"Qichun City is ahead."
Zang Ba let out a heavy breath.
After going through wind and frost, using both water and waterways, we finally arrived outside Qichun City in Jiangxia.
His face was slightly aged by the wind, and the scorching heat of the sun and the biting cold wind of early spring left the mark of time on his face.
The faded skin reveals a kind of toughness, and the deep wrinkles intersect on the forehead, corners of the eyes and corners of the mouth, seeming to engrave his twists and turns of fate.
There is a slight trace of dust between the brows, but there is a hint of perseverance, like an irreversible belief.
Ever since he escaped from Feishui, Zang Ba has been in a dangerous situation of chasing wind and rain.
I met Jiangdong Sun Quan in Chengde, but only replenished some supplies.
As for the troops Sun Quan promised, there were none.
Along the way from Chengde to Qichun, Jiangxia, there were violent storms. The strong wind could almost blow someone down, and when the drizzle fell, it even soaked his clothes.
For many nights, he could only find temporary woods or caves, set up a simple shelter, and spend the time huddled on the cold ground.
Sometimes the mountain road is steep and difficult to walk, sometimes they are attacked by wild beasts, and sometimes they are worried about being chased by the Wei army or being stabbed in the back by Sun Quan, making it difficult to move.
Although the villages along the way were full of fireworks, Zang Ba could not stop and rest.
Without soldiers under his command, bandits could kill him, and there were many people who wanted his life even in Jiangdong.
If you want to evade pursuit in enemy territory, you must always be vigilant and dare not relax even a little.
The water route is no less dangerous than the land route.
The river is choppy, sometimes rapid and sometimes densely covered with reefs.
Finally, he arrived outside Qichun City, Jiangxia.
Looking at the outline of the city, Zang Ba felt a burst of joy in his heart.
However, in addition to joy, there is also a touch of worry in Zang Ba's heart.
I met Sun Quan before, but Sun Quan was unwilling to lend troops. Now he has arrived in Jiangxia, which is the territory of Liu Gongsi, the crown prince of Hanzhong.
If Liu Chan comes in person, he will be more confident that he can lend troops to him.
After all, Liu Gongsi, the crown prince of Hanzhong, was a man with a long-term vision, not as short-sighted as Sun Zhongmou.
This can be seen from the profit distribution of other business alliances.
If he cooperates with Jiangdong, how can he take the majority of the benefits of the business alliance?
This is the pattern of Liu Gongsi, the crown prince of Hanzhong.
but...
The person who guards Jiangxia is the former Wei Yu Jin. He knows a little about Yu Jin and claims to have some friendship with him, but...
Is he willing to borrow troops?
...
Inside Qichun City.
Yu Jin was wearing a brocade robe, and his face looked rosy.
Obviously guarding Jiangxia County is a good job and life is very nourishing.
But at this time, Yu Jin's brows frowned slightly.
"What did you say? General Zhendong is outside the city?"
Zang Shun nodded heavily and said, "My father is outside the city and hopes to meet with the general."
If it weren't for the fact that the token in his hand was real, Yu Jin would have suspected that this was Jiang Dong's conspiracy.
After all, Jiang Dong has never stopped making small moves in Jiangxia County during the days he has been guarding Jiangxia.
but...
This thought was quickly thrown away by him.
impossible.
Now that the main forces in Jiangdong are in Jiujiang County, how can they have the troops to conquer Jiangxia?
Do you really think that I don’t exist?
His eyes flickered, and in a short period of time, he considered all the possibilities of the matter. Finally, he looked at Zang Shun, nodded, and said, "Then I will go greet General Zhendong."
This Zang Shun is indeed somewhat similar to Zang Ba.
but...
If what Zang Shun said is true, Zang Ba was defeated?
Then wouldn't His Highness's plan be in danger?
He was so valued by Liu Chan that he was demoted to a general and became a general guarding one side. He had tens of thousands of troops under his command. His gratitude to Liu Chan was self-evident.
In addition, after Cao Cao passed away, his feelings for Wei also weakened a lot.
This Zang Ba may be able to help His Highness!
Thinking of Zang Ba's importance, Yu Jin left the city even faster.
Going down to the city, I saw a group of people at the top of the city.
The leader was wearing armor, but he looked really miserable. The smell of sweat could be smelled even from a distance.
At first glance, it seemed that it had been brewing for more than ten days.
However, when Yu Jin took a closer look, he could see Zang Ba's appearance from the stained face.
Zang Ba's back was straight. Although it was bumpy in the wind and rain, it never sank. His body is slightly thin, but his tight muscles and strength reveal that he has experienced many fights. The roughness of his palms was tempered by his long career as a military commander, and every scar bore witness to his tenacity in battle.
Especially those eyes.
Those eyes are deep and firm, like clear springs in the mountains. They contain both the vicissitudes of the past and the pursuit of light. They are like a pair of bright lights, shining with hope in the dark night.
This person must be Zang Ba, the general of Zhendong.
He was also an acquaintance with Zang Ba.
After all, he also followed Cao Cao when he defeated Xuzhou.
"Xuan Gao, I haven't seen you for a long time, but I didn't expect you to look like this. You..."
Yu Jin stepped forward and grabbed Zang Ba's hands tightly.
"Hey~"
Zang Ba sighed and said, "It's a long story. My defeat at the hands of Cao Pi was really..."
"Victory and defeat are common things in military affairs. Please tell me. When I take care of you, you can talk to me about our friendship in the past. Please!"
Zang Ba entered Qichun City under Yu Jin's warm welcome.
Yu Jin's enthusiasm gave Zang Ba a little peace of mind.
Zang Ba was first arranged to wash up in a courtyard, and then went to the reception hall. The two of them sat down together and started a sumptuous banquet.
The food platform in front of him is filled with all kinds of delicacies, and the wine pours out, and the aroma is fragrant.
Although Zang Ba felt uneasy, he couldn't help but relax a little in this warm atmosphere.
The two talked about military affairs and art of war, and shared their thoughts and experiences in the war, as if a dialogue full of tacit understanding.
As the wine poured, the conversation between the two gradually became relaxed and pleasant.
They talked about the past, shared anecdotes about the soldiers, and laughed from time to time.
"Back then, when Ping Mei was born, I served as your lieutenant. Now that I can see you today, your magnificence has not diminished."
Recalling the time when the two of them worked together, Yu Jin's face also showed a look of reminiscence.
"At that time, Meicheng and Chen Lan rebelled. A certain person led troops to attack Mei Cheng, and Zhang Liao led troops to fight against Chen Lan. Seeing that Mei Cheng and I were about to engage in close combat with three thousand troops, Mei Cheng knew he was defeated and pretended to surrender. I fell into a trap and returned. During the imperial court, Mei Cheng led his troops to join Chen Lan.
For a time, Zhang Liao was unable to quickly defeat the rebels and was running out of food and grass. I personally escorted the grain and grass, and worked with Zhang Liao to kill Meicheng and Chen Lan, and put down the rebellion. During this period, I declared that I had contributed a lot. "
Talk about past events.
Zang Ba gradually downplayed the tension in his heart, as if he and Yu Jin had become old friends whom he had not seen for many years.
After three rounds of wine, the five flavors of food are gone.
Zang Ba took a sip of the wine, then raised his head and said to Jin: "General, I came here not accidentally, but with a request."
Yu Jin smiled and nodded, signaling Zang Ba to continue.
Zang Ba nodded slightly, knowing that the artistic choice of words at this moment was crucial: "I have heard about the general's reputation for a long time, and I know that the general has many elite soldiers and generals. Now I am in deep trouble and urgently need a strong army to make a comeback."
Yu Jin sighed softly. He understood Zang Ba's difficulties and the urgency of the current situation: "General Zang, I understand your dilemma, but the situation inside and outside Jingzhou is complicated now, and we cannot easily dispatch large armies. However, I can Report to His Highness and see if there are other ways to help you."
Zang Ba nodded, feeling a little disappointed.
"Just how much time will be wasted this time? If the crown prince of Hanzhong has no self and Xuzhou involves the Wei army, he will have to face the main force of the Wei army. Speaking of allies, what kind of virtue is Jiangdong's ally? I think the princes will also know it. Time It’s life.”
Yu Jin understood what Zang Ba meant, but he was still hesitant.
"If we borrow troops, I might not be able to give the order without His Highness's order."
"The general will not accept the order of the king, but he still has some autonomy in guarding one side. Besides, I don't need too many soldiers, only three thousand people."
Three thousand people, that's a lot.
Seeing that Yu Jin was about to relent, Zang Ba said again: "I can sign a covenant with you. If you lend me three thousand troops, when I pacify Xuzhou, I will transport 500,000 shi of grain to Jingzhou to solve Jingzhou's urgent needs. And , will return ten thousand soldiers to the general's tent."
This condition is no longer low.
but...
Three thousand people is indeed a risky investment.
Seeing that Yu Jin still didn't speak, Zang Ba said again: "How about I give Guangling County to Jingzhou?"
Zang Ba also had his own ideas for sending it to Guangling County.
Guangling County is separated from Jingzhou by Jiangdong.
Even if I give it to you Liu Chan, can you still eat it?
"The Crown Prince of Hanzhong is a man with a far-sighted vision. You have already learned his wisdom. This time, if you lend me troops first, and then report the situation, he will not blame me."
After thinking for a long time, Yu Jin nodded heavily as if he had made up his mind.
"Okay! Then I will lend you three thousand troops. I hope you will have a smooth journey and don't turn your back on the alliance like Jiangdong Sun Quan did."
Zang Ba immediately pulled out the dagger from his waist and drew it on his palm. Blood dripped into the wine bowl, turning the wine red in an instant.
"Now you and I can make an alliance based on our blood. If I betray our alliance, there will be five thunders from heaven!"
After drinking the blood wine, Zang Ba looked at Yu Jin sincerely and said, "The Lord treats me well. How can I let the Lord down and be blamed by the Crown Prince of Hanzhong?"
Zang Ba has accomplished this, what else can he say to Yu Jin?
"Then I will go to the center of the camp and order three thousand men and horses, and declare a day's rest before setting off tomorrow."
"Thank you, Lord!"
Seeing Yu Jin's resolute actions, Zang Ba was moved and bowed heavily to Zang Ba.
With these three thousand soldiers borrowed, who dares to cause chaos in Xuzhou?
After the banquet, Zang Ba took his leave. At the banquet, Wen Ping had a look of hesitation on his face and stepped forward and said: "Your Majesty, this decision may be too abrupt. We are surrendered generals. In case of trouble. Your Highness is afraid, but it’s not good!”
After Wenpin surrendered, he was asked by Yu Jin to serve as deputy general. Both of them were surrendered generals, so their relationship naturally became closer.
"Your Highness is not that kind of person."
"Your heart is unpredictable!"
The worry in Wenpin's heart still hasn't dissipated.
"Zang Ba is borrowing troops. This is a God-given opportunity. It would be really bad if we delay the time. Moreover, what he said is true. I will not accept your life. If Your Highness is really that kind of person, I will die as soon as I die." He is no longer worthy of our following.”
The king chooses his ministers, and the ministers choose their king.
You have to worry about a lot of important things, so what the hell do you do?
Wenpin opened his mouth, but said no more.
...
A few days later.
Runan County governs Xinxicheng.
In the meeting hall.
"Report~"
A messenger came forward to report.
"Eight hundred miles urgent, Jiangxia urgent report."
Urgent report from Jiangxia?
In the meeting hall, Fei Yi, Dong Yun, Huo Yi and others all had doubts on their faces.
How could there be an urgent report from Jiangxia County?
Could it be that the Jiangdong rats went to fight Jiangxia?
Aren't they fighting Cheng De?
Where did the troops come from?
Everyone was doubtful at first, and then many people became worried.
It is not impossible if Sun Quan and Cao Pi form an alliance to attack Jiangxia.
Sun Zhongmou would definitely be able to do such an outrageous thing!
Liu Chan's expression was as usual. He took the urgent document and looked it over in his hand, with a thoughtful look on his face.
"Wen Wei, read out the contents of the document."
"promise."
The ministers were anxious. After Fei Yi got the document, he slowly read out the contents of the document.
Everyone learned that Yu Jin had lent troops to Zang Ba, who had fled.
This news shocked Liu Chan's ministers, and there was a lot of discussion in the hall.
"Your Highness, Yu Jin acted on his own initiative and borrowed troops without authorization. He should not act like this."
Liu Chan looked sideways and saw that the person who said this was none other than Zhang Bao, one of his brothers-in-law.
"Borrowing three thousand troops is a big deal. If you are good at making decisions, you simply don't take His Highness seriously."
Guan Xing also responded.
However, Pang De, who was also a surrendered general of the Wei army, said something for Yu Jin.
"The general will not accept the order of the foreign king. Zang Ba is defeated. If we delay, Xuzhou may be regained by Wei. General Yu Jin is thinking about the overall situation."
certainly...
In the lobby, Pound's voice was a small one, and was quickly covered up by the sound of questioning.
"Hahaha~"
However, at this moment, Liu Chan laughed, showing no surprise or anger at all.
His laughter is like a clear spring in the mountains, clear and quiet, giving people a sense of calmness and calmness.
"General Yu is really impressive this time." Liu Chan put down the document in his hand and looked at the ministers who were talking about it with a smile.
The ministers were puzzled, and Zhang Bao asked doubtfully: "Your Highness, this is General Yu borrowing troops privately. Isn't it disrespectful of etiquette, law and justice?"
Liu Chan's smile did not diminish. He shook his head slightly and said, "I think General Yu Jin's approach is quite wise."
Yujin is the archway built by Liu Chan to recruit the generals of the Wei army.
But some people have rivers and lakes, and there are fights.
The important position of guarding Jiangxia County is watched by many people.
Now that they knew that Yu Jin's methods were biased, they gathered together to attack him, hoping that Yu Jin would fall and Jiangxia's garrison position would be vacated.
A surrendered general has no human rights.
However, Liu Chan could not let this situation happen. In fact, under his command, Wei Guo had many surrendered generals.
The hearts and minds of these people must be won over.
Liu Chan knows the way of checks and balances very well.
Regardless of whether it is the Yizhou faction, the Yuancong faction, or the Jiangjiang faction, everyone must be appointed.
If either party becomes bigger, it will be detrimental to Liu Chan.
Especially the Jiangjiang Faction, they have no outside help and no internal foundation. Apart from working hard for Liu Chan and gaining Liu Chan's trust, there is no other way to go.
This kind of easy-to-use manpower cannot let them feel cold.
If you want a horse to run, you have to let it eat grass.
Liu Chan continued: "Zang Ba was defeated, but he still had prestige in the land of Qingxu. Although he borrowed three thousand troops, based on the alliance, he not only got food and people, but also the land of a county. Compared with the general The approach is precisely based on this point.”
"Helping Zang Ba will help ease the situation in Runan."
Liu Chan looked around the hall. Zhang Bao and Guan Xing quickly lowered their heads as if their thoughts had been read through.
Seeing that no one in the hall had any objections, Liu Chan was satisfied.
In the military, his level of control is unparalleled.
He has won several battles and has almost complete authority in the army.
This kind of authority is something that even the current King of Wei, Cao Pi, does not have.
"Yu Jin guarded Jiangxia. He borrowed troops from Zang Ba for his merits. I was rewarded with a hundred pieces of Shu brocade, ten sets of beautiful porcelain, and three pieces of colored glaze."
Under the heavy reward, everyone in the hall knew Liu Chan's thoughts, and everyone became even more embarrassed to speak.
Unlike mediocrity, it is not easy to confuse Liu Chan!
...
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