23. Measure the belly of a gentleman with the heart of a villain
While Yang Hong was full of doubts, Wang Zheng was dumbfounded.
The reason that caused the two of them to lose their normal state was a brocade box placed on the desk.
This thing was sent by Dubhoune. At this time, the brocade box had been opened, but the contents inside were very ordinary, just a few ginseng pieces.
Even Yuan Shu was alarmed by the physical adoption of Wang Zheng, the Xuzhou animal husbandry. Mrs. Feng naturally also learned about this matter. Her lover was sick, and she was distressed. How could she not express her feelings? The ginseng was specially collected from her own private treasury.
Those who were seized were sent to Wang Zheng to replenish his health.
After all, Wu Pu is a disciple of Hua Tuo and the leading famous doctor in the city. Since the other party said that Wang Zheng was "weak and weak," Mrs. Feng naturally believed it. She completely forgot that she had just been treated by Wang Zheng in the face of Fan Wu.
Shocked by his strength and fighting prowess.
However, she only lost her normal reason and judgment when it came to matters involving Wang Zheng. However, she was still cautious and shrewd in other aspects. For example, when arranging for people to be sent for "care", she did not choose her own confidants.
Instead, in order to deceive others, Shu'er, Mrs. Fan's maid, was specifically chosen.
On the one hand, Shu'er has already taken refuge with her, but on the surface she is Mrs. Fan's confidant, which can be deceived. On the other hand, in Yuan Shu's heart, her current image is far better than Mrs. Fan's, even if there is something wrong with Shu'er.
, arousing Yuan Shu's suspicion, but she was Mrs. Fan's personal maid after all, and Mrs. Feng was also confident that this matter would be framed by Mrs. Fan.
What Wang Zheng couldn't laugh or cry about was that he specifically asked Mi Li to arrange it in advance and leave a method in the warehouse outside the embassy to facilitate Mrs. Feng to contact him. This was to keep track of Yuan Shu's changes in mind, but unexpectedly Mrs. Feng actually used this method.
It's a small matter...
"I don't know what's important..."
Wang Zheng secretly complained, at this critical moment, how sensitive it was, Mrs. Feng Zuo Ci's actions were really disregarding the overall situation in his eyes. If someone like Yang Hong really discovered it, there might be a lot more people out of thin air.
variable.
But after all, this woman was kind-hearted and cared about herself. Although she complained, Wang Zheng did not really have any feelings for Mrs. Feng because of this. There was no use for the ginseng. He closed the brocade box gently and immediately
Turning to the left and right, he asked: "When you went to see Nadu, were you discovered by anyone?"
"No, it was already midnight when I went out, the night was dark, there was no one on the street, and there was nothing strange in the warehouse, but..." When the soldier said this, he paused and looked slightly hesitant.
"But what?"
"However, when the villain was entering and leaving the warehouse, he always felt that something was wrong. It seemed that someone was spying secretly, but he never found anything."
Hearing this, Wang Zheng raised his eyebrows and showed a solemn expression.
The soldiers around him are now basically third-level soldiers. In addition to their combat effectiveness and physical fitness far exceeding that of ordinary people, these people also have enhanced five senses, but they are not as obvious as the former.
Wang Zheng naturally knows that the human body has many mysteries that cannot be explained by science, such as the so-called sixth sense. Since the five senses have been strengthened, it is normal for them to be more sensitive to danger and hostility than ordinary people.
.
Therefore, the soldiers felt that "someone seemed to be spying secretly", but when Wang Zheng heard this, he immediately removed that "seemingly".
The embassy had always been under surveillance before, but basically it was only on a few important figures such as him, Wang Xiong, Zhou Tai and even Qiao Wan. Why is it that now it is not only monitored day and night, but also ordinary soldiers are not spared?
This made alarm bells ring in Wang Zheng's heart. Zhou Tai, who couldn't help but look sideways, asked: "Youping, I remember you just said this morning that you found that the person following you is a little different than before?"
Zhou Tai nodded: "Zhou Mu, that's exactly what happened."
"What's the difference?"
"Not only have there been more people being followed," Zhou Tai frowned and thought for a while, then he considered: "And this group of newcomers is very skilled. They are much better than the previous group. They also know how to hide and disguise themselves. Even at the beginning, I
We almost didn’t notice it.”
"Good skills..."
Wang Zheng had fought against Zhou Tai, and he knew what Zhou Tai would achieve in the past. Naturally, he knew the importance of the "good skills" he mentioned. After thinking for a while, he looked at Wang Xiong and asked: "
What difference do you find here?"
"General."
Wang Xiong racked his brains to recall for a long time, shook his head, and said with a guilty look on his face: "The general didn't notice anyone following him during this period. I thought it was Yuan Shu's spies who gave up. Today I heard from Brother Youping,
Only then did I realize that it was probably not that the other party had given up tracking, but that they had replaced a group of troops, but the general was not aware of it at all."
Wang Zheng was not surprised at all.
Wang Xiong is a third-level soldier, and his skills are naturally much better than those of ordinary people. However, there is still a certain gap between him and future famous generals such as Zhou Tai. Moreover, he has never practiced any martial arts, and it is normal for his hearing and eyes to be weak.
Moreover, Wang Xiong could honestly say that no one was following him today, which indirectly proved his suspicion.
"It seems that our Yang Jijiu has an extra force in his hands recently." Wang Zheng tapped his fingers rhythmically on the table and murmured: "Youping, you are a local, tell me what kind of things are there in Shouchun City now.
Is this part worthy of a good review?"
"If we talk about elites, there is no such thing as the Tianzhu Camp under the command of Guozhou Mu." Zhou Tai said: "I heard that Gan Ning, the newly recruited Zhonglang general from Jingzhou, and his hundreds of troops are worthy of being a tiger warrior.
."
"Where are Yuan Shu's subordinates?"
"Most of the elites of the Yangzhou Army are now stationed in Runan..." After pondering for a while, Zhou Tai said: "The only ones who are still in Shouchun City and can still be called elites are those who are under the direct control of Yuan Shu.
It’s camp south.”
"Pro-military?"
Before Wang Zheng could speak, Wang Xiong on the side exclaimed: "Are you saying that the people responsible for monitoring us recently are all elites of the Southern Army?" After saying that, he looked at Wang Zheng again: "General, this...
"
Wang Zheng knew what Wang Xiong was thinking at this time and how important his lord's army was. Without Yuan Shu's approval or even support, Yang Hong would have no right or possibility to mobilize despite being Yuan Shu's mastermind.
Qiao Wan on the side seemed to have thought of something, and could not help frowning: "No way, didn't Yuan Shu just come to visit you a few days ago? His attitude was attentive, and I didn't see any suspicion in him."
"If there is no suspicion on the face, how can one know what's going on in the heart?" Wang Zheng shook his head, not daring to be careless: "How could one know that this is not a delaying tactic?"
"Of course, even if Yuan Shu agreed to Yang Hong's dispatch of his troops to participate in the surveillance, it does not necessarily mean that he has become suspicious of his general. Yang Hong is tenacious and unwilling to give up easily, and he is Yuan Shu's number one plotter.
, as soon as he spoke, Gu Yong and others behind him would probably agree one by one. Under the public sentiment, Yuan Shu could not cope with it, so it is possible that he would acquiesce out of desperation."
"Yang Hong is indeed a troublesome person." Qiao Wan stared at Wang Zheng with her beautiful eyebrows, showing a look of concern: "It is said that three people can make a tiger, and a lot of words can make money. Rumors can come true, not to mention that you really want to conquer Jiangdong?"
"If this person continues to be so persistent, and he now has military power in his hands, I'm afraid that he will just insist on us while trying to persuade Yuan Shu. If time passes and the delay continues, will...
"At this point, Qiao Wan bit her lips slightly and said softly: "Are you going to make the decision without permission?"
As for who was in charge, Wang Xiong and Zhou Tai knew very well that they should probably kill him first and then show off. They couldn't help but become a little nervous and looked at Wang Zheng.
Wang Zheng looked calm. He just looked at Wang Xiong and asked, "Where are Wu Sheng and Huang Zhong now?"
"General, you have quietly entered Hefei City."
"Great kindness." Wang Zheng clapped his hands and smiled, and ordered in a deep voice: "Pass on my general's order, order them to cover up their voices, stay out at night, and march towards Shouchun quickly, and then order all the departments in the city to be tight on the outside and tight on the inside, so as to be ready for emergency response at all times.
Prepare."
Having said this, Wang Zheng turned his eyes to Chengsheng Wanlifu hanging on the wall, and let out a deep breath to suppress the surging fighting spirit in his heart, thinking: "Seven days at most..."
If nothing unexpected happens, in seven days, this Shouchun City and this Jiangdong treasure land will change hands.
But similarly, these seven days will also become the most difficult seven days for Wang Zheng since he entered Shouchun!
...
In order to alleviate the doubts of Yuan Shu and Yang Hong, on the fourth day after Wang Zheng fell ill, good news came from Lujiang. The Xuzhou army once again defeated the Sun thieves, killed more than a thousand of the thieves, and even captured the thieves general Cheng Pu!
Cheng Pu's capture meant that Sun Ce's rebellion, which had lasted for several months, was finally put down. Wang Zheng and Yuan Shu won the final victory, and the territory of Lujiang became peaceful.
When the news reached Shouchun, Yuan Shu was overjoyed and was going to hold a banquet in the palace that day to celebrate his success. Wang Zheng used the excuse that he was still ill and could not go out to attend, so he did not attend. If he did not attend, other Xuzhou generals would naturally not attend, so as to quell the chaos.
The main hero was not present, and the Yangzhou Army talked and sang to himself, which naturally had no meaning.
Yuan Shu was not angry. After all, he was in a good mood at this time, and he was on the winning side. Winners are tolerant, in a good mood, and easy to consider others. He didn't take it seriously at all, and even had whims...
Since it was inconvenient for Wang Zheng to go out, why not just change the venue of the celebration banquet to the embassy? He even deliberately postponed the time for a few days. In his original words: "Without the help of the imperial bandits, there would be no Lujiang River."
If the Lujiang River is not peaceful, how can I sleep peacefully? We should wait until he recovers and celebrate with us with a feast."
Facts speak louder than words. The Xuzhou Army completely defeated Sun Ce's rebels and captured alive Cheng Pu, the general who betrayed him with Sun Ce. This was the most powerful response to all Yang Hong's suggestions. In addition, Mrs. Feng blew her away from time to time.
With his pillow style, Yuan Shu not only strengthened his trust in Wang Zheng again, but his favorability level also skyrocketed, almost triggering him to join the team.
Although he did not join the team in the end, when Yang Hong once again expressed his suspicion and fear of Wang Zheng, Yuan Shu was displeased and reprimanded Yang Hong for the first time without saying a word, and even threatened to take back the previously granted power to mobilize the Southern Army.
..
Of course, in the end, in consideration of Yang Hong's loyalty, he just stopped making threats, but Yuan Shu finally warned Yang Hong sternly:
"Although Wang Yukou is from a humble background, he is eager for justice and a man of benevolence and righteousness. In my opinion, he is better than most of the hypocritical scholars in the world. This time he helped me put down the chaos without asking for anything in return.
It is clear that there is no selfish intention in this red city. You should not be suspicious of yourself and spread the news without considering the importance. Wouldn't it make the world feel cold and think that I am an ungrateful person?"
After saying that, he walked away.
After Yuan Shu left, Yang Hong still stood alone in the palace, muttering to himself: "The bustling world is all for profit; the hustle and bustle in the world is all for profit. My lord, the king and the bandits coming to the aid of Jiangdong must have a plan.
Where can there be complete sincerity and no selfishness?"
Speaking of which, this was the first time that he had received such a severe rebuke since he became the leader of Yuan Shu. Normally, with Yang Hong's arrogant heart, he would never have endured such embarrassment...
But at this time, Yang Hong's face showed suspicion, confusion, and even wavering, but there was not much shame or anger.
Because to be honest, with how things have developed now, even he himself can't see through Wang Zheng's arrogance.
He was not sure whether the other party was a friend or an enemy, and whether Shouchun came here just to celebrate his success or if he had ulterior motives.
Although it was Yang Hong who took the initiative to suggest that Yuan Shu invite Wang Zheng to quell the chaos, this does not mean that Yang Hong really believed that Wang Zheng was acting out of allyship or eagerness for public good.
Yang Hong believes that Wang Zheng will most likely send troops, more because he believes that Wang Zheng can see Sun Ce’s potential, and he is more determined not to allow the other party a chance to become bigger!
Although Yang Hong was a minister of Yuan Shu, Yang Hong was indeed loyal to Yuan Shu, but he knew very well that Yuan Shu was not a wise master. If he were Wang Zheng, he would definitely help Yuan Shu get rid of Sun Ce first, and then consider his subsequent relationship with Yuan Shu.
What happened next was not what Yang Hong expected. Wang Zheng indeed rushed to Yuan Shu's aid, and the Xuzhou Army became the absolute main force in the head-on confrontation with Sun Ce's army. On the contrary, the Yangzhou Army and Yuan Shu became just spectators.
But after Sun Ce died, the Xuzhou Army stayed in Lujiang under the pretext of wiping out the remnants. Huang Zhong and Wu Sheng even took control of the two important towns of Lu'an and Anfeng respectively. Alarm bells rang in Yang Hong's heart!
When Wang Zheng came to Shouchun in person, he sent his men everywhere to make friends with prominent families and officials in the city. Yang Hong even concluded that the other party wanted to take the opportunity to develop power in Jiangdong first, improve his personal reputation, and pave the way for the future capture of Jiangdong.
But if this is the case, according to Yang Hong's judgment, no matter when Wang Zheng leaves, the Xuzhou Army will definitely extend the stay in Lujiang indefinitely under the pretext of suppressing bandits.
However, the remnants of evil were finally put down so quickly...
Moreover, Wang Zheng had previously taken the initiative to say that the road to Xudu north was difficult. This meant that he had voluntarily given up his two excuses to stay in Yangzhou. Then when he recovered, there would be no reason to stay in Shouchun and he would return today.
Xuzhou.
Wang Zheng and the Xuzhou Army have both left, so it is naturally impossible to destroy Guo by false means, which means that Yang Hong's suspicion is really wrong...
But Yang Hong still felt that something was wrong!
It's like the eve of an impending storm. Although it looks calm, it makes people feel depressed and bored everywhere.
Yang Hong walked in front of the window, staring at the imperial garden outside at dusk. The sky today was gloomy and bleak, and the cold wind blew up like an accomplice, rolling up countless flowers, plants, and dust.
He murmured to himself, his eyes usually bright and determined, but now he looked wandering and unsteady due to deep thought:
"Is it really true that I use my villain's heart to judge others as a gentleman's heart?"