In the midsummer morning, in addition to the vigorous vitality, there is also a rare coolness.
After the war, Xiapi City seemed unusually quiet.
Not long after, at the city gate, the soldiers who received the order rang the bell of the watchtower. The majestic and melodious sound frightened the birds sleeping in the tower into flight, flying in panic in the dawn sky. At the same time, it also broke the silence.
.
The heavy fog that had lingered in Xiapi for many days suddenly dissipated after the place changed hands.
The landscape of the city began to become clear, transparent and clear at a glance.
Even after the Heavenly Army stationed in Xiapi, they still loudly announced the peace order as usual. But even after five or six days after the war, perhaps because the new owner was the notorious Yellow Turban bandit, most of the people still
The door was closed tightly and no one dared to move around at will. As a result, except for the patrolling soldiers, there were very few people on the street at this time.
After the bells in the inner city, the wailing trumpets sounded again and again in the outer city.
That's the direction of the military camp.
Soon after, countless soldiers trotted out of the camp gate one by one. According to the usual practice, this was the time to go to the school field for training, but today they were divided into several groups, from outside the city to the outer city, and then from the outer city to the inner city.
, lined up neatly one after another, cleaning the streets, setting up defenses, and guarding...
And the etiquette work of welcoming.
Yesterday, the messengers from the Tianfu Camp went from camp to camp to make a notice, saying that under the order of Major Xu, no one was allowed to travel before noon today. The timid ones whispered, and the bold ones asked, but it turned out that it was
Wang Zheng, the Tiangong general who personally led the army to pursue the puppet Liu bandits, Xiapi, and now the real master of Xuzhou, is said to have begun his return journey and will arrive in Xiapi today.
In Xiapi City today, it can be said that all the generals of the Heavenly Army have gathered together. Not only Xu Fang, Yu Jin, Pan Zhang and others, but also Wu Sheng, who was previously stationed as the Prime Minister, also came the day before yesterday. It’s just that although the official positions of the three of them are all
Majors, regardless of rank, but basically since the uprising, every time a city is conquered, the subsequent finishing work is almost always the responsibility of General Xu Fang. To a certain extent, it has become a default fact, and Xiapi has no
exception.
This is indirectly equivalent to handing over the highest command power to Xu Fang's hands.
At this time, among a group of civil and military officials waiting at the city gate, he naturally stood in the most central position.
Time passed minute by minute.
The sun is getting higher and the temperature is getting higher.
When everyone's foreheads began to sweat, there was no movement in the distance. Wu Sheng was the first to lose control. He was already impatient, not to mention that they, generals wearing armor and helmets, could not stand the sweltering heat.
While wiping his sweat, he approached Xu Fang and asked, "Afang, when will the general arrive?"
"It's almost noon, and there's not even a soul in sight."
"Don't be impatient." Xu Fang glanced at him and said calmly: "The general chased Liu Bei's army to Pei County, but later he gave up when he saw him entering Yuzhou. He sent someone to pass the letter on the way back, and I will also send someone later.
Sentry, just the day before yesterday, the general arrived at Lu County, which is less than a hundred miles away from Xiapi. If there is no accident, he will definitely arrive at Xiapi today."
"That's it." Wu Sheng scratched his head: "Speaking of which, Liu Bei didn't go north to Qingzhou or Beihai, but went all the way south to Yuzhou. It's surprising."
"Wasn't he a Pingyuan prime minister before? If you lose Xuzhou and don't go back to your hometown, what's the point of going to Yuzhou?"
Before Xu Fang could answer, Yu Jin on the side interrupted with a smile: "Qingzhou is even more unstable now. It is impossible for Liu Bei to go."
"What Brother Wen Ze said is true." Xu Fang said: "Information was also sent from the Mi family before. Now Yuan Tanzheng, the eldest son of Yuan Shao, is at war with Tian Kai, the governor of Qingzhou appointed by Gongsun Zan. To the north of the plain is Bohai County and to the west is Qinghe Kingdom. No.
The place where Yuan's army is stationed is where the fighting is fierce, and Liu Bei also belongs to Gongsun Zan's faction, so how can he dare to return to the plains at this time?"
"As for Beihai..." Xu Fang shook his head repeatedly: "Kong Rong was a Confucian scholar and had difficulty protecting himself. If Liu Bei fled to Beihai, it would be tantamount to drawing our army there. This move would bring disaster to Liu Bei.
He has a reputation as a kind and kind gentleman, and regardless of whether this is just to gain reputation or is true, he should and will not do it."
That's it...
Wu Sheng nodded and wanted to say more, but at this moment, dust was flying in front of him and a horseman came running quickly.
"Report, the general's army has arrived fifteen miles away from Xiapi. They should arrive within two hours."
This is the scout horse sent by Xu Fang. In order to welcome Wang Zheng, he has made arrangements since yesterday to report back every three miles.
Hearing this, everyone became energetic.
There is a saying that goes, "Don't chase poor bandits."
According to the original plan, Wang Zheng was not prepared to fight Liu Bei to death, at least not at this time.
Liu Bei's withdrawal from Xiapi is tantamount to giving up Xuzhou, and that's fine.
Why pursue and fight fiercely and form a deadly feud?
But it should never have happened. Liu Bei chose Wuyuan as the breakout point, and Wuyuan's guard was Zhang Rao.
The most troublesome thing is that Zhang Rao was beheaded by Guan Yu...
It may sound a little ruthless, but in Wang Zheng's heart, Zhang Rao's weight is not too important.
He is neither an acquaintance of the generals like Wu Sheng or Xu Fang, who is directly related to them and has a deep friendship; nor is he Yu Jin, a famous general like Pan Zhang who has been stamped by history for a long time, whose abilities and values are very important.
For the sake of Zhang Rao, I wouldn't do it.
But the problem is that in the eyes of most of the Heavenly Army, Zhang Rao is more important than Xu Fang and Wu Sheng, and even more important than Jin and Pan Zhang.
Because Zhang Rao was once the commander-in-chief of the 300,000 Qingzhou Yellow Turbans!
And until now, even if the size of the army under his command continues to expand, the number of Xuzhou soldiers has already surpassed that of Qingzhou soldiers in terms of the number of soldiers, but the most important system soldier...
However, the latter still accounts for more.
Not to mention the mid-level generals in the army.
Under such circumstances, in order to maintain morale and military morale, Wang Zheng had to do something to give them an explanation.
Of course, losing a general again since Gao Xiong is still the hero template recognized by the system. It is impossible to say that Wang Zheng is completely indifferent.
He is also sad and angry.
This kind of public and private attitude finally led to the scene of chasing Liu Bei thousands of miles away, from Xiapi to the Longxing land of his ancestor Liu Bang, Pei County, Peiguo, before giving up.
After all, they had arrived at the territory of their ally Yuan Shu, and Wang Zheng had an excuse to stop at the right moment.
Of course, since Liu Bei left, logically speaking, Wang Zheng should stay in Pengcheng Kingdom. After all, Xiapi has no external enemies at this time, but there is still a tiger squatting in Pengcheng. However, after thinking about it again and again, after communicating with Zhang Zhao
, Wang Zheng continued to drive towards Xiapi.
Someone even specially informed Xu Fang in advance, and he also made a big fanfare and marched slowly all the way. The purpose was to promote military power and calm people's hearts.
Xu Fang heard the elegant meaning of Xiange and understood Wang Zheng's meaning almost instantly.
With the foreign enemies already fighting, the next thing to do is to make the whole of Xuzhou settle down as soon as possible. It's easy for the people, but the officials of the remaining aristocratic families have to use both kindness and power.
Therefore, Wang Zheng only informed him in advance and did not give any additional instructions. However, Xu Fang had already announced the matter throughout the city, and even led all the civil and military officials out of the city to greet him, creating a huge battle.
Speaking of which, the finishing work after conquering Xiapi was actually the easiest.
Not only the officials, but also the soldiers surrendered very easily. The various aristocratic families also cooperated extremely well from the first moment the city gate was opened. After all, during this period in Xiapi, it can be said that you sing and I appear, and the three parties take turns fighting, but
The winner who had the last laugh was Wang Zheng, the youngest and lowest-status person.
Speaking of which, at this moment, the same city is isolated and trapped in the hands of Liu Bei. If it falls into the hands of Yuan Shu, it will only expand the territory. But when the flag on the city head is named Wang, the meaning is completely
It’s different.
This means that Xuzhou has a true master.
Langya, Pengcheng, Donghai, Xiapi...
This new owner has actual and complete control over the four counties. This power even exceeds that of the previous state pastor Tao Qian!
If we add another Taishan County in Yanzhou and Guangling County whose ownership has not yet been determined...
It is the terrifying population and territory of the six counties...
With such strength, even if you look at the entire world, you can be called tyrannical.
You must know that at this time in the second year of Xingping, Yuan Shao, who had not yet annexed Gongsun Zan's foundation, only occupied the entire Jizhou plus part of Bingzhou, and Yuan Shu's Yang and Yuzhou had not yet achieved complete rule.
Coupled with his young age, the speed of his rebellion, and even his most criticized status as the Yellow Turban, which was now covered by a fig leaf named Xuzhou Governor given by Yuan Shu, the number of scholars who came to seek refuge during this period was
There are quite a lot of people.
But as far as Xu Fang felt, although there were many people, there were no talents.
Although he is good at reading, he is not the type who studies hard. He has met people like Zhang Zhao and Mi Heng, and he has never thought that the rhetoric and empty talk of corrupt scholars can be of any help to the general's great cause, so up to now
So far, Xu Fang has not even given an official status to those who flocked to him, whether inside or outside the city.
Not long after waiting, another sentry horse came back, saying that Wang Zheng's chariot had appeared within ten miles.
Xu Fang hurriedly cheered up and ordered the drums to be played. At the same time, amid the graceful and elegant music, he and Wu Sheng and others got on their horses and led the troops to greet them.
Not long after the group started riding their horses, they saw a forest of flags appearing on the horizon ahead, followed by thousands of soldiers marching in neat steps.
When we got closer, we saw that everyone was full of horses and horses, and they were all tigers and warriors, and there was a fierce and murderous aura rushing towards them.
The general in charge is young and does not wear any armor. He only wears light robes and jade belts, and hangs a long sword from his waist. He marches in front of thousands of troops, with the handsome flag behind him. Ancient swords, Ni Heng and other civil and military personnel are accompanying him, and the stars are guarding him.
It's Wang Zheng.
There was still quite a distance, and under the leadership of Xu Fang, everyone rolled off their horses and fell down, shouting in unison:
"The last general (minister) pays homage to General Tiangong (provincial governor)!"
Seeing familiar faces, Wang Zheng stopped and held the reins, with a smile on his face. He jumped off the horse lightly and said in a deep voice: "We are all brothers, there is no need to be polite."
He first helped Xu Fang up, then faced Wu Sheng, Yu Jin and others, nodded one by one, and then glanced back. He saw many people bowing their heads, many of whom he had never seen before, and selected a few older ones one by one.
Help up.
"All the gentlemen are talented people in this state, and they are also elders with high moral standards. They don't need to be rude at all times. I can't bear to deal with a young man in politics."
This was of course a polite joke. If Wang Zheng couldn't bear it, then who else in Xuzhou could bear it now?
However, if the person in the upper position wants to make a joke, even if it is not funny at all, the person in the lower position must cooperate with the joke to avoid being left in the cold.
Knowingly and interestingly, he immediately flattered him and said: "The governor, Wen Tao, and Wu Lu are both good at both, but he is also so kind and compassionate towards talents. Having such a wise leader is really a blessing to all the people of our state."
It is said that the butt determines the head.
In his previous life, when Wang Zheng was a commoner, he was most disdainful of the people around him who achieved success and fame and fortune because they were good at flattering. He felt that most of those who relied on flattery to achieve success were villains. But now that he has become the one being flattered and flattered,
But there was no disdain, let alone indifference.
It is human nature to like to hear good things.
Therefore, if someone relies on this aspect to get into the position, it is not a fault, and it does not mean that this person really only knows how to flatter people and wear high hats, and has no other talents.
Even if there is such a person who succeeds under his own command, it will only be a matter of his being a general who recognizes people.
Therefore, he just smiled slightly, showing off his majesty as a monarch. While chatting with these people, he said goodbye to Xu Fang, Wu Sheng and others, and then slowly walked towards Xiapi City under the guidance of everyone.
.
The drums and music were playing at the city gate, and Wang Zheng was the first to enter.
At this time, almost everyone in Xiapi already knew who this battle was for today.
Xu Fang ordered the streets to be cleared and prohibited people from traveling, but he did not prohibit them from lying by the windows and watching through the cracks in the doors. Nowadays, many residents living in other places have mostly gathered at the homes of people they know on the street, and everyone is looking forward to it.
, I want to see the true face of the Tiangong General in Lushan.
When Xiapi City was conquered last time, Wang Zheng also entered the palace, but he could not stay for more than a moment. In addition, the war was fierce and dangerous at that time. Everyone prayed to gods and Buddhas to pray that their families could survive this disaster safely. How could they be in the mood to go there?
When commenting on him, naturally one only hears his name but never sees him.
It's different now.
Although the Heavenly Army said they would not disturb the people when they entered the city, not many people believed it at the time. After all, people at the bottom are sometimes the most practical. They only look at actions and don't listen to empty words. After these few days, I saw that these yellow scarf thieves were really innocent.
When they committed the crime, after the fear and panic in their hearts gradually dissipated, they naturally became curious about Wang Zheng, the existence that seemed to control their future misfortune.
This name is not unfamiliar to Xiapi people.
It can even be said that from the first moment he led the Qingzhou Yellow Turbans into the land of Xuzhou, for more than half a year, this name has been appearing around everyone. He is mentioned in other people's conversations, and also in their own words.
he.
As the king's government was invincible and he won many battles, this name was mentioned more and more frequently. If what was passed down by word of mouth among the noble families was his strength, soldiers and horses, and his origin, then in Pingtou
Among ordinary people, there are more rumors that are unsubstantiated but more mysterious.
Like the reincarnation of the great virtuous teacher Zhang Jiao...
Another example is the bloodline descendants of the eternal thief Wang Mang...
The former brings, in addition to "God-given divine power", other things such as scattering beans and forming soldiers, swallowing clouds and spitting out clouds of fog.
As for the latter, it reminds people of the illusory destiny and the likes of Black Dragon Water Virtue.
All in all, there are all kinds of rumors. Now it is easy to have the opportunity to meet Wang Zheng in person. No one is not curious. So wherever Wang Zheng passes, the houses along the street are full of men, women, old and young, pointing and whispering.
Although they had long heard that the governor was very young, many people were still surprised to see him actually appear in front of them.
Countless people have sketched out countless images of Wang Zheng in their hearts, some are vicious, some are strong, some are majestic...
Not one of them matches the real person.
Looking at the young man who chatted and laughed with everyone from time to time, not only his appearance was ordinary, but now he was wearing regular clothes, and he lacked the majesty and aura that a general should have. The first reaction of most people was...
General Tiangong, that’s it?
But despite thinking this way, for some reason, everyone was surprised but not disappointed.
Because everyone subconsciously understood one thing after the first glance.
This General Tiangong just looks ordinary.
If he was truly an ordinary person, he should have been robbed of all his attention by Major Xu who was riding alongside him.
Major Xu is a truly handsome man with a magnificent appearance.
But the first thing almost everyone looked at was Wang Zheng beside Xu Fang, and the one they kept watching from behind was always Wang Zheng.
Someone discovered this, but didn't understand why, so they could only sigh with sincerity: "Major Xu is already outstanding..."
"General Tiangong is more like a high official."
At this time, there happened to be a column of the heavenly army passing by the speaker's door. Hearing these words, he couldn't help but proudly said: "My heavenly army has millions of soldiers, advisers are like rain, and generals are like clouds. Although there is no such thing as Major Xu,
There are so many, there are hundreds of them...'
"But there is only one like our general!"
This is nonsense...
If two or three advisers can be considered like rain, how serious a drought must it be?
As for the fierce generals... If this is the case, Wang Zheng does not have to pursue the remnants of Liu Bei himself because he is afraid that his men will kill Guan Zhang.
Seeing that the Japanese army took the initiative to talk to him, the person who spoke was immediately frightened and did not dare to speak any more. However, another door on the side came out with a question.
"Master Jun, I heard that the general left the city this time to pursue Liu Bei's army in the state. I wonder what happened to it?"
"What else can we do?" Hearing this, the Japanese military monster rolled his eyes, and regardless of whether these people could see or not, he gestured with his hands and shouted: 'Of course I will kill them all!'
ah?
Hearing this, there were exclamations one after another nearby, and an old voice even muttered: "What about Liu Zhoumu? He's dead too?"
Huh? Who is so bold as to call Liu Bei that?
The soldier was furious. He glanced around for a long time, but he still couldn't find the source of the sound just now, so he had to groan reluctantly.
"You are now the people under the general's care. Although the general's rule is generous, you must not talk nonsense!"
"What Liu Zhoumu! It's Liu Thief! Big-eared Thief!"
"The general personally takes action, how can this thief survive?"