The sun was blazing in the sky and the heat was scorching. As usual, Guo Xiang came to a wine shop in the south of the city with a tired look and got drunk.
For some reason, today's wine didn't taste as good as usual. It seemed to be mixed with a hint of pain.
"The wine today is really bad!" Guo Tu put the wine cup down on the table dissatisfied, rubbed his eyes, and was about to get up and leave.
But I saw a bald-haired alchemist with an immortal spirit walking towards Guo Tu. He said with a smile: "This person is objective, can you tell me your horoscopes?"
"Pfft~~!" Guo Tu spit out a mouthful of wine and turned to look at the smiling Zuo Ci behind him, his face full of surprise.
"You stinky fortune teller, get out of here, don't keep me from drinking here!" Guo Tu waved his hand dissatisfied and shouted at Zuo Ci.
Zuo Ci smiled, not afraid at all, and said to Guo Tuqing: "This guest officer, I don't want to cause trouble here, but I see that the guest officer's hall is dark and his eyes are dark green. I'm afraid he is worried." I'm troubled by things and I'm wavering from left to right, so I'm here to give you a word of advice, so I hope you won't be surprised!"
Hearing this, Guo Tu gave a cold "hum" and said: "Young man, do you know who I am? Just saying that I have troubles? I am happy every day! How can there be any troubles? Nonsense!"
Hearing this, Zuo Ci chuckled and said, "Who are you? I don't know, but the secrets revealed in your face cannot be faked!"
Having said this, Zuo Ci lowered his head, put his mouth close to Guo Tu's ear, and whispered: "As my old man has rightly seen, what worries you is the matter of Yi Yin Huo Guang. I don't know where to go." Is that true?"
"Bah!" The wine cup Guo Tu had just picked up immediately fell on the table.
The matter of Yiyin Huoguang! What's the meaning? Na Yiyin was a veteran of the third generation of the Shang Dynasty, and had sent King Taijia of Shang to Tonggong for three years, while Huo Guang was a general during the period of Emperor Xiaoxuan, who deposed Liu He and established the new king Liu Xun. Both of them had been deposed since ancient times. The representative of the establishment!
Now the old alchemist used Huo Guang Yiyin as a metaphor for himself, which was clearly a metaphor for his intention to betray Yuan Xi and welcome Cao Cao, making Hebei a foreign master. This old man revealed the biggest secret in his heart. How could Guo Tu not be surprised?
"Who...who are you?" Guo Tu pointed at Zuo Ci tremblingly and asked with trembling lips.
All this was a drama arranged by Zhang Hong, Liu Ye and others. After all, it was not convenient for them and the senior officials to take action, and Hua Tuo was not suitable either, so they had to let the semi-immortal Zuo Ci take action.
After hearing Guo Tu's question about who he was, Zuo Ci didn't say anything at all, nor did he say his name. He just dusted himself off, looking unhurried and seemingly content.
"It doesn't matter who I am to Mr. Guo. The key thing is that Mr. Guo needs to figure out who he is and whether he is on the right path. Mr. Guo is now considered a famous person in Hebei. If he accidentally steps on If you make a wrong step, you may regret it later but it will be too late." Zuo Ci smiled and played a riddle to Guo Tu.
Guo Tu's face looked very nervous, but he still forced himself to be calm and said: "What do you mean? You old man, just say what you have to say!"
Zuo Ci stretched out his hand slightly and said with a smile: "Mr. Guo, if you want to know the deeper meaning, you might as well follow me to the upper room and talk about it. There is an expert who can answer the riddle for Mr. Guo. What do you think of me?"
When Guo Tu heard that Zuo Ci wanted to invite him to chat alone, he hesitated. After all, he was not familiar with the old alchemist who suddenly appeared. The two old men got together in the private room. What if this old bad guy had an affair with him? What to do if you are malicious?
But this old man just hit the mark with his words, directly touching the secret vein in his heart. Regardless of whether the old man knew it or was deceived, if he didn't let him go at this time, if something went wrong, the tragedy would be the annihilation of his entire family. , just think about it, how can you not go?
Guo Tu wavered for a long time, and finally made up his mind, gritted his teeth, stood up and said: "Let's go in private. Guo is afraid that you, an old bastard, can't do it...lead the way!"
The wine shop is very large, divided into two floors. The first floor is the retail hall. The tables and tables are less than a few feet apart. Drinking is just for drinking. There are almost no secrets between people.
But the private rooms on the second floor are different. The walls between the partitions are thick and the winding paths lead to quiet places. It is called a drinking place, but in fact it is a place where many wealthy gentry from aristocratic families drink and talk.
It is also the property of the Zhen family, but the real power has belonged to Yuan Xi, and it can be regarded as Zhen Mi's dowry at that time.
Entering the innermost and quietest private room, there were already three people sitting inside, namely Zhang Hong, Liu Ye and Gao Gan.
Zhang Hong still looked simple and elegant, but at the same time friendly and pleasant. When he saw Guo Tu and Zuo Ci came in, without saying anything, he immediately stood up and greeted Guo Tu.
Liu Ye and senior officials were also unambiguous and stood up to greet him.
On the other hand, when Guo Tu saw these three people sitting in the middle, and then thinking about what Zuo Ci said to him just now, cold sweat suddenly fell out. He knew that despite the appearance of Zhang Hong, Liu Ye, Gao Gan and others, status is not high.
But everyone living in Yecheng, including humans and animals, knows that each of these people has a deep connection with Yuan Xi. They can be said to be Yuan Xi's confidants and direct descendants.
Now that all of them are here, I am afraid that Xin Ping and Cao Cao's plot has been defeated!
Guo Tu's face was full of horror, as if he had been struck by lightning. Zhang Hong knew what was going on, but pretended not to know on his face.
Zhang Hong smiled politely at Guo Tushi and said: "Mr. Guo, please forgive Zhang and others for losing their etiquette and inviting you here without permission. I am really ashamed. However, it was for a reason and it was a helpless move. I hope you can Mr. Guo Haihan, please don’t have a common understanding with us.”
"Wherever, everyone knows that Mr. Zhang is the father-in-law of the lord. He is in charge of the secret guard for the lord. He has worked hard and made great achievements. He is the mainstay of Yecheng. Don't talk to me, Guo Tu. Even if the lord meets your husband, he will be respectful. Liu Yegeng He is the lord's secretary and close minister, in charge of the shadow guard, and the high-ranking general is the lord's confidant. Guo Tu is just an ordinary person. It is a great honor to be invited here!" After all, Guo Tu was an important minister under Yuan Shao in the past. Although he was uneasy, his words were still reasonable and well-founded, and no one could find anything lacking in etiquette.
Zhang Hong smiled slightly, and without any hesitation, he invited Guo Tu and Zuo Ci to sit down and poured tea for them himself, with all courtesy.
Guo Tu took the tea from Zhang Hong and said, "Thank you."
Then he turned to look at Zuo Ci beside him, and said: "Old alchemist, you are the master who said you can answer my questions. Could it be that you are the three of you here?"
Zuo Ci's face was solemn, as if he were an immortal, and he said: "Mr. Guo, ask yourself, are these three people not enough to answer your doubts today?"
Liu Ye sighed softly, shook his head and said: "No, no, what Master Zuo Xian said is wrong. Mr. Guo's doubts are just his own doubts and have nothing to do with others. The most we can do is serve as a guide. As for how to act in the future, it is still Mr. Guo’s own business.”
When Guo Tu heard this, his whole body suddenly trembled, and he stared blankly at the tea cup in his hand without saying a word.
Gao Gan coughed heavily, raised his head and asked Guo Tudao: "Mr. Guo, how many years have you been working for the Yuan family?"
Guo Tu put down his wine cup, looked at Gao Gan deeply and said, "I have been working for my old lord since the first year of Chuping. It has been thirteen years now."
"Then in front of Mr. Zhang and Mr. Ziyang, tell me what Mr. Yuan thinks of you, Guo Tu?" Gao Gan asked eagerly, speaking rapidly.
Guo Tu was stunned when he heard this and said: "The kindness is as heavy as a mountain and cannot be expressed in words."
"Since you are so grateful, why did you join forces with Xin Ping to rebel?" The senior officer's face darkened, his tone suddenly rose, and he shouted angrily.
Guo Tu's whole body trembled suddenly, and he bared his teeth and said angrily: "When did I say that I was going to rebel? Don't you, surnamed Gao, slander me?"
The senior official sneered when he heard this and said: "Since you have never participated in the rebellion, what can you say about what you and Xin Ping are planning!?"
Guo Tu was heartbroken and secretly thought that these people came to him because the matter was revealed! The matter has come to this, it is useless to say more...just do whatever you love!
Thinking of this, Guo Tu immediately closed his eyes and without even looking at Gao Gan, he made a move worth a thousand dollars and kept silent, and let Gao Gan do it!
The senior cadre thought that after repeated questioning and sharp words, he would be able to scare Guo Tu, but he didn't expect that the other party was not an economical person, so he simply ignored him.
Gao Gan suddenly became furious! Just as he was about to curse a few words, Zhang Hong raised his hand to stop him.
But Zhang Hong winked at Liu Ye, and the two of them slowly stood up, and both bowed deeply to Guo Tu. Their behavior was very respectful!
Guo Tu was stunned when he saw this, and hurriedly raised his hand to help Zhang Hong and Liu Ye, and said in surprise: "Two gentlemen, there is absolutely no way, why do you two gentlemen want to worship me? But Guo can't bear it. , get up quickly!"
Zhang Hong shook his head and said sternly: "Mr. Guo, there is no need to shirk the blame. The two of us bow to you not for ourselves, but to apologize to you on behalf of the second master. You deserve it, so you can accept it with peace of mind."
Guo Tu was stunned when he heard this and said: "Worship me on behalf of my lord? He is the king and I am the minister, so I can't bear it anymore..."
Zhang Hong shook his head and said: "No, you can afford it. The two of us pay homage to the master on behalf of the master. We want to thank the master for spending the rest of the year neglecting the master and treating the master so lightly. This ceremony is not what the two of us do." What he did without permission is actually the Young Master's personal order. He is currently in Liyang Commandery and cannot come back to apologize to Sir in person, so he has to entrust me and the two of us to do it for him."
"This...is this what the lord means?" Guo Tu looked shocked and asked hurriedly.
Liu Ye took the words and nodded swornly, saying: "That's exactly it, but there is a reason why the master behaves like this. I must have understood in his heart that during the dispute over the heirship of the Yuan family, he was a person close to the eldest son, and he was The lord is in opposition, and the lord later ascends to the throne. In order to appease the hearts of his close followers and close ministers, he must be unfamiliar with each other, promoted and demoted. Although the lord is a king, he must weigh the pros and cons and judge others by himself, but he has never been there in his heart. Forget about Mr., I have always wanted to re-employ Mr. as Hebei's chief executive, but it was just not the right time."
Hearing this, Guo Tu sighed and said, "My lord, you are still of use to me..."
Zhang Hong also echoed: "When my lord was in Yecheng, he often praised my husband's talent to me. I only regret that my husband was not of the same mind as him back then. Even today... He has always wanted to find an opportunity to let Mr. Guo you We have accomplished great feats so that we can be used again and stop everyone's mouths. Unfortunately, we have never had the chance... Today, we are asked to find out the Yecheng and rebel against those who are disloyal. However, It's time for Mr. Guo to make a meritorious service, and my lord is on the front line of Liyang, so he is also overjoyed!"
Guo Tu was stunned when he heard this. After being stunned for a long time, he finally said tremblingly: "My lord, he has such care for Guo Tu. I hate that Guo Tu is stupid and ignorant, but he doesn't know. If the two gentlemen hadn't told me, My life is still hazy and lifeless."
At this point, Guo Tu bowed to the south and said: "My lord...Guo Tu! Thank you!"
The senior official said with a look of disdain: "It's a pity that my lord is sincere to you and turned a deaf ear to you. You didn't learn from the pain and regret your meritorious service, but you followed Xin Ping, Yuan Shang and others to mix up with the intention of rebellion. You are so stupid." Can the donkey be kicked?"
Guo Tu trembled when he heard this and shouted at the senior officials: "Nonsense! Xin Ping united with Cao Cao to rebel. That is his business, what does it have to do with me?"
Gao Gan jumped up suddenly and said angrily: "Okay! You even know that Xin Ping is uniting with Cao Cao, and you said you didn't get involved!"
Guo Tu slapped himself hard.
"Guo...Guo and Xin Ping got involved together, then...there is a reason...yes! There is a reason!"
Gao Gan smiled coldly and said, "What's the reason?"
"The reason...the reason is..." Guo Tu squeaked and didn't say anything for a long time.
But Liu Ye suddenly slapped his forehead and said: "The reason Mr. Guo mentioned is that he wanted to seize this good opportunity and take the risk to pretend to be an internal agent. He could eradicate these rebel thieves in one fell swoop and completely eliminate all future troubles for Yecheng." ?”
Guo Tu's eyes were sparkling with tears, and he looked up to the sky and sighed: "Those who know me... Ziyang is the one! I didn't expect that you would see through my secret identity and sophisticated strategy at once!" Ziyang, you are truly worthy of being our lord’s secretary and think tank~~~!”
Liu Ye smiled slightly and said humbly: "I just made an inference based on Mr. Guo's personality. I didn't expect it, but I hit the nail on the head. It's funny."
Zhang Hong suddenly clapped his hands, looked at Guo Tu and echoed: "Mr. Guo, you are so righteous!"
Guo Tu proudly held up his hands and said modestly: "Mr. Zhang is very complimentary. Guo is just doing his duty as a minister!"
The senior cadre looked at Guo Tu with a puzzled look on his face and asked curiously: "Are you really going to be a traitor? You're not just trying to trick us, are you?"
Guo Tu snorted coldly, stood up and slapped his chest loudly!
"Tell the lord, don't worry. Give me five days and I will have full authority to find out all the information about Xin Ping's rebellion, including the personnel, strategy, time, method, etc., and report it to the lord. I will live up to the kindness of the Yuan family." !”
People's intelligence and talent sometimes only depend on the thin line, on the understanding of a word, on the understanding of a sentence. If you understand it thoroughly, you are a genius. If you don't understand it thoroughly, you are a stupid pig. .
It's a pity that Guo Tu, who usually prides himself on being smart, unknowingly fell into the trap of Zhang Hong and Liu Ye today and fell headlong into the mist. He was confused and willing to play for them. Underground workers started playing Infernal Affairs. Those who are familiar with it don’t know, but Zhang Hong and Liu Ye are the masters of it.
After persuading Guo Tu to change his ways and agree to become an Infernal Affairs practitioner, Zhang Hong immediately wrote an eight-hundred-mile express letter and ordered the secret guard messenger to quickly send it to Yuan Xi's commander-in-chief's account in Liyang and submit reports one by one about the situation.
