The breeze blew by, rolling up the green gauze curtains and rippling with them.
Although Xu Xuan was talking at the side and his mouth was dry, Li Congjia still drank by himself, and sometimes looked at the scenery of his palace absentmindedly, paying no attention to it. Zhou Xingfeng and Zhang Wenbiao, who had been standing for a long time, suddenly looked at each other. Showing embarrassment. The young and impulsive Zhang Wenbiao even pinched his knuckles until they turned white. After seeing Zhou Xingfeng wink at him, he reluctantly endured it.
It wasn't until Xu Xuan mentioned that Zhou Xingfeng in Langzhou City had killed Liu Yan and Wang Kui and met Li Yuan at the Jiedu Envoy Office that Li Congjia's eyes suddenly flickered.
"...Your Highness, that's it! These two generals are not only brave, resourceful, and brave, but they also have their hearts set on the Tang Dynasty! Your Majesty is very fond of it, and decreed that Zhou Xingfeng should be conferred the title of Yunhui General, Ling Konghe, deputy commander of the army, served as the governor of Sizhou, Zhang Wenbiao was appointed as General Zhongwu, and led the direct capital of Yuhou!"
Hearing Xu Xuan say this, Li Congjia disagreed. After all, Emperor Li Jing has always appointed subordinate generals in this way, either to station them at the border and not be able to return to the court unless summoned, or to guard the imperial city and put them directly under his nose. In other words, it is no longer surprising that the fancy is fake and the surveillance is real.
So he began to be confused, why did Xu Xuan bring two surrendered generals to Prince Zheng's mansion, and what was his purpose?
Xu Xuan showed a meaningful smile, then cupped his hands and said: "Your Majesty, Your Majesty has issued a decree, ordering Zhou Tongjun to take control of the left wing of the crane, and will soon follow the King of Yan to the north to conquer the Kingdom of Zhou..."
Seeing Xu Xuanzheng blinking continuously, Li Congjia was stunned for a moment. Although he didn't know what method the official minister used to make Zhou Xingfeng look at him differently by his father, he still followed the tacit understanding in the past and stood up to help Zhou Xingfeng. Xing Feng raised his arms and his tone suddenly became intimate: "Zhou Tongjun is loyal and brave, it seems that my father will definitely use you again! I am very happy for you in my heart!"
Zhou Xingfeng remained calm despite the sudden eagerness of His Highness Prince Zheng in front of him, and replied calmly: "Thank you very much, Your Highness!"
Zhou Xingfeng is a smart man. After arriving in Jinling to meet the saint recently, he was keenly aware of the heated situation between the two parties in the Southern Tang Dynasty. The Manchu ministers were as indifferent to him as a surrendered general, as expected, and only a few people, such as the officials, Shangshu Xu Xuan was very polite in his words. So after taking the initiative to chat, they were surprised to find that Zhou and Xu were both born in April of the year Bingzi (916), so they naturally became familiar with each other.
Later, when Zhou Xingfeng was drunk, he vaguely revealed his frustration. Xu Xuan did not shy away from it. He "enthusiastically" analyzed the situation of the court for him, and mentioned "His Royal Highness Prince Zheng" repeatedly, intentionally or unintentionally. Finally, I just went with the flow and threw an olive branch to him. Zhou Xingfeng just listened silently throughout the whole process without saying a word, and then immediately agreed. Soon after, before he rushed to Sizhou to take office, something unexpected happened. Zhou Xingfeng suddenly received an order from the court, ordering him to lead an army to follow King Yan on an expedition.
As for who King Yan is, he only heard Xu Xuan briefly talk about it, which was derogatory, but he didn't want to ask too much. Because he had personally experienced the quarrel among the horses in the Chu Kingdom, he knew very well that the relationship between these kings was naturally like fire and water.
At this time, Li Congjia squinted his eyes and said naturally: "Zhou Tongjun, this Northern Expedition is a major event for the country. You must help my brother!"
How could Zhou Xingfeng not understand the profound meaning here? This expedition is his declaration of surrender. As for who he is surrendering to, it is self-evident now that he is here today.
Zhou Xingfeng raised his hands and replied, neither humble nor arrogant: "I will obey your orders! I will definitely live up to His Highness King Zheng's expectations!"
Hearing Zhou Xingfeng specifically emphasize the word "King Zheng", Li Congjia was very excited. Everyone is smart and there is no need to say anything.
Seeing Xu Xuan nodding silently, Li Congjia immediately summoned the palace chief, Yun Danfeng, and said softly: "Generals Zhou and Zhang have just arrived in Jinling. Don't accept any injustice! Go and find two good ones for me." The house is given to the two generals, and each of them is given three thousand guan to settle down."
Zhou Xingfeng was not pretentious and did not refuse. Instead, he smiled exaggeratedly and said, "Oh! Thank you so much, Your Highness, for your kindness!" Zhang Wenbiao followed closely behind, also bowing to express his gratitude.
Li Congjia snorted lightly and then ignored it.
After Zhou and Zhang were sent away, Zhang Ji, who had been standing silent for a long time, couldn't help but said: "Mr. Xu, are these two really useful? They are subordinate generals who dare to kill the Lord! What if they have different intentions in the future? "
Li Congjia also retracted his previous enthusiasm and said quietly: "What Shi An said is true. Xu Shangshu, our Tang Dynasty is full of talents, why do I need to win over two generals?"
I saw Xu Xuan shook his head, and then whispered: "Your Highness, it is precisely because they are surrendered generals that you can use them conveniently!"
"What does this mean?"
Xu Xuan straightened his clothes a little, then confidently raised his hands and said seriously: "Your Highness, I have specifically inquired about it. Zhou Xingfeng is good at planning, and Zhang Wenbiao is good at fighting. They were both powerful generals in the past! And such heroic people , if you spend your life in depression, how can you be willing to do so? Now one of them is leading the army outside the town, and the other is guarding the imperial city. If His Highness wants to achieve a great cause, he must not use it!
As for His Highness’ concerns, I think there is no need to worry! When a general surrenders to the dynasty and abandons his homeland, he loses his foundation! No matter how brave he is, he is like a tiger whose claws have been pulled out. Why bother? At this moment, the two of them have become trees without roots. They will be looked down upon as generals and their situation will definitely be difficult in our country, the Tang Dynasty. Therefore, it is not that His Highness needs them, but that they need His Highness! His Highness is Prince Zheng, and this valuable status is enough to become their support in the Tang Dynasty! From now on, as long as His Highness continues to show you kindness, they will definitely bow their heads and obey your orders! "
Seeing that Zhang Jie was silent, Li Congjia couldn't help but frown, and then murmured: "But I am still worried! Xu Shangshu, the emperor's brother is also a king and has military power in his hands. Since you said Zhou Xing met this person, he is good at planning. What if this person is good at speculation and secretly surrenders to the emperor's brother in the future, and then turns against me?"
Xu Xuan seemed to have been prepared in his heart, and a fierce light flashed in his eyes while talking and laughing: "Your Highness, you are worrying too much! Don't forget, King Yan is only guarding the two states of Xuanrun, and you are receiving the favor at this time, but you are here Jinling! All the family members of these two people are in Jinling..."
Li Congjia suddenly realized it and said happily: "I understand!"
...
Yuanwu Bridge in the north of the city, across the moat, and at the foot of Jilong Mountain is the station of the Crane Control Army.
When leaving, Zhang Wenbiao still seemed to be worried about the performance of the talented Li Congjia, and finally couldn't help but said: "Second brother, that Prince Zheng looks like a mediocre person. Do we brothers really have to work hard for him from now on?"
Zhou Xingfeng's expression had returned to its previous sternness, and he replied calmly: "You must have seen the recent situation in Jinling! We are already surrendered generals, and since we are in a foreign country, it will definitely be difficult for you and me brothers! If you don’t find someone to rely on, I’m afraid times will be tough!”
"But why is it Prince Zheng? Is it because of Xu Shangshu?"
Zhou Xingfeng smiled and shook his head: "Wen Biao, I'm afraid you can't see through King Zheng's palace! In short, second brother, am I not going to lead the army now? As long as the military power is in hand, we can make great achievements, and wait for me. For me, this is a rare opportunity!”
"Oh! I feel a little uncomfortable after all! My second brother is such a hero, why would he do this! We might as well have gone out to kill the generals together..."
Zhou Xingfeng was stunned for a moment, then said in a deep voice: "Wen Biao, do you already have regrets in your heart?"
Hearing this, Zhang Wenbiao said eagerly: "Second brother, what do you mean by this? Since I, Zhang Wenbiao, have sworn to follow you, I will never have any second thoughts! My second brother is willing to follow King Zheng, and my younger brother will obey his orders!"
Zhou Xingfeng was not really suspicious of Zhang Wenbiao. Needless to say, there were only two of the ten brothers left, not to mention the sworn friendship in the past. What Zhou Xingfeng remembered most was that during the Langzhou City incident that day, it was Zhang Wenbiao who secretly led his troops to assist and brought Wang Kui and eight other people into the Jiedushi Office to arrest them all. Without Zhang Wenbiao's move, how could Zhou Xingfeng easily capture Liu Yan and Wang Kui?
Therefore, in Zhou Xingfeng's heart, Zhang Wenbiao was no longer what he used to be. What's more, when the two of them are in the same foreign country, they rely on each other.
"Prince Zheng..." Zhou Xingfeng smiled disdainfully, shook his head firmly, and said meaningfully: "Since you are willing to follow me, you must remember that I will never forget my second brother. The ambition in our hearts! Since my husband and I are here to stay, we should judge the situation carefully. Those who achieve great things must endure the temporary suffering!"
With his eyes slightly dazed, Zhang Wenbiao suddenly woke up, took a deep breath, cupped his hands and said, "I understand, little brother!"
"As soon as I leave, I will go on an expedition soon! The road to the Zhou Kingdom is high and the journey is uncertain. My wife and Quan'er will be entrusted to you!"
Zhang Wenbiao immediately patted his solid chest and said loudly: "Second brother, just leave your second sister-in-law and the security to me! I will protect them even if I risk my life!"
"Okay, we have a deep love for each other as brothers. No need to say more, let's say goodbye here! Remember, be careful in everything and don't be impulsive! Wen Biao, take care!"
"Second brother, I remember! Take care!"
Under the setting sun, two fast horses headed north and south respectively, causing dust to fly. It was as if even the mood could be concealed in the mist...
