Chapter 31 Chapter Thirty-One

"The others can't help, but my family may be able to give some advice. Your sons have been with you for many years, so they can have an opinion." Seeing Wang Jian's silence, the wife said again, "Why don't I talk to you again?" recommend someone to you?" "Who?" "Virtue." A smile suddenly appeared on Wang Jian's face: "It's a blessing to have you two these years." Then, he got up and patted his clothes, and said with a smile: "If you don't tell me, I will almost forget that I have been under his control these months. The two counties haven't seen each other for a long time. Don't worry about things, this Chinese New Year festival should also call him back for a glass of wine."

"Then you can have a drink to your heart's content. Our sisters are reunited with their families. It's just that you have to leave Faner to me." "How old is he, and you still pamper him like a child. None of my adopted sons is like him. The seven-foot man who grew up with me on the battlefield can't draw a bow or run a horse. Return After all, it’s not all you’re used to.” After that, he softened his heart and stroked his wife’s hair, “Then it’s up to you... It’s New Year’s Eve, I’ve wronged you..." Madam shook her head: "It doesn't matter. Although it's not peaceful now, you and I can see each other from time to time, so it doesn't hinder this meal. Compared with the painful days in Xuzhou, I'm content now... Don't drink too much. Drink more and come back earlier in the evening."

Wang Jian nodded, then put on his shoes, and let his adoptive son Zongji, his favorite general Wei Hongfu, Tian Shi, Jiang Zhi and others accompany him to entertain his wife and younger brother Zhou Dequan and his generals at the mansion. The banquet on New Year's Eve is casual and lively.Usually there is a ban on alcohol, but now that the ban is lifted, many generals drink to their heart's content. Wang Jian and Zhou Dequan sat aside. Although he raised his glass frequently, he didn't take a few sips.Yes, Yang Shouliang's post was just a trigger for his boredom.Of course, Wang Jian, who was born as a martial artist, would not be afraid of a Hongmen feast, not to mention that Li Shitai, Jin Hui, a group of generals, and a group of brave and courageous soldiers fought side by side with him.Wang Jian intends to adopt outstanding young generals as foster sons one after another, and organize those brave soldiers into a good team.Even if he really met Yang Shouliang in battle, he might not be afraid.What he worries about is the future of himself and these soldiers.In the next year, he is already forty years old.Thinking of the separatism of Jianghuai, thinking of the expansion of Zhu Wen and Li Keyong's power, and counting the only Lizhou City and thousands of soldiers in his hands, these years have been spent in wastage.If it was An Sheng's Taiping period, he would be the governor honestly and heal the people here, and he would be satisfied.But the present is such a chaotic world!He saw with his own eyes that the emperor was unable to protect himself, so what could a governor like him do?If there is another Huangchao uprising now, the imperial court may not be lucky enough to keep the title of the country again.What if Chang'an really changed hands?Do you trust the Ming Lord?Wang Jian looked around, except for the vassals and towns that took advantage of the troubled times, he didn't see a candidate with both ability and political integrity.Is it to emulate Liu Bei and dominate Sanchuan?Every time he thinks about it, although Wang Jian feels that he has the ability to protect one side, but looking at the current situation, he feels that the future is extremely bleak.If you can capture one or two states and counties, you may be able to expand your power, but first, you can’t find the name of the teacher; second, going south to Chengdu is too rich and huge; Gu Yanlang, who sits in Zizhou in the east, has a good relationship with him. It is precisely this Lizhou that is in the middle - if it is attacked by others, it will be difficult to protect itself... If you don't think about it, do it. , Wang Jian felt bored again, so he couldn't help but put a glass of wine into his stomach.

Dequan saw it in his eyes, and he could somewhat understand his brother-in-law's mood.Since he followed Wang Jian, more than ten years of fighting and killing made him gain knowledge and skills.In his eyes, brother-in-law is a person who can accomplish great things, but after this long turmoil subsides, it is really not what people want to be suffocated in a small county town. "Brother-in-law, don't be depressed. Thinking about it, Liu Xuande started his hegemony in half a hundred years, and Taigong was still able to fish safely in his seventies. Brother-in-law still has thousands of elite soldiers in his hands, so why didn't he think about separatist rule? Today is a troubled time, and warriors can still support soldiers, let alone Do you love the wise master who is a good soldier?"

"Why didn't I think about it? It's just that I really can't see through the current situation. The emperor's kindness to me is as great as a mountain, and I can't repay it if I die. But now the court is weak, and it can't order mountains and rivers from outside, and can't take charge of courtiers from inside," Wang Jian borrowed He lowered his voice with the strength of wine, "I'm really afraid that one day the owner of the Golden Throne in Chang'an City won't be surnamed Li, and the way out for our brothers..." "My humble opinion, whether it is from the side of the king or the support of God, you must never lack talents! Brother-in-law, you now have dozens of generals and many scholars. It seems that it is prosperous, but deep down Think about it, it’s hard to pick out a handsome strategist and a strategist with a wealth of resources!” In one sentence, just as Wang Jian’s heart was being said, he held half a glass of remnant wine and shook it slightly in the air.The beating of the candle flame was reflected in the wine glass, "Go on..."

"I have a hunch that the world will not be peaceful. If we want to live a peaceful life in this unstable world, we must rely on this." As he said, Dequan shook his fist, "Going back, this matter of rushing into battle will naturally have to be Leave it to the younger generation, you are an expert in leading soldiers to fight. In troubled times, wise men who rule the country are often useless, brother-in-law should recruit counselors who can make suggestions." Wang Jian nodded and said, "I'd forget if you didn't mention it. A few months ago, Wei Hongfu recommended a man surnamed Zhou to me. Call him to the house and ask him to compose a poem on the spot. If he is satisfied, he can be a tip for my house. Who would have thought that this person would say that he can’t compose poems. I asked him again, if I give you a county magistrate , How do you plan to govern. I never thought, this person replied that he has no potential to be an official. Hmph! I also counted on Xiao Weizi's face, and I missed him by a rich county, but later I heard that he did not take office at all I have forgotten about this round of things. Now that you mention it, I suddenly feel that this person seems a little weird."

A spark sparkled in De Quan's eyes: "Perhaps, as Hongfu said, this talent cannot be stopped by a county magistrate. I just said that a person who governs a country may not be able to plan the military. Govern a small county. In my opinion, my brother-in-law should see this man again." "Could it be that this man surnamed Zhou wants to be a hermit and doesn't want to come to me in this troubled world?" "No! If it is really a hermit, he will never come to see you!" Wang Jian pondered for a moment, and as if suddenly enlightened, he stroked the desk table: "Mao Sai suddenly understood! It seems that I am ignorant, the great sage is close at hand, but I almost missed it." He asked Tian Shi on the opposite table: "Deyi, What was the name of that scribe you and Hongfu met outside the city that day?"

Master Tian got up and saluted, "Master Hui, your name is Zhou Xiang." Wang Jian nodded with a smile, as if he already had a plan in mind.He stood up and said loudly: "Everyone, today is the end of the new year. After more than ten years of fighting and chaos, we can still pass the year in peace. Wang Jian is here to thank all the soldiers and gentlemen for their support over the years! "After that, he held up the wine cup.Everyone stood up, said peace, and drank wine. "Come here, serve some good wine!" After ordering, Wang Jian said again, "Everyone is happy today. I specially took out the 20-year-old wine sent by my old friend Dongchuan Jiedu Envoy Gu Gong to share with you. It's just... ..." Wang Jian looked around, everyone was red-faced, waiting intently for his next words, "It's just that I want to issue a special drinking order to see if anyone can tell a person's background."

Wei Hongfu asked: "I don't know which dynasty my lord wants to ask, and whose name is it?" "It's the literati you mentioned to me, Zhou Xiang. Of course, you can't come to deal with this drinking order." As soon as the voice fell, Zhang Jie stood up and said loudly: "There are so many great poets in this dynasty. At most, those of us who practice martial arts know Li Taibai and Du Gongbu or something. Where have we heard of this guy whose surname is Zhou? Brother, this is not clearly making things difficult for our brother who has no ink in his stomach. I think he is reluctant to part with these jars. Where's the wine!" One sentence caused the hall to burst into laughter.

The surroundings were silent for a long time, and suddenly they heard: "Zheng Xu is not talented, I would like to make this order to my lord, and get a jar of fine wine for General Zhang." "Look, at the critical moment, Mr. Zheng still understands my old Zhang's mind! Tell me quickly!" Zheng Xu asked Wei Hongfu with a smile: "Is this Zhou Xiang recommended by Hongfu to the lord from Yingchuan?" "Oh, exactly!" Wei Hongfu said respectfully to Zheng Xu. Zheng Xu smiled and said: "I didn't know the origin of this person and Hongfu. Since he is from Yingchuan, I guess he should be a genius I heard from a Taoist when I visited Yingchuan before." Zheng Xu twirled his beard, Then he said, "This man's ancestors have been farming for generations. It was not until his uncle Zhou Geng, seventeen years after the cold window, that the Zhou family produced the first scholar. Unfortunately, Zhou Geng failed to succeed in many trials. But later, I didn't know Master He Fang led the way and began to learn the art of war. After many years, he has achieved some accomplishments in this area. Zhou Xiang lost his mother at the age of three and lost his mother at the age of five. He was raised by his uncle. He is proficient in what his uncle has learned in his life. He is called a prodigy in the local area and is well-known to everyone. The lord also lived in Xuzhou, so he may have heard the story of a prodigy in Yingshui. Shu, who calls himself a lay scholar of Boya. It's a pity that he is full of enthusiasm and cannot be used by the court. If this person was born in the prosperous Kaiyuan era, he would be just a mediocre person. If he meets the Lord of Ming in troubled times, he will definitely be able to use the strategy of Boya." Speaking of this, he looked at Wei Hongfu again, "If you know the current situation of this person, you must recommend it to the lord!"

Wang Jian was stunned and said to himself, "Oh! I'm not Bole, so I almost missed a good horse!" Dequan hurriedly persuaded: "Brother-in-law, don't worry, I don't think this person may leave Lizhou." Wei Hongfu said: "My lord, forgive me. Boya is still staying at the Gubai Inn in the south of the city. I'll go and invite him right away." "No!" Wang Jian said, "I'll invite them in person tomorrow!" Today is New Year's Day.Wang Jian didn't close his eyes almost all night, and just after the fourth watch, he got up in a hurry, and concubine Ji helped him put on brand new clothes.So, they took Tian Shi, Jiang Zhi, Wei Hongfu and others out, and rode straight to the Gubai Inn in the south of the city. Although it was not yet dawn, a fire had already been lit in front of the inn, and the cage was steaming.Seeing that Wang Jian and his party were neatly dressed and all riding tall horses, Xiaoer rushed out to the middle of the street: "Guests, it's early in the morning, and I wish you New Year's greetings!" Wang Jian handed over the reins to the soldiers, and led a few generals into the store: "Small shopkeeper, how is the business going?" Wang Jian noticed that this was a single-storey store facing the street, at the corner of the street, without other roads. Somewhat secluded.The small building facing the street is used as a pavement, and there is a small courtyard behind the building, surrounded by two-story wooden buildings on three sides. Although simple, it can accommodate dozens of people. Xiaoer wiped a table of Eight Immortals clean with a rag, and replied: "Thanks to our new governor, the business of the small shop was not good in the past years, but there have been more buyers and sellers in the past six months. Although there are not many merchants eating here. , but there are quite a few people staying in the store. Sirs, this is the first day of the Lunar New Year, how about the store serve you some glutinous rice balls?" A few people secretly laughed at the side, thinking in their hearts that this little girl's flattery happened to hit the right place. Wang Jianle said: "Okay, I just haven't had breakfast yet. Here are five cages of steamed buns." After a while, glutinous rice balls and steamed buns were served.Wang Jian then asked the waiter in the shop: "Little shopkeeper, Master Ying Chuan Zhou lives in your shop?" "Yo, this master is very well informed. Yes, yes, Mr. Zhou has lived here for half a year. He gets up very early every day, and goes out of the city after breakfast. He doesn't come back until he lights up the lamp. No," Xiao Er said. Pointing to the drawer on the pot, "The small shop makes breakfast so early, and it's also for Mr. Zhou. Oh, look, Cao Cao is coming, no, Mr. Zhou is here—" When Wang Jian heard it, he was pleasantly surprised, his heart thumped, and he looked in the direction of Xiaoer Nuzui, and a middle-aged man walked out of the backyard.Just like Wang Jian's impression when he first saw him, at first glance, he didn't think there was anything special about his appearance. He had small eyes and a seven-foot figure, but his piercing eyes, strong arms and plain white clothes were all very impressive. It seems that this person is full of spirit and different. Wang Jian quickly stood up, and bowed deeply to the visitor: "Wang Jian came here without invitation, and came here to pay a visit to Mr." Zhou Xiang stepped back two steps quickly, and saluted deeply: "I don't know that the governor is coming, Zhou Xiang is rude!" With one sentence, the little second in his hand slipped a bowl in his hand to the ground and smashed it to pieces. "I was negligent in the past, but this time I came to apologize, and I want to invite my husband to come out of the mountain..." "Hehehe..." Zhou Xiang's hearty voice lingered in the shop, "General Wang is really a bold person. Xiang has heard the name of General for a long time, and we are destined to meet again today. If the general does not give up, please go to bed to tell the story." "Please—" Saying that, the two went to the backyard side by side.The glutinous rice balls on the table were still steaming, and Xiao Er was too scared to speak. When they came to a bright room, Zhou Xiang ordered his servants to serve tea, and the two sat opposite each other in front of a coffee table.Wang Jian felt that Zhou Xiang was willing to follow him, and couldn't hold back the joy in his heart. He was eager to know what kind of current "Longzhong couple" this literati highly recommended by Wei Hongfu and Zheng Xu could plan for him. Zhou Xiang, however, was a straightforward person, straight to the point and said: "Xiang has admired the general's reputation for a long time, and he also knows that the general is a virtuous corporal. He resigned the day before yesterday, not because he was rude, but because he wanted to have a chance to talk to the general. It's a pity that Zhou Xiang is not right. Mao Sui, how dare you knock on the door twice to recommend yourself. I thought to myself that if the general can calm the virtuous lord of one side, I, Zhou Xiang, would have the courage to be a prince fishing by the river. But I never thought that the general would come here in the early morning of the Spring Festival. I feel a little guilty." Wang Jian saw the full confidence in this person's words, and his previous doubts disappeared by three points: "Sir, what did you say? I should be the one who feels wronged by the Magi!" Suddenly, Zhou Xiang changed the subject and went straight to the point: "General, have you thought about being king?" Wang Jian was taken aback by this sudden question, and instinctively concealed the grand blueprint that he wanted to think about but didn't dare to think about, and hurriedly said : "Don't dare! It is enough for my ancestors to be farmers and merchants today. The emperor treats me like a benevolent father. I only want to repay my kindness. How dare I have the thought of disobedience?" Zhou Xiang smiled: "The king is the one who puts the people at ease! How can princes and generals be rich and honored by God? If the general has no ambition to control the people, how can Xiang speak from the bottom of his heart?" After finishing speaking, he stood up, walked slowly to the window, and looked out the window The rising sun... Wang Jian then stood up and bowed deeply behind Zhou Xiang: "Sir, don't blame me. Wang Jianzhi is making great achievements, but he is lost in the current troubled times. Wang Jian wishes to hear the heart of Mr. Wang!" Zhou Xiang let out a long breath, as if this was the moment he had been looking forward to for a long time.He turned around and looked into Wang Jian's longing eyes. He was full of confidence but said slowly: "Since ancient times, the world has not been ruled by the king alone, but by the people. Those who are virtuous to the people will gain it, and those who lose their virtue to the people will gain it." Those who lose it. In ancient times, there was the first emperor who swept Liuhe, how magnificent! However, the people of Li could not live, and they were only passed on to the second generation. Dynasties have changed, and the people are the foundation! Today the imperial court is weak, wars are rife, and the citizens are terrified. It is not peace. The generals are impressive. Now, Tang Zuo is about to end, and those who have territory will be devoured as they please. It is not a tool to help the world! The general has the skills to control the crowd, and he can make decisions in the face of the situation. When facing difficulties independently, the Duke of the Ming Dynasty controls the dragon, crawls on the plank road, and follows the imperial seal. When dealing with adversity and danger, diligence is also the best. And the discussion To be rewarded for meritorious deeds is nothing more than to be an assassin. Now guarding a corner, called the people of Huairou, there are dangers everywhere! If you don’t have the ambition to change today, you don’t know how to survive in a chaotic world! Sitting and waiting for embarrassment is not a sign of a gentleman changing! ——This It is the heart and soul of Xiang!" The words touched Wang Jian's heart: "Mr.'s words hit the nail on the head! I am worried about my future now. The Shannan Jiedu Envoy has long been wary of me, and it is inevitable to meet with each other. I have already planned to contact my neighbors and defend Lizhou to the death. City, in order to strengthen the power to contend with it. But I don't know how to make this battle famous, how to be well-rounded. This is all for advice, sir!" Instead of answering directly, Zhou Xiang took out a silk picture from his cuff and displayed it on the coffee table.Wang Jian saw that it was the topographic map of Sanchuan.Zhou Xiang pointed to Lizhou and said to Wang Jian: "Lizhou is a place with four meetings and five developments. It is also the suburb of Jiameng's four wars. It is not a place of long-term peace. If there is a change in the court, if the king does not treat people badly, people will treat you badly. If Xiang makes a plan, the general can map Langzhou. If this battle is successful, it can be used to map the two rivers!" "Langzhou? Master wants me to lead an army to take Langzhou?" "That's right! Langzhou is remote and rich, and the land is dangerous and the people are rich. Yang Xing moved to guard Langzhou today, but it was Chen Jingxuan and Tian Lingzi of Xichuan. Slightly. If Duke Ming comes to him, he can be captured with one blow! Langzhou belongs to Dongchuan, and Yang Shouliang can’t do anything to harm Duke Ming. The second benefit is to gain an important town that is easy to defend and difficult to attack, and to rest and live in it to observe the world. If there is a big change, Dongchuan, or even Xichuan, this is the third benefit. With these three benefits, Minggong must not lose it!" Looking at the place called Langzhou on the map, Wang Jian sighed: "The long night is long, and you are lost. If you do something, sir, it will be a fire in the night!" As the sun rose gradually, the children waiting outside finally saw Wang Jian and Zhou Xiang walking out side by side.At this time, Wang Jian already had a clear plan in mind.He vaguely felt that Zhou Xiang could not only solve his urgent problems, but more importantly, he could even help him realize the dream that he couldn't even imagine! "Little shopkeeper, today's Lantern Festival is the best breakfast I've ever had in my life!" He said with a laugh, and asked Jiang Zhi to hand over a sling of copper coins to the waiter.Walking out of the inn, Wang Jian personally led a horse for Zhou Xiang to ride on.The group returned to the governor's mansion.