At the end of the Han Dynasty: a stingy husband from his hometown

Chapter 381 I have a plan

"Zhi Xin?"

Listening to Zhou Qi's words, Xu Shu couldn't help but feel a little moved in his heart.

Although Xu Shu was also born in Yingchuan, he was not a descendant of the gentry.

On the other hand, Xin Pi was a descendant of the Yingchuan gentry with upright roots and Miao Hong. He, Guo Jia and Guo Tu were both from Yangzhai, and the two sides had never had any intersection before.

If Xu Shuyou hadn't learned about Lujiang County and was then entrusted with important tasks by Zhou Qi, and performed very well in the battle to capture Yizhou, and coincidentally with the death of Zhou Qi's mastermind Xi Zhicai, he would have become an important strategist of the Chu State.

I'm afraid Xu Shu is not qualified to be on an equal footing with a member of a family like Xin Pi.

Xu Shu looked at Zhou Qi and asked, "Xin Zuozhi is Yuan Benchu's confidant. Now that the two countries are at war, I'm afraid he has some agenda!"

Zhou Qi gently stroked his beard and said, "Yuan Zhi, please listen to what he has to say!"

In the living room,
Xinpi drank two cups of tea in a row and finally saw Zhou Qi striding towards him.

Xu Shu is now an important counselor in the Chu State, and he is well-known. Xin Pi is naturally overjoyed because of his deliberate flattery, and the two talk happily.

When Xinpi heard this, although he knew it was Zhou Qi's polite words, he couldn't help but feel quite comfortable in his heart. After all, he couldn't help but ask: "Does your Majesty also know Xinpi's name?"

Zhou Qi stepped forward and took Xin Pi's hands, saying: "I have heard about the reputation of Saji, and I regret not being able to meet him. Today I get to know him. I am very relieved!"

Later, Xinpi surrendered to Cao Cao. Although he had no outstanding achievements, because he had served Cao Cao, Cao Pi, and Cao Rui, who were the elders of the three dynasties, he finally got into the high position of Weiwei, and was posthumously awarded the title of Weiwei. Suhou is worthy of enjoying the temple of Emperor Wen of Wei.

Although Xinpi had such thoughts, he did not show them and remained extremely humble.

As the love grew stronger, Xu Shu couldn't help but hold Xin Pi's hand and sighed: "In the final analysis, the reason why I am able to achieve my current status is because a talented man from a family like Brother Saji is unwilling to serve His Highness the King of Chu."

Although Xu Shu did not compare Xin Pi with Guo Jia, Xun You, and Xun Yu, since Zhou Qi said so, with Xu Shu's wisdom, he naturally knew what to do.

Xinpi did not dare to neglect, and hurriedly saluted: "The foreign minister pays homage to the king!"

Unexpectedly, after Xin Pi finished speaking, he heard a clear voice coming from the side.

The so-called flower sedan chair is used to carry people.

Xin Pi looked up and happened to see Xu Shu, who had sword-shaped eyebrows and star-like eyes, and a majestic appearance.

Xi Zhicai has passed away, but Xin Pi does not know whether he ever praised him highly.

Of course, Xinpi did not have a great reputation at this time, nor did he have any outstanding achievements.

"Brother, don't worry, I will help you make this happen!"

However, Xin Pi didn't know Xu Shu now. When he saw the other person's appearance and demeanor, he immediately bowed and asked, "I don't know your name, sir?"

Although Xu Shu's ecstasy did not stun Xin Pi, it still made him vaguely doubtful. If he had not taken refuge with Yuan Shao at the beginning, but had taken refuge with Zhou Qi, who was of humble origin, would he have become famous all over the world now?
How could people like Xi Xi Zhicai and Xu Shu, who were from poor families in Yingchuan, be so reused by Zhou Qi, let alone one who came from a noble family?

"If you are willing to serve the Chu State, how can I compare with my brother with my humble talents?"

When the fellow sees the fellow, tears well up.

However, since Xu Yuanzhi compared himself with Guo Fengxiao, Xun Wenruo, Xun Gongda and others, Xin Pi was greatly surprised, and then asked: "Xu Yuanzhi's words, I am ashamed that I dare not accept them!"

At that time, several of Yuan Shao's most powerful counselors had basically passed away, and third-rate counselors like Xin Pi could gradually emerge. Because of their different political stances, they also had grievances and grudges with Shen Pei.

Xu Shu also returned the gift and said: "I'm in Yingchuan, Xu Yuanzhi. I've met Mr. Xu Shu!"

"Even Yuan Zhi often laments that there are so many talented people in Yingchuan, such as Guo Fengxiao, Xun Wenruo, Xun Gongda, and Xin Zuozhi. They all have talents from all over the world, but they can't be used by themselves!"

Xinpi really began to appear on the stage of history, and it would have to wait until Yuan Shao died and Yuan Shao's sons fought.

When Xin Pi heard this, he became energetic and straightened his chest subconsciously.

Seeing the people from the same county, and the narration that he had praised him so much before, Xinpi was naturally overjoyed and said hurriedly: "Yuanzhi has many clever plans and cleverly captured Yizhou for His Majesty the King of Chu. I am actually a talented man from Yingchuan, Xinpi." This is so polite!"

"I'm busy with work, so I neglected George. Don't be surprised!"

Zhou Qi's enthusiastic attitude was beyond Xin Pi's imagination. He did not expect that this powerful prince who held heavy troops and occupied the land south of the Yangtze River would be so approachable.

Zhou Qi, however, found a random reason and left space for Xu Shu and Xin Pi.

"Sir, you can bear it!"

Xu Shu's eyes flashed slightly, and then he said with a smile: "It is difficult for Mr. Yuan to have such a benevolent heart. With my Lord's love for the people and his compassion for the soldiers, he must not want a war to break out in winter, let alone delay next year's spring plowing. "

Only then did Xin Pi remember the purpose of his trip, and he immediately said seriously: "It is winter now, the weather is freezing, and there will be spring plowing after the new year. My Lord is kind, and although he is fighting with His Highness the King of Chu, he does not want the people to fight. I hope the two sides can make a truce for the time being and wait until next year's spring plowing is completed before fighting to the death. I don't know what to do?"

Although Zhou Qi came from a poor family and his family background was far inferior to that of Xin Pi, the other party relied on his own ability to build such a big foundation in troubled times. Even though Xin Pi came from a noble family, he had to admire him.

When Zhou Qi heard this, he burst out laughing and said, "Don't forget, George, that his subordinates Xi Zhicai and Xu Yuanzhi are both from Yingchuan. They have outstanding talents at a young age. Naturally, George, who is famous in the prefecture and county, is Highly recommended.”

Although brothers Xin Ping and Xin Pi had already taken refuge with Yuan Shao when the princes were fighting against Dong, and because of their noble family origins, they were also highly regarded by Yuan Shao.

However, the talents of the two are not as good as Feng Ji and others, and they have remained unknown in recent years.

Therefore, even though he knew that Zhou Qi's words just now were most likely polite, he still couldn't resist asking such a sentence.

If both of them really praise themselves so highly, then Xinpi is indeed worthy of pride.

The two talked for a long time, and Xu Shu gradually brought the topic to the purpose of Xin Pi's trip and asked: "Now the two armies are fighting. My brother is working under Yuan Benchu's account. I don't know why he is here?"

"When Zhicai was still alive, he sighed several times, if Xin Zuozhi from the same county worked for the orphans with him, I am afraid that Yuzhou would have been acquired by the orphans long ago!"

Two Yingchuan talents, one deliberately flattered and the other deliberately made friends, completely ignoring that they were in different camps, and soon began to call each other brothers.

Although he was not acquainted with Xi Zhicai and Xu Yuanzhi, he was quite familiar with their deeds because they were in the same county and because they both had made great military exploits and were important ministers of the Chu State.

Xin Pi was overjoyed when he heard this and said: "If this is the case, then I will thank Yuan Zhi on behalf of the soldiers of the two countries!"

After leaving Xin Pi, Xu Shu hurriedly found Zhou Qi.

Zhou Qi looked at Xu Shu with a smile and asked, "What do Yuan Zhi think of this Xin Zuozhi?"

Xu Shu chuckled lightly and did not make any comment. Instead, he asked, "My lord, do you know why Xin Zuozhi came here?"

Zhou Qi shook his head and said: "I don't know!" Xu Shu said: "Yuan Benchu ​​said that it was not suitable to fight in the cold winter and the spring plowing was approaching. He hoped to have a temporary truce with Chu, so he sent Xin Zuozhi to act as a lobbyist."

The smile on Zhou Qi's face gradually faded, and then he frowned and said, "I'm afraid there's something fishy about this matter!"

It’s no wonder Zhou Qi had such doubts.

Although it was not suitable to fight in winter, Yuan Shao went south in a big way and persisted with the Chu State on the banks of the Huaihe River for more than a year. However, he failed to make any achievements and instead wasted money and food.

If there is a truce at this time, Chu will fight on its own territory and consume less. Moreover, Jiaozhou and Nanzhong are located in the south, so their grain output is higher. If the war drags on, it will definitely do more good than harm to the Chu State.

Now it is clear that Yuan Shao should be anxious and want a decisive battle, but the other party proposes a truce at this time. There must be something fishy!

Xu Shu hesitated for a while and said: "It is still unknown what Yuan Benchu's plan is, but for the Chu State, the truce will definitely bring more benefits than disadvantages. My lord may as well agree to it first."

Zhou Qi gently stroked his beard and said, "This is a serious matter, so we should discuss it with everyone first."

In this way, Zhou Qi summoned Jia Xu, Zhuge Liang and others, informed everyone of Xin Pi's intention, and then asked: "Yuan Benchu ​​wants to stop the war first, what do you think?"

Everyone pondered for a long time, and finally agreed that no matter what Yuan Shao's plan was, the truce would do more good than harm to Chu.

Now that he had made the decision, Zhou Qi immediately ordered a banquet to be held in honor of Xin Pi.

After three rounds of wine, five flavors of food.

Zhou Qi staggered up to Xin Pi, sat down in front of him, and sighed a little drunkenly: "I remember back then, brothers Gu and Ben Chu were young and high-spirited, drinking and having fun every day in Luoyang City, talking loudly. , so happy."

"Time flies, and now we are both very old, but we have no choice but to be on opposite sides."

"Even so, every time I think about the day when I had a banquet with Brother Benchu ​​in the past, I still remember it endlessly!"

Xin Pi said: "Your Majesty also often misses the days when he and the king discussed current affairs in Luoyang."

Zhou Qi took a sip of wine and suddenly asked: "Although Gu and Benchu ​​are fighting each other now, they are still as close as brothers in private. I wonder if brother Benchu ​​is in good health now?"

Although Xinpi was a little drunk at this time, he was still very vigilant and said: "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. Your Majesty is in good health."

Zhou Qi's eyes flashed slightly, and he continued to exchange glasses with Xin Pi. When he saw that the other party was speaking a little unclearly, he pretended to be drunk and put his arms around Xin Pi's shoulders, saying: "Brother Benchu ​​has always been a good drinker. I have a lot of old wine in my collection, and I want my husband to give it to Benchu ​​on my behalf. I wonder if Brother Benchu’s drinking capacity has increased?”

Xinpi waved his hand, shook his head and said, "Your Majesty has stopped drinking in the past few years."

Zhou Qi paused slightly while holding the wine glass, and continued: "In the past, when I was in Luoyang with Brother Benchu, Brother Benchu ​​could eat two kilograms of meat per meal. I wonder if he still has the appetite now?"

"belch!"

Xinpi burped, obviously a little drunk, and said: "Your Majesty has not eaten meat for a long time. He usually only drinks some meat porridge at most."

The banquet ended with Xinpi getting drunk.

After ordering people to take Xin Pi down to rest, Zhou Qi changed his drunken look and stood alone at the door looking at the clouds in the sky without saying a word for a long time.

"Why has my lord become so depressed since the banquet ended?"

A voice sounded behind him. Zhou Qi turned his head and saw Jia Xu walking slowly towards this side.

Zhou Qi sighed slightly when he heard this and said: "I was still wondering why Yuan Benchu ​​suddenly sent someone to negotiate peace. But after talking to Xin Pi at the banquet today, I roughly know the reason."

Jia Xu's eyes flashed slightly and asked: "Please, my lord, please clear up my doubts!"

Zhou Qi sighed: "According to what Xin Pi said, brother Benchu ​​has not drank alcohol or eaten meat for a long time. At most, he only drank some gruel."

"When I got to know my brother Benchu, I realized that he, like Cao Mengde, has a good appetite. He likes drinking and eating meat."

"Yuan Benchu ​​is so abnormal and can give up eating and drinking. I'm afraid there is something wrong with his health."

Jia Xu's eyes suddenly burst into light and he asked: "Does the Lord think that the reason why Yuan Benchu ​​sent people to come for peace talks is because he has a serious health problem?"

Zhou Qi nodded heavily.

Jia Xu asked again: "Do you know when Yuan Benchu's health started to have problems?"

Zhou Qi said: "According to Xin Pi, brother Benchu ​​has not drank alcohol for several years."

When Jia Xu heard this, the light in his eyes gradually dimmed, and then he fell into deep thought.

Looking at Jia Xu's appearance, Zhou Qi couldn't help but feel a little moved in his heart and asked, "What do Wen He have in mind?"

Jia Xu gently stroked his beard and said: "Logically speaking, since Yuan Benchu ​​cannot take Chu in a short time, he should recuperate after capturing Xuzhou, and then lead the army southward after winning the hearts of the people in Xuzhou."

"I was still wondering why Yuan Benchu ​​was so impatient that he could not wait to continue southward when he first conquered Xuzhou. When his foothold was not yet stable."

"Now after listening to my lord's words, I seem to have some understanding."

Zhou Qi said: "Wen He is saying that Yuan Benchu ​​was so anxious because he was worried that his body would not last long?"

Jia Xu nodded heavily.

Zhou Qi had a complicated expression on his face, and then asked: "So this time Yuan Benzhu sent people to discuss the truce, does it mean that his condition has worsened?"

Jia Xu said: "It should have worsened, but it may not have been exhausted. Otherwise, Yuan Benchu ​​would have withdrawn his troops directly instead of temporarily truceing."

"Perhaps it's because the weather suddenly turned cold and Yuan Benchu's condition worsened, so he wanted to call a truce temporarily."

"If we wait until the weather gets warmer, the condition may not get better."

Zhou Qi was silent for a long time and said: "In that case, should we take the opportunity to expedition north and fight Yuan Jun decisively?"

Jia Xu shook his head and said, "The time has not come yet."

"Although Yuan Benchu ​​may be seriously ill, he has countless ministers and generals under his command, and he has a large number of people. If he rushes north to fight with him, the outcome is uncertain."

Zhou Qi looked disappointed.

Jia Xu changed the topic at this time and said: "But, I have a plan that may wipe out hundreds of thousands of Yuan Benchu's troops, but it's just a bit risky."

(End of this chapter)