Zhang Yi entered the hall. Before he could see the layout clearly, he heard a tired but happy old voice saying: "The governor is coming from afar. The Xiongnu is a vassal state of the Han Dynasty. I and the kings are very happy. Your Majesty has not been here for a long time." , I thought your lord had forgotten that we are also his subjects under your rule.”
This was half praise and half condemnation. It not only elevated Zhang Yi's status, but also pointed out that Zhang Yi had moved to Jinyang in the past few years and did not govern Bingzhou. He had nothing to do with the barbarians but the subjects of the Xiongnu. A few words, neither humble nor arrogant. Obviously, the only one who can speak like this is the Xiongnu Qiangqu Chanyu today.
Qiangqu Shanyu has just turned sixty. Except for the temples, most of his hair is only slightly brown. However, the wind and frost in the north are hurtful. Compared with the tips of his hair, the wrinkles on his face are still not reduced slightly, but his eyes are like The goshawk is watching, and even though he looks old, no one dares to look down upon him.
He is wearing a long sable fur coat, with a sun-patterned golden sword on his waist, and is sitting on the chairman's chair. There were about twenty people sitting around the hall, each wearing a red coat, brown trousers, and a gold belt around their waists. They all had different looks. As the governor of Bingzhou, Zhang Yi soon figured out that in addition to the Xiongnu kings, there were also Lu Shui. Hu, Jiehu, Wuhuan and other tribes.
The leaders of various tribes greeted Zhang Yi one by one, and Zhang Yi responded one by one. Yu Fuluo arranged for three Hu girls to arrange a table and stools for Zhang Yi, and then they also took their seats. Zhang Yi held the banner in hand and replied to Qiangqu Shanyu: "The Shanyu is polite, but I don't hide my truth. I have a shallow moral character, but I was entrusted with an important task by the court as the governor of Bingzhou, and I was able to work with your ministry. I am often afraid of myself. I am an envoy to the Han Dynasty, but I cannot care about the face of the imperial court. After thinking about it, I decided to follow Cao Cao and cultivate myself. If there is any danger to your department, I will turn to Shan Yu Haihan."
When the word "face" was mentioned, all the kings present had different expressions. Qiangqu Shanyu sighed: "What did you say, sir? How dare we, the barbarians, cause any loss to the court? It's just that you have worked with me for about four years." , but we don’t have much friendship. We are ministers in the same dynasty, and we still have the feeling of colleagues. We just want to be friends with you, so how dare we have extravagant expectations?" After saying that, Qiangqu Shanyu clapped his hands and said to the outside of the hall: "Bring the cattle and sheep. Come up here."
As soon as the words fell, the orchids filed in from outside the hall one by one with lacquer plates in hand. A plate of roasted beef and mutton was placed in front of each person's case, and milky white buttermilk was poured on them one by one. Chan Yu of Qiangqu raised his glass and said: "To the Emperor of Han Dynasty!" All the kings also praised in unison: "To the Emperor of Han Dynasty!" After saying this, everyone drank it up.
Only Zhang Yi remained motionless, quite embarrassed. He turned the wine cup full of buttermilk in his hand, smiled at everyone, and took a sip with all his strength. The fishy smell was too strong, and when it entered his throat, it felt like a turbid stream. It made him cough. Qiangqu Shanyu was very embarrassed when he saw this, and asked Hu Ji to get some water for Zhang Yi to rinse his mouth.
Zhang Yi apologized repeatedly, but Shan Yu lost interest in the banquet. He waved his hand and said: "We just wanted to entertain you, your Excellency, and let the guests have a good time, but unexpectedly, we made your Excellency drink bitter water. But we did not entertain you well. Then we still have to wait for you." Let’s talk about political matters, my lord, you can tell me why the imperial court has sent you here this time, and we won’t refuse if my ministry can do it.”
Zhang Yi pondered for a while, then stood up and cupped his hands and said: "Chanyu, great kings, Zhang Yi came here for one thing, and that is to hope that you can lend troops to the imperial court."
As soon as these words came out, the kings immediately made a noise, and more than half of them had expressions of confusion on their faces, but only five of them had expressions unchanged. Qiangqu Shanyu signaled the kings to be quiet, and then said solemnly to Zhang Yi: "Master Zhang, on behalf of the imperial court, you have traveled thousands of miles to borrow troops from us. I am prepared, but borrowing troops is not a trivial matter. You can help me Let’s talk about it later, why is the imperial court borrowing troops and how does it plan to borrow them?”
Zhang Yi has been in office for decades, and he is still familiar with such issues. He knows very well what words can and cannot be said. He thought about it for a while, and then said: "Now that Liangzhou is in turmoil, everyone must be aware of it." I have heard that the imperial court has sent large armies to suppress the bandits three times. Although some gains have been made, they have not been able to clear their origins. Because Xiliang is remote and the enemy's situation is unpredictable, the imperial army is moving up Longxi and is blocked by mountains and rivers. So I hope you can use it. We will attack the imperial court, leave Shangjun and suddenly seize the northern territory, and attack from the north and south with the imperial army. If the rebel army takes care of one thing and loses another, the bandit trouble will definitely be eliminated."
This statement was half true and half false, and the Shanyu kings present could not verify it all at once. After all, Liangzhou and Bingzhou seem to be adjacent to each other, but in fact they are blocked by the desert, making communication not smooth. What Zhang Yi said about the victory and defeat of the Han army is the truth, but it is not clear how many were won and how many were defeated, and the Huns would not expose him. Moreover, this nonsense plan still sounds feasible. As long as the Huns send troops first, control the Xihe River by themselves, and cut off the Xiongnu's retreat, there is no fear that they will not die on the battlefield.
The Chanyu of Qiangqu closed his eyes and remained silent, then one person stood up and asked: "May I ask, Lord Governor, how many troops does the imperial court need from me? How about food and grass? How about pensions?"
Zhang Yi looked at the man after hearing the words, and saw that this man was slender, not as majestic as the Xiongnu kings present. He was a little frail, but he still had a certain charm, especially his blue eyes, which were like a cloudless sky. Seeing Zhang Yi's doubtful expression, Yu Fuluo immediately introduced him, "Sir, this is Da Qiequ of Zuobu, Qiequ Zhiyasi, who is also a famous wise man among various tribes."
Zhang Yi nodded and said with a smile: "Since it is Daqiequ of the Zuo Department, I will tell the truth. The General's Office means to send at least 50,000 people. Han Sui of the Kingdom of Liangzhou now has about 100,000 troops. The imperial court is now in There are still 50,000 troops in Longxi. If we recruit more troops from Sanhe, we can mobilize another 30,000 troops. If we want to be able to complete the victory in one battle, we must have more than 50,000 troops."
"As for money and food." Zhang Yi thought for a moment, and then continued: "I have arranged for people to go to Yangchangcang to adjust food. Bingzhou's money and food can be given to half of the army first; when the army rushes into the north and joins Wang's division, then It will be supplied by the king's division. When we first raise the army, we hope that the army will bring some food and grass. When it arrives, the king's division can also use money to make up for it. I wonder what Chanyu thinks?"
If Zhang Yi's plan is fully implemented, there will be no problem. And he has nothing to say about his wisdom teeth.
Qiangqu Chanyu stretched out his hand to signal and Quzhiyas sat down, opened his eyes and sighed: "The Huns are the country of my nephew and uncle. Since the emperor has an order, I dare not disobey it. I am just mobilizing an army of 50,000 people. Isn't it right?" It's an easy matter. I'd like to discuss it internally first and see how the various ministries are mobilized. What's your opinion?"
Being able to get Shan Yu's verbal commitment first meant that the trip had a smooth start, so Zhang Yi naturally agreed happily. Before leaving, Zhang Yi suddenly turned back and said: "There are so many things on my mind, I almost forgot to inform Shan Yu about one small matter."
Qiangqu Shanyu said in confusion: "Please let me know clearly."
Zhang Yi said with a smile: "The imperial court also plans to recruit 9,000 Wuhuan cavalry from Youzhou, take the road to Xihe, and go to Xiliang with you. I hope that you will fight together, so as not to lose the prestige of me and the state." "
Everyone present suddenly changed their expressions. Zhang Yi said it was a trivial matter, but all the Shanyu kings present were as clear as a mirror: If it was considered a peaceful negotiation before, but now the mention of the Wuhuan Iron Cavalry is a secret warning, if the Xiongnu disobeys the order. , I'm afraid a fierce battle will be inevitable.
In full view of everyone, Zhang Yi walked out of the hall door. Wu Meng engaged Zhang Yang and was about to leave with him. Unexpectedly, someone behind him stopped Zhang Yang. Zhang Yang looked back and saw that the man was one of the kings. He had bright eyebrows and starry eyes, as tall as a pine tree. Although he was among the Xiongnu, he was not arrogant at all, he was polite, and he showed himself to be a bit heroic. He saluted Zhang Yang and said with a smile: "Master, the little king Luotang Huliba is the king of Xiutu of the left, for the first time. When we meet, please welcome Haihan."
King Xiutu is in charge of the Tu Ge tribe, the Lu Shui tribe, and the Jie tribe. Although he is not among the "four corners" and "six corners" within the Huns, Luotang Huliba has worked hard in the past few years and has become a recognized wise king within the Huns. There are about tens of thousands of people. Zhang Yang grew up in Bingzhou and had heard of his reputation. He hurriedly returned the courtesy and said: "Your Majesty, you are very polite. I wonder if I have anything to ask you about?"
King Xiutu smiled and said, "Xiao Wang is a good friend of the former Governor of Xihe, Mr. Xing Jixin, and they often communicate with each other. The day before yesterday, Mr. Xing sent a letter saying that he has resigned from office and will report on his duties, and a new Governor of Xihe will take office in the near future. If you are engaged in knowledge, the Governor of Xihe is capable To determine the rise and fall of the Xiongnu, Xiao Wang was anxious for a while and wanted to ask Zhi Zhi. Who is the new governor of Xihe? What deeds can Zhi Zhi know? "
Zhang Yang suddenly realized, and then smiled and said: "Your Majesty asked the right person. I just got the notice when I came down. Don't worry, Your Majesty. He is a great sage. I think Your Majesty has heard of his reputation." Zhang Yang paused slightly. After a pause, he immediately said, "It's Yingchuan Chen Chong and Chen Tingjian."
King Xiutu's face changed slightly, his expression darkened, and he asked in disbelief: "What the director said was Chen Jijiu who went to the summit with Liu Xuande seven years ago? Is he the one who came to take office?"
Zhang Yang nodded, then said goodbye and left. King Xiutu watched the Han envoys go away and couldn't help but lower his head in thought.
I don’t know how the Xiongnu Chanyu negotiated with the kings, but Zhang Yi was satisfied when he returned. As long as the Xiongnu can be mobilized into an army, it will be a great achievement. As for any troubles after going out, not to mention that he has already taken precautions, even if he has, it has nothing to do with Bingzhou. If you think about it, it will not be difficult to be promoted to Jiuqing. thing. Thinking of this, he couldn't even help but give false respect to the emperor of the day: "To the emperor of Han Dynasty!"
When he returned to Lishi, he saw more people on the street than usual, but he didn't take it seriously. When I returned to the mansion, the first thing I did was to ask the maid to get some sake from home, so as to forget about the smell of the Xiongnu buttermilk. Unexpectedly, Qin Yilu, who was not in charge, came in a hurry to see him.
Zhang Yi asked impatiently while drinking: "Zhang Yi, what happened?"
Qin Yilu reported: "Ming Gong, just today, the new Xihe Governor Chen Chong has arrived in Lishi, entered the governor's mansion, and then came to discuss matters with Ming Gong. Now he is outside the mansion. I wonder how Ming Gong will reply?"
