Shu Chen

Chapter 125
Tianshui County, Ji County.

The former Wei prefect's office has now become the administrative center of Han Longyou.

The Prime Minister Zhuge Liang's envoy summoned Zheng Pu, and asked Huo Yi and others to lead the soldiers to take the prisoners, escort the war harvest and the luggage behind them, and then he came with his followers Qi Yacuo and Fu Qianbei.

As soon as he entered the city gate, a man dressed as a servant stepped forward to salute, and said softly, "General Zheng, I am from the Xiang family in Yicheng, Jingzhou. The lord of the family has something to say. I beg the general to spare a moment before seeing the prime minister." Clock talk."

Xiangjia in Yicheng?

Prime Minister Shi Xianglang?

The Xiang and Ma families in Yicheng, Jingzhou are family friends.

Therefore, whether in Jingzhou or after entering Shu, Xiang Lang praised Ma Liang and Ma Di's talents, intending to make them famous.

Well, Zheng Pu knew it before he entered the city. Ma Di, who returned earlier than him, is now ordered to stay in the same room.

The prime minister did not see him.

There is no conclusion on his crime of violating military orders.

That is to say, the prime minister wanted to hear Zheng Pu, who was also ordered to stick to Xiao Guandao, and then make a conclusion after describing the details of the battle.

In this way, Zheng Pu's words will influence the severity of Ma Di's crime.

Asking Lang Jin to lower his status and inviting Zheng Pu to have a talk, the intention is nothing more than to ask Zheng Pu to excuse Ma Su from his guilt when he meets the prime minister.

But that's all.

I also wanted to excuse Brother Youchang, so let's see.

Zheng Pu, who knew it in his heart, nodded for a while and said, "Okay, step forward and lead the way."

"Thank you, General, for your accomplishment!"

The servant was overjoyed when he heard this, first bowed deeply and made a salute, then Fang leaned to the side and led the way.

Xiang Lang is nearly [-] years old, with a kind face and kind eyes, with a faint temperament of "poetry and calligraphy in his belly".

In fact, he has a huge collection of books at home, and he is tolerant. No matter in Jingzhou or Bashu, he is praised as an elder.

However, this time, there was a look of anxiety on his face.

There is also a faint sense of shame circulating.

Or in other words, considering his status and age, it would be shameless to come here to beg for a junior.

Therefore, Zheng Pu walked up, and without waiting for him to say anything, he took the lead in paying respects to his nephew, and said softly, "Pu understands the meaning of Xiang Changshi, and he has no intention of blaming Brother Young Chang. Moreover, Pu Shang remembered the meaning of the past. It was recommended by Brother Youchang to be admitted to the Prime Minister's Mansion."

After saying this, Xiang Lang straightened his eyebrows, nodded again and again, and said in relief, "Good, Zijin is indeed a gentleman!"

Oh, what kind of gentleman am I?
Feeling a little helpless, Zheng Pu humbly bid farewell and walked towards the prefect's office.

Inside the office, the small officials in the bureaucracy walked in a hurry, their expressions were solemn, and they came and went in and out of the main hall with files and documents in their hands.

After the capture of Longyou, the Prime Minister, who had to do everything himself, became even more busy, whether it was Anmin or the garrison of all parties, as well as the transportation of grain, fodder and supplies in Shushu and Hanzhong.

He had long been familiar with the soldiers guarding the prime minister, Zheng Pu didn't wait to be called, so he was led into the hall by the soldiers.

I saw that in the middle of the hall, the prime minister was sitting behind the desk, bowing his head and writing a book.

Occasionally, he would pause for a while and ask softly the rate of the general standing on the side.

That general will be more than eight feet long and not yet thirty.

The forehead is wide and straight, the sword eyebrows fly into the temples, the nose is bold, with a short mustache, and the tightly pursed lips make the burning eyes more heroic.

Who is close to the prime minister, but I can't know the evil?
Surprised, Zheng Pu took a step forward, bowed and saluted, "Pu, I greet the prime minister."

"Zijin has returned!"

The voice of joy came from the mouth of the prime minister who raised his head suddenly.

I saw the joy on his face was constantly overflowing, he put down his pen and stretched out his hand to help him, "Zijin got up quickly and sat down."

"Thank you, Prime Minister."

Zheng Pu responded respectfully, raised his head and was about to step into his seat.

However, the prime minister who had been watching him all the time, the joy on his face froze in an instant.

Standing up, he took Zheng Pu's hand in front of him, and after looking at it carefully, he said sadly, "Zijin's face hurts Xie!"

"Prime Minister Lao misses you."

Zheng Pu said hastily, "Pu has no courage, and was careless in the battle, so a small wound is added, and everything else is fine."

But the melancholy in the Prime Minister's eyes did not disappear.

Sighing slightly, Fang turned and returned to his seat.

When the general led the way, he also introduced a sentence in a soft voice, "Bo Yue, this is Zheng Zijin, the general of my great man who is seeking captives. Although he is young, he has a strategy in his chest, and he is the best in Bashu. Zijin, this is Jiang Boyue, from Liangzhou. Scholars are also familiar with Qiang affairs. If you two have free time, you can discuss more and find mutual benefit."

Hearing this, Jiang Wei hurriedly turned sideways and cupped his hands in salute, "General Zheng, I am Jiang Wei from Ji County."

It turned out to be Jiang Wei!

No wonder he was able to stand on the side of the prime minister.
Zheng Pu thought in his heart, and returned the gift with his hand.

Just about to say a few words of greeting, the prime minister waved his hand and told Jiang Wei to leave first.

Then he put on a solemn face, looked at Zheng Pu and said, "Zijin, let's talk about Xiao Guandao's war in detail."

"promise."

Zheng Pu withdrew his mind and spoke in detail.

After talking, seeing the slight anger on the Prime Minister's face, he quickly added, "Prime Minister, if Brother Youchang doesn't leave Xiaoguan with troops, Pu will also send a messenger to report to the Prime Minister, asking for orders to send troops."

"Ok?"

The long eyebrows twitched slightly, and the prime minister rolled his eyes at Zheng Pu in surprise.

When he was young, his face softened and he sighed, "The imperial court has its own rules. You often violate the schedule, and you can't escape the guilt. Zijin doesn't have to excuse it."

"Prime Minister, Pu Fei has no such intention."

Zheng Pu smiled, and said softly, "At that time, since the city of Shangyu was broken, our army was strong enough, so why not take the opportunity to capture Xiaoguan, and prepare for the future invasion of Guanzhong?"

Such a statement made the prime minister frowned and thought.

It is true that after the attack on Shangbi, Chen Shi and Gao Xiang became mobile forces.

If more troops are added to Xiao Guandao to capture the pass, it will be of great benefit to marching into Guanzhong in the future.

"Well, what Zijin said makes sense."

Gently nodding his head, the prime minister said with a smile, "Although I am unable to enter Guanzhong now, if I occupy Xiaoguan and repair it eastward, it will also make the Qianghu tribe in Anding County feel dissatisfied with Wei Wei."

"Of course, that's what Pu meant."

Zheng Pu hurriedly responded, and expressed his gratitude, "However, if Pu asks for his life and the prime minister agrees, I am afraid that Pu will become a criminal in this battle! The army strength in Anding County is nearly [-] against Wei Wei, and the left side of Wei Wei General Zhang He also came to attack from Liangzhou. If our army goes out of Xiaoguan, it will be difficult to win, not to mention that it may be difficult even to defeat Wei Wei today."

"Heh~~~~"

After hearing this, the prime minister couldn't help laughing out loud.

Going around, Zheng Pu was still pleading for Ma Di.

He didn't hesitate to implicate Ma Di's achievements in defeating the Wei army.

Likewise, the Prime Minister feigned anger and reprimanded him, "Zijin's remark is to imitate a courtier who turns black and white into evil!"

After reprimanding him, he restrained his face, and said softly with deep meaning in his eyes, "you are always arrogant and arrogant, which caused Zijin to be in a desperate situation and caused countless deaths and injuries to his subordinates. How could Zijin not be annoyed?"

Zheng Pu bowed his head in silence.

When he was young, Fang left the table to bow and bow, and said in a clear voice, "Prime Minister, it is time for the imperial court to employ people, and I really don't have many talented men. Pu dares to ask the prime minister to give Brother Young Chang a chance to correct his mistakes. And, Pu I heard that 'a ruler is long and an inch is short', although Brother Youchang was a little impatient in the battle, if he participated in the military affairs or guarded one side, he was a genius! Also, our army is in Xiaoguan Road, and after all It is victory."

The prime minister listened, but did not express his opinion.

Instead, he watched Zheng Pu quietly, keeping his head bowed.

Looking at it, he stretched his eyebrows and smiled silently.

In the past, he was quite worried that Zheng Pu's temperament was similar to that of Fazheng, fearing that when he was in power in the future, it would lead to things that were not conducive to the country.

Now Ma Di put him to death, but he still pleaded for it from the perspective of benefiting the country.

It shows that he has a clear distinction between public and private affairs!

Very good.

Putting away his gratifying gaze, the prime minister said in a calm tone, "Young often violated the general's orders, and some of them were faults that I didn't know. Zijin, don't say more, his crime is not enough to die."

"what!"

At this point, Zheng Pu exclaimed suddenly, and hurriedly distinguished, "Prime Minister, there is no such thing as Pu."

But it was the prime minister who interrupted with a wave of his hand, "Zijin has had a tough journey, let's go and rest."

It also made Zheng Pu not dare to fight any more, so he bowed out and left.

"No, Pu will leave."

The next day.

The newly designated Xuanwu Army Camp.

Because Huo Yi and others have not yet arrived, Zheng Pu, who has a rare leisure time, devotes his mind to the examination of Fu Qian's studies.

Not long after, Qi Yacuo, the subordinate guarding outside the army tent, came to report: Ma Di is here.

After Zheng Pu left yesterday, the Prime Minister met him.

What exactly was said, no one knows.

People only know that after the prime minister has reported the merits and demerits of the battle of Longyou to Liu Chan, the emperor of Chengdu, Ma Di will no longer be a prime minister to join the army, and will no longer hold military power.

But it is a blessing that he was not abolished as a citizen.

At least with his talent, there is no shortage of chances for a comeback in his official career.

Ma Di, who came alone, looked haggard and haggard.

Perhaps, the prime minister who treated him like a child in the past has not summoned him this time, which made him feel more guilty and suffered a lot physically and mentally!

He walked to the front and saw Zheng Pu came out of the military tent to meet him, so he bowed and bowed directly without waiting for Zheng Pu to speak, "Thank you Zijin for your thoughtfulness, Su never forgets!"

"Brother Youchang, what are you doing!"

It also made Zheng Pu startled, and hurriedly stepped forward to help him up, and said with a wry smile, "The merits and demerits are the prime minister's conclusion. Don't worry about me, brother."

"Zijin."

The corners of Ma Di's eyes were slightly wet when he straightened up, he wanted to say something, but he couldn't say anything.

When the two of them entered the army tent, when Ma Di saw that Fu Qian was reading and reading the bamboo slips, Fang restrained his expression and stopped his emotions.

It wasn't long before he was silent, and then he let out another long sigh.

"Ugh"

Ashamed, Ma Su laughed at himself and said, "I claim to be familiar with military affairs all my life, and I am good at discussing military strategies. I often think I can do it. However, in the battle of Xiao Guandao, countless soldiers were killed because of me, and it caused Zijin and Many colleagues are dying. Knowing that I am nothing more than a war on paper, it will only increase the laughing stock! Sad! In the future, I will no longer get involved in military power, but I hope that in this life I can hold a broom and lead a horse to repay the prime minister’s irresponsible grace and Zijin’s thoughtfulness. Affection."

Uh.
It seems that you have really woken up.

However, yes.

If such a big defeat does not have self-knowledge, it is useless!

After Zheng Pu heard this, he was overwhelmed with thoughts in an instant.

Feeling very comforted, I also intend to explain a few words to him.After thinking for a while, he said, "Brother You Chang's words, forgive me for not agreeing."

Ok?
It also made Ma Di pause, first he was puzzled, and then he looked sad.

He was misunderstood.

He thought that what Zheng Pu said was a claim that he still had a grudge.

Advising the prime minister to exonerate him is to repay the past recommendation and the affection of Shi Xianglang, the minister of the prime minister.

After all, Zheng Pu has always had the reputation of vengeance.

And Zheng Pu had a gurgling smile, and said out loud, "Brother Youchang is well versed in the past and the present, and he is familiar with all kinds of schools of thought. How can he hold a broom and lead a horse as a servant? Don't you see me, in the past, I, the great Han Cao Shen, went through many battles and conquered the world. Two countries and 120 counties. However, after Gaozu established his capital in Chang'an, he was rewarded in terms of meritorious deeds, and his meritorious deeds were below that of Prime Minister Xiao He. Liu Hou Zhang Liang never led an army in a fierce battle, but he was able to maneuver and plan in the tent, winning a decisive victory thousands of miles away, and he was well-known. From ancient to modern times, Brother Chang has no intention of leading the army anymore, but he can also follow the example of the sages and restore the Central Plains Kezhong for me, what a pity!"

After the words fell, Ma Di opened his eyes wide in an instant.

After staring blankly at Zheng Pu for a long while, Fang wiped away the dispirited look on his face, making his eyes sparkle again.

Immediately, he left the table and bowed to worship, sincerely saying, "Zijin's kind words today are like enlightenment, enabling me to see the blue sky like clouds and mists! Please accept my worship! In the future, I will not disappoint Zijin today. words!"

"Brother Youchang is serious."

So too, Zheng Pu hurriedly got up and helped Ma Su up.

Afterwards, the two chatted some gossip again, and Ma Di said goodbye and left.

And Fu Qian, who was always on the side, listening to the two of them talking, looked at Ma Di's back as he went away, glaring and gnashing his teeth angrily.

When Ma Di's back disappeared, he turned his eyes back to Zheng Pu, his eyes turned into puzzlement.

After hesitating for a while, I finally couldn't help it, and tried to ask, "Sir?"

Zheng Pu, who had already closed his eyes and fell asleep thinking, turned his head when he heard the sound, slightly raised his eyebrows, and his eyes revealed a questioning expression.

"Sir, don't you hate him?"

"How can I not hate it!"

As soon as Fu Qian finished speaking, Zheng Pu's voice was stern, like thunder.

"Most of the soldiers from the three tribes were recruited from Nanzhong Zangcang County, and they have been with me for more than three years. We have been together day and night, and we know each other well. Today, seven or eight out of ten people were killed or disabled in battle. Humans are not grass, how can we not be sad!"

"Although it is said that war is born to death, and death in battle is inevitable. However, it is so innocent to die in Xiao Guandao!"

"Every time I think about it, I can't wait to kill it myself to comfort the dead!"

Having said this, Zheng Pu let out a long sigh of relief, as if exhaling all the hostility in his chest and abdomen.

After closing his eyes for a while, Fang spoke again, and his voice became slow and slow.

"However, what is the benefit to the country if you vent your personal grievances?"

"Nowadays, I am a big man, and the talents are withering. There are very few talented scholars. As ministers, everything we think and do should be for the benefit of the country. We must not let the country lose our talents because of private indignation."

"Furthermore, people are not sages and sages, so there is nothing wrong with them. Brother Chang, who has experienced such a big defeat, can wear down his conceited edge and be humble in the future. I also feel grateful to the imperial court for cherishing talents and not killing them. I will do my best for you." I, Big Hank, dedicated myself to returning to the Central Plains."

"It's good for the country, it's life and death, so why be angry?"

After saying that, Zheng Pu looked sideways, Yin Yin said, "Gongyuan, you are still young, maybe you don't understand the meaning, but as you get older, you will be able to understand the reason. But remember it, Nothing in the world is black and white."

Hearing this, Fu Qian immediately made a solemn face and nodded heavily.

"No. You will remember what you said, sir."

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(End of this chapter)