The pleasant soft breeze makes the world feel fresh and graceful.
Wisps of sunshine and white clouds flow freely in the blue sky, gently whispering poetic thoughts.
Inside the palace, there is a small pavilion by the lotus pond.
Slim lotus flowers quietly appeared among the tender green lotus leaves.
Some are still in bud, shy and want to talk; some have already bloomed, and are so beautiful. The pink lotus and green leaves are mottled one after another, looking forward and swaying, making the scenery moving. Sometimes you can see several unknown birds among the lotus leaves.
Flying gracefully, the breeze blows, and the elegant fragrance of lotus fills the air, making people feel extremely relaxed and happy.
Emperor Liu Chan leaned against the pavilion pillar, holding a tea cup in one hand, squinting leisurely while sipping.
There is no etiquette image of Renjun.
However, the soldiers and palace servants closest to the pavilion were also more than twenty steps away, so there was no need for "a gentleman to be cautious in his independence".
On the other side of the lotus pond, Queen Zhang and Zhang Yan were talking about their daily life.
Occasionally, the laughter of orioles and swallows could be heard faintly in the wind, which added a bit of tranquility in early summer and April.
Zheng Pu was sitting upright, twirling his beard with one hand and looking at the lotus in trance.
He entered the palace today to say goodbye to the emperor.
The period of leave to get married was about to end, and the next day he would go back to Longyou to continue fighting for the Han Dynasty to conquer the Central Plains.
They also had a farewell banquet, and the atmosphere was a bit sad.
It has been three years since the prime minister led his army to settle in Hanzhong County in the early spring of the fifth year of Jianxing.
Due to frequent wars and numerous affairs, many familiar faces never had time to return to Chengdu.
If Zheng Pu goes back this time, he doesn't know when he will get another chance to come back.
However, what caused Zheng Pu to get lost in his thoughts was when Emperor Liu Chan asked him about a private matter, as the two were already close friends: if he could bring someone with him to accompany him on the expedition.
That man was the commander of the imperial army who was ordered by the emperor to clear the way for Zheng Pu when he welcomed his bride that day.
According to common sense, the emperor could just give an oral instruction on this matter.
As a minister, Zheng Pu had no room for rejection. Just like Zi Zhuan when he sent Fu Qian to become his disciple.
However, this person's identity is somewhat sensitive.
He is Liu Lin, the son of the late deputy general Liu Feng.
Initially, when the late Emperor Liu Bei was in Jingnan, he had no heirs to inherit his achievements, so he adopted Kou Feng, the son of the Kou family of Luohou, as his adopted son.
Feng has martial arts, extraordinary strength, and a fierce temperament.
When the generals and Prime Ministers Zhuge Liang, Zhang Fei and others traveled westward to capture Shu, they were defeated in battle.
During the Battle of Hanzhong, he was sent down the mountain by the late Emperor Liu Bei to provoke Cao's army and show off his power. Cao Cao was so angry that Wei Wu was furious and cursed, saying: "I'm selling my shoes to you, and I've always sent fake sons to reject your father-in-law! When you call me, Huang Xu comes, and I order you to attack."
Of."
It's just a pity that Cao Zhang, a yellow-bearded man with extraordinary physical strength and powerful hands, had to order Hou Xingyue to double the number. When he rushed to Chang'an, Wei Wu and Cao Cao withdrew his troops, leaving the world without the opportunity to witness the "real and fake" battle between the dragon and the tiger.
Later, Feng was awarded troops by the late emperor Liu Bei and sent with Mengda to attack the three eastern counties, opening up territory effortlessly.
During the Battle of Xiangfan, Guanhou, who was in charge of the military affairs in Jingzhou (the three eastern counties had been included in Jingzhou at that time), ordered him many times to lead the army to assist in the battle.
Both he and Mengda refused to send troops on the grounds that the three eastern counties were newly attached and the people were uneasy. Later, they took away Mengda's propaganda, which caused Mengda to be humiliated and angrily defected to Wei. As a result, all the three eastern counties returned to Wei.
Liu Feng, who returned to Chengdu after defeat, also met the fate of being sentenced to death by the late emperor Liu Bei.
He disobeyed orders, bullied his allies and was defeated and lost territory. According to the laws of the army, Liu Feng was sentenced to death without any injustice.
However, Liu Bei, the late emperor who suffered countless defeats in his life and was known for his benevolence, rarely killed generals.
It also made Liu Feng's death sentence seem a bit unusual.
It’s nothing more than a matter of status!
At that time, today's son Liu Chan has been named the crown prince.
The late Emperor Liu Bei and the Prime Minister Zhuge Liang both believed that Liu Feng was fierce and feared that it would be difficult to control him in the future, so they took this opportunity to eliminate him.
This made the world feel that Liu Feng's death was an injustice.
If Liu Feng had always been a "bandit", even if he had no outstanding achievements, there would be no danger of being punished!
No matter how bad things were, depending on the late emperor's benevolent temperament, he could still be punished and deposed as a citizen, and he could stay at home for the rest of his life.
Therefore, the emperor Liu Chan, who had a kind-hearted nature and had not experienced too many dirty tricks, had a faint sympathy for Liu Feng's son Liu Lin.
Liu Lin was born in the 16th year of Jian'an, and his father died when he was only nine years old.
Xian had a paternal style, with extraordinary physical strength and proficiency in bow and horse. At the age of sixteen, the emperor gave him a crown, gave him the title Zifan, and introduced him to the Imperial Guard. At the age of eighteen, he was moved to a hundred generals. When he was guarding the left and right, the emperor asked him about his ambition.
The answer was: "It's good to be a general."
However, this is a wishful thinking.
With his status, it is difficult for him to be granted military authority to lead an expedition.
After all, Gong Gong would be worried that he would be resentful because of his father's death and being included in the Liu family clan, but not being treated as a duke. After taking power, he would cause turmoil.
Just hide it in the snow and find a leisure position until you grow old.
Even if he doesn't have the ability or intention to cause chaos.
Those who govern the country should be cautious. Compared with the long-term peace and stability of the court, why not wrong him?
Fortunately, he met today's son Liu Chan.
With complicated emotions, and because his title had been decided and it was time for the Northern Expedition to rebel against the Wei Dynasty, he came to Zheng Pu to ask about a personal matter: Will Liu Lin get what he wants?
In this regard, Zheng Pu was not in a good position to give advice.
He also dared not say whether Liu Lin could always stick to his original intention after he gained military power through his meritorious service.
Such as leading troops to rebel, or defecting to the Wei Dynasty before the battle.
In particular, Prime Minister Zhuge Liang, who is now in charge of national affairs, had a "nip in the bud" attitude towards Liu Feng in the past.
However, since the emperor knew the attitude of the prime minister and court officials towards this matter, he still asked him, and he must have wanted him to agree.
Even if you can't allow it, you still need to find a way to achieve both ends.
It can not only ease the emperor's compassion, but also prevent the court from hiding hidden dangers.
If you want to eat your salary, you have to share your worries.
Even if this is classified as a family matter of the emperor, he who married the youngest daughter of the Zhang family and became the emperor's brother-in-law can still comment on it.
"Your Majesty, I think it would be better to grant Liu Zifan military posts in various counties in Nanzhong."
After thinking for a long time, Zheng Pu finally broke the silence.
"Nanzhong?"
Hearing this, Emperor Liu Chan raised his eyebrows slightly, put down his tea cup, stroked his beard and thought.
There are many barbarians and few Han in the counties in the south. If Liu Lin is sent to guard the area, there will be no worries about hidden dangers in the future.
If those barbarian tribes rebelled, they would support the powerful southerners and would never choose Liu Lin, who had no foundation. Even if Liu Lin accumulated experience and gained military power in the future and developed a disobedient heart, he would not be able to form a separatist regime.
However, this is not what the emperor wants.
He wanted Liu Lin to join the army because he wanted him to accumulate meritorious deeds so that he could be awarded a title to show his benevolence and to relieve his compassion for killing his father.
If someone is sent to guard a barren land, how long will it take to become a marquis?
"I don't accept what Zheng Qing said."
When he was young, Emperor Liu Chan shook his head and said softly, "It's not that I don't know Zheng Qing's concerns. It's that I not only want Zi Fan to get what he wants, but also hope that he can achieve military merit and be named a Marquis."
I see!
After Zheng Pu heard this, he understood in his heart.
Liu Lin was included in the clan but was not treated as a clan member, and he knew this.
Immediately, Zheng Pu nodded heavily and said generously, "Your Majesty speaks from the bottom of his heart. How dare you make any excuses again?"
"good!"
Emperor Liu Chan held up his palms and laughed.
After a pause, he added, "I will write a letter to inform my father about this matter. Zheng Qing has nothing to worry about."
The law of freedom in the military.
The appointment was given to the generals by the Prime Minister who is now in charge of the army.
The emperor wrote a book to explain it, which prevented Zheng Pu from being criticized by others for seeking power.
"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your consideration."
After hearing this, Zheng Pu quickly held up his hands to thank him, thought for a while, and then smiled and said, "Your Majesty, I secretly thought that if I wrote a letter to the Prime Minister, I could claim that if Liu Zifan had meritorious service during the expedition, he could be pardoned and have one of his sons as an heir."
After Luohou Kou."
Pay back the Kou surname with a meritorious and cute son?
After being slightly surprised, the Emperor Liu Chan burst out laughing, "Zheng Qing has thought of everything!"
Well, this is a plan to completely eliminate hidden dangers.
On the one hand, regaining the blood of his ancestors can inspire Liu Lin's desire to serve his country on the battlefield.
On the other hand, all the merits established by Liu Lin can be rewarded to the son who regains the surname Kou. If the son in power does not have the surname Liu, he will naturally have no foundation for future chaos.
After talking about everything, the sun turned westward, Zheng Pu said goodbye and left.
The next day.
The morning dawn broke, and the rays of light pierced the sky.
Ten miles outside the north gate of Chengdu.
Zheng Pu smiled gurglingly, stretched out his hand to rub the smile on Zhang Yan's left cheek, and said, "Xijun, I'm leaving."
"Um."
Zhang Yan, who had a strong personality, was not annoyed and just nodded lightly.
Then, they saw Zheng Pu get on his horse, whip up his whip and drive away.
They separated less than a month after their wedding. Neither of them was reluctant to part with them, and there were not many words of sadness about separation.
Because yesterday, the two of them had been allowed by Emperor Liu Chan, Zhang Yan followed Zheng's mother Lu back to Shifang Mulberry Garden to stay for a while, and then went to Longyou to settle down in August when the autumn weather was clear and crisp.
It is not that the secondary branch of the Zheng family in Shifang will migrate to Longyou and settle down.
It was Queen Zhang's idea.
On the grounds that the soldiers of the Northern Expedition would not be allowed to return to Chengdu for several years, Zhang Yan was asked to go with him.
After all, Zheng Pu already has a title and a concubine. If Zhang Yan doesn't follow him, how can he have an heir?
Furthermore, with the identity of the Zhang family, there is no need to worry about the unwritten rule that "the family members of leading generals must stay in Chengdu".
The whole journey was silent.
Only when he arrived at Guancheng, Fu Qian did not follow him to Longyou, but said goodbye and rushed to Hanzhong County.
He went to make plans, and Zheng Pu gave him a "revenge" plan.
In this regard, Zheng Pu followed what he said before and did not interfere or restrict it. He just asked his two retinues to protect him.
However, we can also vaguely guess why he wanted to go to Hanzhong County.
The first is nothing more than seeking help from Ma Su.
When Liu Yan, the cavalry general, insulted Zheng Pu, he also despised Ma Su.
Moreover, during the Battle of Xiaoguan in the past, Ma Su still owed Zheng Pu's help. If Fu Qian explained the reason and asked for his help, Ma Su would not refuse under any circumstances.
The other is his childhood friend Li Qiu, who now also serves in Hanzhong County.
Li Hui, the governor-general of the surrender, was from Jianning. Last year, he was ordered by the emperor to serve as the prefect of Jianning, and he was appointed as the governor of this county.
In order to avoid suspicion, he moved all his family members to settle in Hanzhong County.
Li Qiu, who had been serving as a casualty under Zheng Pu, was therefore granted real power by the prime minister and became a general under Huo Yi, the governor of the Golden Guard.
Fu Qian went to look for Li Qiu. Not surprisingly, he was looking for "power".
After all, the Jianning Li family's loyalty and benefits to the Han Dynasty were incomparable to Liu Yan, who held a mere noble position.
As for letting Fu Qian act alone, is there any danger?
No need to consider yet.
The young eagle that has been sheltered under its wings cannot fly into the air.
Furthermore, Fu Qian is the orphan of Zhonglie.
If Liu Yan dared to do anything to him, Prime Minister Zhuge Liang would deal with him as soon as possible without Zheng Pu reporting to the emperor for punishment.
At the time when the Northern Expedition was against the Wei Dynasty and the soldiers were encouraged to swear to serve the country to the death, how could the cruelty and persecution of the loyal orphans happen?
If we are not severely punished, who of the soldiers who have worries about their future will dare to risk their lives!
Arrive at Longyou Ji County.
Zheng Pu, who was so tired and dusty, did not bother to fetch water to cleanse himself from the dust, so he strode to the prime minister's farewell office.
On the way back, he bumped into the messenger sent by the prime minister, who asked him to take the extra mile to return.
During the few months he was away from Longyou, the war broke out again.
Prime Minister Zhuge Liang asked Zhang Yi, the former prefect of Shu County, to be transferred to the prefect of Wudu and lead General Jianzhong to take over Chen Shibu's garrison in Wudu. He asked Chen Shibu to move to the north of Xiaoguandao and work with Wei Yan to prepare for the counterattack from Jincheng County and Wuwei County.
Attack.
Let Wu Banbu, who has been stationed at Xiaoguan Road, attack Xiaoguan!
It's just that the pass is too steep and difficult to defend and difficult to attack.
Moreover, Wei Ping, the general who rebelled against the Wei Dynasty, held the position with 5,000 soldiers. Therefore, the attack has lasted for more than a month, and there is still no hope of breaking through.
As for why the prime minister suddenly took action, it was because the opportunity was too rare.
The Qingshui River Basin in the north of Xiaoguan is now occupied by the Xianbei Qifu tribe and Hu Bo Juzizhi, the leader of the Wei Xiongnu security guard, who are fighting against the Xiahou Ba of the Wei Dynasty.
The two sides have been fighting for nearly a year, and so far there is no winner.
Wei General Cao Zhen sent General Dai Ling, who was originally stationed in Youfufeng, to assist in the battle.
In other words, if we attack Xiao Pass now, we will be trapped in a pincer attack from both front and rear.
Even if Cao Zhen sends other troops to Xiaoguan again, it will intensify the pressure of transporting grain, fodder and baggage against the Wei Dynasty, and make those Jizhou Li Shu who have just migrated to Guanzhong Sanfu to suffer from hard labor and not be able to live in the farmland.
And if we march at this time, we don't need to worry that Hanzhong County will be attacked by Wei Wei.
With the arrival of the army led by the later general Yuan Wei, and the recruitment of soldiers by civilian households who migrated to Hanzhong from all over the country, the number of troops is now close to 50,000. Even if the newly recruited soldiers are not strong enough in combat, they can only worry about defense.
.
With such a good opportunity, Wei Yan, Wu Ban and other generals in Hanyang County sent people to ask the prime minister for a battle.
The Prime Minister didn't mind and moved the schedule to attack Xiaoguan a little earlier.
If it could be captured, Liangzhou, which had rebelled against the Wei Dynasty, could be turned into an enclave. For the Han Dynasty, it would be a matter of taking control of Daqing.
If it cannot be captured, the right should be to contain the forces of the rebel Wei, so that they cannot quickly defeat the Xianbei Begging Tribe and the Wei Xiongnu security guard Hu Bo, who is in charge of the post, and continue to consume food and the spirit of the army.
"Pu, meet the Prime Minister."
After entering the office, Zheng Pu sat down on his knees and bowed respectfully.
"No need to be polite."
Things that soothed the heart and made one's heart happy again and again, and there was a vague sight of the radiant Prime Minister, with a gurgling smile, and stretched out his hand to help, "Zijin, please take a seat."
