Don't look at Yang Ling who was extremely polite to Zhang Zhao when he came to visit.
But those fierce generals around him are not vegetarians!
Previously, Zhuge Liang and Sima Yi refused to give Yang Ling face, but Yang Ling robbed their wives.
One was almost burned to death, and the other was targeted by Yang Ling everywhere!
If Zhang Zhao doesn't agree to Yang Ling, he's afraid the end will be no better than Zhuge Liang and Sima Yi.
Moreover, what Yang Ling said was right. Now the situation has completely turned towards Cao Wei.
It is almost impossible for Sun Quan to make a comeback!
For the sake of the people of Jiangdong, Zhang Zhao should agree!
Publicly and privately, he must come forward to convince other families!
Thinking of this, Zhang Zhao sighed,
"Zhong Si (Zhang Cheng), go and invite Zuo Sima and Jiujiang Captain!"
"My child obeys!"
Zhang Cheng took the order and left.
…
Not long after, Zuo Sima Gu Yong, Jiujiang Captain Lu Jun and others gathered at Zhang Zhao's residence.
"Mr. Zibu invited us here today, but what's the important matter?"
The one who spoke was Zuo Sima Gu Yong.
He is taciturn by nature and expresses his emotions and anger.
There are four major families in Jiangdong: Gu, Lu, Zhu, and Zhang Zhong. Gu Yong is the head of the Gu family.
"To be honest, the general just visited me."
Zhang Zhao said slowly.
Upon hearing Yang Ling's arrival, the Jiangdong nobles headed by Gu Yong subconsciously sat up straight.
"What is he looking for Mr. Zibu for?"
Lu Jun, Lu Xun's father, asked in a low voice.
"Of course I want to recruit you all."
Zhang Zhao briefly told everyone what Yang Ling meant.
After everyone listened, they looked at the leader Gu Yong, waiting for him to speak.
Gu Yong was silent for a moment, then asked softly,
"I believe Mr. Zibu intends to join the general, otherwise he wouldn't have invited us all here."
"Yes, I do mean so."
Zhang Zhao nodded slightly and explained,
"Now that the situation has become clear, it will be difficult for Wu Hou to counterattack Cao Wei."
"In order to avoid another war in Jiangdong, it is wise for us to take the initiative to seek refuge there!"
Gu Yong thought for a moment and sighed,
"Actually, my idea is similar to Mr. Zibu's, but there is a problem."
"What trouble?"
Zhang Zhao asked subconsciously.
"Right now, Wu County is not under the control of the general. If we surrender, Wu Hou will definitely take crazy revenge on our people!"
As the local nobles in Jiangdong, whether it is Sun Quan, Yang Ling, or Cao Wei, as long as their interests are not harmed, they don't care who rules.
It's just that almost all the four major families and other noble families were born in Wu County.
Their sphere of influence also extends throughout the county.
Now Yang Ling has only captured the city of Jianye, and other cities in the county are still under Sun Quan's control.
Not to mention people like Lu Jun's son Lu Xun, Zhu Huan, Zhu Yi and others from the Zhu family are still serving in Sun Quan's army.
If Gu Yong and others defect to Yang Ling, Sun Quan will definitely not let their people go!
This is the fundamental reason why Gu Yong and others dare not see Yang Ling!
"It turns out that this is what Zuo Sima was worried about."
Zhang Zhao frowned,
"Isn't there any sure-fire solution?"
Gu Yong pondered for a moment, then smiled slightly,
"I have a plan to get the best of both worlds!"
"Appreciate further details!"
"Please also ask Mr. Zibu to tell the general the truth about this situation."
"The general has a kind heart, so he will not embarrass us."
Gu Yong paused and said again,
"However, although we cannot immediately surrender to the general, we can guarantee that when the general fights with Wu Hou, we will remain neutral and will never get involved!"
"This is not a bad idea."
Zhang Zhao couldn't help but nodded slightly and looked at Lu Jun and other nobles.
"What do you mean?"
"What Zuo Sima means is what we mean!"
Lu Jun nodded.
"Yes, we all think so."
"Mr. Zibu, please take a trip!"
The others also expressed their opinions.
These noble families have always been in a group, led by the four major families, and Gu Yong is basically their representative!
"That's good! I will go out for you today and just go and ask for help from the general!"
Zhang Zhao finally made up his mind.
After concluding the discussion with Gu Yong and others, Zhang Zhao rushed to Wuhou Mansion without stopping.
Wuhou Mansion was originally the residence of Sun Quan, and it was built to be majestic and magnificent.
After Jianye was captured, Yang Ling naturally occupied this place as his residence.
As for Sun Quan's wives and concubines, he did not take them into his house for Sun Shangxiang's sake, but rewarded them to his generals.
"Mr. Zibu is so anxious to see me. He must have good news?"
Yang Ling said with a smile.
"Reporting to the general, I just met with people from the four major families. What they mean is... I wonder what the general wants?"
Zhang Zhao conveyed the attitude of Gu Yong and others to Yang Ling and looked at him eagerly.
"That's okay, but you have to tell them, if they violate today's promise, don't blame me for being unkind!"
Yang Ling said calmly.
The four major families are quite prestigious in the Jiangdong area. Even Sun Quan wants to win over and appease them, and Yang Ling doesn't want to push them too hard.
Moreover, what Gu Yong said is very reasonable. Wu County has not yet been captured by Cao Wei.
Once they take the initiative to show their goodwill, Sun Quan is afraid that Sun Quan will take action on their tribesmen!
"So good!"
Zhang Zhao also breathed a sigh of relief.
…
After the two parties reached a deal, although on the surface the four major families were still clearly separated from Yang Ling, they had frequent contacts in private.
Not only did they provide food and grass for Cao Wei's army, but they also sent Gu Shao to visit him privately.
"I've seen the general!"
In the lobby, Gu Shao smiled and saluted Yang Ling.
Several other servants followed him, all holding boxes of different sizes in their hands.
Several beautiful beauties also walked in.
Gu Shao winked at the servants and asked them to open the box.
When the box was opened, a golden light shone.
There are not only gold and silver jewelry, but also antique jade.
Just one look at it makes people unable to take their eyes away.
But Yang Ling didn't even look at it and said calmly,
"Master Gu, what do you mean?"
"Reporting back to the general, these money and beauties are all the good intentions of my father and the nobles. I hope the general will accept them."
Gu Shao explained with a smile.
However, Yang Ling smiled softly, waved his hand and said,
"I appreciate your kindness."
"It's just that I'm not interested in money, and I'm relatively face-blind, so I don't think these maids are very pretty."
"Please also ask Mr. Gu to take all these money and beauties back."
When Gu Shao heard this, he was stunned and his expression was quite surprised.
In his opinion, Yang Ling has always been greedy for money and lustful, and would never refuse the kindness of Jiangdong nobles.
But seeing Yang Ling's resolute attitude, Gu Shao had no choice but to stand up and resign, taking the beauty and money with him.
