"That damn old man doesn't know what's the benefit of taking in the old Han Hu dog!"
After returning to Wu'an's mansion that day, Zhu Man was furious at the mansion, which made the servants in the mansion puzzled, because Zhu Man was not a person who got angry easily.
They were even more curious about who the "old man" Zhu Man was referring to was.
After Hao Yitong got angry, Zhu Man sent someone to summon his general "Zhao Cong" and whispered to him: "Immediately lead a team of troops to wait around Handan. If you encounter a messenger, intercept them all. If one of them is If there is a letter marked to be sent to Mr. Kang and Han Hu of Jiumen County, please give me all..."
Having said this, he reached out and touched his throat, making a murderous gesture.
"Yes, General!"
Zhao Cong took the order and left.
Looking at Zhao Cong's leaving figure, Zhu Man stood in the lobby with his hands behind his back, frowning and saying nothing.
Today in the palace in Handan, he had a good idea at first, coaxing Han Wangran to negotiate with the Wei army - if this nominal monarch insisted on going his own way and rescued Li Hou Han Wu at the expense of national interests, he would be able to suppress the overwhelming majority. The voice of opposition unexpectedly arose. Prime Minister Shen Buhai, who was invited to the palace midway, actually proposed the suggestion of "welcoming Kang Gong Han Hu back to Handan".
You want to welcome Han Hu Laogou back to the capital?!
What a joke!
How much energy did Lord Han Wu spend before kicking that old dog back to Jiumen County?
What's more, if Han Hu Laogou returns to Handan, will he try to rescue Lihou? It is most likely that he is adding insult to injury.
The more Zhu Man thought about it, the more he hated him. He wished he could slap Na Shen Buhai in front of him.
However, he did not dare. After all, Shen Buhai had been an official in Handan for decades, step by step from a humble official to the prime minister of the country today. Moreover, in the more than ten years since he served as prime minister, South Korea had become increasingly powerful. If it were not for the Wei State A Wei Gongzi Run appeared, and this era should have belonged to their country, Korea.
What's more, Prime Minister Shen Buhai also has some nobles. As his supporters and supporters, if the minister turns against this person, the consequences will be disastrous.
This was the reason why Zhu Man managed not to have an attack at that time, and did not get angry until he returned to his mansion.
Of course, although it was not easy to offend Prime Minister Shen Buhai in person, it did not mean that Zhu Man would let it go. No, after returning to Wu'an, he immediately sent his general Zhao Cong and his troops to the outside of Handan City. Waiting, Zhu Man asked Zhao Cong to kill anyone who came across a messenger delivering a message to Duke Kang and Han Hu.
The next day, Zhao Cong sent someone to deliver the news, saying that he had caught several messengers sent by Handan to Jiumen County to deliver letters to Kang Gong Han Hu, and had secretly killed them. This made Zhu Man very happy.
However, what he never expected was that on the third day, Kang Gong and Han Hu actually arrived in Handan as if by divine help.
On that day, Zhu Man was still in Wu'an thinking about how to persuade Han Wangran and the Manchu ministers to rescue Lihou Han Wu at a high cost. He saw his general Zhao Cong came to the mansion in a panic and said in a hurry: "General, something bad is going on. Han The tiger has arrived in Handan!"
"What?"
Zhu Man was shocked when he heard this and asked angrily: "Didn't I order you to intercept those messengers?! Do you dare to lie to me?"
Zhao Cong said with a look of grievance and fear: "General, you absolutely don't dare. The general has indeed intercepted several messengers, but..." At this point, he had an idea, opened his eyes and guessed: "Will there be one?" Two messengers, one overt and one dark?”
"It's not a close letter. Is it worth it to the imperial court?"
Zhu Man glanced at Zhao Cong, but after thinking about it, he felt that Zhao Cong's guess was not impossible.
What if the old man Shen Buhai guessed that he, Zhu Man, would send people to intercept and kill the messenger, so he deliberately sent two groups?
"The old man ruined my big job!"
Cursing secretly, Zhu Mandang ordered Zhao Cong to bring several troops and follow him to Handan.
Now that he knew that Duke Kang and Han Hu had arrived in Handan, he did not dare to let this old dog stay alone in Handan. After all, except for Han Wu, the Marquis of Li, there was really no one in this country who could check and balance this old dog.
At the same time, in the Prime Minister's Mansion, the old Prime Minister Shen Buhai also learned the news that "Kang Gong Han Hu has arrived in Handan", which made him open his eyes in surprise.
Indeed, just as Zhu Man expected, Shen Buhai guessed in advance that Zhu Man was likely to intercept the messenger, so he indeed sent two groups of messengers - one group proposed to Kang Gong and Han Hu in the name of the imperial court. In the other group, after returning to the mansion, he sent his close servants to set off immediately with his handwritten letter.
Therefore, in terms of speed, the latter is much faster than the former.
I remember the day before yesterday, when I learned that the messenger sent by the imperial court to Jiumen County suddenly lost news, the old prime minister still smiled to himself: This Zhu Man is just as I expected!
But today, when he suddenly heard that Duke Kang and Han Hu had arrived in Handan, Shen Buhai was a little confused.
There was no reason why the trusted servants he sent could deliver the news to Kang Gong Han Hu so quickly.
"Could it be that this is a message sent by Marquis Dangyin?"
Shen Buhai stroked his beard and guessed secretly.
Indeed, it is possible that Han Yang, the Marquis of Dangyin, secretly communicated the news to Han Hu, Duke of Kang. After all, the former is the most trusted nephew of the latter. But this time, the situation is slightly different, because Han Yang, the Marquis of Dangyin, was impressed by the courage of Han Wu, the Marquis of Li, and he No message was sent to Kang Gong Han Hu, his uncle.
Because Danyin Hou Han Yang knew in his heart that if his uncle Kang Gong Han Hu learned of this and quickly returned to Handan to take control of the situation, then Li Hou Han Wu would definitely die.
Therefore, Han Yang, the Marquis of Dangyin, did not deliver the news.
So, who actually delivered this news to Jiumen County?
At the same time, in the palace, Ma Kuo hurriedly walked into the palace, and when the servants on the left and right were not paying attention, he whispered to Han Wangran: "Your Majesty, Han Hu has arrived in the city."
"Oh, it came very quickly." Han Wangran smiled slightly.
I believe no one would have guessed that it was Han Wangran who tipped off Kang Gong Han Hu in Jiumen County.
On the day Ma Kuo asked to see Han Wangran, Han Wangran made a decisive decision and asked Ma Kuo to send accompanying soldiers to Jiumen County day and night to spread the news in the county and then lure Kang Gong Han Hu to Handan.
As for the purpose, it was the same as Prime Minister Shen Buhai's idea, which was to let Duke Kang and Han Hu suppress Wu'an Shou Zhu Man.
After thinking about it, Han Wangran asked in a low voice: "When did you get the news, and who sent it?"
Ma Kuo whispered: "Yan Ju, the general who patrols the city, sent someone to inform me."
Han Wangran thought for a moment and then asked: "Is this Yan Ju reliable?"
Ma Kuo is a smart man, how could he not understand the profound meaning of Han Wangran's words, so he lowered his voice and said: "Your Majesty, don't worry, the general has some friendship with him. He didn't know how he heard about Li Hou Han Wu being captured by the Wei army two days ago. Feeling panicked, he invited me over for a drink and took the opportunity to inquire about the truth... This man is currently uneasy, and if given the opportunity, we will try to win him over to His Majesty's side."
Han Wangran nodded, and he liked Ma Kuo more and more. He lowered his voice and warned: "Although this man is just a patrol officer in the city, he also has a lot of military power. You must convince him."
"Yes! Then go ahead and retire." Ma Kuo said with his fists clasped.
Han Wangran nodded.
After waiting for Ma Kuo to leave, not long after, Kang Gong Han Hu led several confidants to the palace and asked to see Han Wangran.
It was just a signal, the purpose was to tell the courtiers and ministers in Handan City that he, Han Hu, had returned to Handan.
As for Han Wangran...do you really think Kang Gong Han Hushi came here specifically to see Han Wangran, a young king whom he had an impression of being mediocre and incompetent?
No, maybe it was because his heart was not here. Kang Gong Han Hu casually chatted with Han Wangran for a few words, then left and returned to his city in Handan.
As a result, before Kang Gong and Han Hu returned to his residence in Handan, many people were holding greeting cards and waiting in front of the mansion to receive them. This made Kang Gong and Han Hu feel as happy as a spring breeze.
"I'm here specifically to save my country from danger again!"
That day in front of the mansion, Kang Gong Han Hu made these remarks in a high-profile manner, and spread the news that he was going to hold a banquet at the mansion that night to entertain the nobles and ministers in the city.
This is a clear attempt to win over people's hearts and set out to control Handan.
Unfortunately, an uninvited guest came to the banquet that night, namely Wu'an Shou Zhu Man, which was destined to end the banquet in an unhappy manner.
During the banquet, Zhu Man first mocked Kang Gong and Han Hu for returning to the capital in a high-profile manner with ulterior motives, and then Kang Gong and Han Hu mocked Li Hou Han Wu for not being knowledgeable in military affairs, so he would be captured by the Wei army. The two sides disagreed and started fighting.
Kang Gong Han Hu was always strong, and he was surrounded by generals such as Meng Fei. Zhu Man was also a brave general under Lihou Han Wu, and he was also surrounded by generals led by Zhao Cong and others. The two groups fought hard and almost turned the mansion upside down.
, the guests were so frightened that they fled one after another.
However, everyone knows that fighting like this cannot solve the fundamental problem. In addition, after hearing about the incident, the old prime minister Shen Buhai went to break up the fight in person, and finally persuaded Kang Gong, Han Hu and Zhu Man, so that
The two temporarily reached a tacit understanding.
The next day, at the request of Kang Gong Han Hu and Wu An Shou Zhu Man, Han Wangran summoned his ministers to openly discuss how to rescue Li Hou Han Wu.
It has to be said that although Zhu Man has great military power in terms of the current situation, it cannot be denied that almost all the ministers in the Manchu Dynasty do not support him - it is not that these ministers have any resentment towards Li Hou Han Wu, but because
They knew that if they wanted to rescue Li Hou Han Wu, the price he would have to pay was too high. Perhaps as the old Prime Minister Shen Buhai said, Wei Guo would take the opportunity to demand a price, demand huge war reparations, and ask South Korea to pay for his pants.
Who doesn't know how vicious Wei Gongzi Run was when he treated the defeated party, especially the defeated party who took the initiative to provoke the war?
Due to lack of support, Zhu Man, the guardian of Wu'an, left the palace with a gloomy look on his face. In contrast, Kang Gong Han Hu was very proud - so what if you, Zhu Man, hold a heavy army in your hands? None of the ministers of the court support you!
After returning to the mansion, the general Meng Fei said to Kang Gong Han Hu: "Kang Gong, looking at Zhu Man's attitude in the palace today, you have to be careful. After all, he still has tens of thousands of troops in Wu'an. If this person takes a risk,
, led the troops to attack Handan, and forcibly threatened the ministers to negotiate peace with Wei..."
"How dare he?!" Kang Gong Han Hu shouted after hearing this.
But if you think about it carefully, Meng Fei's reminder is not unreasonable. After all, Zhu Man is Lihou Hanwu's confidant. Rather than saying that Zhu Man is a general loyal to the country, it is better to say that he is only loyal to Lihou Hanwu. Maybe, then Zhu Man is here Without anyone to support him, it is really possible for him to do such a heinous thing.
Thinking of this, Kang Gong Han Hu frowned and said: "Indeed, this Zhu Man is really a threat!"
After hearing this, Meng Fei whispered: "Kang Gong, why don't you lure him and kill him!"
"How do you say it?" Kang Gong Han Hu asked.
I saw Meng Fei whispering: "Kang Gong might as well send someone to invite Zhu Man to come to the house for discussion. In the meantime, he will ambush people in the house, swarm up, and kill Zhu Man... As long as Zhu Man dies, Lihou and his people will be killed." It's like a group of dragons without a leader. Even if they still have tens of thousands of troops in Wu'an, who would dare to disobey you, Duke Kang?"
"Hmm." Kang Gong Han Hu smiled slightly when he heard this. Indeed, with his reputation and status in South Korea, even if Zhu Man's soldiers knew that it was him, Kang Gong Han Hu, who killed Zhu Man, they might not dare to avenge Zhu Man. .
The problem is...
"Do you think Zhu Man is so short-sighted?" Kang Gong Han Hu shook his head and said with a smile: "He must have guessed that I want to kill him, so how could he come to my house so easily? In fact, I'm afraid he will also I'm thinking about how to eradicate me..." At this point, he paused, squinted his eyes and said, "Your idea is good, but if I come forward, it will definitely make Zhu Man suspicious... In this way, tomorrow and the next day, I will ask Zhu Man to debate the matter in the palace. When the time comes, you can find a way to sneak people into the palace. When Zhu Man arrives, kill him! ... If you can't sneak into the palace, just wait in front of the palace gate. When Zhu Man left, he struck suddenly."
"Doing it inside or outside the palace gate?" Meng Fei was taken aback and lowered his voice and said, "Would this attract too much attention?"
"What are you afraid of?" Kang Gong Han Hu said confidently: "Han Wu's son is not in Handan. As long as Zhu Man dies, who will dare to disobey me? Even the old guy Shen Buhai has no choice but to see that rice has become cooking. Pretend to be deaf and dumb, after all, I am the only one who can save my country!"
After hearing this, Meng Fei's doubts disappeared, he clasped his fists and said with a smile: "I understand, then I will start preparations immediately!"
"Go ahead."
While Duke Kang and Han Hu were discussing the plan to kill Zhu Man in the palace, at the post house in the city, Wu'an Governor Zhu Man was also conspiring with Zhao Cong and other generals.
Duke Kang and Han Hu guessed it right. Today in the palace, Zhu Man saw that none of the ministers supported him. He was heartbroken and decided to take the risk and lead the army to control the court, which was the so-called military admonishment.
After all, as far as he knew, Kang Gong and Han Hu brought only a few hundred cavalry with them on this trip. In a real fight, even if the troops in Handan City were added, they would not be Zhu Man's opponent.
Imprisoning Han Hu and intimidating the temple is not an issue.
The problem is the aftermath, someone has to be held accountable.
While they were discussing, suddenly a soldier came to report that it was Ma Kuo, the son of Ma She, the guardian of the upper valley, who wanted to see him.
Hearing the news, Zhu Man was slightly stunned, but finally met with Ma Kuo - they were not mortal enemies, so there was no harm in meeting each other.
Unexpectedly, when Ma Kuo met Zhu Man for the first time, he said anxiously: "General Zhu Man, I heard that in the palace today, no one from the Manchu court supported the general?"
Seeing Ma Kuo's anxious face, Zhu Man was slightly surprised and said calmly: "Well, it's true. Marquis Li devoted his whole life to our country. I never thought that in today's disaster, no one from the court would help me." Help, really... I wonder why the young general is here?"
After hearing this, Ma Kuo vowed: "The last general is here to rescue Lihou!"
"Oh?" Zhu Man was surprised when he heard this, and said with a half-smile: "The ministers of the Manchu Dynasty said that Han Dynasty cannot be reduced to a minister of the Wei State because of one person, and they accused Zhu of abolishing the official position for personal reasons. Could it be that the young general wants to fight with Zhu? Someone is complicit?"
Ma Kuo laughed loudly when he heard this and said: "General Zhu, General Rong Mo will tell you the truth. I, Korea, may not be able to defeat the Wei State this time. Although I am unwilling to do so, this is indeed an indisputable fact. It will not matter whether we can save it or not." Hou, actually cannot affect the situation of the battle..."
This answer was really beyond Zhu Man's expectations.
After thinking about it, Zhu Man asked: "In that case, why did you come to see Zhu?"
I saw Ma Kuo lowering his voice and saying: "Because I will definitely not sit back and watch Kang Gong steal power!... Although Kang Gong was indeed our hero in Korea and worthy of admiration, over the years, who doesn't know that he is eyeing the throne?" Hou Gu Nian has a brotherly relationship with His Majesty and cannot bear to seize His Majesty's throne, but once Han Hu takes power, he will not be able to tolerate His Majesty. My father and son were favored by the late king, and as ministers, how can we tolerate Han Hu stealing the throne?"
After hearing this, Zhu Man suddenly realized that after all, Ma She, the guardian of Shanggu, Li Mu, the guardian of Yanmen, and Bao Yuan were the "royal party" with a clear stance. As long as Lihou Hanwu did not touch the final bottom line of the royal party, he would seize In fact, there is not much conflict between the two parties regarding the throne - as for the matter of returning power to Han Wangran, even the royal party has never considered it, because what Han Wangran has shown in the past is really unsightly.
"The Major General is still sensible!"
Overjoyed, Zhu Man immediately pulled Ma Kuo to the table affectionately and said to him emphatically: "Marquis Li is broad-minded. Even though he once missed the throne due to his youth, he can't bear to seize the throne from his younger brother. And Han Hu Lao Dog, as the Major General said, is very ambitious. If he steals the power, the royal family will be in danger!"
The more he talked, the more excited he became, because he suddenly realized that the "royal party" would definitely be on their side in this matter.
But when he thought about it again, Zhu Man felt a little regretful, because the generals of the royal party were like Yanmen guarding Li Mu, who was far away on the Xihe battlefield, like General Bao Yuan, who was far away on the Hanoi battlefield, and even Shanggu guarding Ma She. Also at the Julu battlefield, right now in Handan City, the royal party really only has two or three kittens, which is not helpful.
But having said that, it is better to have someone to support than no one. What's more, Shanggu Shou Mashe is in Julu, not far from Handan, which is only four or five days' journey. If necessary, Zhu Man can also be invited The help of this great general is also a strong support.
While Zhu Man was deep in thought, Ma Kuo asked in a low voice: "General, I personally believe that the situation is extraordinary and that extraordinary measures should be taken..."
Zhu Man glanced at Ma Kuo in surprise, frowned and asked, "How do you say that?"
I saw Ma Kuo whispering: "With Han Hu in Handan, the ministers of the Manchu Dynasty will definitely not agree to the general's suggestion and have peace talks with the Wei army. In this case, why not..." As he said this, he gestured to wipe his neck. gesture.
"This guy is really brave..."
Zhu Man looked at Ma Kuo in surprise, and murmured in his heart: That old dog is Han Hu, Mr. Kang, Han Hu, how come this kid can say it as easily as killing a chicken?
Seeing that Zhu Man lowered his head and said nothing, Ma Kuo persuaded him again: "General, this is not the time to be merciful. You must know that if Han Hu really wants to steal power, you will also be a thorn in his side and a thorn in his flesh. If you don't attack him
, then, maybe it will be his turn to attack you..."
Hearing this, Zhu Man frowned even more tightly, because he also understood that Ma Kuo's judgment was correct.
At this time, the general Zhao Cong came in, clasped his fists and said: "General, Mr. Kang, Han Hu, just sent someone here to invite the general to come to the palace tomorrow to argue this matter."
"Well, I understand." Zhu Man waved his hand distractedly.
At this moment, Ma Kuo lowered his voice and said: "General, be careful, this may be Han Hu's trick!"
"What?" Zhu Man raised his head in confusion.
I saw Ma Kuo saying sternly: "Today in the palace, the general's proposal was not accepted by any of the ministers. What is there to argue about? Han Hu was sure of victory, but he took the initiative to invite the general to discuss the matter again. There must be someone among them.
Fraud!... If the general is right, I'm afraid he will take the opportunity to harm the general!"
Zhu Man was not a reckless person. After hearing what Ma Kuo said, he was shocked all over. The more he thought about it, the more he felt that what Ma Kuo said made sense.
He clenched his fists and said bitterly: "People don't want to harm tigers, tigers are harmful to people's hearts. Even though he gave military advice, Zhu never thought of harming the old dog Han Hu. How dare the old dog... How dare...
"
After hearing this, Ma Kuo said in a low voice: "General, it's better to use the trick and let Han Hu suffer the consequences... However, this plan is a bit dangerous."
"What's your idea, Major General?" Zhu Man asked.
I saw Ma Kuo lowering his voice and saying: "Tomorrow, the general can go to the palace in advance and wait for Han Hu to arrive and meet the general. The general can shout for help, saying that Han Hu wants to kill the general, and take the opportunity to kill him. If inside the palace,
If Han Hu really has men in ambush, then Han Hu and the others will not be able to argue, and they will die unjustly... In this way, the government and the public can't say anything about the general."
"Wonderful!" Zhu Man nodded happily.
The next day, Zhu Man followed Ma Kuo's arrangement and ordered his general Zhao Cong to lead his soldiers to wait outside the palace gate, while he himself quietly entered the palace through the side door under the leadership of Ma Kuo.
After arriving at the side hall, Zhu Man screened away the servants in the hall. He looked around and said, "Zhu is waiting for the old dog here."
Looking at Zhu Man's back, Ma Kuo smiled slightly, quietly revealed a dagger hidden in his sleeve, hid it behind his back, stepped forward and patted Zhu Man on the shoulder.
Zhu Man did not doubt that he was there, so he turned around and saw Ma Kuo suddenly covering Zhu Man's mouth and nose with one hand, and the dagger in his hand stabbed into Zhu Man's abdomen with a pop.
"you--"
Zhu Man looked at Ma Kuo with wide eyes, a look of disbelief on his face.
After a while, Kang Gong Han Hu Shiran came to the side hall, but suddenly saw Zhu Man kneeling in the hall, and he was stunned: When did this guy come? Could it be that he had guessed my intention?
When he was doubtful about the letter, Kang Gong and Han Hu walked over calmly and said with a dry smile: "General Zhu came early..."
However, Zhu Man closed his eyes and lowered his head, showing no intention of talking.
Seeing this, Kang Gong Han Hu was unhappy and suppressed his anger and said it again, but Zhu Man still didn't respond.
Kang Gong Han Hu was angry and reached out to push Zhu Man, only to find that Zhu Man fell to the ground with a thud.
A closer look revealed that there was a dagger stuck in Zhu Man's abdomen.
"this……"
Kang Gong Han Hu was stunned. Out of surprise, he stepped forward and pulled out the dagger from Zhu Man's abdomen, only to see blood splattering all over his body.
"Really, really dead?"
With his mouth open, Mr. Kang and Han Hu couldn't believe it.
At this moment, a cry of surprise came from outside the palace door.
Kang Gong Han Hu turned around and saw Ma Kuo, the son of Ma She, the guardian of the upper valley, looking at him in amazement.
Looking at Ma Kuo, the dagger in his hand, and Zhu Man lying dead on the ground, Duke Kang and Han Hu showed an extremely ugly expression.
"No, it's not what I did..."
However, Ma Kuo ignored him and backed away with a look of fear. Just when Kang Gong and Han Hu realized that something was wrong, they saw Ma Kuo turn around and run away, shouting loudly: "It's not good! It's not good."
It’s over! Duke Kang killed General Zhu Man!”
"What?!"
This shout reached the palace gate and reached the ears of Zhao Cong, a subordinate of Zhu Man's command. Zhao Cong became furious and subconsciously cast his angry eyes to the other side. Meng Fei, a subordinate of Kang Gong and Han Hu,
On the group of soldiers he led.
"Kill them! Avenge the general!"
"yes!"
At this time, Meng Fei also felt strange, because according to the plan, he should be the one to take action.
But since Kang Gong and Han Hu had already succeeded, he didn't care so much and immediately led his soldiers to launch a counterattack.
For a time, there was a chaotic fight in front of the palace gate.