Outside the post house in the south of the city outside Xudu, Zhang Han had already brought people to wait. Not long after, Cao Cao arrived, and the two of them got a little closer.
Zhang Han asked strangely: "Why did you call me here?"
Cao Cao's eyes widened, "Here, the strategy is yours. The person you mentioned is in Changshan. Please come back and be kind to Zhao Yun. Maybe he can change his mind and come from Jizhou. If not you, who should I call?"
"Then, just follow the plan. Let this sister-in-law write a letter, and I will entrust it to the sentry to send it across the river. Then we will wait for the news..."
I don’t know her either, and besides, she is a widow. If word gets out that she asks me to come with her to visit the widow, this reputation will never be erased in the future.
"You go and visit!" Cao Cao glared and suddenly became rude, "It will be inconvenient for me to go alone. This is in Xudu, not a border town. There are many families here, and what happened in Wancheng before..."
Mrs. Zou's matter cannot be discussed openly yet. If the ladies at home know about it, it may cause some unnecessary "civil strife". What's more, they have already heard some rumors.
"Some time ago," Zhang Han leaned close to Cao Cao's ear and whispered: "Xian'er asked me, how did Zhang Xiu rebel when we were in Wancheng? How did Mrs. Zou come to Xu Du with her lord... …”
"What did you say?" Cao Cao leaned up a little later, then came closer and asked.
"I said it was his natural desire to rebel, and the Lord took advantage of him."
This was what was said in the military newspaper at the time, and it was also recorded in the report to the court. Therefore, it also showed Cao Cao's majestic heroic spirit. He only acted heroically, did not stick to trivial matters, and went into danger alone.
"Well said," Cao Cao breathed a sigh of relief, "Then you should go in with me."
It's not that he's afraid of his wife, but if the atmosphere at home is not harmonious, it will always be troublesome.
Zhang Han curled his lips and went in with Cao Cao.
In a courtyard of the post house, a plainly dressed woman was tidying up her clothes. When she saw Cao Cao and Zhang Han, her eyebrows were full of fear. She quickly got up, tied her hair up, and bowed.
"Ms. Zhang, a civilian woman, has met these two gentlemen."
Zhang Han said: "This is the Prime Minister of the Han Dynasty."
"Public woman, I have seen the Prime Minister..." Mrs. Zhang was even more flustered and did not dare to act rashly. Even her breathing was gentle. Her legs were weak and she even wanted to bend her knees and kneel on the ground. However, Cao Cao did not make the atmosphere stalemate. He immediately smiled and said, "No need to be formal."
"I heard that your brother-in-law Zhao Yun once returned home to visit relatives, but then disappeared without a trace. Madam, do you know why?"
After Cao Cao finished speaking, he immediately continued: "Madam, you don't have to worry. In my early years, I had Zilong's help to quell some bandit rebellions. Later, my son-in-law recommended him, saying that Zilong was a hero of the world, but he had not yet met his master and wanted to recruit him." To my subordinates."
"This time, I sent an envoy to Jizhou, and by the way, I went to Zhending to look for his traces. Knowing that your mother and son are living in poverty and fearing war, I invited my wife to settle in Xudu."
"Prime Minister," Mr. Zhang lowered his head slightly, with complicated thoughts in his mind. After sorting it out for a while, he raised his head and said, "Uncle, because it was inconvenient to live with a peasant woman, he attracted a lot of criticism in the village, so he had no choice but to run away from home again. .”
"To be honest, if the Prime Minister hadn't sent someone to tell me, I'm afraid the common woman would have had to remarry now."
As soon as she finished speaking, tears already filled her eyes. These days, if there is no man in the family and you have to make a living with your children, life is really difficult. Most widows are inevitably remarried.
"Oh, that's it," Cao Cao breathed a sigh of relief, and then said with a smile, "Madam, do you know where Zilong is now?"
"Even the women of the common people don't know."
Mrs. Zhang lowered her head and spoke softly when she said this, as if she didn't dare to let Cao Cao know. She was afraid that if she said she didn't know, Cao Cao would be disappointed and her life in Xudu would not be easy.
As a result, Cao Cao smiled: "I heard some news that after he left home, he had nowhere to go... and ended up in a place called Woniu Mountain, where he fell into trouble and became a bandit..."
"What?!" Mrs. Zhang's face changed drastically, she raised her head blankly, and immediately said urgently: "Prime Minister, it must be impossible! My uncle has been chivalrous and ambitious since he was a child, and he will not be a thief or bandit, which will harm the world!"
"Well," Cao Cao nodded, sighed and said, "Yes, I think so too. The Zhao Yun I met at the beginning was definitely not this kind of person, but if it was really him, wouldn't he have buried a peerless talent. "
"I would like to ask my wife to write a letter and give it to my son-in-law." Cao Cao glanced at Zhang Han and said, "He has some old friends with Zilong and knows the location of Wuniu Mountain. Let him ask someone to take him there." , if it is really Zhao Yun, let him come to Xudu."
"Madam, please stay temporarily in Xudu. As my son-in-law, I will arrange a residence, maids, etc. for you."
Zhang Han quickly interrupted: "Father-in-law..."
"Hey," Cao Cao raised his hand to stop him, looked back, and said, "It doesn't have to cost too much. A dozen maids and a house with three people entering and exiting each party will be fine."
Zhang Han: "..."
Bah, thief Cao!
…
A letter from home was entrusted to Zhang Han.
He sent Gao Shun to disguise himself as a merchant, cross the river from Dongjun, and deliver the letter to the detective who had already been in Jizhou.
Because within Yuan Shao's Wei Commandery, there was still a faction of Yufuluo of the Southern Xiongnu in the mountainous areas. The old tribes of Baibo and Heishan, who had never surrendered to Yuan Shao, also gathered in the mountains and forests.
Therefore, he was unable to wipe out all the thieves in a short period of time. Therefore, despite the seemingly peaceful and harmonious situation, there were actually many thieves hidden in Jizhou.
The letter was successfully delivered to Wuniu Mountain.
After several twists and turns, Gao Shun arrived at the foot of the mountain alone.
"letter?"
The people in the village saw Gao Shun's temperament. Although he was taciturn, he was powerful and courageous. Even though he was surrounded by dozens of people with swords, he still spoke calmly and came to look for Zhao Yun.
He immediately understood that the person coming was not an ordinary citizen, and looking at his clothes, he guessed that he should be an army general.
"Your Excellency comes to seek my leadership. Do you dare to follow us into the stronghold alone?"
"If you are a friend from afar, you will be treated with wine and meat in the village, and there will be generous and righteous people to accompany you and drink all night long."
"Okay," Gao Shun did not hesitate and entered the stronghold directly. Before entering the door, he handed over his saber and signaling to a brother in the stronghold.
After walking along the mountain road for a while, they arrived at a gentle area of the camp and placed him on a seat in front of the lobby to rest.
Not long after, a handsome young general in silver armor rode back from outside on a white horse. He dismounted, tied the horse to the side, and trotted into the village.
I saw Gao Shun in a black robe from a distance, and felt that this man was strong and stocky, so I looked at him a few times, then came to him and apologized: "General, I remembered the general after my brothers told him his name."
"The general should be General Gao Shun, the guard who is following Master Zhang, who is famous for his black-robed armored cavalry."
"It's a pity that I couldn't meet Brother Zhao when I was in Xuzhou." Gao Shun stood up, clasped his fists and saluted, and then said: "It's not convenient to talk too much when I come down here. There is a letter written by your sister-in-law."
"My sister-in-law doesn't know much about literacy..." Zhao Yun frowned.
Gao Shun smiled and said: "She dictated it, and someone can write it down. Some words are her handwriting, you can take a look."
Zhao Yun took the letter with a look of emotion on his face. After reading it, he seemed to be deeply absorbed in it.
Not long after, he put down the letter, his face twitched, and after taking a breath, he said: "Unexpectedly, the prime minister has taken my sister-in-law and nephew to Xudu."
"General Gao Shun, do you want to use this to persuade me to go to Xudu to defect to Prime Minister Cao?"
Gao Shun waved his hand: "No."
"That……"
"I am here to tell Brother Zhao that no matter what choice you make, the Prime Minister and the Lord will take care of your sister-in-law and nephew, and let your nephew enter school in Xudu so that he can read and hyphenate in the future and be cultivated into a man who can material."
Zhao Yun fell into silence and said nothing. He walked into the lobby alone. The deep door could not see the situation inside, but soon someone came out and ordered the other brothers to bring food and wine to Gao Shun. I had a few forthright brothers chatting and drinking with me.
Although Gao Shun doesn't talk much, he doesn't drink either. He just sips a small mouth and is never greedy.
It was not until late at night that Zhao Yun came out. At this time, those who accompanied Gao Shun had already drunk and told Gao Shun everything about the past few years.
They gathered in the mountains and forests to become bandits. At first, they indeed robbed homes and homes, which got Zhao Yun's idea.
On the way, he saw his white horse, which was a rare horse, so he started to plunder it. Unexpectedly, the heroes accompanying Zhao Yun were all good at fighting, and he himself was even more brave.
He couldn't win the battle and was killed by Zhao Yun in the stronghold.
Later, after Zhao Yun occupied the mountain stronghold, he rarely went down the mountain to rob or kill people. Instead, he got business with the nearby tycoons such as Guanjiazhuang and guarded merchants and horses.
At the same time, after making money, he also hired a blacksmith to roughly make weapons.
The Eight-sided Sword of the Han Dynasty has high requirements for high quality. It is made in a copycat and has many damaged parts, so it can only be regarded as rough.
Gao Shun listened to them one by one and took note of them in his mind. He also felt a change in his view of Zhao Yun and recognized them a little more.
At least it is similar to the evaluation of the princes. This is indeed a scholarly and virtuous general, with quite an upright demeanor and the appearance of a gentleman.
"Since Brother Zhao has come out, he must have read the letter. Now that the letter has been brought, I will leave." Gao Shun stood up. The wine on the table was not moved much, and his expression remained the same as before, even slightly tipsy. No idea.
Zhao Yun looked at him deeply and said, "I didn't expect General Gao Shun to have such a good drinking capacity."
"I don't drink," Gao Shun said coldly, then he hugged Zhao Yun's fists and turned to leave without looking back.
Zhao Yun sent people to escort him outside the stronghold, and secretly sent people to follow him, hoping to see if Gao Shun would stay, as he wanted to indulge his lust.
Who knows... Gao Shun really didn't have so many thoughts. He was really just ordered to deliver the message. He left the stronghold to join the cavalry, mounted his own horse and galloped towards Xudu.
Not to mention staying, the people who went out to follow the sentinel didn't even see the ponytail within a few breaths.
Come back quickly to report.
Early the next morning, Zhao Yun caught up with Gao Shun when he was about to reach the ferry.
"General Gao, you are walking too hastily!" After Zhao Yun's white horse stopped him, he said with a hint of blame on the horse.
If you want to recruit, at least give me a chance to talk. At least slow down and wait for me to catch up. At least there will be a good story about the chase under the moon to spread.
Good for you! The horse galloped wildly and chased for forty or fifty miles before the pursuit stopped.
Whoever brought you out is too honest.
Gao Shun was stunned and returned the courtesy: "The letter has been delivered. If I don't go back, what are I waiting for?"
"Alas," Zhao Yun sighed, "there is a solicitation in the letter. I stayed alone in the village until midnight just to think about this trip and the future of these brothers in the village."
"Since it's a solicitation, the general should move more slowly so that Zilong can express his feelings."
Gao Shun looked at him calmly for a while, nodded and said, "That's right."
"However, the task given to me by the Lord is to deliver the letter. There is indeed no intention to win over."
"The prince said that Brother Zhao once said that you must follow the land of benevolence and righteousness, the government of benevolence and righteousness, and the teacher of benevolence and righteousness. You will figure out where to go."
"The prince also said that he has a huge family fortune, which is enough to qualify for a domain. Since it is fate to place your brother Zhao's widowed sister-in-law and nephew, no matter what, he will make them prosperous and wealthy."
"The prince has raised all his brother's family members. Perhaps Brother Zhao should have heard of it."
"Yes," Zhao Yun took a deep breath, nodded and said calmly: "I have heard about it, and I admire Zhang Hou's character even more."
"So after careful consideration, I am willing to take my brothers from Wuniu Mountain to Xudu with General Gao. I am also willing to win over the nearby gentry to Zhang Hou."
"Well, okay, let's go together," Gao Shun's eyes lit up and he had no intention of rejecting Zhao Yun.
…
Xudu.
"ah?"
Zhang Han had just come out of Lefang Yashe early in the morning. When he heard Ji Boxiao's report, he was stunned on the spot.
"What?! Zhao Yun is running towards me!!"
He immediately screamed outside the band, "Didn't I ask him to deliver the letter and leave immediately?"
"How did that happen?"
Ji Boxiao quickly replied: "He said that it was Zhao Yun who chased him out by yourself..."
"What a sin!"
Zhang Han shook his hands directly, his face was full of wrinkles and his eyes were squeezed out.
"Show off to the Prime Minister's Mansion!"
"What are you showing off for?" Ji Boxiao and Dian Wei looked at Zhang Han in shock.
Zhang Han suddenly came over and exclaimed: "Go on your own... this wave of mine..."
Why did you say what you were thinking, you are just driving a car, do I deserve the key? How many should I get?
"What wave?" Dian Wei scratched his head again and asked, why it was even harder to understand what he was saying now.
"Go quickly, go quickly."
Prime Minister's Mansion.
Cao Cao had been waiting for news about him. A brave and handsome general was about to arrive. Thinking about it, he felt a little excited.
However, it cannot be shown. As a hero, he should have an arrogant air and the demeanor of not changing his expression even if the mountain collapses in front of him.
So after he came back from the court meeting, he had been reading the same memorial in front of the document for an hour.
Sure enough, Zhang Han soon received the news, and Cao Cao was interested and quickly called for someone.
"The news has indeed come in these days," Cao Cao thought to himself, keeping a calm expression on his face.
As soon as Zhang Han came in, their eyes met and both of them were stunned.
Damn it, his father-in-law seemed to be looking forward to it... Zhang Han was shocked, and his heart immediately jumped.
Damn it, Bochang's expression was not good. Could it be that Zhao Zilong was unwilling to submit to me and even blamed me for inviting his sister-in-law and nephew to Xudu as a threat?
Cao Cao quickly asked: "Bo Chang, but there is news about Zhao Yun from the Jizhou sentinel?"
Zhang Han stood still for a moment: "Good news or bad news, father-in-law, which one do you want to hear first?"
Um? Father-in-law?
When Cao Cao heard this title, he felt even worse...
In the past, he was only called father-in-law, but now he is even called "sir".
(End of chapter)
