We agreed that you, a weak strategist, would fight against three heroes by yourself?

In the early morning, the sun shines on the streets of Qingzhou, bringing a touch of warmth to this city that has experienced the plague.

Many people gathered in front of the governor's mansion. They knelt quietly and solemnly.

The ground at the entrance of the house was covered with a thin layer of morning mist, as if the earth was silently recounting the sufferings of the past.

The faces of these people were haggard, and their eyes revealed deep self-blame and regret.

Cheng Yu slowly walked out of the Governor's Mansion, his figure looking particularly tall in the sunlight.

He looked at the people in front of him quietly.

"What are you doing?"

An old man spoke first.

"Master Cheng, we put all the blame on you before, but we really shouldn't have. We know we were wrong, and we hope you can forgive us."

Cheng Yu smiled slightly and said: "Fellow folks, everyone had resentment in their hearts at that time. This is human nature. I have never blamed anyone."

At this time, a young woman stood up.

Her voice trembled.

"Master Cheng, we will never forget your kindness. We will never be anxious when encountering things in the future."

Cheng Yu nodded and continued: "The plague was solved this time not because of me alone, but because of the prime minister's strategizing and reasonable arrangements, which brought the plague under control. I was just executing his orders."

A middle-aged man said excitedly: "Master Cheng, you and Prime Minister Xi are both our benefactors. We will always remember this kindness."

Cheng Yu smiled and said: "Everyone, get up quickly and go back and live a good life. As long as we unite as one, there is no difficulty that cannot be overcome."

The people stood up one after another.

There is a market in Qingzhou that is very lively.

The people gathered together and discussed excitedly about building a shrine for Xiyu.

In the crowd, an old man said loudly: "We should build a living shrine for the Prime Minister to express our gratitude!"

Everyone responded one after another and began to actively raise funds.

At the same time, Xi Yu learned the news in the governor's mansion.

He sat in the study, frowning slightly, but he had a lot of thoughts in his heart.

He asked Cheng Yu to send someone to send a message to the people not to do this.

Cheng Yu sent someone to convey Xi Yu's message.

"Fellow folks, the Prime Minister asked us to pass on the message. He doesn't need to be buried in a shrine. He understands everyone's wishes."

Xi Yu thought of the notorious Wei Zhongxian, who also had many temples.

But so what?

He is well aware of the vanity of power and fame, and does not want to fall into such a vortex himself.

He is not doing it for fame and fortune. I just hope to do things for the people.

At night, the bright moon hangs high, casting a cool light.

Xiyu stood in front of the window, staring into the distance.

Cheng Yu hurried over with helplessness in his tone.

"Your Majesty, Prime Minister, even though my subordinates have ordered to stop it, the people are still secretly building your shrine."

Xi Yu frowned slightly and said after a moment of silence: "Forget it, I have no choice but to introduce a law that prohibits anyone from building shrines to living officials. Anyone who violates this rule must be punished."

At the foot of a mountain outside the city, people were busy building Xiyu's shrine.

Suddenly, an official arrived with a group of soldiers and read out the new law.

The people looked at each other and finally stopped the construction helplessly.

An old man sighed: "The Prime Minister is so noble and upright! He does not seek fame or fortune, he only wants to benefit us."

Another person also echoed: "Yes, we admire and praise Master Xiyu even more!"

The next day, Xi Yu said slowly to Cheng Yu: "It's time for me to leave Qingzhou. This time I plan to visit Quanzhou."

However, what Xi Yu didn't expect was that when he stepped out of the city gate, many people would leave spontaneously.

The people gathered around Xi Yu.

An old man said excitedly: "Sir, we will keep your kindness in mind and wish you a safe journey." His eyes were full of gratitude and reluctance.

Xi Yu was so moved that he bowed deeply and said gratefully: "Thank you all, folks. I will definitely remember this deep friendship."

Cheng Yu stood aside, watching this touching scene, and his heart was filled with emotion and admiration.

Two days later, Xi Yu came to Quanzhou.

A soldier guarding the city came forward and said respectfully: "Sir, you are here."

Xi Yu smiled, nodded, and asked, "How is the situation here?"

The soldier replied: "My lord, the whole state has returned to normal order, as if nothing happened."

A delighted smile appeared on Xi Yu's face.

His eyes sparkled with excitement, and he couldn't help but murmured to himself: "That's great, that's great."

The soldier smiled and said: "Sir, you have always cared about the people. Now that the whole state is safe, you must be very happy."

"This is my responsibility. If the people live and work in peace and contentment, I will feel at ease."

When Xi Yu stepped into the county government office, Ma Lin immediately knelt on his knees and greeted him respectfully: "Welcome, sir!"

His face was filled with awe.

Xi Yu stepped forward with a smile, helped Ma Lin up, and said gently: "Ma Lin, there is no need to be so polite. You did a good job this time. You deserve a lot of credit for the whole state being able to restore order so quickly this time." Xi Yu praised.

Ma Lin shook his head in fear and said humbly: "Your Excellency, you are ridiculous. Everything was planned by the adults, and Dr. Song Shuwen's superb medical skills. I really don't dare to take credit."

At this time, Song Shuwen and Guan Yu also came over and saluted Xi Yu.

After Xi Yu exchanged greetings with Guan Yu and Song Shuwen for a while, he decided: "We will leave here tomorrow. Let's have a drink together tonight to celebrate."

Everyone nodded in agreement, with excited expressions on their faces.

On the other side, Liu Bei was lying on the bed and continued to pretend to be sick.

On this day, there was no more attack from Xianbei and Liu Maohai.

He breathed a sigh of relief, a hint of relaxation in his eyes.

The attendant on the side asked with concern: "My lord, are you feeling better?"

Liu Bei nodded slightly and said softly: "It's much better, but this war is worrying."

His eyes were looking into the distance, as if he was thinking about something.

Suddenly, Liu Bei sat up and made up his mind: "Get a pen and paper quickly. I want to write a letter to the prime minister quickly."

The attendant hurriedly prepared paper and pen. Liu Bei held the pen and pondered for a moment before starting to write.

His brushstrokes are firm and powerful.

After writing the letter, Liu Bei sighed with relief, handed the letter to his attendants, and told him: "Be sure to deliver this letter to the Prime Minister as soon as possible."

The next day, the sun was shining brightly, and Xi Yu, Guan Yu and Song Shuwen walked side by side, with joyful smiles on their faces, which was completely different from the dull mood when they arrived.

At noon, they came to a teahouse and prepared to take a short rest. Xi Yu was looking around when suddenly, his eyes fixed on a familiar figure.

It’s Tuobayu,

Xi Yu was secretly surprised.

Tuobayu also saw them, with a look of surprise on his face, and walked quickly towards Xi Yu.

Tuobayu came to Xi Yu and said excitedly: "Brother, thank you so much! Thank you for sending me drunk to the inn that night, otherwise I don't know what would have happened. "

Xi Yu smiled and responded: "It's a small matter, just be fine."

Tuobayu's face was full of gratitude, and her eyes were shining.

"I've always wanted to find a chance to thank you properly, but I didn't expect to meet you here."

Xiyu waved his hand.

"Don't be so polite. We are all friends when we go out."

Guan Yu and Song Shuwen watched this scene from the side and also showed happy smiles.

Tuobayu and Xiyu exchanged a few words, and the teahouse was filled with a cheerful atmosphere.

Tuobayu suddenly said in an urgent tone: "Brother, I want to follow you."

Xi Yu was stunned for a moment, with a look of surprise on his face. He looked at Tuobayu and asked with some confusion: "Follow me?"

Tuobayu bit her lip, a trace of pain and helplessness flashed across her face, and she said slowly: "I know, but I really have nowhere to go now, and..."

She paused, her eyes showing sincere emotion, "I regard you as a true friend, and I believe you can understand me."

Xi Yu frowned slightly, looked at Tuobayu doubtfully and said, "Why do you want to follow me?"

Tuobayu bit his lower lip gently, with a trace of determination and helplessness in his eyes.

She said slowly: "Yes, you also know my identity. My brother...he drove away the man I loved. Now I feel no interest in anything I do. If you treat me as a friend, take me with you." Let’s go.”

There was a hint of pleading in Tuobayu's voice.

Xi Yu looked at Tuobayu's firm eyes and felt a slight movement in his heart. He sighed and said, "Well, since you trust me so much, I'll take you with me."

Tuobayu's face suddenly burst into a joyful smile.

She excitedly grabbed Xi Yu's hand and said, "Thank you!"

The reason why Xi Yu agreed was because he remembered the dream he had that day.

On this day, Tuoba Lu entered the inn with a mighty army. He had a serious look on his face, and there was a coldness between his brows.

The innkeeper saw several iron cages being carried by soldiers and was filled with doubts.

He stepped forward and asked cautiously: "Master, may I ask what are in these cages?"

Tuoba Lu turned his head suddenly, a trace of ferocity flashed in his eyes.

His eyes widened with anger and he sternly reprimanded: "Don't ask what you shouldn't ask! Just do your own thing!"

The shopkeeper was so frightened by his rebuke that he trembled, with a horrified expression on his face. He quickly stepped back, not daring to speak any more.

Tuoba Lu flicked his sleeves, turned around and continued to direct the soldiers to do their work, with the same ruthless look on his face.

This scene was seen by two customers in the corner.

They narrowed their eyes slightly and stared at the iron cages, secretly speculating in their hearts.

One of the customers frowned slightly, thinking to himself.

Looking at this posture, there must be valuable treasure in the iron cage. It was really tempting that these people were carrying so much treasure.

Another customer had a greedy glint in his eyes and was making a mental calculation.

It must be treasure. Maybe we can take advantage of this opportunity and make a fortune.

They looked at each other, and the moment their eyes met, each understood what the other was thinking.

The first customer lowered his voice and said, "Let's do it tonight, we can't miss this opportunity."

The corner of another customer's mouth raised, revealing a sinister smile.

Okay, just tonight, we must succeed.

Their heartbeats speed up involuntarily.

They are cousins, one is named Shen Tianqiang and the other is Dou Youde.

Shen Tianqiang took a deep breath and said, "Originally we should leave after dinner, but now it seems we have to change our plans."

Dou Youde nodded and said, "Yes, we have to stay and we'll start tonight."

His heart was full of desire for treasures, as if he had already seen the treasures waving to him.

At night, when the moon was dark and the wind was high, Shen Tianqiang and Dou Youde sneaked to a remote corner and began to plot.

Shen Tianqiang lowered his voice, his eyes flashing with excitement and nervousness, and said, "Cousin, we will act as planned later. We must be careful and we must not make any mistakes."

Dou Youde nodded, with a stern look on his face, and gritted his teeth and said, "Don't worry, cousin, I know what's going on."

In the dead of night and everything was still, they quietly came to the backyard, their footsteps so light that they could hardly be heard. When they came to several iron cages, each stood nervously in front of one.

Just then, several soldiers suddenly appeared in the darkness.

They appear like ghosts.

One of the soldiers snapped: "What are you two doing?"

Shen Tianqiang and Dou Youde were frightened out of their wits by the sudden sound, and their faces instantly turned pale as paper.

Shen Tianqiang's eyes widened in horror, full of despair and fear, and he stammered: "I... we... didn't, didn't do anything!"

Dou Youde was trembling all over, his teeth kept chattering, and he said tremblingly: "Yes... yes, we are just passing by, passing by..." Their hearts seemed to jump out of their throats, and they were almost frightened. paralyzed to the ground

The soldiers came forward and surrounded them.

One of the soldiers looked gloomy and accused: "How dare you tell lies with your eyes open? Do you think we are fools?"

His eyes were full of rage, as if he wanted to eat them alive.

Shen Tianqiang and Dou Youde's faces were earth-colored, and their bodies were trembling uncontrollably.

Shen Tianqiang stammered: "I...we really just...just want to see those treasures." His eyes were full of pleading, hoping to get some tolerance.

Dou Youde also quickly echoed: "Yes, we have no malice, we are really just confused for a moment." His face was full of fear, and tears welled up in his eyes.

The soldiers listened to their words with disdain.

A soldier sneered: "You think you can get away with this? If you don't tell the truth, the consequences will be serious!"

Shen Tianqiang and Dou Youde looked at each other desperately, knowing that they could no longer hide it, so they had no choice but to say: "We...we want to steal the treasure."

When the soldiers heard this, their expressions became even more gloomy. One of them roared angrily: "How dare you! How dare you attack us!"

As he spoke, he raised the weapon in his hand and was about to slash at them.

Shen Tianqiang and Dou Youde were so frightened that they collapsed to the ground, their eyes full of despair and panic.

He watched helplessly as the soldiers' butcher knives fell, and he died in the end.

Early the next morning, the sun shone in the yard, and the shopkeeper came to the backyard as usual.

When he saw the tragic scene, his whole body felt as if he had been struck by lightning, and his face instantly turned as pale as paper.

His eyes widened in horror, and his eyeballs almost popped out of their sockets. His mouth opened wide, but no sound came out, only a low "ho ho" sound came from his throat.

His legs were weak and he was trembling involuntarily. He walked towards the two corpses step by step with difficulty. Every step he took seemed to use up all his strength.

The shopkeeper's heart was filled with fear and despair. He kept asking himself: "What's going on? How could this happen?"

In the hall, the shopkeeper slumped on his chair in despair, staring blankly ahead, unable to recover for a long time.

After a while, several soldiers walked into the hall with heavy steps.

The shopkeeper was still in extreme panic, his eyes were wandering and his body was trembling slightly.

One of the soldiers looked at the shopkeeper and said, "Don't be afraid, we will dispose of the body in a moment."

The shopkeeper swallowed and asked with a trembling voice: "Then...how did those two people die?"

The soldiers looked at each other.

One of the soldiers frowned and said seriously: "Don't ask so much. Knowing some things will not be good for you. Be careful of getting into trouble."

The shopkeeper felt panicked.

He opened his mouth and wanted to ask something more, but saw the stern expressions of the soldiers and swallowed it back.

He sighed helplessly and lowered his head, his heart full of doubts and uneasiness.

Tuoba Lu slowly walked out of the room very late and heard the report about last night's events.

A sneer curled up at the corner of his mouth.

Someone actually wants to break into an iron cage. Isn't that just asking for death?

He said: "Huh, don't forget to feed the dog."

When the soldiers heard this, they immediately understood that he was talking about Liu Maohai.

So, several soldiers took some food and prepared to feed Liu Maohai.

The shopkeeper heard their conversation from the side and was shocked. Only then did he realize that one of the iron cages contained a human.

He thought to himself: "I see, no wonder those people are so nervous."

The shopkeeper hesitated for a moment, thinking that this matter seemed to have nothing to do with him, so it was better not to meddle in other matters.

The soldiers brought meals to the iron cage where Liu Maohai was imprisoned.

One of the soldiers said: "Liu Maohai, it's time to eat!"

There was a hint of contempt in his tone.

Liu Maohai's eyes were fixed on the food in the hands of the soldiers, and he made a low gurgling sound in his throat.

The soldiers opened the iron cage door and threw the food in.

Liu Maohai, who was already hungry, pounced on him like a hungry wolf.

He grabbed the food frantically with both hands and stuffed it directly into his mouth, not even caring about chewing, but just swallowing hard.

His mouth was opened wide, and the food was almost forced down his throat.

His throat kept moving up and down, making a "gurgling, gurgling" sound.

At this moment, he was like an extremely hungry beast.

Tuoba Lu looked at the door of the inn.

He suddenly saw a woman rushing madly.

Isn't this my sister Tuobayu?

So he quickly chased after him. (End of chapter)