Qin Jia led his army to seize Surabaya and quickly captured Xiang County. But he was worried that Zhang Han would attack, so he sent an envoy to Linji to mediate and prepare to form an alliance with Wei. The King of Wei discussed with Chen Ping. Chen Ping analyzed the situation and said: "Now Wei, Qi, Yan, Zhao, Chu and other countries have become independent. Our goal is to destroy the Qin army. As soon as King Zhang Chu was defeated, Qin Jia established Jing Ju becoming the king of Chu will definitely be unpopular. Besides, Xiang Liang has also raised an army. I heard that Xiang Liang is Xiang Yan's son. With his reputation, how can he submit to Jing Ju? We should first send envoys to Chu to inquire We'll make a decision later." The king of Wei then sent an envoy to follow the envoy of Chu to Liucheng.
At this time, because the false king Wu Guang and Zhang Chu's troops in Sanchuan, Yingchuan, and Chen counties were defeated by Zhang Han, they were afraid of the Qin people's revenge, so they all ran to the nearest Wei State to take refuge. At this time, King Jiu of Wei was using Chen Ping to govern Wei State in an orderly manner, and the influx of a large number of Chu troops made Wei State's power suddenly rise, and the number of troops actually reached 200,000. The king of Wei was very happy and asked Chen Ping how to deal with the Qin army. Chen Ping suggested that Wei Bao, the younger brother of the King of Wei, should be appointed as the general, and Bai Zhi should be the deputy general, leading an army of 100,000 to guard Waihuang City; Shentu Wupu should be the main general, and Huang Xin should be the deputy general, leading an army of 50,000 to resist Li in the west. Depend on. The news reached Daliang, and Li You withdrew all the Qin troops into the city. When the people of Wei heard that Li You had withdrawn his troops, they all praised him and said, "The reason why Li You did not dare to attack Linji City is because the King of Wei reused Chen Ping!"
Zhang Han went north, occupied Guling and Yangxia, and then marched eastward, passing through Zhe County and attacking Li County. Suddenly, news came that Chencheng had been occupied by the generals of King Zhang Chu again; Qin Jia uncovered a man named Jing Ju who became King of Chu in Tancheng; Qi State attacked Tancheng again and drove Jingju away. The remaining counties of Sishui County; Liu Bang and the Wei people competed for Fengyi; a troop of troops from Jiangdong also crossed the Huaihe River. In short, the situation in Chu was very chaotic, and there was no real strong enemy. Zhang Han smiled and said: "Chen Sheng is dead, and all the southeastern regions are leaderless. The thieves will continue to fight among themselves. Now all the remnants of Zhang Chu have gone to Wei Jiu." I went to take refuge. I heard that Wei Jiu had already accepted one to two hundred thousand rebels. The Wei State is located at a strategic point in the world. If it becomes stronger, it will become the second Zhang Chu State. If Wei Jiu gets mad, he can send another army in. Sanchuan County, then Hangu Pass will be in danger again." All the generals believed that this was indeed the case. After careful consideration, Zhang Han decided to send his deputy general Sima Yi to attack Sishui County. He was going to lead the Qin army north to attack Wei.
This Sima Yi is one of Zhang Han's most capable generals. Since he followed Zhang Han out of the customs, he has often been able to act alone. Because of his bravery in battle, Zhang Han asked him to attack Sishui County. This time he led 20,000 infantry and 5,000 cavalry in a mighty march south. The Chu army in Mang County fled after hearing the news, and Sishui County was also shaken. As soon as Tan Mafei reported to Xiang County, Qin Jia immediately organized an army to resist. He deployed tens of thousands of people in the city. When the Qin army came to the city, they confronted them.
News of Sima Yi's attack on Sishui County reached Pei County. Xiao He was shocked and immediately came to see Pei Gong. But Pei Gong refused to see anyone because he was sick. Xiao He was greatly confused and hurriedly broke in and said to Pei Gong: "Now the Qin army is about to attack, and you suddenly fall ill. What should I do?" Pei Gong said: "I have been dreaming a lot recently because I miss my mother. I'm also very irritable and don't want to fight anymore!" Xiao He was shocked when he heard this and said, "You are so close to your mother, are you afraid that it is not the fault of a man? Now I'm going to report to you, saying that after Zhang Han destroyed Zhang Chu, he led the victorious troops to Li County. Today I heard that Zhang Han sent his deputy general Sima Yi to attack Sishui County. Although Qin Jia's tens of thousands of troops are resisting in front, if Qin Jia is defeated, the Qin army will directly reach Pei County?" Pei Gong was very sad. Said: "I not only miss my mother, but also worry about the elders of Fengyi. Now I hand over the command to you. Moreover, I was not willing to serve as Peiling at the beginning because I was afraid that I would not be able to do anything. Now it is true. You still have to give the important task to me. Take responsibility, otherwise we will disband the brothers before the Qin army arrives and let everyone find their own way out!"
Xiao He was shocked when he heard this: "Why did Pei Gong say this? We have already revolted, how can we turn back? The cause on the battlefield has always been fought one by one. Who can fight without setbacks? Besides, we are fighting for justice. Fight, fight for the common people in the world. Now the lives of hundreds of people are in your hands, and you still say such depressing words? If the uprising fails halfway, it will not matter if we die, but the lives of hundreds of brothers will also be You are hooked up, and you still have to be criticized by the world, is this your style of doing things, Liu Ji? You should move forward bravely now, where is the heroic spirit of the past?" Xiao He's righteous words are just a few When Pei Gong had nothing to say, Pei Gong hesitated and said: "Even if you are determined and confident, you don't know what the brothers think?" Xiao He said excitedly: "The brothers all want to fight to the death with the Qin army, and no one backs down. Why don't we ask everyone to come in and listen to what they have to say?" Pei Gong then said happily: "I just wanted to test it, how could I back down?" Xiao He then turned from worry to joy and asked Pei Gong to summon the generals immediately. Pei Gong then sent an order to the court.
After a while everyone arrived, Peigong said: "Brothers, Qin's troops have already reached Sishui County, which is not far from here! If Qin Jia is defeated in the front, the Qin army will directly attack Liucheng or Pei County, but now Fengyi is still in the hands of the Wei people, what do you think we should do?" Before he finished speaking, Fan Kuai stepped forward and said: "Brother, give me an army, and I will take back Fengyi first!" Ji Xin and others also said together: "We must take back Fengyi!" But Pei Gong frowned and fell into deep thought. Xiao He said: "What the Wei people want is the place. They don't necessarily want to harm the people there. If they really want to recapture Fengyi, they must have several times the enemy's strength. Therefore, the siege of Fengyi can only be resolved peacefully!" Fan Kuai said: "It's easy for you, second brother, but where are we going to find so many soldiers and horses?" Xiao He said thoughtfully: "It is indeed not a long-term solution for us to guard this isolated city. Now Jingju is in Liucheng. The King of Chu is the closest to us. If we go to Liucheng and borrow an army of troops, Fengyi will be saved!" Pei Gong said: "We have no contact with Jing Ju, how can he be willing to borrow troops?" Cao Shen also said : "I heard that after the defeat of King Zhang Chu, Qin Jia not only did not rescue, but also killed Zhang Chu's generals. Such unscrupulous people are not worthy of association?" Xiao He said sincerely: "This moment, that moment .Although Qin Jia is unkind and unjust, in the current Chu land, only the King of Chu can deal with the Qin army. Sima Yi marched to Surabaya with the purpose of capturing the King of Chu first, and then marching to Peixian County. Here At this critical moment, if we don't unite with Jing Ju, who can we rely on?" Pei Gong thought for a long time and said: "My second brother is right, if we don't seize the time to seek foreign aid now, we will just sit back and wait for death!" He agreed with Xiao He's suggestion. , said: "Whether we can borrow soldiers or not, we must go to Liucheng!" The matter was settled like this.
The next day, Duke Pei asked Zhou Bo and Ji Xin to guard Peixian County. He took Xiao He, Cao Shen, Fan Kuai, Xia Houying, and 300 cavalry and marched towards Liuxian County. It was already the beginning of spring, and the wilderness was a vibrant scene. Pei Gong and others let go of their bridles and galloped along the official road. When they arrived at Liuxian County, they walked dozens of miles before they were full of pace. Suddenly, a burst of high-pitched singing came from the ridge not far from the roadside. Everyone stopped and listened, just hearing the song:
The White Emperor is about to perish. When the Red Emperor comes, the world will start a war. He has been trapped without using force. It is only because he has not met the genius! …
Fan Kuai listened to the song and wondered: "The White Emperor is about to die. The Red Emperor is here. Who is this Red Emperor? My eldest brother killed the big snake in Fengxize before. Some people say that the person who killed the snake was the son of the Red Emperor." Now there are people singing such a song, I don’t know what it means?” Xiao He said: “The song clearly talks about the change of dynasties, and it also says that there are no talented people around the Red Emperor. Is this really talking about Pei Gong? Think about it, we started to raise troops. Until now, I have never made a breakthrough. Isn't it because Pei Gong lacks helpers around him?" Pei Gong said: "This man must be a sage in the mountains. Why don't we go and ask clearly, if this man really knows how to save the world. You might as well ask him for advice." Xiao He agreed. Pei Gong ordered everyone to stay where they were, and he and Xiao He walked towards the singing man.
When the two came to the singer, they found that he was an old man. This old man had gray hair and a childish face, and was energetic. He was wearing a tawny robe, holding a fly whisk in his arms, and he looked elegant. Pei Gong stepped forward and saluted and said, "I passed by here and heard your old singing. There seems to be a deep meaning in the song, so I took the liberty to come and disturb you. I hope my seniors won't be offended." After listening to Pei Gong's words, the old man said with a smile. "The encounters and encounters in life are all determined by chance. What's wrong with it?" Pei Gong asked, "The song you sang just now is really unpredictable and has the meaning of foresight. I would like to ask for your advice to save the world." I wonder if the senior would be willing to teach the junior the truth?" The old man did not stand up, but still said with a smile: "I have been wandering around the world for many years, with no fixed whereabouts, and I am always at home. I no longer care about anything, let alone It's about saving the world! I only know a little bit about divination, so I'm afraid I will disappoint my nephew." Pei Gong was surprised and said: "Since the senior knows how to divination, the junior must also boldly ask, can you do a divination for the junior? Let's see. See if you can tell me what is in my heart?" The old man laughed and said, "The fortune teller can understand the spirit! Therefore, he can clearly observe all unknown things. He can look up at the changes of the sun, the moon and the stars, and he can also look down at the mountains and rivers. The good and bad, and the better to know the invisible human affairs. I wonder what my nephew wants to ask?" Pei Gong said: "Of course it is human affairs." The old man used a branch to place a hexagram on the ground. After it was formed, he said happily: "Congratulations! Congratulations. ! What you got is neither a dragon nor a chi, nor a tiger nor a beast. He is a great sage who assists emperors and overlords!" Xiao He was shocked when he heard this, and wanted to step forward to ask for more information. But who would have expected that the old man stood up immediately, put his fly whisk on his shoulders and said: "The great sage is right in front of you. You must pay attention to the visit and don't miss it? This person will definitely be the king's teacher, the king's teacher." Remember, remember!" He smiled and left, and then sang again:
When you don't see me, Ah Heng meets the two women at the door. Although you only meet your majesty when you have five fans, you have to be virtuous in opening the net on three sides.
When you don't see me, by the Wei River, Xibo goes on a hunting trip to visit the great sages. Who said that if the longevity man is carried in the same car, all the barbarians and Qi will return to Xiqiyuan.
The wild beasts ate people and covered the ground with blood, and in ten days the people's anointing dried up. Where is Hou Yi's good bow now? It’s been a long time since I’ve seen a sunny day.
The strong man mourns the storm, and restores benevolence and integrity after all. Fifteen years, fifteen years, flowers bloom and fall.
I am a wanderer in the end of the world, and the breeze blows me into Huangshan.
When the old man walked away, Pei Gong asked Xiao He in surprise: "He left so quickly. Who is he?" Xiao He said, "He must be a hermit?" Pei Gong wanted to invite him back to be a hermit. counselor. Xiao He said: "No, the old gentleman has made it clear: the violence is about to end, and the people who bring order to the chaos, as well as the great sages who will assist Wang Ba, will also appear!" Pei Gong said excitedly: "I just saw that you had something to say, this hexagram What does it mean?" Xiao He said: "Pei Gong, do you know the story of King Wen of Zhou visiting the wise at the Weishui River?" Pei Gong said: "Have you heard of this story, does it have anything to do with today's events?" Xiao He was happy. He said: "Congratulations to Pei Gong, you are about to get a great talent!" Pei Gong asked in surprise: "How do you say this?" Xiao He replied: "Before Jiang Ziya met King Wen, he often fished by the Wei River. Later he met King Wen. Went to King Wen of Zhou Dynasty. After the two talked, King Wen thought that Jiang Ziya was the king's teacher, so he drove him back to Xiqi in a car and worshiped him as the king's teacher. Before this trip, King Wen once divined a hexagram and got the hexagram. It’s exactly the same as the hexagram of today’s senior! Later, Jiang Ziya helped King Wu of Zhou achieve his royal career, and King Wu granted him the title of Qi State, which is the predecessor of the current Qi State!”
Pei Gong asked: "What is the teacher of the king?" Xiao He said: "The so-called teacher of the king is a talent with knowledge of the world, a benevolence to save the common people, a plan to steal the sky and change the pillars, and a miraculous plan. He is the king's assistant. He is the master of the king." Imperial teachers, such as Yi Yin of the Shang Dynasty, Lu Wang of the Zhou Dynasty, and later Guan Zhong, Sun Wu, Wei Liao and others are all teachers of kings." Pei Gong said: "These are all outstanding people. I He is just a pavilion chief. It is a luxury to seize the county. How can he get such a person? What he said is too outrageous. Besides, how can there be such a person in today's world?" Xiao He smiled and said: "' "When three people are walking together, there must be my teacher." How can there be no masters in the world? For example, if you want to build a big house, you cannot find those beams and pillars in your own grove, but if you go to the deep mountains and old forests to look for them, Aren't there any necessary pillars and beams?" Pei Gong was convinced and praised him greatly: "I really want to get such a great talent! If I can really get someone like Jiang Ziya, I will also worship him as my teacher. , if he can achieve great achievements, I will also grant him the title of Qi State!" Xiao He said: "Congratulations to Pei Gong, congratulations to Pei Gong, the hexagram does show this meaning!" Although Pei Gong was happy after hearing this, he still felt unhappy. Most likely.
The three of them returned to the middle of the team, and Xiao He told everyone what had just happened. Cao, Fan and others were very surprised. Fan Kuai said: "Brother, maybe that old man is an expert. I will chase him back now!" After that, he got on his horse and chased him. Pei Gong hurriedly stopped him. Fan Kuai said: "Now the world is in chaos and heroes are everywhere. This old man must know who is the king and who is the master of the king. Since he knows, he should make it clear. Otherwise, where will the elder brother find it?" Xiao He said: "He only knows who is the king and who is the master of the king." He said that Pei Gong should pay attention to the search, but he didn't say where the great talents are. How can you make a mistake?" Pei Gong was also disappointed and said: "We have only a few soldiers now. Even if we get high scholars, we don't know where to get some soldiers. Horses?" Xiao He encouraged: "'The strong wind is born in the ground and rises at the end of Qingping.' We already have thousands of people and horses. As the saying goes, 'The accumulation of soil forms a mountain, and the wind and rain rise.' Since ancient times, those who achieve great things must put people first. , if Pei Gong can comply with the wishes of the people in everything and do something to stabilize the country, your affairs will surely prosper. Now the criminal law of the Qin State is very strict, the officials are in danger of being ruined, and the people are in danger of losing their eggs. Everyone is eager to settle down, and Pei Gong must act in accordance with the people's sentiments, and nothing will be impossible!"
After listening to Xiao He's words, Pei Gong understood what he said and mused happily: "The heaven is clear and bright, the clouds are hidden, and the three lights shine brightly in all directions. Repel the lizards and enter the turtles and dragons, encourage the counselors to ensure the balance of the machine. The virtues match the Ji and make the Tang Dynasty prosperous. Gong, it's a pity that the handsome man will never be born again!" Then Pei Gong's horse team continued to bask in the spring sunshine, stepping on the soft green grass, and galloped forward.
There is a poem praising:
The prosperous years are like flying dysprosium, and the elders are looking at the flag of righteousness.
The restoration of the princes was filled with sorrow and turmoil, and the fighting cocks sighed and lamented.
Kunpeng was born early since ancient times, and his talents are always delayed.
Unexpectedly, I borrowed troops to leave the land, and the storm was just around the corner.
