"The violation of kindness and discipline is worse than that of passers-by, and the difference of estrangement is worse than that of Hu Yue." [Seeking for communication with relatives and cousins]
After returning to Jixian County, Zhang Liao immediately sent people to Xianbei Kebineng's place, first to interrogate Xian Yuyin, and then to release Yan Rou who was detained by him.
At this time, some people began to doubt Yan Rou's position, because he had been a slave in the Xianbei, Wuhuan and other tribes since he was a child. Later, he gained the trust of the Hu tribe and was not only released, but also helped Yan Rou kill Xing Ju, the captain who protected Wuhuan. Instead, Ke Bineng's intentions have been revealed, so it has been several months since Yan Rou left Ke Bineng's army. Not only has there been no news in these months, but everyone has been left behind in the Xianbei army. Who is he now? What the situation is, no one knows.
Some people even began to associate Xian Yuyin's death and Ke Bi Neng's collusion with Tadun with Yan Rou, because Yan Rou was once the recommended Colonel to protect Wuhuan, but was later granted the title of Xian Yuyin by the imperial court.
"Now that there is no evidence, we cannot make a decision easily." Zhang Liao said calmly, but he already had some doubts in his heart: "You should be more careful when you take Zi Jing to see Ke Bineng."
"I want to go on this trip too." Zhou Yu suddenly asked.
Zhang Liao looked at him with a smile and said in a noncommittal tone: "Oh? Zhou Lang is going too?"
Zhou Yu didn't know what Zhang Liao thought of him, but he still insisted: "Last year, when I was patrolling the border and entering Youzhou from the Great Wall, I met Ke Bineng once. At that time, he spoke eloquently and obeyed me. I was deceived by him and almost delayed the general's deployment of troops. Now I am about to ask for orders to leave the fortress. I want to see Kebi Neng again and ask him face to face why he betrayed the imperial court."
Zhang Liao knew that Zhou Yu was trying to save his face, so he didn't point it out. He wanted to see Zhou Yu gain some military exploits during his trip, but he didn't use his status as Minister of War to hinder him. He was happy to give him a favor: "Since In this case, it would be best if Zhou Lang takes the initiative and goes to scold him!"
Zhou Yu thanked him and said, "I will definitely live up to my mission this time!"
"You are from Chang'an, so you know better than me the imperial government's plans for the barbarians outside the Great Wall. You are also familiar with my temperament these days in Youzhou." Zhang Liao waved his hand and said nonchalantly: "You are a Smart man, since you are willing to go, I will not give you any more instructions, Zhou Lang has his own plan in mind."
Zhang Liao passed the responsibility, and Zhou Yu had no choice but to take it, so he led a group of troops out of the fortress in the wind and snow. Along the way, he rewarded the Eastern Xianbei Lord Su Li and others who fought hard, and also brought Wuyan, Lou, etc. The heads of Ban and others were taken out and displayed to the Hu chiefs for the purpose of deterrence.
Their trip was extremely smooth. After all, it was Zhang Liao who led the victory. Su Li and others offered cattle and sheep to show their submission. Even Ke Bineng, who had different intentions, did not dare to make a mistake and came to the outside of the Great Wall in person to meet Zhou Yu. They meet.
It was already snowing outside and bitingly cold, but inside the tent it was as warm as spring and the heat was suffocating. Zhou Yu sat upright, indifferent to Ke Bineng's hospitality, and said: "Your Excellency is doing well outside the Great Wall. I heard that You fought against Wuhuan last year and suffered considerable losses. This time, the general who marched to the north to defeat Wuhuan thought of this and sent me to express my condolences to all the troops."
"How dare you bother the angels to express their condolences to a vulgar tribe who don't know the etiquette of the court." Ke Bineng is not as tall as other Xianbei people. He relies more on his courage and resourcefulness to win the support of his tribe. At that time, he was sitting behind the case, wearing a neat Hu suit, which made him look very capable: "By the way, General Zhang showed his power bravely and defeated Wuhuan in one battle. From now on, the mainland of Youzhou will be worry-free. It is gratifying. I have prepared cattle, sheep and other gifts to present at the official feast, but I hope they are not too meager."
"There is no need for cattle and sheep. Bu Dugen has contributed every year, not to mention that this time we conquered Wuhuan, we also captured a lot." Zhou Yu flatly refused: "If you are sincere, sir, please present three thousand horses in front of Zhengdan.
."
"Three thousand?" Kebineng's subordinate Zuonu couldn't sit still and slapped the table: "You have captured more than 3000 horses from the Wuhuan people in this battle. Do you still care about our three thousand horses?
"
"The Wuhuan people are Wuhuan people, and you are Xianbei people. They were captured, and you made voluntary contributions, which shows your loyalty to the imperial court." Qianzhao said coldly: "Of course, you don't have to accept it.
It's too cold this winter, we can wait until spring and hunt together."
"Hey" Ke Bineng smiled easily. In fact, he often smiled at people. Many times, affinity was also his weapon. After stopping the angry Zuonu, he said to Zhou Yu and others: "Three thousand horses are not a handful, let alone
We still have to contribute horses to the imperial court, and it will take some time to collect them. Don’t worry, Angel, I will definitely send the horses to Jixian before the first day of this year."
Zhou Yu was not satisfied, and asked more and more: "Did the Lord send it in person? General Zhengbei has wanted to meet with the Lord in person for a long time, why not take this opportunity to meet him?"
Ke Bineng twitched his brows and laughed and said: "Angels don't know. Zhengdan is not only an important day for you Han people, but also an important day for us Xianbei. I really can't get away from it. Although I have been with General Zhang for a long time, I am a regular
On the one hand, I am sorry after all, but there is still plenty of time in the future, so there is no harm in taking it slow, and there is no need to rush it."
"What if it's not an ordinary meeting?" Zhou Yu asked: "General Zhengbei is puzzled over the death of Captain Xianyu, and he still needs to answer his questions in person."
Naturally, Ke Bineng would not go. He looked for excuses everywhere, saying that Xian Yuyin's death that day was due to his reckless advance in Qinggong and accidentally being ambushed by Wuhuan. He fought to the death to snatch his body back.
Under such circumstances, it was inconvenient for Zhou Yu to expose the other party's lies. After all, Zhang Liao had just gone through a battle and could not start a fight with Ke Bi Neng in a short period of time. But judging from the fact that Ke Bi Neng deliberately sought out Ke Bi Neng to extort 3,000 horses today, Ke Bi Neng
The fact that Bi Neng agreed so readily showed that the other party also did not want to fall out now. Since both parties have the intention of temporarily maintaining superficial harmony, the next thing is easy to talk about.
"When I was ordered to come here this time, I only have two things to do. One is the cause of Captain Xianyu's death, and the other is Captain Yan's matter." Zhou Yu said, "I already know about the former and will report it according to the facts. As for the latter,
I don’t know why your Excellency wants to detain Captain Yan in Xianbei for several months, but what’s the reason?”
"There is a reason. It's just that Yan Rou got seriously ill while I was here. He went back in a hurry and his condition worsened, so he stayed at my place to recuperate for a while." Ke Bineng explained naturally: "My people here
The medical skills are not as good as those in the Central Plains, so the delay was a little longer. Recently, I heard that General Zhang had won a great victory. I felt happy, and most of my illness has been cured. General Zhang is really amazing."
After saying that, Ke Bineng sent someone to invite Yan Rou over.
Yan Rou has a pale complexion and a slender figure. Because she knows the inside story of Wuhuan, Xianbei and other Hu people, she is highly valued by Zhang Liao. However, others look down upon her because he is older than Xianbei and has some of the habits of the Hu people: "See
Pass over the envoy and lead the general."
"I heard that Lieutenant Yan fell seriously ill and was delayed for several months before Lord Kebineng left. But he is feeling better?" Qianzhao asked lukewarmly.
Yan Rou twitched her brows and said softly: "A little bit of cold is nothing. It's just that you want to keep me here to reminisce about old times, so I can't refuse."
"That's it." Zhou Yu nodded and said: "The captain has not returned for several months, and General Zhang has been thinking about it. Now Wuhuan has been pacified, and several counties in Youzhou are stable, but there are still many things to appease, naturalize, and relocate the people.
, the captain is in urgent need of help. It is somewhat inappropriate to stay here any longer."
Yan Rou immediately clasped her fists and agreed, with no emotion or anger on her face: "General, I will obey the military order."
Zhou Yu looked at the other party carefully for a while, without saying anything, and turned to look at Ke Bineng: "In this case, I won't stay long. The wind and snow are coming, and I have to return as soon as possible. If you are interested, you can come anytime before Zhengdan
When I come to Jixian County, after the first day of the new year, the ground is warm in spring, and everyone is in a hurry."
Ke Bineng felt alarmed in his heart and said with a smile: "My dear, the Wuhuan rebellion this time has been subdued by the imperial court, but Tadun is a treacherous and treacherous person. When he is defeated, he will inevitably involve innocent people. I have always
If I have a grudge with him every day, they will definitely implicate me, or make some shocking remarks, so I would like to ask the angels to enlighten me and help me change my words in front of the general."
"I don't think it's necessary. If you really want to explain, you'd better go to Jixian in person to show your sincerity." Zhou Yu stood up, patted Yan Rou on the shoulder, and walked out.
Ke Bineng chased after a few steps: "I heard that next year the imperial court will conquer Fuyu and quell the civil strife in Goguryeo. If I can be of use to you, I will do my best!"
Qianzhao's expression changed and he said, "Who told you?"
Ke Bineng said with a smile: "I guessed it. In addition, I remember when I met the angel outside the Great Wall, I heard that the angel was ambitious and ambitious, and he had the heart to expand the territory and build great achievements. I didn't expect that even Wuhuan would be the best."
In my eyes, Goguryeo is even less important."
Zhou Yu stopped suddenly. He did not expect that Ke Bineng would blame the cause on himself, which was a bit cover-up.
He first asked Qian Zhao to go out and greet the entourage to prepare their mounts, while he turned back and gave Ke Bineng a meaningful look. His eyes said nothing, but seemed to say everything.
Ke Bi could feel that his thoughts had been seen through, his face was not red, and he still looked at Zhou Yu with a sincere look.
"It's best that this is the case." Zhou Yu shook his head, turned and walked away, without leaving Yan Rou waiting behind him.
Ke Bineng shouted from behind: "Three thousand horses, I will definitely send them to you!"
Yan Rou walked up at this time, looked at Ke Bineng who was full of attentiveness, and said coldly: "I've already left, so what's the use of acting like this anymore?"
Ke Bineng also stopped smiling, and his eyes gradually became cold. He looked at the backs of Zhou Yu and others, and said sarcastically to Yan Rou: "Appearances are for others to see, and things are for yourself to see. This is what you guys
The principles taught to me by scholars from the Central Plains. Look at Zhou Yu, who has recruited these two people. He doesn't seem to be happy to know that you are safe and sound. They seem to want to know that you are dead."
"I'm in this situation, I'd rather be the second Xian Yuyin." Yan Rou stared at the other party coldly: "It's not easy to hide this kind of estrangement from them, but don't think too much, Zhou Gongjin is not ordinary.
figure."
Ke Bineng scratched his head and began to order people to lead the horses and bring Yan Rou's entourage and mounts: "You thought of them too well. You stayed here with me for several months and no one knew that you were being taken.
Forced or voluntary, if someone asks, how did Wuhuan know the arrangements of the armies in Youzhou, how would you answer? Yan Zihe, you and I have known each other for many years. Although you are a Han, you are a Hu at heart.
Why should you associate with these distrustful people? As long as you do as I say, let alone the Colonel Protecting Karasuma, I can help you even if it is General Protecting Xianbei Zhonglang or General Zhengbei! Just like when we helped you
It’s the same as killing Xing Ju.”
"Hmph, you are delusional." Yan Rou remembered that Ke Bineng had deliberately harmed him until just now, otherwise he would not have casually revealed the secrets of the imperial court's attack on Goguryeo. Seeing that his subordinates had been released, he reached out and took the reins.
He got on his horse and said, "But how did you know the secrets of the imperial court?"
He suspected that there was a traitor around Zhang Liao. Unexpectedly, Kebi handed over an old riding crop and said with a smile: "What if I say I really guessed?"
Yan Rou looked at the riding whip and was stunned.
At the gate of the camp, Zhou Yu and his party were waiting for him.
"Your court, or your emperor, doesn't actually need our surrender. He just wants us to be like the Huns and Qiang people now. No, are there any Huns now? I heard that there are no Huns in Bingzhou.
People can speak the Xiongnu language, and their children all feel that they are Han. It is really pitiful. The wolves on the grassland were tamed into oxen that plowed the fields." Kebineng sighed and lamented: "Now he is powerful.
If Wuhuan is about to follow in his footsteps, who will come after him? Fuyu is weak, and Goguryeo is in civil strife. They are all insignificant, and I am the only one left."
There was a sense of sadness in his expression of emotion, as if he knew there would be a cliff ahead but still wanted to go there and find a way out.
Yan Rou couldn't help but be moved, but looking at the time-worn riding whip, she still didn't reach out to take it.
Without waiting for Yan Rou's reply, Ke Bineng suddenly burst into laughter, took the riding whip away without leaving a trace, and reached out to help him sit firmly on the horse. Under the gazes of Zhou Yu and others who turned around, Ke Bineng pretended that he had nothing to do with Yan Rou.
Qian said: "There is no harm in thinking more. You can change your mind at any time. The eagle on the grassland is always waiting for you."
After Yan Rou left, Zuo Nu couldn't help but said to Ke Bineng: "I don't understand why you treat Yan Rou like this?"
Ke Bineng shook his head and said with a bitter smile: "Yan Rou is familiar with my Xianbei and Wuhuan's internal affairs. If I kill him, Zhang Liao will definitely raise an army to retaliate. If I don't kill him and instead treat him with hospitality, they will mistakenly think that I and Yan
What is Rou doing? In this case, Yan Rou will not be trusted, and she may die. If she loses one of her wings."
"Then why didn't Yan Rou just go to us? He could be where he is now, but he didn't rely on our support back then?" Suonu asked puzzledly. In his opinion, since Yan Rou was hanging out with Wuhuan and Xianbei, then what's the point?
They are a group of people, and they should always be thinking about their interests. Why are they still gravitating towards the Han people in their hearts?
Ke Bineng could see it clearly: "Because many people in the court doubted Yan Rou, he wanted to kill more barbarians to prove himself. The more efforts he made, the more stable his current position... He is now
He just wants to use our heads for military glory, have you forgotten that he treated us as sinners and questioned us as soon as he came for Xian Yuyin?"
"Bah, you are just an immature wolf cub after all." Zonu said in disgust.
Ke Bi Neng didn't take it seriously, but said with appreciation: "Don't you think he is more like us Xianbei people? Put profit first in everything, and are good at relying on the strong. What's more, he has been a slave since he was a child. Even with later help, I
I think more than being grateful, I feel even more resentful."
"In this case, no one among the Han people understands him?" Zonu asked.
"How can anyone understand his thoughts, or in other words, who would care about his thoughts?" Kebineng sighed, holding the old riding crop in his hand, and said: "It's a pity... he and I still couldn't be friends in the end.