Chapter 16 Chapter Two Beginning and Journey

Xun Xu couldn't believe it was true until he entered the prime minister's mansion. Prime Minister Zhuge unexpectedly summoned him, a petty official with a rank of only two hundred shi, after a malicious review, which made Xun Xu feel a little uneasy.For the officials of the Shu Han, Prime Minister Zhuge is an existence that needs to be looked up to. They more or less have a kind of admiration for the actual ruler of the Shu Han.Prime Minister Zhuge's extraordinary demeanor, talent and charisma make him not only a strong leader, but also a mysterious popular idol. Xun Xu followed Jiang Wei through the courtyard of the Prime Minister's Mansion, and walked towards the inner courtyard along the edge of the mulberry forest.After spending the whole day in the basement of Junzhengsi, Xun Xu felt that the smell of the Prime Minister's Mansion was particularly fresh; from time to time there was a gust of night wind blowing through the mulberry forest, blowing the fragrance of mulberry leaves into the noses of passers-by.

Jiang Wei stopped in front of an inconspicuous room, turned around and gestured to Xun Xu: "Xun Xu, the prime minister is inside, please go in." Xun Xu glanced at Jiang Wei with a stiff expression, took a deep breath anxiously, opened the door and walked in.He had met Prime Minister Zhuge at a rally before, but it was all from afar. It was the first time that he met alone one-on-one like today, and he was a little nervous. The room was simpler than he had imagined, and the interior decoration was similar to Xun Xu's room; the only difference was that there were several times more silk documents and bamboo scrolls on the floor and on the bookshelves than in Jing'an Division, and they were not messy. A document is placed very neatly and meticulously.Among the piles of documents, a gray-haired old man in a plain robe was reviewing the documents. The candlestick beside him was filled with candle oil, indicating that it had been burning for a long time.

"Prime Minister Zhuge." Xun Xu stood at the door holding his breath, and called out respectfully.The old man raised his head to look at Xun Xu, put down the brush in his hand, shook his robe, and smiled kindly: "Hehe, it's Xiaohe, come in." Prime Minister Zhuge's voice was very deep and mellow, like a generous elder, which made it easy for people to feel friendly.Xun Xu's originally tense mood relaxed a little. He took a few steps forward, knelt down on a blanket under Zhuge Liang's head, and clasped his fists. "Thank you, Prime Minister." "Oh, don't call me prime minister, I'm just the right general now." Zhuge Liang stretched out a finger, reminding Xun Xu half seriously and half jokingly.

Since the failure of the first Northern Expedition last year, Prime Minister Zhuge took the initiative to demote himself to three ranks, from prime minister to general right, and to act as prime minister.However, most people in Shu Han, including Xun Xu, stubbornly still called him "Prime Minister Zhuge". In their hearts, the word "Prime Minister" has changed from a common title to a specific title, which is inseparable from "Zhuge".Even Zhuge Liang himself cannot change this habit of the public. "Yes, Prime Minister." Xun Xu bowed his head obediently, he couldn't say the word "General Zhuge" no matter what, it was too awkward.After hearing this, Zhuge Liang shook his head with a helpless expression like a child.Seeing that Zhuge Liang had no airs, Xun Xu felt somewhat relaxed.

Zhuge Liang took out a clean white candle from under the table and connected it to the candlestick, and the room brightened up a lot.He just rushed back to Nanzheng today from the front line where the war situation has stabilized, only about three or four hours before Xun Xu arrived at the prime minister's mansion.The busy prime minister didn't feel tired at all, he motioned Xun Xu to sit closer, his tone was kind, as if he was chatting: "Today's review is really hard for you." Xun Xu didn't know Prime Minister Zhuge's intentions, so he replied cautiously: "It is the duty of every official to accept the evaluation."

"Hehe, did they make things difficult for you?" "There is a little bit, I think it may be a misunderstanding." Prime Minister Zhuge let out a "huh", slapped the goose feather fan habitually, and continued after a while: "This review is a strong request from the military. Backlash. Personally, I don't want to easily review senior officials, but I can't violate the law. I called you this time because I hope you don't have too much grudge against this routine." "Thank you, Prime Minister, for your concern." "You know, as a leader, I have to seek a certain degree of internal stability, and this kind of stability often requires sacrifice." Prime Minister Zhuge's expression was very serene, and he glanced at Xun Xu, "This time it's you Unfortunately for being a victim of this stability, blame me if you want."

Xun Xu didn't speak, he was surprised by Prime Minister Zhuge's attitude.Is this open and honest sincerity, or is it a hint? "I feel sorry for this, because I know you are innocent, but I have to approve them to do this." The voice of the Shu Han prime minister turned low, with an apologetic expression on his face, "You know, a country The prime minister is not so easy to be, he can't satisfy everyone, but he must satisfy most people." Seeing Zhuge Liang's gray temples and thin cheeks, Xun Xu knew that he was not exaggerating any facts.But Xun Xu didn't expect that this big man with less than one person and more than ten thousand people would apologize to such a small official like himself, and he was at a loss for a while.After being stunned for a long time, he stammered and said:

"Prime Minister Zhuge, I... I really failed to prevent the leakage of the drawings. This is my negligence, and there is no excuse for it. I will take responsibility for this failure." Hearing this sentence, Zhuge Liang nodded in relief: "Xiaohe, in fact, I have been paying attention to your investigation work. This time the failure is a crime of non-war, and I am very aware of your actual ability... Or, I am very Appreciate it. This is why I brought you here: I hope you can understand that the review's conclusion on you is only an administrative conclusion, and does not represent my true evaluation of you."

"..." Xun Xu didn't know how to answer for a moment. He didn't know why, the pressure and grievances he had been enduring all the time suddenly surged from the bottom of his heart, and then he was immediately melted into a kind of excitement. "Some people think that you have a will like bronze, and I completely agree. Brain, insight, can endure hardship, full of passion, would rather die than give up, Jing'an Division needs a talent like you." Zhuge Liang said sincerely while watching Xun Xu calmly.Every sentence was a huge blow to Xun Xu's psychological defense, and he even wanted to cry a little.

"I hope today's review will not shake your confidence in the Han Dynasty. The revival of the Han Dynasty still needs you." This is the third time Zhuge Liang used the word "hope" today, and Xun Xu couldn't say a word about it, he just bit his lip desperately to keep himself from crying.What a waste, he thought to himself. Zhuge Liang sighed softly, the goose feather fan in his hand was still shaking unhurriedly.He didn't like this way of publicly reprimanding and privately comforting, but he had to compromise.This is true for Xun Xu, and so are Yang Yi and Wei Yan—in order to maximize the effectiveness of the limited talents of the Shu Han, Zhuge Liang must maintain a balance between intricate interpersonal relationships and political cobwebs.

At this time, the night fog outside had dissipated a little, everything was silent, and the surroundings of the Prime Minister's Mansion were quiet, only the occasional sound of patrolling.Xun Xu hadn't slept for more than ten hours, but he didn't feel sleepy at all. At this time, Prime Minister Zhuge felt that the atmosphere was a bit heavy, so he changed the subject: "In order to give an explanation to the military, I will temporarily transfer you to Soochow to serve as an intelligence military officer stationed in Wuchang." Zhuge Liang stroked his beard and made a comforting gesture to Xun Xu, "Don't think this is Zuo Qian, Take it as a vacation, the climate in Jiangdong is much better than that in Hanzhong. I will transfer you back when things subside." "Soochow...I see." Xun Xu was very happy that Zhuge Liang had changed the topic to a substantive issue, otherwise he would not guarantee that he would not lose his composure and cry.Even if the connotation is different, Xun Xu does not want to do the same thing as his boss Yang Yi. "The people in Soochow have always been unreliable, and they like to make small moves. After you go, you can help manage the intelligence network there. You can't expect those selfish guys to provide us with information." "Understood." Xun Xu took a deep breath, trying to calm his emotions. "I have asked Boyue to deal with the transfer order. You can leave the day after tomorrow at the earliest. Before you go, go back to Chengdu to visit your family. How old is your son?" "I'm only five years old, and my name is Xun Zheng." "Hehe, what a good name. When this child grows up, I believe it will be a peaceful and prosperous age." "It must be." "Very well. If there is nothing else, you can go back and rest." Prime Minister Zhuge waved his goose feather fan, closed his eyes, and signaled that he could go.But Xun Xu didn't move, Prime Minister Zhuge opened his eyes again, and asked in surprise, "Xiaohe, what else do you want?" "That's it, Prime Minister." Xun Xu stood up and looked outside the room, and said with a stern expression, "Before I leave, I must report to you one thing - I have already explained it to my subordinates, but I think it is still It’s better to talk to you face to face.” Prime Minister Zhuge squeezed his temples with both hands: "Oh, tell me." "The Jing'an Division's failure this time is largely due to the fact that we have a senior undercover agent in Hanzhong." "Oh?" Zhuge Liang let go of his hands and raised his head, his tired eyes recovered. "The enemy is quite familiar with Nanzheng's internal affairs, and has penetrated Jing'an Division's actions several times, all because of that spy. According to the confession of the Five Dou Mi Cultist, the spy's code name is 'Zhulong'. Some things about him I have written a special report on the doubts, you can go to Jingan Division Pei Xu to read it." "That is to say, you don't know the specific identity of this person named Zhulong?" "Yes. Originally, I planned to investigate this person immediately, but it is impossible now. I hope the prime minister can be more vigilant, so as not to let him cause greater losses to our country." "I did not misread you, hehe." Prime Minister Zhuge stood up, and patted him on the shoulder with satisfaction, "I see, I will send someone to deal with this matter, you can go at ease." At this moment, Xun Xu was able to look at Prime Minister Zhuge from a close distance. A faint dark gray appeared on his thin face, two bags under the eyes were hanging under the eye sockets, and the wrinkles at the corners of the eyes extended to the border of the temples and white hair.Xun Xu could see his exhaustion after his radiant face. How could this thin body carry the entire Shuhan, so how could he not be exhausted. "Then I'll take my leave, please pay more attention to your body." Xun Xu sighed inwardly, bowed deeply, and then left Prime Minister Zhuge's room. On March 27, the former secretary heard that Cao Jing'an was engaged in Xun Xu's official transfer. On the day Xun Xu left Nanzheng, it was the time when the victorious Han troops entered the city, and all the people flocked to the north gate to watch the entering ceremony.Cheng Fan was in charge of city defense and couldn't get away; Hu Zhong had to accompany Yao You and Feng Ying to attend the meeting, but only Pei Xu and Asher came to see Xun Xu off at the deserted South Gate. "Xun Zong, I didn't expect you to leave like this." Pei Xu said sadly.And Asher shouted indignantly at the side: "You people from the Central Plains are so strange. Is this the kind of retribution for those who are willing to work?" Xun Xu reached out his hand to stop Asher's complaint, and shook his head to signal him not to say any more. "How is Gao Tangbing now?" Xun Xu asked, if there was anything he regretted about this action like losing the blueprint, it was Gao Tangbing's injury. Asher scratched his scalp and replied, "He is currently in stable condition, but he is still relatively weak. Our fifth channel is taking turns to take care of him." "Hehe, I have already resigned, and now there is no such establishment as the fifth station." "No, no, we've always been proud of being on Channel 5." Asher patted his chest, "If you come back to Jing'an Division one day, all of us in Channel 5 will definitely wait with their arms around us." Pei Xu next to him laughed, and said helplessly to Asheer: "Hey, you should first figure out the meaning of Weisheng Baozhu, and don't use idioms indiscriminately." Cover up your embarrassment.Xun Xu said to Asheer: "Read the classics of the Central Plains more often. You can take the rest of my books and read them. If you don't understand anything, just ask Captain Pei." Asher pinched the knuckles of his two big hands resentfully, and said in a low voice: "I would rather learn fighting skills with Cousin Gao. I haven't learned all of his five-animal drama yet." The sentimental atmosphere of the farewell at the scene became a little weaker because of this episode. "Okay, it's almost time to leave." Xun Xu looked at the sky, and put the package on the coach, "You two can send it here, and the work of the Jing'an Department must not be slack." "Please rest assured." The two replied in unison. Xun Xu clasped his fists at them, turned around and boarded the coach.The coachman in front yelled, the whip slapped in the air, the two horses exerted all their strength, the wheels rattled, and the whole cart slowly drove out of Nanzheng South Gate.At the same time, there was a burst of loud cheers in the north of Nanzheng City, and the first wave of cavalry from the Han army had already entered the city in red and green... Xun Xu traveled day and night, crossing the Daba Mountain from the south of Hanzhong, going down the Jiange via the Jialing River, and entering the Central Shu Plain. He arrived in Chengdu on April 4th, where he met his wife and son who had been separated for more than two years. He spent a period of time with his family in Chengdu, enjoying family happiness. He read books and went fishing with his son every day; he helped his wife repair the leaking roof and bought her a copper hairpin with his salary. And a set of Shu brocade skirt.This period of time can be regarded as Xun Xu's rare free time since he took up the job in Jing'an Department.Sometimes, he sat on the threshold of his home and watched his son play, and even lazily thought that it would not be a bad thing to live like this for the rest of his life. Once, his son Xun Zheng ran up to him holding a windmill, grabbed his sleeve and asked: "Daddy, what are you going to go to such a far place?" Xun Xu was stunned for a moment, then patted Xun Zheng's head lovingly, and replied, "Daddy is for the revival of the Han Dynasty." "The revival of the Han Dynasty? What is that?" The child half understood. "Well, everyone's life has become better than before." "Then, by then, Daddy, will you be able to play with me every day?" "Yes." After hearing his father's affirmative answer, the child happily ran out of the yard, jumping up and down and shouting: "Mother, mother, I want the revival of the Han Dynasty! After the revival of the Han Dynasty, Daddy will be able to go home every day." It's gone!" Xun Xu looked at his back with a subtle smile on his lips. The five-day holiday flew by, and on April 9th, Xun Xu had to bid farewell to his family and embark on the road to Jiangdong. He first accepted new official positions from Chengdu. There are two in total. The public identity is the boss of Wu Dunmu's envoy Zhang Guan; Both Shu Han and Wu were allies against Cao Wei, and they both set up the permanent post of "Dun Mu Envoy" in each other's capital to maintain daily diplomatic relations between the two sides.The Dunmu Pavilion, the office where the Ambassador of Dunmu is located, has become the base for the activities of diplomats from both sides.The policy changes and diplomatic documents of the two countries are transmitted through the Dunmu Pavilion; when there are high-level ministers visiting each other, the Dunmu Pavilion is also used as a place to stay. Live here all the time. Another function of the Dunmu Pavilion is to conduct intelligence activities under the cover of a diplomatic capacity-this is understandable, neither Shu Han nor Wu was so naive as to think that the other party would tell them everything, so they like to collect by themselves.This is the work of Si Wen Cao Jiangdong Branch. After Xun Xu set off from Chengdu, he rushed to Jiangzhou by land, and then traveled eastward along the Yangtze River on a diplomatic wooden boat dedicated to the "Dunmu Pavilion", and finally arrived in Wuchang, the capital of Jiangdong, on April 17. The weather on this day was fine, the sun was shining brightly, there was no cloud in the sky, and the visibility on the river was very high.The wooden boat flying the Shu Han flag slowly sailed into Oxford, which is located on the west side of Wuchang.This is a port dedicated to diplomatic ships, so it is not crowded inside; the wooden boat easily passes through several water fences and beach dams, and docks firmly in front of a pedal. "Master Xun, you can get off the boat." The boatman shouted into the cabin while grabbing the chain and throwing the anchor into the water. Soon a pale middle-aged man came out of the cabin.Xun Xu had never been so dizzy before. Although he was from Changsha, he went to Yizhou when he was very young, so he didn't have much chance to take the long-distance boat.This time, after several days and nights of rafting in the Yangtze River, he almost vomited everything in his stomach, and the feeling was that life was worse than death. He staggered over the steps, swung his body, and almost fell into the water. Fortunately, he was helped by an oncoming person, which saved him from death. "You are Master Xun?" Someone asked, he spoke with a little Chengdu accent, Xun Xu nodded feebly.The man carefully helped Xun Xu onto the pier, and Xun Xu felt somewhat at ease when he put his feet on the solid ground.He raised his head and looked at the visitor carefully. This was a young man with fair complexion, two thin eyebrows were straight and thin, and he looked gentle and refined; the old blue cloth robe on his body had been washed a little white, but it was very neat. "Master Xun, Master Zhang Guan sent me to pick you up." The young man said to Xun Xu, his voice neither high nor low, "My name is Quezheng, the word Ling is first, and I am currently serving as a secretary in the Dunmu Hall. .” Xun Xu wanted to answer, but his mind was still muddled.But he was just taking out a small grass-green pill from his bosom and handing it to Xun Xu, and said with a smile: "Don't worry, people who come to Soochow by boat for the first time will get seasick once, I prepared it for you. Xingshen Pill, you won’t feel dizzy after taking one pill.” Xun Xu took the small pill and ate it. The pill exuded a delicate fragrance and melted in his throat before it fell into his stomach.I don't know if it was a psychological effect or it was really effective, but his headache really eased. "This is specially prepared by the pharmacy of Wu State. Their doctors are of a good standard. If Cao Cao had this formula in his hands, he would not have lost so badly in the Battle of Chibi... You go this way, the carriage is here." But Zheng is very talkative, and he started chattering from the moment we met.Xun Xu had just vomited heavily, and had no strength to talk to him, so he could only walk slowly towards the car.When they got to the carriage, they were holding Xun Xu's shoulders and lifting him up.At this time, a border official from the state of Wu came over, pointed at Xun Xu and said to Quezheng, "Your Excellency hasn't registered yet." "Diplomats, your superiors have been informed." But Zhengzheng waved his hand impatiently, took the brush and signed on the small official's bamboo slips, then got into the car and asked the driver to drive to Wuchang City. Along the way, Xun Xu was enthusiastically introducing the scenery along the way and the customs of the country of Wu to Xun Xu. Xun Xu leaned on the carriage, with his right hand resting on his temple, frowning and reluctantly looking to both sides.Different from the barren and desolate mountainous areas in Hanzhong, Jiangdong is green all the way, and the roadsides are full of weeping willows. It is April, and spring is full of vitality.The waterways in the distance are criss-crossing, and fishermen wearing bamboo hats propped up a flat boat criss-crossing them, which is quite interesting.Even the breath that enters the nostrils is moist and soft, which is much more comfortable than the rough and dry cold wind in Hanzhong. After running for about half an hour, the carriage arrived in front of Wuchang City.The two gold-plated characters on the top of the city gate are particularly eye-catching against the sunlight.The soldiers guarding the city saw the flag of Shuhan Dunmu envoy hanging high on the carriage from a distance, and hurriedly opened the city gate, and the carriage passed through the gate without stopping and drove into the city.This is the special preferential treatment given by the State of Wu to the Dunmu Pavilion, in order to express the importance it attaches to the friendly relations between Shu and Wu. The Dunmu Pavilion is located in the north of the center of Wuchang, less than two miles away from the Xuanyang Gate of the Inner Palace City. It is a rather luxurious palace-style building.After the Battle of Yiling that year, Prime Minister Zhuge and Lord Wu Sun Quan intended to re-establish an alliance, so they sent two envoys, Deng Zhi and Zhang Wen, to each other.In order to show his sincerity, Sun Quan specially built a new residence in Wuchang for Deng Zhi's visit. Later, this building was used as the Dunmu Pavilion and became an activity base for Shu people in Jiangdong. The carriage stopped in front of the Dunmu Pavilion, and Xun Xu had already regained some energy.But just as he jumped out of the car, he directed a few servants to carry the luggage down; Xun Xu also got out of the car with the help of the handle, and saw several people in variegated brocade official uniforms walking out of the hall in a daze.When the leader saw Xun Xu, he warmly greeted him immediately with clasped fists. "Master Xun, right? I'm Zhang Guan, envoy of Fu Wu Dunmu." Contrary to Xun Xu's expectations, Zhang Wang didn't look very old, maybe a few years younger than himself, his fair and round face was well maintained without a trace of wrinkle; but Zheng Zheng looked quite young, too. I don't know if it is the relationship between the Jiangdong climate that nourishes people. "I'm really sorry, I lost my composure." Xun Xu said shyly, his right hand still pressed against his temple and dared not let go. "Hehe, it was the same when I first arrived here." Zhang Guan said comfortingly, then pointed to a long-bearded man in a yellow robe next to him and said, "This one is the one who is in charge of the court of Wu Kingdom and our Dunmu Pavilion." I contacted Xue Ying, the secretary of the Secret Mansion, Master Xue." "Master Xue, it's a pleasure to meet you." "Master Xun, you don't need to be too polite. You are new to Bizhou and you are not used to the local customs. You should rest more. I'll go back and ask the imperial doctor in the palace to give you a diagnosis and treatment." Xue Ying spoke in a thin voice with a Peijun accent, Friendly attitude.Zhang Guan couldn't help laughing and said: "Master Xue, my master book has only been here for less than a day, and you are in a hurry to send him to the medical clinic. Is this the way of hospitality in Soochow?" "There is a lot of plague in Sichuan, so what can we do if we don't clean it up." Xue Ying responded unceremoniously, and the two immediately laughed. Shu and Wu envoys have always had a tradition of ridiculing each other. When Zhang Wen visited Shu, he debated with Qin Mi. It can be regarded as a proof of the harmonious relationship between the two countries.Judging from the conversation between Xue Ying and Zhang Guan just now, the relationship between Shu Han and Wu is still in the golden age.Thinking of this, Xun Xu felt relieved, and cupped his hands at Xue Ying. At this time, the luggage had already been packed, Zhang Guan said to Xue Ying, "I'm setting up a banquet to welcome Master Xun tonight, Mr. Xue, please be sure to attend." Xue Ying shook her head, looked up at the sky and replied: "The court has been quite busy recently, so I'm afraid I won't be able to attend. I think I'll wait until Master Xun recovers a bit, and then I'll do my best as a landlord." After Xue Ying finished speaking, she walked up to Xun Xu and made an apologetic gesture, then said goodbye and left.After Zhang Guan, Xun Xu and Quezheng left, the three walked into the gate of the Dunmu Pavilion. As soon as you enter the hall, there is a wide hall, with a bronze crane incense burner standing on both sides, green smoke curling from the mouth of the crane; a bronze bull square tripod is placed in the hall, and above the tripod is hung the words "Dunmuhe" written in seal script. The four characters of "Qia" are signed by Zhang Zhao, an important official of the Eastern Wu Dynasty and a famous calligrapher. Seeing that the three officials had already entered, the servants walked over and slammed the door shut.Zhang Guan signaled that he was waiting for people to leave, and then said to Xun Xu with a smile, "Xun Gongcao, everything is well in Shu?" Xun Xu noticed the change in this name.To the outside world, he is the director of the Dunmu Museum, but in fact he is the meritorious service of the Siwen Cao Jiangdong Branch.Zhang Guan called him this way, which means that the next conversation will involve the intelligence field.While Zhang Guan served as envoy to comfort Wu Dunmu, he was also in charge of the Jiangdong branch, and he was regarded as Xun Xu's boss. Xun Xu briefly reported the situation in Chengdu and Hanzhong.Zhang Guan put his right hand on the bronze tripod, and suddenly asked with great interest. "You used to work in the Jing'an Department in Hanzhong, right?" "Exactly." Xun Xu was taken aback when he heard this question. Could it be that Zhang Guan also knew about the incident in Hanzhong? "Hehe, Hanzhong Jing'an Department is internal, while our Dunmu Museum is external. The nature of the work of the two is different, and the troubles they have to face are also different." Zhang Guan changed a serious expression, "If you are careless, it will cause serious problems. A diplomatic mess." "Well, thanks for reminding me, I will pay special attention." "You may have known it a long time ago, but I want to emphasize it again. Diplomacy is no small matter, and any improper actions may cause damage to the relationship between the two countries." Zhang Guan glanced at the door and asked: " What do you think of Master Xue just now?" Xun Xu thought for a while, then replied cautiously: "He is not bad, but I always feel that there is something behind him." "Hehe, as expected of the person next to Prime Minister Zhuge, he is really sharp." Zhang Guan nodded approvingly, "Xue Ying has a good personal relationship with me. She is my best friend in Soochow. We were classmates before. But since In terms of diplomacy and intelligence, he is the most troublesome enemy of our Dunmu Pavilion, and he must not be taken lightly." Xun Xu nodded. He knew the principle of diplomacy without personal friendship.Prime Minister Zhuge had a biological brother, Zhuge Jin, who served as a high-ranking official in Soochow, but when the two of them negotiated on behalf of the two countries, everything was based on their own national interests, and no brotherhood was involved. "Wu Guoren is quite strange. He has a different way of thinking and acting style from us and Wei people. Since you are here to engage in intelligence work, you must understand this." Zhang Guan said here, suddenly feeling emotional: "After a long time, you will know that despite the harmony of Shu and Wu Yituan, in fact, the underground intelligence war in Wuchang is not much easier than that in Hanzhong or Longxi. You know, sometimes allies have more headaches than enemies." "Probably only our own people are more difficult than enemies and allies." Hearing Xun Xu's words, Zhang Guan nodded in understanding, put his hand on the corner of his upturned mouth, and said with a smile, "I probably know why Xun Gongcao you were transferred to Jiangdong." Xun Xu responded with a wry smile , without saying anything. "As for the basic situation here, you can find out about it. He has been in charge of daily affairs, but..." Zhang Wang looked at the door, covered his mouth with his hand and whispered, "This guy has a strong sense of justice. A little inflexible, out of tune with the intelligence community. You have to be prepared." "I understand, I will start to familiarize myself with Wuchang's intelligence network as soon as possible..." At this time, Xun Xu suddenly frowned, and his expression became strange, "It's just..." "Just what?" Zhang Guan showed a curious expression. Xun Xu slowly breathed out a breath full of Jiangnan water vapor from his lungs, pinched his temple with his right hand habitually, and stretched out his left hand in a slightly embarrassed way: "Can you give me another Xingshen Pill?" In the next few days, with the help of Quezheng, Xun Xu has been investigating the entire state of Wu, the current political situation, economic policy, military system, people's livelihood and other aspects, in order to try to establish a good foundation for this country located on the south bank of the Yangtze River. An initial impression.At the same time, Xun Xu also frequently appeared in the banquets of various Soochow ministers, chatting with Wu people and understanding their thoughts.During this period, he was received by Sun Quan and received a tortoise shell as a reward. After a period of observation, Xun Xu's originally abstract Soochow became plump and real.He wrote in a letter to Pei Xu: "...After two transfers of power and decades of relatively stable rule, the progressive momentum cultivated by the Jiangdong regime since the Sun Jian era has been eroded by peace. The dual influence of historical and geographical reasons Soochow monarchs and ministers have a very contradictory mentality from the perspective of outsiders: "On the one hand, they are very proud—to some extent, they can also be called arrogant—from Lord Wu to the most grassroots civilians generally believe that any military action against Soochow is unthinkable. Their ideas have Its historical origin, since Sun Quan came to the throne, he has suffered several large-scale attacks from Cao Wei and our country, but in the end they all succeeded in repelling him smoothly. These victories are all indirectly or directly benefited from the Yangtze River. During the conversation, it can be found that the existence of the Yangtze River as a natural barrier has a profound impact on them both geographically and psychologically. The sense of security of the Yangtze River has weakened their sensitivity to external political changes, making them satisfied with the status quo and believing in this The situation will continue. "The irony is that, as two sides of a coin, this closed mentality not only gives Wu people a superior sense of security, but also becomes an obstacle to their outward development. Compared with the brilliant defensive battle, Soochow's external The record of using troops is appalling, either a complete failure - such as the Battle of Hefei in the 19th year of Jian'an; or a very chaotic strategic intention - such as the Battle of Shiting in the 6th year of Jianxing. Strategically, Soochow has nothing to gain except for consuming a lot of supplies. I think this may be caused by a very bad habit of Soochow generals: Soochow’s southern territory is similar to the situation in southern my country, where loose barbarian tribes are widely distributed , a considerable number of Soochow generals accumulated qualifications by suppressing barbarians. Therefore, Soochow’s military operations showed a distinctive feature of fighting against barbarians: they lacked a big strategic concept, only established numerous short-term strategic goals, and they never tired of it. This is different from our country The clear strategic goals form a stark contrast. "Because of this, the monarchs and ministers of Eastern Wu obviously had an ambivalence of arrogance and inferiority, which led to Wuchang's lack of a clear position in military and politics. They regarded themselves as an independent regime, but Confessing vassals to Cao Wei and our country revealed Wuchang’s lack of self-confidence in seeing itself as a local separatist regime relative to the central dynasty; and whenever the issue of professing vassals entered the substantive stage of operation, Wuchang immediately retreated to its original position— —It is as erratic as their military operations, without guiding principles. It makes everyone, even themselves, unpredictable. "This kind of external negativity and internal arrogance will eventually make Soochow's small circle more serious. Among the Wu officials I have contacted, most of them are showing strong complacency with Soochow's independent consciousness. Will this What kind of track will lead our venerable ally, and the next development trend is really interesting..."