The spring rain is lingering, entangling everyone.
Deng Ji stood on the porch, looking at the rain curtains falling along the ridge of the roof, his brows furrowed, revealing deep worry and a trace of indescribable restlessness.
Chang Xi, the governor of the East China Sea, rebelled, forcing Deng Ji to postpone his departure from Haixi.
Xu Zhou, the governor of Xuzhou, personally ordered Deng Ji to go to Xiapi and persuaded him to leave later.
Including Deng Zhi, they also believed that Deng Ji should not leave at this time. And Deng Zhi's reason was very good. He said that the East China Sea is adjacent to Haixi, and Changxi gathered tens of thousands of people to welcome Liu Bei. By then, Haixi will definitely face a huge
Threatening, Deng Jishi should not leave at this time.
After all, Deng Ji had been running Haixi for four years and his reputation was extraordinary.
The local people also have many reservations about him. If he leaves Haixi at this time, it will definitely cause huge turmoil.
On the other hand, Deng Zhi said: "Haixi is my brother's Haixi. After four years of management, I have to hand it over to others. Why? If my brother stays in Haixi, the sea and sky will be vast, and there will be room for movement."
"If I return to Xudu, I'm afraid it will be difficult for me to do anything."
Deng Zhi's words are a bit heartbreaking.
But it is undeniable that Deng Ji was a little moved!
Haixi was built by him and has developed to this day. How much effort has he devoted to it?
Even if Bu Zhi took over, Deng Ji was a little reluctant. Moreover, he was like a Tu emperor in Haixi, and even the governor Xu Xuan had to give him some face. If he left Haixi and returned to Xudu, he would just be
Who would care about him as one of many officials? After four years abroad, Deng Ji was no longer the one-armed soldier he was when he first arrived in Xudu. He was always cautious in everything and walked on thin ice when he joined the army. After experiencing so many things in Haixi, Deng Ji
He is now ambitious and a little wild! At that time, he only hoped to become a member of the imperial army, gradually gain qualifications, and get promoted; but now, he has long forgotten those wishes of the past.
To go or not to go?
Deng Ji was a little hesitant.
"Sir, Mr. Puyang is here."
"Ah, please quickly!"
Deng Ji heard this and quickly spoke.
Although Puyang Kai has now stepped down from his post as Chief of Yilu, he is still the number two figure under Deng Ji in Haixi...
The most important thing is that Puyang Kai has always been Deng Ji's confidant.
After a while, Pu Yangkai's figure appeared in the two verandas.
"Uncle Sun, are you looking for me?"
"Sir, come quickly. It's drizzling today and the weather is cool. I got a bottle of fine wine and I'm going to invite you to taste it."
Deng Ji quickly stepped forward and greeted Puyang Kai.
Puyang Kai smiled and said, "I also have something close to my heart that I want to talk to my uncle and grandson."
"Oh, that's such a coincidence. Let's talk about things while drinking."
The two of them followed the corridors of the two verandas, passed through the middle pavilion, and came to the backyard.
A small pavilion stands among a patch of tender green. The misty rain makes it seem like a thin veil is covering the garden.
The two sat down in the pavilion. Hu Ban took his family, presented the dishes, and warmed the wine on the couch.
Hu Ban waved his hand, signaling for all his family members to leave.
Then, he sat down behind the mound and concentrated on warming the wine.
"In the blink of an eye, it has been more than three years!"
Puyang Kai suddenly spoke, "I was so disheartened at first that I couldn't bear my uncle and grandson's invitation, so we finally came to this wasteland together. Now, the wasteland has become a pearl in the East China Sea, and Haixi has a bright future. I once thought
, I will bury my bones here for the rest of my life, and I never imagined that I would ever return home.”
An edict came from the imperial court, ordering Puyang Kai to return to Xudu and serve as a doctor of the Five Classics of Taixue.
Deng Ji's heart skipped a beat, and he couldn't help but feel a little emotional.
"Kai Gong, as Ji is today, I have received a lot of help from you, and I would like to respect Duke Kai as a noble."
Puyang Kai, accept it happily.
The two of them drank a glass of wine, and Puyang Kai said, "My uncle and grandson seem to have something on their mind?"
"Oh, no way."
"Haha, I have been friends with my uncle and grandson for more than three years. I can also guess a thing or two about what is on your mind. In fact, I am here today because I was entrusted by someone to have a heart-to-heart talk with my uncle and grandson."
Deng Ji was startled, "Who entrusted you?"
"The male seedlings took over Yi Lu and grew up. Before leaving, he told me that he hoped you would stay, uncle and grandson."
Deng Ji's cheek twitched and he raised his head to look at Puyang Kai.
"Zishan is coming to Haixi soon. Where will my uncle and grandson go then?"
"this……"
"I know my uncle and grandson's intentions. Liu Bei of the East China Sea rebelled, and my uncle and grandson wanted to take this opportunity to stay... But don't forget that Zishan was recommended by Ah Fu."
"I know."
Deng Ji lowered his head, not knowing what to say.
Pu Yangkai took a sip of wine and exhaled, "Gongmiao thinks, uncle-sun, you should stay.
But I don't see it that way... I have been studying all my life, and I am a bit stubborn, but I am not someone who cannot see the current situation clearly. Uncle Sun, how much can you accomplish if you stay? To put it bluntly, the development of Haixi
Up to now, it has almost reached its peak. If Huainan implements farming in the coming year, Haixi's position will inevitably be reduced. Of course, Uncle Sun, you are the military commander of farming, and you can continue to be in charge of farming in Huainan. But the problem is... Uncle Sun,
Let me ask you something from my heart, do you think you are much better than Lu Bu?"
Deng Ji shivered and looked at Puyang Kai.
"What do you mean by Mr. Kai's words?"
"That's right, you single-handedly promoted farming in Haixi, and you single-handedly built it.
But the shore of the land is not the land of the king. No matter how well you manage Haixi, it is still under the rule of the imperial court. The imperial court asked you to leave, but you are unwilling to leave. Could it be that you are pregnant with a second heart? Uncle Sun, if you feel that you
He's even more powerful than Lu Bu, but it won't be a big deal if he stays."
These words are very serious.
Deng Ji bit his lip and clenched the bronze jue in his hand.
So what if I'm better than Lu Bu? Didn't Lu Bu die at the hands of Cao Sikong?
"I know Gongmiao's thoughts. He feels that Haixi belongs to the Deng family...
I also know that Gongmiao has been asking you to recruit people from the Jiyang tribe. In the past two years, how many people with the surname Deng have moved here from Haixi? You know it yourself. There are ten people with the surname Deng in the government offices and public houses.
Ersan seems to be powerful, but in fact...
Uncle Sun, let me ask you.
Will Lao Zhou follow you? Will Hutou obey your orders? Pan Wengui, are you willing to obey your orders? Feng Chao will you agree? Do you want to prosper the Deng clan here?
Normally, they will listen to you.
But if you have distracting thoughts, see if they will agree.
I know that you want to revitalize the family. But the problem is that you don't have the ability and capital yet. Look at Ah Fu, he is already a member of Cao Gong's clan, so what? He's not just obeying orders! What does Cao Gong order him to do?
There will never be any hesitation. Because he sees it more clearly than you... If you want to stay, what should your wife and your son do? Do you really think that the Haixi people will be of the same mind as you? "
"I……"
"Jiyang Dengshi is the business of Jiyang Dengshi.
Now that you have escaped from the Jiyang Deng family, why should you keep thinking about it? Although Gongmiao is very resourceful, sometimes he is a little too big-hearted.
Having a big heart is not a good thing. Especially when your heart covers your eyes, it will lead to beheading."
"Then...I'll go back."
"No, you shouldn't go back now."
"ah?"
"I think it is not appropriate for you to return to Xudu now, but you should go to Xiapi to assist Xu Qiu.
In terms of political affairs alone, Zishan is not inferior to you, and is even stronger than you. But he has been in Huainan with Afu and is not very clear about this place. This time the thirty-seven counties in the East China Sea rebelled, even if Zishan has the ability
I'm afraid it's hard to have a clue for a while. If you let go and leave, people will be suspected of being angry. And Gongmiao may even take the opportunity to cause trouble for Zishan, and then you will be the one in trouble..."
"Then what should I do?"
"Go to Xiapi and advise Xu Qiu.
As for the rebellion in Donghai County, you can convey your thoughts through Xu Zhuan. In this way, even if Gongmiao is dissatisfied, he will not dare to disobey orders. And Zishan can also arrange things calmly... After he stabilizes the situation, Gongmiao
Even if you are dissatisfied, there is nothing you can do.”
Deng Ji pondered for a moment and nodded slightly.
"Sir, if this happens, Gong Miao will..."
Pu Yangkai took a sip of wine and said in a deep voice: "Young Miao is indeed talented, but he has a big heart and is very selfish.
I do think that letting him stay here can give him more training. Being selfish is not a bad thing, but what I am afraid of is that selfishness blinds me."
Deng Ji was silent!
Pu Yangkai's words gave him a feeling of enlightenment.
Is Pu Yangkai just talking about Deng Zhi?
not necessarily!
I'm afraid he was more mentioning Deng Ji.
Deng Ji was a more powerful official than Puyang Kai, but on some issues, Puyang Kai saw things more clearly than Deng Ji.
In the past two years, Deng Ji's heart has become bigger, and he seems to be a little drifting. Sometimes, he even entertained the idea of competing with Cao Peng. Many people are saying that Deng Ji can achieve what he does today only because of Cao Peng.
He had many friends, including many important positions in Haixi, all arranged by Cao Peng. In other words, Deng Ji was taking advantage of the capital left by Cao Peng, and Cao Peng's reputation was growing day by day, which made Deng Ji feel sad.
Jealousy. Together with this jealousy, it is inevitable that you will be blinded! From the appointment of Haixi officials, you can see the changes in Deng Ji's heart. The people left behind by Cao Peng gradually became alienated from Deng Ji, and began to appoint Deng Ji.
The descendants of...
Pu Yangkai always wanted to talk to Deng Ji, but he had no chance.
He simply made it clear when it was time to take over.
Don't have the idea of competing with your brother. To be honest, your brother doesn't value this at all. He and you are walking two different paths.
The rain has stopped!
Deng Ji was still sitting in the pavilion.
He couldn't remember exactly when Pu Yangkai left, and he felt a lot of disappointment in his heart.
Maybe, I should leave Haixi!
Although Haixi is developing well, it is only such a big place after all. He stayed in a corner and thought he was talented, but in reality? I think Guo Jia helped him in the first place in the hope of giving him more experience. Later, Deng
Ji seemed a little obsessed.
"Hu Ban, I've...really changed recently?"
Hu Ban said softly: "Master, it's been a long time since you wrote to Madam."
"ah?"
Deng Ji raised his head and asked, "Is there any?"
"After my wife left last year, you wrote three letters at the beginning, but never wrote again... You didn't reply to my wife's letter either."
In my heart, I suddenly felt guilty.
Deng Ji took a deep breath, revealing a hint of bitterness.
It turns out that I have really changed!
Thinking back then, Cao Nan shared the joys and sorrows with him and endured many grievances silently. When he left Xudu, Deng Ji often missed his wife and children, but this year, the number of times he missed his wife and children was obviously less than before. I guess Cao Nan is who
He didn't tell him, otherwise Ah Fu would have written a letter and scolded him... Thinking about it carefully, Deng Ji felt that what Pu Yangkai said was absolutely right: had he ever truly controlled Haixi?
Feng Chao is in charge of the patrols in Haixi.
The Xiangyong in Haixi will be under the command of Zhoucang...
Pan Zhang was recruited by Cao Peng; Wang Mai was Cao Peng's brother.
People say that Deng Ji built today's Haixi, but it would be better to say that Cao Peng single-handedly laid a solid foundation for him.
You can think about it, if he and Cao Peng turned against each other, these people under his command would leave him without hesitation. But before that, Deng Ji didn't realize it. He always thought that he was the one who created today's sea.
West, but in retrospect, this is not the case.
The most prosperous market in Haixi is the guild organization founded by Cao Peng.
And Cao Peng's reputation became more and more famous, and his reputation in the Central Plains also became bigger and bigger. Previously, when Huang Zheng, the leader of the gold market, came from Luoyang, he also praised Cao Peng's greatness. At that time, Deng Ji said
He didn't even listen to it, he just indulged in his own little world.
No, if I continue to stay here, the difference between me and Ah Fu will become bigger and bigger.
I am his brother-in-law, how can I be compared to him?
Returning to Xudu, only by returning to Xudu, can I go further...
"Hu Ban, pack your luggage. After Zishan arrives, we will go to Xiapi."
Hu Ban heard this and immediately laughed.
"I'll make arrangements right away!"
Haixi, too small, too small...
————————————————————————
On the twenty-third day of the first lunar month of the fifth year of Jian'an, Bu Zhao was appointed the captain of Haixi.
After Deng Ji left office, he did not return to Xudu immediately. Instead, he took his retainers and servants and went straight to Xiapi.
After a secret conversation with Xu Xuan, Xu Xuan temporarily assumed that Deng Ji was working for Xuzhou and ordered someone to report to the court and inform him of the actual situation one by one.
On the 25th, Liu Bei started an uprising in Tan County and spread the message written by Chen Lin to the East China Sea, echoing Yuan Shaoyuan.
On the same day, Liu Bei ordered Lü Bu's pretend son Lü Ji to be the head of Qu County, and ordered Lü Ji to go out to control Qu County to threaten Yilu. But just when Lü Ji left Tan County, Zhou Cang led his navy to set off from Yuzhou Mountain and stopped at Qu Mountain.
Landing. Deng Zhi, the commander of Yilu, led the troops to attack and occupied Qu County.
Pan Zhang, the captain of Dunqiu, attacked with light cavalry. On the 27th, he ambushed Lu Ji at Yushan and won a complete victory.
On the 28th, Xia Houyuan and Lu Qian sent troops from Taishan and Langya to attack Donghai County. On the same day, Zang Ba sent a message, ordering Changxi to surrender...
However, Cao Peng is not very grateful for these things.
He was even less clear about the various things that happened to Deng Ji in Haixi.
The day after Wen Chou was executed and Gao Lan was captured, Cao Peng was ordered to come to Duting and take over the defense of Duting.
Gan Ning was appointed Army Sima, similar to the position of Chief of Staff; Kan Ze, Xia Houlan and Hao Zhao were appointed Army Sima respectively, commanding two divisions of infantry and cavalry. There was one inspection captain and five army Sima.
, each leading 400 people. Before Cao Peng took office, the team in his hands had begun to take shape. At the same time, a young man named Tian Yu accompanied Cao Peng to the post and served as military chief.
Yuan Shao launched an attack on Cao Peng on the day Cao Peng took office.
Only this time, Cao Cao was already prepared and ordered Le Jin to move closer to him, making the formation extremely compact, so that Yuan Shao ultimately returned without success.
But within two days, Cao Cao abandoned his camp and retreated to Suanzao for defense.
The war between the two sides fell into a stalemate again, and it was difficult to tell the winner for a while... At this time, Cao Peng could no longer care about Cao Cao. Although he knew clearly about the war, Cao Peng won a complete victory in the end.
It ended. But when the war got to this point, he couldn't help much.
What's more, he also has important matters in his hands that need to be resolved as soon as possible...