Zhu Nao

In the Jiangning Imperial City, the dignitaries sat around and discussed the latest news they got.Most of their faces were ugly, and some were even more excited.

"Damn it, that traitor really surrendered to the enemy! I've seen that his intentions are not righteous, but I didn't expect him to be so shameless!"

"Not only did he collude with the Shu people, he even dared to unite with the Shu people to plot against us! If it weren't for us, how could he be where he is today? What a disloyal, dishonest, and inferior animal!"

"Shameless, despicable, extremely hateful!!"

The person who was filled with righteous indignation and denounced was Ma Shu.There were also a few people at the table who looked embarrassed and kept silent.They are all children of the Liu family.After all, Ma Shu married the daughter of the Liu family. If he hadn't become a relative of the Liu family, he wouldn't even have the chance to become a general of Jianwu.Now that he has done such a rebellious thing, although no one dares to criticize the Liu family, the Liu family knows that they are inseparable.

Han Rushan also sighed secretly, shaking his head slightly.Earlier when he heard that Ma Shu had taken down Xuzhou, he thought that this person might really become Chen Guo and his life-saving talisman, but he didn't expect that the life-saving talisman would become a reminder so quickly.

Today, the dignitaries in the south of the Yangtze River all know that the Shu army is sending more troops to Xuzhou.It seems that Ma Shu's capture of Xuzhou annoyed them, so they sent troops to try to take Xuzhou back by force.But according to the information obtained by Chen Guoan's eyes and ears in the Shu people, things are not as simple as they seem.

I heard that Ma Shu had reached some kind of deal with the Shu people in private, and that the Shu people's advance was for them, the dignitaries in the south of the Yangtze River, to see.The people of Shu wanted to use Ma Shu and the Huainan Army as a bait to defraud Chen Guo of a large amount of money, food, soldiers and horses!

When the dignitaries in Jiangnan heard the news, they were all in a cold sweat.No wonder Zhu Nao was able to defeat Liang Guo, he was so insidious that he could even come up with such an idea!

After the false alarm, they quickly became angry from embarrassment.

The Kingdom of Shu is an enemy, and it's fine for the enemy to plot against them.But Ma Shu is an out-and-out Jiangnan native, an official of their Chen country.It's okay to be disobedient all the time, but now they want to collude with foreign enemies to deal with them!Simply unforgivable!

One person patted the table and said: "We will immediately send people to Xuzhou to arrest Ma Shu, ask him to kill him on the spot, and take over the Huainan Army! I want to see what Zhu Nao plans to do when Ma Shu is dead!"

This idea sounds very relieved, and it can eradicate traitors and take over the army, but it is not easy to implement.

Someone worried: "Since Ma Shu dares to collude with the enemy, he must be extremely careful. If we want to arrest him in a fair manner, we may not be able to do so in his territory; if we send someone to assassinate him secretly, we will not be able to do so." Easy, there will never be fewer guards around him. What's more, Huainan Army was established by him, even if we get rid of the horse harness, can we take over the army smoothly?"

This series of questions made everyone look at each other in blank dismay.The first person to suggest asked him back: "Then what do you say?"

The man couldn't tell either.It is easy to ask questions, but not easy to solve them.

Another person said: "The Ma family is still in Jiangning. If we arrest his family members as hostages, will we be able to force him to surrender?" He dared not mention Ma Shu's wife and children as hostages. We can start with the Ma family.

There are still people who are worried: "The man surnamed Ma can do such a treacherous thing, I am afraid that he will not care about a few family members, otherwise he would have taken away the family members. If we use his family members to force us, we may not be able to threaten them." He, it is possible for him to tear his face directly..."

"This doesn't work, that doesn't work, so what should I do?"

"..."

Lu Qinghui was also sitting at the table listening to the discussion. He had a complex expression and shook his head slightly.

Thinking back when Ma Shu came to him, he had persuaded Ma Shu to return to the Kingdom of Shu. Maybe it was his ridicule to Ma Shu, but in fact he really thought that this might be a way out for Ma Shu.But he underestimated Ma Shu's ambition. He didn't expect that Ma Shu was really moved to return to Shu, but he was afraid that he would be looked down upon if he went there poor and for nothing, so he pulled out an army and took down Xuzhou!

Lu Qinghui didn't want to see the flames of war start again, so he couldn't help but blame himself for whether he had said something wrong in the first place, which caused all this to happen...

Just when he was distracted, someone beside him suddenly came over and asked, "Lu Er, what do you think of this matter?"

It was only then that Lu Qinghui came back to his senses.He is the second in line among brothers of the same generation, because most of Chen Guo is ruled by an aristocratic family, there are many officials with the same surname, and the relationship between his children is good, so it is more convenient to address people by their surname and rank.

Lu Qinghui hesitated for a moment, and said truthfully, "I think this is a bit strange."

Everyone immediately looked at him: "What's wrong? What's wrong?"

Lu Qinghui said: "If Ma Shu has really colluded with the Shu people, this matter must be an absolute secret. Once it is leaked, especially to us, the Shu people's plan will come to naught. If this is the case, the Shu people will definitely keep it secret. Only a very small number of high-ranking officials and dignitaries can understand the whole story. Why did the eyes and ears we sent out find out the news so easily?"

Everyone was stunned.

Someone said: "What do you mean by that? Do you think that the Shu people deliberately released the news to us? Is this a trick?"

Lu Qinghui said: "I don't dare to say anything, I just feel strange."

He understood Ma Shu's character, and he didn't doubt that Ma Shu would not descend to Shu.On the contrary, he knew very well that Ma Shu's tossing such a show was probably to increase his bargaining chips in the Shu camp.But because of this, he felt that Ma Shu's ambitions should be greater, rather than reaching an agreement with the Shu people so soon, after all, Ma Shu didn't have enough bargaining chips.

Besides, it's really strange that such a secret would be spread so easily...

Someone asked back: "The spies we sent out spent a lot of money to find out this news, and more than one spies got the same news. Can this be false?"

Of course, Xie Hua wasn't the only one they sent out, and not all of them got clear information. Some only heard some rumors, and some knew part of the story.They gathered the news sent by everyone together to confirm that this was the case.

Lu Qinghui said: "It would be even more strange if more than one person got the news. Such important news can be known by many people? Shu people are too careless, right?"

There was a sudden silence at the table, and everyone looked at each other in surprise.Is this really the people of Shu trying to sow discord?Has Ma Shu hooked up with the Shu army?

Xie Wuchen thought for a while, and said: "Lu Er, what you said is not unreasonable. But if this is really a trick, the Shu people should spread the news directly, for fear that it will not reach our ears. But in fact, these news It was only after our spies put in a lot of effort to inquire about it, and our spies didn’t buy Shu officials and inquire about the news for a long time, instead of a day or two. Could it be that Zhu Nao had already prepared for it? this day?"

Before Lu Qinghui could answer, he said again: "What's more, we all know what kind of person Ma Shu is. I don't think it's strange that he did such a thing."

Xie Wuchen admits that Lu Qinghui's suspicion is justified, but if the news is false, it means that Zhu Nao and Xie Wuji must have known the identities of the many spies they sent, and which officials those spies have bought, and they have never exposed it. Pretending to be ingratiating, just for this day to play such a trick on them.He couldn't believe that the two of them had such great abilities.

More importantly, he, like Lu Qinghui, believed that Ma Shu had long wanted to go to Shu, but Lu Qinghui thought that the time had not yet come, but Xie Wuchen felt that Ma Shu had already achieved his wish.

Lu Qinghui wanted to say something more, but hesitated for a while, but didn't know what to say.

He still doubted the authenticity of the news. He didn't think that the discipline of the Shu army would be so bad that it would casually leak military plans, otherwise how could the Shu army be invincible all the way?As for Xie Wuchen's belief that it is impossible for Zhu Nao and Xie Wuji to have discovered many of their spies... Lu Qinghui felt that it might be unthinkable to put this matter on others, but if it was Zhu Nao... perhaps, it was really hard to say.With Junao's abilities and means, it's not surprising that he can do anything.

But if he said that, it would be too much to increase the ambition of others and destroy his own prestige.Besides, this is just his guess, he has no absolute certainty, let alone evidence, so he didn't say any more.

"Cough," Liu Jingfeng coughed lightly, and said, "Brother Lu's worries are justified, and it's really not easy for us to get rid of the horse bundles in Xuzhou. I think maybe we can find a way to transfer the horse bundles back to Jiangning , Carefully check whether he is in collusion with the Shu people. If he is indeed collaborating with the enemy, it is not an exaggeration to divide him into five horses; but if this is a divorce scheme by the Shu people, we will also give him a chance to explain."

The table fell silent again.

Everyone could hear that Liu Jingfeng's words still wanted to keep his horse.As a child of the Liu family, although he doesn't like this brother-in-law, his relationship with his sister is really good.He didn't support directly getting rid of Ma Shu, but to get Ma Shu back to Jiangning first. At that time, among other things, the Liu family always had a way to keep Ma Shu alive.

But firstly, for the sake of the Liu family's face, secondly, Lu Qinghui's doubts were also justified. They really shouldn't just listen to the information that the spies got back, but should listen to Ma Shu's words before making a conclusion.

Then someone asked: "Then how should we call him back? We ordered to call him, because we are afraid that he will not answer the call."

The so-called military orders abroad are not accepted, and Ma Shu directly orders Ma Shu to return to Beijing. Ma Shu will definitely not agree. He cannot easily abandon his army.

Liu Jingfeng thought for a while, and said: "We went to his brother in the family to write to him, saying that his father was seriously ill, and tricked him to come back to visit his father. As soon as he leaves the army, we will find an opportunity to detain him. Escort back to Jiangning!"

I think that when he let the horses go, he took the emperor's order to go out generously. Only half a year later, in order to recall this general, these dignitaries had to resort to deception. It can be seen that Chen Guo How weak the imperial court has become.

However, no one has a better way, so Han Rushan said: "Then follow what Liu Aiqing said. If this plan fails, we will think of other ways..."

=====

After the banquet was over, Lu Qinghui got into the carriage and rushed to his mansion.Along the way, he was worried.

The carriage stopped at the entrance of the mansion. He jumped off the carriage and was about to enter the mansion to rest when the housekeeper came up and said, "Mr. Lu, a guest came to the mansion just now. He said he was an old friend of Mr. Lu, and he came to pay a visit. Mr. Lu. He was very generous and gave a lot of gifts. I couldn't make up my mind for a while, so I asked him to wait in the west hall."

Lu Qinghui was slightly taken aback.His old friend?He hurriedly asked, "What's that man's name?"

The housekeeper said: "It is said that the surname is Lu, and the single name has a character A."

Lu Qinghui choked for breath.When he heard about his old friend, he suspected that Jun Nao had sent someone to look for him, and after listening to the name, it was as he expected!

Seeing Lu Qinghui's complex expression, the housekeeper said cautiously: "Is Mr. Lu going to see him? Or should I send him away?"

Lu Qinghui took a deep breath, turned around and said, "I'll go see him."

……

Soon, Lu Qinghui came outside the west hall.He winked at the butler, and the butler hurriedly called away all the nearby servants.After everyone left, Lu Qinghui walked into the hall.

In the hall, a man was sitting and fiddling with the handle of a chair. He heard footsteps, looked up and saw Lu Qinghui, and immediately showed a surprised expression: "Mr. Lu!"

He stood up abruptly, stepped forward quickly, and saluted Lu Qinghui as he paid homage to a senior officer: "My subordinates pay respects to Mr. Lu."

Lu Qinghui hurriedly stretched out his hand to support his arm, shook his head and said, "Now you and I are in our own hands, so...it's inappropriate."

Lu Jia hurriedly said: "Duke Lu treated me with great kindness back then, in my heart, Gong Lu will always be my superior!"

Lu Qinghui was in a complicated mood and didn't know what to say.

Lu Jia was Lu Qinghui's old department when he was in Chengdu, and he was a very important confidant.Thinking back when Zhu Nao had just emerged in Langzhou, Lu Qinghui sent Lu Jia to Langzhou to try to suppress Zhu Nao.After Yuan Jilu fell from power, Lu Qinghui left Chengdu alone, and never had any contact with his former ministry.

Zhu Nao was also magnanimous, regardless of past suspicions, he appointed many of Lu Qinghui's old subordinates, and Lu Jia was one of them.

Seeing Lu Jia again now, Lu Qinghui couldn't help feeling very emotional. Although he knew that Lu Jia came here for impure purposes, it was absolutely impossible for him to simply visit.But he still talked about old times with him.

The two chatted about what happened in the past, and talked for a while about their respective experiences over the years, and regained some of their old intimacy.

In the end, it was Lu Qinghui who came straight to the point and said, "Did the Emperor of Shu send you here today?"

Lu Jia smiled, and admitted honestly: "Yes. Sure enough, you can't hide anything from Lu Gong."

Lu Qinghui laughed.The purpose of Zhu Nao sending Lu Jia here was too obvious, it was hard for him to pretend he didn't know.

He asked, "What's the plan of Emperor Shu?"

Lu Jia didn't speak immediately, but carefully observed Lu Qinghui's face and said: "There was a bit of misunderstanding between Lu Gong and His Majesty back then. In fact, His Majesty is benevolent, generous, diligent and caring for the people, and has already won the hearts of the people..."

Before he could finish speaking, Lu Qinghui interrupted him: "I know."

Now it was Lu Jia's turn to be stunned.

This time Zhu Nao sent Lu Jia to be a lobbyist, Lu Jia was actually quite disturbed.What he was worried about was not that the friendship between him and Lu Qinghui was not deep enough, making Lu Qinghui unwilling to listen to him, but that he was afraid that Lu Qinghui would always have a prejudice against Zhu Nao in his heart.

Lu Jia knows better than anyone how much Lu Qinghui hated Zhu Nao when he was in Chengdu.When Zhu Nao was just a shepherd in Langzhou, Lu Qinghui tried his best to suppress him, but instead of suppressing him, he even made Zhu Nao Qingyun sit on Chengdu Yin, and drove him away as the young Yin of Chengdu Mansion!If he were Lu Qinghui, he and Zhu Nao would have a mortal enmity.Later, Zhu Nao became the emperor smoothly. Isn't this going to kill him alive?

But looking at Lu Qinghui's attitude now, he didn't feel annoyed at all, he was quite calm...

Lu Jia didn't know what to think of, touched his head, and laughed.

Lu Qinghui frowned in confusion and said, "What are you laughing at?"

"No, nothing..." Lu Jia actually wanted to say that Lu Qinghui was much more mature than when he was in Chengdu.Back then, Lu Qinghui was not a bad person, but he was too temperamental and stubborn, which offended many people, causing him to suffer a lot even though he was a young man.But this is not a good word, so Lu Jia will not say it.

In fact, Lu Jia didn't know that before Lu Qinghui left Chengdu, when he saw Zhu Nao beheading Yuan Jilu, his opinion of Zhu Nao had already changed.It's just that he couldn't save his face, and secondly, Shu Nao was in chaos, and Zhu Nao usurped power, but he didn't get the court's approval, and he couldn't work with Zhu Nao, so he left Chengdu.

And for so many years, the world has been turbulent, and Lu Qinghui has seen it all.He can clearly see what kind of person Zhu Nao is, what kind of ability he is, and what kind of reputation he is.If there was only one Junao in the world, he might not be so deeply moved.But he was in the south of the Yangtze River, seeing what the emperor of the Chen country looked like, and who was in power in the Liang country next door, even if he wanted to say that Zhu Nao was not a Ming emperor, he was ashamed to say it.As the saying goes, people compare themselves to others, and they are angry to death, so it is.

But even so, Lu Qinghui was still very tangled in his heart.

He would like to see Zhu Nao unify the world and restore the court order, but it is obviously impossible for the dignitaries of the Chen country to cooperate obediently.And as a native of Jiangnan, he doesn't want to do things that eat inside and out, and he doesn't want to see his hometown fall into war.So until now, he still does his best to serve Chen Guo, and there is nothing else he can do, at least do his own thing well.

Lu Qinghui suddenly thought of something, and asked: "That's right. You have really surrendered the horses, or are you deliberately making noises to sow discord?"

Lu Jia was stunned for a moment, then shook his head and said, "I really don't know. I'm a civil servant, so I don't know anything about the battlefield."

Lu Qinghui looked at him blankly, guessing that he was telling the truth.

"Okay..." He asked again, "Then what is the purpose of the Emperor of Shu looking for you? ——Let me tell you straight, double-faced and three-handed, I can't do things that are treacherous. If you have this plan, leave as soon as possible Bar."

Lu Jia was stunned again when he heard this, and immediately couldn't help but be overjoyed!Lu Qinghui refused to be double-faced, and would not do things for the Shu army to spread false news to confuse the Chen Dynasty, but the subtext of his words was to say that he did not dislike Shu, and was willing to do other things for Zhu Nao that did not violate his principles !

Lu Jia hurriedly said: "Don't worry, Mr. Lu! Your Majesty and I know how Mr. Lu is. We will never let Mr. Lu do anything against his will!"

Lu Qinghui said: "Then what do you want me to do?"

Lu Jia said: "Mr. Lu, the world is exhausted and the people's livelihood is difficult. Your Majesty no longer wants to resort to military force. He only wants to restore the country and the country as soon as possible. As far as I know, there are also many people in the Chen Kingdom who are tired of war and peace, but they are on their own. , and harbored scruples, unwilling to speak out. If Mr. Lu can speak for Xiang’s recommendation..."

Lu Qinghui immediately understood.The powerful and powerful people in the south of the Yangtze River do have different opinions. Some people are willing to surrender as soon as possible, some people want to fight until the last moment, and some people sway from side to side and wait and see the direction of the wind.Currently the two largest families are the Xie family and the Liu family. They are unwilling to surrender easily, and the other families are not as powerful as them, so they follow the trend.

The Shu people lack people who can speak up in the south of the Yangtze River, so they hope that he will come forward to win over and gather all the forces of the main peace faction, and perhaps form a force that can overwhelm the main battle faction headed by the Xie family and the Liu family.

Lu Qinghui was silent for a moment, and said in a low voice: "Can Jiangnan be recovered peacefully..."

Lu Jia said solemnly: "This is also His Majesty's wish."

Lu Qinghui remained silent for a long time, and sighed: "I understand... After I think about it for a few days, I will give you an answer."