With doubts, Zheng Pu went into the house to greet his mother Lu, and then went to the partition room.
Just after passing through the small moon gate that separates the two houses, a family member has already been waiting for him on one side of the moon gate for a long time.
It seemed that Jufu had already expected that he would not come knocking on the door openly.
When we were led into the hall, we saw that there were only two desks in the huge space. There were no rice, rice, salt vegetables, miso soup, or bamboo chopsticks. They were so close to each other that the gap between them could only accommodate a charcoal fire.
Mijin sake.
But there is no beautiful maid waiting at your side to warm the wine and wait for it to be poured.
In front of the food table, there is a small bronze cauldron simmering on the fire, with two animal pattern ears passing through several long sticks, and holding half a lamb.
Gufu squatted in front of the bronze cauldron with a focused expression. He held a meat-cutting dagger in his hand and kept cutting open the texture of the lamb meat, spreading salt evenly.
The faint aroma of scorched rice, the smell of alcohol filling your nose, and the smell of human fireworks.
The wealthy families of the Banxing family did not have the manners to entertain guests, but were similar to the barbarian tribes who sat around the fire and enjoyed themselves.
But when Zheng Pu saw it, there was a hint of warmth in his heart.
His friendship with Jufu, from a compatibility of temperament to a life-and-death acquaintance, was sublimated through countless rude events like roasting meat over a fire and drinking freely in Xianggao County.
After waving his hand and telling the Ju family's followers that there was no need to report anything, Zheng Pu walked in directly.
With a gurgling smile, he joked, "This is your family's butler. I wonder if my family can hire him?"
"Hahaha~~~~"
Ju Fu, who heard the sound and looked at it, suddenly beamed with joy and laughed loudly.
He stabbed the small dagger in his hand into Qianzhi and stood up to greet him, "I haven't seen Zijin for a long time! I don't think so, but Zijin is still as mean as ever!"
The two sat down and exchanged drinks, chatting and laughing, and each recounted their long separation.
It also allowed Zheng Pu to know the reason why Liu Yin's other courtyard became the residence of Jufu.
At that time, when he was still in Zanggan, Jufu claimed that he was interested in finding a house to settle down in Chengdu, and asked him and Liu Yin respectively whether the place where he and Liu Yin lived could be converted into a house for sale.
After Liu Yin heard this, he promised to donate his other courtyard to him.
The reason is that the Liu family in Chengdu is a wealthy family with "three generations of common wealth and clans living together", and their mansion is also in the west of the city. Liu Yin rarely lives in the villa here. He bought the villa in this place before, just because he wanted to find a house.
For this reason, Zheng Pu just showed him the "Six Tao" annotated by his late father Zheng Du.
Since Jufu is in need, it would be a good idea to give it to him.
Moreover, both of them come from wealthy families and have considerable wealth.
It is also a robe that can be entrusted with one's life. There is nothing pretentious about giving it to someone with just a small house.
The reason why Jufu took so long to return to Chengdu is that he returned to Badi and not only took leave to get married.
The prime minister used Ba's floor to attack the barbarian and brave, and asked him to join hands with him to return home, seek help from the prefect of Baxi County, and recruit some non-Muslims as soldiers.
At this point, Jufu Tan came over and whispered.
"I forgot to inform Zijin. The Prime Minister claimed that all the soldiers recruited this time will be under my command!"
After saying that, he stroked his face again and said with a rather proud look, "Ha, if you take the Yamen generals from all the armies, there are thousands of soldiers like me, how many of them can there be?"
You can't blame him for feeling complacent.
After the Battle of Yiling, the Han Dynasty not only lost a lot of its old soldiers, but also the company's army was stretched thin with weapons, armor, clothing and other equipment.
As a result, the soldiers under the command of various generals were not consistent with their official positions.
For example, Wang Ping, the assistant general who accompanied General Zhennan to assist Kuang in going south to defeat the remaining rebels and served as the front commander.
General Pi is the lowest general and can lead two battalions (two thousand) of soldiers. However, the number of soldiers under his command is only eight hundred.
As a general of Yamen, Jufu cannot yet be called a general, but it is really rare to have a full force of one thousand soldiers.
We can also see how Prime Minister Zhuge Liang treated him differently.
"Happy! Xiaoxing can show his ambition!"
After Ju Fufu finished speaking, Zheng Pu raised his palms and praised, adding to the excitement, "However, Xiaoxing has a general in his mind. He has been in the army for many years and has made great contributions. He has been awarded thousands of soldiers. There is no doubt about it! I have always been
I firmly believe that with the talent of Xiaoxing, he will be given a high position by the imperial court one day!"
It is an honor for the imperial court to give him a high residence.
It is impossible to obtain the position of high minister of gold and purple without outstanding meritorious service.
In other words, Zheng Pu is asserting that Jufu will definitely rank among the permanent generals in the imperial court. [Note 1]
"Hahaha~~~~~"
Hearing this, Ju Fu laughed and waved his hands modestly, "What Zijin said is too much! It's too much!"
Immediately, he raised his cup and invited me again, with a heroic spirit, "I have made great achievements, and I should encourage Zijin together! Come and have a drink!"
"Drink! Let's encourage each other!"
Zheng Pu also agreed with a bang, raised his cup and drank it all in one gulp.
As soon as he put down the wine cup, Jufu patted his forehead and said in an annoyed tone, "He kept talking about me, but he forgot to ask about Zijin. What position was Zijin given after returning from the Southern Expedition?"
I have to ask, Zheng Pu's teeth are full of beauty, "Like Xiao Xing, he leads the Ya gate general with the help of the Prime Minister's Office."
"Ah, it's the Yamen General!"
Jufu was greatly surprised, his eyes filled with joy, "Zijin has been an official for less than two years, and he has been appointed as a general of Yamen and was commissioned as a soldier. This is the envy of others! However, with Zijin's planning and contribution in Zanggan, he is well-deserved! It's gratifying! It's gratifying.
!”
After saying this, he raised a cup and invited Zheng Pu to drink together and congratulate him.
Even as he put down the wine cup, he asked again, "How many soldiers did Zijin receive? Is it five hundred?"
Uh~~~~~
It's better not to say how many troops will be awarded.
Suddenly, Zheng Pu looked slightly startled and thought to himself.
Seeing that Ju Fu's face was still full of pride, he didn't know how to answer for a moment.
When Ju Fu saw the hesitation on his face, he thought it was because Zheng Pu had been given a false position, or because he had been given too few troops and it was difficult to announce it to his mouth.
Instead, he moved closer to sit down, held Zheng Pu's arm, and said in a comforting voice, "Zijin, don't be discouraged. Now that he has received the post, it will not be long before he is awarded the army. And, with the wisdom of the prime minister, I can make Zijin the bright pearl."
Are you covered in dust?"
After a pause, he added in a serious tone, "I am currently serving as the under-supervisor of the Prime Minister's Mansion, and Zi Jin is also under the direct supervision of the sect. If I am sent for an expedition in the future, I will definitely ask the Prime Minister to let Zi Jin go with me, so I don't have to worry about anything."
An opportunity to make meritorious deeds.”
Oh, okay.
Looking at Ju Fu with a concerned face, Zheng Pu could not remain silent any longer.
"Ahem! Ahem!"
With a few light coughs, Zheng Pu lowered his head and covered his face with his sleeves, and whispered, "Xiaoxing, I was awarded the title of Soldier of the Third School of the Army."
"Oh, not even three hundred soldiers."
Jufu, who didn't react for a while, continued to comfort him smoothly. After saying a few words, he was shocked and stunned. His face was full of disbelief, and his voice suddenly reached the clouds, "Zijin just said that he was awarded the third military school!"
?”
"Well, the third school."
Zheng Pu nodded in confirmation, hesitated slightly, and then added, "Chiang Kai-shek has privately told me that I will lead an independent army and will soon be awarded the title of commander and the flag of the general."
Then, Jufu's eyes froze, as if he were dumbfounded.
The banquet, which was originally full of laughter and laughter, suddenly became extremely silent.
It was as if the sake was being warmed by charcoal fire. The fragrance that had always been tantalizing the nostrils could not be disturbed and quietly disappeared.
"Xiao Xing?"
Seeing that the sentence was silent for a long time, Zheng Pu couldn't help but stretched out his hand and waved it in front of his eyes.
"ah?"
Jufu let out a sound of surprise before he reacted.
Then he raised his eyebrows and raised his eyes, became angry, grabbed Zheng Pu's shoulders, squeezed and shook him violently to express his hatred, and his tone was still angry and scolding.
"You Zheng Zijin, you pretended to hide it and laughed at me!"
"You actually call me the son of a man and call me the son of a man in the imperial court of the future!"
"It's in vain that I'm still thinking about how to forgive you!"
Zheng Pu, who was so pinched that he grimaced and grinned, confessed repeatedly and begged for mercy.
Just have some fun.
Jufu poured himself a cup, raised his cup and drank it all in one gulp, then he sighed loudly, "I didn't expect Zijin to be so respected by the Prime Minister!"
After saying that, before Zheng Pu could say anything, he glanced over again and said, "In the past, I was promoted to the post of Yamen general. Brother Zijin and Xiuran each cheated on me for several jars of sake. Now that Zijin has been awarded the title of separate governor, I don't know what he wants to do."
?”
"A banquet is waiting for you."
Hearing this, Zheng Pu smiled solemnly, "New Year's Eve is approaching. Xiaoxing is only in Chengdu with his wife. It's quite deserted. Why don't you come across the house to enjoy it with me? Well, my mother and others are all in Chengdu now. It just so happens
Introducing Xiaoxing."
Going to the church to worship your mother is an act of intimacy that can only be achieved by a family that shares weal and woe.
Jufu, who comes from a wealthy family, is well aware of its meaning.
Therefore, Zheng Pufu laughed heartily as soon as he finished speaking.
"Zijin, when I returned this time, I learned some news, which is related to the three counties in the east."
The years are flowing endlessly, and they pass by after passing by.
Before I knew it, it was already the fourth summer of the fourth year of Jianxing (AD 226).
In the military camp on the north bank of the Zouma River in Chengdu, Zheng Pu stopped on a low hill, holding an unknown weed root in his mouth, facing the north and looking far and wide.
Since Huo Yi and Zhao Guang returned to Chengdu with their troops in the first month, he has stayed in the military camp ever since.
There are also a lot of vulgar behaviors.
Not to mention holding a weed root in his mouth without any scholarly demeanor, even wrestling and playing with the soldiers barefoot, peeling off the skin of long worms with his own hands and eating them with the soldiers, etc., etc., etc.
The effect is quite remarkable.
He, the general who had been absent from the army for several months, was now very popular among the soldiers. The reason for this was naturally not only because he had made an alliance with the elders through ghosts and witches.
As for the soldiers' martial arts drills and the formation of different arms to fight together, that is the matter of Huo Yi and Zhao Guang.
Industry specializing in surgery.
The two of them are behind the generals and are well versed in military affairs. They will also be the generals who will command on the front line.
Zheng Pu didn't think that he could do better than them just by familiarizing himself with a few volumes of military literature.
Therefore, in addition to ordering the soldiers to boil the water before drinking it and moving the latrines away from the water source to avoid oral and fecal transmission and causing epidemics, they just made jokes with the soldiers all day long and did not do their job properly.
Stopping and looking out is a new habit he has developed.
Since the second month of spring, Liao Hua, the military governor who was originally stationed at Guangshi garrison in Yang'ankou, Hanzhong County, transferred to Guangwu to build a garrison and garrison. After dinner every day, he would come to this short hill to meditate alone.
Well, Guangwu is in Yinping County.
Go north against the Fu River in Zitong County and cross Zuodan Road, which is the Jiangyou Pass.
Jiangyouguan continues north and reaches the Qingzhu River area that originates from Motian Ridge, where the Guangwu garrison is located.
The Qingzhu River meanders here, taking the southeast route, penetrating Longmen Mountain into Zitong County, and joining the Jialing River (Western Han River) five miles northwest of Jiameng Pass. Moreover, starting from Jiangyou Pass-Guangwu, there is a livestock
The non-walkable trail can connect Baishuiguan and Yinpingjinggu Road. [Note 2]
Therefore, when the prime minister transferred Liao Hua to become the governor of Guangwu, it was not as simple as letting him be the sole governor.
It also contained the last possible route from Yinping County to Shu.
For Zheng Pu, it was the prime minister who was about to attack Yinping King Di and force him to do so!
Otherwise, it is enough to defend Yinping into Shu, Jiangyou Pass and Baishui Pass. Why bother to mobilize troops and waste money, food and equipment to build Guangwu garrison?
However, there is no final decision as to when to attack and which troops to choose.
Even though Liao Hua had already sent people back to Chengdu to report that the garrison had been built, the prime minister still did not give the order.
Perhaps, he was waiting for news from Sun Wu.
What is quite strange is that Sun Wu, who invited the Han Dynasty to attack the Wei Dynasty last year, started to imitate the Wei Dynasty at the beginning of this year at the suggestion of Lu Xun.
In addition, Sun Quan, who had always liked hunting tigers, changed the eight oxen he drove to four pairs of oxen and plowed the fields himself, acting as if he "worked equally with everyone", which made people wonder whether Jiangdong's national policy had begun to rest with the people.
Zheng Pu, who had not returned to the Prime Minister's Mansion for a long time, had little news about him.
Regarding Sun Wu's behavior, it was impossible to tell for a while whether the two families had given up their intention to attack Ni Wei this year, or whether Sun Wu was trying to confuse Ni Wei and come up with his own plans.
"Zijin, are you also greedy for the beauty of the night today?"
While I was thinking to myself, a voice suddenly came from behind me.
Without looking back, Zheng Pu knew who this person was.
The laws and regulations in the army have always been strict, and now the whole army calls him "supervisor", but the supervisor Liu Min calls him by his nickname.
It was not Liu Min who was relying on his qualifications and being arrogant, but Zheng Pu who respected his age and persisted.
"Of course!"
Looking sideways, Zheng Pu joked with a smile, "As the saying goes, 'The moon rises and shines, and the outstanding people shine.' Although I have no outstanding person to think about, I can admire the brightness of the bright moon."
After making fun of him, Fang Surong asked, "Brother Zirui came from Chengdu at dusk. Could it be that the Prime Minister has something to tell me?"
Well, Liu Min, who now plays a leading role in martial arts training in the military and has other duties, was only there for ten days in January.
"The Prime Minister has no instructions."
Shaking his head slightly, Liu Min also crouched down and pulled up the weeds, took them into his mouth like Zheng Pu, and said softly, "I just got some news, so I rushed back to tell Zijin. At the beginning of the month, Hou Shang of Ni Wei Xia died of illness."
Huh?
Xia Houshang is dead?
Hearing this, Zheng Pu's eyes instantly burned and the corners of his mouth curved.
He lowered his head and thought for a moment before asking, "Brother Zi Rui, since Xia Houshang is gone, is there any sign of Sun Wu dispatching troops?"
"It's actually nothing."
Liu Min tugged at his beard, frowned and said, "I'm also surprised. Sun Wu, who was repeatedly attacked by Wei Wei, didn't want to take advantage of the death of the governor and the panic of the soldiers to send troops to Jingzhou. Even if he couldn't
It is not difficult to capture a city, seize territory, capture the people, loot the baggage, and return home!"
Liu Min was exasperated and looked at Zheng Pu again, "By the way! I have one more thing to tell Zijin. The prime minister thought that the spring plowing had been completed, so he asked all the troops to protect the food and baggage and transfer it to Hanzhong County. The military camp in the north of the city was unreasonable.
The other troops have been ordered to start preparations. Presumably, there will also be orders coming to our army in the near future, so Zijin might as well make preparations first."
In response, Zheng Pu nodded.
But when the cool midsummer breeze refreshed his mood, he couldn't help but be filled with doubts.
Just to protect food?
Or is it an evil deception?——
[Note 1: The Han Dynasty often set up general positions, including generals, hussars, chariots, guards, and front, rear, left, and right generals. 】
[Note 2: Historically, Deng Ai’s route to Yinping secretly took a section of Jinggu Road and turned southwest to Guangwu-Jiangyouguan.]
