I practiced magic in the Three Kingdoms

In the strong business atmosphere within the family, it is normal for Zhen Mi to be interested in mechanical creations with exquisite craftsmanship and ingenious design. After all, a woman like her cannot become a general or a prime minister, so she does not have to be forced to study Confucianism like her second brother Zhen Yan and third brother Zhen Yao. She usually studies the family's method of refining the spirit "The True Explanation of Xuan Shui" to cultivate her spiritual thoughts.

Seeing that his younger sister seemed very interested in these new things, Zhen Yan smiled and said, "I heard that Qi Hou Wang Jing vigorously promoted Mohism in Luoyang and even funded the establishment of Qiqiao Pavilion, which produced many treasures that shocked the world. The hot air balloon that can fly in the sky was rumored to be made by Qiqiao Pavilion."

The hot air balloon that Wang Jing made not long ago has become more and more popular and has triggered a lot of speculation and fantasy.

Some people were dismissive, thinking it was just a rumor spread by ignorant people. After all, how could ordinary people fly? Even the top masters in the world could not fly.

Apart from birds, the only ones who can fly in the sky are gods.

Now you tell me there is something that can allow ordinary people to fly into the sky?
Isn’t this nonsense!

But there were also people who believed it without a doubt. However, most of them did not know the principles of physics and just regarded it as Taoist magic, thinking that Wang Jing was a god who had descended to earth.

Various legends are naturally also circulated in Jizhou.

Zhen Mi was very curious about this, so she caught up with Zhen Yan and kept asking him, "Second brother, is Qi Hou really a star from the sky who came down to earth? Is the hot air balloon really a magical method of the immortals?"

Zhen Yan was so amused by his younger sister's question: "I dare not speculate whether Qi Hou has a celestial star in his destiny, but the hot air balloon is not a magic trick, but an application of Mohism. However, I have also heard that Mohism in Luoyang seems to have split into the physical school and the ancient Mohist school."

With the revival of Mohism, Mohist traditions from all over the world continued to converge in the capital.

When the number of people increases, differences will arise.

Wang Jing's promotion of the revival of Mohism was naturally selfish and he had his own agenda. All he needed was to use Mohism to promote physics, but he was not interested in the Mohist's original philosophical system of universal love and non-aggression.

But some more conservative Mohist disciples could not accept this, so they started an internal split and created an ancient Mohist school to confront the physical school.

Wang Jing also let it go. After all, as long as it is not illegal, you can believe whatever you want. After all, science can withstand questioning, and only religion and theology do not allow others to question or oppose.

Zhen Mi had no interest in these academic disputes, so Zhen Yan just mentioned it twice and said nothing more.

As the convoy approached Zhending County, a group of cavalry suddenly rushed out from the front, with longbows on their waists and spears in their hands. Although there were not many people, they had a fierce aura, which made Zhen Yan very nervous. He immediately ordered: "Form a battle array, be on guard!"

The two thousand guards of the Zhen family immediately formed a defensive formation and protected the family members in the center.

I saw that the aura around them was integrated into one with the help of the formation, connected from head to tail, and looking left and right, which was no less powerful than a military formation.

Although the Wuji Zhen family has declined, its foundation is still there.

The guards brought by Zhen Yan are all tenants of the Zhen family. They grew up eating the Zhen family's food. Their ancestors for three generations have received great favors from the Zhen family, so they are very loyal.

Zhen Yan, wearing a precious armor made of black shark skin, rode out on his horse and asked, "Who are you? How dare you block the way of the Wuji Zhen family?"

"What a joke! Did your family build this road? I think it's you who are blocking the road! Is the Wuji Zhen family so overbearing and domineering?"

Zhao Xing refuted Zhen Yan's question with dissatisfaction.

Then they introduced themselves to each other and realized it was a misunderstanding.

Zhen Yan thought he had encountered some robbers again, and Zhao Xing thought he had met an enemy who was looking for trouble.

It was only when Zhao Xing saw the huge convoy behind Zhen Yan, and even a number of female relatives, that he believed that the man in front of him was not a robber. After all, who would go out to rob and bring female relatives with them in this day and age?
Of course, the real reason that made Zhao Xing believe in Zhen Yan was his luxurious equipment, especially the armor made of black shark skin, which was so golden and noble that one could tell at a glance that he was either rich or noble. Such a person did not need to come out to rob money.

The people who were robbed probably didn't have as much money as them.

After confirming that he was the right person, Zhao Xing immediately put away the spear in his hand and asked casually, "Are you planning to move your entire clan to Luoyang?"

Zhen Yan smiled and said, "No, our Zhen family is just going to Luoyang to do some small business."

Zhao Xing glanced at the convoy and saw that there was a ten-year-old girl. He was speechless, but he was too lazy to expose her. He said perfunctorily: "Okay, okay, if you dare to say it, I dare to believe it."

Zhen Yan had long been able to develop a thick skin, so he was not embarrassed at all. He smiled calmly and said, "Brother Zhao, you are too polite."

Zhen Yan was also very curious: "Brother Zhao, you guys are planning to move to Youzhou with your family?"

Zhao Xing rolled his eyes at Zhen Yan in annoyance and said, "No, we are planning to go to Jinyang County to do business."

Zhao Xing emphasized the word "doing business". It was obvious that he was very unhappy with Zhen Yan's "tricking" him, so he reciprocated the favor on the spot.

Zhen Yan immediately thought Zhao Xing was very interesting, so he laughed heartily and replied, "Yes, yes, yes. I would like to wish you a safe journey to Jinyang County."

"Okay, okay. If you come to Jinyang as a guest someday, I will certainly do my best to be a good host."

Zhao Xing bowed and also wanted to make friends with Zhen Yan.

After all, no matter when, it is never a bad thing to make more friends. Right now, the Zhen family is very powerful and is also worth making friends with.

Zhen Yan did not refuse, but he could not help but tease Zhao Xing: "Brother Zhao, are you going to be a good host? Aren't you Zhending Zhao family just going to Jinyang to do business?"

Zhao Xing was so bullied that his eyes widened: "You are trying to argue with me, right?"

"Hahaha, just kidding."

Zhen Yan immediately begged for mercy: "When Brother Zhao comes to Luoyang, please let me know so that I can welcome you."

Zhao Xing waved his hand proudly: "No need, my elder brother Zilong is highly appreciated by Marquis Qi, and it's hard to say who will take care of whom in Luoyang, hahahaha."

After leaving these words, Zhao Xing continued on his journey.

Behind him were hundreds of Zhao family members, each of them young and energetic, and skilled in martial arts.

Seeing their tall figures, it was as if one saw the future of the empire.

After Zhao Xing and his men left, Zhen Yao rode his horse to Zhen Yan's side and asked, "Second brother, is the other party really from the Zhending Zhao family?"

"probably."

Zhen Yan also had a keen eye and could see that Zhao Xing's martial arts skills were quite extraordinary. It was said that there was a branch of the Zhending Zhao family in Changshan State that passed down the martial arts from generation to generation. The family was well versed in military tactics and was good at fighting.

Zhen Yao could not help but sigh: "I never thought that Yuan Shao would be so unpopular. Such a brave man would rather go to Sili to join Marquis Qi than stay and serve Yuan Shao."

"It's human nature to follow the powerful and seek benefits and avoid harm. What's so surprising about that? Let's go and settle in the city as soon as possible before it gets dark."

"Yes."

Zhen Yao took the order and left.

Nowadays in Jizhou, there are probably more and more prominent families like Wuji Zhen family and Zhending Zhao family who are disloyal to Yuan Shao and Han Fu.

In order to escape the risks brought by war, a large number of people and wealth either moved south like the Zhen family or moved west like the Zhao family.

In the end, more people moved south. After all, Jinyang was too small and it was a border county, facing constant harassment from the Xianbei people. It was not a good place.

As for Youzhou under Liu Yu's rule, it was relatively stable and relatively close.

But any discerning person could see that sooner or later, Liu Yu and Gongsun Zan would have to decide the winner, so only a few people went north to Youzhou. A large amount of wealth, knowledge, technology, and educated high-level talents were transferred to Sili, Bingzhou, and Yanzhou.

Although Wang Jing's major reforms offended the aristocratic families and wealthy clans who owned large amounts of land, he also continuously introduced policies to encourage the development of industry and commerce, vigorously promoted the rule of law, cracked down on illegal activities, and prohibited the powerful from abusing their private power. Therefore, he was quite popular among some enlightened families, who believed that Wang Jing was a wise leader and a person worthy of reliance.

Under Wang Jing's governance, the four counties of the capital, the northern part of Yuzhou, and most of Yanzhou seemed to have become paradise on earth, the most reassuring place in troubled times, which is why so many famous families and prominent families came to settle down. This is the so-called people's support, voting with their feet.

Yanzhou Dongjun, with its capital in Puyang City.

This ancient city standing south of the Yellow River is now shedding the scars of war brought by the previous invasion of the Yellow Turban Army. The influx of a large number of foreign population and foreign wealth has brought new vitality to this land.

The second floor of a newly built tavern at Baima Ferry.

Looking across the handrail at the bustling port not far away, Guo Jia smiled and said, "He who wins the hearts of the people wins the world. The ancient sages were not deceiving me."

Next to Guo Jia sat Xun You, who was drinking from the bowl with a calm expression, and he was also full of praise: "People go to high places, and water flows to low places. It seems that the lord's strategy has begun to bear fruit."

"Yes, with the flames of war raging and Jizhou in turmoil, how can the people be at peace? The loss of Yecheng has greatly shaken Yuan Shao's prestige. It is said that some noble families have begun to complain about him, and his support has become less and less. However, the prestige of the lord has risen, and the situation in the world has been clearly divided since then."

It was not until this time that the two of them finally understood Wang Jing's grand plan for the battle of Jizhou.

Using the world as a chessboard and all living beings as chess pieces, just a few moves can overturn the world and reverse the situation. Such wisdom, strategy and decisiveness are truly shocking.

Wang Jing almost single-handedly overturned Yuan Shao's favorable situation in Jizhou, and at the same time transferred the fruits of victory from Jizhou to his own hands.

Wealth and population, the nutrients that can lay the foundation for hegemony over the world, are being transferred by an invisible hand from Jizhou to Yanzhou, to Luoyang, and into Wang Jing's pocket, becoming his possession.

Guo Jia stood in front of the armrest, holding a wine bowl in his hand, looking out across the northern land, and expressed his feelings: "From now on, Jizhou will no longer be known as the largest province in the world."

Xun You also had a burning look in his eyes: "My lord, you can turn your hand to make clouds and turn it back to make rain. This really opened our eyes. I never thought that war could be fought this way."

Guo Jia also nodded, agreeing with this view: "My lord, your foresight is indeed amazing, so we must also show some real ability, otherwise, as a counselor, if we can't offer advice to the lord, wouldn't it be shameful?"

"You, please improve your speech."

Xun You was helpless about Guo Jia's witty remarks. The more he listened, the more he felt that Guo Jia was making fun of him.

"Fengxiao, Gongda, what are you talking about so excitedly?"

Wang Jing arrived suddenly, wearing a black brocade robe with red edges. Although it was just casual clothes, he revealed a sense of majesty and dominance, walking like a dragon and a tiger, with an extraordinary bearing.

When Guo Jia and Xun You saw Wang Jing, they immediately stood up and saluted: "Greetings, lord!"

Wang Jing tapped the table lightly and said with a gentle smile, "Please sit down. No need to be so polite."

A ruler needs dignity, often because he has not achieved enough and is not strong enough to convince the people.

But Wang Jing did not need red tape to enhance his personal prestige and status, because his prestige and status were gained through bloody battles on the battlefield.

The only way to shake his authority is to defeat Wang Jing head-on on the battlefield.

Therefore, when they were getting along in private, Wang Jing behaved very easy-going, but none of his advisers and generals dared to be rude to Wang Jing.

The sense of awe had gradually increased with Wang Jing's continuous victories on the battlefield.

Xun You asked for a new ceramic bowl, and then a new jar of rice wine, and then he filled Wang Jing's cup: "My lord, why didn't you tell me and Fengxiao that you were going out today?"

Wang Jing picked up the wine bowl and drank it in big gulps: "It's great. I just came out to take a look. It can be regarded as a private visit."

Huangjiu is one of the oldest wines in the world. It originated in China and is only available in China. It is known as the world's three major ancient wines along with beer and wine.

The rice wine in Wang Jing's cup is brewed using the genuine traditional method. It has a mellow taste and is rich in nutrients. It is truly a liquid cake.

Wang Jing prefers rice wine more than distilled liquor, especially when it is brewed with some spiritual fruits such as jujube, which tastes spicy and full of yang energy.

Wang Jing drank three bowls in a row, and felt a ball of heat rising slowly in his lower abdomen. He wiped his mouth casually and brought up the topic: "I'm afraid Han Fu can't hold on now. Should our army go north?"

After thinking for a while, Xun You was the first to speak: "My lord, given the current situation, Yuan Benchu ​​cannot die yet."

Guo Jia also echoed Xun You's suggestion: "Yes, our army is now short of manpower and it is difficult to go north to occupy Jizhou. Instead of going to war, it is better to continue bleeding Jizhou and strategically weaken the enemy's potential."

Now the civil war in Jizhou is in full swing. Yecheng, as the focus of the struggle, has completely turned into a life-and-death battlefield. Han Fu's army and Yuan Shao's army are fighting each other, and corpses are piled up like mountains.

Wang Jing only needs to lead a few thousand cavalrymen to have a high probability of launching a surprise attack from behind and killing Yuan Shao in front of the battle, thus destroying this historical overlord of the north.

However, both Xun You and Guo Jia were against doing so, mainly because they needed to keep the weakened Yuan Shao and continue to contain Gongsun Zan to avoid a situation where a certain prince would dominate the territory north of the Yellow River.

Although Wang Jing is now in an alliance with Gongsun Zan, a piece of paper has no weight at all when it comes to the cause of dominating the world.

You can tear it up anytime you want.

"In that case, let's let them fight it out first. Taking advantage of this opportunity, our army can calmly rectify the internal affairs of Yanzhou. Do you two have any good ideas?"

Wang Jing asked calmly.

Although he has entered Yanzhou and served as the governor of Yanzhou as the General of the Guard, the Northern Army has not yet actually controlled the entire Yanzhou and turned it into its own territory.

Xun You and Guo Jia looked at each other, and it was Guo Jia who spoke up in the end: "In addition to the capital Changyi, Yanzhou has eight counties and kingdoms under its jurisdiction: Chenliu, Dongjun, Rencheng, Taishan, Jibei, Shanyang, Jiyin, and Dongping. Our army has captured six of them. Only Taishan and Jibei are still in the hands of the two brothers Zhang Chao and Zhang Miao."

"Oh, they refuse to surrender? Are they really not afraid of death?"

Wang Jing now has no patience to deal with these two brothers. His first priority is to seize the time to unify Yanzhou, then restore Yanzhou's production and construction, and quickly transform the population and resources here from potential into strength.

Guo Jia was familiar with the internal situation of Yuzhou and Yanzhou, so he explained to Wang Jing: "The brothers Zhang Mengzhuo and Zhang Menggao probably received external support, so they thought they had bargaining chips."

"External force? Is it Kong Rong of Beihai or Tao Qian of Xuzhou?"

Wang Jing sighed, it is true that greed can kill people.

In history, Zhang Chao and Zhang Miao were both killed by Cao Cao and their three clans were exterminated. There is a reason for this.

Just because they don't understand their own identities and abilities, it's not excessive to kill them.

Guo Jia sneered, with a look of disdain on his face: "Maybe it's both. After all, if you unify Yanzhou, the territory will border Qingzhou and Xuzhou at the same time, which is a huge threat to Kong Wenju and Tao Gongzu. They certainly don't want to see that kind of situation, so they'll delay it as long as possible."

Since Wang Jing started his army, he has never been defeated.

The battle to overthrow Jizhou showed great wisdom and strategy. Therefore, facing the extremely powerful Northern Army, both Kong Rong and Tao Qian felt uneasy and did not dare to underestimate or neglect them in the slightest.

That was why the two of them frequently sent envoys to express their support for the brothers Zhang Chao and Zhang Miao, and provided them with food and weapons behind the scenes. Among them, Tao Qian secretly supported Zhang Chao with 3,000 elite soldiers from Danyang, which gave him more confidence to confront Wang Jing.

All these arrangements were just to delay Wang Jing as much as possible.

Neither Kong Rong nor Tao Qian thought that Zhang Miao and Zhang Chao would be Wang Jing's opponents. What they actually hoped for was to wait and see.

The brothers Zhang Miao and Zhang Chao were not stupid either. They knew that they were no match for Wang Jing alone, so they did not dare to make any provocative moves. Instead, they kept a very low profile.

When Wang Jing sent people to collect food and grass, they obediently handed it over with both hands, but they secretly rejected the officials appointed by Wang Jing and refused to implement some decrees that were unfavorable to them in Taishan and Jibei.

"You won't cry until you see the coffin."

Wang Jing was already murderous. After all, how could he allow others to sleep soundly in his bed? (End of this chapter)