It wasn't until he returned to Hefei City again and saw the city gate suddenly closing that Wang Zhengfang let out a long breath.
In fact, this battle not only accomplished the established strategic goal, directly burning Sun Ce's army camp outside the city, but also discovered the enemy's true strength, which indirectly confirmed that Wang Zheng's previous judgment was indeed correct, and that Sun Ce did deliberately take advantage of the importance of Hefei.
Making plans to attack the east and west, the main force may have already attacked the city in Lujiang.
But at this time, Wang Zheng's heart did not have the joy that he had after winning in the past. In addition to being frightened, he also felt unspeakably tired.
On the one hand, he really did not expect that Sun Cejun's soldiers were so brave, and there were several brave and powerful soldiers in the military camp, which made such a small-scale surprise attack rare.
On the other hand, the friendly forces retreated at the critical moment, almost causing a catastrophe. This makes Wang Zheng still feel scared when he thinks about it now.
If the decision had been made a little later and the friendly forces had been able to directly disperse the army's formation, or even if it had caused a chain reaction and caused the morale of the Heavenly Army to plummet, the result... would have been an extremely dangerous defeat.
The Skeleton King's army is really unreliable. Wang Zheng secretly complained, and immediately ordered after jumping off his horse: "Hurry and arrange medical officers to treat the injured."
"By the way, Zhou Xiancheng is also injured. It seems that the injury is not serious. Please go and ask the famous doctors in the city to come and treat him."
Hearing this, the defenders were in an uproar. Immediately, a group of people quickly brought a door panel and lifted Zhou Yu up. Then a group of people shouted and ran towards the city.
Um...actually, I was injured too.
Wang Zheng opened his mouth, but finally shook his head and looked around. A dozen medical officers were so busy running back and forth. There were many wounded soldiers this time, and some with minor injuries had to wait. He smiled bitterly,
Speaking of which, my injury can be considered a minor injury...
Then just wait.
I just found a pergola and just sat down, closing my eyes to relax. After a while, the soldiers guarding outside the shed suddenly came to report: "General, there is a middle-aged man dressed as a Taoist priest who heard that you were injured and requested to see you.
show you."
Taoist priest? Wang Zheng was startled and asked, "Can I ask about the origin of my name?"
"I asked, the person's name is Zhou Shang."
"Zhou Shang?"
Wang Zheng recalled it in his mind. He didn't seem to have seen this name in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms. He was exhausted at this time. Since he was an unknown person, how could he have the mood and energy to deal with it. He wanted to wave his hand and refuse, but his body moved and he was immediately involved.
When he felt the wound, he felt a dull pain. After hesitating for a while, he changed his words and said, "Then invite him in."
"Here!"
Not long after, a middle-aged man walked over. Wang Zheng looked up and saw that this man was about forty or fifty years old. He was wearing a clean and elegant robe and had black hair. Against the backdrop of the dawn, he actually looked like a man.
He looked like a fairy, and his heart suddenly moved.
This person looks good.
As the saying goes, do as the Romans do when traveling. Apart from the celebrities in his memory, Wang Zheng is also used to judging people by their appearance. When he saw Zhou Shang's good appearance, he immediately paid more attention to him and said, "This elder is polite."
"I will pay my respects to Wang Zhoumu next week." Zhou Shang returned the greeting and raised his eyes. As soon as he saw Wang Zheng's face clearly, he was startled.
Why is Wang Zheng's appearance so ordinary? To put it bluntly, there is no trace of the aristocratic appearance that should be expected in physiognomy.
Could it be that the purple energy Yu'er got that day came from someone else, or was there another chance?
Zhou Shang was filled with doubts. Although he had not yet used the qi-gazing technique, he was disappointed by Wang Zheng's face. However, when he thought about it again, he secretly screamed that something was wrong.
Judging by his appearance, this Wang Zheng is basically a wandering husband in Guizhou. Let alone a position as high as Xuzhou Mu, I am afraid that he is not even a small official!
"When we were chatting back then, Brother Zuo Dao once said that in the past, when the great ancestor Qianlong didn't show up, it was just a general destiny. This was the hidden way of self-preservation of the real dragon dancing in the light. It is difficult for people to fathom.
Be taken seriously, so as not to suffer the jealousy of ghosts and gods before the cauldron is completed, and die midway..."
"Is this the case for the royal government?"
Thinking of this, Zhou Shang could no longer hold himself back and squinted his eyes directly at Wang Zheng, but his expression changed drastically after a moment!
But Zhou Shang finally got a clear look. He saw clouds gushing out around Wang Zheng's body, like boiling water, or like an opening of a spring. On top, there was a cauldron of white gas boiling in the shape of a flag. There was a purple cloud pillar in the middle.
Penetrating, purple energy penetrating.
The banner has two meanings. One refers to the military flag used as a command by the generals in the ancient army. It has the meaning of descending and commanding, and is also the king's ceremonial guard.
The other one, as far as Zhou Shang knows, in numerology, also represents the Rizhi Chen, which belongs to the dragon among the twelve zodiac animals, and Ren sits on the Chen, so it is called Ren riding on the back of the dragon!
"This...this is the sign of vigorous dragon energy, which will surely lead to wealth and prosperity for a long time."
"Not only has the Dragon Qi been formed, but the cauldron has also begun to be cast. It can take as little as three years or as late as five years. Once the cauldron is completely stable, it will be able to do anything. Even if it cannot aspire to the Central Plains, at least it will be a small emperor.
pattern!"
As the sages say, those who observe the Tao are emperors, and those who understand virtue are kings. Emperors are divided into big and small. The big ones are orthodox and the common masters of the world. The small ones are peaceful and seize one place to stand on their own.
Even though he had already guessed, Zhou Shang never expected that Wang Zheng's appearance and appearance were completely opposite, forming two extremes. The former was insignificant, while the latter was indescribable. He fell into a state of confusion again for a while.
However, in the eyes of Wang Zheng, he felt that Zhou Shang was behaving strangely. He came to see him saying that he wanted to heal his wounds. However, he shouted "visit Zhou Mu" and was either shocked or stunned. He didn't say a word and waited for a long time.
Finally he couldn't bear it anymore and said tentatively: "Elder? Elder?"
After calling several times, Zhou Shang finally woke up and said hurriedly: "Excuse me, Zhou Mu, but I am rude."
Looking at Wang Zheng's confused eyes, but not knowing how to explain it, his eyes happened to glance at Wang Zheng's injured right leg. He quickly exclaimed, pulled a bench from one side and said: "Sit down, Zhou Mu, this injury is not serious.
If it is not treated in time, it may cause future troubles.”
After saying that, he took out a pair of scissors and cut open the strip of cloth wrapping Wang Zheng's wound. He looked at it and said, "Wang Zhoumu, this wound is very big. It needs to be sewn up. It may hurt a little."
Wang Zheng waved his hand casually, indicating that it was okay. Zhou Shang took out a bamboo tube from his arms, took out a silver needle with a thin black thread, and said to the soldiers on the side: "Please go and get some water."
."
When the soldiers brought water, Zhou Shang washed Wang Zheng's wound with water, and then poured wine on the wound. Wang Zheng just felt a sudden pain in the wound, but Zhou Shang was already suturing Wang Zheng's wound, flying needles
The threads were laid out very skillfully, as if he was used to being a nun. After sewing, he cut off the threads and took another circle of gauze to bandage Wang Zheng.
Seeing Zhou Shang show his skill in medical treatment, Wang Zheng's inner doubts were reduced a lot. Seeing that many soldiers beside him were still groaning, he said: "Sir, you can bandage the wound yourself. Now the wounded in the army
There are quite a few, can the elders show it to others?"
Although he said this, Zhou Shang seemed not to have heard Wang Zheng's words and was still wrapping his arms around him while whispering: "Wang Zhoumu, with your current status, it is not necessary to charge into the battle personally. Since ancient times,
The emperor...the generals should be more strategizing."
Wang Zheng had heard similar words many times. He smiled when he heard the words and asked as if he didn't hear clearly: "What did the elder just say?"
When Zhou Shang heard this, he raised his head and glanced at Wang Zheng. Seeing his expression that was half-smiling but not smiling, he understood in his heart, but he didn't speak again, just covering up for Wang Zheng.
After wrapping it up, Wang Zheng stretched his leg. Not only was the pain relieved a lot, his right leg was even more flexible. He couldn't help but give Zhou Shang a thumbs up and praised him: "The elder is really a good doctor."
As if to retaliate, Zhou Shang pretended not to hear the flattery. He just stood up and cupped his hands and said: "Now that Zhou Mu's injury has been taken care of, I will take my leave."
After turning around and walking only a few steps, he seemed to suddenly think of something. He stopped for a moment, then turned around and said:
"I am old and frail, and it is impossible to take care of all the wounded. However, casualties are inevitable in the battlefield. There is a book here, which records a lot of medical skills. If there are not enough Chinese medical officers in the state herd army, we can choose others.
Teach him."
Hearing this, Wang Zheng was surprised and happy. He took the bamboo slips thrown by Zhou Shang with both hands. He took a quick look and saw several ancient seals engraved on the cover. He barely recognized it for a long time before he recognized it as "Ti Dao Tong Jian".
This name doesn't seem like a medical book...
Thinking of this, Wang Zheng quickly raised his head. Just as he was about to ask Zhou Shang to stay so that he could ask for advice later, he saw that Zhou Shang had disappeared.
...
The day after burning the camp, Wang Zheng was recuperating in the elegant room when he saw Wang Xiong trotting in happily, as if there was some happy event. Wang Zheng couldn't help but ask: "What happened to make you so happy?"
"General," Wang Xiong said, "I have just received two pieces of good news. The first is that Zhou Xian Cheng has woken up."
When Wang Zheng heard this, he was sure that it would be a pity if a person like Zhou Yu got lost in such a small battle. He pondered for a while and then said: "What about the second thing?"
"According to the report from the sentry, the Hefei army outside the city has withdrawn!"
"Oh?" Wang Zhendeng's eyes suddenly lit up, and he shouted: "Have you found out?"
"Reporting to Zhou Mu, this news came back from the defenders of Hefei at first, saying that Sun Ce's army withdrew yesterday afternoon," Wang Xiong said: "The general was afraid that they would not check carefully, so after receiving the news, he immediately took the
A few cavalrymen personally checked the area within fifty miles, and then they were sure it was correct."
It seemed that even he was worried about Yuan Shu's men after the last battle.
Wang Zheng smiled when he heard this, thought for a moment and said: "Now that the siege of Hefei has been solved, we can set off."
"Exactly." Wang Xiong nodded repeatedly when he heard this: "General Huang is alone, and he should go to Linhu earlier. General, when should we leave?"
"Let the brothers rest for two more days and set off the day after tomorrow." Wang Zhengdao: "In addition, you go prepare some gifts, and then ask someone to go to the Zhou Mansion to hand over the assassination. Then I said that I would like to visit brother Gong Jin this afternoon."
"Here!"
...
Before he arrived at the door of Zhou Mansion, Wang Zheng's extraordinary eyesight saw a middle-aged man personally greeting him at the door, and he was immediately surprised.
Why is this Taoist also in Zhou Mansion?
Wait, his surname is also Zhou, does he have anything to do with Zhou Yu?
At this time, Zhou Shang had already taken the initiative to greet him, with three strands of long beard under his chin, which fluttered slightly as he walked: "The distinguished guest has come to the door, and the flowers are shining brightly. Zhou Shang pays homage to Wang Zhoumu?"
Wang Zheng rushed forward and helped him up quickly: "We said goodbye in a hurry last time. Zheng Zheng has been looking forward to seeing you again every day. I want to ask for advice, but I didn't expect to meet him here today. I am really happy."
"The elder showed up at the Zhou Mansion. Could it be that he also knows Zhou Gongjin?"
Hearing this, Zhou Shang laughed: "Zhou Yu is my nephew."
Wang Zheng immediately stood in awe, Zhou Shang was white, and although Wang Zheng's words were polite, he had no intention of returning the greeting. At this time, he did not dare to make excuses, and immediately bowed solemnly: "Although Zheng and Gong Jin have only known each other for a short time, we feel like old friends at first sight. Since you are
His elders are also my elders. Wang Zheng of Xuzhou pays homage to Duke Zhou."
Seeing him making such a grand gesture, this time it was Zhou Shang's turn to be stunned.
He naturally understood that Wang Zheng was doing this for Zhou Yu's sake, which was exactly what Zhou Shang couldn't understand.
In fact, when he received the assassination in the morning, Zhou Shang felt very surprised. Zhou Yu's current official position is just a county magistrate, which is very different from Wang Zheng's current status. However, Wang Zheng wants to come to visit in person, which is a bit too important. This is also
The last time Zhou Shang treated Wang Zheng at the city gate, he did not explain the reason for his relationship with Zhou Yu. He did not deliberately conceal it, but felt it was completely unnecessary.
This is also the reason why Zhou Shang did not disclose his relationship with Zhou Yu when he treated Wang Zheng at the city gate last time. It was not because he deliberately concealed it, but because he felt it was completely unnecessary.
If Zhou Shang knew that Wang Zhenggen had rushed back to rescue Zhou Yu when he was about to leave the enemy camp, he would probably be even more unbelievable.
Wang Zheng's sudden visit also disrupted Zhou Shang's original plan.
He took the initiative to hurt Wang Zheng that day with two purposes in mind. The first was to use the qi-gazing technique to see how Wang Zheng's luck was and whether it was worth investing in the Lujiang Zhou family and whether it was worth investing in Zhou Yu's subordinates.
.
Secondly, of course, if Wang Zheng is really the master of the Ming Dynasty, then Zhou Shang can be considered as making incense money in advance. When Zhou Yu and the Zhou family have completely formed a solid relationship with Wang Zheng in the future, Zhou Shang will find another opportunity to show up.
, it can even achieve the effect of “already having a connection”.
But Zhou Shang didn't expect that Wang Zheng valued Zhou Yu so much and actually came to visit Zhou Yu in person just after he woke up. Zhou Yu was still injured, so naturally he, the head of the family, had to come out to greet the guests in person.
Everyone divided the order of guest and host and went to the main hall.
The front yard of Zhou Mansion occupies a small area. There is a well in the corner and several locust trees in the yard.
It was June, when the locust trees were in full bloom, with green leaves piled up in clusters, some falling on the ground, a faint fragrance filling the courtyard, many bees and butterflies flying around the trees, and a few cicadas chirping from time to time.
.
Looking around, Wang Zheng praised: "It rains at night and the locust trees are falling. It is slightly cool and I am lying in the North Pavilion. The Duke of Zhou lives here in seclusion. It is indeed a peach blossom garden."
"How can you live in a humble alley and be honored as a state pastor?"
After being habitually modest, Zhou Shang came to his senses and asked in surprise: "What is the Peach Blossom Land that Zhou Mu mentioned?"
Wang Zheng then remembered that Tao Yuanming was not even born yet, he laughed dryly and explained:
"I once read a miscellany called Peach Blossom Spring. It was about a fisherman from Qingzhou, Zheng's hometown. He once accidentally entered a peach blossom forest...the grass was delicious and the fallen flowers were colorful...there lived sages who lived in seclusion, but
They are the descendants of those who fled the wars of the pre-Qin Dynasty. The so-called "I don't know that there are Han people, no matter..."
"I didn't expect that Zhou Mu was not only excellent in martial arts, but also knowledgeable and memorized."
Hearing Wang Zheng recite a few sentences from the original text, Zhou Shang was greatly amazed by his elegant wording, and thought to himself: "This is "Peach Blossom Spring". Even I have never heard of it before. It shows that this person is quite knowledgeable.
Gao, I heard that he was originally from a humble background, but I didn't expect to be so studious and literate, which is really rare."
"In comparison, Sun Ce is just a reckless person!"