"What gift?" When he first heard Lin Mo's words, Lu Bu felt a little entangled in his heart.
Could it be that they are trying to play both sides between Cao Cao and Yuan Shao, waiting for the opportunity?
This is a repeat of the Anfeng situation. The difference is that he has become the second Liu Bei, the weakest party.
Precisely because of the lessons learned in the Anfeng battle, Lu Bu felt that it would be better to form an alliance with Cao Cao, lest he become Yuan Shao's target and eventually become meat on the chopping board.
"Actually, before the poetry meeting, I planned to wait for Cao's army to arrive, find a way to form a stalemate with Cao Cao, and then ask Governor Zhang to raise troops from Hanoi and attack Xuchang. In this way, Cao's army would inevitably be in a difficult situation."
Lin Mo's casual words made Lu Bu startled.
Yes, there is Uncle Zhi, how come I forgot about him.
This plan had been agreed on a long time ago, but Zhang Yang was in the middle of the river and had difficulty in contacting him. Moreover, Lu Bu had always regarded him as a friend, so it was naturally impossible for him to be as thoughtful as he was when he commanded his subordinates.
If Lin Mo's plan is followed, even if there is no poetry meeting, he will not be afraid of Cao Cao.
"What do you mean, let Governor Zhang secretly send a letter to Yuan Shao and make it clear that he will come back?" Jia Xu reacted very quickly and immediately understood what Lin Mo meant.
"It will be at least a year before Yuan Shao goes south. Such a long time should be enough to gain his trust."
Lin Mo looked at Lu Bu with doubts on his face, "I wonder if Prefect Zhang is willing to go deep into the tiger's den for my father-in-law."
Lin Mo knew very well that the two were close friends. Zhang Yang had rescued Lu Bu several times, but asking others to take such risks was a bit unjust after all.
Lu Bu clenched his chin and hesitated for a moment, "Uncle Zhi and I are life and death friends. If I write a letter and state my interests clearly, I don't think he will reject me."
It sounded like a good trick to fake surrender, but Jia Xu's eyes flashed with worry, but he didn't say it out loud.
"But this plan will have to wait for a while."
"Why?" Lu Bu asked puzzled.
"Prefect Zhang needs help." Lin Mo looked melancholy.
However, these words made the worry in Jia Xu's heart completely dissipate.
He and Lin Mo actually wanted to go together. Although Zhang Yang was a prefect with a force of ten or twenty thousand troops, judging from his behavior, he was just a brave man.
Lin Mo felt particularly profound about this. If he hadn't written a secret letter to help him get rid of Yang Chou and others, he would have died at the hands of his subordinates.
How can such a person be able to shoulder the responsibility of going deep into the enemy camp and turning the tide at the critical moment?
He must have a capable counselor by his side.
It's a pity that Chen Deng, Liu Ye and Lu Su are all sons of aristocratic families. If you ask them to do these things, they will never agree.
Jia Xu has this ability, but this old bastard might run away at any time if he smells it.
I can't go alone.
"Help? Who?" Lu Bu asked curiously.
Well, Lin Mo was a little speechless and could only prevaricate: "Wait a little longer, I'm still thinking about it."
The person sent to help Zhang Yang should not only have an extraordinary strategy, but also preferably come from a poor family, and be willing to stick to his original intention.
Where the hell are they going to find this? Lin Mo rubbed his brows helplessly.
But without such a person, Zhang Yang might not be able to accomplish this.
After all, this requires him to act decisively and decisively, and at critical moments, he must also be extremely precise in timing and actions.
Fortunately, there is plenty of time. Let's try to find such a person within three months.
"What about the second gift?" It felt like the first gift was mentioned as if it was not mentioned, so Lu Bu could only continue to ask.
"Zei Rong, it's his turn to help this time." Lin Mo showed a meaningful smile.
It's Zuo Rong again, this guy is so good, why does Yunwen always like to use him.
Lu Bu disliked Zuo Rong very much, but it worked again and again, and he had to admit that Lin Mo was good at using people.
"I just sent the autumn tax collection book to Xiapi today, but I didn't pay attention to him. The government is doing the accounting with him." Lu Bu was always full of disgust for Zuo Rong, who had scolded the refugees on his border.
Lin Mo shrugged, "I'll go find him."
Zuo Rong
How could such a villain be used? Jia Xu sometimes couldn't understand even while twirling his fingers.
Since Zhao Yun did not have a military rank yet and had nothing to do with him, he followed Lin Mo to the government office.
Just as he was about to go in, he saw Zuo Rong walking out.
"Oh, I'm going to pay my respects to the Governor of Pengcheng and the Marquis of Lanling." Zuo Rong always had a flattering smile on his face.
"Okay, okay, stop being such a mouthful and come in with me. I'll tell you something." Lin Mo waved his hand, and Zuo Rong followed him eagerly.
Regarding the position of Langya Governor, it has not been settled yet, but Zuo Rong is not panic at all now.
Previously, the purpose was to quickly secure this position, so even if Xuzhou changed its master, his position would usually not change.
Later, I discovered that Lin Mo's thigh was much thicker than expected. Of course, he was just fishing for big fish with a long line.
"Hehe, actually Brother Yu also has something to tell you."
When he came to the pavilion in the government office and sat in front of the stone table, Zhe Rong took out a bundle of bamboo slips from his arms and said, "This is the revenue and expenditure of Baitang in the first half of the year. The net profit is eight thousand gold, which is not a small amount. Then. What, according to our brothers’ previous agreement, four thousand gold among them”
Zuo Rong chuckled, but Lin Mo's face darkened, "You made no less than 30,000 to 40,000 gold from this poetry gathering, right? Don't think I don't know anything."
"Whose slander is this?"
Zuo Rong stood up suddenly, with an expression even more unjust than Dou E's, and burst into tears at the drop of a hat, "Brother Xian, don't you suspect that I embezzled the purchase money for fruits and dried meats entrusted by Marquis Wen? This is absolutely not the case. !”
Isn't this the place where there are three hundred taels of silver? There is probably something fishy here.
Lin Mo didn't want to argue with him, but just snorted coldly, "You, you opened the handicap before the poetry meeting, and I heard that you collected the bets from merchants and aristocratic families from all over the world. You were quite smart and didn't give my name to me." Write it down, I said 40,000 gold, is that too much?"
Ah this
After being exposed, Zuo Rong sat down again and said pitifully, "Every number means one number, dear brother, if I open this handicap, I will also risk losing money."
"Nonsense! You helped write those poems and essays on the screen. You have no idea who will win?"
Lin Mo looked at him faintly, "How about I ask my father-in-law to come out and seek justice?"
"Then don't bother Marquis Wen. I will send someone to deliver the eight thousand gold later. Do you have any other instructions, dear brother?" If Lu Bu is summoned, he will have to spit out the tens of thousands of gold he earned. Zuo Rong still can't. stupid.
"I asked you if you are so rich, why are you always searching for things?" Lin Mo rolled his eyes at him angrily.
"I was afraid of being poor when I was young." Zuo Rong scratched his head in embarrassment and laughed.
It's no wonder that my old father-in-law doesn't like you. Sometimes you can't be too shrewd in life and always want to take advantage of good things.
"You have to make a trip to Jizhou for me." After teaching Zuo Rong a lesson, Lin Mo got straight to the point.
"Jizhou?"
Zuo Rong obviously didn't respond, "Why are you going there? The business in Jizhou is monopolized by the Zhen family. I heard that the Zhen family is now preparing to marry the Yuan family. With Yuan Shao as their backing, how can ordinary people get involved in the business of the North Country? .”
"Instead of doing business, go find a person."
"who?"
Lin Mo turned around and looked around, as if he was afraid of someone eavesdropping.
Zhao Yun, who was standing behind him, said: "Don't worry Yunwen, there is no one within fifty steps."
Ah, Lin Mo's eyes widened, "How do you know?"
Zhao Yun smiled sheepishly and said: "My ears can hear the sound of arrow feathers a hundred steps away. If someone approaches, they can't hide it from me."
Awesome, Lin Mo gave a thumbs up.
So I relaxed and laid out my plan.
Hearing this, Zuo Rong was a little confused, "It's not difficult to do, but why should we try to please him and find him three times in a row?"
Lin Mo stretched, "Isn't it good? If one day Yuan Shao's cavalry flattens Xuzhou, you still have a chance to ask him to protect you, right?"
"There is no need for a wise brother to test Yu Brother. Yu Brother's loyalty to Marquis Wen can be seen in the sun and the moon. He is even more sincere to the wise brother, and his love is stronger than gold."
Zuo Rong showed a look that could see through life and death, "Wherever Marquis Wen is, I will be there! If my wise brother is inconvenient to tell you, then my foolish brother will not ask, just follow your instructions!"
Yunwen really thinks about me. With Yuan Shao's current strength, it is entirely possible to deal with Cao Cao and Lu Bu together. Well, when I go back to Jizhou, I really have to honor this man.
If Marquis Wen and Xiandi are defeated, don't bring immeasurable merit to others.
After clearing the matter, Lin Mo was ready to go into the inner hall to find Chen Gong.
Zhang Yang still needs to find helpers to fake his surrender to Yuan Shao. If you want to say where there are the most disadvantaged families, it is of course Ziyang Academy.
There may not necessarily be any great talents, but you can pick a few smart people and give them a try.
Anyway, there are more than 3,000 people now, so it’s not impossible to choose someone.
As for how to test their quality, that is what Chen Gong, the vice president of Ziyang Academy, should worry about.
"My dear brother, wait a moment."
Zuo Rong stopped Lin Mo and chased after him, "I almost forgot something."
Lin Mo raised his forehead and motioned for him to continue.
"The tunnel at Xiaoguan has been opened and connected to the mountains to the west. According to your previous instructions, General Hao Meng sent all the people who participated in digging the tunnel back to change the defense."
Zuo Rong said with some embarrassment: "The other treasure thieves have also returned to Xiapi. If you want to deal with them, my dear brother can give you a word."
The speed was quite fast, it only took half a year. As expected, it is easy to do things if you have money, a full 20,000 gold.
"Forget it, just keep their mouths shut."
Lin Mo didn't think about killing people to keep it secret. It was really not necessary. "How wide is the tunnel? Also, which part of the mountain leading to the west is covered?"
Zuo Rong helplessly shook his head, "Brother Xian, how can I have time to see it? I'm busy enough with sugar and Liulichang alone, and I can't ignore Xiapi, so..."
That's right. Lin Mo nodded, "Okay, I'll go see it myself in two days."
This tunnel was intended to be dug after the Battle of Guangling, and was carried out together with the Pengcheng Aqueduct. The money at that time was 50,000 gold borrowed from Zuo Rong.
I thought that if Cao Cao invaded, he would definitely attack Xiaoguan. If it fell, he could use this secret passage to stage a surprise attack.
Although there is a high probability that Cao Cao will not attack in the short term, the tunnel that cost 20,000 gold cannot be ignored.
The width, entrance, and entrance points of the tunnel all need to be walked through personally. Only by exploring these conditions clearly can future military use be watertight.
Fortunately, this matter is no longer so urgent. Lin Mo will prepare to leave two days after tomorrow. Now, he needs to go into the inner hall to find Chen Gong.
As Chen Gong, who had lost the background of the Chen family in Dongjun County, he still held the official position of Xuzhou Governor. In addition, Lin Mo, the Pengcheng prefect, was not very dedicated to his duties. As a result, he was very tired and was writing furiously on the desk to review the county documents. .
Lin Mo walked in and didn't stop what he was doing. He just asked, "Are Yunwen ready to share the burden with me?"
"How many students are there in the college now?" Lin Mo picked up a bamboo slip and flipped through it.
"Thanks to you Shikui, there are 3117 people."
Without raising his head, Chen Gong pointed to the thick silk cloth on the side, "The list, place of birth, and origin are all registered there. Take a look for yourself."
Following what Chen Gong pointed out, Lin Mo saw eight neatly built hills, all made of silk cloth. They were really wealthy.
However, it would probably take ten days and a half just to read it. Lin Mo didn't have that kind of time, let alone what's the use of looking at the name and place of origin.
"I want to select a few outstanding talents and reliable individuals and recommend them." Lin Mo held the table with both hands and looked at Chen Gong.
"You're telling a joke."
Chen Gong chuckled, "There are more than 3,000 people, and I haven't even read the list yet. How can I choose for you?"
"You think of a way, whether it's a test or a question, give me people as soon as possible, I will be of great use."
In order to attract his attention, Lin Mo deliberately leaned down and whispered: "It's for dealing with Yuan Shao."
Sure enough, Chen Gong stopped the brush in his hand and raised his eyebrows, "How can they help?"
Lin Mo patiently repeated the story of using Zhang Yang to cheat and surrender to Yuan Ying. Chen Gongshen showed an expression of approval, saying that he could still do this.
"Originally, Mr. Gongtai is the most suitable person for this position, but Pengcheng can't do without you."
Lin Mo looked proud and said quietly: "So, Mr. Gongtai, please help me."
Is this a threat? Chen Gong sneered inwardly.
"With more than 3,000 people, it will take two months no matter how fast we go."
"Okay, just two months. Give me the list after two months."
After getting a satisfactory answer, Lin Mo left the government office humming a tune.
Back at the Lin Mansion, Lin Mo looked at the topographic map of Qingzhou as Zhao'er rubbed his shoulders and feet.
In the future battle with Yuan Shao, with his military strength, it is very likely that he will choose to attack on two fronts. On the one hand, he will go south from Jizhou to fight against Cao Cao, and on the other hand, he will send troops from Qingzhou to conquer Xuzhou.
Therefore, the terrain of this area still needs to be clarified.
Even the next day, Lin Mo was still looking at this map.
Without the prophetic skill, doing all these things is extremely tiring, and I have to do it. After all, it is a battle of life and death.
It wasn't until the third day that he got tired of leaving the map behind and prepared to go to Xiaoguan to see the tunnels.
The round trip is almost two hundred miles. In order to not be so boring, of course I have to take Sister Ling with me. Anyway, she is very happy to follow Lin Mo east and west.
"Yunwen, I'll go with you." Before taking the lead, Zhao Yun was really boring and didn't mind being a light bulb. He rode a jade lion and held a gentian gun and asked to go with him.
Ever since the old father-in-law asked Zang Ba to clear out the surrounding bandits, it has actually been very peaceful to go from Pengcheng to Xiaoguan. There is no need for escorts. Let's just think of it as a way to enhance our relationship. Lin Mo waved his hand and said, "Let's go."
A group of three people rode out of Pengcheng and headed towards Xiaoguan.
(End of chapter)
