"That's true, there's no need..." Zhang Han hurriedly grabbed him, smiling helplessly, and sighed: "Uncle Shi, of course I know you have a way."
"However, with a formidable enemy facing us, it is actually not the best idea for us to be attrition and fight among ourselves. Instead, it will give opportunities for the treasonous thieves to take advantage of us."
"I'm not afraid of being wronged, um... I'll tell you the truth," Zhang Han slowly knelt down and stood upright in an extremely elegant manner, "I came from a humble background, and I have been suffering from injustice since I was a child."
"I have long been used to being wronged by the world, being wronged by cruel officials and wealthy gentry, being looked down upon by the gentry, and being disliked by others."
"However, in the face of major events, I cannot hinder my own troops because of trivial matters. What I really care about at this moment is Zhang Xiu's purpose."
"Uncle Shi, I just said that Zixiu and I only have eight thousand soldiers and horses. The most important thing is the elite, not the quantity."
"After taking Shucheng's troops and horses, we consolidated more than 26,000. Zhang Xiu's old troops originally belonged to Zhang Ji. They also practiced in Runan for many days. They are well-equipped and well-armed. In fact, they are not inferior to you and me."
"If he has a wrong idea, he will be in trouble..."
"What's wrong?" Liu Xun is arrogant by nature and gets carried away easily when he is proud. If Zhang Han hadn't been so famous at that time, he repeatedly reminded himself to be cautious, and the army might have been defeated earlier.
Now, of course, he didn't understand what Zhang Han meant.
Zhang Han lowered his head as if thinking hard, stretched out his fingers and tapped alternately on the table, hissed, shook his head and said: "This, this, speaking ill of people, will it be detrimental to a gentleman? And it is still unreasonable. Test...I, I can't say it..."
As he said this, he took a big sip of wine.
Liu Xun was worried and urged: "You are very brave on the battlefield. Why are you so nervous now? Tell me quickly! You are the only one here, and the rest are your cronies. No one knows!"
"Oh, I'm afraid. Zhang Xiu once faked a surrender in Wancheng, and he was probably secretly instructed by Yuan Shao. Uncle Shi, let me ask you, when Yuan Shu was in trouble, did he write a letter to Yuan Shao?"
"Yes," Liu Xun nodded.
"That's right," Zhang Han exclaimed, "Tsk, Uncle Shi, just think about it, Yuan Shao and Yuan Shu have some dealings with each other. In fact, it is not as deep animosity as it seems on the surface. Yuan Shao once attracted Zhang Xiu, and now Zhang Xiu has sent out all his elite troops to Shucheng. Once he attacks, your life and mine will be in danger."
"Moreover, he can suddenly take control of the Lujiang River overnight and open the door for Yuan Shu to escape. Then, the crisis at this time can be alleviated. Maybe Yuan Shao will also wait for this time to take a bite behind my Xudu." .”
"Don't all the world belong to the Yuan family?"
"Scared!?" Liu Xunshi took a deep breath, "Is this really possible?"
During the years he followed Yuan Shu, he felt that there seemed to be a deep hatred between the two brothers, and they couldn't stand each other's eyes.
Yuan Shu publicly scolded Yuan Shao several times for being a despicable person and not worthy of being a friend. He also said that Yuan Shao was ambitious and did not respect the Han Emperor.
As a result, it is Yuan Shu who is usurping the throne now, which is very funny.
"Well, although we can't intercept Zhang Xiu's soldiers, we have to guard against them." After hearing this, Liu Xun became much more awake.
What he didn't understand after talking about this was that Zhang Han was not the kind of villain who cheated others and benefited himself.
He was worried that the incident in Wancheng would happen again and threaten the safety of the eldest son. This was the character of the conspirator.
"What Bo Chang said is quite to the point. You are still too kind. If Zhang Xiu intends to frame him, we will not be able to prevent him."
Liu Xun also understood that now that all his family assets had surrendered to Cao Ang, the eldest son of the Cao family would be his support in the future.
If he is assassinated here, my future will be hopeless.
Zhang Han's words tonight reminded him that Shucheng is still a place of war, and he must ensure that Cao Ang is safe and cannot put him in danger.
"Bo Chang, what do you think we should do?"
"Well... I have been thinking deeply about how to treat Zhang Xiu these days. If I speak harshly and block the river, it will make him defensive and the officers and soldiers in the army will feel wronged."
"However, if I accept it generously, I am afraid that our generals will be destroyed. This person has a history of surrendering and then rebelling, and his character is not worthy of trust..."
"I think so, when he comes, I will go to greet him and set him up to camp near Shucheng. Uncle Shi, how about you lead the troops and use your prestige over the years to manage the Lujiang nobles for me?"
"No problem," Liu Xun said with a smile. The Lujiang nobles had already surrendered when he arrived, and they had no second thoughts now.
"Speaking of the Lujiang noble clan, there are many hermits, sages, and celebrities. Among the wealthy clans, there are also big clans that control the coast and ships. The reason why I am confident in intercepting Zhang Xiu's troops is because of this."
"Bo Chang, don't worry. I just want the nobles to support you and obey the orders of the eldest son. And I think it's not a big deal, because they are not stupid. How can they abandon the young master and join the foreign invaders?"
"That makes sense."
Zhang Han nodded immediately and muttered: "Then my golden cake was given away for nothing..."
"What did you say?" Liu Xun asked suspiciously, feeling as if he heard something strange.
"Oh, I said Uncle Lao Shi will lobby for it. After the nobles support it, he will control Yu Zhangxiu's military rations, so that he can obey orders."
"You can tell these clans that there is no need to be afraid of his threats. The Cao family is based on benevolence and righteousness. He will not send troops to snatch food. If you do this, please come and inform me."
"Then, let's talk about it later..." Zhang Han sighed. He did still have many thoughts in his mind, but of course he couldn't say them out in front of Liu Xun right away.
"Okay, Bo Chang is smart. This can prevent Zhang Xiu from being disloyal. I dare to ask, when will he arrive in Shucheng?"
"There should be one day left. I have ordered my subordinates to join the army to meet him. It just so happens that during this time, we have reached the water crossing and explored the road to Huainan. If it is not bad, we can wait for Zhang Xiu to stay for a day or two. It will not matter. If there is an abnormality, he can be allowed to lead the army through first."
"That's not right." Liu Xun frowned and put the wine bowl on the table. He looked at Zhang Han with emotion and said, "If he pretends to cooperate and immediately goes to Huainan after crossing the Lujiang River, then he will What should I do?”
Zhang Han: "..."
Don't go too far. When Xiu'er is targeted like this, she will really be EMO-savvy, Zhang Hanxin said.
…
Outside Shu City, on the main road by the river, after Jia Xude welcomed Zhang Xiu, the old master and servant had not seen each other for a long time. It was a time to reminisce about the past.
Zhang Xiu and Jia Xu talked about the hardships of training soldiers in Runan and their current ambition to achieve meritorious service.
"Sir, it's better to take advantage of this opportunity and return to our army than to join the army with Zhang Han."
Zhang Xiu was wearing black iron armor and holding a dark and heavy spear, which he held upside down in his right hand and held behind him, with a expectant and persuasive look in his eyes.
He had no advisers around him, so it was actually very inconvenient for him to make plans and discuss situations.
Jia Xu smiled and waved his hand: "No, I am with the Lord now. Although my official position is not high, I am still in important positions."
"Your Majesty, you are obedient and you are very dependent on me. The young general is passing through Shucheng to go to Huainan this time. He will definitely make great achievements, so there is no need to worry."
"Joining the army is already what you want, sir?"
"Haha," Jia Xu smiled and said nothing, and did not directly answer Zhang Xiu's words.
The two walked for a while, but Zhang Xiu still refused to give up, "There are many outstanding people in civil and military circles around Zhang Bo, so why bother to follow them? I heard that he is not good to you."
"No, no, no, very good," Jia Xu waved his hand again, "Young General, you don't know how happy I am. The Commander and I trained day and night. Now that I am older, my body has also improved, as if I have returned to my youth, and, There is generally no danger if you follow your ruler."
If there is, the danger is directed at the monarch.
The danger to me is just that the princes and magistrates like to torment me.
After Zhang Han moved his official status to Dali Temple, the Tunqi Colonel was assigned to Dian Wei three months later, and the troops under his command were still the same.
"Moreover, Young General, I am not completely following the prince now. The eldest young master is also with the prince. So in fact, we will all be the eldest prince's subordinates in the future."
"Major General, there is no need to persuade me anymore. You and I each have our own way to go."
Having said this, Zhang Xiu could not persuade him any more. He sighed in disappointment and did not continue.
After walking for a while, Jia Xu bowed sincerely and persuaded: "Young General, I came to Shucheng with orders from Sikong, but I have to remind you of something."
"Ha, sir, please tell me," Zhang Xiu has always regarded Jia Xu as his elder, and he has been entrusted by his uncle, so he will not treat him lightly.
"Since the beginning of Zhang's life, the monarch has experienced severe cold weather, steep rocks, and hardships to reach Anfeng. After capturing the border pass, he made several attempts to cross over to Shaopi. It was actually very difficult to capture the northern border of Lujiang River."
"Do you know how we won the battle in Shucheng?"
"I don't know, sir, please let me know." Zhang Xiu was stunned for a moment, with a hint of expectation on his handsome face. He knew that he could make Jia Xu pass away, which showed how exciting the war was.
"It was the prince who was in danger alone, pretended to be defeated and ran away, luring Liu Xun out."
From the initial arrangement by General Jia Xu, to the subsequent provocation under the city, Zhang Han and Na Shucheng joined the army to fight alone.
When it came to Zhang Han's arms unloading his strength and resisting Zhang Yin's wolf fang slash, Jia Xu was so excited.
"Madman," Zhang Xiu murmured in surprise, feeling frightened for a moment.
To act so recklessly, it is not a bold move for an expert. A slight mistake may result in a fatal blow to the chest.
No normal person would dare to be so arrogant. Zhang Han was trying to deceive the Shucheng defenders with his life, so he was walking on the tip of a knife.
"What a lunatic. Zhang Bochang risked his own life just to take Shu Cheng'er."
"So," Jia Xu looked at him earnestly, "the princes are already in such a difficult situation, but now the young general can come on the high road, pass through Shucheng and take Huainan, and directly achieve great success."
"Isn't it possible that you have taken advantage of the king?"
"What do you mean?!"
Zhang Xiu suddenly frowned and felt quite dissatisfied. I trained my troops hard for a long time just to make atonement and wash away Wancheng's guilt against Sikong.
Revitalization is the prestige of our army.
"What I mean is that when the young general arrives in Shucheng and meets the prince, he should treat him sincerely, be honest and transfer his achievements to him."
"Young General, you can trust me. Zhang Junhou seems greedy and regards wealth as his life, but in fact he is very generous and treats his friends openly and honestly. If you fight, he will fight with you."
"But if you give in, he will even give in more. With such a person, would the Major General want to be his enemy or his friend?"
"I..." Zhang Xiu paused and fell into deep thought. Jia Xu spoke from the bottom of his heart and was not making any calculations.
Zhang Xiu could feel his sincerity. Perhaps, being sincere to Zhang Han could really avoid a lot of unnecessary suspicion.
"Young General, you have to weigh it carefully," Jia Xu handed down his hand with a kind smile.
"good……"
Zhang Xiu thought deeply about these words. Although his mood was more complicated, Jia Xu's words seemed to be correct. If Zhang Han was not a benevolent and righteous gentleman, he would not have so many heroes around him.
How could the eldest son of the Cao family be willing to be by his side?
One day later, Zhang Xiu arrived in Shucheng and camped ten miles outside the city.
Before leaving for Huainan, Jia Xu was sent to inform Zhang Han first and make full preparations before deciding whether to see Zhang Xiu.
At the door of Zhang Han's residence, Zhang Han and Dian Wei, who were about to go out to the government office, saw Jia Xu and were quite surprised.
"Oh!? Mr. Wenhe, you are actually willing to come back?"
"Huh?!" Jia Xu stopped in front of the door with a slightly surprised look on his face, "What do you mean by this?"
"I thought you were going to follow Zhang Xiu again. After all, he is your Major General. Zhang Ji entrusted him to you, and now he is about to make great achievements."
"Tsk," Jia Xu frowned and did not respond to Zhang Han's topic. He said happily: "I have persuaded the young general. He wants to visit the eldest son and is willing to entrust the general's cavalry army to the prince. The princes will guard Shu City and replenish their troops."
"Obey the orders of the eldest son and the princes."
"Ah!?" Zhang Han shouted out loud. Today, there was no squire or elder ten miles away to greet or reward the army.
Liu Xun is probably still waiting to flex his muscles and squeeze Zhang Xiu hard.
The words have been released, and now the local gentry have a bad impression of Zhang Xiu.
"This, this..." Zhang Han looked at Dian Wei with a guilty look.
"Junhou, what plans have you made secretly? Wait, let me think about it..." Jia Xu just finished speaking and raised his hand to stop.
He said hurriedly: "But, the prince asked Liu Xun to win over the local nobles and not support the major general's food and grass, and let them transfer the food, grass, talents, etc. to the eldest son's command, isolate his army, and control the food?"
After listening to this, Zhang Han and Dian Wei fell into silence at the same time.
There was silence outside the door, a cool breeze blew by, and the three of them looked at each other in silence.
After a while, Jia Xu clapped his hands directly and said: "A good situation is actually not irreversible. I will go see the Major General again!"
"Your Majesty, you need to win over the local gentry and gentry as soon as possible and bring all the officials in Lujiang under your command!"
"Okay," Zhang Han nodded. For some reason, he seemed to know what Jia Xu planned to do.
Dian Wei was stunned for a moment, looked around, blinked, and said in a low voice: "What do you mean, what did you think of?!"
"Your Majesty, if this matter can be accomplished, all of Lujiang can be brought under your command. Don't forget the achievements of the young general and me. They are not many, so you just want peace of mind."
Zhang Han's frown suddenly relaxed and he said: "Zixiu, is this peace of mind?"
"In this way, I have written about the prince for the late hussar general."
…
Zhangxiu Military Camp more than ten miles away.
"What?!"
Zhang Xiu's face was full of astonishment, and he looked at Jia Xu in surprise, "You want me to break up with Zhang Junhou? Don't you want me to be friends with him?"
At this moment, Zhang Xiu suddenly felt that his brain was a little insufficient.
"Major General, please don't get excited yet," Jia Xu quickly stretched out his hand to comfort him and said, "Listen to me and explain in detail."
(End of chapter)
