"No need to investigate! We are all on our own. I think there must be a misunderstanding." A voice came from behind the Jizhou soldiers.
"Yuan Tan!" Yuan Xi's heart was gloomy, but with a smile on his face, he raised his hands and said, "It's the eldest brother. I'm sorry that I just arrived in Xindu and didn't visit my eldest brother. I'm sorry."
Yuan Tan rode his horse and walked in front of the soldiers, pretending to say, "I received the news that you were coming to Xindu this morning, second brother, but I had urgent business to deal with, so I didn't go out to pick you up. Second brother, you need more." Take care."
Yuan Xi sneered in his heart. He pointed at the soldiers and said in a deep voice, "Brother, do you think this is the way to go?"
Yuan Tan waved the soldiers to retreat and said, "Brother, I failed to explain properly, which is why we have these misunderstandings. Second brother, have you seen the eldest lady? I will prepare a banquet at the government office in the city to welcome you to Xianyi. Come too, sir."
Yuan Xi agreed and said he was not afraid of the stage. He took Guo Jia, Xu Chu and a group of tiger guards and entered the city again. He said he wanted to see what tricks this big brother could play.
Arriving at Yuan Tan's residence, Yuan Xicai discovered that there were quite a few people there, including Xin Ping who had returned from Hejian. Xin Pi, Yan Liang, Gao Gan, and several other heads of the great noble families in Jizhou.
Yuan Tan first asked Yuan Xi to meet everyone, then he felt cold, and then served wine and food. Was this showing off?
Xin Ping raised the wine baron and praised, "The second young master is in Qingzhou and Xuzhou, but he looks down at everyone. Nowadays, no one knows the second young master's illustrious reputation."
Yuan Xi smiled lightly and said modestly, "Sir, you are being too modest. I was just lucky for a while."
Yan Liang also raised his wine cup in salute and said loudly, "Others don't know, but I know that military wars are not all about luck. The second young master learned strategy from the master in the palace, and of course he is well versed in war." He is a straight-tempered man. , I don’t know Xin Ping’s intention.
Xin Ping smiled and said, "The war in Wei County in the south is tense right now. Now that the Second Young Master has come to Anping, should we resist Zhang Yan together? This is a good opportunity to make meritorious deeds."
Guo Jia narrowed his eyes. He heard the mystery behind these words. If Yuan Xi stayed, he would definitely be under Yuan Tan's control. Xin Ping and the others would have a great chance to create some obstacles. He shook his head slightly at Yuan Xi, indicating his rejection.
Yuan Xi understood and said: "Under the command and coordination of the elder brother and Mr. Xin, Zhang Yan's offensive gradually stopped. And Gongsun Zan's cavalry was threatening Hejian and Zhongshan everywhere. I brought cavalry. It would be more advantageous to go north to rescue my father." "
The smile on Yuan Tan's face disappeared, and he stared at Yuan Xi and others with a sneer. Xin Ping was busy trying to smooth things over and said, "Haha, it's all good, all good, I always go into battle to kill the enemy wherever I go."
The atmosphere at the banquet was awkward for a while, and everyone was drinking heavily. Yuan Xi shook his head secretly, Yuan Tan was too happy and angry, and his likes and dislikes were immediately expressed in his heart.
I think the description here was deliberately done by later generations of historians, to highlight Emperor Taizong Xuanwu's wisdom and martial prowess, and to write about Yuan Tan and his mental retardation, just like Li Jiancheng who was exposed in the dark.
A banquet ended unhappy.
After the banquet, Xin Ping sent Yuan Xi and others out of the mansion.
Yuan Xi cupped his hands and thanked him: "Mr.
Xin Ping returned the gift with his hand and said, "Don't worry, young master, all the necessary expenses will be covered by me. The eldest young master and I are looking forward to your success! May the young master make new achievements again."
Yuan Xi nodded and left with everyone. Now that it was wartime, he was not afraid of how much tricks Xin Ping would play in the supply of food and grass, otherwise Yuan Shao would not let them go.
After Yuan Xi left, Xin Ping's smiling face disappeared and he returned to the banquet hall. At this time, all the other family heads and guests left, leaving only Gao Gan, Yan Liang, and Xin Pi.
Yuan Tan was extremely polite to Yan Liang, Yuan Shao's confidant. He often tries to win over others and always shows a close attitude. However, other people under Yuan Tan who came from aristocratic families did not have much favorable impressions of Yan Liang, who came from a poor family.
"General Yan, Zhang Yan has stopped attacking Anping for a long time. His strength must have been greatly consumed by us. Do you think our army should organize a counterattack so that we can regain some lost ground?" Yuan Tan asked.
Although Yuan Tan was entrusted with controlling military power, he only had the power to mobilize troops, and it was the generals who actually commanded the troops. In the event of war, he had to discuss power with Yan Liang and other generals.
Although Yan Liang was brave, he was not reckless. He objected: "My lord, Zhang Yan has not launched another fierce offensive. There is another possibility that he is preparing for the next attack. Our army does not have the advantage in numbers. If we cannot find Zhang Yan’s main force is engaged in a decisive battle, and it may not be easy to attack Wei Commandery, which has a strong city.”
Yuan Tan insisted: "I heard from Mr. Xin that although Zhang Yan has a large number of people, he must divide his troops to guard various places. Our army can lure Zhang Yan's main force to come out and attack them severely. In this way, wouldn't the cities in Wei County be destroyed without attack?"
"My lord, as General Yan said, our army is indeed not completely sure of victory. If it fails, Anping will fall, and the lord will be attacked from both sides, and Jizhou will be in danger!" Xinpi argued first.
Yuan Tan asked Xin Ping to sit down. He didn't show any expression on his face, but he was very unhappy in his heart. Yan Liang took the opportunity to leave Yuan Tan's house when something happened. Compared to his younger brother Yuan Xi, Yan Liang was indeed a little less scheming.
Gao Gan snorted and said dissatisfied: "That fellow warrior doesn't really pay attention to the eldest son. The commander here is the eldest son, but he relies on controlling more soldiers to avoid buying into the eldest son's fault."
Xin Ping saw that everyone here was his own, so he opened his heart and said: "Eldest Young Master, are you so anxious to perform meritorious deeds because of the pressure from Second Young Master? I don't blame you, but haste wastes speed, and attacking rashly will not only lead to victory, but once the If you lose the battle, you will definitely be deprived of your position as heir!"
Yuan Tan was shocked. He only wanted to make great achievements so as to overwhelm the powerful Yuan Xi. But he didn't think about the consequences of failure, "Please teach me, sir."
Xin Ping nodded and coughed lightly, "Yuan Xi returns to Jizhou. With his talents and personality, he will definitely show off in front of the lord. We only need to watch and watch. If he benefits, of course we should be happy. This is for Jizhou It's a good thing. If we fail, I'll just beat the dog in the water."
The senior officer rolled his eyes, and a conspiratorial smile appeared on his face, "The victory or defeat is not entirely due to the enemy. We can also take advantage of it, so..." He made a gesture.
Gao Gan was the nephew of the Yuan family. Later, after Yuan Tan fell, he defected to Yuan Xi. Considering the current situation, Yuan Xi temporarily entrusted Gao Gan with important tasks. However, Gao Gan and Ju Yi were later involved, and Yuan Xi The dispute between Xi's sons was settled by Yuan Xi.
Yuan Tan felt enlightened and praised: "Yes, as long as he suffers a few defeats, his reputation in the army will definitely plummet. Even if his father protects him, he will not be able to gain a foothold in the Jizhou army."
Xin Pi frowned when he heard this. He had a strong and dedicated temperament, and was full of contempt and disgust for Yuan Tan's little plans that had no overall perspective. But the Xin family and Yuan Tan have been tied together for a long time. They know that Yuan Tan is not the master, but they still try their best to help.
Xin Ping also immediately objected: "Sir, if you really do this, you will definitely fall into a situation that will never be recovered!"
Yuan Tan smiled and said nonchalantly, "Sir, this is serious. As long as we do it more secretly, I guarantee that my father won't find out anything. Even he, Yuan Xi, can only suffer the consequences."
Xin Ping paused and sighed: "My eldest son, how can there be anything absolutely secret in the world? Countless pairs of eyes are looking at you now to see how you coordinate the war situation in the south. If you make a small mistake, Yuan Xi and the others will be punished. Expand. And no matter how many small mistakes he made, Yuan Xi is still the most valued son of his lord!"
Xin Ping looked at Yuan Tan's angry look and continued his analysis: "Yuan Xi is waiting for you to reveal your flaws. If you play tricks on it, that's exactly what he wants. Check next, how will the lord treat you, who is killing his brother and not caring about the overall situation? Son?"
Yuan Tan broke out in a cold sweat and asked urgently: "Then I just sit back and wait? Will I allow Yuan Xi to become bigger? Huh?"
Xin Ping nodded and said, "Yes, just sit back and wait. The so-called no fault is merit. When my lord returns to Wei County, you will be the biggest contributor to stabilizing the war situation in the south. Although he, Yuan Xi, wants to compete for the limelight, but the tree is big and attracts the wind, he will seize it. If you take the credit of others, more and more people will be dissatisfied with them. One thing will go away and the other will go up. As long as you don’t make mistakes, eldest son, there is no reason for the lord to expel you from this position."
Who says Hebei has no talents? The plan of Xin Ping and others is the same as what Chen Qun and Jia Xu asked Cao Pi to do in history, but the talents in Hebei cannot be fully utilized.
Yuan Tan felt like he was enlightened and he high-fived him repeatedly.
■■■
Yan Liang led a group of soldiers and rode out of Yuan Tan's mansion. Near the corner of the city tower, he found Yuan Xi and others.
Yan Liangce immediately stepped forward, saluted and said, "Second Young Master, why haven't you left the city yet? It's almost time to close the city gate."
Yuan Xi smiled and said, "I will send someone to pick up my mother and leave the city together. I will wait for you, General Yan."
"Wait for me? Second Young Master, maybe you want to reminisce about old times. Although I am busy with official duties in the camp, I still want to hear about the war in Xuzhou, Qingzhou."
"Anyway, we have to leave the city and return to the base. There are so many people and restrictions just now. I haven't eaten or drank enough yet. Why don't we go to the outside of the city to set up a bonfire and eat and drink again. I have the Qingzhou wine brought by Linzi." Yuan Xi said.
Yan Liang is a free-spirited person, so he quickly agreed to the proposal.
Outside Xindu City, a bonfire was lit, and the soldiers put meat on the fire to roast. Yuan Xi greeted Yan Liang, and Xu Chu and Guo Jia were sitting around.
Yuan Xi opened the seal, filled Yan Liang's pottery bowl with wine, and said, "This is a specialty of Linzi. It has been sealed for ten years. It just has a lot of stamina. General, don't be greedy!"
Yan Liang smelled the aroma of the wine, took a sip, and praised, "It is indeed a fine wine. If it hadn't been for the war, I would have had no problem drinking several jars of it."
Yuan Xi thanked her again: "When Yecheng fell, it was fortunate that the general protected my mother from the rebels. I can't repay this kindness, only this water and wine. But from now on, if the general has orders, I will do my best to help."
This is a trick that Yuan Xi came up with. Instead of just showing favors, it is better to make the other person feel that you are being favored by him, so that the other person might get closer to you.
Yuan Xi couldn't drink much, but fortunately there was a strong man like Xu Chu. They were both brave men of the same type, so they naturally became closer when they drank together.
Guo Jia also took a sip of wine and said: "General Yan, do you think the defense in the south is well prepared by the eldest son?"
Yan Liang chuckled and said proudly, "It's not me who said that the eldest son has no military knowledge, and all arrangements are made by the Xin family. Originally, Xun Youruo, Xin Ping, and Shen Zhengnan were in power, but now it's Xin Ping who makes all the decisions. Fine then."
Guo Jia asked again: "What do the generals in the army mean?"
After a few bowls of wine, Yan Liang spoke freely and said, "Many people have joined the Xin family and the eldest son. The rest of the people should abide by their duties."
"I've been in Qingzhou for a long time and I'm not sure about some things in Jizhou. I'll have to rely on the general from now on." Yuan Xi tentatively said. He wanted to see Yan Liang's stance.
Yan Liang's eyes were blurry, but his mind was clear. He knew that Yuan Xi was wooing him, so he laughed and said, "Second Young Master is serious. They are all working for Jizhou. It is natural for everyone to take care of each other." He would not clearly belong to anyone, but really At the critical moment, he will still lean towards Yuan Xi, who is interested in him. They also expressed the same stance when Emperor Taizong Li Shimin wooed Li Jing and Li Shiji during the Xuanwu Gate Incident.
Yuan Xi looked at him and smiled.
After sending Yan Liang away, Yuan Xi took everyone back to the camp outside the city. When he returned to his tent, there was a sound inside and he stopped.
It turned out that after Mrs. Liu was taken to the camp, she first came to Yuan Xi's tent, where trainer Bu was packing things.
When Master Bu saw Madam Liu, he immediately understood and saluted, "I've met Madam."
"Who are you, Xianyi's concubine?" Although Bu Lianshi was dressed in men's clothing, Liu Yu, as a woman, was sensitive to the fact that she was a daughter.
Trainer Bu's fair face turned pink and he replied, "I am just the young master's maidservant. I will serve the young master with the army."
Of course Mrs. Liu wouldn't mind. Yuan Xi brought a personal maid to take care of her daily life. However, after she married into the Yuan family, she had a jealous temper and always lacked affection for women who were prettier than herself. Therefore, most of the Yuan family were average-looking. maidservant.
"Can someone as delicate and tender as you be able to take care of the young master's daily life?" Madam Liu asked with jealousy. Madam Liu was also a wonderful person. She was even jealous of her son's maid. Although Bu Lianshi was not more beautiful than her, he was Her skin as white as jade is the envy of most women.
"I have been traveling around with my father since I was a child, and have lived in poverty. Taking care of the young master will not be a problem." Bu Lianshi answered softly but firmly.
"Bold, is this how you answer the master's words?" Mrs. Liu said even more displeased.
She is not more beautiful than her, but her jade-white skin is the envy of most women.
"Can someone as delicate and tender as you be able to take care of the young master's daily life?" Mrs. Liu said, finding fault with him, not without jealousy.
"I have been traveling around with my father since I was a child, and have lived in poverty. Taking care of the young master will not be a problem." Bu Lianshi dismissed Mrs. Liu's words without revealing his edge.
"Bold, is this the tone of your reply to the master!" Madam Liu said displeasedly. The maidservant had always been groveling to her. How could any former trainer argue with her like this?
"Mother, she is the child's new maid. She has never been disciplined and naturally does not understand etiquette. However, she takes good care of the child. Don't blame her." Yuan Xi quickly entered the tent and came to the rescue of Master Bu.
Mrs. Liu came to Yuan Xi, patted the back of his hand, and said, "Xianyi, I came out of Yecheng in a hurry, but I still have three maids who can do things. I will give you one. As for this one, leave it to me to discipline." First."
Yuan Xi was shocked. Mrs. Liu was very kind to him, but she was very capable of attacking women. Didn't Empress Lu make Mrs. Qi into a human pig? If Bu Lianshi took her like that, she would definitely suffer, so he advised her He said, "Mother, your maids are all raised at home, but they can't run with the army. But she is different. She runs around and is in trouble, and can endure hardships with the children."
Although Mrs. Liu didn't like Lianshi Bu, Yuan Xi's pleading was not enough to save his face, so she agreed.
Yuan Xi immediately prepared his tent and accommodated Mrs. Liu and her three maids. After the work was completed, he returned to his tent to rest.
Trainer Bu had already packed the bed and after serving Yuan Xi to wash up, she was about to leave and go back to her small tent next to her.
Yuan Xi calmly grabbed her soft catkins, turned her over and pressed her onto the bed, staring directly into hers.
Trainer Bu let out a panicked "Yeah" and instinctively tried to break away, but after a while she could only look at Yuan Xi with a pair of moist eyes, filled with tears.
Yuan Xi felt the softness of the delicate body under him, and looked at Gan Tian's crystal clear and pitiful appearance. His heart softened and he asked: "Tell me, what do you want to do with me?"
Trainer Bu's eyes were full of grievance, and he said in a hoarse voice: "Repay, repay the master for your great kindness."
Yuan Xi was still not sure whether Master Bu regarded him as the enemy who killed his father, or as a benefactor who avenged his father. Although he took her with him, he was always on guard. He asked: "Do you agree to commit yourself to me?"
Trainer Bu had a mixture of grievance and panic in his eyes, but he still nodded slightly. Yuan Xi originally did not want to marry this thirteen- or fourteen-year-old girl, but her fragile appearance aroused the evil spirit in his heart, and he couldn't help but lick her clothes with his hands... The candles in the inner room were flickering, and the lights were dim. A woman's humming voice came out of the bed from time to time.
■■■
Early the next morning, Yuan Xi left Bu Lianshi who was still sleeping soundly. After washing, he took Xu Chu, who was guarding beside the tent, to the Chinese army's tent.
Four subordinates who accompanied the army, Guo Jia, Gu Yong, Zhao Yun, and Zhang Liao, also came to the big tent to discuss the next move.
"Mr. Shen Pei agreed to urge Yuan Tan to send a sum of grain to our army. After receiving the supplies, we will head to Hejian." Yuan Xi said.
Everyone had no objections and went down to prepare. An hour later, soldiers reported that a batch of supplies had been escorted to Yuan Xi's army camp. Yuan Xi and Guo Jia rushed out to greet him and inspect the grain. What Yuan Xi didn't expect was that Yuan Shang also followed Shen Pei to the camp. In the last marriage, because Yuan Xi chose the Zhen family, Yuan Shang married with the Shen family.
Yuan Xi smiled and stepped forward to greet the two, handed over the food inspection to others, and welcomed them into the big tent.
"Second brother, how happy are you in Qingzhou? You don't know how critical the situation was when Zhang Yan attacked Yecheng. My mother and I almost lost sight of our second brother." Yuan Shang pretended to be sad as he spoke, but Yuan Shang has never experienced a battle, but he can't pretend to be frightened.
"As long as everyone is fine, Yecheng will get it back." Yuan Xi vowed.
Yuan Shang also agreed: "Isn't that right? After I experienced this danger, I realized how incompetent I am. I wish I could lead the army like you, second brother, so that I can do my best for the great cause of the family. I want to follow second brother this time You go north to join your father and find a position in the army." It seems that Yuan Shang finally followed Li Yuanji's path, and he was destined to be with Yuan Xi.
Yuan Xi and Guo Jia were instinctively alert. Although Shen Pei hinted that they would support Yuan Xi, Yuan Xi didn't know what attitude Shen Pei had towards Yuan Shang, who was related to them by marriage. Moreover, Shen Pei and Feng Ji were not the same in history. Supported Yuan Shang. It stands to reason that if you support Yuan Shang's fight for the throne, the possibility of eventual victory is currently relatively small, but Yuan Xi does not dare to take it lightly.
Yuan Xi looked at Shen Pei. He thought it was Shen Pei's idea, so he asked, "Sir, do you also agree that your third brother will go to Hejian to join the army?"
"I asked the Third Young Master to join the army in Hejian. My lord has already thought of letting you three brothers lead a state each after conquering Hebei. The Third Young Master will also lead the army sooner or later, so it is better to go to the army as soon as possible to gain experience." Shen Pei replied.
Yuan Shang took over and said: "When I get to Hejian, I must apply to my father to also fight on the front line."
Yuan Xi looked at Yuan Shang and joked: "Why, have you been practicing your tactics recently?"
"That's not the case," Yuan Shang also looked at Yuan Xi and said with a smile, "I just don't want to be that Zhao Kuo who talks about military affairs on paper. I can go to the barracks to exercise. Besides, my father is also employed now. As a descendant of the Yuan family, I should Just like the eldest brother and the second brother, share the responsibilities for your father."
Yuan Xi said yes with a smile, but he was careful. This struggle for power has always been extremely dangerous. Someone who might show favor to you might stab you in the back at any time. Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji were not the ones who, under Wei Zheng and others Under the instigation of others, do you want to lead troops to divide Li Shimin's military power and popularity?
