Later, Zhang Liao and Zhao Yun returned to camp and placed the more than 4,000 elite cavalry. Yuan Xi took Xu Chu, Gu Yong, and more than a dozen personal guards back to Yecheng. Yuan Xi changed his clothes and took Xu Chu to the shop operated under his own name.
His confidant Hua Xu took Yuan Xi into a back room and showed Yuan Xi some newly collected information. Hua Xu said with some complacency: "Sir, I dare say that you will not be slower than Mr. Yuan when you see this news."
"Really? Why is there no news from Chang'an?" Yuan Xi asked after reading the collected information.
Hua Xu had a bitter look on his face and said helplessly, "Sir, the remnants of the Xiliang army plundered Chang'an and ruined it in a disgraceful way. All our shops were smashed and robbed. How could anyone come to spread the news!"
Yuan Xi thought carefully for a while and said: "Sir, I will send a few capable confidants to Chang'an. You can contact the caravan to Chang'an and arrange for them to go there."
"Now that the investigation is strict, no caravan dares to go to Chang'an. If the officials find out, it will be a serious crime." Hua Xu said.
Yuan Shao did not allow traders from Jizhou to travel to and from Guanzhong. Yuan Xi knew this, so he said, "I will try to get the customs clearance documents. Just let go and make arrangements."
Yuan Xi suddenly remembered Wang Yue who was still in Chang'an. The last time he went to Chang'an, he was pressed for time and he failed to contact Wang Yue. But now he wants to ask Wang Yue to understand the situation in Guanzhong. When the time is right, there will be a plan to seize the Han Emperor. The action is not necessarily certain.
"Master, if you want to organize a caravan, it's better to contact the Zhen family. They have many people and connections. What do you want, Master?" Hua Xu suggested.
Yuan Xi then remembered that due to the delay in the war, he had not contacted his in-laws of the Zhen family for a long time. After thinking for a while, he asked Hua Xu to send someone to Zhongshan to discuss the matter with the Zhen family.
After leaving the shop, Yuan Xi was in a bad mood, because many of the news he had just seen came from Zhuao in Yanzhou, and they were all about Cao Cao's army taking advantage of Yuan Shu's defeat and retreating to Shouchun. Occupying most of Yuzhou.
Moreover, on the recommendation of Xiahou Dun, he also got the fierce general Dian Wei and appointed him as the commander of the bodyguard. The only one he has not captured yet is a large county in Runan. Cao Cao has also strengthened his control in Yanzhou, and his strength has grown rapidly, and he has become the potential biggest enemy of the Yuan family when they go south in the future.
Yuan Xi secretly sighed in his heart. With his changes, the Yuan family has indeed accelerated the process of unifying Qingzhou and Hebei. Xuzhou has not been massacred, Tao Qian is not dead, but Cao Cao's Yanzhou has not, and Chen Gong has seduced Lu Bu. Rebellion.
On the contrary, Cao Cao not only controlled all of Yanzhou, but also occupied most of Yuzhou. It can be expected that after the Yuan family defeated Gongsun Zan and Cao Cao captured Runan, the first confrontation between the two families would be the battle for Emperor Xian.
Yuan Xi suddenly thought of the property the Zhen family was operating in Yecheng, so he planned to take Xu Chu and others to "have a sit" at Heshun Wine Shop.
Koto.
In the hazy morning mist, a powerful navy, led by a large ship, entered from the mouth of the Yangtze River, then followed the waterway of Dantuqu'a, downstream, and entered Taihu Lake.
After entering Taihu Lake, this naval force no longer concealed its identity. Flags were erected on each warship. The tall ship in the middle had a huge flag with a red background and blue edges. With the character "王".
"Wu County, a certain Wang Lang is here!"
Wang Lang was dressed in a blue robe and hunting clothes, standing on the deck of the three-story ship "Kuiji", staring at the water scenery of Taihu Lake, looking at Wu County's relief, but there was an excited fighting spirit in his heart.
Currently, the Kuaiji navy is the most powerful navy in the entire Jiangdong, and there are 10,000 elite navy officers on the fleet.
"Lord Captain, at the current speed, we can reach Wu County by the noon hour."
A general, tall and tall, wearing armor, came up and reported respectfully.
"good!"
Wang Lang nodded, pretended to be aloof, looked at the big man, a cold light flashed across his eyes, and said: "Xu Fang, you are a naval general that the prefect values important, but in this battle we must abandon the ship and attack the city in the shortest possible time. We can take over Wu County in time, are you confident?"
Now that Kuaiji is in danger, Guo Yi can't resist Sun Jian for long. Only by quickly capturing Wu County can he force Sun Jian to withdraw from Kuaiji. Only by capturing the Sun family, young and old, can he negotiate with the Jiangdong tiger.
"Please rest assured, Captain, the generals under a certain family can not only fight in the water, but also the most elite infantrymen who come out of the boats. They will definitely be able to capture Wu County within five days." Xu Fang looked cold and confident. The way.
"According to the plan, Guo Hong, who landed from Lou County, should also arrive with his troops and approach Wu County."
Wang Lang had a look of determination in his eyes and said loudly: "Give me the order and speed up the advance immediately. We must have unlimited troops before midnight and capture Wuxian County within five days."
"No!" The generals nodded.
Chang'an,
The imperial capital during the Western Han Dynasty had towering walls and stacked palaces, but its former glory was no longer there. After experiencing the Dong Zhuo Rebellion and the Li Guo Rebellion in recent years, the country was in a dilapidated and barren state. This great man had indeed reached the end of his life.
In the city of Chang'an, people kept silent and dogs stopped barking. Such a big capital city. lifeless.
In such an atmosphere, there is a mansion that is lively and incongruous with the surroundings. In front of Yang Biao's mansion, cars would stop from time to time, and dignitaries would get out of their cars and enter the mansion.
Yang Biao had just been appointed Taiwei not long ago. Taiwei was originally the most important minister in charge of military power among the three princes. But it has gradually become a false position with name but no power.
Yang Biao, the head of the Yang family in Hongnong. He is also a representative figure of a powerful family in the world and is as famous as the Yuan family.
The princes from all over the country were all proud to be friends with the Hongnong Yang family. Even Li Que and Guo Si, who controlled the court, had to win over the Hongnong Yang family. Yang Biao's promotion to Taiwei this time was one of the methods used by the Xiliang Army to win over the Hongnong Yang family.
Yang Biao's son, Yang Xiu, was extremely intelligent and as famous as Yuan Xi, Huangfu Li and others. Although he was only seventeen years old, he had already shown his talents and was deeply loved by Yang Biao. Standing sideways at the door of the house. He greeted the dignitaries who came to congratulate him elegantly and politely.
Another car stopped at the door of the house. Yang Xiu's eyes lit up, he walked a few steps, saluted and shouted, "Shilang Zhong is here to make my Yang family shine!"
"Haha, little friend, are you making fun of me?" The person who came was Zhong Yao, Zhong Yuanchang, the minister of Huangmen. Zhong Yao is more than 20 years older than Yang Xiu, but the two of them are the best friends. They can be called close friends.
"How dare you make fun of Mr. Yuan Chang?" Yang Xiu behaved himself in front of others, but he was casual with Wang Nian's friend Zhong Yao. With a sly smile, Yang Xiu said: "My father has prepared good wine, but if Mr. Yuan Chang doesn't present the calligraphy treasure, he won't be able to enjoy it!"
Zhong Yao, the master of calligraphy at that time, was also the calligraphy sage of later generations, Wang Xizhi, who was deeply influenced by him.
"My little friend is cunning!" Zhong Yao pointed at Yang Xiu with a smile. "However, Zhong is determined to have this drink today!"
With that said, he took a beautifully bound paper roll from his entourage and said, "Zhong has already prepared it. I would like to congratulate Taiwei Yang."
Yang Xiu saw that Zhong Yao had really prepared calligraphy treasures, his eyes shone, and he said happily: "I will personally guide Mr. Yuan Chang to see my father." Yang Xiu was in front, and Zhong Yao followed with an entourage, walking through a In an empty room, Zhong Yao called Yang Xiu in a low voice.
"This person is not a follower of Zhong, but a business guest in Chang'an. He wants to come and see the excitement, please take care of me."
This person was none other than Yuan Xi's secret guard chief and teacher Zhang Hong. The previous secret guard system in Chang'an failed to provide timely information in Chang'an, so Zhang Hong went out in person this time.
He claimed to be a subordinate of Yuan Shao, not Yuan Xi, because Yuan Shao was the number one prince in this era. Yuan Shao's prestige was unparalleled at this time, and Zhang Hong could only use it for one purpose.
The atmosphere in Chang'an City was tense. Zhong Yao did not dare to meet Yang Biao and others casually, so he could only take advantage of Yang Biao's promotion to captain to come to Yang's house to congratulate him and take the opportunity to meet and discuss with Yang Biao.
Although Yang Xiu is young, he is extremely smart. Nodding knowingly. Yang Mansion was bustling with guests coming and going, and dignitaries were talking in groups, which made it even less likely to attract attention. In the corner of the yard, there is a strange-shaped Taihu stone.
Yang Biao and Zhong Yao got together under the pretense of admiring the Taihu Stone. Surrounding the Taihu Stone, we pointed, marveled, and took the opportunity to communicate in low voices.
"A sudden change in Chang'an is imminent, so Lieutenant Commander must prepare early." Zhong Yao said in a low voice.
"Yang also had this premonition, but the Xiliang generals and captains Duan and Zhang who had contacted him before were temporarily on the sidelines in order to protect themselves. Only Dong Cheng was left, with only a few thousand old and weak soldiers in his hands. I’m afraid it’s hard to keep His Majesty safe.”
"Zhang has informed our lord Yuan Shao of Taiwei Yang's act of loyalty to the emperor. My master ordered Zhang to convey his respect to Taiwei Yang." said the "entourage" who came with Zhong Yao.
"It is the duty of a minister to be loyal to the king and serve the country." Yang Biao's awe-inspiring and upright attitude was also accompanied by helpless desolation.
"My lord also asked Zhang to tell Taiwei Yang that everyone in the world is responsible for the country's troubles and your majesty's troubles. My lord will do everything possible to lend a helping hand to Taiwei Yang and his majesty. However, my lord has not been in charge of Jizhou and Qingzhou for a long time. It is impossible to mobilize troops and horses to Yongzhou."
"Yang can understand."
"As long as His Majesty comes out of Tongguan, our Jizhou soldiers will fight bravely to protect King Qin. Please rest assured, Taiwei Yang."
"In the autumn of troubled times, Ben Chu has such great righteousness. It is your Majesty's good fortune and the great man's good fortune. Thank you Ben Chu for me."
With everyone watching, Yang Biao didn't dare to make any big moves. He could only pretend to adjust his clothes and put his hands in a slight hug in front of his chest to show respect. Zhong Yao changed his angle and cooperated. He raised his head and pointed at the Taihu stone and said, "Looking from here, it looks like a galloping horse. How amazing!"
Yuan Xi and others used Yuan Shao's influence to bluff people, not once or twice. There is no way that the Yuan family's sign of four generations and three princes is really useful in this era. Otherwise, how could people like the second uncle Yuan Shu recruit a group of people? People work for him.
Koto.
In Wu County, the Sheriff's Mansion, a group of high-level officials staying in Wu County have gathered together, and their expressions look extremely solemn.
County Magistrate Shi Zhang Zhao and County Magistrate Gao Dai are sitting on top. Wu County Magistrate Zhu Zhi is sitting on the upper left side. The magistrate of Wu County is Sun Bi, who is sitting next to Zhu Zhi.
There are two people sitting on the right side. They are the generals who have left five thousand soldiers and horses in Wu County. They are both ordinary captains. One is named Chen Wu and the other is Dong Xi. They are both Sun Jian's confidants and favorite generals.
"Everyone, the news has been fully confirmed. There are tens of thousands of infantry and naval troops from Kuaiji County, about 20,000 soldiers and horses. They use their powerful warships to bypass the East China Sea and want to sneak attack on our Wu County!"
Zhou Yu stared at the crowd and said: "I know there is a huge disparity in strength between the enemy and us in this battle, but Wu County cannot be lost and must be defended."
"Twenty thousand soldiers and horses?" One person gasped, a little scared.
"Surrounding Wei and rescuing Zhao, Guo Yi's move is so cruel, it's such a big move!"
Zhang Zhao lowered his eyes and sighed slightly.
"Sir Gongjin, my subordinates are willing to defend Wu County. However, we currently have less than 7,000 soldiers and horses in Wu County. It may be difficult to defend Wu County!"
Chen Wu was silent for a moment, with a calm and steady look on his face, and suggested: "So if you dare, I will ask the young master and several generals' wives to leave Wu County immediately before Wu County is surrounded and go south to join the lord."
"Lieutenant Chen, don't you have confidence?" Zhou Yu knew that Chen Wu had good intentions, but now he had to break everything to defend Wu County, so he couldn't let anyone destroy the pre-war atmosphere.
"No, it's just..." Chen Wu's expression changed and he immediately began to analyze.
"Colonel Chen, I understand what you mean, but you don't need to say it anymore. Wu County must not be lost. As the governor, I declare that from this moment on, Wu County will enter a state of military control, with a curfew. No one can enter or leave. All troops, You must obey my orders."
Zhou Yu reached out and took out a token from his waist with a huge golden tiger head on it.
This token represents Sun Jian himself, a token that can lead to the Jiangdong camp without any obstruction, and can also command all the soldiers and horses in Jiangdong.
"promise!"
Everyone was shocked and stared at the tiger talisman in Zhou Yu's hand, especially the two captains. They recognized the token and immediately knelt down on one knee and said respectfully.
"Zhang Changshi, I will fight this battle, but Kuaiji soldiers are surrounding the city, and there is some chaos in the city. It is up to Zhang Changshi to calm him down." Zhou Yu stood up, his figure looking a little determined, and said.
"Gongjin, are you confident?"
Zhang Zhao sighed. He was good at government affairs and had some knowledge of military affairs, but he had no experience in commanding troops. After this critical moment, he would not be able to suppress the generals below.
"If you have confidence, you have to fight, if you don't have confidence, you have to fight."
Zhou Yu looked far away, with a cold murderous intent in his eyes, and said: "I only know that at this time, Wu County must not be lost. If they think that Wu County can be captured so easily, they are a little too naive."
If Sun Jian's regime represented a country, Wu County would now be the capital. If even the capital was lost, Sun Jian's people in Jiangdong would also lose their hearts. Therefore, Zhou Yu tried his best to keep Wuxian County.
"I understand!" Zhang Zhao looked determined and said, "I don't know much about military matters, but Zhao guarantees that as long as Wu County is not breached for a day, there will be peace in the city. If there are those who fish in troubled waters, your sword will not be blunt. "
"Chen Wu!" Zhou Yu nodded and began to order generals.
"arrive!"
"You lead your troops to guard the east gate. The troops from Lou County will definitely focus on the east gate and launch an attack. You have a heavy responsibility. No matter what, you must guard the east gate."
"No!" Chen Wu looked resolute and nodded decisively.
"Dong Xi, the north gate belongs to you. Like the east gate, the north gate is close to Lou County and will inevitably be attacked heavily."
"promise!"
"Sun Ben!"
"exist!"
"You lead three hundred county soldiers and recruit young men in the city. There is no need for force. With heavy money, there will be brave men. Don't be afraid of spending money. How many are there? Recruit as many as you want. As a reserve team, start basic training immediately. Wait until the fierce siege. After the battle begins, wherever there is a gap, it will be filled."
Zhou Yu looked at Sun Bi and said loudly.
"Ben understands!" Sun Ben's eyes moved and he nodded.
"The rest of you, follow me to guard the west gate!" Zhou Yu stared in the direction of Taihu Lake. He knew that this was the key target of the attack.
As soon as the meeting ended, Wu County began to enter a state of intense preparation for war. The four gates were closed tightly. There was also a tense atmosphere in the city, making people feel that a storm was coming.
Yecheng
In front of the wine shop, a down-and-out young man holding an old horse was looking up at the wine shop's plaque. He shook his head and was about to leave. A large group of carriages and horses were approaching. A Jizhou soldier in front pointed at the down-and-out young man and shouted: "Get out of the way, don't get in the way. Is this your place to stay?"
The down-and-out young man wanted to leave, but after hearing what he said, his temper became stubborn and he said coldly: "The Tao is here, you are allowed to go to this wine shop, but I am not allowed to go in?"
The soldier squinted and sneered, "With your appearance, you know that your whole body is not worth the price of a meal here at Heshun."
When the down-and-out young man was about to retort, the soldier pushed him away. Seven or eight prominent dignitaries behind the soldier also dismounted and a few more soldiers separated the down-and-out young man to allow those dignitaries to enter the Heshun Wine Shop.
After all the dignitaries went to the wine shop, the soldier sneered and said, "Do you know who the gentlemen just now are? They are Mr. Yuan and the others. If you keep messing around here, I will kill you!"
The down-and-out young man sneered and said, "Are all the Jizhous under Yuan Chai like this? I'll be really disappointed."
Yuan Xi happened to see all this happening nearby. He stepped forward and said, "The rule of Yuan Cheqi is a place of courtesy and law-abiding. Sir, what you see is just a few exceptions."
It was obvious that some of the soldiers recognized Yuan Xi. They did not dare to be presumptuous and retreated to the side.
The down-and-out young man saw everything in his eyes. He knew that Yuan Xi must have a great background, so he raised his hands and said: "I'm talking nonsense, brother, don't blame me!" After saying that, he took the horse and left.
"Since we are destined to meet each other, how about having a drink together?" Yuan Xi reported his family background again, "I'm Yuan Xi, Yuan Xianyi, I see that my brother is an extraordinary person, so I would like to invite you."
The down-and-out young man was stunned when he heard this, and after a while he came to his senses and agreed: "I'm so bothering Mr. Yuan."
Yuan Xi smiled and asked his guards to lead the horses to the stables of the wine shop. He took the down-and-out young man and Xu Chu to the third floor of the wine shop.
The shop owner recognized Yuan Xi and hurried over to greet him: "Second Young Master hasn't come to visit the shop since he went to Qingzhou. It's time to have a good drink this time. My Second Young Master is also in Yecheng. I just asked someone to invite him." He's coming over."
Yuan Xi nodded in agreement, asked the shopkeeper to serve some dishes and wine, and asked the down-and-out young man to sit down with Xu Chu.
The down-and-out young man was not restrained and had an extraordinary bearing. After he sat down, he said: "Thank you very much, Second Young Master, for the banquet. I am here to invite the people from Anping to visit me, and I will show you the name Zijing."
Yuan Xi's mind was racing. I vaguely remembered that this person Qianzhao seemed to be Yuan Shao's subordinate in history, and he guarded the northern part of Bingzhou. And after the Yuan family was defeated, this was the person who collected Gao Gan's body.
Yuan Xi knew that many talented people in history were buried under Yuan Shao. Although this Qianzhao was not as famous as other famous generals, he might still be a capable person.
Yuan Xi smiled and filled him with wine. He said slightly apologetically, "That was my brother just now. He meant no harm. It's just that the people below sometimes take advantage of the honor of the master and do things that oppress ordinary people. Brother Zijing, don't be surprised."
Qianzhao nodded and said, "I think so. I have been traveling around the world over the years, but I always pay attention to what is happening in Jizhou Township. After returning to Anping, I heard that Duke Yuan defeated the conspiracy of Gongsun Zan and Zhang Yan, and felt that Duke Yuan was a A wise master who can do great things. So he came to Yecheng to seek refuge."
Yuan Xi nodded secretly. Yuan Shao's reputation was very high, and many talented people or people with special skills came to join him. If his family was more prestigious, Yuan Shao would be called as an honored guest. Entrusted with important responsibilities, such as Guo Tu, Chen Lin and others.
If the person was from a family of average reputation and had special skills, Yuan Shao would go to great lengths to recruit him as a retainer, like Li Zhi, who was good at fortune-telling and theft in the Book of Changes.
After some conversation. Yuan Xi had a general understanding of Qianzhao. It was learned that he was a disciple of Shi Leyin, the chief of the former chariot general He Miao. After He Miao and Le Yin were killed in Luoyang, Qianzhao and Le Yin's disciples risked being killed to collect Le Yin's body and transport it to their fellow villagers. After that, Qianzhao kept traveling around and did not return to Anping until the beginning of the year.
When he was in Luoyang, Yuan Xidao had also heard of the name He Miao, the chief official of Leyin. But there is no in-depth understanding of his talents.
But Yuan Xi generally felt from Qianzhao's conversation that he was a good person. In this way, Yuan Xi was even more solicitous in his words. But Qianzhao came for Yuan Shao, and Yuan Xi could not grant him an official title now, so he could only agree to introduce him to Yuan Shao.
If Lianzhao is reused, it can be regarded as a chess piece planted by his father Yuan Shao. In the future, it may be turned to him because of today's introduction.
Qianzhao was also a somewhat arrogant person. After comparing his previous encounters, he was still very grateful for Yuan Xi's courtesy, so he said with emotion, "I have heard that the Second Young Master is talented, but I didn't know that you are also the Second Young Master. You are so easy to make friends with." people."
