The reception banquet had not yet been set up, but a handsome young man with clear facial contours, cool brows, and sharp eyes walked in and saluted Zhang Yang, "Master Fu."
"Zhongda, you don't have to be polite. Come and take a seat. I'll introduce you to a talented person later." Sima Yi, who was twenty-one years old at the time, was considered a junior in front of Zhang Yang, but Zhang Yang's attitude towards him was enough to give him face.
The Sima family, in the entire Sili family, was second only to the Hongnong Yang family in strength, with countless money and food, and many disciples. Not to mention Zhang Yang, even Cao Cao had to be afraid of him.
Whoever can get the support of the Sima family is tantamount to getting the help of half of Sili State.
Therefore, Zhang Yang was happy when Sima Yi took the initiative to come and serve as a consultant, but he was very confused in his heart.
You must know that in the past when he visited you, Sima Fang's attitude seemed very dissociated. He was in an intermediate state of not offending you but not supporting you.
Now that people are here, Zhang Yang is naturally treated as a guest of honor.
Little did he know that Sima Yi's arrival was actually filled with difficulties. Let alone Zhang Yang, he was not even interested in going to Xuchang to take up a job.
But it didn't matter if he didn't come. After Zhang Wang returned to Hanoi, he ran to Sima Fang and cried, detailing his various inhuman experiences in Xuchang, and begging Sima Fang to save his life.
The two families are family friends. The Zhang family is not a big family in Hanoi, but its influence is not small. In addition, Cao Cao deliberately promoted Sima Lang. Sima Fang also knew in his heart that these three things were tied together, and he was afraid that he would be hiding. There is no way to escape.
After all, Zhang Yang is in Hanoi, and apart from the Sima family, it is indeed difficult for anyone else to shake him.
But Sima Fang is not a fool. Who did Zhang Yang leave Hanoi for so long and went to Qingzhou for? Of course it was Lu Bu, and he also knew this.
To capture Hanoi, the most direct way is to send government troops to Huai County to cooperate with Cao's army inside and outside. Zhang Yang can be captured in a day or two, but this means falling out with Lu Bu directly and leaving a bad reputation. This is something Sima Fang cannot do. Willing to accept.
After thinking about it for a while, Sima Fang didn't think of a perfect solution. If there was no improvement, he might consider giving up Zhang Wang.
At this time, Sima Yi stood up. At the same age as Lin Mo, he also saw the crux of the problem. Cao Cao wanted to use the hands of the Sima family to oust Zhang Yang and at the same time drive the Sima family to the opposite side of Lu Bu.
In a word, Cao Cao killed two birds with one stone. He not only eliminated Zhang Yang, but also tied the Sima family to the Cao family's chariot.
You can't refuse it directly. Promoting Sima Lang is just a blow to the Sima family. Now it's no better than before. I just heard that Yuan Shao died of illness. A discerning person will know at a glance that the next step in the Northern Kingdom is where Cao and Lu will fight for supremacy.
The winner between the two is the new round of Central Plains overlord.
Even a smart person like Sima Yi would not be able to tell who will win the battle between Cao and Lu for a while. As the family's consistent policy, either hedging his bets or waiting for them to decide the outcome before making a choice.
Sima Yi chose the latter, not to offend either party before they decided the winner.
However, Zhang Yang still had to be eliminated. This was an explanation given by the Sima family to Cao Cao. The difference was that this time, the Sima family had to leave no trace of Zhang Yang and not offend Lu Bu.
For this reason, Sima Yi personally rushed to Huai County to deal with Zhang Yang without leaving any trace.
Outside the hall, a woman in her twenties wearing a emerald green dress walked in. Her bright eyes were as bright as water, and the skin on her face showed signs of cracks caused by the weather in the wilderness, but she had an elegant temperament as she looked around.
"The daughter of the people, Cai Yan, whose courtesy name is Zhaoji, thanks Prefect Zhang for his help so that the women of the people can escape from the wolf's den." Cai Yan probably didn't know that decades later, because of the son of the wolf-like disciple at the table, he would As a result, her name was changed from Cai Zhaoji to Cai Wenji.
Of course, in the current history of this world, she will always be called Cai Zhaoji, and will not change her name to Cai Wenji.
Zhang Yang looked Cai Yan up and down. During the chaos in Guanzhong, he was plundered by the Xiongnu on the Hexi grassland. Lin Mo told him about this.
Then, the first thing he did when he returned to Hanoi was to go to the Xiongnu tribe with 20,000 gold to redeem Cai Yan.
"There is no need to be polite. Although I also rely on your father's scholarly style, I am not the one who saves you. I am just doing it for you."
With that said, Zhang Yang pointed to a seat not far away, "Sit down."
Cai Yan did not sit down immediately, because she got free from the Xiongnu in Hexi and all the way to Hanoi, she was always curious about who saved her and who could still remember her.
If his father had not died, then with the influence of the Cai family, many people would be willing to help. But it would be a shame. Once Cai Yong died, who would still remember this talented woman Cai Yan.
"I would like to ask Grandmaster Zhang, who is doing this for you? Can you tell me his name so that the women of the country can remember it and be grateful."
"My nephew Lin Mo, you must have heard his name, right?"
In Zhang Yang's opinion, Lin Mo's name is now louder than Lu Bu's. He has completely forgotten that Cai Yan has been trapped on the prairie. How could he know about the Central Plains? She shook her head slowly, she was very unfamiliar with this name.
On the other hand, Sima Yi, whose eyes flashed with a strange light, actively echoed: "Pengcheng Prefect, Lanling Marquis Lin Mo, Lin Yunwen."
"Oh? Zhongda has also heard of my nephew's name?"
"The Marquis of Lanling is very famous in the Central Plains. Everyone knows that this man is extremely intelligent and almost demonic. He is known for his skill and is the reason for the rise of Marquis Wen." Just kidding, these big families don't know what kind of princes they are. , Don’t know how to place a bet?
In fact, most of the fear of Lu Bu from major aristocratic families stems from Lin Mo.
"That's right, that's right. If Fengxian hadn't hired such a good son-in-law, it would be difficult for him to achieve what he has today."
Zhang Yang laughed loudly and said with dignity, "But having said that, you and my nephew are about the same age. If we have the opportunity to be together in the future, we will definitely become famous as twins."
"The Lord of the House is so complimentary that I don't dare to accept it."
The conversation between the two made Cai Yan feel surprised and confused.
A man who is a few years younger than himself is already the governor of a county and has become the Marquis of Lanling. Logically speaking, such a dazzling person should not be interested in an unknown person living in the wilderness.
However, in their conversation, Cai Yan also captured a piece of information, the only names she was familiar with, Wen Hou Lu Bu and Lu Fengxian.
Lu Bu and Cai Yong knew each other. After all, they were considered officials when they were in Luoyang City. They were all members of the Central Committee.
However, the relationship between them is not close to each other, so why would they pay such a large sum of money to save her? This confusion has always lingered in my mind.
"I would like to ask Governor Zhang if he knows why Lord Lin would spend a lot of money to save a common girl."
Cai Yan leaned behind him, lowered his head and said: "I'm sorry, this kindness to the daughter of the people is as deep as the vast sea. If I see my benefactor someday and don't understand the reason, I may be offended."
She stayed on the prairie for five years. During these five years, she was in fear all day long. As a rough nomadic tribe, there was no etiquette at all. This also led to Cai Yan's behavior now being very cautious. The lady is so elegant.
Of course, some things are engraved in the bones, and given time, they will always recover.
"I don't know why he saved you."
Zhang Yang himself was also puzzled. Cai Yan's figure, which weighed only a hundred pounds, could be worth 20,000 gold. Twenty thousand gold could be used as military expenses to support the army for half a year. It was a waste of money.
Then he waved his hand, "It doesn't matter, you can eat first. After a few days of rest, I will send someone to escort you to Xuzhou. You can ask him face to face then."
Hearing this, Cai Yan nodded slightly and did not dare to have any other opinions. He seemed to be used to obeying. Even if he returned to the Central Plains, the shadows that shrouded his heart could not be dispelled in a short time.
What's more, Wei Zhongdao is dead, Cai Yong is also dead. In this world, she is like a rootless duckweed. Where can she go if she doesn't go to Xuzhou.
Apart from anything else, Lin Mo had to kneel down in person to express his inner gratitude for the great favor of saving her life.
Moreover, she really wanted to find out who Lin Mo was and why he saved her.
Governor of Pengcheng and Marquis of Lanling
Anfeng County is no longer what it used to be.
After Yuan Shu became emperor, there was a famine here, and at the most exaggerated level, the people exchanged their sons for food.
Later, Shouchun was defeated and Yuan Shu fled to Anfeng. However, this guy didn't think about making a comeback. He closed the city gates all day long and enjoyed himself. He ignored the forces outside that were completely out of control.
In addition, Liu Bei, Cao Cao and Lu Bu fought here again, and the place was once reduced to ruins.
However, Lin Mo later used the positions of important officials at all levels in Anfeng as a bargaining chip to reach an agreement with Liu Ye, that is, the Huainan family was responsible for restoring order in Anfeng, and the important officials at all levels in Anfeng were all Huainan scholars.
When this agreement was made, the position of prefect was not included, so Chen Deng was eventually appointed as prefect.
But it’s not easy to be a prefect. Just imagine, except for yourself, all the people under your command are from another faction. How can you achieve unity of government and order?
Often when Chen Deng gave an order, the Huainan scholars would make another plan, which felt like they were being ignored.
When Lin Mo did this, his original intention was to use the power of the Chen family, the number one family in Xuzhou, to balance the situation in Anfeng. No one family could dominate anywhere, otherwise there would be an imbalance.
At the beginning, he did quite well. Chen Deng and his group of Huainan gangs fought back and forth, but as time went by, they finally became unable to do what they wanted.
By now, Chen Deng had already developed a bad attitude, especially when he saw Xu Shu taking the position of Pengcheng County Magistrate, he felt even worse.
Who is Xu Shu? He was from a poor family. He just put up a sky lantern during the war, and just like that, he entered the position of Pengcheng Commandery and rose to prominence, right?
Over the years, the Chen family has been asking for money and people. When Lu Bu was in the most difficult situation, it was Chen Deng who came forward to contact various families to rush to build the curved shaft plow and keel waterwheel.
Yes, it is you, Lin Yunwen, who invented the curved shaft plow and the keel waterwheel. But without me, Chen Deng, would you be where you are today?
Jia Xu worshiped the governor of Donghai, and a guy like Zuo Rong also became the governor of Langya. He, Chen Yuanlong, had great achievements, but he could only come to Anfeng to deal with the Huainan scholars.
Why!
He knew that in the final analysis, he just couldn't enter the center of power in Lu Ying.
It doesn't matter now, but if this situation continues in the future, then the Chen family will definitely be marginalized. In the end, let alone relying on the help of Lu Zhigong to become bigger, I am afraid that they will be suppressed by Zuo Rong and lose the heritage of the first family in Xuzhou. .
In fact, if you want to talk about misfortune, Lu Su is even worse. He is still the Cheng of Guangling County, but Lu Zijing can accept it, which does not mean that Chen Yuanlong can accept it.
Chen Deng looked at a report on the desk in front of him and already had some thoughts in his mind.
"Yuan Shao is dead, and he died at the right time. The situation in the Central Plains is about to change dramatically. Who will become the second overlord of the Central Plains."
While murmuring, three burly men walked out of the hall and bowed to Chen Deng, "Master Fu."
"Hahaha, we are all old acquaintances. Just call me Yuanlong."
Chen Deng stood up from his chair and greeted him with a smile, "I wanted to hold a wedding banquet when you came here before, but you were busy with military affairs at that time. If you delayed, you might be criticized. Now everything has been taken care of. That's it. Come take your seat quickly.
Come on, let's serve wine and meat! "
Cao Xing, Cheng Lian and Song Xian all took their seats after sighing with bitter smiles on their faces.
Soon, a banquet of wine and meat was arranged in the hall, and the four of them began to eat meat, drink from large bowls, and talk passionately.
"I heard that Zilong made great achievements this time and was worshiped as General Dang Kou, which is really amazing; Zhang Xiu was also worshiped as General Polu; Chu Nan even directly worshiped General Zhonglang; even Xingba, who had the worst military merit He was appointed Navy Commander and went to practice Navy."
After hearing this, the three of them couldn't help but put down their wine glasses, with depressed expressions on their faces.
This time, Cao Xing was ordered to garrison Anfeng, Song Xian was garrisoned in Lujiang, and Cheng Lian was assigned to Jiujiang, and they all resumed their status as captains.
On the way here, they were quite happy, after all, Xue Zang's dilemma was relieved.
However, people are afraid of comparison. Comparing with other people who have been promoted makes me feel uncomfortable.
Zhang Xiu didn't care. After all, he brought his troops and horses to defect. It's not too much to give him a rogue general. But you, Zhao Yun, have only been in Xuzhou for a long time. Are you worthy of being a rogue general?
And Wei Yue, we were all brothers who came out of the same barracks at the beginning. When Song Xian was the corps commander, he was still a pawn. Now the good guys have become the lieutenant general.
And they, after so many years, are still standing still, how can this not be uncomfortable?
Therefore, after being greeted by Chen Deng's highly inducing remarks, all three of them had a gloomy look on their faces.
"Don't be sad, at least you can keep your status as captain."
Chen Deng held the wine jar, poured wine for them one by one, and said casually: "I am worse off than you are. Although I am the governor of Anfeng, how many things can I really make the decision on?
There seems to be nothing else I can do except treat you guys to drinks. "
"Let's just say Yuan Long. You are the governor of a county, how can you compare with us." Cao Xing retorted.
If calculated by military rank, one must be a Zhonglang general to be on par with the prefect.
"I can't help it. Just like you, I can't please Yunwen."
Wuhu, after saying this, the topic became unified. After the three of them looked at each other, they tacitly chose not to speak, and raised their wine glasses to salute Chen Deng.
Sometimes, you don’t even need to speak, your eyes can tell everything.
The unwillingness and indignation in the eyes of the three people were all seen by Chen Deng. Some words did not need to be said too thoroughly.
Marquis Wen, if you don't give me some things, don't blame me for taking them myself.
I originally planned to take a leave of absence, but I insisted on coding up a chapter. I will try to make up for it tomorrow or two days.
(End of chapter)
