Zhang Heng and Liu Bei waited outside the city for less than an hour when they saw a group of people coming out of the city. They were the descendants of the Xun family, and the leader was clearly the current head of the family, Xun Shuang.
Although the Xun family wanted Liu Bei's attitude, respect was mutual. Since Liu Bei came in person, it was reasonable for him to lead his people out of the city to welcome him.
The entire direct descendants of the Xun family only number a hundred or so, but today there are fifty or sixty people leaving the city. The battle was so big that even Zhang Heng was a little surprised.
It seems that the old guy Xun Shuang has made his choice.
"Mr. Xuande, that person is Xun Ciming, Sikong of the current dynasty."
Following Zhang Heng's introduction, Liu Bei hurriedly stepped forward to greet him and said with a smile on his face: "Meet Sikong!"
"No need to be too polite, Mr. Xuande, no need to be too polite!"
Xun Shuang hurriedly helped Liu Bei up and said with a smile on his face: "I resigned from office a few days ago. Now I am just a village man in the mountains. I don't deserve such a great gift from Mr. Xuande."
As he said this, the descendants of the Xun family behind him, headed by Xun Yu, paid homage to Liu Bei one after another.
"See Mr. Xuande!"
Liu Bei hurriedly held up his hands and signaled everyone to abstain from courtesy.
After some pleasantries, Xun Shuang waved his hand and said: "Mr.
"Mr. Ci Ming invites me, and I dare not refuse." Liu Bei responded with a smile.
The two of them laughed and entered the city hand in hand, followed by Zhang Heng and a group of Xun clan members.
Xun Pei found an opportunity and approached Zhang Heng.
"How are you doing, brother?"
Zhang Heng returned the greeting with a smile, "I haven't seen you for ten months. My dear brother, I hope you are safe."
"Thank you for your concern, brother. Everything is fine, little brother."
At this time, Zhang Heng suddenly noticed that there was a young man of 27 or 28 years old next to Xun Pi, but he had an elegant manner and a refined temperament, and he couldn't help but murmur in his heart.
This person was standing on the right side of Xun Shuang just now, and he was definitely a core member of the Xun family. And this kind of magnanimity is very rare. If I guessed correctly, this person should be Xun Yu.
At this time, Xun Yu also noticed Zhang Heng's gaze and quickly smiled to show his kindness.
Seeing this, Xun Pei quickly introduced: "Brother, this is my younger brother Xun Yu, whose courtesy name is Wenruo."
It is indeed this guy!
Zhang Heng quickly raised his hands and said, "Oh, it turns out it's Xun Wenruo, Wang Zuo's great talent. I've admired him for a long time!"
"Captain is too polite, but it's just a false reputation." Xun Yu quickly returned the courtesy and said modestly, his attitude was neither humble nor overbearing.
Yingyin County is not big, its size is only comparable to larger villages and towns in later generations, so even if they dismounted and walked, the group arrived at Xun Mansion very quickly.
After Xun Pi complained to Zhang Heng, he ran to arrange the banquet.
As for Zhang Heng, as a guest, he could only follow Xun Shuang and Liu Bei into the hall to talk.
However, Liu Bei had a special status. After entering the house, Xun Shuang waved his hands and ordered the tribesmen to disperse, leaving only Xun Yu and Xun Chen. He also invited Cai Yong to accompany him.
Next, naturally, there are some non-nutritious scene words.
During the dinner, Zhang Heng learned that Xun Shuang and Cai Yong had resigned together a few days ago, and now they had returned to their white bodies.
I had no choice but to offend Dong Zhuo and escape from the capital. If I didn't resign on my own initiative, would I still be waiting for Dong Zhuo to depose me?
These two old guys are wise, unlike their uncle who still refuses to resign.
Looking at the three old men chatting and laughing, Zhang Heng couldn't help but curse.
Everyone chatted for a while, and then came Liu Bei's favorite moment of eating.
After a meal of wine, the guests and hosts enjoyed themselves. Xun Shuang ordered Xun Pei to arrange accommodation for Liu Bei and others.
…
In the study room.
After asking his son to arrange for Liu Bei and others to rest, Xun Shuang called his two nephews and Xun You over to prepare for a small meeting.
"Wen Ruo, you have met Liu Xuande during today's dinner. Please tell me what you think." Xun Shuang asked.
Hearing this, Xun Yu shook his head and smiled lightly: "Uncle, why do you judge people by their appearance? It's only been less than two hours, and my nephew can't see anything."
"But Liu Xuande comes in person, how should we act?"
"Of course, we should pay attention to his words and observe his actions." Xun Yu analyzed, "My nephew has also asked people to investigate Liu Xuande's life these days. He was originally a Miao descendant of the great ancestor, and he only lived in the market because his ancestor lost his title. When he was young, he studied under the great scholar Lu Ziqian, and later joined the army to conquer the Yellow Turbans. He repeatedly achieved military exploits but was not rewarded.
This time all the princes united to attack Dong, and he took the lead in sending troops to fight Dong's thieves fiercely, winning every battle. After Zhang Ziyi went back last time, he fought a decisive battle with the bandit army outside Xingyang. The Dong bandit was defeated and returned with only his own life.
Regardless of his heart, judging from his deeds alone, this man is definitely a hero and a loyal minister of the Han family! "
Hearing this, Xun Shuang nodded in agreement.
"So, Wen Ruo is planning to defect to him?"
Xun Yu shook his head, "It's just an analysis. It affects the prosperity and decline of the whole clan. My nephew dare not speak nonsense. I still ask my uncle to make a decision."
"Don't do this." Xun Shuang scolded with a smile, "I'm over sixty years old, and I still have a few more years to live. I, the Xun family, still have to rely on you for support. If you have an idea, you can speak out. Don't make comments about others. ."
At this time, Xun Chen suddenly raised his hands and said, "Uncle, my nephew has a different opinion."
"Speak directly if you have anything to say."
Xun Chen smiled and said: "Brother Cai has analyzed Liu Xuande's deeds just now, and my nephew also agrees with it. However, during the dinner, his attitude towards Zhang Ziyi was extremely close, like brothers. This shows that Liu Xuande is a tolerant person. host."
Hearing this, Xun Yu suddenly thought of Guo Jia who was rushing to join Liu Bei.
Fengxiao has a dissolute nature, but he is like a fish in water under this person's command, which shows that the words of lenience are not empty words.
After listening to the two brothers' speeches, Xun Shuang finally got a taste of it.
A tolerant temperament, loyalty to the country, and bravery and talent. If these three qualities are put into one person, he will be a wise and wise king!
Moreover, Liu Bei personally came forward and had the attitude he wanted.
To be fair, Liu Xuande is really a person worth seeking refuge with.
Xun Shuang twirled his beard and said: "As the two wise nephews said, it is okay to defect to Liu Xuande. But... I wonder if I, Xun, will be reused if I defect to Liu Xuande?"
As the head of the family, he had to consider the status of the family.
"Uncle, why worry? With my talent as a descendant of the Xun family, why worry about not being reused!" Xun Chen said with a confident smile.
"That being said, but..." Xun Shuang shook his head.
After all, he had eaten for decades more than Xun Chen, and he had a clearer view of the world.
Throughout the ages, there have been many benevolent people with lofty ideals who found it difficult to realize their ambitions and talents that were difficult to develop, and they all ended up in a gloomy end.
In life, only talent is not enough.
Thinking about it, he turned to look at Xun You: "Announcing, what position do you hold under Liu Xuande now?"
"Uncle, my grandson is now serving as a military advisor and a general in the army," Xun You replied.
The sensitivity of his identity made it difficult for Xun You to interrupt in this matter. Xun Shuang didn't ask, and he was happy to remain silent.
"I'm asking about the authority?"
Seeing that Xun Shuang had made his words clear, Xun You couldn't do Tai Chi anymore, so he had to smile bitterly and said: "Uncle, I don't know. Under the command of Duke Xuande, Zhang Ziyi decides all matters, big and small, and no one else has the right to make decisions. However, I have been fighting against the Dong thief before, so it is reasonable to act like this. When I arrive in Xuzhou in the future, I am afraid that I will have to reconsider the specific functions and powers."
Xun You's original intention was to tell Xun Shuang that he had no power for the time being, but Xun Shuang's focus was not on that. Hearing this, he immediately said with shock on his face:
"What, Zhang Ziyi can decide all matters in the army with just one word?"
