While praising Wei Yan, Wang Zheng was still peeking at Zhou Hui. Seeing his suspicious eyes, he seemed to have noticed that he was deliberately trying to win over Wei Yan. Knowing that the heat was on, he suddenly turned around and asked, seemingly casually: "That's right.
How come Zhou County Lord, a warrior like Brother Wei, doesn’t have an official position yet?”
Hearing this, Zhou Hui's expression suddenly changed. He coughed dryly and explained with a forced smile: "Zhou Mu didn't know something. After all, Chang Wen came to Yangzhou not long ago. In fact, after the last great victory, I sent
The messenger went to Shouchun to commend the meritorious soldiers, and Wen Chang was also on the list. However, Mr. Yuan has not replied yet, so..."
This seems reasonable and reasonable. After all, Zhou Hui is only the king of Shucheng County in name. He does not have the right to appoint himself. Especially anyone with a discerning eye can see that Wei Yan is a proud and arrogant person. Either he will not give it or he will not give it.
Maybe he would be given a low-level official position such as Dub.
But Wang Zheng felt that this was not the case.
In the early and even middle stages of the separatist rule at the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty, most of the so-called state pastors actually did not have complete control over the states and counties under them. This is also the reason why Yuan Shao was able to overpower most of the princes in the world with just one Jizhou, because he was able to control it very early.
He exercised complete control over Jizhou, which was far beyond the comparison of Cao Cao in Yanzhou, Liu Biao and others in Jingzhou at that time.
As for Yuan Shu, although his overall strength was not inferior to that of Yuan Shao before, it was due to the addition of Yuzhou and part of Xuzhou. In terms of Yangzhou alone, Yuan Shu also did not achieve absolute control.
Although Zhou Hui is just a county magistrate, Shucheng is the former capital of Lujiang County. If Sun Ce had not rebelled, he would probably not have a single county, but half a county. It is precisely because of this that Zhou Lue
Wang Zhengcai would only half-believe him if he said that he had united with Liu Xun to establish his own regime.
Because regardless of motives and ambitions, Zhou Hui's strength does have this possibility. If it were replaced by another county magistrate, it would be nonsense and even seek death.
And similarly, even if he is not independent now, Yuan Shu will never be too negligent towards such an important minister. In addition, Shucheng has now become the front line of the three-party conflict. If Zhou Hui really intends to give Wei Yan a title of Duwei Xiaowei or something like that.
What's the big deal if you appoint yourself to an official position without reporting to Yuan Shu?
Thinking of this, Wang Zheng thought to himself, an idea flashed in his mind, and he suddenly had another guess.
It's impossible for Zhou Hui to not know Wei Yan's abilities, and it's impossible not to win over and pay attention to him, so why did he delay in giving Wei Yan an official position?
Maybe...it's not that he doesn't want to give it, but that he feels it's inappropriate to give it at this time?
Why is it inappropriate? Because if Wei Yan is given an official position at this time, he will become a general under Yuan Shu!
Even so, Wei Yan would accept Zhou Hui's favors as long as he was not stupid, but in name he and Yuan Shu had a relationship of monarch and minister, and this was probably something Zhou Hui did not want to see.
During the Han Dynasty, false reputation was far more important than later generations. For example, when Cao Cao was called Queen of Wei, all the generals at that time were awarded Wei official titles. Only Xiahou Dun was still an official in the Han Dynasty, so he wrote a letter hoping that Cao Cao would grant him a Wei official title to show that he was a Wei official.
Loyal to Wei. However, Cao Cao believed that Xiahou Dun and he were Han officials and were colleagues in the Han Dynasty. How could Xiahou Dun submit to the official title of Wei?
However, Xiahou Dun still made a strong request and said that he "does not accept the Han position". In the end, Cao Cao agreed to his request and named him the former general of Wei.
Could it be that Zhou Hui really wanted to be self-reliant, and even wanted to appoint Wei Yan as an official in his own name after becoming self-reliant, so that in name and in reality, he and Wei Yan would become one monarch and minister?
Feeling that he had guessed Zhou Hui's thoughts, Wang Zhengshang's expression remained unchanged, but he just nodded and said: "Ah? I see, it seems that it happened to be during the war, Yuan Gong had many affairs, and the territory was not peaceful, so that's why.
"
After saying that, he looked at Wei Yan with regret. The good ordering guard filled another bowl of wine with Wei Yan, raised his own wine bowl, and said: "There is no need to be impatient, Mr. Wen. In these troubled times, with your talents, you can make a difference."
The merit is at your fingertips, and you will be granted the title of Marquis one day. Please drink another full cup." Without waiting for Wei Yan to say anything, he did it first as a sign of respect, shining the bottom of the bowl, and said with a smile, "Happy! Happy!"
He drank all the wine first, how could Wei Yan not drink?
What's more, Wang Zheng's words were very polite, and Wei Yan found them very pleasant to hear. Even though he felt something was wrong in his heart, he had no choice but to drink it.
Wei Yan is not stupid either. Just now he was puzzled as to why Wang Zheng suddenly praised him so much. Now he understands a little bit. But logically, if he wanted to recruit him, he should do it in private, so why did he go out of his way to show his traces in front of Zhou Hui?
Although Wang Zheng was young, Wei Yan felt that the other party should not be so careless and speculated that he did it on purpose. Although he still didn't know why Wang Zheng did it on purpose, it was unavoidable to be uneasy.
Since he was uneasy, he couldn't help but subconsciously glance at Zhou Hui beside him. Seeing that he didn't seem to mind on the surface, but he was still a little uneasy in his heart. While Wang Zheng went to drink with others, he slowly walked closer and whispered.
: "Young Master, I..."
"Huh?" Zhou Hui looked at him sideways and asked in confusion: "What's wrong?"
Wei Yan said: "Wang Zhoumu has repeatedly asked me to drink, but I can't refuse. I hope the young master will not ask for it..."
"Hahaha, you showed great bravery today and won the first place for our army. Wang Zhoumu can't help but have a love for talents." Zhou Hui said with a smile: "It doesn't matter."
"yes."
Wei Yan was relieved, but he didn't notice the coldness that flashed across Zhou Hui's eyes.
Zhou Hui was a little unhappy when Wei Yan took the initiative to ask for help at the beginning. This slave had always been a bit unruly. Zhou Hui knew this. He also knew that in Wei Yan's heart, he respected his late father more than himself.
This young master was the reason why Wei Yan refused to give him an official position even after he came to Shucheng for half a year. On the one hand, he wanted to wait until the time came when the time came, but on the other hand, it was also because he wanted to sharpen his temperament.
However, Wei Yan's brilliant performance today can be regarded as adding luster to Zhou Hui's face. Zhou Hui's anger turned into joy. However, after returning to the city from Wei Yan, Wang Zheng repeatedly exaggerated and showed goodwill, but also let
Zhou Hui became suspicious.
What does this guy want to do? Want to take advantage of me?
I'm afraid you don't know what kind of person Wei Yan is. It would be ridiculous to want someone to change his family after saying a few nice words, right?
Zhou Hui guessed correctly. Wang Zheng's intention was obvious. From the first time he met Wei Yan, he had made up his mind to win this person over.
He has the system in hand, so he naturally has no shortage of strong soldiers, but he is extremely lacking in generals. After all, Huang Zhong is far from enough. As a result, Wang Zheng often has to take the lead and kill generals in battle. It can be said that he lacks both brave generals and generals.
!
When Sun Ce's army approached the city, in addition to focusing most of his attention on the city, Wang Zheng also always focused part of his attention on Wei Yan. When he sensed that the other party had the intention to fight, he made a prompt decision and activated his persuasion talent, with his charm fully activated.
, just thinking of taking the opportunity to arouse his passionate impulse and take the initiative to challenge.
On the one hand, it is because as a time traveler, Wang Zheng knows Wei Yan's capabilities better than others. He is a real first-class military commander. Coupled with the third-level iron cavalry of the Tianzhu Camp, as long as Sun Ce does not personally take action, he can take advantage of the enemy's unstable foothold.
Under the circumstances, the first battle with the charge has a good chance of winning.
On the other hand, Wang Zheng is now the master of the people, so he naturally knows that if Wei Yan takes the initiative and asks for a war without Zhou Hui's permission, it will definitely make him feel unhappy and create resentment.
Later, after Wei Yan returned victorious, Wang Zheng's behavior appeared one after another, and even seemed a bit deliberate. He was just trying to provoke and fan the flames, and continue to amplify the resentment in Zhou Hui's heart!
The ultimate goal is, of course, for the two of them to be suspicious of each other, and then become estranged from each other, and finally force Wei Yan to feel uneasy, and then develop into a self-conscious danger, so he has to take the initiative to change his family and join his subordinates.
Even if Zhou Hui doesn't fall into the trap in the end, Wang Zheng is not worried. I don't know Zhou Hui, but Wei Yan does. Even if you, Zhou Hui, don't become suspicious, I will make this rebellious guy think that you are suspicious of him.
What's more, although they have not been in contact for a long time, Wang Zheng has already seen that Zhou Hui is not an outstanding person with magnificent bearing. Otherwise, given his family background, his father is one of the three princes, and his younger brother is Zhou Yu, the future pillar of Soochow. How could he be here?
Originally unknown in history?
Of course, as the saying goes, "too much is not enough," this kind of alienation plan still needs some time to ferment. Today's heat is enough, so Wang Zheng will stop it.
After drinking for three rounds, he changed the subject and said to everyone: "Today we have the first battle with the Sun thief, and we have won the victory. The morale of our three armies has been boosted. What do you think will happen next?"
Winning the first battle is a good start at best, but its symbolic significance is far greater than its actual effect. How to face the enemy next is the important point.
Wei Yan had just taken the opportunity. Wang Xiong was envious but also felt unwilling to give in. In addition, he drank too much and his blood was boiling. He no longer had the calmness of the past. He immediately said excitedly:
"General, I feel that we should seize the opportunity to pursue the victory..." He said, turning his hands into fists, and waved violently: "If we raise a large army at this time and charge out, the enemy will not be able to predict it, and we may be able to accomplish our victory in one battle."
Wang Zheng looked at his flushed face and laughed dumbly: "Okay, that's a great ambition, Lieutenant Tao County, what do you think?"
"Although we won for a while today, it did not change the disadvantage of being outnumbered and outnumbered. Moreover, our army's strength is that we have a strong city and a favorable geographical location. If we take the initiative to attack in the field instead of fighting in the field, we will sacrifice our strengths and weaknesses. I'm afraid there will be something wrong."
Tao Ze said: "However, Captain Wang's suggestion is not unreasonable. Taking advantage of victory and pursuing it is the key of military strategists. Since our army has won its first victory, it is time to take advantage of the opportunity when the morale of the army is high!"
"Oh?" Wang Zheng asked sideways, "How do you get the upper hand?"
"Look for another opportunity to fight with Sun Ce again! Only by hurting them can we break the siege of Shu County as soon as possible."
If you defend the city in the field, there will be no city without a field. Simply defending the city behind closed doors will not work.
War requires a battlefield initiative. Giving up the field battle is equivalent to giving up the initiative. If you are passively beaten all day long, the city will be in danger. Although Tao Ze is a county captain, he is not comparable to ordinary guards. He is also considered to have been on the battlefield for a long time. This perspective
There is still some knowledge.
Wang Zheng looked sideways at Zhou Hui and asked, "Mr. Zhou County, what do you think?"
Zhou Hui pondered for a while and said: "I feel that it is better to be still than to move. Didn't Wang Zhoumu send people to Linhu to order General Huang Zhong to lead his army to aid Shu City? When his troops are alone, my city has replenished its strength.
If it is sufficient, then the internal and external forces will respond and attack from the front and the rear. Even though the Sun thieves are strong, they will not be able to defend. In this way, it will not be difficult for our army to win."
Wang Zheng nodded and said with a smile: "How about waiting for my general's other army to arrive before the decisive battle?"
This naturally refers to the 10,000 troops led by Wu Sheng.
Zhou Hui's expression froze when he heard this: "I wonder how your general Wu got there?"
Wang Zhengdao: "The front reported a few days ago that Wu Sheng's troops have entered Yangzhou and arrived at Yangquan. If there are no accidents, they should be able to reach Shucheng in as short as ten days or as long as half a month."
Wang Zheng did not tell the truth here. Wu Sheng's troops did enter Yangzhou and arrived in Yangquan County, but this information was not reported a day ago...
But three days ago!
Zhou Hui hesitated for a moment and said: "If it takes too long, it will lead to long nights and many dreams. It would be better for General Huang to take the initiative when the time comes."
Wang Zheng nodded, then looked at Wei Yan and said, "Brother Wei, what do you have to say?"
"I am shallow and dare not speak nonsense."
Perhaps because he was worried that Zhou Hui would continue to be suspicious, Wei Yan became much more low-key this time.
"Haha." Wang Zheng waved his hand and said: "Today the thieves are besieging the city. You and I are in the city together and we should help each other. Why should we be modest? If Brother Wei has any high opinions, please tell us. I will listen attentively."
Wei Yan secretly glanced at Zhou Hui and saw his expressionless face. He couldn't help but tremble in his heart. He thought for a moment and said in a deep voice: "Sun Ce will conquer Xiang'an, Linhu, and Wancheng within a few months. Although his troops are very sharp, they can't win."
The battle line has also been stretched too long. Now that the troops are approaching the city, they seem to be arrogant and noisy, but in fact there are hidden dangers. They cannot be wasted for a long time, and they are even more eager to fight!"
"Wangzhou Mu knows himself and the enemy, and he must have noticed this. He already has a chance of winning, so why do I need to say more?"
This was neither humble nor arrogant, and it would be fine if the two people were of equal status, but given the status gap between Wang Zheng and Wei Yan, it was somewhat inappropriate, and everyone was immediately taken aback.
The eyes of Wang Xiong and others looking at Wei Yan suddenly turned unkind, but Zhou Hui was the only one who smiled.
Wang Zheng was not surprised at all, he just clapped his hands and said with a smile: 'Brother Wei knows me!'
As he spoke, he stood up and looked around, with surging confidence in his eyes: "Just as Wei Yan said, the thieves came from afar, with insufficient food and grass, and difficult transportation. The advantage is to fight quickly, and their hanging troops are deep, and they are all elite soldiers.
A fierce general should not be underestimated. Although I defeated him for a while now, it was just a fluke. And as Tao Xiaowei said, the advantage of our army is that the city is well-fortified and well-supplied. Therefore, we should not go out, close the city and recuperate. Wait for it.
When his energy wanes, he can fight again."
Although he defeated Sun Ce for a while, in Wang Zheng's eyes he was completely different from everyone else.
The men and horses he had just dispatched to charge into the battle were all third-order iron cavalry under his command. Even so, if it had not been for Wei Yan, he would have achieved this first victory at a heavy price.
Others only saw their own victory, but Wang Zheng became increasingly cautious because of Sun Cejun's performance.
In addition, there is also the hidden danger that Zhou Hui wants to stand on his own. Under such circumstances, Wang Zheng is naturally not prepared to continue to take the initiative and formulates a strategy to deal with the enemy. In short, it can be summarized in four words:
Stay behind closed doors.
At least before Huang Zhong's troops joined him, Wang Zheng never thought about having a head-on field battle with Sun Ce.