At dawn the next day, Wang Zheng asked Wang Xiong to go and notify Zhou Hui, telling them that they also wanted to stay in the military camp.
Zhou Hui was stunned. He probably couldn't figure out why Wang Zheng did this. In fact, on the one hand, it was certainly because of Qiao Huan's words. On the other hand, because of yesterday's incident, Wang Zheng was also a little worried about living alone in the embassy with only a few personal guards.
.
Just kidding, aristocratic families in the Han Dynasty have a tradition of raising scholars, and their retainers are assassins in a sense. These people have many sneaky ways and are hard to guard against. The lesson learned from Sun Ce's assassination made Wang Zheng feel that even if his family has superhuman strength, he is separated from the army and is in a foreign country.
Living alone, although the daily life is comfortable, there is really no sense of security.
Returning to the military camp with Wang Xiong and Qiao Huan, the Heavenly Army was practicing. When they saw General Tiangong coming to inspect, everyone became more energetic and worked harder. When Wang Zheng saw this, he felt that this decision was quite wise and placed Qiao Huan in place.
Afterwards, he gave the "Eight Formation Atlas" to Wang Xiong and asked him to find someone who could read and decipher to figure it out first, and then try to train the whole army. He took a few soldiers and rode towards the city again.
.
Wang Zheng had roughly guessed the three words on the parchment yesterday, and they should have been sent by people from the Zhou family in Lujiang.
When chatting with Zhou Shang before, Wang Zheng had heard him mention that the Lujiang Zhou family was originally a branch of the Zhou family in Runan County in the early Han Dynasty. It began to rise to prominence after Emperor Zhang of the Eastern Han Dynasty. It was supposed to be Zhou Yu's great-great-grandfather Zhou Rong.
Entering the political arena, he was "Elevated to the Ming Dynasty" and served successively as Emperor Zhang and Shangshu Ling for two dynasties. He began to become a prominent local family and a high-ranking family in the south of the Yangtze River, which lasted for more than a hundred years.
Zhou Rong's nickname is the Master of Kuzhu Zhai.
Of course, Wang Zheng can be sure that this letter was not sent by the county king Zhou Hui. After all, as the current lord of Shu County, if he wants to meet with him privately, he does not need to be so secretive or even sneaky.
.
This is normal. It is normal for an aristocratic family to have deep roots and many branches. It is normal for each person to have his or her own thoughts, and Wang Zheng became interested because of this.
The soldiers went to ask the local people, and the answer they got surprised Wang Zheng. It turned out that the Kuzhu Zhai belonged to the Zhou family in Lujiang, but it was not in Shu County. Instead, it was located near the river in the west outside the city. There were about two
Lots of places.
The military camp is better, it is in the north of the outer city, and it takes about two hours to ride a horse. If it is the embassy in the inner city, it will take at least half a day.
Although he didn't know who was waiting to see him in Kuzhu Village, and he didn't know what would happen, but since it was outside the city, Wang Zheng didn't dare to be careless. After thinking about it, he sent someone to the military camp to mobilize about fifty third-level soldiers.
He came here as a guard, put on soft armor under his outer coat, took his spear and sword, and then set off.
When we arrived at Kuzhuzhai, it was already noon. It rains a lot in the south of the Yangtze River in summer, especially in Shucheng. Most days are cloudy even if it doesn't rain. Today is a rare sunny day. From a distance, we can see a huge building by the river.
Although the large Taoist temple is called "Bitter Bamboo House", there are no plants such as pine and bamboo, only some vines and grasses emerging from the cracks in the wall, adding green to this ancient wooden house.
The place is surrounded by a river beach with an unobstructed view. It is basically impossible to hide any heavy ambush. When Wang Zheng arrived in front of Kuzhu Zhai, he saw three horses tied at the door. After thinking about it, he asked most of the people to stay outside, and he brought his own
The two soldiers walked up the stone steps, but before they reached the stage, they heard someone laughing and saying: "This distinguished guest is coming from the west, but I didn't greet him respectfully. I even asked Wangzhou Mu to give Wang Han a lot of attention."
Wang Zheng raised his eyes and saw a middle-aged man coming out, followed by two followers, with a respectful smile on his face.
"Who is your Excellency?" Wang Zheng looked at the middle-aged man while observing the situation in the house. This place had a clear view. Apart from a few wooden houses, there was a patio with a stone table on which some wine and food were placed. He
His eyesight was so sharp, he scanned everything around in a moment, and didn't see anything strange. He felt relieved, but he hadn't completely let down his guard yet.
"We'll tell you next week." The middle-aged man raised his hands and said respectfully: "It's a coincidence that I just received a letter from the head of the family a few days ago. It's a great honor to meet Zhou Mu today."
Does it mean you are from Zhou Shang's side?
Wang Zheng nodded, and a smile appeared on his face, but he was still a little wary secretly. After sitting down, he just smiled and said: "It turns out to be Brother Zhou. I don't know if you sent a letter late at night to invite me here. What advice can you give me?"
He said this very politely, and Zhou Lue said hurriedly: "Zhou Mu has received wisdom from heaven, so I dare not give you any advice. I just heard that Wang Zhoumu came to my place, and I felt indescribable joy in my heart, so I prepared some small gifts and expressed my gratitude.
Respect."
Having said this, he paused, smiled, clapped his hands and said, "Here comes someone."
With a clear popping sound, a young woman walked out from the back of the house. She was wearing emerald green clothes and her appearance was quite gorgeous.
what's the situation?
Wang Zheng said in astonishment: "What do you mean by this?"
"The young Zhou Mu is brave and fights on the battlefield, which is the true nature of a man. However, because he is in a high position, it takes a lot of effort. Therefore, he specially found a female singer for Zhou Mu to entertain him. Wang Zhou Mu is happy to accept her."
Do I look like a womanizer?
Wang Zheng was a little speechless. Why did the Yan family in Linzi, the Yuan Shu family in Yangzhou, or your Lujiang Zhou family all give meeting gifts to women?
He waved his hand and said: "Thank you very much, Mr. Zhou, for your kindness. However, when the war broke out, I made a military rule that women were not allowed to enter or leave the military camp. Since I am the commander-in-chief of the three armies, now even in wartime, I can only
I have failed to live up to this good intention."
When he said this, he couldn't help but think of Qiao Han, and his heart suddenly felt empty.
Different, that is my prisoner!
The prisoners captured in the battlefield are trophies, not women!
Zhou Lue praised: "Wang Zhoumu is indeed strict with himself. It doesn't matter. I have bought a house for Wang Zhoumu in a secluded part of the city, and I have servants to take care of it. This woman is a famous beauty in our Shu County, and she is even more lustful."
Wang Zhoumu is a master of both arts and music, so he can go there for a walk when he has time and listen to the beautiful Qing songs."
Seeing that Wang Zheng was still disapproving, Zhou Lue could only explain: "Zhou Mu, please accept this woman for now. Although we are meeting in secret today, we must take precautions. If others know about this, they will probably think it is me, Zhou."
I just want to marry a good Zhou Mu, and I won’t think too much about him.”
Wang Zheng was startled when he heard this, glanced at Zhou Lue, and then Shi Shiran sat down and asked: "Others? Which other people, is it Zhou Hui?"
Zhou Lue nodded slightly.
"That means Zhou Shang only sent the letter to you and didn't inform him?"
Wang Zheng tapped his fingers unconsciously on the table, pondered for a while and asked: "Mr. Zhou, let's get straight to the point. What do you want to tell me today?"
Zhou looked briefly at the two followers behind him. The two men bowed and retreated with the woman. Wang Zheng also waved his hand, and the two soldiers also slowly retreated. Once they left,
Zhou Lue whispered: "Wang Zhoumu, the head of the family did not expect that you would come to Shu County so soon, so he did not remind you. Although Zhou Hui was born in the Zhou family of Lujiang, he has been with Runan since his father's generation.
The Zhou family recognized their ancestors and returned to their clan, and we are no longer the same people."
"It is precisely for this reason that Yuan Shu just asked him to be the county king of Shu County!"
"Oh?" Wang Zheng nodded calmly, "You mean Zhou Hui is loyal to Yuan Shu?"
Before Zhou Lu could answer, he thought for a moment and shook his head, rejecting the guess first.
"No, if he was from Yuan Shu, you wouldn't be so eager. I just entered Shucheng yesterday and took the risk to deliver the message."
Zhou Lue was shocked when he heard this, his eyes widened, he looked at the young general in front of him with excitement, and he was greatly impressed.
This is what is called "knowing something from the smallest detail". He saluted with eyes full of emotion.
"Zhou Mu Yingming!" Zhou Lue became more respectful: "Originally, the head of the family and I thought that Zhou Hui had recognized Yuan Shu as his master, but various signs these days have made me think that this person may be in secret with Cao Cao of Xudu.
It makes you more self-reliant!"
"Self-reliance?" Wang Zheng laughed dumbly: "Although Shu County is not small, how can it be self-reliant with just this city? How can it be sustained?"
"One city in Shu County is not enough to sustain it." Zhou Lue sighed and said, "But what if Liu Xun from Wancheng is added to it?"
Hearing this, Wang Zheng raised his eyebrows and his expression suddenly became solemn.
Just listen to Zhou Lue say: "Perhaps Zhou Mu doesn't know that Liu Xun is also an old friend of Cao Cao. They have many soldiers and horses. If Sun Ce hadn't made a surprise attack from thousands of miles away and captured Wancheng, I'm afraid Zhou Hui and Liu Xun would have been there."
Recently, we have joined forces to raise the flag and threaten the entire Lujiang County to become independent!"
Wang Zheng pondered for a moment. If this was the case, it would indeed be a bit tricky. Zhou Hui's lack of self-reliance had nothing to do with him, but if Cao Cao was behind this, it would be a big difference. Cao Cao and Yuan Shu were originally hostile, so this move was natural.
The purpose is to reduce his power and cause unrest in his rear. So if he learns that he is now in Shucheng, will he encourage him to attack him?
More importantly, you can tell autumn by looking at a leaf. Since Shuxian and Wancheng have been affected by Cao Cao, what about the other places in Jiangdong?
Yuan Shu, Yuan Shu, the door to your own backyard is wide open, and snakes and rats are wandering away, but you don't even know it. It's really...
Of course, what Zhou Lue said at this time was still one-sided. He said that he and Zhou Shang were a family, so what? The key is, so what?
Even Zhou Shangwang’s government may not be trustworthy now!
Wang Zheng thought for a while and said: "In your opinion, what is Zhou Hui's intention towards this general?"
Zhou Lue said: "No one in the world knows about the hostile relationship between Wang Zhoumu and Cao Cao, but Zhou Hui deliberately made a good relationship and even gave him a formation when they first met. It's obviously a fraud!"
"Zhou Mu currently has less than 3,000 soldiers and horses, and Zhou Hui not only controls 5,000 defenders in Shu County, but also has 2,000 private soldiers. According to my expectation, after Sun Ce is defeated, this son will definitely rise.
If something happens, he will even force Zhou Mu to join in and support him. If so, not only can he separat one side, but the alliance between Zhou Mu and Yuan Shu will be completely destroyed and they will become enemies. This kills two birds with one stone and kills two birds with one stone!"
Seven thousand men and horses just want to force me?
Have a fucking dream!
Wang Zheng secretly sneered, how could his three thousand men and horses be comparable to the ordinary three thousand men and horses? However, there was no expression on his face. He just pondered for a while and said: "I have about ten thousand more men and horses, and they will arrive at Lujiang in the near future.
If it goes according to your prediction, then Zhou Hui must have launched it before then?"
"Exactly!"
Zhou Lue said: "Zhou Mu, in my humble opinion, our only chance of victory now is to make a decisive decision. Zhou Hui is not wary of you yet, and he still wants to win over you. All he needs to do is bring dozens of good men and raid him at night.
I will tell you later that I have learned from Yuan Shu that this son wants to go against business, so I ask you to help calm the chaos and stabilize the morale of the army, so that great things can be accomplished."
Wang Zheng nodded, but he was thinking secretly in his heart that Zhou Lue's words may not be completely credible. Although the name Cao Cao made him feel like he was facing a formidable enemy, the top priority was to deal with Sun Ce first!
It is unclear whether Zhou Hui is Cao Cao's person, but whose person are you, Zhou Lue? Could it be that Sun Ce arranged it to sow discord?
If Wang Zheng really did as he said, then Zhou Lue suddenly turned against Zhou Hui and raised an army in the name of revenge for Zhou Hui. The Chenzhou garrison would naturally respond with the same hatred. Even these 7,000 men and horses could not defeat Wang Zheng's 3,000 heavenly army. But like this
If it is consumed, both sides will lose, so can Shu County still be able to defend it?
Can the current situation in Lujiang be reversed?
Although it is just a guess, since Zhou Lue knows that Zhou Shang has recognized himself as the master, it is not logically possible for him to defect to Sun Ce, but Wang Zheng still has to guard against it: "It is indeed a good plan, but if Sun Ce's army attacks at this time, then what will happen?"
how?"
Zhou Lue said: "If Sun Ce's army attacks, it will be a golden opportunity!"
"The official position of the state pastor is above him, so he can be ordered to lead his troops on an expedition. Then, he can be sent to the commander's tent alone, with a knife and ax hand lying in wait. He can be killed with just a piece of general order, and then the news can be sealed.
Issue an order in the name of Zhou Hui, and then ask his uncles to go to the camp to discuss the military situation, and catch them all. Those who don't obey will be killed. By then, the rice will have become cooking, and those who understand the current affairs will naturally surrender!"
His plan has probably been arranged long ago. He has thought about it many times in the past few days, and he can speak it smoothly. Wang Zheng smiled and said, "Zhou Jun is really thoughtful."
Zhou Lue said: "How dare you, how dare you. As soon as I saw Zhou Mu today, I knew that the master had chosen the real dragon. I should do my best for Zhou Mu, and I must not let thieves with ulterior motives disturb Zhou Mu!"
"Hey, speaking of it, Zhou Hui is also an outstanding figure among the younger generation of my family, second only to Gong Jin. If he hadn't been blind and blind, abandoning the bright and turning to the dark, how could I bear the pain and kill him?"
"It's just loyalty to the Lord and kinship with the same clan. Sometimes it's really difficult to have both."
Wang Zheng looked sideways after hearing this, and saw Zhou Lue's face was sad, with tears even filling his eyes. He couldn't help but feel a little doubtful. These words seemed to be spoken from the bottom of his heart. If not...
Then this guy's acting skills are so realistic that even an otaku like him, who has watched countless dramas, can't see any flaws.
Wang Zheng pondered and said: "The first thing now is to confirm whether Zhou Hui really has different intentions. Lord Zhou forgives me. This matter is serious and I cannot make a hasty decision."
"The stability of Zhou Mu's work is a blessing to his subjects." Zhou Lue said: "There have always been letters between Zhou Hui, Cao Cao, and Liu Xun. Some of them were intercepted by my men before entering the city, and they will be dispatched later.
If the person is sent to the military camp, if the state pastor has any doubts, he can observe it himself."
Can you intercept the letters they exchange?
Wang Zheng was secretly surprised, but in his heart he was overconfident: "Jun Zhou's methods are really powerful, but isn't Zhou Hui alert to such things?"
"The army was in turmoil, and he only thought it was captured by Sun Ce's army's cavalry outside the city." Zhou Lue said with a smile: "Although I am a scholar, I only use my time to march to the most important points. Only by knowing myself and the enemy can I be victorious in every battle."
"That's right." Wang Zheng nodded: "The Zhou family in Lujiang is full of talented people. Lord Zhou, Duke Zhou, and Gong Jin are all outstanding figures in the world. It is a blessing from God that I can get your help."
As he said that, he poured a glass of wine, held it up, and said warmly: "Here, I will offer you a drink. Please drink it up."
Zhou Lue became excited and hurriedly stood up: "Thank you Zhou Mu."
Wang Zheng had a drink with him and watched the other person sip the wine, but he was thinking secretly in his heart.