On a pavilion on the south bank of Xiangshui, Liu Qi, the eldest son of Jingzhou Mu Liu Biao, is sitting opposite to the young Zhuge Liang, the tandoor is warm with the pulp wine mixed with preserved fruits, and the food table is placed with various colors of crushed meat (meat jelly), and a group of cranes dance on the tidal flat not far away, and from time to time there is a burst of crane singing in the empty pavilion. However, the two people present did not seem to be interested in tasting wine and enjoying cranes. saw Liu Qi, who was dressed in green clothes, holding a wine bottle with an expression that wanted to talk to Zhuge Liang but didn't know how to speak. Zhuge Liang, who was dressed in white, turned a blind eye to Liu Qi's "want to speak and stop", and shook a feather fan that did not match his age and looked at the snow scene.

Seeing that the atmosphere of the scene gradually fell into embarrassment, there was a sudden sound of ping-pong downstairs. Zhuge Liang couldn't help but follow the prestige, only to see that the two soldiers were quickly removing the only staircase leading downstairs. Seeing this, Zhuge Liang quietly turned his head and cast an inquiring look at Liu Qi, who was sitting opposite.

At this time, Liu Qi could no longer pretend to be calm, so he had to put down the wine bottle and look at Zhuge Liang Zhengsedao, "Today it will not go to the sky, it will not go to the earth, it will go out of the mouth of the king, and it will enter the ears of Qi, and you can give teaching." ”

It turned out that although Liu Qi was Liu Biao's eldest son, he was quite fond of Liu Biao. However, her stepmother, Mrs. Cai, wanted her own son Liu Cong to inherit the family business, and secretly designed to frame Liu Qi many times. Liu Qi is cowardly and indecisive by nature. He did not dare to openly oppose his stepmother, and he was unwilling to give up the inheritance to his younger brother. In addition, Mrs. Cai's maiden family is a wealthy family in Jingzhou, and her brother Cai Mao is not only Liu Biao's military advisor, but also holds the heavy army of the water division. In desperation, Liu Qi had to send someone to invite Zhuge Liang to discuss the matter. But who knew that after Zhuge Liang arrived in Xiangyang, he had been unwilling to give him ideas. Out of respect for Zhuge Liang's talent and character, Liu Qi did not use the identity of the assassin Shi Gongzi to force the other party to give advice for himself. But it's not a thing to hang like this all the time. So after some thought, Liu Qi came up with the current trick of "going to the house and pumping the ladder". Because in his opinion. The reason why Zhuge Liang was reluctant to show him the way was because he was afraid that the wall would have ears. At this time, there are only two people left in the attic, Zhuge Liang should not refuse himself anymore.

Sure enough, seeing that the stairs were moved, Zhuge Liang shook his head helplessly. He put the feather fan in his hand on the case, sighed and said, "Doesn't Gongzi hear about Shen Sheng and Heavy Ears?" Li Ji disaster country. Shen Sheng died inside, and Chong'er was at peace outside. ”

Although he had spoken a few words, Zhuge Liang opened a new train of thought for Liu Qi. Liu Qi lowered his head and pondered for a moment. He asked further. "According to Kong Ming's opinion, how can Qi Dang avoid trouble?"

Zhuge Liang picked up the feather fan and said leisurely on the food table, "Jiang Xia." ”

"Jiang Xia?" Liu Qi looked up puzzled.

Zhuge Liang shook the feather fan and further pointed out, "The day before yesterday, Huang Zu was destroyed by Sun Ce because he helped Liu Xun. Now that Jiangxia has no one to defend it, why don't you say anything, and beg the soldiers to guard Jiangxia. then you can avoid trouble. ”

Liu Qi thought about it after hearing this, but still shook his head: "Although it is a clever plan to garrison Jiangxia, how can Qi be Sun Ce's opponent?" ”

"Childe forgot about Lujiang Liu Bei?" Zhuge Liang's expression was pale. He said eloquently, "Liu Bei." Brilliant people, the royal family, the world's talented. If the son gets his help, are you still afraid of Sun Cehu? ”

To tell the truth, although Liu Bei has always regarded himself as the descendant of Queen Jing of Hanzhong, most of the warlords of the family took this matter as a joke behind their backs a few years ago. It was not until Liu Bei's strength gradually grew in the past three years, successively serving as Xuzhou Mu, Yuzhou Mu, Zuo General, and even occupying Lujiang as a base that everyone began to officially recognize his clan identity. Just like Liu Qi at this time, he really regarded Liu Bei, who had never met before, as his own uncle. Thinking that he could still have such a "backer" to win over, Liu Qi suddenly became energetic. But seeing that he was overjoyed, he looked at Zhuge Liang and said, "Thank you Kong Ming for your teaching!" ”

has opened the knot in his heart and looked for a future move, Liu Qi has restored the demeanor of the beautiful son of the past. not only quickly ordered someone to retrieve the ladder, but also personally sent Zhuge Liang back to his grand house in a carriage. Along the way, the two tacitly only talked about Fengyue, not the world. However, just as Zhuge Liang said goodbye to Liu Qi and turned around and walked into the small courtyard, a familiar voice suddenly came to mind in his ears.

"Kong Ming, you can make it hard to wait."

Zhuge Liang looked up and saw his friend Xu Shu standing in the middle of the courtyard, looking at him with a wry smile. Zhuge Liang, who was quite surprised, stepped forward to lead Xu Shu into the house, and asked casually, "When did Yuan Zhi come to Xiangyang?" Why don't you let people know it's going to shine out. ”

"It's noon. Listening to the little guy, Kong Ming went to the mansion of Prince Qi. He rested here for half a day. After Xu Shu sat down, he raised his chin towards the door and asked, "It was Qi Gongzi who was in the car just now?" ”

"It's Qi Gongzi." Zhuge Liang nodded bluntly and said, "Gongzi invites Liang to go to enjoy the cranes." ”

"Snow watching and crane watching? Kong Ming is good Yaxing. can be so appreciated by the prince of Qi, the virtuous brother must have entered the shogunate's mansion. Xu Shu said half-jokingly and half-provocatively.

How do you know that Zhuge Liang waved his hand proudly and said: "Gongzi's Mansion is not what it looks like." ”

When Xu Shu saw Zhuge Liang confessing like this, he couldn't help but wonder, "Since the virtuous brother has no intention of assisting Liu Qi, why didn't he say goodbye that day and let Xuande go for nothing?" ”

Zhuge Liang didn't answer Xu Shu directly, but just asked casually: "Xuande Gong doesn't want to come to Jingzhou?" ”

After reading the letter left by the virtuous brother, Xuan Degong also thought it was a clever idea. It's just that Liu Biao has been in Jingzhou for many years, and there are many generals, how did Xuande Gong get into Jingzhou. Xu Shu smiled bitterly.

"Yuan Zhi doesn't need to worry too much. There's a great opportunity in front of us. After that, Zhuge Liang told everything that had happened before.

After listening to what Zhuge Liang said, Xu Shu first pondered for a moment, then suddenly raised his head and stared at Zhuge Liang for a long time, as if he wanted to see his friend's mind thoroughly. However, Zhuge Liang was not looked at Mao by his gaze that pointed directly at people's hearts, but cast a calm and idle gaze at Xu Shu. After a while, Xu Shu finally came back to his senses and said in a sighing tone, "Kong Ming is really in Xiangyang, his heart is in Lujiang, and he misunderstands his virtuous brother for his brother." Making friends with Liu Qi is indeed a shortcut to Jingzhou. I'm afraid, Cai's is a hindrance from it, separating Liu Biao's father and son. made Liu Biao even more disgusted with Xuande Gong. ”

"Xuande Gong doesn't need to rush into Jingzhou. As long as you are friendly with Liu Qi, you can slowly draw it. Zhuge Liang said confidently.

"Why did Kong Ming say this?" Xu Shu put on an expression of willingness to hear about it. The previous oolong incident in Lujiang made Xu Shu a little uneasy in addition to being embarrassed. Although Liu Bei paid more attention to Zhuge Liang after reading the message. But Xu Shu always felt that Zhuge Liang was a little wavering. It wasn't until Zhuge Liang talked about how to persuade Liu Qi to befriend Liu Bei just now that Xu Shu realized that the young man in front of him was not small. It is important to know that there are two kinds of counselors in this world. One is to realize the strategy for the lord, and the other is to let the lord realize his own strategy. Zhuge Liang is undoubtedly the latter. On the surface, today it seems that Liu Qi lured Zhuge Liang to "go to the house". begged him to show him the way out, and cut off his back road with the act of "drawing a ladder" to dispel Zhuge Liang's concerns. Substantively. But it was Zhuge Liang who took advantage of Liu Qi's eagerness to protect himself. lured Liu Qi to release Jiangxia, and used Mrs. Cai to cut off his back road, forcing him to take the initiative to befriend Liu Bei. laid the groundwork for Liu Bei and Liu Biao to make friends in the future. This kind of strategy is indeed comparable to Guan Zhong and Le Yi. At least Xu Shu himself lacks the corresponding heart and talent to promote the situation in the world. So at this time, he no longer talked much, but listened attentively to Zhuge Liang's next high opinion.

At this time, in front of Xu Shu, Zhuge Liang naturally didn't have to hide his purpose. But he didn't shy away from saying, "In the past, Cao Cao attacked Lu Bu. Liu Biao is not a coward; Now in the battle of Guandu, Yuan Shao was not saved, so it can be seen that he was only a self-defending. There is no ambition in all directions. However, Cao Cao's ambition is intended for the world. Once Yuan Shao is exterminated, he will definitely go south to crusade against Jingzhou. Liu Biao, who is wide on the outside and taboo on the inside, is scheming and indecisive, and is by no means Cao Cao's enemy. Xuande Gong is a man of the world, if he can join hands with Liu Biao's father and son to save Jingzhou in danger, why not let the people of Jingzhou return to their hearts. ”

Xu Shu listened to what Zhuge Liang said, and his heart couldn't help but tremble. Zhuge Liang's plan is undoubtedly to let Liu Beique occupy the dove's nest. But considering that Liu Biao's ability is not enough to rule Jingzhou in troubled times, it is not impossible to let Liu Bei, a "finch" with great ambitions, replace the "dove" who is not enterprising. It's just that Zhuge Liang's analysis was too optimistic to Xu Shu after all, so he took over the conversation and said: "Yuan Shao has been in Jizhou for many years, and his foundation is quite deep, how can it be broken overnight?" ”

"Yuan Zhi forgot Qingzhou Cai Ji?" Zhuge Liang first asked Xu Shu rhetorically, and then inferred, "The wedding of Cai Ji and Cao Cao's second son is imminent, once the Cao and Cai families form an alliance, Yuan Shao will be defeated by Guandu." However, as Yuan Zhi said, the hundred-legged insect will not stiffen until death, and Yuan Shao will not admit defeat. It would take Cao Cairen several years to pacify the four states of Hebei. Cao Cao is a traitor in troubled times, knows how to strategize, and has ambitions in the world. Although Cai Ji is a woman, she also has the ambition of the Quartet and is unwilling to be trapped in a corner of the coast. Therefore, Cao Cao will most likely occupy Sili, Jizhou and other large states first, and then instigate Cai Ji and Yuan Shao's remnants to fight for seclusion and peace. With Cai Ji to contain Yuan Shao's troops, Cao Cao can safely transfer troops south to crusade against Liu Biao. ”

"Kong Ming has a point." Xu Shu, who suddenly became enlightened, nodded again and again, "It seems that the decisive battle of Guandu is imminent." ”

"I don't come out of the spring of the next year." Zhuge Liang asserted again.

"Why so fast?" Xu Shu exclaimed.

Zhuge Liang said disappreciably: "Cai Ji has the ambition to chase the deer, so he must have been prepared. Even if he sends troops to Qingzhou at this moment, Liang will not be surprised. ”

Hearing Zhuge Liang mention Cai Ji, Xu Shu couldn't help but think of Pang Tong, who had already served Cai Ji, and immediately sighed and said with emotion, "Shiyuan is under Cai Ji's tent, presumably at this moment, waiting for a blockbuster." ”

Seeing Xu Shu mention Pang Tong, a trace of throbbing flashed in Zhuge Liang's eyes. Among the children of Lumen, Zhuge Liang has always been the closest to Pang Tong and the most sympathetic. Although Zhuge Liang did not join Pang and defect to Donglai back then, the correspondence between the two has not been broken over the years. In the letter, Pang Tong introduced how Cai Ji restored the livelihood of the war-torn Qing and Xu prefectures and turned them into world-famous granaries. It introduces how Huangxian County has gradually changed from a small coastal city to the largest port in the world - Longkou City. He even talked about his previous experience of following Cai Ji into Beijing and participating in the Battle of Wancheng. Compared with Zhuge Liang, who has been cultivating and studying in Longzhong for a long time, Pang Tong can be regarded as a little famous, and his record is outstanding. But Zhuge Liang never responded to Pang Tong's repeated invitations. In addition, since last year, Pang Tong has never sent a letter to Zhuge Liang. Zhuge Liang, who was very worried, also asked someone to inquire about Pang Tong's news. However, except for learning that Pang Tong had gone north to Youzhou with Cai Ji, there was no news from him. Although Zhuge Liang was also a little worried about Pang Tong, he also believed that with Pang Tong's talent, no matter what kind of difficulties he encountered, he could turn danger into relief.

Therefore, Zhuge Liang immediately calmed down, and half-jokingly said to Xu Shu: "Maybe Shiyuan is talking to Cai Ji about Jingzhou, Liu Biao, and Xuandegong." ”

"This is the master of each man." Xu Shu nodded and sighed again. As a strategist, Xu Shu knows that no matter how affectionate a friend is, once he joins a different camp, he must put the interests of his own lord first, otherwise he will be disloyal. Even if the respective lords and dukes are allied, it does not mean that the two sides can open their hearts to this. Not to mention the place where every prince is fighting for death in this troubled era. Because of this, Xu Shu will do everything possible to introduce Zhuge Liang into Liu Bei's camp. In fact, the reason why Xu Shu chose to serve Liu Bei was also influenced by Zhuge Liang. Because he really didn't want to be the enemy of the young man in front of him on the battlefield. Fortunately, Zhuge Liang's words and deeds today strongly prove that he will unswervingly follow Liu Bei. As for Pang Tong, another young man who Xu Shu admired, he was already in the opposite camp. Even if they meet in the future, they will have to be their own masters.

While Xu Shu sighed to himself, he was actually reminding Zhuge Liang to pay attention to his position. With Zhuge Liang's intelligence, he couldn't hear the voice of Xu Shu's words. However, Zhuge Liang has a picture scroll in his chest. The reason why he repeatedly ignored Pang Tong's invitation, politely refused Liu Qi's wooing, turned a blind eye to Cao Cao's recruitment order, and chose Liu Bei as the main was just to realize the picture in his heart. Therefore, his position is naturally different from Xu Shu's, and the angle of looking at the problem is even more different. However, before the time was ripe, Zhuge Liang did not plan to reveal the picture scroll in his heart and his plan to Xu Shuhe. So at this time, he just quipped slyly: "I can't be sure, Shiyuan will become a tribute." ”

Xu Shu said this to Zhuge Liang, and couldn't help but confidently imagine Pang Tong wearing a dress to praise at the wedding. Although he knew that this was just a small joke by Zhuge Liang, he couldn't help laughing: "Poofhaha, Kong Ming, Kong Ming, Shi Yuan has to settle accounts with you after hearing it." However, Cai Ji of Qingzhou is the same age as Kong Ming, and now he is about to get married. But I don't know, Kong Ming can have a sweetheart, when will he get married? ”

Zhuge Liang wanted to take advantage of the situation to open the topic, but he never thought that Xu Shu would ask about his marriage. Rao is Zhuge Liang talked eloquently before, pointing out the country, boasting that he was more literary than Guan Zhong, and martial arts Le Yi's posture, but at this time, he still couldn't hold his face like an ordinary teenager, and he made a big red face on the spot. Seeing that his cheeks were crimson, he repeatedly declared, "Liang is still young, and it is still early to get married, too early." (To be continued)