On October 21st, the navy camped in Dengzhou.
A large sailing ship with a somewhat strange appearance gradually approached.
When the patrolling navy saw it, they recognized it was not a foreign ship, and hurriedly closed the water gate of the camp. A walking boat was released from the small gate next to it, and it rowed towards the sailing ship like a flying boat to stop the sailing ship.
There were more than 20 sailors walking on the boat, and there was a small captain standing on the bow. He held out his chest and belly, pressed the handle of the knife with his hand, showing the majesty of the heavenly country, and shouted: "Hey! Which country are you from? , You have eaten the heart of a bear and the courage of a leopard? How dare you peek into the master’s camp privately?”
But someone on the boat snorted coldly: "Zhang Crab, whose master are you?"
The navy junior high school captain Zhang Crab was stunned and felt that the voice sounded very familiar. He was thinking hard when he saw two people sticking their heads out from the side of the sailboat.
Zhang Crab took a closer look and said "Ah!", and his majesty suddenly disappeared. He nodded and bowed, with a smile on his face, and shouted happily: "Ah, it's Brother Li and Brother Zhang who are back! It's not like the two eldest brothers and Wu Jiedu are both back." I was held hostage by the Jin people. Will I be able to get it back until the envoys leave next time? How can I get it back now?"
Li Jun said proudly: "Hostage? What a joke! Those dry birdmen in the Kingdom of Jin are nothing but mud under Grandpa's feet. Grandpa can go and come back whenever he wants! Stop talking nonsense and open the door quickly!"
Zhang Crab heard this and did not dare to neglect. He quickly asked someone to open the gate of the village and let his big boat in.
After entering the harbor, Li Jun and Zhang Shun first invited Cao Cao and others to go ashore, then led the horses out one by one, and then asked people to unload the cargo from the cabin.
The gold and silver treasures on the ship were worth tens of thousands. Cao Cao was afraid of losing them, so he led a group of brothers to supervise the transportation at the dock.
While I was busy, I suddenly heard someone yelling for a horse to neigh. I turned around and saw a group of Dengzhou heroes happily coming to pick him up. The leader, a short black man, saw Lao Cao from a distance. He yelled "Ah yo hey" and hurriedly rolled off his saddle and dismounted. He crawled forward and rushed forward, knelt down and hugged Cao Cao's waist and cried loudly: "If brother doesn't come back, I will try to kill Song Jiang."
When he cried, it was as if he saw his own father come back to life. He expressed his true feelings and made people urinate. His face was full of snot and tears, and he just wiped them on Cao Cao's clothes.
Zhou Tong couldn't help but trembled: Ah, when did Zhou secretly learn the tricks he used to make friends with heroes?
Cao Cao stroked the back of his head and laughed: "Brother, you are a heroic hero, how can you be so foolish? I am only on a mission as a brother, so why bother?"
Song Jiang shook his head and cried: "Brother, there is no need to hide it. Before Ma Zheng, Coach Lin and others returned, I have already listened to what they said. Brother has traveled thousands of miles and fought more than ten battles to promote the prestige of China. That's all." , but it was the golden chief Agu who beat the old treacherous and cunning, and saw that his brother was a hero, so he stayed in the Kingdom of Jin. The younger brother secretly thought that that guy must be trying to subdue his older brother for his use. , Now that I see my brother coming back, I can finally get rid of the heavy stone in my heart."
After that, he burst into tears again. When the brothers around him saw it, they all secretly exclaimed: No wonder he called him "timely rain". He was really loyal.
At this time, Sun Li also came forward and said excitedly: "When we said goodbye before, although my brother said he had his own opinions, we were still worried in our hearts. We were afraid that something would go wrong and that those who returned first would no longer be able to see the public. Brother. Now that my brother is back in good health, it is really gratifying to congratulate him..."
Speaking of this, he looked at everyone one by one and asked doubtfully: "Why are brothers Xu Guanzhong and Sun An missing? Are they still staying in Huining Mansion as hostages?"
Cao Cao waved his hand and said: "This is a long story to say. This is not the place to talk. We will wait until the car arrives to transport these boxes to Brother Song's house. It won't be too late to tell you in detail."
Not long after, many vehicles arrived one after another. Lao Cao Ling moved the big and small cupboards onto the car, got on his horse, and all went to Song Jiang's home. When they arrived at the end of the land, Lao Cao suddenly felt that the mansion was much brighter and brighter than the last time he came. He looked up , I saw a plaque on the lintel with five characters: Dengzhou Jiedu Mansion.
Lao Cao was slightly shocked. He was the governor of Qingzhou. According to the Song Dynasty system, Dengzhou was also under his jurisdiction. But now, for some reason, a Jiedu mansion appeared.
Before he could ask, Song Jiang laughed to himself and said, "Is this an accident, brother? But last year when he came to Dengzhou, the younger brother killed the prefect of Zhou Dynasty. Fortunately, his brother wrote brilliantly and sent the book to the child's body, blaming the Mao family and his son for the crime. The younger brother excused himself. Unexpectedly, by chance, the official went to Tong Guan's house for a visit. When he saw this letter, he sighed greatly. He thought of Gao Qiu's old relationship and said, "It's also Gao Taiwei who knows people. Otherwise, if Mao becomes a powerful man, another person will be killed." Wang Qing and Tian Hu were also in charge, so Tong Guan took the opportunity to admonish him, saying that if the alliance with the Jin Kingdom was established, it would be necessary to conquer the Liao Dynasty. At the time of the border, Dengzhou could send naval troops to attack Youzhou across the sea in order to respond to the larger army, so Dengzhou was set up. As for the position of Jiedu Envoy, let my younger brother take up the position and train himself as a navy master diligently for future plans."
Cao Cao smiled and said: "Privy Tong is quite sensible, but Brother Fool wants to congratulate Brother Wise. After all your talents have been learned, you will eventually be able to put them to use."
General Song sighed: "If it hadn't been for my brother's acquaintance and help, I would have been the wronged soul of Jiangzhou long ago, and how could I be as prosperous as I am now? Everything is given to me by my brother, and I dare not forget it for a moment."
Cao Cao took his hand and smiled and said: "My dear brother, what you said is out of context. Since we are brothers, we are like brothers and we are like brothers, so we should be part of it."
The two entered the hall hand in hand, and Song Jiang ordered a big banquet, thinking that Cao Cao would be able to wash away his dust.
During the dinner, Cao Cao asked Sun Li about the return of the others. Sun Li reported: "Brother Haojiao learned that my younger brother and the first few teachers from Lin, along with Na Ma Zheng and Hu Yanqing, together with the Jurchen envoys, have been apart since April. After traveling to Huining Mansion for three months, I just returned and it was convenient to disperse in Dengzhou."
Song Jiangdao: "Ma Zheng and Hu Yanqing introduced the Jurchen envoys to Bianjing to discuss the alliance. Instructor Lin and Brother Hua Rong told me about the Jurchen's bravery. They were impatient and returned to Liangshan with the three Ruan heroes to intensify their military training. , Brother Sun Li still stayed in Dengzhou and was promoted to the Superintendent of Soldiers and Horses. In the past few months, he has recruited 10,000 soldiers and horses, of which 3,000 are naval troops. They are just waiting for brothers Li Jun, Zhang Shun, and Meng Kang to return to take command, and Seven thousand infantry troops are all trained under the command of Sun Li. Counting the original troops and horses in Dengzhou, there are tens of thousands."
Sun Xin said with a smile: "Brother Wu, now my wife, my uncles and nephews from the Binglehe and Zou families are serving as generals under my brother, taking care of some affairs for him. I will use them in the future so that I can help my brother."
Cao Cao smiled and said: "With the help of heroes like you, the Dengzhou Army will definitely show great glory in the future!"
Li Jun, Zhang Shun and Meng Kang were also very happy to learn that many new troops had been added.
During the dinner, Cao Cao recounted the story of escaping from Huining Mansion. Everyone was speechless and praised. Especially when they heard that Wanyan Wulu gave up her position as princess to help them escape for Zhou Tong, they all praised her. Sister-in-law Gu was especially excited. , poured a glass of wine to toast Wu Lu, and shouted loudly and fiercely: "Sister, I didn't expect that a flower-like person like you could be so courageous. You really bring honor to us women! Sister, here's a toast to you."
Seeing how generous she was, Wu Lu was impressed and quickly took the drink. Everyone cheered again and said, "On his wedding day, he must have a good time."
Cao Cao looked at the two of them and smiled and said: "When I return to Qingzhou, I will hold a happy event for them both. You and I will all come and drink."
It was a lively event that ended at night.
After Cao Cao washed up, he felt very tired and was about to go to bed. Song Jiang came alone with two cups of drinking tea.
Knowing that he must have something to say, Lao Cao invited him into the small hall and took their seats. Song Jiang said in a low voice: "Brother, it is a wise move to escape from the Kingdom of Jin. I think there will be changes in the alliance. If brother If you don’t return, you will inevitably be angered by the Jurchens.”
Cao Cao was stunned and wondered: "Tong Guan has tried his best to promote this matter. How can we say there has been a change?"
Song Jiang said: "The mission returned to Dengzhou in the next month of July. After resting for two days, they went to Bianjing. Now it is April and there is no news at all. My brother is wondering how much time it will take on the road from Dengzhou to Bianjing. ? It’s almost April now, and there’s still no news. I think there must be a change - I recently heard rumors that Jin and Liao have been repaired, and Emperor Tianzuo seceded the land of Liaodong and made Aguda the King of Donghuai."
When Cao Cao heard this, he immediately understood. He couldn't help but shook his head and said with a smile: "Needless to say, this is a counter-insurgency plan of the Liao Kingdom! That Aguda, although a barbarian, has great talent and strategy! How can such a person be fed by a mere prince? Full? This is because the Liao Kingdom knew about the affairs of the Song Dynasty and the Jin Dynasty, and deliberately wanted to sabotage it. I am afraid that only the monarchs and ministers of the Song Dynasty would fall for such an obvious strategy."
Song Jiang nodded silently and sighed, with a look of disappointment on his face: "All the princes in the court have harmed the country and the people."
Cao Cao said disdainfully: "Han Yu once said that there is a bole in the world, and then there is a thousand-mile horse. This is also the general truth - first there is a hero, and then there are famous ministers. How can a character like Zhao Ji still be worthy of Zhuge Liang? He is only worthy of it. With the likes of Cai Jing and Gao Qiu, Wu would not be surprised if these monarchs and ministers make any jokes."
After saying that, he sneered again and again, and then he couldn't help but sigh: "The emperor is so eloquent that he was eager to form an alliance with others in the past, but now he has repeatedly broken his trust with foreign countries. It is a small matter, but once he loses his trust, he will lose his authority. If such a farce is staged a few times, the majesty of the country will be lost, and sooner or later there will be disaster."
Song Jiang nodded and suddenly looked at Cao Cao: "Fortunately, I still have my brother."
Cao Cao smiled and said: "It's not only me, but also you and others. Brother, I know that you are conceited about your talent and learning. When you were a subordinate, you naturally refused to accept it. What a man wants is nothing more than to be a general and a prime minister. Now you can do it with integrity." To save one's family can also be considered as a way of honoring one's family and comforting one's life. However, the current situation, where the monarch and his ministers are comatose inside and the strongmen are clamoring outside, is the time for men of our generation to work hard - you and I can only restrain our hands in matters in the court, but "Strengthening the army and subduing the people" are four words, but they can be dedicated to it. When the sun shines, you and I, brothers, will hold hands together to strive for a good name in history and achieve unparalleled achievements!"
After listening to these words, Song Jiang felt that his hair was standing up, his dark face was glowing red, as if he was drunk, his body was shaking uncontrollably, and he murmured: "Historical history has a good reputation, unrivaled achievements... ...Brother, if this day comes, what will I fear if my little brother is shattered to pieces?"
He stood up and turned around several times, his eyes glaringly saying: "Brother, don't worry! I don't dare to boast, but I am just risking my life to make this powerful army serve the people in a down-to-earth manner in Dengzhou for my brother's encouragement." .”
He had known Cao Cao for several years. Although Cao Cao had repeatedly taken care of him and promoted him to the high position of Jiedushi, he knew in his heart that Cao Cao did not think highly of him, and he was often uneasy because of this. However, tonight's "heart-to-heart talk" made Song Jiang really feel Lao Cao's expectations, especially the words "holding hands together to hold back the sky" made Song Jiang suddenly feel the urge to die for his bosom friend. .
After staying in Dengzhou for two days, Cao Cao asked the Fusang sailors to sail back by themselves. Li Jun, Zhang Shun, and Meng Kang all stayed in Dengzhou to practice naval warfare and build sea ships for future use. Zhen and Jie Bao were also kept under Sun Li for his use. Cao Cao took his remaining brothers and returned to Qingzhou.
After traveling for three days, when they arrived outside Qingzhou City, Lao Cao suddenly felt a little uneasy.
It's not that I'm timid about being close to home, but that after this trip, just for a year, I missed my wife and concubines at home, but I happened to bring back a beautiful Fusang beauty who was all over the country. Wouldn't it make my wife and concubines feel sad?
When he took in Master Li, he bought a house in Qingzhou and returned to Yanggu alone. There was a buffer in the middle. This time, he wanted to follow the example of the gourd and leave Tamamo Mae in Dengzhou. Unexpectedly, Tamamo Mae seemed to be soft, but he was actually There is no other way to do it——
She looked at Cao Cao pitifully and kept saying: "Is it possible that the husband is worried that the eldest wife in the family will not allow me to take a concubine? If so, how can I make it difficult for the husband to become a concubine? The husband can send me back to Ping'an Jing, and wait until I have time. , maybe three years, or five years, it’s okay to be together for a while. Even if your husband doesn’t come, these few months of warmth will be enough to warm you for the rest of your life. I can eat fast and chant Buddha every day, and pray for my husband, so I can live peacefully. My whole life. I just ask my husband not to leave me alone in this foreign land."
When Lao Cao heard this, he felt troubled.
Just because he had dominated Fujiwara Shoko when he was in Heian Kyo, Tamamo Mae had silently tolerated it and repeatedly expressed to him that he understood that this was Lao Cao's method to give birth to offspring to take charge of Fuso. Even Shoko, after confirming that she was pregnant, Showing generosity to Cao Cao and showing his authority to Tamamo, he took the initiative to arrange a marriage for the two of them and asked Lao Cao to marry Tamamo. However, Tamamo accepted silently and said that she had no intention of quarreling with anyone, as long as she was with Lao Cao If you can have a place in your heart, you will be satisfied.
These methods may seem soft and weak, but in fact they can overcome toughness.
In terms of appearance and even vision, none of Lao Cao's women could compare with her. After all, she was a peerless enchantress who was called the "Fox Demon in Troubled Times" by the Fusang people. She was extremely satisfied with Cao Cao in every aspect. It stands to reason that such a woman is very capable of acting coquettishly, but she always seemed to be extremely sensible, which made Cao Cao feel even more affectionate.
If she really resorted to some charming tricks, Lao Cao had countless beauties in his harem in his previous life, so he had his own way of dealing with it. However, being so "indifferent to the world" made Cao Cao not know how to deal with it - as a big man, the easier it is to bully someone. , on the contrary, the less willing to bully and the more willing to sacrifice, the less willing to let down.
Therefore, when Tamazomae lamented that he wanted to return to Fuso rather than stay alone in a foreign land, although Lao Cao knew that retreat was a way to advance, he was really speechless. He could only stare and deceive himself and said: "Nonsense, who are you talking about?" Can't tolerate you anymore? In that case, come home with me."
Ever since, there was this dilemma situation outside Qingzhou City.
There are different teachings: when we meet, life and death are light when we meet, and the old Song Dynasty is not ashamed to be the best in the world. Fighting to fight against the crisis to help the troubled times, and meeting in the future to save the world.
(End of chapter)
