The Three Kingdoms of the Widow

Sima Yi was lying on the couch very depressed.

She couldn't find the white silk.

Agitated, she rang the bedside bell several times to call Zhang Chunhua, wanting to ask what happened, but Zhang Chunhua didn't seem to be in the next room.

When Sima Yi was thinking about how to find Zhang Chunhua, Zhang Chunhua came in with a heavy face, and closed the door behind him.

Sima Yi turned around and asked impatiently, "Where's the white silk I gave you?"

"Burned."

"What are you talking about! How dare you burn my things!" Sima Yi was so angry that he couldn't choose what to say.

But Zhang Chunhua was not timid, she acted angrier than Sima Yi, and threw the two balls of clothes on the ground: "You still have the face to ask me!"

Sima Yi was keenly aware of the smell of blood. Looking at the clothes on the ground, there was indeed a large area of ​​dark red.Sima Yi didn't know what happened, she stared at Zhang Chunhua, waiting for her to explain.

"What I said today, you think that the wind has blown away, right? How did I say it? 'Don't go out, don't go out', you are better, just ran out without saying anything! Running out is not counted, and people saw it If this matter gets out, think about how you can explain it to Prime Minister Cao!"

Sima Yi stopped talking.

Although it is not sure what happened, but it is true that she ran out of the yard today. Zhang Chunhua was not there at the time, so someone must have seen it and told Zhang Chunhua.

Thinking that someone saw her walking freely in the yard, Sima Yi's back was drenched in cold sweat.

"This...what's going on?" Sima Yi pointed to the two clothes on the ground, "Why does it look like there's blood?"

"I killed someone." Zhang Chunhua replied bluntly, "Jiayu saw you in the yard, thought you were well, and wanted to show her merits in front of me, so I asked her if she had told anyone else, so I took her to my mother's place. In the backyard, she was stabbed to death with scissors, and her body was thrown into the well."

"You killed Jiayu?!" Sima Yi was quite surprised, "She is my mother's personal maid. If she disappears, my mother will definitely investigate this matter. How long do you think you can hide it!"

Zhang Chunhua gave Sima Yi a supercilious look: "Why are you panicking? I thought about it a long time ago, so I also found a gardener and asked him to repair the flowers and trees in my mother's yard. Then I chopped him down with a knife and threw his body into the well." I went. I did it very carefully, and no one found out that I had contact with them. Jiayu and the gardener disappeared at the same time, and people would think they had eloped. Even if the bodies were found, people would definitely think that their deaths were related, It will take some time to find the connection, and besides, the two died in the well and in the mother's yard, so there is no doubt about you and me."

Sima Yi looked at Zhang Chunhua who didn't care, and couldn't imagine that Zhang Chunhua, who was only 19 years old, killed two people like this. He just thought that this woman was a little abnormal, but he didn't expect that she was a crazy paranoid psychopath at all.Sima Yi's voice was terribly cold: "You kill people like this... without any guilt?!"

"Why should you feel guilty?"

"These two have no enmity with you..."

"You still dare to teach me!" Zhang Chunhua slapped the cases next to him hard, his face turned blue with anger, "What's wrong with me killing people? I didn't do it for you! You caused trouble yourself, and I worked hard to clean up the aftermath for you. You You still have to teach me a lesson! Why, I killed someone, and I have no guilt. Do you think I am a cruel, vicious, shameless woman? Do you think you are better than me! What right do you have to reprimand me here! Don’t think I don't know anymore, let me ask you: How did my second brother Sima Yi die? You can't escape the responsibility! You killed my second brother when you were just ten years old, and then you used his identity to live majestically for all these years, ask Ask yourself, have you ever felt guilty?"

Sima Yi looked at Zhang Chunhua coldly, knowing that what Zhang Chunhua said was absolutely correct.Terrible is terrible, she and Zhang Chunhua have been accomplices since the day they formed an alliance, and since then, Zhang Chunhua has a part in her crimes, and she cannot escape Zhang Chunhua's crimes.Maybe they don't like each other very much, but they are also the only two people in this world who can hug each other for warmth.No matter what kind of situation arises, the alliance cannot disintegrate, because both people must live.

So Sima Yi got up to get the fire folder, and threw it to Zhang Chunhua: "I'm not qualified to teach you a lesson, why don't you hurry up and dispose of these two clothes! It's over if people see you holding the bloody clothes. Have you dealt with it on the spot?" ?”

"Simply dealt with. Normally no one would notice. But if someone tries to use that well, they will be found out."

Sima Yi was silent for a long time, and finally said: "Then I can only ask Mr. Pi for help. The premise is that there will be no more accidents in the next few days."

The next two days in Sima Mansion were very normal. Mrs. Zhang found out that Jiayu had disappeared, and there was a commotion, but the servants who called every day also found that the gardener was gone.When the two things came together, it was common for everyone to think that the two had eloped.People in the Sima Mansion discussed for two days. Some people envied that it was a good life for the gardener to abduct such a beautiful girl. Some people wondered why there was no sign before, and there was no such thing as eloping without any money.Two days later, Cao Pi came to the door with dozens of confidant soldiers, claiming that someone had assassinated Sima Yi two nights ago, and some witnesses saw this person fleeing to Mrs. Zhang's yard, so he wanted to do a simple search.After this search, the bodies of Jiayu and Huajiang were found in the well. Everyone suddenly realized that it was no wonder that the two "eloped" so strangely. It turned out that they were hit by an assassin, murdered them, and threw them both into the well.

As for where the assassin went, no one knows. Cao Pi said not to startle the snake, but to search slowly, leaving a few soldiers guarding outside Sima Yi's room, the reason is to prevent the assassin from coming again.Sima Lang frowned and said, Mr. Pi, that your big-spread search has already overwhelmed the snake, and Sima Fu tugged at the elder brother's sleeve beside him.Cao Pi looked at Sima Lang, said "I will protect my husband, what have you to do with me" and walked away.

Zhang Chunhua still calms down every morning and evening, and serves Mrs. Zhang who has lost her personal maid even more attentively. Mrs. Zhang looks at Zhang Chunhua, hesitates to speak, and finally sighs: "It's all fate, there is no solution." From the beginning to the end, there is no drop. tears.

In the middle and late July of the 13th year of Jian'an, Cao Cao's army set off.Target: Liu Biao of Jingzhou.

Liu Biao's condition at this time has seen that there is no room for improvement.Liu Qi got the news and rushed back from Jiangxia several times, but failed to see Liu Biao.

Zhao Yun did meet him, but Liu Qi couldn't meet Liu Biao, so when he returned to Jiangxia, he had to drop by to Xinye to meet Liu Bei. Liu Bei entertained Liu Qi with a banquet, and Zhao Yun, Zhuge Liang, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Xu Shu were all accompanying guests.

Zhao Yun looked at the distraught Liu Qi, felt that he was very pitiful, and couldn't help but asked Zhuge Liang: "Little pig, Mr. Liu Qi had a good time in Jingzhou, who sent him to Jiangxia, so that he can't even be his own father?" We met."

Zhuge Liang looked at Zhao Yun seriously: "I'm sorry, General Zhao, but that Er Que is the only one who is following me."

Zhao Yun scratched his head in embarrassment: "Well, I didn't mean that, I mean, why did you go to Jiangxia?"

"Go to Jiangxia, but you can't see his father; if you don't go to Jiangxia, he will have to go with his father." Zhuge Liang leisurely fiddled with the feather fan in his hand, "Zhao Xiaoyun, if you know the distribution of power in Jingzhou now, you will understand me." Why did you let him go to Jiangxia? Mrs. Cai and the Cai family represented by Cai Mao have already controlled the military and political power in Jingzhou. Other big families, such as the Kuai family, are also attached to the Cai family. Liu Cong and Mrs. Cai are related by marriage, and they have long agreed In order to be the puppet of the Cai family, Liu Qi is at odds with the Cai family. Neither the military nor the government has any power of his own. The only one in Jingzhou that can contend with the power of the Cai family is the Pang family, but the Cai family has won over the Kuai family. Can Liu Qi survive in peace?"

"But anyway, Liu Qi is also Mrs. Cai's nominal eldest son. As long as Liu Qi doesn't make any mistakes, Mrs. Cai can't go too far."

Zhuge Liang sighed: "The bad thing is the 'nominal eldest son'. If Liu Qi is only at odds with the Cai family, but there is no threat to the Cai family, the Cai family may let him live. But he is also the son of the eldest son. The eldest son is the most legitimate heir of Jingzhou Mu. If the Cai family keeps him, there will be no guarantee that some veterans will come out to support Liu Qi and Cai's clan in the future. This is a trouble anyway, so it is better to simply kill Liu Cong. The status is beyond reproach."

"No, then Liu Qi has been to Jingzhou so many times, Cai Mao has a lot of phone calls, why is he still safe and sound to come to Xinye to have a meal?"

Zhuge Liang decided to ignore the phrase "cengfan": "It is because Liu Qi has already gone to Jiangxia, and already has a part of the military power, so he can live until now. And this idea is the master asked me to go out, which is tantamount to telling Cai: Uncle Liu Huang supports Liu Qi. It is impossible for Cai to be unscrupulous. The most important thing is that Mrs. Cai originally wanted to take advantage of Liu Jingzhou's serious illness to deceive Liu Jingzhou into changing Liu Cong, so that killing Liu Qi would be smooth in name There are many, but Liu Jingzhou still has brains and has not let go until now, so the Cai family has lost the best time to kill Liu Qi."

Zhao Yun sighed, "Little Pig, I feel like you know a lot of inside information."

"Nonsense, my mother-in-law and Mrs. Cai are biological sisters, my eldest sister is the daughter-in-law of the Kuai family, and the second sister is the daughter-in-law of the Pang family. If I don't know all this news, there is no reason."

"So you thought it over and let Liu Qi go to Jiangxia?"

"Don't underestimate this idea," Zhuge Liang sighed. "There are more considerations, the future of the lord is also in this idea. In order not to let Liu Qi see the flaws, I didn't say it the first few times until he used the house I only told him that the move of pulling the ladder was a trick. Only at this time can he accept it without thinking."

"Little pig, you are awesome." Zhao Yun said very sincerely.

"It's none of my business, this idea is not my original idea, okay? I have stolen someone else's copyright, someone else's copyright!" Zhuge Liang showed a little annoyed look, looked at Liu Bei and Liu Qi who were drinking together, and poured the wine drink up.

In August, Cao Cao's army was still on the road.

Xu Shu was looking at the map in the gazebo, fine beads of sweat oozing from his forehead.

Zhuge Liang was not here, because after Zhuge Liang came, he consciously took on the internal affairs that Xu Shu felt relatively difficult, and Zhuge Liang would not interfere in military matters unless Liu Bei asked.But the problem is that Liu Bei still likes to ask Zhuge Liang very much.There are two sentences that Liu Bei said most often.The first sentence is "Go and invite the two military advisers to discuss the military situation." The second sentence is "What does Kong Ming think?"

This made Xu Shu feel a lot of pressure.

At first, Liu Bei also asked Xu Shu's opinions on internal affairs, but Xu Shu felt that Zhuge Liang had done a good job, and he had no opinion. There are trivial things that happen all the time, and the most important thing is efficiency, so we can't hold a meeting to discuss everything.

I can understand, but Xu Shu is still a little uncomfortable.

Guan Yu and Zhang Fei were even more uncomfortable. They didn't understand why Liu Bei's attitude towards Zhuge Liang was so close, and the emperor's uncle who approached him said the famous phrase "like a fish in water".Guan Yu and Zhang Fei complained to Xu Shu, and Xu Shu tried to appease them, saying a lot of good things about Zhuge Liang.

Xu Yuanzhi is actually a kind person.

To some extent, the Liu Bei Group has always been a relatively harmonious group.

Xu Shu was looking at the map of Jingzhou.When Cao Cao went south to attack Jingzhou, Xinye might not be on the first attack list, but in the end he couldn't escape a fierce battle, so he had to prepare now.

Of course, Xu Shu hoped that Cao Cao would attack Jingzhou first, and then Jingzhou would resist with all its strength, so as to gain more preparation time for Xinye.But the bad news is that Yiji, who stayed in Jingzhou and secretly made friends with Liu Huangshu, wrote a letter saying that the bureaucracy in Jingzhou is filled with a surrender atmosphere from top to bottom.

Then we can only hope that Liu Biao will not be sick and confused. When Cao Jun comes, he can still control the overall situation and organize a counterattack.Maybe, he will transfer Liu Qi back to his side to take over the military power.Not bad if that's the case...

Xu Shu was thinking about it when suddenly someone came to deliver a letter, saying that it was sent by Zhuge Junshi.Xu Shu immediately paid attention to it. It must be a very important thing for Zhuge Liang to order someone to deliver a letter without saying it face to face.When Xu Shu got the wooden slip, he opened it and saw that the words on it were very simple, but it was a great blow to Xu Shu: Liu Biao was about to die, which made things difficult for him.

Before Xu Shu had time to put the letter away after reading it, someone sent a letter from Yiji, describing in detail the unusual things in Jingzhou these past few days, and finally came to the conclusion: it is very likely that Liu Biao is dead, and Cai's other Plan, keep secret.

Why is there no good news?

"Mr. Xu, my lord welcomes you."

Liu Bei asked Xu Shu and Zhuge Liang to discuss what to do next.

The situation is changing too fast now. The last time we negotiated, the premise was that Liu Biao could support Cao Cao to lead the troops.Xu Shu talked about the possibility that Liu Biao invited Liu Bei to assist and take Jingzhou to lead the army, and even the possibility that Liu Biao gave up Jingzhou to Liu Bei like Tao Qian. Anyway, Liu Qi is a bit like Tao Qian's son, and he is too useless.Zhuge shook his head at the time, saying that Liu Jingzhou really had such a heart and gave up a long time ago. Although the situation is critical now, Liu Jingzhou will at most invite the lord to assist Liu Qi in guarding Jingzhou. I definitely won't see it. In the final analysis, don't think about using other people's power to resist Cao Cao. Give up your illusions and work hard on your own.

Xu Shu is now a little thankful for the cold water that Zhuge Liang poured on him at that time. Sure enough, the situation has deteriorated. If Zhuge Liang hadn't suggested to prepare for the worst, he must be even more flustered now.

Two military advisers, three generals, and a civil servant sat down in the tent. Xu Shu handed Yi Ji's letter to Liu Bei. Liu Bei was silent for a long time, and then spoke.This time, instead of asking for opinions one by one, I asked everyone directly: "Currently, Xinye is in dire straits. Cao's army is about to arrive in Jingzhou, but it will only take a few days to reach Xinye. Why resist the enemy?"

Guan Yu and Zhang Fei were habitually silent, anyway, Liu Bei valued the opinions of the two military advisers most; Zhao Yun was habitually silent, and turned to look at Zhuge Liang.

This time Xu Shu and Zhuge Liang's views were very consistent: let's go.

Xinye is too small, and the number of troops is pitifully small. Cao Cao's army can be flattened once they pass by, and there is no danger to defend in terms of geographical location.The most important thing is that once Liu Biao died, the capitulators gained the upper hand, and the entire Jingzhou region had been included in Cao Cao's sphere of influence in name, and Xinye should also be within this sphere.However, it is impossible for Liu Bei, who actually occupies Xinye, to make peace with Cao Cao. It's also embarrassing politically.

Then it is better to avoid its edge, and the 36 plan is the best.

Where are you going?

Xu Shu said: Jiang Xia.

Jiangxia has a favorable location, has at least more money and food soldiers than Xinye, and there is also Liu Qi. As long as Liu Qi agrees to resist Cao Cao, then Liu Bei will gain the political capital to resist Cao Jun in name, and he can also beat Liu Cong for usurping his brother. Unbearable to be the lord of Jingzhou.

Guan Yu was not happy: "After all, I still need my elder brother to be attached to others, not Liu Biao, but also Liu Qi."

Zhuge Liang waved his feather fan lightly: "No, the lord went to Jiangxia, so he didn't attach himself to Liu Qi, but used Liu Qi. It is even possible to make Liu Qi attach himself to the lord instead."

"why?"

"The reason is very simple, because Liu Qi is not capable enough, he has no ability to make the lord attach himself to him. Liu Qi has two biggest assets, one is Jiangxia's 2 horses, and a small amount of navy, and logistics supplies. But the lord also has soldiers. The horse is not weaker than the other party; the second is the identity of Liu Biao's eldest son, Jingzhou's most legitimate heir, the lord is also Liu Jingzhou's own brother, Liu Qi's uncle, and the emperor's uncle, his status is higher than Liu Qi , Liu Qi is very 'proprietary', the lord is with Liu Qi, the worst is to sit on an equal footing with Liu Qi, and jointly control Jiangxia, Liu Qi still treats each other with courtesy; better, the lord has the final say on major matters; the best , the lord has completely taken over the foundation left by Liu Jingzhou, anyway, brothers and fathers and fathers and sons all talk about the past."

Liu Bei heard Zhuge Liang's words "Brothers end up with younger brothers", and raised his hand to stop him: "Sir, you have said that too much. Brother Jing Sheng is from the same clan as Bei, how can you take away someone's foundation?"

"Kong Ming, what you said is certainly reasonable, but there is still one thing you didn't say - people's popularity. My lord has been operating in Xinye for seven or eight years, and the people in Xinye are convinced, but Jiang Xia has nothing to do with my lord. If my lord wants to surpass Liu Qi Above all, will Jiang Xia's old ministers who follow Liu Qi agree?"

Zhuge Liang was silent, and after a while she looked at the feather fan and said slowly: "In this case, my lord can immediately write a letter to Mr. Yiji, asking him to spread the news in Jingzhou City, saying that Liu Jingzhou was in Japan, and he once said that a hundred years later Jingzhou entrusted me to assist the young master Liu Qi. Let everyone have a preparation in mind, and it can also stabilize the hearts of Jingzhou now, killing two birds with one stone."

"Just that, I'm afraid it's not enough." Xu Shu sighed.

Sun Qian in the seat suddenly said: "Two military advisers, I have a plan: My lord has been running Xinye for seven years, and the people are all attached to him. Why don't you take the people and leave, so people will look forward to Jiangxia."

"Gongyou's words are very solitary. Cao Bing was brutal and abandoned the people here. I am very uneasy. I am afraid that I will experience the changes in Xuzhou again." Liu Bei nodded happily.

Xu Shu shook his head: "That's a very good intention, but how many days will it take to take the people to Jiangxia? If Cao Bing chases after them on light cavalry, I'm afraid we won't be as good as the people."

Zhuge Liang still didn't speak. This is the reason why she kept silent for a long time and never mentioned the matter of "popularity".

"Little...Military Master Zhuge, what can you do? Tell me." Seeing Zhuge Liang's silence, Zhao Yun finally couldn't help it.

Zhuge Liang put down the feather fan in his hand, and the one who should come finally could not escape: "My lord, you can order people to investigate carefully. If Jingzhou really refuses to resist Cao's soldiers, your lord can immediately order people to post notices everywhere, telling the people that there are benefits and harms. Those who are hard to leave their homeland, stay; those who are willing to follow, go together.”