Shu Chen

Chapter 153 Reconsideration
Ji County.

Zhuge Ke, dressed in ordinary clothes, walked slowly back to the emissary's temporary residence.

When negotiating the war horse trade for the first time three days ago, after Zheng Pu dragged Guan Xing away, he asked his subordinates to say, "Ge Jun now knows the majesty of the war horse and the price. Whether or not to trade, you can go back to Ji County to think about it before looking for it." I."

He directly blocked his intention to bargain again.

Therefore, he went to look for Zhuge Qiao just now.

It was not intended to ask Zhuge Qiao to intercede, or to ask Prime Minister Zhuge Liang to spare a price or two.

It is official business to come to buy a war horse.

No matter how unwise he is, he will not try to use blood as thicker than water as an excuse to make noise, and make Langya Zhuge's laughing stock.

He is expressing the long-lost love of his compatriots.

Naturally, it is inevitable to use Zhuge Qiao and Zheng Pu's close and veiled insinuations, in order to accurately understand Zheng Pu's personality, etc., to see if it is possible to find an opportunity for the price change of the war horse.

However, after he had a general understanding, he felt a little more worried.

"Zheng Jun's family is profound, resourceful and decisive. At that time, people said that he was similar to the Yihou of the great Han Dynasty in the past. He is upright, decisive and capable; he likes to joke in private, but he is serious and never careless when he is in office. Now he discusses with his brother. State affairs must be strict and relentless."

That's what Zhuge Qiao asserted.

It also made Zhuge Ke realize something: Unless the prime minister of the Han Dynasty tells him, Zheng Pu's mind can't be changed!

It's just that Zhuge Ke, who became famous in Jiangdong when he was young and was loved by Sun Quan, was never a wise man.

Can not help also give birth to doubts.

Since Zheng Jun is known for his resourcefulness, would he be insincere in his words above the price of war horses?

With such thoughts in mind, after he returned to his residence, he sent all the entourage of the mission out to inquire about the news, saying that he was delighted to be in Longyou for the first time and wanted to know the people and customs.

Even the news of the return from inquiring, faintly confirmed what Zheng Pu said.

For example, the Han Dynasty had banned alcohol long ago, and even the grain and fodder of the tenants of Li Shu in the land of Longyou were rationed according to the military system.

For example, the sons and nephews of the Yizhou wealthy family in Longyou and the bureaucrats of the government seldom travel by horse-drawn carriage.There are also heavily guarded soldiers in Tianshui County, who come and go very frequently.

That is to say, today's Han Dynasty has insufficient food and fodder and lacks war horses.

In addition, all the soldiers in Longyou are ready to march into Liangzhou with high morale.

Under such circumstances, the big man should not have sold his war horse.

After all, war horses are strategic materials, and the Han army's own use is not enough.If it was sold to Soochow at a low price, how could the soldiers have no complaints?

This is the reason why Prime Minister Zhuge Liang ordered Zheng Pu to take charge of the war horse trade.

Zheng Pu has led the army for many years, he knows the thoughts of the generals in the army, and he has made many military exploits and is quite prestigious.

Let him claim that this is a temporary expedient measure on the grounds of "maintaining the alliance of the two countries against Wei, and exchanging war horses for rich food and fodder", so that there will be no complaints from the various departments of the Han army.

The original intention of selling war horses is to provide food and fodder for the sergeants!
Ugh.
If you want to negotiate the price again, it may be difficult.

Zhuge Ke sighed in disappointment.

However, no matter how difficult it is, we have to discuss it again.

One is that if Jiangdong wants to build a cavalry, the only way to buy war horses is from the big Han.

The other is that before he went on a mission, the courtiers in Jiangdong had made an agreement.Knowing that the great man is in short supply of grain and fodder, he roughly set the price of each war horse at [-] hu for grain and fodder.

At most, it should not exceed [-] hu.

Such a difference between expectations and reality was too far, making it impossible for him to go back and report.

He was conceited that he was talented and educated, and was designated by Sun Quan as the prince's assistant prime minister. He was not allowed to return in vain after his first mission, both public and private.

Furthermore, the current atmosphere of the state of Wu is no longer the time when Sun Ce looked down on the six counties in the east of the Yangtze River~~
When Sun Ce crossed the south of the Yangtze River, because he had few generals and few soldiers, he hired talents regardless of their backgrounds.

Countless thieves, scumbags and other people of origin, as long as they are capable and willing to serve, they will be granted authority by Sun Ce and honored by Gaodi.

However, it is a pity that Sun Ce died early.

Sun Quan, who came to the throne at a young age, in order to allow a stable transition of the situation and to seek long-term peace and stability, has taken gentle measures against the wealthy families since he took charge of Jiangdong.Today, with the passing away of the elders one after another, it has evolved into an aristocratic family leading the atmosphere.

Admiring fame, being extravagant, obsessed with flashy and so on.

Zhuge Ke, who lives in Jiangdong, is not immune to the vulgar.

Known for his talent and quick wit, he may be ruined by the people of the time if his reputation is damaged due to his lack of success.

Oh, let's try again!
Even if the Han court makes a small concession, it can be regarded as an inch of gain from this mission, which can be used for your Majesty and your lords to consult.

After some thought, Zhuge Ke went to look for Zheng Pu again.

Well, now Zheng Pu is also in Ji County.

He had already shown the war horse to the envoy Wu, and the price had not yet been negotiated, so he didn't need to stay at Xiaolongshan Horse Ranch.

Quite a coincidence, as soon as he left the house, he saw Zheng Pu approaching slowly on horseback.

"Ge Jun wants to go out for evil?"

Qiong Jian jumped off the horse, Zheng Pu handed over the reins of the horse to his followers, and stepped forward to ask questions.

Hearing this, Zhuge Ke laughed sheepishly, "I'm going to find Zheng Jun'er!"

"So good."

Gently nodding, Zheng Pu also had a gurgling smile on his face, and waved his hand to let Qi Yacuo, a follower behind him, lead a horse over, "I'm free now, so I want to come here and invite Ge Jun to visit Luomen together, I don't know if Ge Jun has leisure time no?"

Luomenju is located in the west of Ji County.

It was the ancient battlefield where the great Han Laishe, Geng Yan and others broke through Luomen and forced Kaihuo's youngest son, Kuichun, to surrender, ending the Longyou separatist regime.

Zheng Pu's cousin Lu Huang moved to Longyou and settled in Luomenju.

Coming here to invite you today is to have a private banquet with Zhuge Ke.

It's just that the motivation is a bit impure.

For example, out of the consideration that Zhuge Ke will inevitably become an important minister of Sun Wu in the future, he intends to make friends with one or two, in case he seeks accomplices during the Northern Expedition against Wei in the future.He still wants to take the opportunity to learn about the current Sun Wu news, and to continue talking about the sale of war horses.

He hasn't shown Zhuge Ke the good-looking Longyou war horse yet!
"Zheng Jun came to invite me, how dare I refuse?"

Jokingly answered, Zhuge Ke didn't make any excuses, turned sideways and instructed his followers for a few words, then took the reins of the horse and jumped up, riding side by side with Zheng Pu.

When they were in the city, the speed of the two horses was still slow.

When he got to a place with few people outside the city, Zheng Pu kept urging his horse to speed up.

And every time he accelerated, he would look sideways to see if Zhuge Ke could keep up, as if he wanted to compare his riding skills.

How can Zhuge Ke, who is an envoy and aggressive by nature, be willing to show weakness?

It is also frequently urging the war horse to follow closely.

Quite a gallop.

When Lu's house came into view, Zheng Pufang slowed down, got off his horse and led the horse on foot.

"Ge Jun's superb riding skills can be compared with the elite cavalry in the army."

After receiving the water bag from the subordinates behind him, Zheng Pu gave it to Zhuge Ke, smiling and praising it.

After the words fell, before he could answer, he raised his eyebrows at the horse and asked, "What do Ge Jun think of this horse?"

"Excellent!"

Zhuge Ke, who seldom rode a horse, stretched out his hand to caress the horse, and replied with a happy smile, "This horse is quite fast and stable when galloping. It is really a good horse!"

"Hahaha~~~~~"

Zheng Pu laughed and nodded repeatedly, "If Jun Ge is happy, I can feel at ease."

Ok?
Can I feel at ease when I am happy?
Could it be
Hearing this, Zhuge Ke raised his eyebrows slightly, and asked in surprise, "How can you explain what Mr. Zheng said?"

"With Ge Jun's wisdom, An Neng doesn't understand?"

First he asked a rhetorical question, Zheng Pufang said clearly, "This war horse will be Ge Jun's mount from now on!"

"Ah~~~~"

Although he realized something, Zhuge Ke was still surprised.

The horse he was riding today was not inferior to the war horse raised by the Xiaolongshan Horse Ranch that cost five thousand hu for grain and fodder!

But the two had no friendship, but Zheng Pu bluntly said that he would give it away, how could he not be surprised?
"Zheng Jun is generous, my heart breaks!"

After admiring loudly, Zhuge Ke hurriedly cupped his hands in salute, but he declined, "There is a way that a gentleman does not take away people's love, or there is a saying that he will not be rewarded for no merit. Such a generous gift, please forgive me for not being able to accept it."

"Hehe, Ge Jun can bear it."

Waving his hands, Zheng Pu smiled and said, "This horse was given to me by the leader of the Qiang people when I was in Didao, Longxi. I have my own mount, and I have a close friendship with Brother Bosong, so I intend to give it to you. However, Bosong Brother, let me pass it on to Jun Ge. If Jun Ge can’t accept it, wouldn’t it be a mistake to brother Bosong’s affection?”

"Ah, Nai Bosong asked Zheng Jun to give it to me?"

Zhuge Ke was surprised again.

"Of course."

Nodding his head, Zheng Pu restrained his expression, and said with emotion in his tone, "Ge Jun didn't know something. After Brother Bosong came to Shu, he missed Ge Jun and respected his father a lot, and he often felt ashamed that he couldn't honor his filial piety. Now let me use a good horse The gift is to thank Mr. Ge for caring about the old and young ears."

Uh.
Zhuge Ke was silent.

When he was young, Fang was full of melancholy and sighed, "Oh, Bo Song's temperament is still the same as before."

He no longer made any excuses, but bowed his hands to Zheng Pu as a gift, "In that case, I will accept it, thank you Zheng Jun for giving me the horse! If Zheng Jun arrives in Jiangdong in the future, I will come out with drums and zithers playing the sheng. Welcome, to repay today's kindness!"

"Ge Jun's words are too much! Too much!"

After waving his hands again and again, Zheng Pu laughed out loud.

Immediately, while walking side by side, they asked about Jiangdong's scenery in detail.

Let's talk and talk, laugh and talk.

When I was young, I walked to Lu's house, and Zheng Pu led Zhuge Ke to the banquet where a trickle of water surrounded the mountain.

The banquet held this time is well versed in the hospitality style of the aristocratic family.

They are seated in the main and secondary cases, with meat soup, fish sticks, salted vegetables, millet rice, and miso soup on several tables; and the maidservants are gathered around, warming wine to be poured, and the servants are not far away.

The only thing that is lacking is that there is no singing and dancing.

It's just that Zhuge Ke, after taking the seat, didn't think about whether he was entertaining or not.

Instead, he stared in amazement at the busy servants.

The servants of the Lu family all have braided hair on the left lapel, their complexion is dark and shiny, and they wear ornaments on their wrists and ankles.And occasionally you can hear their whispered words, which makes people feel like birdsong.

Dressed up like this, he is naturally not a member of the Han family.

Could it be that the great Han has still captured the barbarians from the southern and central counties as servants?

Zhuge Ke was confused, and couldn't help asking, "Zheng Jun, where are these servants from?"

"This is a native of Yongchang County."

After raising the wine cup and inviting the cup to be filled, Zheng Pufang said with a smile, "I have a small population in the Han Dynasty, and there is not much labor. After the recapture of Longyou, Hanzhong and Wudu County have no real people, so that the soldiers of the various departments in Longyou Food and fodder are all transported from the land of Shu. The road to Shu is difficult, and the transshipment is difficult. It can be said that half the effort is half the effort. Therefore, my big man traded Shu brocade tea and other things to the native chiefs of various tribes in Yongchang County, and exchanged some slaves for labor. .”

Having said this, he closed his eyes and shook his head and sighed.

"Alas, it's a pity that Yongchang County is remote and has a large territory. It is difficult to find many native tribes and barbarians. The exchange of slaves is very few, and it is difficult to make up for the lack of labor in the court."

Labor shortage?

So wantonly looking for natives and barbarian tribes in exchange for servants?

Invisibly, a gleam of light flashed from Zhuge Ke's eyes.

The same is true, thinking of the Battle of Hanzhong in the past, when Wei Wu Cao Cao saw that he could not win, he relocated the people of Hanzhong and Wudu counties when he retreated.

Since the big man can exchange Shu brocade tea and other things for his servants, don't you know if the same is true for war horses?
In the land of Jiaozhou in my state of Wu, there are more natives and barbarians.And there are many who refuse to accept Wanghua, and often raise troops to disrupt.

"Why should Zheng Jun worry?"

In an instant, Zhuge Ke was overwhelmed with thoughts, and Zhuge Ke smiled happily, "Those who persevere, things will come true. Although I am not talented, I dare to assert that your country will definitely find a countermeasure to alleviate the worries of the few people and the shortage of labor."

After finishing speaking, he raised his glass and drank it all, and showed it with the bottom of the cup, "Now I have a horse from Zheng Jun, and I have nothing to repay, so I will use this wine to express my heart!"

"Ge Jun doesn't have to be like this."

Zheng Pu smiled gurglingly, waved his hands humbly, and said, "The donated horse is nothing more than an ordinary horse, not worth mentioning. If Ge Jun cares about it, I'm afraid I will feel uneasy!"

"Hahaha~~~"

Zhuge Ke laughed and praised him highly, "Zheng Jun is really a gentleman!"

After a round of toasting and staggering, talking and laughing at Yanyan.

After the faces of the two were faintly drunk, Zhuge Ke mentioned the time of the war horse trade again.

"Zheng Jun, can the price of war horses be spared a little bit? To be honest, our country's grain and fodder reserves are not abundant, and it is unbearable. Before I came to your country, the emperor of our country said that the price of war horses can be [-] grains and fodder per horse." Hu'er. Now Zheng Jun paid twice the price, I really can't pay back."

After finishing speaking, without waiting for Zheng Pu to answer, he quickly added, "I know that your country still has a shortage of war horses, and it is rare to be willing to make them and sell them to our country. However, the alliance between the two countries is for the benefit of each other. I also ask Zheng Jun to think about it, our country will go out of Huainan in the future, and there will be cavalry across the battlefield, so if he rebels against Wei An, can he not send more troops to guard against it, so that the war here in your country can be slowed down?"

Um.
With a slight nasal sound, Zheng Pu didn't answer immediately.

Instead, he closed his eyes and murmured for a while, then opened his eyes and said, "I don't agree with Ge Jun's words. However, the advance price in your country is really too low. Even if I want to compromise the price, I can't make it."

Immediately, Zhuge Ke's eyes widened when he heard the words, "I don't know how much Zheng Jun can spare?"

"Each horse can be exchanged for [-] hu of grain and fodder."

Zheng Pu nodded and returned with a smile, and continued to exhort, "Such a price is the bottom line of my big man, and Ge Jun doesn't have to fight any more. However, since Ge Jun claims that your country's grain and fodder are not abundant, it is better to replace it first. Go back with draft animals? Or, change to a few horses and go back to train the cavalry?"

What use do my country of Wu want those riding draft animals for!

Furthermore, more than two hundred cavalry can only act as scouts in the army!
After hearing this, Zhuge Ke couldn't help but slander.

　Sorry, overtime, late update.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)