Yuan Shu took Mrs. Feng and other relatives to send Wang Zheng and his entourage outside the palace before stopping.
Later, he did not return directly to the palace, letting Mrs. Feng and other wives and concubines return first. However, Yuan Shu took Yang Hong, Gu Yong and others to an inner hall.
When the maid served tea, Yuan Shu waved back, then looked sideways at Yang Hong and asked: "On the table just now, why did you wink at me and tell me not to open my mouth and work with Wang Zheng on major events? Could it be that his analysis of the internal strife between Yuan Shao and Cao Cao was wrong?
?”
Yang Hong shook his head and said: "That's not true. Yuan and Cao are both in the north. The neighboring countries are enemies. Sooner or later there will be a war. I agree with this."
Hearing this, Yuan Shu couldn't help but be surprised: "Then why do you want to persuade me to stay?"
"Xudu is an important town in the capital of Cao Cao. Even if he goes to war with Yuan Shao, he cannot ignore this place. The royal government wants to launch a surprise attack, so it's just empty talk."
"As for the war between Yuan Shao and Cao Cao, it is impossible to choose this time of autumn harvest. It is more likely to happen in the spring of next year. Wang Zhengzhi's words cannot be trusted!"
"Lord, I think he is just using this to delay the process, and will leave if he doesn't want to."
Gu Yong on the side also agreed: "Yes, Sun Ce is dead, but Wang Zheng refused to say when he would return to Xuzhou. I watched him speak at the table, his words were sparkling, and most of the troops were stationed in Lu'an and Anfeng. This
Although the two places are far away from Jiujiang, my lord still has to be on guard. The more than a thousand Xuzhou soldiers and horses entering the city this time need to be supervised day and night, and they must be asked to go to Xuzhou as soon as possible."
"As soon as the bandit chaos is over, you rush to chase away the guests. Wouldn't that make people in the world feel cold? Do you think that I, the prince, have forgotten the fish trap and don't know the kindness?"
Yuan Shu frowned slightly, with a look of dismay on his face, and asked Yang Hong, "What do the military advisors think?"
Yang Hong looked at Yuan Shu and said sternly: "The master of Xuzhou Tiger and Wolf, even if Wang Zheng has no different intentions, it is quite inappropriate to stay for a long time."
"There are not enough soldiers and horses in the territory now. If we have such a strong army, wouldn't it be just for our defense?"
Yuan Shu disagreed and waved his hand and said: "Although Wang Zheng comes from a humble background, he is kind-hearted and upholds morality. I see that he now has six counties and millions of soldiers and civilians. He is still humble and polite in front of me. I have many conversations with him at the banquet today."
"Every time I ask, he will definitely give an answer, which is really rare. His heart is loyal and honest, far beyond the comparison of Sun Ce and others."
Hearing this, Yang Hong looked helpless. Sometimes his lord thought too much, and sometimes he thought too little.
"In the past, when Emperor Gao lived in Shandong, he was greedy for money and goods, and loved beautiful concubines. Later he entered the pass, but he had nothing to gain and women had no luck. When Fan Zeng heard about it, he was shocked and turned pale. He told Xiang Yu that this was not a small ambition."
Yang Hong warned: "My lord has also said that Wang Zheng is a fool. In terms of background, he is no different from other yellow scarf thieves. It can be seen that since the rebellion, he is not greedy for gold and silver, and is not good at women. He is obviously weak in the next year, but he has no talent.
Most people of the same age are willful and self-willed, but their joy and anger are invisible. Why is this?"
He said one word at a time: "He must have great ambitions and want to achieve hegemony. How can such a person be a loyal person? The Lord cannot let down his guard because of his superficial humility and courtesy!"
Yuan Shu refused to obey, but when facing Yang Hong, he restrained himself a little and did not refuse directly. He just shook his head and said: "Let's do it. Sir, you can urge Wang Zheng and Xuzhou troops to quickly put down the remnants of Sun Ce. Once this matter is completely resolved,
It's time to see off the guests."
Yang Hong was still waiting for further persuasion, but Yuan Shu became impatient again. He just looked around and said loudly: "If he was deceitful, how could he ride into the city twice to see me?"
As he spoke, he laughed, ignored Yang Hong and Gu Yong, got on his horse, and rode away with the guards cheering him on.
...
At the same time, Wang Zheng and Qiao Wan were also talking about Yuan Shu.
Qiao Wan asked: "What do you think of Yuan Gulu?"
After getting along with each other for this period of time, Qiao Wan's impression of Wang Zheng has improved a lot. In addition, she is not actually Wang Zheng's subordinate, so when they get along with each other in private, her attitude is quite casual, and she no longer calls Wang Zhoumu.
This question naturally did not trouble Wang Zheng. Although he did not have a close relationship with Yuan Shu, the Skeleton King was analyzed thoroughly enough in later generations, and he immediately said:
"Although Yuan Gongli was born in the Yuan family in Runan, he is quite different from other high-ranking disciples. You see, although he always used his background to ridicule Cao Cao and Yuan Shao, he was actually just scolding people to expose their shortcomings. This man is rough and likes martial arts and gentle literature.
, In fact, one does not necessarily attach much importance to family background, and it is because of this that he can attract heroes from all over the world to join him." The so-called heroes of the rivers and lakes are naturally those handsome men with yellow turbans.
Qiao Wan was greatly surprised and couldn't help but raise her eyebrows: "I didn't expect that you think highly of him?"
"Even mediocre people can still shine. Yuan Shu was able to run away from Luoyang back then. At least he was extraordinary in courage and judgment, and he was able to create such a big foundation. How can he be so poor in intelligence and character?"
Wang Zheng smiled and said: "However, this person has many shortcomings. Firstly, he is impatient and the city is too shallow. Secondly, he treats his subordinates with leniency and treats others with sincerity, but he has no definite plan. Although he can raise scholars, he cannot be used for it.
"
"I can tell that Yuan Gongli is impatient." Qiao Wan asked curiously: "Why do you say that his city is too shallow and he has no plans?"
"Yuan Shu has always wanted to become emperor. I'm afraid he has been planning for this for several years. However, when Sun Ce started to rebel, he was forced to retreat. Isn't it because he had no plans?"
Wang Zheng said in a deep voice: "A real man should have a long-term ambition and be very determined. If it is what he pursues in his heart, he should be unyielding and never regret it. How can he repeat it frequently?"
Qiao Wan said thoughtfully: "Is there something good in my heart? Even though I died nine times, I still haven't regretted it?"
"That's right." Wang Zhengdao: "Today Yuan Shu heard that I wanted to attack Xudu by surprise. He immediately made plans and his eyebrows were flying. This shows that not only does he have no plans, but he is also very happy when he hears the words. This shows that the city is not deep."
"Then why do you say that although he can support soldiers, he can't be used?"
"Sun Jian, Sun Ce and his son are both unruly and aloof people, but they were able to serve in Yuan Shu one after another. This shows that this man has the ability to know talents and is more tolerant of others. Therefore, I say that he can win scholars and nourish scholars."
Wang Zhengdao: "But why did Sun Ce surrender first and then rebel? This is because this son was not willing to be subordinate to others, and also because Yuan Shu could not use people. Look at the sword fight between Zhou Tai and that captain Liang Gang today.
Yuan Shu, who was forced to act like a drunken sheep, spoke to stop him in person. As a result, the other man showed resentment and dissatisfaction. Hey... if he is under the command of the general, how can he be tolerated? Yuan Shu disagrees. How important is the army in troubled times?
, he is still unable to enforce orders and prohibitions, and it is obvious that he has improperly hired people."
Hearing this, Qiao Wan took a deep look at Wang Zheng, her eyes full of admiration, but she didn't know it, but her voice became gentler and gentler: "You have a keen eye for people, and you have a keen eye.
But Yuan Shu is mediocre and incompetent, far beyond comparison. It seems that the day when Jiangdong will come into the hands of the emperor is not far away."
Wang Zheng was not as relaxed as she was. He shook his head when he heard this and said: "Although Yuan Shu has no suspicion at the moment, Yang Hong and Gu Yong at the table today repeatedly raised the topic and asked about my future plans, and repeatedly asked about Xuzhou's return date. They must have already
I have seen some truth and falsehood, especially Yang Hong, who is eloquent, agile, eloquent and strategist, so he should not be underestimated. Hey, it’s okay..."
Qiao Wan asked: "What's okay?"
Wang Zheng shook his head: "It's nothing." But just now he suddenly remembered Yan Xiang who died under Zhang Fei's spear. In Wang Zheng's opinion, this man was more resourceful than Yang Hong. If he was still alive, I'm afraid this plan would be even more expensive.
The last week was broken, so I couldn't help but blurt out the so-called "not bad", which naturally meant that it would be best if this person died.
It's just that Yan Xiang has some friendship with him after all. The moment this thought crossed Wang Zheng's mind, he immediately reacted. Although he didn't feel guilty, it was still a bit unnatural.
He walked to the window, admired the bright moon with his hands behind his hands, and murmured: "In any case, since Yang Hong and Gu Yong have taken precautions, it is easier to do this slowly than to rush. Otherwise, it will not only arouse his vigilance more, but also make him more cautious if he is exposed."
They caught it and it caused some trouble."
Qiao Wan also stood up and came to the window, stood side by side with Wang Zheng facing the night, and asked softly: "How do you want to slow down?"
"On the one hand, continue to implement the next step in an orderly manner according to the original plan, on the other hand..." Wang Zheng suddenly shouted: "Wang Xiong!"
Upon hearing Wang Zheng's summons, Wang Xiong, who was guarding the courtyard outside Tang Dynasty, trotted over quickly, pushed the door open and entered: "My lord, the general is here, what are your orders?"
Seeing that a third person appeared and broke the harmonious atmosphere between the two, Qiao Wan felt dissatisfied. She glanced at Wang Zheng lightly and then calmly distanced herself from them.
Naturally these Wang Zheng didn't notice, they just looked at Wang Xiong and asked: "Do you know where Li Ren's mansion is?"
"I know." Wang Xiong naturally knew that this person had been persuaded by Guo Jia and secretly defected to him, so he nodded quickly.
"Okay." Wang Zhengdao said, "I'll take the trouble to go to Li Ren tomorrow morning and ask him to inquire carefully and find out what Yang Hong is doing, lest he gossip to Yuan Shu behind his back and ruin the general's important affairs.
"
"promise!"
"besides..."
Wang Zheng suddenly saw Mrs. Feng whom he saw at the banquet today. He was moved in his heart and said: "Let Li Ren have more connections with Yuan Shu's inner chambers. No matter how much money he has, we must make sure that these people beside him are also the most important."
I will say good things and try to influence Yuan Shu's judgment."
"As for the rest, we will proceed according to the original plan. Wang Xiong, you and Li Ren are jointly responsible for making good friends with Shouchun generals, especially the city gate guards. In addition, Wu Sheng and Huang Zhong will also be responsible for wiping out the remnants of the Sun thieves.
Liu Yexu from Sun Thief discussed it and will leave the city in three days to make some moves and make some noise so that Yuan Shu can feel at ease."
The so-called wall fell and everyone pushed it. After several fierce battles, Sun Ce's army and horses had already been killed and injured. In addition, Sun Ce, the coach, was dead, and there was Cheng Pu who fled. What else could happen, but other places in Lujiang
However, it was impossible for Wang Zheng, the two chokepoints of Lu'an and Anfeng, to return it to the Yangzhou Army. Of course, Liu Ye, who had already recognized him as the leader, took some Shanyue people and new soldiers to become Sun traitors, causing some disturbances from time to time.
Wang Xiong obeyed the order solemnly, and when he saw that Wang Zheng had no other instructions, he immediately withdrew.
Wang Zheng glanced at Qiao Wan beside him, and was about to say that it was getting late, should she go back to her room, but she saw Qiao Wan staring at him for a while, and suddenly asked: "Where is my mission?"
?”
you?
You are not my vassal, how could I arrange any tasks for you? This is different from the execution of Sun Ce that day. It was almost Qiao Wan who asked for it. After all, she and Sun Ce had a big feud.
Wang Zhenggang was about to say this, but when he saw her serious look on his face, he swallowed the words back. After thinking about it, he suddenly smiled and said: "You look quite handsome now, and you can act as a facade. Then
Come with me to have wine and banquets in the next few days."
In order to seize Yangzhou at the minimum cost, Shouchun must change its owner at the minimum cost. In addition to letting Yuan Shu relax his vigilance as much as possible and making friends with the ministers and generals, he also naturally has to fight with another force in Shouchun City.
Say hello well and even use it as a courtesy.
By the next day, when Wang Xiong, Li Ren and others started to take action separately, Wang Zheng had nothing to do. His goal as a state pastor was too big and too eye-catching, so he just wanted to make peace with him first.
Don't be in a hurry to meet certain people, so you just respond to some unsolicited invitations. Most of them are important civil and military officials under Yuan Shu. After repeated invitations every now and then, you soon become brothers and Taoists with many dignitaries in the city.
The guests and hosts enjoy themselves.
Today, Wang Zheng's advantages have far outweighed his shortcomings. He was born in the Yellow Turban.
Coupled with the fact that he doesn't like to put on airs and has a high level of charisma supported by the system, it is actually extremely easy to deliberately make friends with others. Before long, in Shouchun City, no matter the high court of the wealthy family or even the streets,
Many people talk about Wang Zheng in private, and they all praise him: "Not only is he a promising young man, but he also has both ability and political integrity. He is truly a hero of his time!"
At the same time, good news came from Lujiang. Huang Zhong, who was stationed in Lu'an, won another great victory. Five thousand thieves were defeated, and nine hundred were beheaded alone!
When the news reached Shouchun, Yuan Shu was very happy.
He said to Yang Hong: "Huang Hansheng has been famous for a long time. He is personally in charge of Liu'an. He is really extraordinary. Are you still worried about Wang Zheng's ambitions now? He obviously wants to eliminate all evil and completely eliminate future troubles for Yangzhou!"
"You said before that the Sun thief is not a good person. Wang Zheng's words cannot be trusted. These five thousand men are not a good person. If it is said to be a fraud, the heads of so many Sun thief are always true, right?"
"It's better to listen to my advice. After the Xuzhou army has completely eliminated the remnants of Sun Ce, it won't be too late to ask them to return to Xuzhou."
Yang Hong's face was as dark as water and he remained silent.
Anyone with outstanding intelligence must be proud and confident, and most of them stick to their own opinions. Yang Hong was no exception. Seeing that Yuan Shu could not be persuaded, he was too lazy to talk nonsense. He simply acted on his own and briefed Yuan Shu on recent official matters in a concise and concise manner. Yang Hong then bowed and left the palace.
When he returned to the mansion, he summoned his cronies and asked:
"It's been three or four days since Wang Zheng came to Shouchun. Is there anything strange?"
"Grandpa, the villain and a few brothers took turns to watch outside the guest house day and night. They didn't see anything strange. Wang Zheng has never been anywhere except for banquets every day. Well, except for a little..."
"Which point?"
The confidant said: "The state pastor sent several women to the embassy. They are all famous beauties in the city and are good at singing and dancing. However, in the past few days, the villains chatted with the servants in the embassy, and Wang Zheng actually didn't touch any of them.
, it’s really strange.”
What's unusual about this...don't people have high standards?
Yang Hong stared at the confidant with dissatisfaction, thought for a while and asked: "Whose banquets did they go to? Have they been recorded? Are there any important ministers or generals among them?"
"I've written them all down and put them on the roster." The confidant said hurriedly: "There weren't any important people in the past few days, but tomorrow..."
"It is said that Wang Zheng is going to the wedding banquet of the crown prince Yuan Yao."
Crown Prince?
Upon hearing this, Yang Hong's eyes immediately narrowed.