Chencang Mountain is located next to the Sanguan Pass from Hanzhong to Guanzhong. It is on the south bank of Weishui, and is only more than 200 miles away from the famous Meiwu to the east. The terrain is steep and the scenery is beautiful. It was originally just a forest and wild land, but now it is the base for Niu Fu, the bandits of Niu Fu. For a long time, Niu Fu and others have used this as a base to rob past business travelers, and even loot local Zhendian, causing peace to the surrounding areas. Zhang Lang had long wanted to wipe out this group of bandits, but because of the years of war, there was no time to take care of Niu Fu's bandits, which has caused the bandits of Niu Fu to cause disaster to this day.

In the valley between the two main peaks of Chencang Mountain, there is a wooden house and village. From time to time, bandits come in and out, or go out to patrol and rob, or transport the robbery back to the village.

In the hall, Niu Fu was looking at the map in front of him, showing a thoughtful look on his face.

A small minion ran in and knelt down and replied, "General, the military advisor is back."

Niu Fu quickly raised his head and saw Li Ru, dressed in a servant, walked in quickly, clasped his fists and said, "General."

Seeing him like this, Niu Fu asked in confusion: "Why do you look like this?"

Li Ru said with lingering fear: "I was almost caught in Fufeng County!"

Niu Fu was shocked and asked quickly what was going on. Li Ru would tell the consequences of the matter. Niu Fu snorted coldly, "Ma Bufang is looking for death. One day I will definitely not spare him!" Li Ru nodded with emotion. Niu Fu asked, "Did you get anything to go to Fufeng this time?" Li Rudao: "Except for Ma Bufang's actions being somewhat unexpected, other things went smoothly. All the gentry were willing to contact Prime Minister Cao through us to wait for the opportunity." Then he took out a list from his arms and presented it to Niu Fu with his hands.

Niu Fu took the list and looked at it, nodded with a smile. He put the list on the desk and frowned, "Do you think Prime Minister Cao can defeat Lu Bu?"

Li Ru smiled and said, "This is beyond doubt! How can Prime Minister Cao's great talent be compared with Lu Bu's common man? Besides, the powerful generals under Prime Minister Cao's command are like clouds and counselors, occupying half of the prefectures and counties and people in the world. They are inseparable from money and food, and their troops are inexhaustible. It will be a matter of time before Lu Bu is defeated by Prime Minister Cao!"

Niu Fu felt at ease and nodded. Thinking of something, he called Li Ru to the table, pointed to the location of Fufeng on the map and asked Li Ru: "I got the news, Lu Bu arrived in Fufeng County?"

Li Ru nodded, "It's not just Lu Bu, but Miss Dong Ying." Niu Fu frowned, and his eyes showed anger. He raised his head and said to Li Rudao: "I want to intercept Lu Bu halfway, what do you think?"

Li Ru was shocked and waved his hand quickly and said, "No! Lu Bu is extremely brave, and the thousand tiger armors under his command are all brave people who can fight ten! Even if we ambush, we have no chance of winning! General, we must not take risks! Otherwise, the consequences will be unimaginable!"

Niu Fu frowned, feeling unwilling. Li Ru advised: "General, for the sake of this plan, you should wait for the opportunity and not act rashly! We can only act as long as Prime Minister Cao's army captures Luoyang and enters Hangu Pass! Before this, avoid making trouble, so as not to cause trouble!"

Niu Fu frowned and nodded. Li Ru breathed a sigh of relief when he saw Niu Fu agreeing.

...

A few days later, Niu Fu walked out of the mountain hall. Looking into the distance, he saw that under the sunset, the mountains and valleys seemed to be covered in red and yellow clothes. Niu Fu recalled the scenery of that year and couldn't help but feel angry. Suddenly, he saw more than a hundred minions gathering in an open space on the left, as if they were talking about something. Niu Fu was curious and walked over. When everyone saw Niu Fu coming, they were shocked and hurriedly bowed to Niu Fu, and some were still hustling to collect something.

Niu Fu was suspicious and pointed at a minion who was the collector behind him and shouted: "What are you hiding? Take it out!"

The minion didn't dare to refuse to obey, and hesitated to take out the things hidden behind him. It was a notice.

Niu Fu took the notice and looked at it. He looked shocked. It turned out that the notice stated the content of recruiting bandits and bandits from all over the country. It promised in the name of General Lu Bu: As long as there is no great evil, we can abandon evil and do good, the government will not blame the past, and allocate houses, plowing oxen and farmland. In reality, in March, a large army will be eliminated.

Niu Fu stared at the minion who had just hidden the notice in front of him and shouted, "You are hiding this thing to rebel! Come on, drag him down and chop him down!" The minion was shocked and hurriedly knelt down and begged for mercy. Niu Fu's two confidants dragged him down regardless of his begging and chopped the minion in front of everyone in the mountain village. The square was silent, and everyone felt sad.

Niu Fu returned to the hall, sat down, looking indignant.

Li Ru said worriedly: "Lu Bu's move is really clever! In this case, I'm afraid everyone will not be at peace!" Niu Fu said coldly: "Whoever dares to leave, I will tear him to pieces!"

Li Rudao: "This is not a long-term solution!"

A confidant rushed in, clasped his fists and said, "General, Fufeng County has issued a new notice!" Then he took out a notice from his arms and presented it to Niu Fu. Niu Fu took the notice and opened it to see it. Li Ru also put his head over. The two saw it: Anyone who captured Niu Fu and Li Ru would be exempted from life and death, and would be awarded a hundred taels of gold, and would be granted the county magistrate.

The two were shocked, and Li Ru said repeatedly: "It's not good, it's not good..." He glanced at Niu Fu, "As soon as such a notice came out, there will inevitably be no one who wants to make money!" Niu Fu was also worried and frowned.

...

Turning his eyes to Zhang Lang. After leaving Fufeng County, Zhang Lang and his group headed west, inspecting Tianshui County, Longxi County, and Jincheng County. Every time they arrived, Zhang Lang learned in detail about agriculture, refugees, commerce and gentry. In general, agriculture and commerce issues were handled well, and the problems of refugees and gentry encountered some obstacles. The gentry continued to adopt a non-cooperation attitude towards the government representing Lu Bu, which led to many things in the local area stagnation. After all, many of the gentry served in the government. If they did not cooperate and disobey, it would be difficult to accomplish.
Chapter completed!