Chapter 125 Zhang Zhao seeks the country and Sun Quan enters Jing (5000 words! Please vote and follow up!)
A large chariot, escorted by many guards, was walking in Jianye City.
Pedestrians on the road avoided the road one after another, and the scholars among them looked sideways.
Some scholars on the street recognized that the person driving the chariot was Sun Quan.
The chariot was blocked by a curtain, and no one could clearly see Sun Quan's expression inside the chariot.
But when they looked at the direction the car was driving, some of the scholars who knew the inside story of Jiangdong's officialdom were stunned. What big thing happened in Jiangdong again?
Otherwise, why would you go looking for that person again?
Not far after leaving the Hussar General's mansion, Sun Quan's chariot guard arrived outside a spacious mansion.
The driver's action of stopping reminded Sun Quan in the car that he had reached his destination.
After realizing that he had arrived at his destination, Sun Quan couldn't help but sigh in his heart.
He thought that he no longer had to be helped by that person like he did back then, but he didn't expect that he would end up here after all the detours.
Time is also destiny.
Sun Quan is a pragmatist. Although he is reluctant in his heart, now that Jiangdong is experiencing drastic changes again, there are only a few good ministers in Jianye City, and this is the only person he can discuss national affairs with.
If it hadn't been for this man back then, after Sun Ce's death, Sun Quan would not have been able to successfully win over the public and protect Jiangdong, let alone be as noble as he is today.
With this thought in his mind, Sun Quan stood up and stepped out of the chariot curtain. He raised his head and looked at the plaque of the mansion in front of him.
"The Chariot and Cavalry General and the Military Advisor Zhang's Mansion".
When Sun Quan saw the four characters "Chariot and Cavalry General" written on the plaque, he felt extremely dazzled.
The title of General of Chariots and Cavalry was originally given to Sun Quan by Liu Bei. Since he decided to alliance with Cao Cao, Sun Quan gave up the position of General of Chariots and Cavalry and accepted the title of General of Hussars and Cavalry given by Cao Cao.
After accepting this title, all the ministers who were originally members of his shogunate had their plaques replaced accordingly.
Among the officials of the shogunate, only Zhang Zhao, the most senior one, still kept the original plaque.
This is because Zhang Zhao was angry at Sun Quan for not listening to his advice and was dissatisfied with him for abandoning Liu Liancao.
After seeing this plaque, Sun Quan felt angry in his heart, but thinking that he was now seeking help from Zhang Zhao, he temporarily suppressed his anger.
Sun Quan turned his eyes away and stopped looking at the plaque.
With help from the left and right, he got out of the car and strode towards Zhang Fuzhong.
At this time, the guards outside Zhang's mansion saw Sun Quan's unexpected visit. He was so frightened that he quickly went inside to report Zhang Zhao, but his move was blocked by Sun Quan.
"Don't disturb Mr. Zhang. You can come in alone."
After preventing Zhang's guards from reporting the incident, Sun Quan also asked all his guards to stay outside Zhang's residence. He only entered with his personal follower Gu Li.
Sun Quan, who is nearly forty years old, is not as strong as when he was young, but facing the Zhang Mansion, he is very familiar with it.
Zhang Zhao's mansion was built exactly like the one given to him by Sun Ce in Wu County.
The layout and architectural style inside are exactly the same as those of Zhang Mansion in Wu County.
When Sun Quan was young, he was ordered by his elder brother Sun Ce to study classics in Zhang Zhao's mansion.
How could Sun Quan not be familiar with the mansion where he had stayed for several years?
When Sun Quan entered Zhang's mansion, looking at the various scenes buried in the beautiful memories of his childhood, a feeling as if it was yesterday suddenly came over him.
Time flies, and the young man has become the overlord of the southeast.
And the famous figure who was regarded as a teacher by that young man was also abandoned by the Southeast Overlord.
Sun Quan, immersed in the memories of his childhood, walked step by step towards the interior of Zhang Mansion.
Along the way, many people in the Zhang family who knew him were anxious to bow to him, but he ignored them all and walked straight towards his destination.
I kept walking through the many corridors, and the scenery around me kept flashing by.
Sun Quan only felt that his legs and feet were becoming more and more convenient. At this time, he felt like he had returned to his youth. With excitement, under the leadership of his brother, he went to visit the famous person he admired very much.
I have the same expectation, but back then I was seeking education, but now I am asking for help.
After walking for a long time, Sun Quan relied on the memory in his mind and finally arrived outside a spacious lobby.
At this time, he looked at the back of an old man, who was kneeling and sitting motionless on a stone seat.
Looking at the back that was slightly stooped due to old age but was extremely familiar, Sun Quan felt a few emotions flashing through his heart.
He remembered the old man's fierce confrontation with him a few months ago, and Sun Quan felt a little guilty in his heart.
Sun Quan ordered Gu Li behind him to wait where he was. He walked lightly and walked to the opposite side of Zhang Zhao and sat down slowly.
Then he called out: "Master Zhang."
Since Sun Quan inherited Jiangdong, he has not called Zhang Shi for more than ten years.
Sun Quan’s words about Zhang Shi also awakened Zhang Zhao who was resting his mind with his eyes closed.
When Zhang Zhao heard this sound that he had not heard for more than ten years, he opened his old eyes.
After seeing that it was Sun Quan, a trace of disappointment flashed across Zhang Zhao's face.
He thought it was another Sun Lang who came to call him.
"General."
After saying this, Zhang Zhao was about to stand up and bow to Sun Quan, but Sun Quan signaled him not to get up.
After stopping Zhang Zhao from standing up and saluting, Sun Quan asked Zhang Zhao, as if he was solving his doubts when he was studying, "Master Zhang, Jiangdong is experiencing great changes now and the situation is critical. I hope Master Zhang can teach me."
After finishing speaking, Sun Quan bowed slightly to Zhang Zhao.
Sun Quan and Zhang Zhao were both masters and disciples, as well as monarchs and ministers. Their decades of friendship had already made their relationship extremely deep.
Sun Quan did not need to bother testing Zhang Zhao, and Sun Quan did not need to tell Zhang Zhao anything.
Because he knew that Zhang Zhao, who had been in charge of Jiangdong's internal affairs for decades, had disciples and old officials all over Jiangdong, so Zhang Zhao must have received the news he could receive.
Sure enough, after hearing Sun Quan ask this question, Zhang Zhao didn't show any surprise on his face.
Thinking of the news he had just received, Zhang Zhao also showed a look of regret on his face.
He is also one of the Huaisi Group.
But in the face of Sun Quan's inquiry, Zhang Zhao replied: "I am already old. The general's state affairs are planned by Lu Ziming for the general. Why do you need me, who will be buried in the grave?"
There was resentment in Zhang Zhao's tone.
Sun Quan heard the resentment in Zhang Zhao's mouth. He knew that Zhang Zhao was complaining that he had not listened to his advice and insisted on seizing the crown behind Liu's back.
If I had listened to what he said earlier, why would I have been defeated today?
Because he was initially angry with Sun Quan for not listening to his advice, Zhang Zhao had been passive and sabotaging government affairs in the past few months in order to resist.
Facing the resentment in Zhang Zhao's heart, Sun Quan also felt that he was ashamed of Zhang Zhao.
Therefore, he bowed to Zhang Zhaoyi again and said, "Master Zhang, I didn't listen to you in the first place, and that's why I suffered such a defeat. I feel ashamed."
"However, the current situation is critical. Why can't Mr. Zhang put aside his personal grudges temporarily and discuss state affairs with Gu to save the current situation?"
Sun Quan's second bow did not move the stubborn Zhang Zhao, and he simply stopped saying anything this time.
Sun Quan was already angry because of the defeat of the Public Security Bureau, and now he saw Zhang Zhao still looking indifferent even after he apologized to him twice. Sun Quan couldn't help but feel angry.
He held the sword at his waist and said, "When Jiangdong scholars enter the palace, they worship the emperor, and when they leave the palace, they worship the emperor. It is the most important thing for an orphan to respect the emperor."
And you have humiliated me in front of me several times, and I am afraid that one day I will accidentally hurt you."
Sun Quan's threatening words, coupled with his actions of holding a knife in his hand, would have frightened the ordinary officials in Jiangdong.
But when Zhang Zhao saw this scene, his expression remained as usual, and he said in a neither humble nor arrogant tone,
"Mrs. Xi, the Marquis of Wu does not regard the old ministers as subordinates to the generals, but the generals as subordinates to the old ministers. This is because he hopes that the old ministers will do their best to serve as ministers, so that after the two masters are gone, there will be something to say, in order to repay the kindness of the two masters.
But now that the old minister has short-term ideas and disobeyed the general's will, I myself have made preparations for my body to be abandoned in the ravine after my death.
Unexpectedly, today the general came to sit down with the old minister to discuss politics. The old minister was very honored.
But my foolish heart is to serve the country, to be loyal and beneficial, and to sacrifice my life.
If the general thinks that I will succumb to the sword for the sake of glory, you are absolutely wrong."
Zhang Zhao is strong and strong. He is nearly seventy years old and has already enjoyed enough honors and wealth.
Now that half of his body is in the ground, how can he be afraid of Sun Quan's death threat?
As soon as Zhang Zhao's words were spoken, Sun Quan knew that his threats were useless.
But facing the strong Zhang Zhao, he still couldn't do it.
Sun Quan could only throw his knife at Zhang Zhao and cry, "In the past, my mother and brother entrusted me to the teacher. Is the teacher really going to abandon me today?"
Seeing that Zhang Zhao refused to give in, Sun Quan planned to move him emotionally.
Sun Quan's voice was filled with tears. Zhang Zhao saw that Sun Quan mentioned Sun Ce in his words, and the old man's eyes became confused for a moment.
At the beginning, Zhang Zhao repeatedly received letters from northern scholar-bureaucrats, in which he was credited with all the credit for stabilizing Jiangdong.
Zhang Zhao originally wanted to keep it secret but was afraid of being selfish, but wanted to inform Sun Ce but was afraid that it would be inappropriate, and he was uneasy about advancing or retreating for a while.
Later, when Sun Ce heard about this, he couldn't help patting him on the shoulder and laughed:
"In the past, Guan and Zhong were equal to each other. One was Zhongfu, the other was Zhongfu, and Duke Huan was the dominant clan. Now I can use him to spread the virtues, and his fame is not mine alone!"
To this day, Sun Ce's hearty smile is still deeply etched in Zhang Zhao's mind.
In the face of suspicion, the man who had never doubted himself went to the church to worship his mother as if he were shoulder to shoulder.
In the face of advice, that person would smile and praise himself even if he didn't use it, and leave all major issues in Jiangdong to him.
I was abandoned by Sun Quan several times in Jiangdong, but he never left him. Wasn't it just to repay his friendship with him?
With his reputation not inferior to that of Wang Lang and Hua Xin, how could he lose to them when he returned to the Central Plains?
Thinking of Sun Ce, Zhang Zhao's hard heart couldn't help but soften.
He looked at the person in front of him and assisted the grown-up Jiangdong Supreme step by step.
He thought of his friend's angry words before his death more than ten years ago. Zhang Zhao could only shake his head helplessly in the end.
Zhongmou can be betrayed, how can Bo Fu bear to betray him?
Zhang Zhao also had some tears in his eyes at this time. He asked Sun Quan, "What does Ziming suggest about this matter?"
As soon as Zhang Zhao said this, Sun Quan looked up at Zhang Zhao happily.
Zhang Zhao was finally willing to let go.
Sun Quan quickly took out the letter written by Lu Meng and showed it to Zhang Zhao. After reading it, Zhang Zhao had a heavy look on his face.
After thinking deeply, Zhang Zhao said to Sun Quan, "At this time, Ziming can retreat, but the general cannot retreat."
Hearing what Zhang Zhao said, Sun Quan's eyes lit up, and he asked Zhang Zhao eagerly, "What do you mean by Master Zhang's words?"
Zhang Zhao replied, "Ziming is the commander of the army, so what he said about retreating is in terms of military struggle."
"In terms of military warfare, the morale of the public security is strong at this time, while the morale of our own side is depressed. As Ziming said, the public security is no longer available, and retreating is the best strategy."
"However, in terms of national affairs, if the general retreats at this time, it will be a great disadvantage."
"In the Battle of Public Security, our army lost three generals in a row. If this were the case alone, it would only have damaged the strength of the general's direct line, so it would be best to retreat back to Jiangdong."
"But in that battle, not only were all the three generals killed, but almost all of their soldiers were also wiped out."
"Nearly ten thousand Jiangdong elites, at least hundreds of generals, were killed in the battle. Most of those generals came from powerful families in Jiangdong."
"Previously, in order to attack Jingzhou, the general requisitioned a large amount of food and grass from the common people, which had already caused dissatisfaction among the powerful families in Jiangdong.
Now the public security battle has resulted in the death of hundreds of Jiangdong's people. How can those Jiangdong nobles just let it go with such injuries?"
"The various rumors circulating in Jianye City before are proof that the Jiangdong nobles are already dissatisfied with the general."
After hearing what Zhang Zhao said, Sun Quan suddenly realized.
When Sun Ce pacified Jiangdong, he relied on the power of General Huaisi who followed him south.
Since the occupation of Jiangdong, Sun Quan has been unable to defeat Huaisi, so the strength of the Huaisi Group has not been replenished, and each one has died.
Under such circumstances, the situation in Jiangdong's army became:
Most of the chief generals are Huaisi generals or clan members, but the middle-level generals in the army are mostly served by the numerous Jiangdong gentry or the children of local wealthy families.
It is true that the deaths of Huang Gai and the others during the police battle were a heavy blow to the Huaisi Group in Jiangdong.
But the life and death of hundreds of outstanding soldiers in the army would not be a serious blow to the local wealthy families in Jiangdong?
Even the Battle of Hefei in the 20th year of Jian'an, which Sun Quan regarded as a great shame in life, did not have such consequences.
Although Jiangdong was defeated in that battle, not many people died, and most of them were just Sun Quan's guards.
Moreover, most of the famous generals in Huaisi were present at that time, and they were able to suppress the dissatisfaction of the local nobles.
But times have changed, and in the first battle of the police, too many people died, and the scope of the attack was too wide.
If the situation is different, then naturally different approaches must be taken.
Zhang Zhao continued, "At this time, the Jiangdong nobles are dissatisfied internally, and Huaisi's strength is greatly weakened externally. The general can retreat at this time, but he must not retreat immediately."
"The army outside the public security city is mostly composed of soldiers from Jiangdong.
If the general orders them to return to Jiangdong immediately, once the tens of thousands of troops are disbanded and returned to their own families, the powerful families of Jiangdong will immediately increase their military strength.
At that time, the dissatisfied Jiangdong family will inevitably be in turmoil."
"And if the general temporarily leaves the tens of thousands of troops outside Gong'an City, since Jiangdong's troops are all on the front line, and the wealthy families in the territory have no troops to rely on, there is nothing to fear for the time being."
"And in order to supply the army ahead, the general can also take the opportunity to continuously extract food and grass from various wealthy families, thereby further weakening the strength of the dissatisfied people within the territory."
"During this period of time, the old minister in Jianye, as the general, strictly inspected all the powerful families in Jiangdong, and eradicated those who disobeyed the general one by one."
"After this, it would be a good idea for the general to order the army to return to Jiangdong to recuperate."
After listening to Zhang Zhao's plan, Sun Quan couldn't help but feel enlightened.
What is Lao Chengmu Guo, this is.
Zhang Zhao, who has been in charge of Jiangdong's political affairs for decades, can be said to be the person who knows the internal affairs of Jiangdong best.
His suggestions were more comprehensive than Lu Meng's and were considered from the perspective of preserving the overall stability of Jiangdong.
Obviously, Zhang Zhao's remarks are most in line with Sun Quan's heart.
The reason Sun Quan was saddened by the death of Huang Gai and several others, and the reason why he was saddened that nearly ten thousand elites were wiped out in ashes, was that he was afraid that Jiangdong would be internally unstable as a result.
Zhang Zhao's plan can dispel his worries.
But Sun Quan felt that this strategy was not perfect enough.
Sun Quan said, "But now that Ziming is seriously ill, the morale of the troops outside the city is unstable.
There is currently no other general in our army who can soothe people like Ziming, so what can we do?"
The morale of the troops outside Gong'an City was unstable, which was the biggest reason why Lu Meng wanted to withdraw.
If it cannot appease the morale of the military, then this will be a time bomb for the Jiangdong army outside the Public Security City.
But now Lu Meng will die of illness at any time, which gives Sun Quan a headache.
After hearing Sun Quan's doubts, Zhang Zhao glanced at Sun Quan and said calmly: "Now in Jiangdong, there is only one person who can suppress the generals and stabilize the morale of the army."
Hearing what Zhang Zhao said, Sun Quan instantly became curious. He leaned forward and asked Zhang Zhao, "Who is he?"
Even if Zhang Zhao was reluctant, for the sake of the overall situation he could only say, "That's you, general."
After hearing what Zhang Zhao said, Sun Quan realized, yes, how could I have forgotten myself?
He has been in charge of Jiangdong for nearly twenty years. In terms of prestige in Jiangdong, who else can be higher than him?
Zhang Zhao continued, "The general can go to the front line to command the troops in person, replacing Zi Ming."
"As soon as the general arrives, the generals will naturally feel at ease. Once the generals feel at ease, the army will be at peace."
"When a general goes to the police station, he can not only stabilize the morale of the army, but also firmly hold the Jiangdong army in his hands, making it no less valuable than others.
If there is sudden unrest in Jiangdong, the general can lead his army back to Jiangdong in person to put an end to the chaos."
"I will stay in Jianye, sort out the general's internal affairs, and punish the unruly ministers."
After Zhang Zhao finished speaking, a look of joy finally appeared on Sun Quan's face.
With Zhang Zhao taking action, the current undercurrents surging within Jiangdong will definitely be properly resolved.
Just like Zhang Zhao supported him when he first took charge of Jiangdong.
A problem in his heart finally found a solution.
Seeing the overjoyed look on Sun Quan's face, Zhang Zhao solemnly reminded Sun Quan, "General, remember, as Ziming said, the public security is no longer available."
"The general is going to the police this time. He just needs to stabilize the morale of the army. After the internal stability of Jiangdong is stabilized, he can lead the army back to recuperate."
Although Zhang Zhao is not optimistic about Sun Quan's ability to lead the army, currently the only one who can replace Lu Meng and stabilize the morale of the army is Sun Quan.
Moreover, Sun Quan went not to attack but to defend. This should not be a big problem, right?
It was Zhang Zhao's reminder. I wonder if Sun Quan heard it.
At the end, Zhang Zhao took the initiative to bow to Sun Quan and said to Sun Quan, "If Jiangdong can survive this crisis safely, I have only one request."
At this time, Sun Quan was in a good mood. He quickly helped Zhang Zhao and said, "As long as Master Zhang can help me stabilize Jiangdong, I will grant my request to you."
After receiving Sun Quan's promise, Zhang Zhao said with hope: "Although I know that my words are useless, but every time I try to be foolish and loyal, I sincerely think that the Marquis of Wu is about to die and call me under the bed, so my words of fate are in my ears."
"I only hope that Shaoer will succeed to the position of Marquis of Wu as soon as possible and fulfill the late master's last wish."
This was the last thing Zhang Zhao could do for Sun Ce.
After hearing Zhang Zhao's request, Sun Quan's eyes became a little gloomy.
He had the intention to reject Zhang Zhao, but thinking that he still needed Zhang Zhao to stabilize Jiangdong for him, he could only nod in agreement temporarily.
After that, Sun Quan immediately left the Zhang Mansion and returned to the General Mansion to make arrangements for entering Jing.
Things in the world are unpredictable. When Mi Fang resorted to counterintuitive tactics, she originally wanted the Jiangdong army to retreat without a fight and retreat as soon as possible.
Unexpectedly, due to a combination of circumstances, this move made Sun Quan and Zhang Zhao think that the rumors in the city were a sign that the Jiangdong family was beginning to counterattack, thus prompting Sun Quan to go to Jingzhou.
I just don’t know if Mi Yang should thank his father in the end?
There will be at least 2 more updates in a while, the time is about the same as yesterday.
(End of chapter)
This chapter has been completed!