Cao Peng decided to fight steadily and advance slowly.
After hearing the news about the barbarian army in Nanzhong, he became more and more determined in this idea. But on the third day after Shi Tao sent a messenger to Mianyang, a small school suddenly reported that Zhuge Liang had sent someone to send a gift.
Cao Peng was startled and said: "Please!"
After a while, I saw a young man walking into the hall with his head held high.
The young man was young, probably in his early twenties, eight feet tall, and good-looking. Behind him, there was also a young man who looked about sixteen or seventeen years old, with handsome features and good looks.
"Student Ma Zhong, on the orders of Zhuge's military advisor, is here to return the general's belongings."
Cao Peng was stunned for a moment, and then smiled.
"What do I have? It's in Kong Ming's hands."
"The general will know after seeing it."
After speaking, Ma Zhong stretched out his hand, and the young man behind him immediately handed over the brocade box in his arms. Ma Zhong showed his hands, and Sun Shao rushed forward, took the brocade box, turned around and placed it in front of Cao Peng.
On the desk.
Cao Peng couldn't help but have doubts in his heart.
So I reached out and opened it, but I smelled a strong smell of lime.
A bloody head appeared in front of Cao Peng. Fazheng, who was closing his eyes to rest at the side, opened his eyes and looked. His face suddenly changed and he shouted: "Zidu!"
Cao Peng immediately understood that the head in the brocade box was the head of Meng Da.
Sure enough, Meng Da is dead!
Fazheng was filled with grief, shouted loudly, drew his sword and rushed over to kill Ma Zhong.
However, Cao Peng got up and stopped him in time, "Xiaozhi, don't fall for Kong Ming's plan... Kong Ming was just asking me to wait until I lost my position, so that he could win in the chaos. I know that you and Zidu are brothers, but at this time,...
The more calm you have to be, the better. One day we will attack Chengdu and take Kong Ming, and I will need your revenge."
Fazheng took a deep breath and calmed his mind.
"Young Master, Zidu and I are brothers. Please give me Zidu's head. I want to bury him properly."
"That's what I meant."
Of course Cao Peng would not refuse Fa Zheng's request, which was not a request.
Asking Deng Ai to leave with Fazheng, Cao Pengfu sat down again and looked at Ma Zhong and Ma Zhong up and down.
I saw that the two of them had no fear on their faces and looked calm.
"You have humiliated me so much that you are not afraid that I will take your heads off your neck."
Ma Zhong laughed and said, "Here is the great head. If the general likes it, there is no harm in taking it away."
Cao Peng couldn't help but secretly admire Ma Zhong, this Ma Zhong was quite courageous.
He immediately smiled and asked in a deep voice: "Does Kong Ming only ask you to deliver letters?"
Ma Zhong did not expect that Cao Peng was not angry at all, but was a little panicked. But soon, Ma Zhong calmed down, stepped in and said: "The military advisor asked me to tell the general that he is at Jiameng Pass, waiting for the general to die.
"
Cao Peng's expression changed and he suddenly laughed.
"Is Kong Mingguo a village man who only speaks arrogant words?"
In my heart, I was filled with anger.
Zhuge Liang is really arrogant. Does he think that a small Jiameng Pass can stop me?
"Go back and tell that bastard that I will attack the city soon and let him wash his neck and die!"
Ma Zhong is neither humble nor arrogant, "Students must report the general's words truthfully."
After saying that, Ma Zhong turned around and left.
But Cao Peng looked at his back, thoughtful and silent.
This Ma Zhong is not like an ordinary person. Judging from his demeanor and words, I am afraid he has a good background. Why can’t I remember Ma Zhong? I do know a man named Ma Zhong, but he was from Jiangdong and was killed in history.
Guan Yu. The Ma Zhong in front of me is clearly not the same Ma Zhong! I should have an impression of such a person, but why don’t I have any memory at all? Could it be that he is another talent that has been forgotten by history?
Cao Peng, I really thought wrong!
This Ma Zhong was not forgotten by history. In fact, Cao Peng's memory has been blurred.
In the Romance of the Three Kingdoms deceived by Luo Da, Ma Zhong once accompanied Zhuge Liang in the expedition against the Southern Barbarians, and during the Northern Expedition he served as General Fenwei and Marquis of Boyang Ting. However, Ma Zhong's role was so small that Cao Peng had no impression of him at all.
It was too profound. Since my rebirth, with the passage of time, that impression has naturally disappeared.
In real history, Ma Zhong eventually became an official of General Annan and was a famous Shu Han general in the late Three Kingdoms period.
He was born into a scholar-bureaucrat and was promoted to Xiaolian last year.
When Liu Bei was in Nanzhong, he admired Liu Bei's reputation and went to seek refuge with him. Now he serves as a vassal and joins the military division.
In short, this Ma Zhong is Zhuge Liang's adviser.
Cao Peng had never heard of Ma Zhong's name, which was normal. However, when Ma Zhong walked out of the lobby and was about to go out the door, he saw someone walking in from the door with long strides.
The two parties just looked at each other and passed by each other without speaking.
Just when Ma Zhong was about to walk out of the door, a surprise call suddenly came from behind: "Is that Bo Qi in front of you?"
The young man following Ma Zhong was startled when he heard this, and immediately stopped and turned to look.
The young man who just passed by them was looking at him with surprise on his face.
Ma Zhong was also stunned and whispered: "Bo Qi, who is this person?"
Before the young man could speak, the young man strode forward and grabbed the young man's arm, "Bo Qi, it's really you!"
"Dare to ask..."
The young man looked confused.
The young man smiled and said: "I am Wang Ping... no, I am He Ping!"
"He Ping?" The young man was stunned for a long time, then suddenly woke up and said with great surprise: "You are Zijun!"
"It's me, it's me... I said goodbye to Nanchong back then, and nearly eight years passed by.
If I hadn't felt something familiar between your features, I really couldn't recognize you... Why, how could you be here?"
"I……"
The young man was about to answer when he heard two soft coughs coming from beside him.
He immediately woke up and hurriedly broke away from Wang Ping's big hand, "I am the secretary of the King of Hanzhong in Chengdu. Now I join the army with my horse and come to write to the general. Zijun, why are you here? I heard someone say,
Even though your grandfather went to Hanzhong, how could he appear in the general's mansion?"
Wang Ping said with a smile: "After my grandfather passed away, he returned to the clan to recognize his ancestor and took his father's surname instead.
I served under Duke Lu for a period of time. Later, Duke Lu surrendered and was favored by the general. He made me the captain of Guoyi. Now I serve in the general's palace. What, are you leaving now? We haven't seen you for a long time.
Why don’t you find a place to have a few drinks?”
"Well... I still have official duties, so I'm afraid I won't be able to reminisce with my brother!"
Captain Guo Yi?
This is a brand new position that has never existed before.
Ma Zhong frowned slightly and said in a deep voice: "Bo Qi, let's go."
"Here!"
The young man then cupped his hands with Wang Ping and said, "Brother, we will meet again later."
After that, the young man was about to leave with Ma Zhong.
Wang Ping wanted to stop him, but he didn't know how to speak. At this moment, he suddenly heard a deep shout from the hall: "The general has an order, come with me to stop the Yizhou envoy."
The man on duty at the gate of the mansion was Zhang Liao's son Zhang Hu.
After hearing the order, without saying a word, he led more than a hundred white camel soldiers to step forward and stopped Ma Zhong and the others.
Ma Zhong was immediately shocked, "What do you want?"
Zhang Hu shouted: "The general wants you to stay, so just stay."
"The two countries are at war, and the envoys will not be killed..."
Ma Zhong was still struggling, but he saw Cao Peng walking out of the hall and sneered: "What two countries? They are just a group of ungrateful officials and traitors who deceive the world. Yizhou has been our Han territory since ancient times, and it is sacred and indivisible. Previously, Liu Yizhou had
The emperor conferred the title of General Zhenwei,
Although he stayed at Nanzhong for three years, he had not really established his prestige.
But in this way, we still recruited figures like Ma Zhong and Zhang Yi, who are indeed worthy of being the big bosses of the Three Kingdoms.
"In that case, I'll leave him to you.
Keep an eye on this person for me... I don't want him to work for me, but he must not, let him return to Xichuan. If he runs away, I will ask for you. Okay, take Mr. Fox Du down! Fox Du,
He is really a confused guy. Aren't you afraid of bringing genocide to your family in the future by acting so recklessly?"
Ma Zhong happened to pass by the hall.
Cao Peng's last few words seemed to be muttered to himself, but they reached his ears clearly.
Ma Zhong's expression changed and he shouted loudly: "A true man should take responsibility for his actions. My choice to go to Duke Xuande is my own choice and has nothing to do with my family. How can the general implicate innocent people because of this?"
Cao Peng glanced at him, smiled, turned around and walked into the hall.
But that laughter made Ma Zhong feel panicked...
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Mr. Gongmiao, according to what you said, is Ma Zhong really a talent?"
Cao Peng returned to the hall and saw the person sitting in the hall with a look of surprise on his face.
This person's name is Yan Zhi, and he is the envoy sent by Yan Yan.
It turned out that before Cao Peng stationed in Hanzhong, Cao Zhang had already raised troops and was about to return. However, Cao Zhang was not in a hurry to start a war. Instead, he sent people to Bajun to visit Yan Yan. At the same time, Cao Zhang also brought a letter from Cao Cao,
Please pass Yan Yan to Liu Yi. Yan Yan is now in a dilemma and doesn't know what to do.
Liu Zhang was suddenly killed, leaving Yan Yan at a loss.
Although he said that he wanted to avenge Liu Zhang, the death of Liu Zhang would inevitably cause chaos in Xichuan. Cao Cao was sitting in Jingxiang and would not ignore it. When the time came, Cao Cao would definitely send troops to attack, so where should he go?
As long as Liu Zhang is alive, Yan Yan will be loyal.
But now that Liu Zhang is dead, Cao Cao is claiming revenge for Liu Zhang, which puts Yan Yan in a bit of trouble.
He had a very bad sense of Liu Bei.
When Liu Zhang invited Liu Bei to come to Sichuan, Yan Yan did not agree.
He believed that once Liu Bei entered Sichuan, Bashu would be in turmoil. Especially the powerful Bashu would be affected inevitably. But Liu Zhang did not listen and still insisted on letting Liu Bei enter Sichuan...
Now Liu Zhang is indeed dead!
Yan Yan was a little confused...
At this time, Cao Zhang came to Yan Yan with letters from Cao Peng and Cao Cao, which made Yan Yan even more confused.
Cao Peng and Yan Yan are old friends.
The two of them had written letters constantly over the past few years, but never discussed any political matters.
Cao Peng mostly asked for advice and talked about some of his experiences, such as the attack on Hehuang, the conquest of Liaodong, the capture of Goguryeo, the annexation of Fuyu... and other things like this, either asking for advice or telling stories.
After going back and forth, Yan Yan's precautions against Cao Peng faded away.
Sometimes, he even introduced Cao Peng as a confidant, and often used the things discussed in Cao Peng's letters as conversation topics at banquets, and talked about them with others, which really gained a lot of face. If Liu Zhang were still alive, the things mentioned in Cao Peng's letters would
Yan Yan wanted to persuade Cao Peng to surrender, but without saying a word, Yan Yan tore up the letter and fell out with Cao Peng.
But now...
The content of Cao Peng's letter is very simple: I have always admired the old general for his loyalty and righteousness.
In the past, when Liu Yizhou was here, I tried to persuade him. But I knew that the old general would not listen. If I said it out loud, you would definitely break off relations with me. But now that Liu Yizhou is gone, does the old general think that Liu Yi can really resist Liu Bei? Then
Liu Bei is a hero, but also an outstanding person... Once he stabilizes the situation in Yizhou, he will definitely use troops against Bajun. When the time comes, where will the old general go? And Bajun will also be devastated.
I don't say how good King Wei is, but under King Wei's rule, the people live and work in peace and contentment, and their lives are very happy.
The old general should not think about himself, but the folks in Ba County.
When Liu Bei went to a place, he would start a war. At first, Xuzhou was rich in money and food, and the people were prosperous. But after Liu Bei went to Xuzhou, the population quickly dropped sharply, and wars continued, which devastated all living beings. Then he went to Jingzhou again, coercing the people to flee,
As a result, the people almost died... He took charge of Jingnan affairs, colluded with the Wuling barbarians, and wantonly embezzled the interests of the people of the Han Dynasty. In the end, he left a dilapidated Jingnan and ran away to Xichuan. As far as I know, he
After arriving in Xichuan, he colluded with the barbarians and kept close contact with them.
The old general is an honest man and a good man!
The old general must have some thoughts about where to go...
If it is said that Cao Peng's letter made Yan Yan think deeply.
Then the content of Cao Cao's letter is even simpler: If you enter Xichuan alone, you will not offend Xichuan at all!
The implication is that I will guarantee the interests of your Xichuan power and the common people! This guarantee made Yan Yan have to think deeply. Should he fight alone? Or surrender to the imperial court? He hesitated for a while.
Yan Yan sent Cao Cao's letter to Brazil.
Then he sent Yan Zhi to negotiate with Cao Peng.
In comparison, Yan Yan trusted Cao Peng more. Even though Cao Zhang was Cao Cao's biological son, in Yan Yan's eyes, he was not as trustworthy as Cao Peng. After all, Cao Zhang was a little younger.
Cao Peng is not big, but his reputation is widely known.
What's more, after several years of dealing with each other, Yan Yan naturally trusted Cao Peng even more.
Ma Zhong didn't know Yan Zhi, but Yan Zhi had heard of Ma Zhong's name.
As soon as Ma Zhong stepped out, Yan Zhi briefly explained Ma Zhong's situation to Cao Peng, which immediately attracted Cao Peng's attention.
Cao Peng was also very straightforward and detained Ma Zhong without saying a word.
"Gong Miao, please go back and tell the old general that I can guarantee that the prince is trustworthy.
I understand the worries of the old general very well. But now it is not a battle between two countries, but a battle between good and evil... In any case, the old general is appointed by the imperial court, and Liu Bei is just a rebellious minister.
Where to go, the old general naturally knows clearly."
Yan Zhi nodded to take note of it, talked with Cao Peng some more, and then left.
After sending Yan Zhi away, Cao Peng sat in the hall.
The sound of footsteps came from outside, and Fazheng was seen hurriedly walking into the hall.
"Sir, I have a plan. Although it is dangerous, if it succeeds, it will cause Zhuge Kongming to be in chaos..." (To be continued)