Zhu Nao

Right now, the two teams are waiting outside, and Fezen is in a dilemma.He knew that both sides had bad intentions, and he wished that neither of them would see each other.It's a pity that he must meet with both sides, but they have to come first.

Fei Cen asked, "You mean, General Xie sent an army, and Governor Zhu sent a caravan?"

The official nodded quickly: "Yes."

No matter how you look at it, Fezen doesn't want to offend Xie Wuji, nor can he.He rubbed his brows, and said: "Hurry up and order someone to take the caravan from Chengdu Mansion to pick up the wind and clean up the dust. Be sure to take good care of them. I will see the people from Yanzhou first."

The official hurriedly said: "Yes, Fu Yin." After finishing speaking, he withdrew from the arrangement.

……

Xie Wuji sent a team of more than ten people to Jingzhao Mansion, led by his deputy lieutenant Jin Min.

After Jin Min waited outside the mansion for a short time, an official came out to greet him: "Deputy Jin, please follow me, the governor is waiting for you in the lobby."

Jin Min bowed his hands very politely and thanked him, then walked towards the official residence.

After passing through the corridor and coming to the lobby, Fei Cen was already waiting in the hall.Seeing Jin Min coming in, Fei Cen smiled all over his face and stood up to greet him warmly: "Deputy Captain Jin, the journey has been exhausting."

Jin Min understood etiquette very well, and saluted Fei Cen seriously: "General Xie's deputy, Jin Min, pays his respects to Fei Fu Yin."

Fezen was a little surprised.He originally thought that Xie Wuji would be domineering with an army of [-] in his hands, and his subordinates would also be arrogant, but he didn't expect that Jin Min's attitude was very polite and knew how to behave, not as rude as the traditional no one.The smirk on his face couldn't help but become real.

Fei Cen said, "Deputy Lieutenant Jin, hurry up and excuse yourself."

Only then did Jin Min get up.

Fei Cen said with a smile: "I have admired General Xie for a long time. I heard that General Xie was stationed in Yanzhou, so I wanted to go to pay a visit. It's a pity that I have been busy with work and have not been able to find time. Since Vice Captain Jin is here this time, he is here at Jingzhao. Stay in the mansion for a few more days, taste the delicious food and wine here, and I will ask someone to prepare some for you to take home, so that your generals and brothers in the army can also taste it."

Jin Min said politely: "Fu Yin has a heart, Jin Min would like to thank the general first."

The two exchanged pleasantries for a while, before finally getting to the point.

Fei Cen said: "Deputy Captain Jin, General Xie sent you to Jingzhao Mansion, what's the matter?"

Jin Min said: "General Xie does have a few important matters that he would like to discuss with Fei Fu Yin."

"Oh?" Fei Cen rolled his eyes wildly in his heart, but pretended to be excited on his face, "Deputy Captain Jin, please tell me."

Jin Min said: "There are many rebels in Guanzhong. General Xie has always hoped to wipe out the rebel forces, so he must march into Guanzhong. Besides, General Xie has [-] troops under his command, but Yanzhou is a plateau , the arable land is scarce, and it is difficult to raise troops. General Xie hopes to garrison Qinchuan for a long-term plan."

Fei Cen continued to smile on his face, but he began to scold his mother in his heart.In fact, Jin Min didn't need to tell him that he knew, what could Xie Wuji think?Don't you just want to drive the army to his territory?Occupy his territory, use his land to support Xie Wuji's army.

Jin Min said: "Don't misunderstand Fei Fu Yin. Fu Yin is the Jingzhao Fu Yin appointed by the imperial court. He is the pillar of the court. General Xie has no intention of offending. It's just that the original garrison in Guanzhong neglected their duties and caused the land to fall frequently. The hand of the rebel army. General Xie also hopes to put down the rebellion as soon as possible. If our army comes to Guanzhong, although we need the assistance of Feifu Yin in military supplies and farming affairs, our army will not intervene in other government affairs."

Fei Cen raised his eyebrows and rolled his eyes slightly.

To be honest, Guanzhong is indeed very chaotic at the moment, if someone can calm the chaos for him, he will naturally be the most happy.For this reason, it is nothing to allocate some land and money to raise soldiers.But in today's world, who can trust whom?It is easy to ask God, but it is difficult to send God away.If Xie Wuji's soldiers were really allowed to enter Guanzhong, the surname in Guanzhong would no longer be Fei, but Xie.

Seeing Fei Cen's silence, Jin Min asked, "Is the governor not trusting the character of my general? You can inquire about it, my general is strict in running the army, only suppressing rebellion, not harming officials and people. Now he has conquered seven counties and five In the city, all the rebels were killed. If it is not necessary, the general rarely interferes in government affairs."

Fezen hurriedly said, "I know, I know."

But as Jin Min said, so far, all the battles Xie Wuji fought were against the rebels.The forces of the rebels are relatively complicated. There are anti-people from various places, rebellious garrisons, and some local forces that openly raise their banners against the imperial court.At least for now, on the surface, Xie Wuji is still loyal to the imperial court. For the local officials appointed by the imperial court, he mostly chooses to cooperate, and rarely replaces them at will.Because of this, local officials often obey him on the surface, but alienate him behind the scenes, making him often lose his rear.

But no matter what kind of person Xie Wuji is, what kind of intentions he has, it's still the same sentence - in today's world, who can trust whom?It is better to hold the power in your own hands than to give it to others.

Fei Cen showed a look of embarrassment: "General Xie's character, of course I can trust it! But this is a big matter, involving all aspects, and it is even more related to all forces. Although I am the governor, I am not the one who is involved in the Jingzhao Mansion. One person has the final say. If General Xie really wants to come to my place to garrison troops, even if I am relieved, the people of Jingzhao Mansion are not at ease. I wonder if Vice-Captain Jin can understand?"

Jin Min said: "I understand. Fei Fu Yin, if you have any conditions, you can ask them."

Fezen laughed dryly.He didn't want to and didn't dare to offend Xie Wuji, so he couldn't talk too much.He could only say: "Deputy Captain Jin, otherwise, you should stay in Jingzhao Mansion for a few days first, taste the delicious food and wine here, and take a look at the beautiful scenery here. Let me think about this matter for a few days, and discuss with the officials. I'll talk to you after we discuss it."

This matter is not a trivial matter that can be decided in one go.Jin Min agreed: "Okay. Then I'll wait for news from Fei Fu Yin."

……

After seeing off Jin Min, Fei Cen was already very dizzy.There is still a bunch of people waiting for him to meet.

He originally wanted to rest and talk, but on second thought, he simply finished all the headaches at once, so as to save a wave of pain today and another wave of pain tomorrow.So he ordered people to invite the caravan from Chengdu to come.

The official said: "Prefect, the caravan from Chengdu has brought gifts, do you want them to bring them in?"

It's not that Fezen has never seen gifts from officials, they are nothing more than jewelry and jade, and it's the most appropriate way to thank them in person.So he said, "Send it in."

Not long after, businessmen from Chengdu Mansion arrived, and cartloads of gifts were also transported into the government mansion.

When boxes after boxes of things were moved in front of Fei Cen, Fei Cen was dumbfounded: Chengdu Mansion actually gave him so many gifts? !

The businessman who came to see Fei Cen on behalf of the caravan also gave a big gift to Fei Cen: "Yougan, a grass-roots man, has met Governor Fei."

Fei Cen was dumbfounded looking at the gift, and it took a long time before he suddenly woke up, and hurriedly said, "Excuse me, excuse me."

The businessman named Yougan stood up, glanced at Fezen's face, and couldn't help smiling.

You Gan, like Liu Qi, was the shopkeeper who had been doing business with Zhu Nao in the early years, and now he has also been promoted by Zhu Nao to take charge of his own business.He opened the boxes one by one and introduced the gifts he brought to Yougan: "Fu Yin, these 72 pieces of Shu brocade are made by the weaving workshop of Chengdu Prefecture. Shuijin..."

Big red, big green, big yellow, big purple... The extremely gorgeous Sichuan brocade was displayed in front of Fei Cen, and Fei Cen couldn't help but slow down his breathing, and swallowed hard.Naturally, he had seen Shu brocade, and a new style of Shu brocade came out from Chengdu. He also bought a few pieces to sew clothes for himself and his family.It's just that it's the first time he's seen such a complete variety, and the colorful patterns made his eyes straight.

After introducing the Shu brocade, You Qian opened another box, which contained bags of tea.Central Sichuan is also a place for tea production. There are tea fields on a large number of mountains, and many famous teas are produced.He took a small bag and signaled the officials to send it to Feizen.

The tea leaves were sent to Fei Cen, and Fei Cen sniffed them. The dry tea leaves were already fragrant, and he couldn't help but immediately want to brew them with boiling water to taste how fragrant the tea soup is.

You Gan smiled and said, "Fu Yin, these boxes are all famous teas in central Sichuan, Qingcheng tea, Guanyin fairy tea, nectar tea..."

After introducing the tea, he continued, followed by spices, medicines, ox and sheep horn tails, etc.There are many mountains in the middle of Sichuan, and there are rich products. There are all kinds of rare and rare herbs and spices, many of which are unheard of by Fezen.

Further down there are many handicraft objects and utensils, all of which are either exquisite or gorgeous or sturdy and practical.

In fact, Guanzhong used to be a rich place, but when the situation was not good, and the industry and commerce also declined sharply. Looking at the richness of Chengdu, You Gan could only envy it.

The last few items that Yougan took out were beyond Feizen's expectation again.He looked at those things and asked, "Are these farm tools?"

You Gan hurriedly said, "Yes, these are agricultural tools improved by craftsmen in Chengdu Prefecture. I can explain the improved effects to the agricultural officials."

"Okay, okay, thank you for your hard work." Fei Cen nodded.He really didn't understand much about farming, even if You Gan explained to him, he might not understand, so let someone else listen to it.

After all the presents were displayed, seeing the dazzling array of presents in the yard, Fezen felt mixed feelings.

He is also the governor of a mansion, just look at his Chengdu mansion, which is in full swing, why is his Jingzhao mansion in such a mess?As a local official, he understands best that these things seem to be private things, but in fact, what is behind them is the strength of the government of Shu. If there is no relatively stable situation and no government that can govern, how can they There are so many good things?

Fei Cen always knew that Xie Wuji and Zhu Nao were both powerful, but before that, he was more afraid of Xie Wuji, and thought that Xie Wuji was stronger.One reason is that Xie Wuji poses a greater threat to him from the geographical location, and the other reason is that Xie Wuji has [-] soldiers after all, while Chengdu Mansion only has a few thousand people.But now these gifts made him feel a little shaken.Perhaps Zhu Nao's strength is even higher than that of Xie Wuji...

"Many thanks to Governor Zhu for giving me such a generous gift. I will prepare a return gift for Governor Zhu some other day and ask someone to deliver it." Fei Cen said, "I don't know why Governor Zhu sent you here?"

You Gan said with a smile: "Master Fei, I heard that many places in Guanzhong are being invaded by rebels, and the people are in dire straits. After hearing this, Governor Zhu is very worried, and hopes to solve the problems for Governor Fei."

Fetzen looked strange.This Zhu Nao and Xie Wuji had a tacit understanding, they sent people at the same time, even the words were very similar, they were all to help him calm down the chaos.So Zhu Nao also sent troops to station in his Jingzhao Mansion?But if that's the case, why did you send a businessman to spread the word?

Fei Cen said: "I am really grateful for the kindness of Mr. Zhu. I don't know how Mr. Zhu plans to take care of me? Is it possible..." He almost spoke quickly, and after a short pause, he said " After eating the word "Ye", he went back, "Could it be possible that Governor Zhu wants me to send troops here?"

You Gan hurriedly said: "Master Fei, please don't misunderstand, Lord Zhu has absolutely no such plan. Jingzhao Mansion is Lord Fei's place, how dare Lord Zhu mobilize troops and horses to move in?"

Fei Cen asked strangely, "Then what does Mr. Zhu mean?"

You Gan laughed and said: "As far as Zhu Fu Yin knows, the rebels in Guanzhong are either the original rebellious garrison, or the rioting people, and some people with ulterior motives are mixed among them. If we want to end the war with war, it will definitely make people miserable and pay a price. It is also huge. Zhu Fuyin thinks that if he wants to quell the chaos, he does not necessarily have to use troops. The Chengdu government can send some people to help. For example, building a few workshops in Guanzhong can provide livelihood for a large number of refugees. , the craftsmen in central Shu have improved some agricultural tools, including those I brought, and some large-scale water conservancy projects. Chengdu government can send people to persuade the agricultural governor to help the people return to the fields. It will surely help to stabilize the public security in Guanzhong .If the Jingzhao government is short of money, the Chengdu government can also borrow it. However, the governor of the Zhu government hopes to expand the business scale of the Shu merchants in Guanzhong, which can be regarded as earning some remuneration."

Fezen's smile froze on his face.

Now he had it all figured out.

Zhu Nao and Xie Wuji, one wanted to interfere in his government affairs, and the other wanted to garrison troops with him.What they said was very nice. One said that I will help you govern and never use soldiers to invade you; the other said that I just sent troops to station here and I will never interfere in your government affairs.Fortunately, these two people are not on the same side, otherwise the government affairs will be taken care of for him, and the soldiers and horses will be raised for him, so what else can he do?

But Fezen didn't dare to reject You Gan immediately.Just as he was afraid of Xie Wuji, he was also afraid of Zhu Nao, neither side could afford to offend.In fact, Zhu Nao's idea is not bad at all. If there are really clever policies and manpower to help him, maybe he can indeed put down the chaos in Guanzhong.It's just like Xie Wuji's army, it's easier to invite gods than to give them away, and this is not a benefit that can be easily received.

After a while, Fei Cen said: "I am very touched by the kindness of Governor Zhu. It's just that this matter is of great importance. I need to think about it carefully and discuss it with the officials of Jingzhao Mansion before I can discuss it with you."

You Gan said: "Naturally, naturally. The grassroots will stay in Jingzhao Mansion for a few months, waiting for the government's summons at any time."

Fei Cen laughed dryly, and ordered someone to send him out.

After everyone left, Fei Cen had a headache and his temples throbbed. He didn't want to do anything anymore, so he quickly ordered someone to prepare hot water for him to take a bath.

=====

Chengdu government barracks.

"What are you doing? Stop everything!"

The officer's yelling sounded, and the scuffling crowd was startled.Most of the people immediately let go and retreated, and some who were fighting vigorously refused to let go, and were still punching and kicking each other.

"Can't you hear me? Stop it! I don't want to repeat it a third time!"

In the end, the two wrestlers finally let go of each other, staring at each other disheveledly, their eyes still fighting, wishing to cut each other into pieces.

The officer walked up to Gao Gao and glared at him: "Kong Ji, it's you again!"

Kong Ji turned his face away in displeasure and remained silent.

The officer asked, "Why did you fight again this time?"

Everyone looks at me and I look at you, but they don't speak.

The two groups of soldiers who fought this time were the soldiers recruited by the Chengdu Mansion on one side, and the soldiers recruited under the original Liu Buxing on the other.Since Liu Buxing's army was incorporated, the two parties have often clashed.No matter how strict military discipline is emphasized in the army, quarrels still occur every day, and fights still happen every few days.After all, those who join the army are all young people, young and vigorous, and they really can't control it.

Finally, a soldier from Chengdu spoke first, pointing at the original Liu Buxing's soldiers and said, "They spoke ill of us behind our backs, and we heard them!"

The newly recruited soldiers also immediately fought back: "You were the ones who made the first move!"

Seeing that the two sides were about to quarrel again, the officer scolded: "Okay, shut up! All those who do it will be dealt with according to military law. They will be locked up for three days and their pay will be deducted for half a year!"

When they heard the deduction of money, everyone's faces showed heartache, and their arrogance disappeared a lot.

The officer said: "Anyone who violates the military law three times will be removed from the army immediately. Kong Ji!" He called Kong Ji's name, "This is your second time. If you don't want to be a soldier, get out of the barracks immediately !"

Kong Ji rolled his eyes, the expression on his face was obviously still unconvinced.But he didn't want to be expelled from the army, so he had to keep his mouth shut.

The officer wrote down everyone's name and said, "I'll put them all in confinement!"

The soldiers who participated in the fight just now were like defeated roosters, and walked away despondently with their heads down.

……

A few days later, Yu Changming went to the government to find Zhu Nao to report the situation in the army. When Zhu Nao saw him coming in, his expression was not good, and he asked, "Is it not good recently?"

Yu Changming shook his head annoyedly: "It's not good. There are still crowds and fights happening in the camp from time to time."

In fact, Yu Changming has a talent for convincing the public.Thinking back to when he led the villagers to become bandits, the size of the cottage gradually grew from dozens to hundreds of people, and everyone was very convinced by him.He was a self-disciplined and upright person with a generous disposition, and the softness in his bones disappeared with Yu Ping's death. He could be said to be a very good general.But when the size of the army has grown from a few hundred to tens of thousands, his personal charm is no longer important, and his talent is not much help.

Just like the many conflicts between the former soldiers of the Chengdu Mansion and the newly recruited soldiers, no matter how much the soldiers admire him personally, the conflicts will not be resolved.What he needs is to master more means of managing the army and gradually improve the system in the army.

Seeing his brows furrowed tightly, Zhu Nao said with a smile, "Take your time."

Yu Changming said, "I'm afraid it's too late."

Zhu Nao said, "What's too late?"

Yu Changming said: "The world is so chaotic today. Although Liu Buxing is vulnerable, there are still strong enemies around outside. No matter how well you manage the Chengdu Mansion, if you don't have strong soldiers to guard, from you and me The hundreds of millions of people who have come to Sichuan will sooner or later become fish on other people's chopping boards. How can I not worry?"

Zhu Nao said cheerfully: "You have a headache here, and the people outside may have more headaches than you. They are all newly recruited soldiers and horses. How many people can lead them better than you?"

What he said was really accurate. Although the princes of all parties began to recruit soldiers, none of them had any experience.They will also encounter the same problems that Yu Changming encounters.For example, Feicen, Yin Feicen of the Jingzhao Mansion who was closest to them, almost scratched his hair bald because of the disharmony among his soldiers.

Yu Changming is a character who cares about the country and the people, and he must prepare for the worst in everything. He can't understand how Zhu Nao can be so heartless.He said: "I heard that General Xie Wuji of Yanzhou has 3 men under his command. He has recruited 3 men so quickly, and I have never heard that his men are at odds."

"Well," Jun Nao touched his chin and said, "That's an unborn genius, why bother to compare with him."

Yu Changming: "..."

Xie Wuji is indeed a genius.He initially only had [-] soldiers and horses, but in such a short period of time, he expanded his team to [-] by recruiting soldiers and incorporating enemy troops.Others may not think it is a big deal, but Yu Changming has led soldiers, and he knows how difficult it is to gather these mixed people together and obey his orders obediently.

However, Zhu Nao said these words, isn't it to increase the prestige of others and destroy one's own ambition?Is this really good? ?

And that Xie Wuji had nothing to do with them.Although they are quite far apart now, Zhu Nao said that both Xie Wuji and him are interested in Jingzhao Mansion, and they are likely to be enemies.What to do then?

Yu Changming worriedly said: "If Jingzhao Mansion is captured by Xie Wuji, and he sends his troops across Daba Mountain, won't he attack the middle of Sichuan? If our soldiers haven't been well trained at that time..."

Zhu Nao said, "No, no."

Yu Changming was startled, his eyes lit up, and he hurriedly said, "Are you sure you won't let Jingzhao Mansion be taken over by him?"

"Well...that's not true."

Yu Changming: "..."

Zhu Nao felt a little helpless when Yu Changming stared at him.

In fact, Yu Changming was more worried that others would attack Shuzhong, but Zhu Nao didn't think so.Guanzhong is an important passage to the north of Shu, and it will be very troublesome for him if he can't take Guanzhong.In fact, he sent Yougan to Jingzhao Mansion in a somewhat hasty manner, and he was not fully prepared.The reason for being in such a hurry was because he was worried that Xie Wuji would move too fast and had to act earlier.

Once Xie Wuji is allowed to occupy the pass, it will be difficult for him to get through this way out.But to say that he is sure to beat Xie Wuji in the Guanzhong battle, he is not - at least in the short term.This is not something that can be accomplished by sending out a few capable generals and planning a few divorce schemes. Xie Wuji's army is really there.

He only said: "Don't worry. Xie Wuji wants to pass Guanzhong, but because he can't take it, the places he has already conquered are difficult to defend, and the army he recruited can't afford it. But even if he enters Guanzhong, he will He will not enter Shu either. His ambition is not here."

Yu Changming frowned slightly: "Are you sure?"

This time Jun Nao answered very straightforwardly: "Yes, yes."

Zhu Nao was always more accurate than him in judging people. Moreover, Shu was a four-block land that was easy to defend and difficult to attack, so it was really not easy for outsiders to break in.Yu Changming was just planning for the worst.That being the case, he stopped talking about Xie Wuji, but he was still puzzled with frowning.

Zhu Nao glanced out the window, the leaves on the tree had turned yellow and were crumbling, just waiting for a gust of wind to take them away.

He smiled slightly and said, "It's almost autumn harvest."

Yu Changming followed his gaze and looked out.It is indeed autumn, and the busy season of farming is coming soon, and the intense military training has to be temporarily suspended.

Zhu Nao said softly, "Don't worry, it will get better soon."