Amid the sound of footsteps, Chen Gong's peripheral vision passed across the entire venue.
Seeing Mi Heng and Zhang Zhao who were talking eloquently just now, or Chen Yu and Wang Rong who were taciturn, dozens of officials and ministers were holding their breaths and standing respectfully, free and easy just now.
Everyone was gone, and he suddenly became trembling with fear, as if he didn't dare to make a sound.
This kind of restraint made Chen Gong look sideways and saw that these people's attitude towards Wang Zheng was a combination of respect and awe.
Of course, there is still one person in the venue at this time who is not included in this list.
Naturally it was Xu Fang.
Although he also stood up and showed the same respectful posture, his appearance seemed to be no different from everyone else, but Chen Gong was keenly aware that this young man also had respect, but no awe.
This made Chen Gong's heart move.
There are two possibilities for Xu Fang’s “distinctiveness”.
First, the royal government valued military affairs over literature, so as a military general, Xu Fang's attitude towards him was naturally different from that of other civil servants.
Second, Xu Fang's status is very unusual. What we are talking about here is not the official title and authority, but the power in Wang Zheng's heart.
These speculations were useless for the time being. Chen Gong secretly made a mental note and looked at everyone's various expressions. He withdrew his gaze, cheered up, and looked at the stairs with a pair of shining eyes.
Wang Zheng has been famous for a long time, but he has never met him in person. What kind of person is this powerful young man in Shandong?
This is related to when Lu Bu's daughter will get married...
It is also related to where Chen Gong's future will go...
And the choice this time is very important!
Because after he changed his master three times, there was no way out!
Thinking of this, under heavy pressure, Chen Gong couldn't help but feel uneasy. The gaze he cast was curious, probing, full of worries, and hidden uncertainty.
The sound of footsteps suddenly stopped.
When he finally saw the visitor's true face in Lushan, Chen Gong was startled.
Is this Wang Zheng?
He looked at the burly young man across from him with surprise and uncertainty. He had strong hands and feet, broad shoulders, a small head and a sharp face, and square forehead and leopard eyes. Even though he was smiling at this time, he still exuded a strong and fierce aura. He was indeed extraordinary in bearing.
Can...
No matter how you look at it, he looks more like a tiger general than a human king.
When Chen Gong was muttering to himself, he saw the burly young man standing at the top of the stairs, looking around the room, his eyes lingering on Chen Gong for a moment, and then he shouted angrily:
"The general is here!"
Although Chen Gong didn't recognize him, others knew that the person coming was Wu Sheng. After saying this, Wu Sheng took two steps forward, stood sideways, and bowed to greet him.
The next moment, another person appeared in front of everyone calmly and naturally, wearing light clothes and walking slowly.
The other person's figure first surprised Chen Gongan. He was really tall and majestic, especially Wu Sheng, who was already a strong man, but when this person showed up, he seemed to suddenly become shorter.
Chen Gong took another closer look and saw that this man was young and had an ordinary appearance. He didn't seem to have anything outstanding. Only his eyes were deep and unpredictable, focused and determined, and his composure was filled with surging self-confidence.
This person must be Wang Zheng!
This time Chen Gong no longer had any doubts and came to a conclusion in an instant, and the reactions of Xu Fang and others also proved this.
"Meet the lord (zhou shepherd)"
"Excuse me, gentlemen." Wang Zheng waved his hand for everyone to sit down, and walked leisurely towards the main seat. As soon as Fang sat down, Xu Fangfang quickly introduced Chen Gong. After hearing this, Wang Zheng nodded and looked directly at Chen Gong.
Chen Gong.
Seeing the other party's glaring eyes, he felt a power of looking down on all living beings. Chen Gong did not dare to look directly at him. He subconsciously bowed his head and bowed respectfully:
"I've met Wang Zhoumu."
"Dear guest, please take a seat." Wang Zheng smiled slightly and returned the courtesy: "Mr. Gongtai's literary reputation is far and wide, and his reputation is spread all over the country. Zheng has also admired him for a long time. When a guest comes from the west, he should personally sweep the couch to welcome him.
, but unfortunately the year is approaching and I am so busy with trivial matters that I have no time to spare for a while. Please don’t blame me, Mr. Gongtai.”
Seeing that he was tall and tall, but his demeanor was gentle and elegant, and his voice was rich and gentle, and he had a strange charm. Chen Gong felt as if he had been refreshed by a spring breeze, and couldn't help but nod secretly.
This man is not very old, but he is deep and reserved. He comes from a humble background, but he is neither humble nor arrogant. He is not disrespectful or out of bounds in his dealings with others. It is not a fluke that he is like this!
How could Chen Gong dare to entrust him when the other party was so courteous and courteous? He hurriedly said: "Zhou Mu's words are serious."
"Mr. Gongtai is indeed a gentleman." Wang Zheng picked up the wine glass and said with a faint smile: "This is a thin glass of wine to express Wang Zheng's feelings. Please drink it to the full."
Naturally, Wang Zheng had to give face to Chen Gong. Chen Gong drank it all in one gulp and just met the rightful owner. However, after just a few words, for some reason, Chen Gong's favorable impression of Wang Zheng in his heart was already rising steadily.
The first thing in my mind has come to fruition.
Such a young talent is more than enough to match Lu Qiling! How does she have the qualifications to be picky?
After returning home, you must immediately pack up that unruly girl and send her to Xiapi.
Of course, this matter was not the main purpose of his coming to Xiapi. Thinking of this, Chen Gong was ready to test his character again.
He suddenly stood up and left the table. First he gave a formal salute, and then said loudly: "Not only did Zhou Mu have great military exploits in Xuzhou, but the tiger's power spread throughout Yanzhou and Qingzhou. I have often heard rumors recently..."
"After counting all the states in the country, judging from the young and promising people, there is no one who has gone out of the state to pastor his right."
"In terms of the speed of pulling it up, there is no one who can go out of the state to herd it!"
"Marquis Wen once lamented this and said, "Now that I see young heroes like Zhou Mu, I feel that the spring and autumn are getting old, and the sun and the moon are passing by, but they have not accomplished anything, and they deserve to be ashamed!"
In just a few words, he praised Wang Zheng again and again, which was also Chen Gong's first test of Wang Zheng.
If you are young and promising, will you be too ambitious and arrogant?
This is the most common problem for almost all young heroes, such as Xiang Yu in the past, and Sun Ce, the young overlord of Jiangdong who is the only one in the world who can compare with Wang Zheng in terms of "young and promising".
Becoming famous at a young age and being complacent too early may not necessarily be a good thing. The previous reactions from people also made Chen Gong faintly worried.
The civil servants are all in such heartfelt awe for Wang Zheng, which shows that Wang Zheng is well-mannered and has great prestige. It also shows that few people will be willing to criticize the officials, right?
With all the praises he hears on weekdays, will it further encourage Wang Zheng's complacency?
Hearing Chen Gong's words, Wang Zheng was startled at first, then shook his head and laughed: "Mr. Gongtai is ridiculously complimenting me. I really don't deserve it."
He wasn't planning to continue talking about this topic. After all, Wang Zheng came from time travel. He never felt that he was "young" in his heart. He also understood the principle of "win first does not count as victory, win second and the sky will be red". Even deeper
It is known that in the original history, the Sima family became the final winner precisely by "enduring".
However, when I saw many people around me showing proud gestures, especially Wu Sheng and Mi Heng, I almost raised my chin to the sky. After all, as Chen Gong said, Wang Zheng's achievements were also due to them.
Wang Zheng couldn't help but feel moved because of his hard work.
Looks like we need to talk some more.
Thinking of this, Wang Zheng sighed, looked at Chen Gong and said loudly: "No one is good at fame and wealth. Today, Zheng Zheng is indeed considered to have a small reputation, and he has been complacent."
"But it's happiness first and worry later!"
Hearing this, everyone was startled, and Chen Gong also asked in surprise: "Why did Zhou Mu say this?"
"If a tree is beautiful in the forest, the wind will destroy it; if it is higher than others, the crowd will definitely reject it." Wang Zheng said seriously: "In the past, Emperor Gao gathered the princes to attack King Xiang. Isn't it just because of his sharp edge that it aroused people's jealousy too much?
"
"You have to know that the first bird will be shot...oh no..." Realizing that this sentence may not be popular here, it is difficult to understand. Wang Zheng thought for a while and changed his words: "The first rafters are the first to rot, and sometimes they stand out.
, it’s better to keep a low profile and bide your time!”
Keep a low profile and bide your time...
Chen Gong was silent about this word and thought about it for a while. Then he raised his head and looked at Wang Zheng with admiration in his eyes: "General, at such a young age, he has worries about letting go. I really admire him."
For the other party to be able to say such words, at least it can prove that he is not arrogant because of his current achievements. From this point of view alone, it is extremely rare.
"When we are having a casual conversation, there is no need to mention official positions," Wang Zheng said with a smile: "I have never met either Mr. or Marquis Wen before today, but we have been close friends for a long time. Today, Mr. Wen allows me to meet them in person. I am really lucky.
"
"Yingcai?" Chen Gong shook his head: "Gong treats Zhou Mu sincerely, why should Zhou Mu make fun of him?"
"Gong and Marquis Wen were defeated at the hands of Cao Cao, and arrived in Xuzhou in embarrassment. Fortunately, the governor of Xu Yiwu County was able to still have a piece of tile covering his head." Speaking of this, Chen Gong laughed at himself: "The defeated army
How can a general be said to be brave, let alone talented?"
"Sir, why did you say this?" Wang Zheng heard this and wanted to console himself: "Victory and defeat are common matters for military strategists. Even those with great talents and strategies like Emperor Gao will be surrounded by Baideng. How can we judge it at a moment's notice?"
"Besides, the battle at Yanzhou has also been heard by the government. It was caused by a sudden locust plague. The defeat of Mr. Wen and Marquis Wen can be said to be a crime not caused by war."
"oh?"
Chen Gong looked up after hearing the words. After the first worry was gone, he gave birth to the second one, but he was afraid that Wang Zheng would underestimate him because of the previous show. After looking at him for a long time, he saw Wang Zheng's expression was solemn and his words were sincere, as if he was not speaking out.
Yu was perfunctory, but he immediately thought about it. After looking at Wang Zheng for a while, he suddenly said: "The palace has something to say, I don't know whether to say it or not."
"Sir, please speak."
"Does Zhou Mu have ambitions?"
This question came out of nowhere, making people confused. Wang Zheng looked at Chen Gong in surprise, wondering what the purpose of the question was. After pondering for a while, he smiled and said: "In the past, Fubo
The general once said that if a man is ambitious, he will be strong if he is poor, and he will be strong if he is old, let alone politics."
This means that men should be born with ambitions, should be more determined when they are down, and should become more heroic when they are old. Moreover, Wang Zheng is now in his youth and is proud, so naturally there will be no exception.
Chen Gong nodded: "I'm sorry for being presumptuous, but I don't know what Zhou Mu's ambition is?"
Wang Zheng glanced at Chen Gong and said in a deep voice: "Since I am the prefect of Xuzhou, I want to protect the country from above and the people from below."
"This is the ambition of peace." Chen Gong shook his head: "Zhou Mu is in troubled times, so his ambition should not be here."
"Oh?" Wang Zheng heard this and looked sideways, with a hint of smile in his eyes: "What about the ambition in troubled times?"
Facing Wang Zheng's bright eyes, Chen Gong suddenly felt a wave of alcohol rising, followed by even more fierce pride and courage.
He did not answer at first, but looked around at the people at the table, suddenly slapping the table, and then cupped his hands and said: "When I came east this time, I met all the Dukes of Xuzhou one after another, and all of them were handsome. Although the Dukes are not talented, they are sympathetic to each other."
Then he said generously: "In the past, when Emperor Wen met Li Guang, he once said, 'What a pity! It's such a pity that my son has not met him at the right time. How can it be enough for him to be the emperor when he was the emperor?'"
"In the palace, these troubled times are a misfortune for the mediocre people in the world, but it is a great blessing for us!"
Then he looked at Wang Zheng: "Does the state pastor think so?"
Wang Zheng was silent for a while, looked at Chen Gong who was very interested at this time, and then nodded.
He thought of a lot at this time.
Chen Gong said that if you fall into the eyes of those who are conceited about their talents and ambitions, they will definitely feel sad.
But the "mediocre person" in his words made Wang Zheng deeply moved.
If he does not have the help of the system and the ability to predict, and only relies on his own mind and ability, in such a time of great competition, where will he have the opportunity to display his ambitions?
Let alone displaying ambitions, there is no ambition at all when we are struggling to survive every day.
For a talented and well-established person like Chen Gong, it is natural for him to be able to show his true qualities as a hero in the sea.
But for most people in the world...
But once a hero draws his sword, another ten years of calamity will befall the common people!
"The current situation in the world is even more chaotic than when Chu and Han were fighting." Chen Gong did not notice Wang Zheng's complicated mentality at this time, and still talked eloquently, "If we want to live in a peaceful and prosperous age, even a hero like Zhou Mu
, I am afraid there is no place to use force. Now the sea is turbulent, but it is the time for heroes to rise up and heroes to fight."
Speaking of this, Chen Gong stared at Wang Zheng and asked word by word: "May I ask Zhou Mu, is he only interested in Xuzhou, or is he following the example of Emperor Gao, Guangwu, with the world in his heart, his ambition in the eight wastelands, and his desire to build a city that will last forever?
What’s the credit?”
Hearing this, Wang Zheng became increasingly suspicious.
Chen Gong... is really a close friend, right?
He didn't know what the other party's intention was, let alone whether it was Chen Gong's own intention or Lu Bu's instruction. He hesitated for a while, not knowing whether he should answer or how to answer.
Xu Fang saw this keenly and stepped in to ask on his behalf: "Mr. Gongtai, if you just want to live in Xuzhou, what should you do? What should you do if you want to imitate Emperor Gao and Guangwu?"
"There are many civil and military officials under Zhou Mu. If you just want to live in Xuzhou, you are just selling for a price. There is no need to say anything." Chen Gong said: "If Zhou Mu has the ambition to imitate Emperor Gao, Guangwu..."
"Gong Zi should do his best to help him, and first promote the cooperation between Zhou Mu and Wen Hou!"
"Now the princes in the world are vying for supremacy with each other. Now the Mu of Zhou wants to marry Marquis Wen. Are there any jealous princes?" Chen Gong said with a smile: "If we go far away and choose an auspicious time, we may take advantage of my good time and ambush him halfway."
What can I do?"
"Now Marquis Wen has come to the palace to inform Zhou Mu that the marriage has been promised." Chen Gong said: "Zhou Mu can prepare the betrothal gift as soon as possible. After the palace returns to Wuxian, he should immediately persuade Marquis Wen to take advantage of this opportunity.
When it is unknown, you can send your daughter to Xiapi, live in a villa, and then choose auspicious times to get married, and everything will be safe!"
Wang Zheng and Xu Fang looked at each other, and Xu Fang asked again: "What next?"
"Now that Zhou Mu has captured Xuzhou, according to the palace, he should open a road to the east of the Yangtze River!" Chen Gong said sternly: "Marquis Wen is stationed in the north for Zhou Mu, and to keep it quiet, Zhou Mu can freely enter Jiangdong from Xiapi and jump over.
Horses cross the river and drive straight in. Those who drive Yuan Qiu will find dry bones in the graves. With the bravery of the state herdsmen, a battle can be won!"
"Xuzhou and Yangzhou are connected together, and with the natural danger of the Yangtze River, we can advance and retreat freely!"
"If you advance, you can compete in the Central Plains, and you can stay in one place. If you retreat, you can protect half of the country, and be granted the title of king. May I ask the state pastor, what do you think?"
Chen Gong's long and thoughtful speech was well-founded, full of encouraging words, and quite touching. After he finished speaking, he did not return to his seat, but bowed to the end, waiting for Wang Zheng's answer.
Wang Zheng stared into the other person's eyes for a long time. The ambition and ambition in the other person's eyes were undeniable.
But what does it mean to show your feelings like this in front of your own family? And it seems to be a bit of "persuading people to join"?
What's the situation? Even if Lu Bu and I are getting married, your statement is a bit too much, right?
After pondering for a long time, Wang Zheng suddenly laughed.
No matter what the other party's intentions are, let's adapt to the situation and cooperate with the other party to finalize the marriage as soon as possible.
He stood up from the table and chanted: "If a man does not show his ambition, he will live in vain!"