Zhu Nao

After arriving in Renshou, Jia Cong would leave the barracks alone every afternoon and walk around the nearby river bank.He has always been eccentric and withdrawn, but no one thinks his behavior is strange.

Jia Cong was about to go out that afternoon, when he passed by Liu Buxing's general's tent, Xu Zhuben happened to come out of the tent.The two met each other, both of them were slightly taken aback.

"Isn't this Staff Officer Jia?" Xu Zhuben asked in a strange tone, "Where are you going?"

Jia Cong said, "I'll go out for a walk."

"Oh." Xu Zhuben actually just asked casually, and didn't care where he was going.Then he said in a showy tone, "The general was not in a good mood just now, so he asked me to talk. Brother Jia, speaking of the general's bad mood has something to do with you, do you know why?"

Jia Cong stood there calmly, neither saying whether he wanted to know or not.But whether he wanted to know or not, Xu Zhuben definitely wanted to.

Xu Zhuben approached Jia Cong, squinted his eyes and looked him up and down, and said with a smirk: "The general is still worried about the fact that you let him go to Guiliu. You said, the world is so big, you don't let it The general stayed in the land of Shu, not letting the general go to the north, nor letting the general go to the south of the Yangtze River, but let him run to Guiliu. What are you so worried about? Do you think the general doesn’t know? You think the general is incompetent and look down on the general, so that’s why Tell the general to open up wasteland. As a staff member, instead of solving the general's problems, you are making trouble for the general, is it reasonable?"

Jia Cong's expression changed slightly, but he remained silent.

Xu Zhuben snorted softly.Whether what he just said was realized by Liu Buxing himself, or whether he fanned the flames and provoked it, only he himself knows.He patted Jia Cong on the shoulder and said triumphantly: "In the future, when the general establishes a firm foothold in Sichuan, you, you can just do it yourself."

Jia Cong lowered his head and said humbly, "I see. Thank you Brother Xu for reminding me."

If he wasn't angry, Xu Zhuben's fist felt as if he had hit cotton, which made him very unhappy.He gave Jia Cong a cold look, turned his head and left.

Jia Cong went his own way, out of the army tent, and went to the river.

……

The river is gurgling, and the water splashes rhythmically on the stones, playing in harmony with the sound of the wind, like a piece of music with a long aftertaste.It is not quiet here, but it seems more quiet. Every time Jia Cong comes here, the worries and worries in his heart can be taken away by the flowing water, and his mind becomes clearer.

He was walking with his head down when he suddenly heard a suspicious sound behind him.Before he could turn around, a knife was already on his neck.The coldness of the blade and the sharp pain of the skin made him dare not move.

"Don't bark, follow me honestly." The person behind threatened in a low voice.

Jia Cong followed his captors very cooperatively, and soon came to a bush.

There was no one around, so Jia Cong asked calmly, "Who do you dare to ask Your Excellency? What's your intention?"

The man said coldly: "You don't need to know. If you want to live, you can answer honestly when I ask you."

Jia Cong said, "What do you want to ask, Your Excellency?"

The man said: "Let me ask you, how many lieutenants and lieutenants are there under Liu Buxing? What are their names? Which tent do they live in?"

Jia Cong said calmly, "If Your Excellency refuses to reveal his identity, I am sorry that I cannot answer these questions."

"Oh?" The man tightened the knife in his hand, "You still dare to negotiate terms with me?"

After a pause, he realized that there was something in Jia Cong's words just now, and wondered: "Whether you say it or not, what does it have to do with my identity? You can say who I am, but you can't say who I am?"

Jia Cong said calmly: "I have no quarrel with General Liu. But there are people in the army who hate me and want to frame me. If you purposely pretend to be an enemy to set me up and try to trap me in injustice, I will not obey. .”

The man froze for a moment, pondered over the words carefully, and understood: "Oh, you are afraid that I was sent by Xu Zhuben to frame you. I am not." After a pause, he said, "I belong to General Liu. Enemy, now I ask you something, if you don’t tell me, I will kill you, will you tell me or not?”

Jia Cong said, "How do you prove that you are not?"

That person: "..."

Some of this conversation was beyond his expectation. After thinking for a moment, he slightly loosened the knife on Jia Cong's neck so that Jia Cong could see the shape of the knife clearly: "If I were from Xu Zhuben, the knife I held must be It’s a knife in your arsenal. But my knife is specially made by the iron smelting workshop in Chengdu, so your people probably won’t be able to get it.”

Jia Cong glanced at the handle of the knife, and there was indeed the words Chengdu Mansion Workshop on the handle.Just as the person said, even if Xu Zhumoto designed to frame him, he would not be able to take care of such details.This person should indeed be from Chengdu.

Jia Cong said, "If I don't tell you, will you really kill me?"

The man said: "Really."

Jia Cong sighed quietly: "Then I can only say." He took his time and reported the names of all the lieutenants and lieutenants under Liu Buxing's tent, which battalions and their subordinates were in charge of each of these people. It is also clear which tent you live in.

It is none other than Wei Yue who is holding Jia Cong hostage at this moment.In the past few days, he brought people close to Liu Buxing's barracks in various identities, and inquired about a lot of news in the barracks, but the one who aroused his interest the most was Jia Cong.He heard that it was because of Jia Cong's suggestion that Xue Baohui wrote to the court to ask for orders; he also heard that Jia Cong had opposed Liu Buxing's entry into Shu and suggested that he go south to Guiliu, but unfortunately this opinion was not adopted by Liu Buxing in the end.

If the rumors are true, this Jia Cong is a very powerful talent.Such a person Zhu Nao must also be interested, even if Zhu Nao is not interested, he can no longer be kept in Liu Buxing's tent, otherwise there will be endless troubles.Therefore, when Wei Yue made some investigations on Jia Cong's habits and knew that Jia Cong would walk by the river alone every afternoon, he took the risk to come in person.He wanted to try out what kind of person Jia Cong was, and then decide whether to kill him or take him to Zhu Nao, or make other arrangements.

In the past few days, Wei Yue has also investigated other important people under Liu Buxing. He asked Jia Cong this question just to test Jia Cong's attitude.But Jia Cong's answer is consistent with what he investigated, which shows that Jia Cong is telling the truth.

Wei Yue said: "Did you really say that? This is the crime of collaborating with the enemy. Aren't you afraid of being executed for collaborating with the enemy?"

Jia Cong said: "I said I was collaborating with the enemy, but you will kill me if you don't. Since you are dead anyway, why don't you live a little longer?"

Wei Yue raised her eyebrows.Ever since he held Jia Cong hostage, Jia Cong had no obvious resistance or resistance, even as if he had expected such a day.This is a bit interesting.

After a while, Wei Yue asked again: "Then let me ask you again, among the military officers you just mentioned, who are loyal to Liu Buxing and cannot betray him? And who are dissatisfied with him and can instigate discord? "

Jia Cong thought for a while, and said, "Only Dai Shi and Wang Si are the most loyal to General Liu, and the rest are not loyal. Zhou Kui, Yang He, and Jiang Shi are the ones who are most likely to divorce."

Wei Yue said with great interest: "So honest again? Staff Officer Jia, if you are not lying to me, do you have the intention to rebel?"

Jia Cong said calmly: "Jia is cowardly and covetous, and he just cherishes his life."

Wei Yue looked at him thoughtfully.Whether what he said just now is true or not can be ascertained if he spends more effort to investigate in the army.Judging by his attitude, it doesn't look like he is lying.And why is he so cooperative?

Wei Yue smiled and said: "Mr. Jia, I heard that you have many brilliant suggestions that Liu Buxing didn't adopt. In the army, you were also hated and squeezed out by villains. A smart person like you must have seen it." It turns out that Liu Buxing is short-sighted and not a good talent. You are too condescending to serve in his army. Did you have the heart to join us in Chengdu? If so, why didn't you send us a letter earlier? It also saves me Here to rob you."

Jia Cong said calmly: "Your Excellency, you have misunderstood. Although Jia is cowardly, he is not the type to betray his master. If Your Excellency hadn't threatened his life today, Jia would have no intention of doing so."

Wei Yue was taken aback for a second, and immediately became happy.This Jia Cong is really very smart, not only smart, but also very thorough.Although it is a shortcoming to be timid and cherish one's life, it is also human nature, and it is not a capital crime.The real fatal flaw is the traitorous pursuit of glory. No matter how smart this person is, if he is a traitor, even a fool like Zhu Nao might not be able to tolerate him.

Wei Yue wanted to move the knife away from Jia Cong's neck, but after thinking about it, she continued to hold it.Lest he refuse to cooperate honestly without being threatened with his life.

Wei Yue said: "Mr. Jia, do you know what I mean by asking you these words today?"

Jia Cong replied: "The governor of the Zhu government wants to alienate General Liu's subordinates and let them kill the lord. Once General Liu is dead and the forces in the army are divided, the governor of the Zhu government can easily annex them."

Wei Yue nodded appreciatively, and said with a smile, "That's right, Staff Officer Jia is really smart!"

As Jia Cong said, Liu Buxing must die.But this matter is not as simple as killing Liu Buxing.After all, there are [-] soldiers and horses here. If it really becomes a mess and loses control, it is likely to burn, kill and loot everywhere like the [-] chaos in the past, disrupting public order.Therefore, the best way is to turn against some of Liu Buxing's officers and let them kill Liu Buxing.In this way, although Liu Buxing died, the army would not be completely disintegrated, but divided into several small forces.At that time, if Zhu Nao took action to compile it, he would not be indigestible anymore.

Wei Yue said: "Officer Jia, since you have the heart, this matter will be much easier. I hope you can come forward to instigate those officers."

According to the original plan, Wei Yue had to lead people slowly to sneak into Liu Buxing's army, investigate all kinds of interpersonal relationships in the army, find out who is easy to attack, and then try to intimidate and lure him.Although this method is good, it is also troublesome and time-consuming.I didn't expect to meet a concubine-loving Jia Cong today. He was originally a member of Liu Buxing's army. It would be much easier for him to come forward.

Jia Cong said, "I'm afraid it won't work."

Wei Yue was taken aback, and asked, "Why not?"

Jia Cong said: "This is still a matter for the seller to seek glory. I can't do it."

Wei Yue laughed and said: "Could it be that if I ask you something and you answer it, won't the seller beg for glory?"

Jia Cong said: "To save my life, I answer your questions. Even if I don't tell you about these things, you can still find out."

Wei Yue said: "If you refuse to do things for me, will I kill you?"

Jia Cong said: "Although I don't want to die, there is no other way."

Wei Yue frowned.This Jia Cong was either too cautious, or he was saving his life, or he really had his own principles.After all, if he really came forward to lobby and instigate rebellion, he would be in great danger. Once the matter was revealed, he would definitely die.

Wei Yue originally wanted to persuade Jia Cong on the grounds that wealth and wealth are in danger, but when he thought about it carefully, this person never fought or robbed when he was under Liu Buxing. It can be seen that although he is smart, he is not very ambitious.I'm afraid that such rhetoric won't move him.

After a while, Wei Yue stopped coercing and asked instead: "Is there any faction in Liu Buxing's army? What faction do the officers you just mentioned belong to? Is there any gap between them and Liu Buxing? Are there any factions between them? What is the contradiction between them?"

Just as Jia Cong was about to speak, Wei Yue suddenly took out a piece of clean cloth from his bosom, picked up another piece of charcoal and handed it to Jia Cong: "You write down all the questions I asked. If you don't write it down, I will really kill you." !"

He forced Jia Cong to leave his handwriting, which became a trick.If Jia Cong dared to lie to him, or tip off Liu Buxing, he would send the cloth to Liu Buxing's military tent.Liu Buxing was suspicious, and with Xu Zhuben fanning the flames, Jia Cong did not cooperate with the enemy.

Jia Cong looked at the white cloth, then at the charcoal in his hand, shook his head, sighed softly, and began to write on the stone.

Soon, he wrote the factions, hobbies, shortcomings, temperaments, etc. of the officers on the cloth.Wei Yue picked up the piece of cloth and looked at it, she was overjoyed.Although Jia Cong refused to help him as a lobbyist, having this news saved him a lot of investigation work.In the future, he only needs to do a little research to confirm that what is written on this piece of cloth is true, and he can immediately start planning to instigate rebellion.

Wei Yue folded the cloth, put it in his arms, and said with a smile: "Mr. Jia, this is the end of the matter, do you want to go back to Liu Buxing's army, or simply go back to Chengdu Mansion with me?"

Jia Cong said: "I still have a few friends in the army who took good care of me in the past. If I leave, your excellency will use my disappearance as an excuse to sow discord in the army and stir up people's hearts. Staff officer Xu will also stir up trouble , when the time comes, my friends may suffer. If you are willing to hold your hand high, let me go back."

Wei Yue frowned.

After a while, Wei Yue readily agreed: "Okay, then you can go back." Touching the cloth in her arms again, she said with a smile, "Mr. Jia, thank you very much."

Jia Cong stood up, patted the dust on his body, bowed to Wei Yue, and turned back calmly.

=====

In a blink of an eye, the negotiation between Boss Zhao and Dai Shi has been going on for more than a month.

In the first few days of the negotiation, the progress was very rapid. The two sides sought common ground while reserving differences, and quickly reached a number of consensuses.Liu Buxing would be very excited every day when he heard new developments, thinking that the time for him to flex his muscles was coming.

However, things did not go as smoothly as Liu Buxing thought.The more you talk about the back, the slower the progress of the negotiations.No matter how the two sides are in dispute, they can't reach a consensus.

Sitting at the table, Dai Shi was already a little bit broken: "Zhao Sima, brother Zhao, the military salary of two taels is really too little! I don't say that everyone is paid eight taels a year, even if it's just like your soldiers Similarly, it would be fine to give each of us five taels of military pay per year!"

He gave up from eight taels to seven taels, from seven taels to six taels, and from six taels to five taels. .And up to now, the number of two taels is still bitten to death, and he refuses to give up a penny.Is there such a negotiation in this world? !

Boss Zhao crossed Erlang's legs, and after digging his ears, he blew the earwax from his fingertips: "If you say no, you just can't. Zhufu Yin gave me the authority of two taels of silver. You must let me add more, Do you want me to supply you myself? Even if you squeeze out all the feces in my intestines, you won’t be able to squeeze out so much money.”

Dai Shi was so desperate that he wanted to tear out his intestines and strangle his neck.

He gritted his teeth and said, "Zhao Sima, let me tell you the truth. It's not about two taels of silver and five taels of silver. It's about five taels of silver for the soldiers of your Chengdu Mansion, and two taels of silver for our General Liu's soldiers every year." Yinzi, if you were General Liu's subordinate, what would you think? If everyone is two or two, it's fine, but if there is so much deviation, our brothers there will definitely be upset. Once the [-] army breaks out, even General Liu may not Can bear it. Who can take responsibility for what happens when the time comes?"

What he said was already a threat.

But Boss Zhao acted as if he didn’t understand, and said cheerfully, “What do you mean if I’m General Liu’s subordinate? I’m not. Don’t talk nonsense. People will listen to this and think I’m sorry. I can't afford to take care of Zhu Fu Yin's matter."

Dai Shi: "..."

He couldn't make sense to Boss Zhao, and lost the patience to talk to him. He gritted his teeth and said, "Why don't Zhao Sima send someone back to ask Zhu Fu Yin for instructions. The matter is very important, and I'm afraid Zhao Sima can't make the decision."

Boss Zhao wondered: "Why don't you send someone back to ask your General Liu for instructions?"

Dai Shi: "..."

The two sides were in a stalemate, when suddenly a person came in from outside, and ran to Boss Zhao's ear and whispered something like this.

In the past few days, both sides have been sending people back to report, and people have been passing on messages. Dai Shi only thought it was someone sent by the Chengdu Mansion, and he didn't think it was strange.

After the man finished talking to Boss Zhao, Boss Zhao nodded, and the man went out again.

Dai Shi asked, "Zhao Sima, who was that just now?"

Zhao Laodao: "It was sent by Governor Zhu. Regarding the issue of your army's food and pay, Governor Zhu has new instructions."

Dai Shi's eyes lit up immediately, and he regained his energy: "What did Yin Zhu say?"

Since Boss Zhao has been refusing to buy oil and salt, and the asking price is so unreasonable, Dai Shi suspected that Boss Zhao had made his own decisions and didn't pass the word to Zhu Nao at all.Therefore, he suggested that Liu Buxing wrote several letters directly to Zhu Nao, bypassing Boss Zhao, to discuss the issue of food and salary.It looks like their efforts are finally paying off.

Boss Zhao said slowly: "Master Zhu said that the military salary of two liang is a bit wronged to your army. Let me increase it."

Dai Shi's eyes became brighter, and a smile hung on his lips.

But I heard Mr. Zhao said: "Three taels per person per year, this is the highest amount that Zhufu Yin can give. It is impossible to add a penny. If your army is sincere and serves for Zhu Fuyin, you can add it after two years." Not impossible."

Dai Shi's smile froze on his face, and he was about to tell the difference, but Boss Zhao suddenly stood up and said with a smile, "That's it. Please go back and report to your General Liu, Vice General Dai. If General Liu still refuses to accept this number, then It's a pity, we have no fate. I'll go back and rest first!" After speaking, he swaggered out.

Dai Shi was left stunned: "You...you!" There was nowhere to vent his anger, so he could only flip the table over.

=====

The latest progress of the negotiation was sent back to Liu Buxing's camp, and Liu Buxing was furious when he heard it: "He really said that? The military salary is at most three taels? If I don't accept it, I won't talk about it?"

The messenger who came back to send the letter said with a bitter face: "Yes, General. Vice General Dai wanted to try harder at first, but Zhao Sima over there directly thanked the guests behind closed doors, and asked Vice General Dai to tell him whether to agree or not, and the rest would be the same. refused to listen."

Liu Buxing said angrily: "It's unreasonable! He looks at me and really dare not hit him?! I'm fucking stationed in Renshou, and I can send my troops into Chengdu in one day!"

The envoy didn't dare to say anything, Xu Zhuben and Jia Cong didn't speak either.Things have progressed to this point, who wants to really fight?

Liu Buxing just said harsh words, and when his anger passed, he kicked down the table angrily, and didn't mention the matter of sending troops anymore.

To be honest, we have been talking for so long, except for the military salary, the rest of the conditions can be said to be very generous.The position he wanted was obtained, and Zhu Nao also agreed to expand the army to [-] within two years. He was granted all the official positions he asked for in the government, and even promised to let him lead troops to attack Jingzhao Mansion. After the fight, the treasure land of Jingzhao Mansion will be sealed to him.If he was very anxious to cooperate with Junao at the beginning, now he is only more anxious than at the beginning.After all, everything he wanted was at his fingertips, only the last step was left.

Three taels...it's better than the previous two taels.

After a long time, he snorted and said, "Commander Xu, Staff Officer Jia, what do you two think about this?"

Seeing Liu Buxing's expression and listening to his tone, Xu Zhuben knew that he was already moved, and hurriedly said: "It's really abominable that Governor Zhu is so stubborn! But if the three liang of silver is temporary, it can be added later. It's not unacceptable. Besides, although the salary is a bit low, the other conditions offered by Governor Zhu are not bad. The general can consider it carefully."

Liu Buxing looked at Jia Cong again.

Jia Cong raised his head and looked at Liu Buxing.He didn't speak immediately, but just looked at Liu Buxing silently for a moment, then let out a breath, and said slowly: "This subordinate feels that the delay in negotiating on the salary may be because the general's other conditions are higher. .If the general is not in a hurry to get the title of General of Chengdu, expand the army and entrust land, maybe the issue of food and salary can still be negotiated..."

Liu Buxing was stunned, and furiously said: "Jia Cong! What do you mean? Do you think this general is not worthy of the general of Chengdu?! Can't bring more soldiers or can't manage the fief?!"

Xu Zhuben slapped the table and stood up, pointing at Jia Cong's nose and scolding: "Mr. Jia, you are too much! The general has tolerated you for a day or two, but you are getting more and more presumptuous! What is your intention? Are you colluding with me?" Enemy?!"

After hearing Xu Zhuben's words, Liu Buxing became even more annoyed, grabbed the teacup on the table and threw it at Jia Cong!

Tea was splashed all over Jia Cong, and broken porcelain pieces fell to the floor.He stood still and did not dare to resist.

Liu Buxing scolded: "Say, what do you mean? Do you look down on this general?! Why can't this general be a great general!"

Jia Cong lowered his head and said in a low voice: "The subordinates dare not. Since the general thinks it's right, the subordinates also think it's right."

Liu Buxing grabbed a few odd objects on the table and threw them at Jia Cong, only to calm down a little after the smashing.

He turned to the messenger and said, "Go, tell Dai Shi, let him settle this matter as soon as possible."

The envoy made a promise and hurriedly withdrew.