Chapter 697 I am willing to give up my future for Hongyan!)
"Sir, General Zhao Yun has arrived thirty miles outside the city and is waiting for orders!"
It was a sunny day, and the sun was not as fierce as before. A heavy rain brought endless coolness to Hehuang. Although it was still June, we could already smell the breath of autumn. The grassland of Hehuang was lush with wormwood and cattle and sheep.
Crowds of people. The Di and Qiang rebellion didn't seem to have much impact on Longqi City. Yesterday's tragic massacre did not make people feel panic, but instead gave them an inexplicable sense of tranquility.
King Cao Yan, who had conquered Liangzhou in the past, sacrificed the butcher knife in his hand.
Within ten days, Dou Mao's head was nowhere to be seen, and the blood of 200,000 Di people in Hehuang would flow into a river!
How much impact will this order have on the Di Qiang rebels? So far, it has not been seen. But for the people of Longqi City, when King Cao Yama sacrificed the butcher knife, it was Longqi who
The day when the city is out of danger. At least, they will no longer have to worry about Qiang and Di chaos.
Cao Peng sat in the hall, eyes slightly closed.
Pang Tong's report did not cause any disturbance in him, just like before, he seemed to be in a deep sleep.
In the hall, four young generals, Cai Di, Deng Ai, Du Shu and Sun Shao, lined up behind Cao Peng.
In the hall, besides Pang Tong and Jia Xing, there was also a young man standing.
To be precise, he is a young man, about seventeen or eighteen years old. He has a slender body and a very delicate appearance.
Despite his tenderness, there is a hint of composure and competence.
He is Ma Su.
In the Battle of Xiajun, Ma Di was captured.
After being persuaded by Fazheng, Ma Su surrendered to Cao Peng.
Not to mention the Wuchang of the Ma family, the five brothers are not one. Everyone has their own ideas and thoughts. When the Wuchang of the Ma family surrendered to Liu Bei, it was because Ma Liang made the decision. Of the Wuchang of the Ma family, Baimei is the best, although Ma Liang is not
The eldest brother, however, occupies a dominant position among the five brothers.
After the five brothers of the Ma family surrendered, their fates were different.
Ma Liang was the most trusted and was able to occupy a high position. The other brothers were either counselors or were exiled. The worst offender was Ma Su, who followed Guan Yu and served as chief clerk in the army. He was young and Guan Yu was arrogant, so naturally
It must not be taken seriously. If there is no resentment, it is absolutely impossible. And with Liu Bei's defeat, Ma Su felt that his future was slim. At this time, Cao Peng was willing to accept him, which was also a choice.
Of course, it is impossible to take on the heavy responsibility initially!
Ma Su acted as a dubo in the army. In the battle the day before yesterday, he led his troops to block the retreat of Po Qiang and killed ten soldiers. Therefore, he was recorded on the roster and presented to Pang Tong. Speaking of which, Pang Tong also knew Ma Su.
Knowing that this guy was smart but lacking in experience, he took the initiative to ask Ma Di to be his assistant. Naturally, it was impossible for Cao Peng to refuse Pang Tong's suggestion. Besides, he was a historical figure after all. Even if he didn't have a good reputation, at least he would.
If you leave your name, you won't feel wronged too much.
In this way, Ma Su became Pang Tong's deputy and took up a position in the general's mansion.
But Tang Fang and other officials in Longqi City were frightened and cautious, not even daring to show off.
If there is such a big dispute, they will definitely not be able to escape their involvement.
More importantly, Cao Peng was invited to Longqi City by Tang Fang, and this happened. Although Cao Peng did not blame him later, when he saw with his own eyes yesterday outside Longqi City, by the Huangshui River,
The sight of thousands of heads falling to the ground was so frightening that I couldn't sleep all night. The Huangshui was almost dyed red. The way the human heads fell into the Huangshui one after another, and followed the ups and downs of the river, was enough to scare all the people watching the ceremony.
His heart was pounding with fear. Tang Fang didn't sleep well all night. He always dreamed that his own head was among the pile of heads, rising and falling with the river... When he came at noon, his eyes were still dark.
After a while, Cao Peng opened his eyes.
"Let him camp where he is and enter the city alone."
"Here!"
"Wait a minute..."
Cao Peng thought for a while and then said, "Youchang, go and greet him."
Ma Su was stunned for a moment when he heard this, but soon understood what Cao Peng was thinking.
This is because Ma Di and Zhao Yun know each other. Both of them have served under Liu Bei, which can also make Zhao Yun feel more friendly. Of course, Cao Peng asked Ma Di to welcome Zhao Yun, and I am afraid that more importantly, he asked him to reveal some information to Zhao Yun.
.This former general, Sili Xiaowei, valued Zhao Yun very much!
Ma Di immediately accepted the order and left, while Cao Peng closed his eyes again.
He believed that Zhao Yun did not betray him.
But some things, if not tested, will eventually be a thorn in the heart. He cannot be as open-minded as Liu Bei, and he does not have too much scheming. If I believe in you, I will use you, if I don't believe in you, I will not use you...
This is Cao Peng’s rule!
The problem is that Cao Peng believed in Zhao Yun in his heart.
But if such an incident happened, it would be a lie to say that he didn't feel uneasy.
So after thinking about it, he decided to give it a test. If Zhao Yun dared to come alone, it meant that he had no guilt in his heart; but if he didn't dare to come... Cao Peng would not be merciful even if he liked Zhao Yun.
It just depends on what choice Zilong will make in the end.
There was absolute silence in the hall, so quiet that you could hear a pin drop.
Time passed very slowly at this time, and there was an excruciating feeling. Not only Cao Peng, but also Tang Fang and others... They didn't know what was going on. In the blink of an eye, Zhao Yun's wife turned out to be...
Conspiracy to assassinate Cao Peng. This is a big deal, and it will affect everyone.
Just as everyone was waiting anxiously, they suddenly heard footsteps coming from outside the hall.
"Zhao Yun, the guilty general, pays homage to the young master."
As a loud voice sounded, Cao Peng suddenly opened his eyes.
Zhao Yun walked into the hall tied up with ropes, and then knelt on his knees in front of Cao Peng.
Cao Peng was stunned!
"This general bound himself, it was not his fault."
Ma Su quickly explained, showing a wry smile.
When he told Zhao Yun what happened, Zhao Yun was also shocked.
He is loyal, but not a fool.
It became clear at once why this troop dispatch always felt a little strange along the way. The food and grass were not escorted all at once, but were rationed on a daily basis. If Zhao Yun made the slightest move at that time, the food and grass would be cut off immediately. And Zhao Yun had thousands of soldiers in his hands.
The horses will also be defeated immediately... As soon as he arrived at the destination, he was immediately notified to return to Longqi City. Zhao Yun was still wondering why he had to withdraw his troops when he hadn't even seen the shadow of the enemy? Moreover, why along the way?
, there are always traces of Cao Jun?
Now I understand, those are the soldiers monitoring him!
Zhao Yun was also at a loss, not knowing what to do...
His wife suddenly became an assassin, how should he choose? After he rescued Ma Yunlu, he didn't have much thought. But with subsequent contact, Zhao Yun fell in love with Ma Yunlu and got married to him.
He is a dull man!
In other words, he is a very dull person emotionally...
It is not easy to fall in love with a woman, but once you fall in love with her, it is sincere.
But now, the woman he truly loves comes with a certain purpose... Is she fake, or does she really like him? Zhao Yun doesn't know! But he knows that he really loves Ma Yunlu.
Kneeling in the hall, Zhao Yun's thoughts were still complicated.
But at this time, Cao Peng untied the knot in his heart...
He pondered for a moment, then suddenly stood up, walked to Zhao Yun, and took Zhao Yun's Jinghong Sword from Ma Di's hand. Hearing the clang of a spring, Cao Peng pulled out the sword, and the cold light and air-conditioning were intense.
.
"Master!"
Ma Su was shocked and instinctively knelt down.
"General Zilong is by no means the kind of person with unpredictable intentions. He doesn't know anything about this matter, otherwise he would not go into the city alone. Please have mercy on me and spare General Zilong's life! I am willing to guarantee with my life that he has nothing to do with this matter.
Absolutely no connection.”
"General, think twice!"
Jia Xing also stepped forward to persuade.
Only Pang Tong stood aside and watched with cold eyes.
Cao Peng raised his sword and stabbed Zhao Yun. Zhao Yun closed his eyes and prepared to tie his hands... However, after waiting for a long time, there was no movement. When he opened his eyes and looked down, he saw that the rope on his body had been cut by Cao Peng.
"Zilong, come with me."
Cao Peng sheathed his sword, turned around and walked towards the back hall.
Zhao Yun was stunned for a while, then stood up and followed Cao Peng, leaving the lobby together.
Ma Su was about to follow, but was stopped by Pang Tong, "You should not worry, Young Master. I have no intention of returning General Zilong's life, but there are some things that Zilong must make a decision in the end. None of us can help with this matter."
After speaking, he sat down and looked at Tang Fang and others.
"Tang County Zun."
"The official is here!"
Tang Fang quickly stood up and replied respectfully.
"Longqi City will inevitably experience some turmoil after experiencing this crisis.
I also ask the county magistrate and all your lords to work hard to restore Longqi City to its original appearance as soon as possible. The young master did not intend to target the Qiang Di, but those ungrateful people angered the young master and issued the order to kill the Hu.
As long as you serve the people, behave honestly, and obey orders, the Master will still be very friendly...
Please convey this meaning to the county magistrate.
I know that the county magistrate has lived in Longqi City for a long time, and he has worked hard and gained the trust of the people and Hehuang Qiang Di. When he was in Lintao, Wang Duwei also praised the county magistrate, so I ask the county magistrate not to worry and just do your best.
Just do things. The young master is a sensible person and will never anger others. Please rest assured, sir."
How much did Cao Peng trust Pang Tong?
Even if you don't follow your advice, you still value it very much.
When Pang Tong said these words, he presumably also represented what Cao Peng meant.
Tang Fang felt a sense of relief in his heart, and secretly let out a sigh of relief...
However, Jia Xing on the side said sadly: "Tang County Lord, you had nothing to do with Longqi City, but it does not mean that you are not at fault. Not to mention the Dou Mao Rebellion, you did not get any information, which is a crime of negligence.
To put it simply, with so many spies sneaking into Longqi City, don’t you, Longqi City, take any precautions?”
"this……"
Tang Fang's face suddenly turned pale.
What is the origin of Jia Xing?
He was the adopted son of the new Liangzhou Mu Jiaxu, in other words, he was a yamen. Not to mention, he himself held a high position. He had been in Liangzhou for many years, guarding Wuwei County and monitoring the Western Qiang, and was quite famous.
His words also represented Cao Peng's meaning.
This made Tang Fang feel relieved again.
Of course Tang Fang knew that Jia Xing guarded the Western Qiang and served as a general to protect the Qiang.
"This subordinate has neglected his duty..."
"Okay, General Cao is a kind man and easy to talk to...but this does not mean that you can neglect your duties below.
When the general sends out an order to kill Hu, He Huang and Di Qiang must be informed.
You must let them know that the majesty of our celestial dynasty is inviolable. If you want to make a living in Longqi City, you must obey the rules honestly. If not, you will not be able to escape your responsibility when my army moves into action."
"I understand, I understand, I understand!"
Tang Fang was dripping with cold sweat, and his back was soaked unconsciously...
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Outside a woodshed in the backyard, Cao Peng stopped.
He looked at Zhao Yun, and after a while he said in a deep voice: "Your Majesty is inside, and I didn't embarrass her...
This matter is your family matter, and I can’t get involved."
While talking, Cao Peng handed the Jinghong Sword to Zhao Yun, "You can solve it yourself."
Then he turned around and stood with his hands behind his back.
Zhao Yun was holding the Jinghong Sword, but he felt that the sword he cherished in the past now weighed a thousand pounds. Zhao Yun's cheeks twitched, and he suddenly strode towards the woodshed. Wang Shuang had already been notified and had withdrawn the guarding secret guards. Zhao Yun pushed
I opened the door of the woodshed and walked into the woodshed, but I was suddenly stunned there.
Ma Yunlu sat quietly on the haystack in the woodshed.
The sun shines through the window and shines on her body, making her look so beautiful.
Suddenly, Zhao Yun saw the helpless little Qiang girl whom he had rescued.
"My parents are gone, and I am the only one left in the family..."
My surname will also be Zhao from now on, okay?
Zilong, from now on I will only have you as my only relative..."
The words of the past echo in my ears.
Zhao Yun held the Jinghong Sword's big hand tightly and slowly released it.
The corners of his eyes were a little moist. He stood at the door and looked at Ma Yunlu for a long time, unable to say a word.
Ma Yunlu raised his head and saw Zhao Yun.
Her smile is still so gentle and beautiful, and her voice is still so sweet.
"Husband, you are back!"
"Why?"
"I have been waiting for you to come back..." Ma Yunlu's eyes were glistening with tears, but his face was still smiling, "There are some things that you must let your husband know. Rather than letting others tell you, it is better for me to tell you personally."
I am half Qiang!
My father's name is Ma Teng. He was originally a former general and the prefect of Wuwei.
A few years ago, he died in the hands of Cao Peng, who drove my brother Ma Chao to Wudu... I came back to join my brother and wanted to avenge my father. So, under the pseudonym Ma Rufeng, I led the people in the river.
Huang acted as a horse thief, sowing discord between Hehuang, Diqiang and the imperial court, and at the same time causing trouble for Cao's army in Longqi City.
When the husband rescued my concubine, I was ambushed by Wang Duwei.
In desperation, I regained my daughter's body and pretended to be a general to avoid the pursuit of Captain Wang... Originally, I had no intention of staying in Longqi City. After I didn't want to go home, I learned that Dou Mao proposed to my brother, so
So he fled Wudu and returned to Hehuang. But Hehuang was thousands of miles away, and there was no place for me to stay.
At that time, I thought of my husband, so I came to Longqi City...
Captain Wang Du was ambushed, and it was my concubine who did it.
It's a pity that my originally perfect plan fell short because of the sudden appearance of my husband."
"you……"
Zhao Yun didn't listen to a word of Ma Yunlu's explanation.
He gritted his teeth and asked after a while: "You...from the beginning to the end, you wanted to take advantage of me, right?"
The voice was a little trembling, which showed that Zhao Yun was not at peace in his heart at this moment.
Ma Yunlu raised his head and looked directly at Zhao Yun.
Suddenly, she laughed!
"Yes, I have been taking advantage of the general."
"Then you married me just to take advantage of me?"
"Of course... the general is a little thief and a lackey, and the little thief is my father-killing enemy. How can I be sincere with you?"
"you!"
Zhao Yun's heart suddenly twitched.
The sword in his hand clattered out of its sheath. He stepped forward and raised the sword high, his eyes filled with anger.
Ma Yunlu still looked very calm and slowly closed his eyes.
Sorry, husband!
In fact, I sincerely married you... But I can't harm you! In this world, the person who makes me feel guilty the most is you. Being able to die in your hands is also my wish. I hope that from now on
, if you can achieve great success, don't let me get involved. In this way, even if I die, I will be satisfied.
However, how could Zhao Yun do this?
Jinghong Sword was raised high in his hand, but he could not bring it down.
Suddenly, Zhao Yun roared and rushed out of the woodshed with his sword in hand like the wind.
He came to Cao Peng, knelt on the ground with a plop, held the sword in both hands and raised it above his head.
"Young Master, I have failed to live up to my high expectations.
But she was Yun Jiefa's wife, and Yun Shi couldn't do it. Yun knew that her crime was unforgivable, but...
Yun is willing to die on her behalf and asks the young master to spare her life.
She is just a woman, how can she harm the young master? Please forgive me, and I will be willing to work for him in the next life."
As he spoke, Zhao Yun burst into tears.
Cao Peng looked at him with complicated eyes, and took the Jinghong Sword from Zhao Yun for a long time.
"Zilong, you disappoint me!"
He suddenly shouted loudly: "What's the problem for a man without a wife? You had a great future, why did you die for such a woman who deceived you? Did you know that when you went on the expedition, I had already written a memorial and was preparing to submit it to the king?
, I appointed you as the Western Captain. But I didn’t expect... how could you be so unsatisfactory."
While speaking, Cao Peng raised his foot and kicked Zhao Yun to the ground.
This kick was so hard that blood flowed from Zhao Yun's forehead...
Zhao Yun got up and knelt in front of Cao Peng again.
He didn't say anything, he just kept kowtowing and pleading for Ma Yunlu.
Standing at the door of the woodshed, Ma Yunlu also burst into tears. After being with Zhao Yun for nearly a year, how could she not know what a proud man her husband is? She was forced to surrender to Cao Peng. But when she came to Longqi City, she had no choice but to surrender.
At that time, he was full of hope. Now, he begged Cao Peng for a woman like himself. Ma Yunlu's lip was bitten, but he didn't notice it at all.
Cao Peng showed a ruthless expression and slowly raised the Jinghong Sword.
"Zilong, do you know how much expectations I have placed on you?
I know that your ambitions have always been unfulfilled, so when you came to Longqi City, I specially wrote to Hutou and asked him to take good care of you. But you, you let me down... I am very disappointed!
Look at your appearance now, how can I hand over Longqi City and Hehuang to you?"
Zhao Yun raised his head and said, "Yun also knows that the young master loves me deeply.
However, Yun's parents died early, his brother and sister-in-law died at the hands of Black Mountain bandits, and his life was wandering. In thirty-six years, he finally met the woman he loved, and Yun Zhong felt the warmth of family again. Today Yun also knows that she is a capital offender. But Yun Zhong
I am still willing to die in exchange for her life...because, because..." Zhao Yun choked and said: "She is my wife."
"Husband!"
When Ma Yunlu heard this, he couldn't help but rushed forward with a cry of grief.
"What I, Ma Yunlu, did alone has nothing to do with my husband.
Cao Peng, if you want to kill me, just do it. Don't involve your husband... He is a good man, and he is loyal to you. He has never had any objection. You can't kill him... If you want to kill him, I, Ma Yunlu, will bear it.
!”
Cao Peng stared at the two of them with cold eyes.
"I'm just afraid that you won't be able to bear it!"
His voice suddenly became cold and stern, "Zilong, since you are willing to give up your future and your life for this woman...
I only have one thing to say: You really don’t regret it!”
"Yun, I will never regret it!"
The anger on Cao Peng's face suddenly increased, and he suddenly raised the Jinghong Sword high.
"Stop, stop!"
When Wang Shuang and several secret soldiers came forward and dragged Ma Yunlu away, Ma Yunlu struggled and shouted loudly.
"I know who is in charge in Guanzhong!"
"Um?"
"Wei Cong, it's Wei Cong...and Hongnong Yang Fan."
Ma Yunlu was really anxious, "Wei Cong and Yang Fan colluded with my elder brother to plot in Guanzhong...Cao Peng, don't kill my husband, I won't take revenge, and I won't hate you anymore...Don't kill him."
.”
Cao Peng slowly put down the sword in his hand.
He looked at Zhao Yun and Ma Yunlu with complicated eyes. After a moment, he sighed softly, waved his hand, and Wang Shuang let go of Ma Yunlu.
"Husband, I'm sorry, I'm sorry!"
Ma Yunlu threw himself into Zhao Yun's arms and cried loudly.
"I just lied to you... You are my husband, you will be my husband forever, I just don't want to hurt you."
"Yunlu!"
Zhao Yun grabbed Ma Yunlu and hugged him tightly.
Cao Peng looked at the two of them with a faint smile on his face.
"Although I'm not a good person, I don't want to marry someone bad.
There is a saying in my hometown in Zhongyangshan, which is that it is better to break through ten cities than to ruin a marriage. Zilong, cherish her... Miss Ma, I hope you will not deceive Zilong again in the future. He is not a pushover.
A person with emotions. But once he gets emotional, he acts like a madman... You guys, let’s go!”
After Cao Peng finished speaking, he dropped the Jinghong Sword on the ground and turned to leave.
Zhao Yun and Ma Yunlu sat there blankly. After a moment, Zhao Yun said softly: "Yunlu, I will not leave the young master.
Changbanpo, I have sworn allegiance to the young master.
now……"
Ma Yunlu gently wiped away the blood on his forehead and said softly: "My husband's choice is also my concubine's choice."
"Then your brother..."
A flash of anger flashed in Ma Yunlu's eyes, "For his great cause, he has betrothed his concubine to Dou Mao. This is the last time I will help him... Now Ma Yunlu is dead, and only Lady Zhao is left."
Zhao Yun was startled, then overjoyed.
He picked up the Jinghong Sword, took Ma Yunlu's hand, and strode to catch up with Cao Peng.
"Young Master, Zhao Yun still hopes to serve you."
Cao Peng turned around, with a smile on his face, "It's okay for Zilong to stay, but this future..."
"If I don't care about my future, I am willing to lead the young master's horse and put on the stirrups."
Cao Peng said nothing, pondered for a long time, then turned and left.
"Master!"
"Report to Feituo tomorrow... As for your future, it's up to you to fight for it!"
Cao Peng didn't stop, he just raised his hand and waved.
Zhao Yun fell to his knees on the ground, and Ma Yunlu followed him to the ground.
"If you are so confused, you will definitely live up to your kindness!" (To be continued)
