Shu Chen

Chapter 102
Traveling fast all the way, I finally arrived at the bank of the Mianyuan River.

Welcomed by the nephew of the Qin family, after Zheng Puyi worshiped Qin Mi, Fang Bu came to talk to his elder brother Zheng Yan.

Zheng Yan's face was very haggard.Even though the funeral was more than two months ago, he could vaguely discern in the depths of his eyes that there was a lingering sorrow that couldn't go away.

Alas, Qin Mi is like a father and son to him.

When he was ten years old, he was sent by the adults in his family to worship Qin Mi as his teacher and live in the Qin Mansion until he returned home at the age of sixteen.

Moreover, he has a sincere and sincere temperament, and he is filial to his relatives, so it is reasonable to not let go of him for a long time.

"Zijin, I haven't seen you for a long time, brother."

Seeing Zheng Pu's arrival, he got up and walked forward to hold Zheng Pu's hand, his words were light but warming.

Zheng Pu also felt a little emotional, "Brother, don't be too sad."

"Well, I know."

Gently nodding his head, Zheng Yan pulled Zheng Pu to sit in a remote place and talk.

Ask each other what's going on, etc.

Not long after the narration, Zheng Yan once again mentioned the matter of Zheng Pu's marriage with the self-consciousness that his elder brother is like a father.

When he mentioned it two years ago, he was declined by Zheng Pu because of his lack of achievements.

Now, Zheng Puzhi has become the general of an army, so it is reasonable to mention it again.

Furthermore, since ancient times, generals have died in hundreds of battles.Leading the expedition, the battlefield is dangerous. As the elder brother, can An not urge Zheng Pu to get married and have children as soon as possible?
Zheng Pu had no choice but to say that he couldn't control his marriage.

Shocked, Zheng Yan was speechless for a while.

After a long time, Fang Fang came back to his senses, and after careful consideration, he decided on his own, "Since that's the case, I won't say much about it. However, I will write a book and return it to Sangyuan, asking your sister-in-law to find a concubine for you. Broom and sewing, don't make excuses anymore."

Concubine first?

However, for the children of a wealthy family, it is also very common.

For example, Guan Xing's bastard son is older than his first son.

Zheng Pu, who couldn't find a reason to shirk, could only shake his head and smile wryly at his brother's harsh words.

Two days later, a servant of the Qin family came to report that someone was looking for him.

Zheng Pu looked at it step by step, and it turned out that it was Zhang Qing who came with the words.

It was said that Zhang Mu had already arrived at the bank of Mianyuan River, but because of his identity he did not dare to visit directly, so he set up a table and invited Zheng Pu to talk.

The place where the banquet was held was in a bamboo forest by the river.

Cut bamboo to spread mats, take river beach stones as cases, lotus leaves as plates, set aside roasted meat, wine, and small daggers and bamboo chopsticks for cutting meat.

It's quite reckless, but it's better than being casual.

Zhang Mu was alone, sitting by a stone, holding a wine cup in his hand and looking at the ripples of the river while drinking.There is a faint demeanor of a madman who doesn't care about the details, but admires the artistic conception by the water.

Looking at the place he chose, and then looking at this person's demeanor, he should have read a lot of books when he was young, and he is a good ranger, right?
Zheng Pu, who was walking over, saw him from a distance, and couldn't help thinking to himself.

When he got closer, he saw that Zhang Mu was in his thirties, and his body was over seven feet long, which was quite majestic.

With star-eyed sword eyebrows, heavy nose, thin lips, big ears, wide mouth, three beards hanging down the jaw, it can be called dignified appearance.Dressed in a strong suit, adding a capable and decisive style.

"This is Zhang Mu, Zhang Gongshang."

Seeing that Zheng Pu was attracted by Zhang Qing, Zhang Mu got up and bowed his hands in salute first, "I have heard the name of Zheng Lang in Sangyuan for a long time, and it is a great fortune to meet him today. A vulgar person, prepare a little wine and meat, and hope Zheng Lang I don't mind."

Etiquette is not lacking, personable.

In an instant, Zheng Pu thought that this person was not a vicious person.

"Don't dare."

He also hastily performed the ceremony, Zheng Pu smiled coyly, "I have been waiting for you for a long time, Lord Shang."

After all, let's sit down modestly.

Zhang Mu waved his hand at Zhang Qing, signaling him to stay away and not to interrupt their conversation.

Seeing this, Zheng Pu lifted his chin slightly, signaling to his subordinate Qiyacuo to go further.

But he didn't want to, Qi Yacuo turned around and walked away, Zhang Mu's eyes were like hawks, he stared at Zheng Pu, and asked in a cold voice, "The Zheng family in Shifang is very knowledgeable, but they don't know, but have you ever heard that 'everyone gets angry, blood splatters three feet'" Did you say so?"

It also made Zheng Pu's eyes and pupils shrink sharply in an instant.

He saw that in an instant, Zhang Mu's face was full of hatred and ferocity, and there were a few traces of ferocity at the corners of his mouth, like a lone wolf who chooses to eat people.

Moreover, one hand was already drooping on the small meat-cutting dagger.

He also knew that Zhang Mu's body was more majestic, he had roared through the mountains and forests for a long time, and his movements were vigorous, if he really rose up to kill him suddenly with a small dagger, he would definitely be unable to avoid it.

Even if you don't die, you may be disabled!

And the subordinate Qiyacuo didn't have time to rescue him!
Because of being tempted by me to lure his subordinates to surrender, he jumps over the wall in a hurry, and wants to kill me to vent his anger?

It's just that he has been a bandit for more than ten years, and he has never allowed his subordinates to burn, kill and loot. He should be a man of great scheming and foresight. Why would he want to die with me today?
In an instant, Zheng Pu's thoughts were overwhelmed.

The close-fitting lining on the back was wet from the cold sweat that quietly broke out, making it sticky and uncomfortable.

Although he has experienced fighting on the battlefield long ago, at that time he was always guarded by beggar houses, unlike the vicious gangsters who have been bandits for more than ten years now.

However, his face remained unchanged.

"Brother Gongshang came here at the invitation, is it because he wants to fight with me?"

Moving slowly, Zheng Pu put his hand on his chin and rubbed his beard. Zheng Pu looked directly into Zhang Mu's eyes and laughed softly, "However, I don't understand. I want to find a way out for Brother Gongshang, but why does Brother hate me? ?”

"Find a way out?"

As if hearing a joke, Zhang Mu snorted, "Zheng Zijin, although I am a bandit, I am not an illiterate wretch!"

hehe~~
If you don't make a sound, I'm still worried about your reckless fight to the death.

Since you replied to me, you must be weighing the pros and cons, and you're just acting like a slut!
Hearing Zhang Mu's disdain, Zheng Pu couldn't help but feel relieved.

Did not immediately refute.

But first he picked up the bamboo chopsticks and chewed a piece of grilled meat slowly, then took the wine cup and drank a cup, then said with a smile.

"Promotion in the army is the most difficult thing. Brother Gongshang was born in a poor family. He was just over the age of the crown in the past, and he was appointed as a military marquis who led five hundred soldiers. From this, it can be seen that Brother Gongshang was not lacking in the desire to make contributions. Today, I What's wrong with letting the elder brother choose the general rate or the rich man?"

Zhang Mu tilted his head slightly, but did not answer.

However, Zheng Pu didn't wait for him to speak, and continued to speak eloquently.

"Brother Gongshang, what annoys me is that I recruited my subordinates to make him unable to roar through the mountains again."

"However, as a court official, it's my duty to dissuade my ministers, An Li and the common people. Since it's the right time for the meeting, can An Neng refuse to allow the bandits to reform their mistakes?"

"Besides, it's not for me to say that it's hard for these tribes to continue to follow Brother Gongshang for a long time!"

At this point in the conversation, Zhang Mu raised his hand to interrupt, his expression became more persistent, "What do you mean by this?"

"Brother Gongshang, you and I are not ignorant people, why bother to ask questions knowingly?"

After asking back, Zheng Pufang continued to point out Jiangshan, "Brother Gongshang has been gathering in the mountains and forests for more than ten years. There should not be much money and military supplies that he brought out from the army at the beginning, right? Let's take Zhang Qing and others with the old and the young. Brother Gongshang is not few, right? In the mountains and forests, the land is barren and the crops are not abundant, and it is difficult to feed oneself. Being poor and weak, Brother Gongshang will eventually fall into a dilemma one day."

At this point, Zheng Pu paused for a moment, and answered with a solemn face.

"Either, get rid of the old and weak of the tribe to continue to survive. Or, lead the army to go out to plunder counties and counties, and use the arsenal of the official mansion as capital. Brother Gongshang thinks what I say, don't you?"

Zhang Mu was silent again.

The pretentious hideous look on his face before also slowly dissipated.

Because Zheng Pu's words are right to his current situation.Moreover, the dilemma mentioned is a dead end beyond redemption!
First, it is not advisable to eliminate the old and weak from the tribe.

If the skin does not exist, how can the hair be attached?
If the old and weak are expelled, how can his subordinates be willing to serve?
Second, looting counties and counties is drinking poison to quench thirst.

The imperial court has heard that there are thieves and bandits sitting on the throne. Is there any reason why they should not send troops to fight for it?
Moreover, Zhuge Liang, the prime minister who is in power now, strictly enforces the law on officials, and those county generals are concerned about their official career, even if he fled to the mountains and hibernates, they would not dare to be negligent and appease!
"Heh~~~"

After pondering for a while, Zhang Mu sneered, "According to Zheng Lang's words, I have no way out. I have to hand over my hand and let Zheng Lang do whatever he wants?" After speaking, before Zheng Pu could answer, he asked again, "Since Zheng Lang's eloquence is so good, why don't you explain it to me again."

"It's all based on the facts, how can there be an argument for eloquence?"

Grinning, Zheng Pu said humbly, "However, Brother Gongshang has doubts. If I have a solution, I will talk endlessly."

"good!"

Zhang Mulang praised him loudly, but when he said it again, he was extremely cruel, "I know that Zheng Lang is now under the influence of the prime minister, and he is already the governor of the Xuanwu army! Therefore, I am confused, because I just fell into the sun overnight You bandits, why don't you get angry and kill Zheng Lang here, so that you can make your name known to the world?!"

However, Zheng Pu couldn't stop laughing when he heard the words.

When Zhang Mu's veins burst out of laughter and his eyes were burning like fire, Fang Kankan suppressed his laughter.

"Oh, Brother Gongshang, don't make inconsistent remarks."

After waving his hand, Zheng Pu raised the wine cup to invite a cup, and said in a soft voice, "It is true, if Brother Gongshang rises up and draws his blade to face me, he can certainly kill me here. It's just that Brother Gongshang also knows that the Prime Minister's weapon is different from mine, if I was harmed by bandits here. Wouldn’t the succeeding Xuanwu warlord, An Neng, ask for orders to avenge the evil for me? At that time, not to mention that Bashu will no longer have a place for the father and brother, and even the young and old in the family may be slaughtered by the Xuanwu soldiers to vent their anger! "

After finishing speaking, Zheng Pu added another sentence.

"I forgot to inform Brother Huigong Shang. When the Xuanwu Army was completed, the Prime Minister sent me two deputy positions. One was Zhao Yihong, the second son of General Zhengnan, and the other was Huo Shaoxian, the son of the old Zitong prefect."

This time, even Zhang Mu, who had experienced countless things, was stunned.

He has heard of Zhao Yun, the general who conquered the South, and Huo Jun, the former governor of Zitong.

It is also known that these two heirs serve as Zheng Pu's deputy, which means that the prime minister is different.

If he killed Zheng Pu here, it wouldn't be surprising that his entire family would be robbed.

Moreover, in his heart, there was a faint touch of emotion.

At first, I felt that Zheng Pu recruited him for an interview, but he wanted to recruit a group of bandits, thinking that his merits would lead to a promotion!How could he sincerely seek a way out for him?

However, for a person who can make the second son of General Zhengnan a deputy, does he still need this merit to be promoted?

The Zheng family in Shifang is as rumored, it is the home of good deeds!

Sang Yuan Zheng Lang is also well-deserved!
Secretly sighed, Zhang Mu thought for a while, then got up and bowed to worship.

The voice and appearance are all passionate, "Mu is a contemptuous husband, he fell into the grass and became a bandit, and insulted his family. Now Zheng Lang in the mulberry garden did not give up, he condescended to come here to surrender, and saving me is like being in the water and fire. If Mu Ruo does not surrender with tears, is he no different from a beast? !"

"It's serious."

Quickly got up and helped Zhang Mu up, Zheng Pu smiled happily, "Brother Gongshang abandoned the dark and turned to the bright, it is the court's luck!"

Now that Zhang Mu is willing to surrender, things will be easier in the future.

Zheng Pu, who returned to the Qin Mansion, wrote a letter at his desk, and sent his followers to Qi Yacuo to rush to Luoxian County, and sent the postmen to the Prime Minister's Mansion.And let him inform Huo Yi and Liu Min, and lead the Xuanwu Army back to Chengdu first.

Well, he intends to stay here temporarily, to show Zhang Mu his sincerity, lest he be suspicious and regret it.

Chengdu, the Prime Minister's Mansion.

Zhuge Liang, the prime minister who was writing on the case, softly called for the guard on duty and asked him to pass on the order.

It was an arrangement for granting land to Zhang Mu and other bandits.

Just as Zheng Pu expected, when the prime minister heard that there was a bandit who was willing to surrender and was sent by the court to register and register in Hanzhong County, he was very encouraged.

It's just that he didn't expect that the prime minister was just making arrangements, and he stared at his watch again, closing his eyes and meditating.

Well, in Zheng Pu's urgent report, he claimed that on the way to pay tribute to Qin Mi, he "coincided" with bandits.And "fortunately" these bandits feel the court's benevolence and justice, and are willing to surrender.

Therefore, the Prime Minister looked at the word "Lucky", and the corner of his mouth couldn't help but twitched slightly.

Or in other words, he, who always does everything by himself, never believed in the theory of luck.

Tilting his head slightly, thinking briefly, the prime minister took three military statements from the kit and laid them out on the case table.

These are all Zheng Pu's actions in recent months.

For example, the receipt of the order to lead the army to attack Yin in peacetime, with suggestions for transporting food by cableway; for example, the statement about the battle of Jinggu Road, the battle and casualties, etc.; for example, the private letter of Zhang Bao sent by the emperor Liu Chan, which contains his theory of the Northern Expedition .

In just a few months, this son was able to think so much for the country, which shows his sincerity.

And they often do not show their own merits, such as promoting Zhao Yihong as the cavalry governor, such as subduing bandits to the benevolence and justice of the court.

It's commendable!
With a word of appreciation in his heart, the prime minister raised his eyes and looked out of the window curtain.

In the bird's nest under the long eaves, the chicks who were waiting to be fed before have spread their wings and gone south for the winter.

Jianchang!
You can spread your wings and hit the sky, soaring thousands of miles!
Thinking of this, the prime minister's eyes could not help but feel a little relieved.

He also thought about his previous plan to choose a meritorious family for Zheng Pu as his in-laws.

But he didn't want to, when he entered the palace recently, when the emperor chatted, he also mentioned Zheng Pu's marriage.

To put it bluntly, Zhang Wenrong, who claimed to be far away in Guangshi, Hanzhong, returned with a letter from his family and asked Empress Zhang to discuss with the Xiahou family, intending to promise Zheng Pu the daughter of the Zhang family.

For this reason, Empress Zhang asked about Zheng Pu's personality through the regular correspondence between the emperor and Zheng Pu.

"Father Xiang, I think Zheng Qing is very talented and learned, and he is the good son-in-law of the Zhang family! I don't know what Father Xiang thinks?"

At that time, the emperor told the story and asked questions in this way.

It also surprised the prime minister.

At first, he asked his family's Xijun to help him find two candidates of similar age. One was the daughter of the old servant Ma Liang, and the other was the daughter of the prime minister Shi Xianglang.

Who would have expected that the Zhang family also had such evil thoughts?
However, the meritorious deeds of the Zhang family's daughter's parents are even more prosperous than this Ma Xiang's family.

Moreover, the status of the Zhang family is now a foreign relative, if Zheng Pu is married to the Zhang family, then he is brother-in-law with the emperor, maybe it would be better in the country!

However, the little girl of the Zhang family seems to be too young?
Before Zheng Pu was stationed in Hanzhong, he might not have reached the age of Ji, right?

(End of this chapter)