When Wang Ling returned to the city, Magistrate Qi quickly greeted him. When everyone entered the palace, Wang Ling said: "I didn't expect Cao Shen to be so powerful! I will fight again tomorrow and I will kill him!" Magistrate Qi entertained Wang Ling with fine wine and encouraged him to keep up his efforts and protect the country. Wang Ling agreed wholeheartedly.
That night, Wang Ling came to pay his respects to his mother. His mother asked Wang Ling: "Mom, I heard that there are rebels invading the country. My son is fighting today. I wonder where the soldiers and horses are?" Wang Ling was afraid that his mother would be worried, so he casually said: "It's not a big war, it's just a group of thieves. I must arrest them tomorrow." Ling's mother didn't ask any more questions.
Wang Ling said goodbye to his mother and returned to the army. He thought that he had fought against Chen Sheng's general Song Liu, but Song Liu had mediocre martial arts and a vulgar temperament. How could he compare with Cao Shen. I also thought about what Pei Gong said during the day, and thought that he had betrayed the country, which is despised by people. Although the second generation was deceived by Zhao Gao, we generals can only serve our country loyally if we go into battle wholeheartedly to kill the enemy.
Since Pei Gong's army was blocked at Danshui City, everyone knew that Wang Ling was very skilled in martial arts, so no one challenged him. Peigong was eager to advance westward, so he discussed it with his advisers. Zifang thought deeply: "Please wait patiently, Mr. Pei. I am sure there will be good news." Pei Gong asked if there was any good news. Zi Fang was confident and said: "I observed the Qianxiang last night, and things must turn around." Pei Gong was even more confused and asked: "Our army cannot challenge and attack the city. We can only wait for the royal tomb to come and dedicate the city!" Fang laughed and said, "Isn't Mr. Zhang Cang still in the city? This possibility is not impossible!" Pei Gong was surprised and said: "The sergeant said that he has been killed." Zifang said with a smile: "This is what the enemy said deliberately. Mr. Zhang must If he is still alive, he will definitely find a way." After hearing what Zifang said, Pei Gong murmured in his heart.
A few days later, there was still no news from Zhang Cang. Pei Gong asked Zifang again. After some careful consideration, Zifang said: "Although Danshui is the only way to Wuguan, it is not the only way." This sentence reminded everyone. Li Shiqi first said: "Yes, we still have You can bypass Danshui City, attack Xixian to the north, and then march from Xixian to Wuguan." Zifang said with a smile: "Yes, if this road is blocked, you can go the other way. Peigong can pretend to attack Danshui tomorrow, and then send another general. Go and attack Xixian. If we can capture Xixian, the army can approach Wuguan. Then it will be meaningless to guard the royal tomb in Danshui." Peigong was overjoyed and ordered Li Shang and Guan Ying to lead 10,000 elite troops. Go to the county overnight.
The next day, Peigong led his troops to the city and ordered Fan Kuai, Ji Xin and others to take turns scolding each other. But when Wang Ling came out, the Chu army withdrew again. Although they made a lot of noise, they took their time and waited until dark before returning to the camp to rest.
One night, after the Chu army had dinner, Pei Gong invited Zhang Liang, Xiao He, Lu Jia, Li Shiqi and others to come out of the camp to inspect the surrounding terrain. It happens to be the time when the wild geese are returning south, and the birds are flying into the forest; it is also the time when the sun is setting in the west, and the sunset is like a brocade. Peigong looked at Cangshan Mountain to the north and the river to the south. He saw green mountains, blue water, and the flowing water reflected the beautiful scenery along the coast. Pei Gong became so inspired by poetry that he ordered his soldiers to light a bonfire, and then started singing and dancing wildly. Pei Gong also took the lead in singing:
The west wind is strong and the wild geese are flying,
Guanhe is cold on the battlefield.
How can I enter the Pass and capture the Western Emperor?
Shen Xiong's high-pitched singing voice reached Danshui City. Zhang Cang was in the prison. He vaguely heard the singing outside, and he became excited. He took the initiative to strike up a conversation with the prison guard. The prisoner told him that Pei Gong had arrived at the city and had been fighting with Wang Ling for several days. Zhang Cang was very anxious when he heard that Wang Ling was very skilled in martial arts and that the Chu army could not defeat him. He thought hard and finally came up with a way, and said to the prison guard guarding him: "Do you know why General Wang Ling wanted to save me?" The prison guard said he didn't know. Zhang Cang said: "General Wang is my cousin, and his mother is my aunt. Because I defected to Liu Bang, they were ashamed to see me, so they put me in prison. Now you go quietly to see Ling's mother and say I have something important to see her about." The prison guard refused to inform her. Zhang Cang promised him a hundred gold, saying that he would definitely fulfill his promise when the matter was accomplished. The prisoner went to inform Ling Mu.
The jailer secretly came to Wang Ling's house and met Wang Ling's mother. After hearing what the jailer said, Ling's mother couldn't remember any relationship with Zhang Cang at all. She was very confused, so she asked the jailer to quietly bring Zhang Cang home to ask him face to face. The prison guard came to summon Zhang Cang. Zhang Cang silently prayed to the sky: "If God has mercy on the people in Guanzhong, please let me see that kind mother as soon as possible!" After praying, he followed the jailer to see the mother of Ling.
After Zhang Cang saw Wang Ling's mother, he knelt down to greet her. When Ling's mother saw Zhang Cang, whom she had never met, she was very puzzled, so she asked kindly: "My nephew and I have never met. How do you say that I am your aunt? What's the secret in this?" Zhang Cang asked. He said in a panic: "I am not my aunt's nephew, and you are indeed not my aunt. I have to say this because of the situation!" Ling's mother asked him what was going on. Zhang Cang said: "I am Zhang Cang, the censor of the Qin State in the past." The mother of the tomb was shocked and said: "Is this the censor Zhang who was exiled for his outspoken advice to recommend the first emperor - Mr. Zhang Cang?" Zhang Cang replied that it was him. . Ling's mother quickly asked Zhang Cang to get up and talk. After Zhang Cang got up, he said: "I have long heard that my aunt is a benevolent person. I have taken the liberty to come here tonight because of national affairs. Please help me save the people in Guanzhong! If you don't agree, I would rather I'll die in front of you!" After saying that, he burst into tears.
Ling's mother was shocked and said: "What do you think, please tell me?" Zhang Cang wiped his tears and said: "The current generation is extremely unrighteous, and God will destroy Qin. This is known to everyone, so General Xiang Liang found Xiong Xin, the direct grandson of King Chu Huai in the Chu land, and still established him as King Chu Huai. Ever since King Huai died in Qin, Chu and Qin had sworn enemies. Therefore, the people of Chu said "Although Chu has three households, the Qin will be destroyed by Chu." Because of this, King Huai ordered Pei Gong to enter the pass, and he fought all the way to Nanyang. But as soon as the army arrived here, it encountered fierce resistance from General Wang Ling. General Wang bravely defeated the three armies. No one could defeat him. He fought with Pei Gong's generals a few days ago. No one could resist the Chu army, which made the Chu army unable to advance. General Wang had unique skills and strong martial arts, and was indeed the protector of Qin. But he lacked salvation. The kindness of the people, and besides, you are all Chu people, but now you are defending the city for the violent Qin, isn't this just aiding the evil?"
Ling's mother interrupted Zhang Cang and asked: "Who do you think the general he blocked was?" Zhang Cang said: "King Huai of Chu sent two armies to attack Qin: one going north and one going west. The one going north was Xiang Yu, the grandson of Xiang Yan. Now approaching the city is Liu Bang, the commander-in-chief of the Western Route Army. He is from Zhongyangli, Fengyi, Peixian County, Sishui County. I heard that he and his aunt are from the township party." Ling's mother said: "Liu Bang, does he have a nickname?" Zhang Cang said: "I heard that he and his aunt are from the township party." His previous name was Liu Ji, but he changed his name to Liu Bang after he raised troops from Peixian County." Upon hearing this, the mother-in-law said happily: "Nephew Liu Jixian is very promising! He is well-known in the countryside. Because he is willing to give charity, people will He compared him to Lord Xinling, and the villagers recommended him to be the chief of the pavilion." Zhang Cang said: "Yes, he does often claim to be the chief of the pavilion." Ling's mother said: "Unexpectedly, he has now become a general of Chu. This is the pride of Peixian County!" Seeing that the mother of the mausoleum praised Pei Gong, Zhang Cang struck a chord while the iron was hot: "I know that my aunt is a kind mother who understands righteousness, and you are a remnant of Chu State and a prominent family in Peixian County. You must be able to understand my mood at this moment, so I risked my life to come to see you, just in the hope that my aunt can think of the common people in the world and take pity on the enslaved people in Guanzhong. If you can enlighten you with the principles of the Tang and Wu revolutions Son, let General Wang abandon the dark side, surrender to the bright side, and submit to Chu, so that Pei Gong can enter Guanzhong as soon as possible and save the people!" After Zhang Cang finished speaking, he knelt down in front of Ling Mu and cried bitterly.
Ling's mother was deeply moved and said to Zhang Cang: "Master Yushi is right. I have known for a long time that the second generation was cruel. Zhao Gao used things to kill loyal people. The Qin country is very unpopular. But our mother and son have been eating Qin Lu for a long time. , how can you do something unfaithful and unjust?" Zhang Cang said: "Xia Jie was unethical, and Shang Tang rose up to attack him; Yin Zhou lost power, and King Wu rose up to replace him. They all came to save the common people with benevolence and righteousness, and no one in future generations will do it. It's wrong to accuse them, but even Saint Kong praised them for their righteous deeds. Now that my aunt can enlighten General Wang with this truth, how can people not praise your virtue?" Ling's mother said: "Now that I listen to you, it's actually Is there something wrong between us, mother and son? My son is indeed serving a tyrant like Xia Jie and Shang Zhou! I have made up my mind and am willing to persuade my son to submit to the Chu State in order to save the people in Guanzhong as soon as possible and recreate a benevolent society. Contribute your meager strength!" After hearing this, Zhang Cang thanked him again and again. Ling's mother said to Zhang Cang: "Please my dear nephew, please go back and wait for news about me." After hearing this, Zhang Cang felt relieved and bid farewell with tears.
Suddenly one day, Magistrate Qi and Wang Ling were discussing something. Suddenly, a detective came to report that Liu Bang's faction was going to attack Xixian County, and Xixian County Magistrate asked for reinforcements. The county magistrate was shocked and said: "I didn't expect that Liu Bang pretended to be at war with us here, but secretly sent people to attack Xi County." He said to Wang Ling: "If Xi County is captured by Liu Bang, Wuguan will lose half of its protection. I must go to save Xixian!" Before leaving, he said to Wang Ling: "Danshui and Xixian are the two guarantees of Wuguan. If these two places are lost, Wuguan will be in danger. Please work hard to kill the thieves, General Wang. , We must not let down the great trust of the imperial court!" Wang Ling readily agreed.
In Danshui City, Wang Ling went to pay his respects to his mother one night. Ling's mother said: "My son, although you are very skilled in martial arts, you are an unkind and unjust person!" After hearing this, Wang Ling was shocked and asked his mother what was going on. The mother said: "Pei Gong is a kind elder. He has a good reputation in Surabaya for a long time. You and he were friends when we were young, but you said that he was a thief. You are simply confused! Think about it. In the past, the heroes in Pei County were all They are vying to associate with him. Now he has accepted the order of King Huai of Chu and punished the people. This is a righteous act. Moreover, the people have suffered from the tyranny of the Qin State for too long. God will destroy the Qin State. This is shared by everyone. I know things that my son has no ability, but no kindness. He is really an unkind and unjust person!" Wang Ling was shocked and said: "How can mother say this? I am a general of the Qin State, and now I work for the country. Defending the city, how can you say that I am unkind and unjust?" Ling's mother said: "To serve a tyranny is to support Zhou's tyranny! Now Liu Peigong's crusade against Qin is like King Tang of Shang's crusade against Xia Jie, and King Wu of Zhou's crusade against Shang Zhou. My son, think about it carefully, you Is it unkind and unjust to stop the careers of Shang Tang and King Wu? When Boyi and Shuqi dissuaded King Wu from sending troops to attack Zhou in front of his horse, the saints sneered. Why don't you wake up? We are all Chu people. Think about what King Huai is Why did you die in Qin? Now you are trying to compete with the righteous power of Chu with a small city. Isn't this just a mantis trying to take advantage of the chariot and not overestimating its own capabilities? "
After listening to his mother's lesson, Wang Ling recalled what Pei Gong said the day before, and he suddenly realized, "Mother's teaching is right. What should the child do?" Ling's mother said, "Go to the county magistrate tomorrow and persuade him to give up resistance. And welcome Pei Gong into the city. Then help Pei Gong enter the pass and save the people in the pass." Wang Ling hesitated: "But Mr. Qi made a promise to me: I must serve the country. How can I bear to betray you now?" Ling's mother said: "Assisting Zhou is a cruel act. , It’s not a righteous act, can you discuss it with Lord Zhang Cang in prison?” Wang Ling was shocked and dumbfounded after hearing his mother’s words.
That night, after Wang Ling thought about it, he followed his mother's wishes and quietly came to the prison to visit Zhang Cang. The lights in the prison were dim and dim, and Zhang Cang sat quietly. After Wang Ling saw Zhang Cang, he asked: "Have you met my mother?" Zhang Cang hurriedly stood up and paid homage to Wang Ling and said: "General Wang's life-saving grace will never be forgotten by me. Because of my righteousness, I have indeed met your mother." Sir." Wang Ling said: "My mother has taught me. But Sir Qi and I have both received great trust from the country and have agreed to protect our family and the country. How can we betray our trust now!" Zhang Cang said: "General Wang is originally from Chu. What's betrayal? More than ten years ago, the Qin State relied on force to plunder, destroy people's countries, and destroy people's families. Have you forgotten the pain of having a king?" After hearing Zhang Cang's words, Wang Ling was very ashamed. Authentic: "But betraying Qin while eating Qin's salary is unfaithful; guarding one's land and giving it away is unjust. Besides, I made an agreement with Mr. Qi to guard the city. How can I break my promise?" ?" Zhang Cang suddenly realized: "If General Wang can let me out of the city, I can let Mr. Qi surrender to Chu first." Wang Ling said: "Master Qi is loyal to Qin, how can he surrender to Chu?" Zhang Cang said: " I have my own way, Master Qi will definitely surrender to Chu!" Wang Ling was very surprised and agreed to let Zhang Cang leave the city.
Early the next morning, Zhang Cang left the city and arrived at Peigong's camp. When Pei Gong saw that Zhang Cang was indeed safe and sound, he was very happy and asked about the situation in the city. Zhang Cang explained how to meet Ling's mother and Wang Ling's concerns. Pei Gong was very happy and prepared to conquer Qi Gill first. So he and Zifang took Qi Yi, Fan Kuai and Ji Xin together and headed for Xi County.
On this day, Peigong's troops arrived at the gate of Xi County, and Guan Ying and Li Shang came out to greet them. Pei Gong was ready to let Qi Yi go directly to the city to see Qi Gill. Zifang said: "No, Qi Yi is entrusted by Qin Ting to guard the land. Even if he sees his daughter, he will not surrender easily. You can send first..." After hearing Zifang's plan, Pei Gong suddenly realized it and asked Fan Kuai to first Go challenge. Then Fan Kuai came to the city and shouted: "Qi, come out and fight quickly. I'm here to catch you today!" Qi Gill was furious and rushed out of the city. Qi Yi was seen holding a golden gun and a falcon and a BMW on his crotch, and he was fighting with Fan Kuai. The two fought for fifty rounds, but Qi Gill was defeated and returned to the city.
The next day, Pei Gong asked Ji Xin to challenge him again and whispered a few words to him. When Ji Xin came to the city, he fought with Qi Yi. The two fought for fifty rounds, and Ji Xin was defeated and fled. Qi Yi chased closely from behind. Suddenly a general came out from the side, it was Fan Kuai, and he captured Qi Gill alive in just one turn. Ji Xin turned around again, and together with Fan Kuai, he escorted Qi Yi to see Pei Gong. When Pei Gong saw Qi Yi, he quickly loosened his grip and said, "The general is frightened. I know you are a loyal minister, but I really want your help!" Qi Yi said sternly: "Qin only has generals who have their heads cut off, not generals who bend their knees! Hurry up! Kill me?" "Father, father!" A very heartbreaking and familiar voice suddenly came to him. Qi Yi looked up and saw his precious daughter - Qi Yi walking over from the Chu army formation. Qi Yi was shocked and said, "Qi Yi, why are you here?" Qi Yi came to his father and said, "Father, everyone in the world knows that Qin has lost the support of the people, do you still want to help him do evil?" He described in detail how the imperial court conducted beauty pageants and how they were rescued by Pei Gong when they reached Yingchuan. Qi Gill heard that his daughter was originally rescued by Pei Gong. Otherwise, he would have been sent to Xianyang by the officials, and their father and daughter would never see each other again? Qi Gill was deeply moved when he thought of this, but he was still unwilling to bow to Pei Gong.
Seeing this, Pei Gong had no choice but to say to Qi Gill: "General, since you want to be a loyal minister of the Qin State, I, Liu Bang, will never make things difficult for you. You go! You have raised a good daughter, and I hope you can take good care of her." With that, he let The man released his gills. Qi Gill turned around and left. Qi Yi followed and asked his father where he was going. Qi Yi walked aimlessly. Qi Yi said: "Pei Gong is a kind and generous man, and many heroes and heroes are willing to serve him. Besides, he was ordered by King Huai of Chu to enter the pass to save the people. This is an aboveboard and aboveboard move, which can be learned from the sky! Is it shameful for you to work for him? "?" Qi Gill stopped. Qi Yi added: "Pei Gong originally wanted to send me back to Dingtao, but I said it would not be too late to return after I had repaid his great kindness. I told Pei Gong that my father could help him enter Wuguan. Only then did Liu Peigong I believed my daughter's words and followed me all the way here. Now that you have left so quietly, how can your daughter reply to him?" After hearing his daughter's words, Qi Yi raised his head and cried silently. Qi Yi thought for a long time, and then said firmly: "Let's go back and join Pei Gong!" Qi Yi was so excited that tears burst down his face, and he quickly helped his father to see Pei Gong.
Pei Gong was overjoyed when he saw that the two men had turned back and immediately ordered all the soldiers to perform a solemn salute to welcome General Qi. When Qi Yi came to Pei Gong, he paid homage and said: "The general's kindness is hard for me to repay. Xixian and Danshui are both under my control. I will just ask them to come out and surrender now!" Pei Gong pulled him tightly. Qi Gill's hand was so moved that he could not speak. Everyone then came to the city, and Qi Gill said to the Qin army in the city: "Pei Gong is a benevolent and virtuous lord. Come out quickly and accept the adaptation!" The county magistrate opened the city gate to welcome Pei Gong into the city.
Later, Qi Ji sent someone to inform Wang Ling of Danshui, asking him to submit to the Chu Kingdom. Pei Gong was overjoyed and made Qi Ji the Marquis of Gao Wu. Then Li Shang and Guan Ying were left to guard Xi County. All the remaining soldiers and horses retreated to Danshui. When Wang Ling heard that Duke Pei had arrived at the city, he went out to greet him personally. When Pei Gong saw Wang Ling, he first bowed down and said, "I, Liu Bang, have received help from my brother. It's only a matter of time before I enter the Pass." Wang Ling also paid homage and said, "It wasn't for my mother's teachings. I'm really as blind as I am. I'm still not good enough." I missed the Lord Ming by a little!" Wang Ling led Pei Gong into the city. After the peace of the people was completed, Pei Gong took Wang Ling, Zhang Cang, Zhang Liang, Xiao He and others to Wang Ling's home to pay homage to Ling's mother. Ling's mother said to Pei Gong: "Only those who are benevolent and righteous are invincible in the world! I hope that after my nephew enters the pass, he will not kill innocent people and treat all the suffering Qin people with benevolence." Pei Gong immediately agreed and said: "Please, aunt Don't worry, King Huai ordered me to march westward just because I will not kill indiscriminately. How dare I live up to the king's order?" From then on, everyone praised Pei Gong as the master of benevolence and the Chu army as the master of benevolence and righteousness. The people in the city brought food and drink to offer. But Pei Gong refused to accept it. The military and civilians are more supportive. Zhang Cang made great achievements this time, and Pei Gong prepared to reward him with generous gifts. Zhang Cang took the opportunity and said: "I once promised a prisoner a hundred gold in prison so that I could see Ling Mu. Now that the matter is done, let me make my promise a reality!" Pei Gong was overjoyed and rewarded him. The prisoner has one hundred taels of gold.
Pei Gong stayed in Danshui for several days. Seeing that Pei Gong's troops were strictly disciplined and never disturbed the people, Ling's mother happily said to Wang Ling: "Son, what a man rarely wants in his life is to meet a good wife and a good wife." Master Ming, now that you have met her, you should never leave her for life, and you must have a beginning and an end!" Wang Ling was greatly moved after hearing his mother's words, and wanted to sworn sworn sworn vows to Pei Gong in the palace. Pei Gong was so happy that he immediately ordered people to put on the incense table. From then on, the two were officially sworn brothers with different surnames: Wang Ling, the elder, was naturally the eldest brother, and Pei Gong was the younger brother. In the next few days, everyone celebrated with wine in the city.
