Ji Han Liu Zhang

Zhang Lu traveled down the Han River from the Han River and arrived at Xicheng a long time ago. However, although he arrived at Xicheng for a while, he never entered Xicheng County. The wealthy Shen family who controlled Xicheng County were wary of him. He had no choice but to set up camp outside Xicheng County.

As a bereaved dog, Zhang Lu, who lost his base camp in Hanzhong, was very angry when faced with Shen's rebellious attitude. Not only him, but also his younger brother Zhang Wei, who was treating his head and making sacrifices, was also very angry. Zhang Wei kept giving him advice. , I want to lead the elite ghost soldiers to capture the West City, and then live in the city to avoid camping in the wilderness and sleeping in the open air. It is really hard work.

However, the meritorious Cao Yan Pu had a different view. Yan Pu believed that the Shen family was being forced by Jing soldiers in the east, and Cai Mao was shouting to kill the Shen family. Therefore, the Shen family was somewhat resistant to Zhang Lu's arrival for a while. , Don’t give Zhang Lu a good look. However, as long as an envoy is sent to meet Shen Gong, the leader of the Shen clan, and express their intentions, which is to help the Shen clan resist the Jingchu soldiers, and with good words and inducements, the Shen clan will surely join forces with Zhang Lu to jointly deal with the Jingchu soldiers. .

Here Yan Pu even personally requested an order to meet with the Shen family. Now he is in the Shen family's Chinese army tent.

Yan Pu stood upright with a calm face. He stood in front of Shen Gong, Shen Yi and Shen Yuan, his father and son. He said seductively: "My master has no intention of spying on Xicheng and Shangyong. He just wants to do it for Shen Gong." The clan resisted the soldiers of Jingchu."

Shen Yuan heard this and sneered: "The words of the meritorious officer are too ridiculous. Zhang Shijun was defeated by Liu Yizhou and fled in panic from Hanzhong. After losing Hanzhong, Zhang Shijun lost his foundation and the source of his troops. How can he Shen, who has the ability to help me.”

Yan Pu was ridiculed by Shen Pei, but he did not get angry. He explained in a calm tone: "Although my master was defeated by Liu Yizhou, and Hanzhong was occupied by Liu Yizhou...but my master still has seven or eight capable warriors. Thousands of people, including Qu Shuai Pu Hu and Yuan Yue's tribe of tribesmen. The tribesmen are brave and fierce, and are not afraid of death. They have been famous in the world as elite soldiers since the beginning of the Han Dynasty. How can the second young master say what my master is? It cannot be relied on for help... Moreover, Master Shijun has been kind to Hanzhong for a long time, and all the elders in Hanzhong support my master. Since Master Shijun fled to Xicheng, many elders in Hanzhong knew where Master Master was, and came to Hanzhong to translate it. People come from across the mountains and ridges to join Shijun's tent. Now there are more than a thousand households. In time, there will be thousands of households. These people are the foundation of our Shijun and the source of our troops."

Shen Yuan frowned slightly, he was a little worried. After hearing what Yan Pu said, Zhang Lu's strength seemed not to be underestimated.

Shen Yuan was silent, and Shen Yi spoke. His words were very straightforward: "The meritor said that he wanted to help me, the Shen family, but people's hearts are so far away from each other. Who can know whether Zhang Shijun has the idea of ​​annexing my Shen family in his heart?" Cai Mao from the mausoleum is just an idea... When I, the Shen family, invite you to enter the city, I am afraid that I will lure a wolf into the house, and no bones will be left to be bitten by a wolf from Hanzhong. "

Here Shen Yi pressed forward, trying to put some pressure on Yan Pu, and asked: "Zhang Shijun lost Hanzhong, he has to find a place to stay, he can't always set up camp in the wilderness, right?... That's the problem Here we are, I wonder if Zhang Shijun wants to be stationed in Xicheng? Or does he want to be stationed in Shangyong?"

Shen Yi's question was very difficult. He thought that Zhang Lu lost his family and must have a foothold. He asked Yan Pu whether Zhang Lu wanted to seize his Shen family's Xicheng or his Shen family's Shangyong. Which city is under the name of the Shen family?

Yan Pu shook his head, but his tone was still very calm: "My master is not a person who seizes people's land, but a Taoist who pays attention to obeying the destiny and observing the four seasons. Please don't worry about this, eldest son. Moreover, my master sent me here because he wanted to become an ally with the Shen family, to help each other, and to defend Jingchu's troops together. We are allies, how can we occupy the land of our allies..."

After talking to Zhang Lu about Zhang Lu's character and his purpose of coming, he saw that Shen Yi looked hesitant, as if he was not sure about his words, so Yan Pu added a weight: "My master has lost his way in Hanzhong, so naturally he wants to find him." He has a place to establish himself, but he has absolutely no intention of going to Xicheng or Shangyong... The one my master has chosen is Fangling..."

"Fangling?" Shen Pei asked, interrupting Yan Pu: "Fangling is now in the hands of Jing Bing, how can Master Zhang..."

At this point, Shen Pei understood clearly. He understood what Yan Pu meant. Yan Pu meant that their side would seize Fangling from Jingzhou and use it as a foothold for their side.

Seeing the understanding look on Shen Pei's face, Yan Pu knew that Shen Pei knew what he meant, and he continued: "Today Xicheng and Shangyong were attacked by Jing soldiers. The reason why the Shen family is in so much hardship is actually because Fangling is in Jing." Because of the soldiers... Otherwise, the three counties of Xicheng, Shangyong, and Fangling are surrounded by mountains and dangerous terrain. Internal water transportation is developed and there are frequent exchanges. If the three counties are completely occupied, Jing How can the soldiers reach Shangyong City, and how can the Shen family face the oppression of Jing soldiers?"

Shen Yi nodded casually. The three counties of Xicheng, Shangyong, and Fangling were blocked by the Qinling Mountains, Bashan, Wudang Mountain, and Wushan. It was a standard place with four fortresses. In addition, the territory was connected by the Han River, the Nan River, and the Duhe River. The Qianqian River connects to the Han River and radiates to all counties in a network. The three counties are surrounded by dangerous mountains and rivers and are fortified by four strong fortresses. No matter what, the soldiers of Jingchu will not be allowed to reach the border of Shangyong. The soldiers of Jingchu should be killed just outside Fangling. blocked.

If Zhang Lu just wants to establish a foothold in Fangling, it is not impossible for Shen Yi to form an alliance with Zhang Lu. After the two parties form an alliance, they will seize Fangling and hand over Fangling to Zhang Lu for garrison. In this way, Zhang Lu will be in Fang Lu. Ling, they don't have to worry about Jing soldiers marching westward, and can live peacefully in Xicheng and Shangyong.

After thinking about this, Shen Yi glanced at Duke Shen. Duke Shen agreed. He showed an unhappy expression and scolded Shen Yi and Shen Yu: "Yan Gongcao is a famous scholar in Hanzhong, and you two are just boys." , How can I speak rashly and question Yan Gong Cao? If outsiders know about it, they will think that my Shen family has a bad family tradition and have no manners to treat worthy people, so I don't quickly apologize to Yan Gong Cao." Here Shen Yi and Shen Pei each handed over their hands. Please blame Yan Pu.

After Shen Gong rebuked Shen Yi and Shen Pei, and waited for Shen Yi and Shen Pei to plead guilty, he put on a pleasant expression towards Yan Pu. He stretched out his hand to signal to Yan Pu and said, "Yan Gong Cao, you don't have to stand all the time. Wait, please take your seat quickly."

After sitting down, Yan Pu showed a sincere smile, as if he didn't notice Shen Gong's playfulness. He even defended Shen Yi and Shen Yuan: "Clan Chief Shen, the two young masters are all thinking about the Shen family, so their words are a little bit... It's rash, but it doesn't matter. With these two sons, the Shen family will naturally prosper."

Duke Shen happily agreed, and at the same time he said a few words of humility. Then he straightened his face and got down to business: "Master Zhang is coming from afar, and I am not allowed to greet you personally. It is really rude. However, it is not that I disrespect Master, but it is Jing Bing who came from afar." Fangling is looking at him eagerly, I don’t have any free time here... Speaking of which, many people in Xicheng and Shangyong believe in the Tao of the Heavenly Master. They respect the master very much and have long been looking forward to his coming to Xicheng and Shangyong. And now that Master has arrived, the continuous autumn rain in the past few days has actually stopped, and there have been a few rare sunny days, which shows that Master is favored by God..."

Having said this, the flattering smile on Mr. Shen's face became even stronger. He sighed and said, "I originally planned to wait until I was done with this period of work to welcome Master Shijun into the West City in person to show my respect to Master Master, but I never thought It was you, Gong Cao, who came to visit me first, which made me feel ashamed. However, when you came, Gong Cao, and talked about the alliance, it was very in line with Lao Chen's thoughts... Lao Cao also wanted to form an alliance with his master. Resist the Jing soldiers, recapture the land of Fangling, consolidate the defense of the four borders, and teach the people of Jing and Chu not to underestimate us."

With a smile on his face, Yan Pu cupped his hands and said, "This is the best thing. Yan Pu should report back to the master and let him know the thoughts of Patriarch Shen earlier."

"Don't leave in a hurry, meritorious minister. At least you have eaten, otherwise you will teach me how to treat guests." Shen Gong said in a gentle tone and wanted to stay in Yanpu for dinner. Naturally, Yan Pu was forced to stay. During the meal, Shen Gong, who was sitting at the head table, casually said: "I have a daughter, and she is the eldest daughter. Logically speaking, she should get married early. However, the two or three sons-in-law that we had negotiated all died young unfortunately, which made people say that my daughter, Croft, was not able to get married even in her twenties. Because of this, I have had many gray hairs in recent years. A little more."

Yan Pu was a very sophisticated person. He defended Shen Gong's daughter: "It's just a coincidence. You don't need to pay attention to the rumors outside... It's just that the woman has not been married in her twenties, so it is somewhat unpleasant to spread the word." , it is understandable that Patriarch Shen is worried about this..."

"It's a pity that I have such a daughter, but I can't find a good family to accept her." Shen Gong sighed, looking frustrated. He even pointed to the white hair on his head and gestured to Yan Pu, and then he casually asked : "I heard that Master Zhang has a younger brother who is in his prime and very talented?"

Although Shen Gong asked this question casually, his eyes were constantly scanning Yan Pu's face. Shen Yi and Shen Yuan also pretended to drink while secretly looking at Yan Pu's face.

Yan Pu was resourceful and well-informed. As soon as Shen Gong's words came out of his mouth, he understood the meaning of Shen Gong's words. Shen Gong had a daughter waiting for his wife, and Zhang Lu's younger brother Zhang Wei happened to be unmarried. Shen Gong's words The idea is simply to marry his daughter to Zhang Wei, and the two families will be related by marriage. In this way, the relationship will be closer and the alliance will be more stable.

But Yan Pu sighed in his heart, this was not a good match. Shen Gong's daughter had a reputation as a wife, but Zhang Wei had never married. Yan Pu knew the reason. Zhang Wei's body seemed to be... Hidden disease.

However, this was not something Yan Pu considered. He only had to complete his task, which was to become an ally with the Shen family and find a place for Zhang Lu to gain a foothold. He spoke immediately without letting the scene become cold: "My family Master Shijun indeed has a younger brother, whose surname is Zhang Mingwei and whose given name is Gongze. He is not yet married, but his talents have always been outstanding."

Yan Pu didn't say too much, but just hinted. After all, it was still unclear whether Zhang Wei would agree to the marriage. Secondly, he is not the one who can make the final decision on this matter. He needs to go back and report it to Zhang Lu, who will make the decision.

"A real man has his ambitions in all directions and puts his career first. He is not in a hurry to get a wife." Shen Gong said something inconsistent.

After the meal, Yan Pu eagerly resigned to Shen Gong. He returned to the camp outside Xicheng and reported to Zhang Lu the Shen family's intention to form an alliance. At the same time, he also explained Shen Gong's intention to marry his daughter to Zhang Wei. Then Yan Pu resigned and left the Chinese army's tent with Zhang Lu and Zhang Wei, giving Zhang Lu and Zhang Wei space to discuss.

Yan Pu spoke carefully and did not miss any details. Naturally, Zhang Wei knew about Shen Gong's daughter Kefu. Therefore, Zhang Lu looked hesitant and did not directly ask Zhang Wei to nod to agree to the marriage with Shen. However, Zhang Wei stood up on his own. He cupped his hands towards Zhang Lu and said: "Brother, if we are not related by marriage to the Shen family, I am afraid that the Shen family will doubt our sincerity. We should quickly order the meritorious officer to go to the Shen family to express my intention to marry Shen Gong's eldest daughter to show that Our sincerity... In this way, Shen will have no doubts about forming an alliance with us."

"This..." Zhang Wei said firmly, but Zhang Lu looked embarrassed and did not nod in agreement. It would be fine if she was an ordinary woman, but Shen Gong's daughter has the name of Ke Fu, so she is a good match. But if she doesn't agree to the marriage with Duke Shen, I'm afraid Shen Gong will have doubts about the alliance.

With his younger brother on one side and his own career on the other, Zhang Lu had a sad look on his face. This was a dilemma.

"Brother." Zhang Wei said with a smile on his face, he persuaded diligently: "I am just a husband. With the blessing of you, my brother, the master of Tianshi Tao, how can I be like the previous sons-in-law of Duke Shen? Will you die young?... Now it's not too late. Let's think about it for a while here, and the Shen family will have more doubts. If it is settled early, the two families behind can form an alliance earlier, and the relationship between the two families will be closer through in-laws. Wu Jian, it is beneficial to defeat Cai Mao and capture Fangling... Otherwise we will have to stay in this wilderness for a longer time. Autumn is coming to an end and winter is approaching. Is it possible that we are still stationed in the twelfth lunar month of winter? In the wild?”

Zhang Lu's mood fluctuated, showing a look of relief and emotion. He didn't say too many words, but just patted Zhang Wei on the shoulder to express his guilt and gratitude to Zhang Wei.

Then Zhang Lu called Yan Pu without hesitation and asked Yan Pu to do another hard job and tell the Shen family about Zhang Weiyu's marriage to Shen Gong's daughter.

After sending Yan Pu away, Zhang Lu took out a box from behind the screen and handed it to Zhang Wei. At the same time, he explained: "Pu Hu and Yuan Yue had nothing to do recently, so they went hunting in the mountains and forests and caught a big tiger. The box Inside is the tiger whip of this big tiger, please take it and take it."

Zhang Wei showed a conflicted expression and said with disdain: "Brother, I don't have any hidden diseases. Why do I need to take such a thing? You should keep it yourself."

Zhang Lu chuckled and said, "I don't know anything about you yet. Besides, even if you didn't say it, the dancers in the house would have spread the news. They said they were sleeping with you, but you didn't react at all to the teasing." ...You should take something like this to heal yourself."

"That bitch said, I killed her." Zhang Wei was furious, and he defended: "Brother, I am an accomplished Taoist, but those dancing girls are not good at it and can't shake my Taoist heart, so I didn't react."

Zhang Lu had a heavy look on his face. He could understand Zhang Wei's forced defense. He patted Zhang Wei on the shoulder: "Awei, I can lie to my brother, but don't lie to yourself."

Zhang Wei was silent and took the box. (End of chapter)