"There is no need to be polite when you are filial, just sit down first."
Zhuge Liang motioned Chen Zhen to sit down, "Have you ever gotten used to Xiaoqi returning to the court?"
Chen Zhen was a native of Nanyang. When the late emperor took charge of Jingzhou as a pastoralist, he was promoted to work. Later, he followed the late emperor to Shu and served successively as the captain of the northern part of Shu County, the prefect of Wenshan, and the prefect of Qianwei.
This year, after Zhuge Liang pacified Nanzhong, he was worshiped as Shangshu and returned to the court for less than a month.
"There are a lot of affairs in the state and county, but when I return to the court, I have a lot of leisure, which is really a bit unaccustomed to me."
Chen Zhen, who was in his forties and in the prime of his life, laughed when he heard this and said, "The Prime Minister is tired from work and is an official in leisure. I am really ashamed."
Zhuge Liang understood the elegant meaning after hearing this, shook his head and smiled bitterly, "I don't know that doing everything by myself is detrimental to my mental strength, but..."
As he spoke, he let out a long sigh, "Every time I think of the late emperor's entrustment of Wangye's peace in Jincheng, I don't dare to relax at all."
"Although Zhen is not talented, he is still willing to help the Prime Minister with his little strength. Now that he is back in the court, he is busy all day long. What can he do?"
"I asked Xiaoqi to return to the court and make his own arrangements. How can I say it's Lulu?"
Zhuge Liang reassured.
"But I don't know what the Prime Minister wants to do?"
"I would like to send Xiaoqi as an envoy to Soochow."
"As an envoy to Soochow?" Chen Zhen was startled. He did not expect that the Prime Minister would make such an arrangement for him.
"Yes." Zhuge Liang nodded and said, "South China is settled and the Han Dynasty is at peace. I want Xiaoqi to go and see what the Soochow government and the public are thinking at this time."
"The most important thing is," Zhuge Liang lowered his voice and said, "Now that the south has been decided, it is time to attack the Cao thieves in the north and revive the Han Dynasty. If we can get help from Soochow and prevent the Cao thieves from looking after each other, we will get twice the result with half the effort.
effect."
Chen Zhen was shocked and finally understood. He quickly stood up and said, "I don't understand the Prime Minister's hard work and almost missed a big event."
"But I wonder if Xiaoqi has the confidence to push Soochow to send troops to the north to help me revive the Han Dynasty?"
"Dare you refuse to die?"
Chen Zhen said impassionedly at the moment, but he asked with some doubts, "I heard that Deng Bomiao was trusted by Sun Quan of the Eastern Wu Dynasty. Why didn't the Prime Minister send him away?"
"Between Han and Wu, the road was long and blocked by mountains, rocks and rivers. It was very inconvenient to go back and forth. The Northern Expedition against Cao Cao was not a day's work. In the future, there will be more goodwill between Han and Wu."
"If we only rely on Deng Bomiao, what will happen if he is still in Wu territory and the Han Dynasty suddenly has something to inform Soochow? So I thought, I will send more people to Soochow at this time to familiarize myself with the situation in Soochow.
, so that there won’t be no one to send in the future.”
Zhuge Liang explained.
"The Prime Minister's plans cannot be guessed by the lower officials." Chen Zhen said with admiration.
"Xiao Qi is old and mature, and he was born in Nanyang, Jingzhou. Now Sun Quan is ruling Wuchang, which is located in Jingzhou, so Xiao Qi is familiar with the family and the road."
Zhuge Liang continued, "I have a man who is from Jiangxia. Wuchang belongs to the land of Jiangxia. Xiaoqi is going here. If I take this man with me, I will be able to get along better."
"But Fei Wenwei (Fei Yi)?"
"How did Xiaoqi find out?"
"The lower official remembered that on the day when the Prime Minister returned to Jincheng, he asked Fei Yi to drive with him. Now that this person has become famous, I think the Prime Minister must have promoted this person just for today."
"Haha, Xiao Qi knows me."
Zhuge Liang laughed.
Chen Zhen also laughed along with him.
The two of them had somewhat similar views.
But after Zhuge Liang smiled, he glanced at Chen Zhen again, with a slightly hesitant look on his face, and said, "If I attack Cao Cao in the north in the future, the rear must be peaceful. The emperor is still young, so he must have good ministers to support him."
.”
"In my opinion, Yong'an Li Zhengfang and I are the same people who were entrusted by the late emperor, so I want to entrust each other with the affairs of the rear. I remember that Li Zhengfang and Xiao Qi were both born in Nanyang, right? I wonder what Xiao Qi thinks of this person?
"
When Chen Zhen heard this, he was shocked and said anxiously: "Prime Minister, you can't!"
Zhuge Liang's eyes flashed, and then disappeared immediately, "Li Zhengfang is a person who was entrusted by the late emperor. He is a talented person, and he and Xiaoqi are from the same county. Why is Xiaoqi so opposed?"
"It's precisely because Zhen and Li Zhengfang are both from Nanyang, so they know a lot about them, so I think this is inappropriate, Prime Minister!"
Chen Zhen said eagerly.
"Oh, why?"
Zhuge Liang asked.
"Although Li Zhengfang is known for his talents, he has excessive selfish desires and a lonely nature. He disdains the company of his peers, but he is good at catering to his superiors."
When Chen Zhen said this, he saw the Prime Minister sitting above with a gloomy face, and he didn't know what his expression was in his heart.
But he knew very well that Li Yan could be used well, but he couldn't be used to carry out heavy tasks, otherwise there would be chaos.
So Chen Zhen felt that even if he offended this person, he should advise the Prime Minister to pay attention.
"At the beginning, Li Yan served as the prefect of Qianwei County, built buildings and built roads, and had good political achievements. However, he built a lot of buildings for his own personal gain. Yang Hong, the meritorious Cao at the time, failed to persuade him and was driven away by him. Also, the Prime Minister
Do you remember Wang Chong who ran away from Cao Cao a few days ago?"
"Of course I remember."
"Wang Chong was originally a subordinate of Li Yan, but he was not liked by Li Yan. He was afraid of being harmed by Yan, so he was forced to leave the land of Cao Cao. This shows how evil he is towards others."
Zhuge Liang was silent for a long time after hearing this.
Seeing this, Chen Zhen tried hard to persuade him, "If the Prime Minister really entrusts Li to be in charge of the rear affairs in the future, he will put his own interests first. By then, the Prime Minister will not return after a long campaign, and the Emperor will still be young.
If you look at it and are covered by strictness, what should you do?"
"At that time, the official heard that Liao Li was talking to Feng Langjun in Fengzhuang. He thought that although Liao Li was unbearable, his words to Li Yanzhi won the heart of the official: He has scales on his belly, so he can only exploit his body.
.It can be said to be to the point!”
Seeing his sincere words, Zhuge Liang sighed and said, "However, after all, Li Yan is the person who was entrusted by the late emperor, and his reputation in the court is not low. Moreover, restoring the Han Dynasty is a major event and requires everyone's joint efforts. Now the major event has not been decided, and the Han Dynasty
When a family is in danger, instead of criticizing its faults, it is better to praise its strengths and think that it will help in great things."
"The Prime Minister has gone private for the sake of public service, and I am admired by the lower officials. However, if you want to entrust Li Yan with something in the future, please think more about what you said today."
Chen Zhen knew that the prime minister had made up his mind, so he had to make his last effort and reminded, "The Han Dynasty is in danger, and great things must be done with caution. If the prime minister wants to use his strengths, he must also be careful of his shortcomings, so as not to ruin the great things."
"I will definitely keep your words of filial piety in mind."
Zhuge Liang said solemnly.
The next day, Li Feng arrived at the Prime Minister's Mansion early, preparing to follow the Prime Minister to meet Feng Langjun, whom he had admired for a long time.
Zhuge Liang saw that his expression did not seem to be hypocritical, so he immediately asked, "Da Lang, do you know what your lord told me in the letter?"
Li Feng was a little surprised why the prime minister asked this question, "The matter between your lord and the prime minister is a national matter. How can Feng know about it?"
When Zhuge Liang saw what he said and looked at him looking like a young master, it was obvious that he valued this meeting, and he couldn't help but feel a little ridiculous in his heart: How could a person like Li Yan teach such a gentle gentleman like Li Dalang?
?
"Then Feng Mingwen was imprisoned by me because he led someone to beat up his daughter-in-law. Let him reflect on it." Zhuge Liang said with a smile, "And how could someone like Li Dalang want to be with him?
How about getting acquainted?"
"Feng Langjun is a generous and righteous person. He is the first of many young men in Jincheng. He beats up his daughter because of his true feelings. For such a affectionate and righteous person, coupled with his scheming and clever strategies, he is just right.
You are a role model for our generation!"
A look of fascination appeared on Li Feng's face again.
Zhuge Liang didn't know whether to laugh or cry. He wondered what Li Yan, who had scales on his belly, would think if he knew what his son looked like now.
"Forget it, let's wait for one more person, and we'll go there together when he comes."
"But I don't know who it is?"
"The son of Wang Guoshan, Wang You and Wang Honghua."
"It turns out that after Zhonglie, Nafeng also wants to make some friends."
Wang Guoshan was Wang Fu who accompanied the late emperor on his eastern expedition and was killed in the battle of Yiling.
His younger brother Wang Shi followed Zhuge Liang on the southern expedition and sneaked into the rebel camp alone to persuade Yong Kai to surrender. Later, he was discovered by Meng Huo and committed suicide to protect the Han Dynasty.
It can be said that one family has two loyalties.
Before Wang Shi was in danger, he entrusted Wang You to the Prime Minister of the Han Dynasty.
Today, Feng Yong is the head of the many noble disciples in Jincheng. Zhuge Liang brought Wang You with him this time to let Feng Yong take care of him on weekdays.
When the three of them walked into the cell under the leadership of Jincheng Ling, they heard a sound of ghosts crying and wolf howling coming from the cell before they arrived: "I miss my lover in prison, I wonder if you believe me..."
The song couldn't be made into a tune, the tune couldn't be adjusted, and he couldn't even understand what he was saying. Yet, listening to that voice, he still felt good about himself and sang with great enthusiasm.
From time to time, there would be a faint and long vibrato, forcing people to feel that he was really crying.
When Zhuge Liang heard this voice, he was startled. He looked at Lu Yi, his eyes full of doubts and a little worried: Could something have happened to this kid?
Lu Yi had a helpless look on his face, "Return to the Prime Minister, Feng Langjun is singing a song. He has been acting like this these past few days."
At this time, the singing suddenly stopped, and Feng Yong's voice was heard from the front, "Old Lu, Old Lu, I heard your voice, come over and play chess with me."
"Why don't you come? Stop hiding, I can hear your voice!"
"If you don't come, I will go find you!"
Feng Tubao shouted vigorously, but he hadn't seen Lu Yi for a long time. He was anxious and pushed open the cell door with a "squeak".
Unexpectedly, one of his feet was stepping out of the door. When he saw someone coming in front of him, he immediately put his foot back with a "swish" sound.
Then with a "kuangdang" sound, he took the initiative to close the cell door.
"Prime Minister, why are you here?"
Feng Tibi had the most sincere smile on his face.
The Han Prime Minister glanced across the cell, and his eyes immediately twitched. He saw a bed in the corner of the cell, covered with a thick woolen blanket.
There is a stove in each of the remaining three corners and in the middle of the room. The fire inside is burning brightly. Even standing outside the cell, you can feel as warm as spring.
There is also a large table in the middle of the room with a chessboard on it.
Beside the chessboard, a book with an unknown name is spread out randomly.
There are also two plates of dried fruits!
The Prime Minister of the Han Dynasty took a deep look at Feng Tibi and asked, are you living in a prison cell or at home?
With a smile on his face, Feng Tubou opened the cell door again with a "squeak", stretched out his hand and said, "Do you want to come in, Prime Minister?"
As soon as these words came out, Li Feng and Wang You finally felt that something in their hearts was collapsing, and they both turned their heads to look at Jincheng Ling Lu Yi.
Lu Yi looked sad and angry, thinking that I would add a big lock to this cell tomorrow!
Zhuge Liang, on the other hand, walked in calmly, looked at it carefully, and then exclaimed, "You will be the first person in the world to be imprisoned."
Feng Yongqian laughed and didn't know how to answer.
"This is the son of Governor Li's family in Yong'an, Li Feng and Li Haoxuan. This is the son of the late Jingzhou Councilor Wang Guoshan, Wang You and Wang Honghua. These two are about the same age as you. You two should get closer in the future."
Li Feng and Wang You have already taken the initiative to come forward and greet him: "Feng (You) has met Feng Langjun."
"Oh, oh, I've never seen you two before."
Feng Yong returned the gift with some confusion. At the same time, he glanced at Zhuge Liang and wondered what the old demon Zhuge meant by bringing these two people here.
Of course I know Governor Li of Yong'an, isn't he Li Yan?
But who was the late Jingzhou Yi Cao who was engaged in Wang Guoshan?
Zhuge Liang looked at Li Feng and Wang You, who were both polite and polite, and then looked at Feng Yong, who was still a little confused and didn't know what to do. He raised his forehead and thought that if this boy could be more at ease, he shouldn't always let him.
How good would it be to have a headache?
"You may not be familiar with Wang Guoshan, but you should know that his younger brother is Wang Yiqiang, the prefect of Yizhou County who died in the king's affairs during the Southern Expedition this year."
Zhuge Liang saw Feng Yong's eyes and knew what he meant, so he explained again.
"It turns out that Mr. Wang Langjun comes from a loyal family, so he is disrespectful and disrespectful! The king is loyal to the king, and the prefect Wang sticks to the Han festival. It is really admirable. After meeting the Wang family today, I am very lucky!"
When Feng Yong heard this, he immediately stood in awe.
"My ancestors sought benevolence and received benevolence, but they only received the blessings of adults and uncle Yu Yin. I am not worthy of being an elder brother."
Wang You said modestly.
Huh?
What did you call me?
Although many people in Jincheng now call me brother, I am sure that I have never met you.
Feng Yong thought of this and glanced at Zhuge Liang again.
Zhuge Liang spoke up and said, "Both generations of the heads of the Wang family in Li County, Guanghan died in the king's affairs. We are a loyal and loyal family. Wang Dalang has the legacy of his father. And Li Dalang is a rare gentle and gentle son. You two are mutually beneficial to each other." Friends, working hard together is a good thing."
When Feng Yong heard this, he finally understood.
This Wang family should be in danger of decline due to the death of two generations of family heads and Wang You's young age. In order to support the Wang family, Old Demon Zhuge asked himself to take care of Wang You.
As for Li Feng...it puts Feng Yong in a bit of a dilemma.
Broadly speaking, the Han Dynasty is now divided into three major factions.
One is a native sect, the other is an outsider who followed Liu Bei to Shu, and the other is the Dongzhou sect who are not close to each other.
The local faction controlled the land and population of the Han Dynasty.
The outsiders hold the top power of the Han Dynasty.
The name Dongzhou School comes from Liu Yan.
After Liu Yan and Liu Zhang's father and son resettled the refugees, they selected young men to form the Dongzhou Army to suppress the local rebels.
The Dongzhou faction is a group of officials at all levels composed of outsiders from the Liu Yan and Liu Zhang periods.
Later, they basically surrendered to Liu Bei.
But after Liu Bei was demoted, the status of the Dongzhou faction became a bit embarrassing.
To the local faction, they were outsiders, and to the outsiders who followed Liu Bei into Shu, they were half-Sichuan people.
Because Liu Yan and Liu Zhang were rewarded with a lot of land in order to win over the Dongzhou faction, and they were considered to have taken root in Shu.
Strictly speaking, Feng Yong himself can be considered a Dongzhou sect.
Because his family was a foreigner living in Shu, his elder was recruited into the Dongzhou Army by Liu Yan and his son.
When Liu Bei entrusted Li Yan to an orphan, apart from Li Yan's talents, he had no intention of appeasing the Dongzhou faction and balancing the power of the foreign faction and the Dongzhou faction.
Therefore, Feng Yong and Li Feng are actually from the same faction, and they should be naturally close to each other.
When Liao Li threatened Feng Yong, he wanted to provoke a fight between Zhuge Liang and Li Yan and make Feng Yong go to Li Yan. This was actually the reason.
Later, Feng Tubao gritted his teeth and survived that hurdle.
Because he knows that Li Yan is a trap!
How could he jump into this pit before the last moment?
But things are fickle, and he escaped that year. In the end, the old demon Zhuge actually brought Li Yan's son to him in person, and allowed himself to get close to him?