Ji Han Liu Zhang

As there were few people in the group, Peng Ying and Lou Qi headed towards Guanzhong through the narrow road of Chencang without considering going north to the spacious Guanlong Avenue. Within a few days, the group arrived at Chencang and met Liu Zhang who was on an inspection tour there.

In the temple of Chencang County.

"My lord, I am fortunate that I have fulfilled my mission. The four famous families in Tianshui County, Yan, Ren, Zhao and Jiang, are all willing to submit to you. They will respond to you as long as you send troops to Liangzhou next year." The military officer Peng Ying said loudly, reporting the good news to his superior Liu Zhang.

Having said this, Peng Ying pulled out a piece of silk cloth from his sleeve and handed it to Liu Zhang: "Mingsir, this is the contract signed between me and the clan leaders of the four surnames Yan, Ren, Zhao, and Jiang. It has their names and seals on it."

"Yongnian, you have had hard work on this trip." Liu Zhang comforted Peng Ying, then took the silk cloth from Peng Ying's hand, spread it out on the table, and glanced at the contract.

Liu Zhang only glanced over the contents of the contract. He carefully looked at the names of the patriarchs of the four surnames in Tianshui. The names of the patriarchs of the Yan, Ren and Zhao families came into his sight, but Liu Zhang had no impression of them. It seemed that these people did not have any great reputation or famous deeds in the Three Kingdoms.

But when the name of the Jiang clan leader came into view, Liu Zhang couldn't help but reveal a faint smile on his face.

The patriarch of the Jiang family was named "Jiong" and his courtesy name was "Zi Guang".

The original meaning of "囧" is "bright", so it is understandable that Jiang囧's name is Zi Guang. There is nothing strange about it in the contemporary world, but in later generations, because of its unique display, the word "囧" looks like a depressed, sad and helpless person, so the word "囧" has a new annotation and meaning. Using "囧" as the name inevitably made Liu Zhang laugh.

But there was another reason why Liu Zhang smiled. Although Jiang Jiong was not well-known and had no famous deeds in history, Liu Zhang had heard of Jiang Jiong's name.

There is no other reason, because Jiang Jiong's son was Jiang Wei, a famous general of the Later Han Dynasty. As the successor of Prime Minister Zhuge's will, Jiang Wei still held the thought of "May Your Majesty endure the humiliation for a few days, and I want to make the country safe again, and the sun and moon bright again" when Liu Chan surrendered to Deng Ai and the Later Han Dynasty was about to fall. He was loyal and sincere, loyal to the Han Dynasty, and lived up to Prime Minister Zhuge's trust.

Therefore, when Liu Zhang was reading the biography of Jiang Wei in his previous life, he also wrote down Jiang Wei's father Jiang Jiong. Now, when he saw Jiang Jiong's name on the documents of surrender of the four surnames of Tianshui, he suddenly felt that it was fate.

After reading the document, Liu Zhang handed it to the clerk Cheng Yu for collection. At the same time, he was very happy. Tianshui County was the county with the largest population in Liangzhou and the richest scholars and commoners. The capital of Liangzhou was in Ji County, Tianshui County, and the important place Shanggui was also in Tianshui County. Now that the four surnames of Tianshui were willing to surrender, it meant that Tianshui County was within his reach. This was of course a great joy.

After a moment of pleasure, Liu Zhang put his mind back to the present. He asked Peng Ying about the movements of Ma Teng and Han Sui, two heroes of Liang Province: "Xingba reported that Ma Teng and Han Sui led their troops away due to heavy snow. I wonder if you heard where Ma Teng and Han Sui went when you were in Tianshui last time."

"I have heard that Ma Teng's troops went to Longxi County, and Han Sui's troops returned to Jincheng County." Peng Ying told his story and analyzed the situation: "The two bandits have now formed an alliance, but they have returned to their respective lairs and have not joined forces to deepen their alliance. It can be seen that the two bandits are united in appearance but not in heart."

"Your opinion is the same as Xiaozhi's." Liu Zhang nodded. "Xiaozhi suggested earlier that Ma Teng and Han Sui have deep grievances. Although they are temporarily united, they cannot help each other and trust each other. They are wary of each other. We can make some plans from now on."

……

golden city.

Han Sui was a native of Jincheng County in Liangzhou. Because of his origin, Han Sui built Jincheng County into his base camp and made it his foundation, not allowing others to spy on it.

Today, Han Sui stood on the top of the city wall of Yunwu City, the county seat of Jincheng County, and looked at the snow scene in the mountains and forests outside the city. The ground was covered with heavy snow, and the sky and the earth were all white. It was a beautiful sight.

However, Han Sui's gaze was vague and unfocused, his brows were slightly wrinkled, revealing a look of deep thought. It was obvious that he was not appreciating the snow scene in front of him, but was thinking about something in his mind.

As for what Han Sui was thinking about, it was his future. When thinking about his future, he couldn't help but think of his past.

As a famous scholar in Liangzhou, Han Sui's original surname was Han Yue, with the courtesy name Wen Yue. When he was young, he worked as a subordinate of Yin Hua, the prefect of Jincheng. When Yin Hua died in office, he sent Yin Hua's body to Xiaqiu, and thus became famous.

It seems that he was still a loyal servant of the Han Dynasty at that time. When he went to Beijing to handle official business in the first year of Zhongping, he was specially summoned by General He Jin because he was a famous scholar in Liangzhou. At that time, he also advised He Jin to kill the eunuchs, but He Jin did not listen, so he returned to Liangzhou.

Later, in the winter of the first year of Zhongping, the Qiang people Beigong Boyu and Li Wenhou rebelled, proclaimed themselves generals, and kidnapped him because of his great reputation in Xizhou, hoping that he would take charge of the military and political affairs and rebel together in Longyou.

Thinking of this, Han Sui showed a desolate look on his face. He was originally a minister of the Han Dynasty, and wanted to kill the loyal and corrupt officials. However, he was careless and was held hostage by the bandits. He was labeled a bandit and had to change his name. He has been causing chaos in Liangzhou for more than ten years, and now he has caused great harm and there is no turning back.

After a moment's struggle, Han Sui's expression gradually became firm. Having become a thief, there was no turning back. He would continue to bear the name of a Han traitor for the rest of his life, running rampant in Liangzhou and enjoying his life.

But now, Grand Marshal Liu Zhang has conquered Guanzhong and is eyeing Longyou. He has even sent people to seize Lueyang and Longdi, extending his hand into the heart of Liangzhou, which is very unfavorable to his future.

"Liu Jiyu!" Thinking of Liu Zhang, Han Sui's eyes were locked, and there was a heavy worry between his brows. In the past, when Li Jue and Guo Si occupied Guanzhong, he was happy to live freely in Liangzhou. After all, Li Jue and Guo Si had no intention of plotting against him. But Liu Zhang was different. Liu Zhang clearly wanted to swallow Liangzhou and swallow him whole.

"General, you are in a good mood. You climb high and enjoy the view of the snow."

At this time Han Sui heard a compliment behind him. Although he did not turn around to see the person, Han Sui identified the identity of the person based on the tone of the sentence. The person was his trusted adviser Cheng Gongying, who had followed him since the end of the Zhongping period and never had the slightest intention of betrayal.

"I'm not here to enjoy the scenery, but I'm feeling sad." In front of Cheng Gongying, Han Sui did not hide anything. He revealed his true feelings and expressed the sorrow in his heart.

"Since Grand Marshal Liu Jiyu succeeded as governor of Yizhou, he has conquered all the places his army has marched to. Nanzhong, Hanzhong, and Guanzhong were all conquered by Liu Jiyu, and the wars have never been protracted, but always settled in a few months. It can be seen that he is an extraordinary man of war." "Now Liu Jiyu is eyeing Longyou, and he has obtained the Guanlong Road. The important place of Lueyang is also controlled by Liu Jiyu, and he has penetrated directly into the heart of Liangzhou. The dangers of the Long Road have been overcome by Liu Jiyu..."

"Gan Ning and Wen Pin are both good generals of their time. Next year, we want to lead troops to seize Lueyang and Longdi. I think it will not be an easy task. If Lueyang and Longdi are not taken, the Shu army can drive straight into Liangzhou from Guanlong Road. The situation is critical and foreseeable."

"Besides." Han Sui's eyes flickered, and he finally said frankly: "Although the external threats are great, the internal worries are also not shallow. Ma Teng attacked and captured my Jincheng before, and I killed his wife and children in retaliation. Although now because the Shu army is approaching, Ma Teng and I have no choice but to make a brotherly alliance, but Ma Teng's heart is unpredictable, and I am very uneasy... Do you have any suggestions to submit?"

Revealing the current internal and external troubles, Han Sui turned his back to Cheng Gongying, his eyes still gazing at the snowy scenery outside the city, but he asked Cheng Gongying behind him about countermeasures.

"In your opinion, why did Li Jue and Guo Si lose to Liu Jiyu?" Cheng Gongying did not respond to Han Sui's question. Instead, he seemed to change the subject and talked about the previous defeat of Li Jue and Guo Si.

"Hmm?" Han Sui was stunned for a moment, then he thought for a moment, stroked his beard and said, "Li Jue and Guo Si, when they met a powerful enemy, each had their own ulterior motives and never got along. They used one-third of their strength to deal with the Shu army, and one-seventh of their strength to deal with their allies. That's why they were defeated by Liu Jiyu."

"It was also because Li Jue and Guo Si were evenly matched in strength that the army had no commander and could not join forces. Instead, they restrained each other and consumed most of their energy and strength. On the other hand, Liu Jiyu's side was united in purpose... Therefore, the defeat of Li Jue and Guo Si was natural." Cheng Gongying added.

"Although the general and Ma Teng are allies today, they are both hesitant and do not dare to trust each other. They are just like Li Jue and Guo Si in the past."

"Yeah." Han Sui's tone was affirmative and he nodded. Just as Cheng Gongying said, he and Ma Teng could not trust each other, that is, they had doubts about each other. In this case, although they joined forces, their combat effectiveness was not as good as when they were divided... It was like Li Jue and Guo Si who stick together, suspicious of their allies, and use more strength to guard against their allies than to fight against Liu Jiyu. If Li and Guo do not perish, it will be against the will of heaven.

"In your opinion, what should we do now?" Han Sui had no idea about the current predicament, so he naturally asked Cheng Gongying.

Cheng Gongying shook his goatee and replied, "How to act depends on the general's intention. What kind of man does Ma Teng belong to?"

“Ma Teng is a man without great ambitions. The reason he was able to run rampant in Liang Province was only because he had some reputation among the Qiang and Hu people and could recruit their help. Moreover, his son Ma Chao was strong and brave, and there were few people in Liang Province who could rival him. That’s why he was able to dominate Longxi County and achieve his ambitions for a while.” Speaking of Ma Teng, Han Sui’s words were full of frivolous remarks. He didn’t think much of Ma Teng, a bastard with Qiang and Hu blood.

"That's right." Cheng Gongying nodded and said, "Ma Teng has no great ambitions. If he could become a rich man, maybe Ma Teng would do it... When the Shu army invades Longyou in the future, Ma Teng might want to serve Liu Jiyu."

Having said this, Cheng Gongying continued, "Speaking of which, Liu Jiyu had previously recommended Ma Teng as the governor of Liangzhou. Liu Jiyu and Ma Teng had been in contact for a long time. If the situation was unfavorable, Ma Teng would have the intention to surrender, and would have used his past friendship with Liu Jiyu to serve under Liu Jiyu... And if Ma Teng surrendered to Liu Jiyu secretly in the subsequent battle, the general would not know about it, and he might be killed in his sleep."

Hearing this, Han Sui broke out in a cold sweat, even though it was winter. He turned to look at Cheng Gongying, and after a moment he clapped his hands and said, "You are right."

"At this moment, it is better to kill Ma Teng. First, it can eliminate the potential hidden dangers in the future and prevent Ma Teng from joining Liu Jiyu when the two armies are fighting, causing harm to the general. Second, once Ma Teng is dead, Jincheng and Longxi will be under the control of the general. With the general in charge, Liangzhou's two days on the same sky will become the general's one day in the sky."

Cheng Gongying proposed his strategy, which was to kill Ma Teng and eliminate the potential risk of Ma Teng. In addition, it avoided the situation where the army had two main leaders who were competing against each other and could not use their full strength.

“To resist foreign aggression, we must first stabilize the internal situation. Without stability at home, how can we fight the enemy?” Cheng Gongying expressed the central idea of ​​his planned strategy.

"To resist foreign aggression, we must first stabilize the internal situation." Han Sui half-closed his eyes and repeated Cheng Gongying's words, with a sense of agreement in his heart.

After a while, Han Sui stepped forward, held Cheng Gongying's hand, and said solemnly: "As you said, we must first stabilize the country before we can resist foreign aggression."

After setting the target, Han Sui seemed to remember something, and he looked worried: "Ma Teng is a fool, but his brave generals Ma Chao and Pang De are not easy to deal with. Even if I want to kill Ma Teng, it will be difficult to destroy Ma Teng in a short time. If the war lasts for a long time, Liu Jiyu will not need to attack us. We will both suffer losses and be defeated by Liu Jiyu without fighting."

Cheng Gongying heard Han Sui's worry, but he smiled faintly: "General, now there is an opportunity, but I wonder if you dare or not?"

"What do you mean?" Han Sui asked with a gleam in his eyes.

"Ma Teng sent an envoy to invite you to Longxi for a banquet to discuss the fight against Liu Jiyu... I came here to find you for this very reason." Cheng Gongying narrowed his eyes, "I want you to go to the banquet to show your sincerity, but I don't know if you dare to go to Longxi and have a drink with Ma Teng."

"Ma Teng invited me to a banquet?" Han Sui was a little worried. As the saying goes, there is no good meeting, and there is no good banquet. He was worried that Ma Teng had set up a Hongmen Banquet. Although he nominally invited him to the banquet to discuss military intelligence, he was actually harming him.

Suddenly Han Sui thought of something, and he asked Cheng Gongying: "Ma Teng invited me to a banquet, what does it have to do with killing Ma Teng?"

Cheng Gongying smiled calmly: "In my opinion, Ma Teng is a simple man and probably won't do anything to harm you. You should go there to show your sincerity. After you return, I will send an envoy to invite Ma Teng to Jincheng..."

Before Cheng Gongying finished speaking, Han Sui understood what Cheng Gongying meant and what he was planning.

After frowning and thinking for a while, Han Sui asked Cheng Gongying: "Where is the envoy sent by Ma Teng? I will go to meet him in person and entertain him."

"Yes." Cheng Gongying nodded and agreed. He led the way for Han Sui who made the decision. (End of this chapter)