Zhu Nao

Fetzen has been happy lately.

Since he and You Gan started to negotiate the cooperation between Jingzhao Mansion and Chengdu Mansion, many wealthy businessmen and gentry in Guanzhong united to put pressure on him, asking him to agree to various conditions of the Shu people.

Did Fei Cen know that these people were all bought by Shu commercial interests?But he knew it was useless.He himself is not from Guanzhong, but it happened that when he was the governor of Jingzhao Mansion, the situation was turbulent. Once the imperial court let go of military power, officials from all over the country wanted to cede land for themselves, and Jingzhao Mansion became his capital.

In order to gain a firm foothold in Guanzhong, even he had to rush to curry favor with those local forces.Because of the pressure from those people, he had to make concessions, which caused him a huge headache.

But in the past two days, I don’t know what went wrong with the Shu merchants. Those rich merchants and gentry who had already been bought by them suddenly turned back one after another. business cooperation.

Although Fei Cen felt a little strange in his heart, he thought that the matter was caused by the failure of the Shu merchants and the wealthy gentry to negotiate a price, so he was very gloating—without the pressure from these people who are self-defeating, he can finally no longer be forced to compromise. up!Can he be unhappy?

Within two days, it was the day of the negotiation he had agreed with You Gan.

Usually, at this time, he would be reluctant in every possible way, because in the past he had to agree to something aggrieved under pressure.But this time without the pressure, he actively invited relevant officials to discuss with him as soon as the time came.

Everyone sat down in the hall, and You Gan continued to talk about what he hadn't finished talking about last time.

He raised various conditions, and Fetzen questioned them one by one.After all, this time, no one came to greet him beforehand and ask him to agree to any conditions, so he could decide on his own.

But what was different from usual was that after being questioned by him, You Gan didn't talk with him as eloquently as usual, as if Chengdu Mansion had lost all capital overnight.

When we talked about grain management, Fei Cen remembered something and hurriedly said, "By the way, Mr. You, you mentioned earlier that grain merchants in Central Shu would go to Longzhou and Fengzhou to open grain stores. I'm afraid it won't happen."

You Gan did not show surprise, as if he had expected this to happen.But he still asked: "Fei Fu Yin, haven't we already settled this matter?"

Fei Cen was very happy in his heart, but on the surface he pretended to be very regretful: "Mr. You, don't get me wrong. It's not that the government has broken its word. It's because when Mr. You talked with us earlier, he agreed that the local cattle and Wu two grain merchants would cooperate with us. You cooperate. But just two days ago, Niu and Wu suddenly came to Ben Yin and said that they no longer plan to cooperate with Shu merchants. If this is the case, the conditions negotiated earlier will naturally be inaccurate."

You Gan didn't protest anything, he just looked into Fei Cen's eyes and asked, "Master Fei, do you know why the Niu and Wu families suddenly changed their minds?"

Fei Cen was stunned for a moment, then shook his head: "I don't know about this Yin."

You Gan said: "The grassroots know the reason. Is Fei Fu Yin interested in hearing it?"

Fetzen was surprised.Judging from You Gan's tone, isn't it because the uneven distribution of spoils between them has broken the talk?

He hurriedly asked, "What's the reason?"

But You Gan said: "There are many involved in this matter, can Cao Min talk to Fei Fu Yin alone?"

Fezen was startled again.He knew that You Gan might have prepared some rhetoric to sway him, but it didn't hurt to listen to it, and besides, he was indeed somewhat curious.

So Fei Cen pondered for a moment, waved his hands and said, "You all go out and do your work first."

Soon, other officials involved in the talks withdrew.Only Fei Cen, You Gan and Fei Cen's guards were left in the hall.

Fei Cen said, "Young Master You, please tell me."

Only then did You Gan open his mouth: "The governor doesn't know something. We have negotiated with many local merchants some time ago. We will jointly operate the business, seek profits together, and increase taxes for Jingzhao Mansion. This is a matter of fact. It's a great thing. But just the day before yesterday, a few people who claimed to be General Xie Wuji's subordinates suddenly approached those local merchants and threatened them not to cooperate with Shu merchants. Otherwise, General Xie will be stationed in Guanzhong in a few months. To slaughter their entire family, and to use all their family wealth as military expenses."

When Fezen heard him say the first half, he was still slandering that he could really speak beautiful words, but he was surprised when he heard the second half: "Is this true?"

You Gan said again: "If Governor Fei doesn't believe it, he can just send someone to investigate. Do the grass-roots people still talk nonsense?"

Fetzen took a hissing breath.He really didn't expect that this matter would have something to do with Xie Wuji

You Qianyi said righteously: "The grassroots don't understand. Isn't this Jingzhao Mansion under the rule of Fei Fu Yin? Even Fei Fu Yin is actively negotiating with us, but Xie Wuji's subordinates are so domineering and dare to threaten the wealth of the good people Isn't life illegal?"

Fezen laughed dryly.He still wants to ask.But in today's world, laws and regulations can only restrain ordinary people, but who can restrain powerful people?

Of course he can't say this, he can only speak in an official tone: "If such a thing really happened... Ben Yin will definitely find out the truth."

You Gan emphasized his tone: "To tell you the truth, Governor Fei, I have been in Guanzhong for a while, and I have heard that General Xie intends to enter Guanzhong. But no one else has come yet, and they have already intervened in the Jingzhao Mansion like this." Government affairs and people's livelihood. What is his intention? Does he still pay attention to Fei Fu Yin?!"

Fezen's expression froze.

You Gan's words hit his pain point.Although he didn't like the fact that the forces in Central Shu entered Guanzhong, it was completely different for Jingzhao Mansion to refuse and Xie Wuji to intervene.

You Gan continued to add fuel to the fire: "It may not be appropriate for the grass people to say this, but the grass people are completely thinking of Fei Fu and the people in Guanzhong. As far as the grass people know, Xie Wuji is a tiger and wolf. Soldiers cost a lot. He often plundered the food and money of the people, causing frequent rebellions in his jurisdiction. Even his own uncle refused to provide him with military rations, and he even slaughtered his uncle's family! Does Fu Yin really dare to have a deep friendship with him? Right now, Guanzhong is not at peace, and if his army is brought in again, I'm afraid it will cause even more turmoil!"

What he said was a bit of a bait.Xie Wuji's military rations were often collected only from landlords and gentry, but these landlords and gentry had no fame, so it was not impossible to describe them as ordinary people.

Fezen's expression became more rigid.

In fact, he could see that You Gan was trying to sow discord, but he was already reluctant about Xie Wuji's garrison, and he also had a lot of worries in his heart, and You Gan just said what he thought, so he couldn't be in a mess.

After a while, Fei Cen couldn't help but spit out some thoughts in his heart: "Young Master You, I'll tell you the truth. In fact, why is Ben Yin willing to let Xie Wuji come to garrison? He is domineering, doesn't Ben Yin know? It's just that he holds three Wan Dajun, if Ben Yin firmly refuses, in case he sends his troops to attack my Jingzhao Mansion, how can I defend this little force in my hand? That's why I have to allocate some land, money and food to him, just for a safe life. "

You Gan hurriedly stood up and saluted, "Caomin is willing to share the worries of the governor."

Fezen said in surprise, "What good idea do you have? Let's hear it."

You Gan said calmly: "Master Fei must also know that Xie Wuji said that he wanted to garrison troops in Guanzhong. It was a lie to quell the chaos, but it was true for the sake of military supplies. What he coveted was Qinchuan, which is eight hundred miles away in Guanzhong. And since he chose He came to discuss with Fu Yin, he didn't directly bring troops to fight, it means that he doesn't want to use troops unless he has to."

Fetzen thought for a while and nodded in agreement.Xie Wuji is good at fighting but not good at fighting.There is always loss in war, and smart people are not good at war.Moreover, Xie Wuji's attack on the rebels in the past had the reputation of calming the chaos, but the attack on Jingzhao Mansion was not justified, which was not good for his reputation and prospects.

You Gan continued: "Since this is the case, then the governor can subsidize his military rations, but he does not agree with him to come to station. This does not mean completely dispelling his thoughts, at least it will not be a problem to delay it for a while. As long as there is time, First, Fu Yin can train his soldiers well, and second, Yanzhou where Xie Wuji is located is in turmoil, and the [-] soldiers in his hand are not stable. Maybe he will lose his position after a while, and Fu Yin doesn't have to fight anymore. Afraid of him."

Fezen was taken aback again.Yougan's words said in his heart, isn't time what he wants?only……

Fei Cen said: "It's okay if I allocate some land to him, and let him lead his own troops to plant it. But how can I allocate so much military rations to him? I don't have much surplus rations in Jingzhao Mansion."

You Gan hurriedly said: "We are willing to pay for this amount of military rations. Governor Fei can tell General Xie's envoy that there are grain merchants in central Shu who admire Xie Jun's righteous deeds to put down the chaos and are willing to provide some military rations for Xie Jun."

Fezen's eyes widened in astonishment: "Ah? Are you coming out?! This...you..."

He knew that it was impossible for the Shu merchants to give the money for nothing, so he quickly understood: It turned out that You Qian had made a big detour, and he still hoped that he would agree to the various conditions offered by the Shu merchants...

This is too... rich and powerful...

Fezen's heart suddenly became very delicate.What kind of fairy place is Chengdu Mansion, so rich?It's okay to be rich, but you can't be a businessman, and you can open such a big mouth.Zhu Nao actually gave such a big authority to a businessman?What kind of fool would dare to do such a thing...

In fact, if it wasn't for the conflict of interests, he would rather have the opportunity to make friends with Jun Nao, and learn from him his skills and courage...

You Gan continued: "Fei Fu Yin, what we Shu businessmen want to earn is money and a little bit of power, but what Xie Wuji wants, doesn't Fei Fu Yin know? Which is more important, Fei Fu Yin must be wise judgment."

Fezen pursed his lips, lost in thought.

To be honest, if there is a relationship between Zhu Nao and Xie Wuji, he must accept one, and he will accept Xie Wuji.There is no other reason, Xie Wuji is a greater threat to him, and if he refuses, his life may be lost; but if he can refuse one between Zhu Nao and Xie Wuji, he still hopes to refuse Xie Wuji.Just as You Gan said, letting the forces in Shuzhong come in is nothing more than dividing his power, and the process is long, so he has time to deal with it slowly; but letting Xie Wuji come in, his head may be hanging on the waistband of his trousers.

If it is said that Shu merchants provide money and food, which increases his bargaining chip for him, allowing him to keep Xie Wuji outside for a longer period of time, why not do it?After all, Xie Wuji didn't want to fight, so maybe he could agree.

Regardless of whether Jin Min would agree or not, he could go and have a talk, anyway, there would be no harm.

After a long time, Fei Cen made up his mind, cupped his hands and said, "If Shu merchants are really willing to donate generously, Fei will thank you in advance."

You Gan smiled and said, "You are polite."

=====

The next day, Jin Min came to the government to continue the negotiation of the garrison.

To his surprise, Jingzhao Mansion's attitude suddenly became much tougher than before, rejecting many of his proposals, and even changing some conditions that had been negotiated before.

The more Jin Min talked, the more annoyed he became, and finally lost his patience, and his tone turned into a threat: "Fei Fu Yin, if you don't want to have a serious discussion, then we don't have to talk about it anymore. I will report to General Xie since I returned to Yanzhou! "

Fei Cen hurriedly said with a smile: "Deputy Captain Jin, please don't get me wrong. It's definitely not that we are deliberately perfunctory. It's just that I planned to allocate the garrison for your army. In the past few days, I sent someone to ask the officials and people there. I didn't expect the local officials and people to He is very opposed to the entry of the army, and even almost caused a riot. Deputy Captain Jin must also understand Ben Yin's difficulties."

Before Jin Min could say anything, Fei Cen hurriedly continued: "The matter of your army's garrison in Guanzhong can be discussed in a long-term manner. However, Ben Yin knows that your army has a large number of troops and consumes a lot. Therefore, before the matter of the garrison is agreed, I would like to Subsidize some money and food for your army."

Jin Min was taken aback.Does this mean to give them money and food in exchange for time?

Fei Cen had never proposed such a plan before, and Jin Min was quite curious about what conditions he wanted to set, so he didn't immediately refuse: "How much does Fu Yin Fei plan to subsidize us?"

Fei Cen didn't dare to covet this merit, he cried poor before it was too late, he hurriedly said: "Deputy Jin, the money and rations are actually not from the Jingzhao Mansion. I recently got to know some Shu merchants, and those Shu merchants heard that your army was fighting in the north. I admired Luan's righteous deed so much that I offered to Ben Yin to support your army."

When Jin Min heard the word "Shu Shang", his eyes widened in shock.However, before he could react, Fezen immediately reported the amount of money and food that made his heart skip a beat, and he was so shocked that he didn't know how to react.

After a long time, Jin Min said cautiously: "I need to go back and think about this matter before I can give you an answer."

Seeing that there was room for discussion on this matter, Fei Cen was overjoyed, and hurriedly said: "Then Ben Yin will wait for news from Deputy Captain Jin."

=====

An hour later.

"What? The Shu people offered to provide us with military rations??" Wu Cong was taken aback when he heard Jin Min's report.

"Yes." Jin Min hastily repeated Fei Cen's original words to Wu Cong and Xie Wuji, and said the amount of money and grain that the Shu merchants were willing to pay.That number scares Wu Cong again.

Wu Cong was jealous and puzzled: "No, I don't understand. Then how did Zhu Nao manage Chengdu Mansion? How could he be so rich? How could we..."

Before he finished speaking, he suddenly realized that he had made a slip of the tongue, shut his mouth quickly, and secretly glanced at Xie Wuji who was at the side.

Fortunately, Xie Wuji didn't care about what he said just now, and only asked Jin Min: "How did you reply to them at that time?"

Jin Min said: "This matter is of great importance, and my subordinates dare not make their own decisions, so I told those officials that my subordinates need to come back and think about it before making a decision. Afterwards, my subordinates hurried back to ask the general for instructions."

Xie Wuji pondered.What is the purpose of the Shu people doing this?Just to delay time, so that they can place their forces in Guanzhong?But since he has seen through this move, they should know that it won't work, so why don't they hit the south wall and don't look back?Or, is this still a move to shake his morale?

He vaguely felt that things were not that simple, but he couldn't figure out the Shu people's intentions.In any case, the other party must have no good intentions.

After a while, Xie Wuji said: "I don't want the money and food from the Shu merchants, I only want Qin Chuan. You can tell Fei Cen, and the negotiation will still be based on the original terms. If they still insist on delaying and fooling us, I will send the army to Guanzhong for another three hundred inside."

As the army approached, the threat became more intense.

Jin Min hurriedly said: "Yes. The subordinate understands."

……

After Jin Min left, Xie Wuji was upset, took a cloak and said, "I'll go for a walk."

Wu Cong hurriedly said: "I will accompany the general."

Xie Wuji was noncommittal, and the two went out together.

It snowed heavily in Guanzhong yesterday, but the snow has stopped today, but the snow on the road has not disappeared, the city is completely white, and there are few pedestrians on the road.Walking on the bluestone road in the ancient city of Guanzhong, there is an extra sense of desolation.

Wu Cong walked behind Xie Wuji, staring fixedly at Xie Wuji in front of him.

Xie Wuji was born as a martial artist, he is not afraid of the cold, in the thawing weather, he only wears two single shirts and a cloak.The cold wind blew past, making his single shirt rustle, unexpectedly his figure was very bleak.

For a moment, Wu Cong couldn't tell what it was like.

He has followed Xie Wuji for many years, and has always respected and feared Xie Wuji.Respect his use of soldiers like a god, and fear his ruthless iron fist.Especially after the ban on military power was lifted and the scuffle started, Wu Cong respected him even more, and was also in awe of him.

Along the way, Xie Wuji made many strange moves that made him applaud, but he also did some actions that he still can't figure out.For example, right now is the time when their [-] army is in danger.If he was Xie Wuji, he would definitely be more ruthless, but Xie Wuji's methods were much gentler than he thought.

...Perhaps, Xie Wuji was not heartless.It's just that he never told anyone, so no one understood him.

Not long after, the two came to the door of a teahouse.

This is the largest teahouse in the city. There are storytellers, singers, and craftsmen who clean and polish shoes. In such a cold season, the teahouse is still very lively.

Xie Wuji stopped at the door for a moment and walked in.Wu Cong hurriedly followed.

The teahouse is overcrowded, and there is a rush of heat as soon as you enter.Xie Wuji and Wu Cong just took off their robes and hung them in their hands, immediately a staff came to greet them: "Guest officers, do you want to sit in the hall or upstairs in the private room?"

Xie Wuji said: "In the hall."

"Hey," the clerk hurriedly said, "Guest officer, come with me."

The clerk led the two of them to sit down at an empty table that had just been vacated, wrote down the tea and snacks they wanted, and hurriedly notified the back kitchen.

Regardless of whether it is in Guanzhong or Sichuan, when guests come to a teahouse, drinking tea is by no means the top priority, chatting or listening to others talking and bragging is the top priority.

Therefore, not long after Xie Wuji and Wu Cong sat down, they heard many famous names from all directions.Some people are talking about the emperor, some are talking about eunuchs, some are talking about local bureaucrats, and some are talking about Zhu Nao.

Suddenly, Xie Wuji heard his name from the mouth of the next table.

"Hey, have you heard? Xie Wuji intends to come to our Guanzhong to garrison troops. He has already discussed with the government. It is estimated that he will come next year."

"Can you not hear about it? Grandma, I told people two days ago that I hope the government will never let that animal surnamed Xie into the Guanzhong, or we will all be doomed!"

When Wu Cong heard that someone dared to call Xie Wuji an animal, he glanced at him sharply, only to see that the people who spoke were the men sitting at the table next to them.Looking at the clothes of those people, although they don't look like the children of rich families, they should be from the small rich families who have no worries about food and clothing.

Those people didn't notice Wu Cong's eyes, they were still discussing loudly.

"If you want me to say, the man surnamed Xie fights all day long under the banner of suppressing the chaos, but the biggest traitor in the world is himself! Putting down the chaos? Putting down what chaos? Isn't it all for his own promotion and fortune? Do you see that until now, his 5000-strong army has been reduced to 3! He wants to occupy Guanzhong again, and after two years he will be able to send his troops to the capital and become emperor himself!"

"The point is that he even ransacked his own uncle's house in order to support his army. This man is no better than a pig or a dog for power. If I were his father, I would raise such a bastard who has no manners, no shame , I must kill this little beast with my own hands!"

Wu Cong was furious when he heard this, and was about to slap the table to get up, but Xie Wuji grabbed his arm.

Wu Cong was puzzled: "Brother?"

Xie Wuji had a calm expression on his face, as if he didn't hear the bad words of the people at the next table, he slowly took a sip from the teacup.

The people at the next table continued to speak nonsense, cursed and insulted Xie Wuji in every possible way.Those who didn't know thought that Xie Wuji killed not his own uncle, but their own uncle.

After a while, those people gradually stopped discussing and looked towards the other table beside them.It turned out that the people next to them kept laughing while they were talking, which caught their attention.

One person asked, "Hey, brother, what are you laughing at when we're talking? Do you think what we said is right, or do you think it's ridiculous what we said is wrong?"

Wu Cong followed their gaze, and saw two men sitting at a table not far away, one of them was in his twenties, with fair skin and a pair of naturally smiling eyes, his appearance was very pleasing .The other was a ten-year-old boy with heroic features and a serious expression, and he didn't look as easy to get along with as his deskmate.

The one who has been smiling is that kind-looking young man.

When he was questioned, he said in a gentle tone: "I laugh at what you said is very interesting."

"Oh?" Those people heard that he seemed to agree with what they said, thinking that they had found someone with similar interests, and hurriedly said, "Brother, do you also think that Xie is a turtle bastard?"

The man laughed again, as if he thought the description of the bastard tortoise was very funny.He said: "You say what you want, don't care about me."

Those few people didn't agree, they insisted on hearing his statement: "Tell me, what do you mean? If you don't want to say it, is it possible that you are underestimating us?"

This tone already carried a bit of provocative meaning.The boy's eyes sharpened, and he used his eyes to warn those people not to act rashly.

The young man laughed and said, "What do you want me to say?"

Those people said: "Tell me about your evaluation of Xie Wuji."

The young man was stared at by many pairs of eyes, and had to rub his chin to think.After a while, he seemed to finally think of a suitable answer and put his hand down.

Under everyone's gaze, he smiled and said slowly: "Thank you Wuji...Under righteousness, it is inevitable that there will be darkness."

Everyone at that table was stunned, and Wu Cong was also stunned.

Even Xie Wuji, who had been turning a deaf ear to other people's comments, couldn't help but put down his teacup and looked back at that person.