Shu Chen

Chapter 107
Although it is already autumn and July, people can still feel the enthusiasm of the scorching sun in the coming heat.

Fortunately, Baishuiguan in the north of Sichuan is located in the mountains, and the Bailong River winds through it. If you find a place to sit on the ground in the shade of lush trees, you can also capture a little coolness.

That is, there are quite a lot of cicadas on the tree, clamoring tirelessly.

The sound is sometimes fast, sometimes slow, sometimes slow, sometimes urgent, one after another.

I don't know if it's the music of gratitude that the summer heat has not dissipated, or the autumn funeral song that has been dancing for a few days.

On the bank of the water, there is a huge tomb, surrounded by hills, with several stone tablets in front of the tomb, densely engraved with names.

This was established by Zheng Pu.

In the mound, rest the soldiers who died in the battle of Jinggu Road last year.

Since ancient times, the famous generals with illustrious military exploits have left behind many bones.

Every time you get promoted, every time your military exploits are appreciated by others, the price is the dead soldiers.
Born as a human being, Zheng Pu tried his best to collect the corpses and bury them. It is right for them to leave a little trace in the world.

This time, he was sent to Baishuiguan by the prime minister, so he couldn't help but come to the grave.

White clothes like snow, sitting against a stone, eyes closed and horizontal bamboo flute on lips, a melodious and bittersweet "It seems like an old friend is coming" poured out, reflecting each other with the tree language passing by the breeze.

Standing in the distance, Zhuge Qiao listened quietly, looking at the huge grave mound with a little blurred vision.

After Zhuge Liang, the prime minister, led the troops to station in Hanzhong County, he became an official post and became the post-supervisor of the army, supervising the transfer of grain, fodder and supplies in Shu.

Very difficult.

Even the appearance and body, there is a bit of skinny taste.

Fortunately, the prime minister Xicao Puyuan finally used iron cables for grain transportation.

In order to maintain the unimpeded transportation of grain by cableway, the guards of the four passes in the north of Shu all set up ropeway pawns to transfer their duties to protect the grain and transport it, so that he could relieve his responsibility and do nothing else in Hanzhong.

Today, I came to Baishuiguan because Zheng Pu asked the prime minister to send him.

I want to use his identity to make Di Wang Fuzhang feel that the big man attaches great importance to recruiting and surrendering.

After all, the prime minister, who is in charge of the power of the great man, sent his son to discuss the details. What doubts does Fu Zhang have, thinking that the great man is not sincere enough?
However, the day before the departure, Zhuge Qiao was privately instructed by the prime minister.

"Although Zijin is a few years younger than you, his scheming is even better. Bo Song is leaving, so don't question his actions and words. Think about it, it may be beneficial."

Directly set Zhuge Qiao as a decoration, and the focus is on participation.
In this regard, Zhuge Qiao, who has always been gentle and gentlemanly, has no dissatisfaction.

He and Zheng Pu are quite familiar with each other, so he knows the level of their talents.

However, it is unavoidable to be curious about what Zheng Pu did and said, and to savor it carefully in his heart.

For example, I just met Fu Jian, the eldest son of King Di Fuzhang.

That Fu Jian babbled, all kinds of loyalty and his tribe's attachment to the big man, and various advantages and disadvantages for the big man, such as defending the border and so on, and so on, but in exchange for Zheng Pu's words, "Let's go back, please. Father, come and discuss."

Immediately, Fu Jian's face showed unswerving color.

He waited for nearly ten days, but only called out a word that questioned his low status and inability to take charge?
Even if he really can't make the decision, Zheng Pu should show some sincerity and let him go back and ask his father for the talisman, right?
However, Zheng Pu's next sentence made him not dare to complain anymore, and rushed out of the gate in a hurry.

"It's not that I have the heart to despise the young chiefs, or I suspect that the nobles will come to attach them. It's the cruelty against the Wei Dynasty. I don't want to see the nobles. In the future, they will be reduced to King Agui of Xingguo and Dou Mao, King of Hechi, and be expelled from the clan. And slaughter."

It also made Zhuge Qiao secretly ponder, if he were Zheng Pu, how would he fulfill the rhetoric of "killing the clan".

Well, the tricks that lobbyists often use are to exaggerate the truth first, thinking that you are sharing your worries, and then let others recognize what you are trying to achieve, so that what you want will come true.

Zhuge Qiao knew this well.

It's just that I'm looking forward to it, and I want to see if my own thinking and Zheng Pu's actions are compatible?
Two days later, the exterior view of Baishuiguan Valley Road.

Di Wang Fuzhang, who had a protruding forehead and sharp jaw, and was less than seven feet long, came here at the invitation. When he saw Zheng Pu, his eyes flashed with surprise.

He couldn't believe that the general of the Han army who planned to ambush him in the past was so young.

It is no coincidence.

Zheng Pu was also very surprised that his appearance was short and small, but he was supported as a great chief among the Di people who respect the strong.

Perhaps, this person has something special.

Secretly said, Zheng Pu smiled and introduced Zhuge Qiao for him, and said a few polite words such as "Di Wang understands the righteousness and abandons the dark and turns to the bright, the great man is thirsty for thinking".

When the two parties sat down, they took the lead and said, "Boss, I have a great reputation, and I always treat people with sincerity, and I don't want to deceive the leader. Therefore, I ask the leader to think about it. Compared with the siege at Yinping Bridge, is my Dahan Baishuiguan Easier to hold on to?"

Uh?
Hearing this, Fu Zhang's eyes narrowed slightly.

Seeing Zheng Pu's frank face, he fell into deep thought.

Because of Zheng Pu's words, he told him cryptically that he had no intention of occupying the Yinping Bridge.

In other words, it also wiped away the bargaining chip he had with the big man.

If the big man doesn't want to fight Cao Wei now and occupy the bridgehead to defend the siege, it will be harmful to the big man.

Although the siege at the bridgehead is dangerous, it has to bear Cao Wei's attack from the three roads of Yinping Road, Wudu, and Qiang Road. Compared with Baishui Pass on Jinggu Road, it is too difficult to hold on.

"The meaning of Governor Zheng's words is to claim that the big man has no intention of accepting our troops to join the evil?"

After a long silence, Fu Zhang raised his eyebrows and asked back.

And, before Zheng Pu could reply, he sneered, "Oh, I don't think so, the big man has lived in Bashu for too long, and he has no enterprising spirit!"

"Oh~~~"

Shaking his head slightly, Zheng Pu didn't show any emotion, but let out a long sigh of regret, and asked with a restrained face, "I'm telling you the truth, why should the leader speak out to provoke me? Could it be that the leader has never thought about it? , for the leader, does the harm outweigh the good?"

This time, Fu Zhang restrained himself when he heard the words, and fell into silence again.

He was dubbed the "wise man" by the Di people. An Neng didn't know the pros and cons of coming to attach himself to the big man?
If Cao Wei learns that the bridgehead siege has changed hands, he will definitely send troops to fight!

And he was supported by the big Han's food, fodder and supplies, and he also had to bear the price of attachment, so that his clansmen fought bloody battles on the front line against Cao Wei's soldiers and horses.

In turn, there were heavy casualties, which led to the decline of the tribe.

However, knowing this, he still came to ask for surrender, because he didn't dare to stay in Yinping any longer.

In the last battle of Jinggu Road, he was defeated in the middle ambush, which made many tribes in Yinping complain.

Some tribal chieftains spoke forcefully to King Di, claiming that he was so talented that it was difficult for him to stick to the important task of guarding the bridgehead.

There are also some great chiefs who slandered him because they deliberately lost the battle. In order to make everyone in the tribe close to Baishuiguan feel in danger, they had no choice but to submit to his despotic power.

Although, Di Wang Qiangduan did not believe these slanderous words.

And send someone to appease him, let him ignore it, just continue to work well.

However, he was uneasy.

When he moved to Yinping back then, out of prudence, he bought a close friend of Qiangduan with a lot of money and made him pass the news secretly.

Therefore, he also knew that Guo Huai, the governor of Yongzhou in Cao Wei, had rumored that he was strong, and asked if the siege at the bridgehead could still guard against evil?

In other words, Guo Huai was not at ease with him guarding the bridgehead.

This is fatal.

Qiangduan divided the fields and pastures and accepted him to stay in Yinping because he wanted him to be a line of defense against the Han army.

But now, Guo Huai questioned the defense of the siege at the head of the bridge, relying on Cao Wei's strength to survive, under the continuous slander of the tribal chiefs, how long can he trust him?
Once the seeds of suspicion grow in people's hearts, once they take root and germinate, even God can't stop it from growing into a towering tree.

Not to mention, people who grew up in the barren soil of the Northwest never believed in friendship.

No king of Di can resist the temptation from interests.

Fu Zhang felt that his clansmen, cattle, sheep and war horses would one day be coveted by Cao Wei and Qiang Duan, and then join hands to annex them!
No matter how bad it is, they may be forcibly sent to Dian's Dao to resist the bandits of Baima Qiang and Shenlang Qiang.

In the siege at Qiaotou, Bashu will not send troops to harass for several years.

But if he went to Dian's Dao, he would have to fight Baima Qiang and Shen Lang Qiang every year in autumn and winter. He didn't want the lives of his people to be wasted slowly!

Perhaps, such an idea is a bit mediocre.

However, even if there is only a slight possibility, Fu Zhang dare not take the risk of his wealth and life.

However, Wudu County is now under the control of Cao Wei. If he abandons the siege at the bridgehead and leads his people back, he will give Cao Wei and Qiang Duan an excuse instead!

For example, slandering him for having an affair with Bashu.

Afterwards, he called on other Di tribes in Wudu to enjoy the gluttonous feast of carve-up of other tribes.

After thinking about it, he thought of the decision to come to rely on the big man.

Because of his dependence on the big man, he still has a chance of life.

And besieged by many tribes and Cao Wei, he must have no bones left!
"The old man is so old that he is so arrogant that he was just now arrogant. Please, Governor Zheng, don't take it too seriously."

The talisman, which had been silent for a long time, bowed to Zheng Pu in accordance with the etiquette of the Han family, "However, I led my people to join the Han, and I am also sincere. I also ask the governor to observe clearly and represent Prime Minister Chen Yu on my behalf."

"The prime minister has no doubts about the heart of a leader."

Pointing to Zhuge Qiao beside him, Zheng Pu smiled coyly, "The prime minister sent me here not because he didn't want to accept the leader, but because he didn't dare to live up to the leader's determination to lead his troops back to righteousness, so he wanted to be the leader. And plan, how to avoid the attack of the soldiers against Wei."

"Zhang, thank you, Prime Minister, for your benevolence!"

Standing up suddenly, Fu Zhang cupped his hands to the right to show that he was far away to the prime minister, then sat down again and asked softly, "How can I save my people from being slaughtered by Cao Wei? Please, Governor Zheng, please teach me."

After Fu Zhangfu finished speaking, Zheng Pu quietly heaved a sigh of relief.

After pretending to be sympathetic for a long time, he was finally able to see each other.

"Don't dare to claim to be taught."

Hastily cupping his hands, Zheng Pu made a modest statement first, and responded solemnly, "Leader, I came to Baishui about the picture, and I have two thoughts in my heart, and the leader can choose for himself."

After the words fell, the talisman also solemnly bowed his hands and begged, "I would like to hear the details."

"The first is that we, the Great Han, sought to pacify the rebellion in the southern and central counties. At this time, we really cannot fight against the Wei Wei, nor can we accept the siege at the bridgehead guarded by the leader. Therefore, I also ask the leader to temporarily condescend to Under Wei Wei. My big man will provide armaments and other supplies in private, so that the leader can accumulate strength."

At this point, Zheng Pu paused, and said with a light smile, "However, Yizhou is exhausted now, and it is inconvenient to transport ordnance and other goods to Baishuiguan. Please also ask the leader to transfer some horses or cattle to my big man as appropriate."

"Well, it is inevitable."

Waving his hand, Fu Zhang nodded and said, "Don't worry, Governor Zheng, I'm not a greedy person. If the big man is willing to grant me armaments and supplies, I will repay him with cattle, sheep and horses."

After finishing the words, he raised his head again and urged, "I don't know the second thing Zheng Dujun is thinking about, what is the strategy?"

"The second is to ask the leader and his family to move to Hanzhong County."

Ok?
When Zheng Pu finished speaking, Fu Zhang got up abruptly, showing signs of expression.

And he put his hand on the handle of the knife on his waist, and roared with anger like thunder, "I voted with sincerity, but Governor Zheng treated me like a three-year-old kid playing tricks!"

In an instant, the wanton and cheerful saliva was a little colorful under the scorching sun.

It also made Zheng Pu sick for a while.

Rolling up his sleeves with his backhand, and wiping his face lightly, he said in a calm tone, "Leader, don't get angry. It's not too late to refuse after I finish speaking. And, the leader doesn't choose the second, but chooses one ear."

huh. huh.
The floating red talisman, with fixed eyes, silently stared at Zheng Pu, his chest heaving sharply.

After counting breaths, he closed his eyes and let out a long breath. After trying to suppress the anger in his chest, he sat down again and squeezed out a few words from his teeth, "I would like to listen to Governor Zheng's words!"

"Heh~~~~"

Laughing softly, Zheng Pu's eyes were burning, and he talked eloquently.

"I ask your son to bring me a word. The leader has never heard of evil? The turmoil in the northwest has been going on for decades."

"Whether it's the Qiang and Hu tribes or the Di tribes, in the middle of the game, you can't be alone."

"Like King Di of Xingguo and King Di of Hechi, the tribes in the past were more powerful than the leaders of Fu, but now their bones are exposed in the wild, let the wind and rain blow away. I know the scruples of the leaders who don't want to move to Hanzhong, but if the leaders don't Take refuge in Hanzhong, wandering between my big Han and Ni Wei, not afraid of stepping into the dust of Xingguo King Di and others in the future?"

"Furthermore, I am a big man who has always been benevolent and righteous, and I never do petty acts."

Up to this point, Zheng Pu responded solemnly, and said loudly, "Now I invite the leader to move in, it is natural to have some arrangements, so that the leader's power will not be lost, and the descendants can enjoy wealth and honor for generations!"

Uh?
After hearing this, Fu Jian's anger slowly dissipated.

Indeed, he knew that if he lived between the great Han and Cao Wei, he would die if he was not careful.

But moving into Hanzhong is no different from a sheep entering a tiger's mouth, being given whatever one wants by a big man!

Both of these are like walking on thin ice.

Therefore, his eyes were full of suspicion, and he quietly examined Zheng Pu for a while, Fang Shisheng asked, "If I move my family to Hanzhong, how will the big man treat me?"

When Zheng Pu heard the question, his teeth became bright.

He also did not neglect, and said bluntly, "The Prime Minister heard that the leader has two sons. When he sent me here, he told me to transfer to the leader."

"First, the leader will be granted the title of Marquis of Duting, and he will eat five hundred households. The official will pay homage to General Guiyi, lead the prime minister's mansion to join the army, and the imperial court will be in Chengdu, and Gao Di will be appointed as the leader!"

"Secondly, the youngest son of the leader, he was granted the title of Marquis of Guannei, and ate [-] households. The official worshiped Huben Zhonglang, with a rank of [-] shi, and the leader of the army was confined in the palace."

"Thirdly, it is the eldest son of the leader. The official worships the captain of Huwei. He can choose [-] horses from the tribe as righteous servants, and take them as his own. He is the second son of General Zhengnan, Deputy General Zhao Yihong. Well, my big man's custom is to be the heir of the eldest son. , so the leader is not granted the title of eldest son."

After Fu Zhang heard it, his eyes widened in an instant, and his face was full of disbelief.

Mu Ran looked sideways, and when Zhuge Qiao smiled and nodded beside him, he still couldn't believe it, and asked in a slightly trembling voice, "The Prime Minister really has something to say, let my eldest son Ren Yi follow him?"

Well, no wonder he was surprised.

Because righteousness is the establishment of the frontier army, and it is not so hasty.

The origin of Yi Cong was in the second year of Zhang He (88 A.D.), when Deng Xun, the captain of the Hu Qiang School, adopted the young and brave men from Yuezhi in Huangzhong and Lushui Zhuhu as Yi Cong, and later evolved into a pawn guarding the border counties. .

However, these young and brave men must be incorporated into household registration and become subjects of the great Han Dynasty.

For example, Deng Xun's Yicong in Huangzhong was first Yuezhihu who surrendered to the Han Dynasty, and was moved by the government to live in a household in Huangzhong. He belonged to the subjects of the Han Dynasty, so he was called "Yiconghu".Later, because of the fusion of the Yueshi Hu and the Qiang people in Huangzhong, the name became "Huangzhong Yicong" or "Huangzhong Yiconghu".

Moreover, according to the Dahan practice, Yi Cong's generals at all levels are all held by the Dahan Liangjiazi.

There is no saying that Qiang Hu was awarded. 【Note 1】

Because he was worried that Qianghu would become a general and would rely on power to give birth to a heart of domineering, drive troops to annex the surrounding tribes, and let his own tribe form a powerful force that cannot be lost.

Today, the prime minister is able to allow Fu Zhang's eldest son, Fu Jian, to take the post of leader of the general, which can be said to be full of sincerity.

At least, if Fu Jian becomes a general, fights for the big man, accumulates meritorious service and keeps the family's favor alive, Fu Zhang can let go of the heart of being gobbled up by the big man.

Moreover, the nobleness of one family and two princes is more reassuring than living in the cracks all day long.

The power is not tilted, and the descendants are all honored, so why should the husband seek evil?
"Boss, the Prime Minister did say that."

Zheng Pu nodded and smiled, "When the leader and his family move to Hanzhong, it is the time when the emperor's edict arrives in Hanzhong!"

"The prime minister treats me so favorably, I am not a plant, how dare I have evil?"

Hearing this, Fu Zhang got up to salute, with a passionate face, "I also ask Governor Zheng to report to the prime minister on my behalf, I am willing to move my family to Hanzhong County, and swear to repay the kindness of the great man with my death!"

"Hahaha~~~"

Zheng Pu laughed, and quickly stood up to return the salute, "The leader understands the righteousness, and it is my great fortune to vote with the whole family!"
-
[Note: Beigong Boyu, who led the rebellion in Huangzhong at the end of the Han Dynasty, was a Han.The Beigong family comes from the Ji surname, and the surname is derived from the official position of Beigong.Similar to Sima, Situ and so on. 】

(End of this chapter)