongcheng for help. Even if the saltpeter and sulfur in the treasury are allocated, the production of gunpowder must be ensured... In addition, I also need some blacksmiths to build weapons."

Cui Yan smiled and said, "This is easy to say. Lord Shen can do as much blacksmith as he wants..."

Chen Xi knew that the other party was nonsense as soon as he heard it. Although Datong Town blocked the capital and its geographical location was important, it could not be said that there were as many blacksmiths as he wanted. According to his investigation, the total number of craftsmen in Datong Town was about 3,000, but after deducting carpenters, bricklayers, stonemasons, silversmiths, etc., the total number of blacksmiths was estimated to not exceed 400. If the old, weak, sick and disabled, two hundred would be the same. He immediately said:

"It doesn't need too many. Two hundred people are enough, but they must be experienced... There is one thing that cannot disturb people's livelihood, and no one can collect and assign people from the public. Do you understand?"

Cui Yan smiled and said, "Just keep it safe, the governor's yamen will definitely support it with all his strength."

Chen Xi nodded, "Then I'll ask Cui Zhongcheng for everything. If I go back triumphantly this time, I will definitely make contributions to the court!"

"I understand, understand!" Cui Yan's smile became brighter and brighter.

Seeing that the explanation was correct, Chen Xi rode his horse straight towards the camp.

Datong City mainly faces enemies from the north, so the largest camp is built in the north of the city. This place is very easy to arrange for the 10,000 troops stationed in Chenxi.

Chen Xi patroled around and felt that there was nothing wrong, so he felt relieved to leave the camp and come to the temporary headquarters across the street. This was an ordinary courtyard. In order to avoid the war, the original owner came to the capital, so the government recruited it.

When Chen Xi entered the door, he found that there were fifty boxes of large and small in front yard.

Jing Yue came over and said, "Sir, I can't stop you. I am blocking people with Brother Zhu. Who knows that more and more people are coming to give gifts. I can only wait for you to come back to decide what to do."

Chen Xi glanced at Zhu Hong at the door, and Zhu Hong smiled bitterly.

As the captain of Chen Xi's guards, Zhu Hong has little experience in dealing with such gifts. In the eyes of officers such as Jing Yue, giving gifts to Shangguan is not a serious matter. Even if Chen Xi repeatedly refuses to give gifts to his subordinates, it does not mean that local officials will abide by this ban.

Jing Yue and others felt that it was all the money from corrupt officials, so don’t be for nothing.

Chen Xi frowned and said, "First check the gifts clearly, and then call Cui Yan, the governor of Datong."

Afterwards, Chen Xi did not continue to take care of the gifts and went directly to the main hall and found that someone was cleaning up inside.

There are very few things like tables and chairs brought by Chen Xi's army. When they set up temporary seats at the destination, they naturally need a large number of tables, chairs and benches, at least they have to satisfy everyone's seats during the meeting, right? Because Chen Xi did not notify the local government in advance to prepare, he could only find some old tables and chairs outside to fill in the number.

Fortunately, the people under Shen Xi knew that Chen Xi would not care too much, and just acted according to Chen Xi's instructions. After all, there were carpenters in the army, and if necessary, it would be time to build them temporarily.

Chen Xi was already very tired, but he didn't have the time to rest and many things were waiting for him to deal with.

Now is the busiest time in Chenxi. Frontline war reports are gathering continuously, including food, supplies, preparations for troops and horses in various Ming dynasties, and even articles from the War Department of the Capital. While his subordinates were cleaning up, he sat at the desk beside the window and read carefully.

After almost a stick of incense, Cui Yan appeared in front of Shen Xi panting and said respectfully: "I didn't send the Lord to the yamen in person. I'm really negligent. I wonder what Lord Shen asked Bei to come here. What instructions did Lord Shen give? As long as I do the function, I will do my best."

Chen Xi looked at Cui Yan, and Cui Yan was also looking at him. Chen Xi could hardly notice anything insincere about these eyes.

Chen Xidao: "I asked Cui Zhongcheng to go back before. It's not that you didn't care, so you don't need to worry. However, after I moved in, I found that the yard was full of gifts. What's going on?"

Cui Yan was a little surprised and asked back: "Is anyone giving gifts to Lord Shen? Bei Zhi is not very clear. Maybe these are not gifts, but just to make it more comfortable for the adults to live in Datong."

Chen Xi smiled and said, "Didn't Cui Zhongcheng send anyone to give gifts?"

"Uh... this, Bei Zhi hasn't even time to go back to the yamen yet. As for whether his subordinates come to give gifts, it's still unclear." Cui Yan smiled.

Chen Xi put down the desk in his hand, stood up, and walked around Cui Yan to the door, and closed the door.

Cui Yan looked around and found that he was the only one in the room and Shen Xi. He felt that there was something important about this big man, which made him a little uneasy.

Chen Xi returned to his seat and sat down, saying, "Cui Zhongcheng, we are not secretly talking. I remember that Liu Jin had falsely accused me of his official position and said that he was not effective in destroying local rebellions. At that time... you were talking to Liu Jin, and even openly faked it... Humph, you dare to falsely report the local rebellion, you are very brave."

Cui Yan was shocked. He didn't expect Chen Xi would just bring up old accounts with him.

A very simple truth is that even if Chen Xi has any objections to this, he should not say it at this time, after all, this is Cui Yan's land.

After a brief panic, Cui Yan immediately thought that Chen Xi had another purpose. Since he said it, it means that Chen Xi did not mean to continue to settle the accounts.

Cui Yan quickly knelt down and saluted, "I was confused for a while. At that time, Liu Yi was in power in the court, and so many people in the court had to act according to his expression. With his humble situation, it was really a forced one!"

Chen Xi patted Cui Yan on the shoulder, "If you are sincere, do you think you still have the chance to sit in the seat of the Governor of Datong today?"

Cui Yan continued to kowtow: "Yes, I am grateful to the magnanimity of the greatness of the adults... If it were not for the support of the adults, I am afraid that the magnanimity of the emperor is not only not in the officialdom, but may also be imprisoned and questioned. The magnanimity of the emperor will not forget the kindness of the adults."

"Get up and talk."

Chen Xi's tone was a little arrogant, as if Cui Yan had taken it for granted.

Cui Yan said: "It is an extremely honor for Bei Zhi to kneel down in front of Lord Shen to speak. So I let Bei Zhi continue to kneel down and listen to the Lord's instructions as atonement for the mistakes I made before."

Chen Xi smiled coldly: "If you want to kneel down, no one will stop me. When I see you, I just declare one thing to you, that is, I am not Liu Jin. Don't treat Liu Jin's style of dealing with Liu Jin, this style is useless."

Cui Yan quickly said, "Mr. Shen is a prominent and fair and honest person in the court. How can he compare with those who harm the country and the people like Liu Yi? Giving gifts to you is just to make you feel more comfortable in Datong Mansion and talk about the friendship of the landlords!"
To be continued...