"I didn't expect that old lady to be suspicious......

That night, after returning to the post house in the city, Zhao Yu walked around the house with his hands behind his back, carefully recalling the scene in Mao's house today.

Although he was a little nervous at the time, he calmed down and thought about it at the moment, and he felt that things were not bad.

After all, according to his feelings, the old lady Mao could see a little bit of his father's shadow of the Luyang townsman from the contours of his face, even if he was suspicious, he would not be forced to take off the mask, right?

Despite thinking so, Zhao Yu still took out a bamboo tube from his bag.

When you open the lid, you can see that it contains something that looks like red clay.

These red mud are mainly a mixture of white rice mashed and mixed with red dye, which Zhao Yu ordered He Shun to prepare when he was in Black Tiger Mountain a few days ago, specifically to prevent Taishi Chen.

Compared to the mixture of human blood that has been used, this mixture of red clay smells less.

"Let's be careful tomorrow."

Glancing at the red mud, Zhao Yu thought secretly in his heart.

Early the next morning, Zhao Yu got up early and made a disguise according to the bronze mirror.

Unlike last time, this time he wiped the top half of his face.

When he was almost ready, He Shun came to knock on the door outside his room, and it turned out that Taishi Chen sent someone to call him for dinner.

Around two o'clock, Taishi Chen took Zhao Yu and his party to Mao's house again, and Mao Zheng, who lived at home last night, had already come to wait at the courtyard gate.

After greeting each other, Mrs. Chen asked Mao Zheng, "Zizheng, is the old lady up?" ”

Mao Zheng said respectfully: "Mother has already gotten up and is waiting for the boss in the house. ”

With that, he led Taishi Chen and Zhao Yu into the house.

When she entered the house and saw Mrs. Mao, Mrs. Mao looked at Zhao Yu carefully as she did yesterday, although Zhao Yu had a countermeasure today, she was still muttered in her heart by the old lady's gaze.

However, unlike yesterday, Mrs. Mao didn't say anything today, but glanced at Zhao Yu from time to time, and she could see that she was thinking about something.

Just as Zhao Yu was muttering secretly, Mao Zheng took his younger brother Mao Bing to Taishi Chen's side, and arched his hand and said, "Boss, I'll go to the street with my brother." ”

It turned out that in view of the fact that Taishi Chen planned to go outside the city to worship Gong Mao today yesterday, Mao Zheng planned to take advantage of the time when Taishi Chen and the old lady chatted to buy some sacrifices in the city.

"Hmm."

The old lady nodded, and immediately, he suddenly turned his head to Zhao Yu and said, "Juzheng, you can take someone with Zizheng and them, help bring something." ”

"No, no, no." Mao Gong's second son, Mao Bing, waved his hand again and again, but the old lady didn't seem to hear it.

『…… Is this to break me apart?'

Zhao Yu glanced at the old lady quietly, and agreed, after all, as a junior, he really couldn't refuse.

However, he has made up his mind, no matter what, he will insist that it has nothing to do with the Luyang Zhao family, after all, his true identity is too sensitive, once the Chen Taishi in front of him knows that he is the second son of the Luyang Township Marquis Mansion, then, Chen Taishi will immediately associate his identity with Tong Yan's death.

Although Taishi Chen will most likely not do anything to him for the death of a Tong Yan, I believe that this old lady will definitely take him, a 'dangerous person', with him at that time, and in this way, Zhao Yu's plan of 'accumulating strength and waiting for an opportunity to raise troops against the Jin State' will obviously be in vain.

Facts have proved that Zhao Yu's guess was quite accurate, because as soon as he walked on his front foot, Taishi Chen asked the old lady about yesterday's incident: "Brother and sister, do you know that little guy Zhou Hu?" Why did you admit your mistake yesterday? ”

Hearing this, Mrs. Mao shook her head and said with a smile: "I don't know each other." …… It's just that Zhou Duwei reminds me of a junior. ”

"Oh?" Taishi Chen asked with interest, "Which junior?" If I have the chance, I can take care of him. ”

Mrs. Mao hesitated for a moment, then shook her head, and said with a little sadness and reminiscence: "The Taishi is kind to me on behalf of the junior...... That junior was my nephew, but unfortunately he passed away a few years ago. ”

Seeing this, Taishi Chen was quite surprised.

Because he keenly noticed that the wife of this old best friend in front of him only hesitated for a moment, as if she was hiding something.

Although he was puzzled, when it came to this, he obviously couldn't ask any more, so he nodded and said, "Please mourn." ”

About an hour later, Zhao Yu and his entourage, Mao Zheng and Mao Bing returned with many sacrificial things.

To be honest, when he stepped into this hall again, Zhao Yu was still a little apprehensive in his heart, after all, he didn't know if Taishi Chen and Old Madam Mao had mentioned any fatal topics during the time he was away.

But to his surprise, the atmosphere in the hall remained the same, as if nothing had happened.

Everyone chatted for a while, and then everyone was ready to leave for the Mao Cemetery outside the city.

During this period, Mrs. Mao passed by Zhao Yu with the support of her daughter-in-law, and said with a chuckle: "Zhou Duwei, when the old man was chatting with the Taishi, he mentioned that Zhou Duwei is very similar to a nephew who died in the early years, Zhou Duwei should not be surprised." ”

"Where, Where, ......"

Zhao Yu smiled and shook his head to show that he didn't mind, but he didn't feel right when he said it.

This is ...... Is it worth this old lady Mao to deliberately apologize to him?

Not to mention that this is a trivial matter at all, if this old lady doesn't mention it, he won't know about it at all, there must be an apology?

"Is it ......?"

Zhao Yu raised his head suddenly, but found that the old lady smiled at him, and then walked to the carriage outside the courtyard with the support of his daughter-in-law.

At the same time, Taishi Chen was about to get into the carriage with Mao Zheng's support, and suddenly caught a glimpse of the scene where Mrs. Mao and Zhao Yu were talking, and she was slightly stunned.

He asked Mao Zheng softly: "Zizheng, a few years ago, did a nephew in Lingtang pass away?" ”

"Huh?" Mao Zheng's face was full of confusion, and he frowned and said, "Nephew? Where is the nephew? I really don't know about this, I'll ask my mother later......"

"That's not necessary."

Taishi Chen looked at Zhao Yu in the distance with deep meaning, smiled slightly, and boarded the carriage.

The day was spent peacefully.

The group calmly went outside the city, calmly worshiped Mao Gong, and then calmly returned to the city, nothing happened.

And since then, Taishi Chen has never tried anything to Zhao Yu, and mentioned anything, just like he no longer mentioned the matter of 'Yizi'.

After everyone returned to Mao's house, Mrs. Chen proposed to Mrs. Mao to move and move the grave, but Mrs. Mao politely refused, she said that his old man had been a county magistrate in Ye County for 20 years before his death, and he was buried outside Ye County after his death, and she did not want to move to live elsewhere.

Seeing this, Taishi Chen said: "Recently, my son General Xue Ao led the army to Nanyang County to quell the rebellion, and the war may affect Ye County. ”

However, Mrs. Mao still politely declined, and only solemnly entrusted her eldest son Mao Zheng to Mrs. Chen.

Helpless, Taishi Chen could only give up.

During this period, Zhao Yu was like an outsider, and he was not mentioned at all.

The next day, Zhao Yu got up in the morning and saw Yang Ding, the county magistrate of Ye County, who came to meet Chen Taishi, in the hall of the post house.

"Zhou Hu?!"

Seeing Zhao Yu, Yang Ding and the others were also surprised, and Wei Chi, who was following behind Yang Ding, frowned and asked, "Why are you here?" ”

"How?" Zhao Yu glanced at Gao Chun, who was following behind Yang Ding, with a smile, and asked with a smile, "Didn't County Lieutenant Gao mention Zhou's matter?" ”

Seeing Yang Ding and Wei Chi turn their heads, Gao Chun couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed.

That's right, because he was shocked by the fact that the imperial master went to Taye County that day, when Gao Chun sent someone to send a letter to Yang Ding, he only briefly mentioned the matter of Chen Taishi, and did not mention Zhao Yu.

Just when the atmosphere between the two sides was deadlocked, I heard the old lady say lightly: "Okay, Ju is to escort the old man to Ye County." …… The old man knows that the two of you have been a little dirty in the past, and it seems that the old man's face is not to be blamed by Yang County. ”

As soon as he heard this, the corners of Zhao Yu's mouth couldn't help but rise.

Although he was frightened in front of Taishi Chen these days, it was not without benefits, no, the words of the old lady were obviously on his side.

"What if you have the princess behind you?"

Looking at Yang Ding, whose face was slightly ugly, Zhao Yu's heart couldn't help but swell a little.

Once upon a time, he didn't dare to offend this Yang Ding too much, what he was afraid of was the backer Wang Taishi Wang Ying behind this Yang Ding, but now, he is also a person with a backer, and his backer Chen Taishi and that Wang Taishi are still political enemies in the DPRK and China.

If it weren't for not wanting to look too proud, Zhao Yu couldn't help but laugh out loud.

Looking at Zhao Yu, who was holding back a smile, Yang Ding's face was really ugly, after all, he could also hear it, and Taishi Chen's words were obviously on the side of this Zhou Hu......

"I haven't seen you for half a year, not to mention that this guy has become the captain of Yingchuan, but he has actually climbed to Taishi Chen......

Taking a deep look at Zhao Yu, Yang Ding felt more and more headaches.

After all, he and Zhou Hu on the other side have had a grudge for a long time.

"Alright, Yang County Order, let's continue to talk about the rebels. …… Sit down and listen. ”

"Yes." Zhao Yu and Yang Ding both arched their hands.

After that, Yang Ding told Chen Taishi and Zhao Yu about the current battle situation in Nanyang County.

Unlike the 'Battle of Liangcheng' that had ended, the war on Nanyang's side continued, and after the Jingchu Yishi and the Changsha Yishi converged, they attacked the Nanyang army in front and back, causing the Nanyang general Wang Shangde to be in a difficult situation, and once fell to the point where he needed to send troops to help from the counties in the county - and Yang Ding also led the army to support his brother together with Wang Shangde's brother Wang Yan.

Half an hour later, after Yang Ding finished telling the battle situation in Nanyang County, Chen Taishi nodded and said: "The old man brought 200,000 troops this time, which are commanded by the eldest son Zou Zan and the second son Xue Ao, among them, Xue Ao's more than 50,000 troops will support Nanyang in a few days...... Yang County Commander may wish to send someone to inform General Wang. ”

"Yes." Yang Ding replied.

The next day, Yang Ding came to the post house again to meet Chen Taishi, and after he left, Chen Taishi summoned Zhao Yu to the front and said, "It seems that you and Yang Ding have a rather bad relationship?" ”

Zhao Yu asked in surprise, "Why did the old man say this?" ”

Seeing this, the old lady explained: "Yang Ding came to see the old man, and asked the old man if he knew that you had a private agreement with Guan Shuo, causing Guan Shuo to abandon Kunyang and attack Ye County......

"You actually framed me behind your back......

Zhao Yu secretly scolded Yang Ding in his heart.

But he wasn't worried, after all, the old lady in front of him already knew about it.

He asked curiously, "How did the old man reply to him?" ”

I saw the old lady brushing her long gray hair, and said lightly: "I said, the old man knows." ”

Zhao Yu almost burst out laughing.

He was very curious about what Yang Ding's expression was at that time, and he must have been very depressed.

After another three or five days like this, around March 15, Xue Ao took Li Meng, the governor of Henan, and led 8,000 Taiyuan troops and 50,000 Henan troops to Yexian and joined Chen Taishi, Zhao Yu and others.

As Zhao Yu guessed, in view of the rout of the 'Battle of Liangcheng', Chen Miao had ordered a complete withdrawal to Chen County, so Xue Ao and Li Meng recovered Yanling and Linying without much effort, and then separated from the Yingchuan army led by Wang Qing when recovering Dingling, the latter led the Yingchuan army to recover Zhaoling, while Xue Ao and Li Meng went straight to Yexian with nearly 60,000 troops.

It is no exaggeration to say that Yingchuan County has almost completely repelled the threat of the rebels.

Of course, even if the rebels are repulsed, but the follow-up mess still needs to be cleaned up by Yingchuan County, and the most urgent thing is to restore the agricultural affairs of the counties as soon as possible, and strive to catch up with this year's spring ploughing.

Therefore, Chen Taishi specially told Zhao Yu again: "After you return to Xuchang, you should organize people to resume the agricultural affairs of the counties as soon as possible, and if there is a dispute over the ownership of the field, put it on hold for the time being, and be sure to plant the grain." …… This is not only about Yingchuan, but also about other counties. ”

Finally, he could withdraw and return to Yingchuan, and Zhao Yu naturally agreed to come down one by one.

By the way, before returning to Yingchuan County, Zhao Yu received an invitation from Xue Ao to get together with Li Meng, Mao Zheng, and Mao Zheng's younger brother Mao Bing for a drink.

Because it was a gathering between peers, Xue Ao didn't call Taishi Chen, but he didn't call Yang Ding either, which is very interesting.

Obviously, this is a gathering of the 'Chen family' family, and Yang Ding, the county commander of Ye County, is obviously from Wang Taishi's side.

During the banquet, Xue Ao said to Zhao Yu as if jokingly: "Zhou Hu, I heard that you were accepted as a righteous son by the old man?" It seems that you and I will really want to be brothers in the future. ”

Hearing this, Zhao Yu also smiled bitterly.

In fact, he didn't say yes that day, but it always felt like he agreed...... Even, when Mao Zheng sometimes mentioned this matter, he was not easy to explain, so as not to be looked at like a fool.

Of course, he didn't think Xue Ao was serious, after all, Xue Ao said it in a joking tone.

He hurriedly said: "Where is it, how dare General Xue really call him a brother and a brother." ”

Xue Ao smiled and did not speak.

However, at this moment, I saw Mao Zheng adding with a smile: "The boss not only accepted Brother Zhou as his son, but also took the word 'Juzheng' for Brother Zhou." ”

Hearing this, Xue Ao's face suddenly changed, and he glanced at Zhao Yu a few times meaningfully: "...... It seems that you and I will really be brothers in the future. ”

The same sentence, but Xue Ao didn't have the slightest joke this time.

Later, Zhao Yu learned that there were actually not many people who were accepted as the righteous son by Chen Taishi, such as Mao Zheng and Mao Bing brothers - that's right, after his brother Mao Zheng, Mao Bing was also accepted as a righteous son by Chen Taishi.

But the only people who Taishi Chen really took the table words were Zou Zan, Xue Ao, and Zhang Jing, who had been cultivated since childhood, which is known as the 'Five Tigers of Chenmen' in the world.

Although Taishi Chen never said that there was any difference between the two, ordinary people, especially people like Zou Zan, Xue Ao and others, felt that there was still a difference between the two.

The difference between the two is like the difference between Zhao Yu and Mao Zheng, the latter is that Chen Taishi takes care of the old love in order to take care of the son of his best friend; And the former is really favored by Master Chen.

As the son of Taishi Chen, Xue Ao knew this very well.

After drinking this wine, Zhao Yu returned to Kunyang with Niu Heng, He Shun, Gong Jiao and others, and then returned to Xuchang.

By the time he returned to Xuchang, it was already March 20, and there was only half a month left before spring ploughing.

Whether it was to fulfill his promise to Taishi Chen, or to 'accumulate strength', Zhao Yu had to arrange the spring ploughing as soon as possible.

After all, once the agricultural affairs of a county are delayed, it is equivalent to the loss of hundreds of thousands of stone grain.

As a result, Zhao Yu immediately devoted himself to the plan of restoring farming.

In fact, the agricultural affairs in the county are not under the control of the governor, but to the county, but obviously, the civil system of the county guard government cannot prepare for farming in Yanling, Linying, and even Zhaoling and other places within half a month, and Zhao Yu must send the county army and the county army.

What should I do if I am short of manpower?

Zhao Yu immediately thought of the Liken Army, and also thought of the thousands of rebels led by the rebel general Zhou Gong who had been captured in Liang County a while ago.

Because Xue Ao didn't care about this group of captives at all, this group of captives fell into the hands of Zhao Yu, and now, this group of people is being imprisoned in the military camp outside Xuchang City.

"It's time to talk to that Zhou Gong."

Zhao Yu thought to himself.

For this Zhou Gong, Zhao Yu is still quite concerned, after all, this Zhou Gong is a general under Chen Xuan, and his talent is comparable to Xiang Xuan, if he can persuade this person to defect to his command, Zhao Yu's 'anti-Jin' cause will undoubtedly have one more general.

Originally, Zhao Yu had planned to subdue Zhou Gong earlier, but he really couldn't spare time at that time, after all, he had to deal with Tong Yan's affairs before Taishi Chen and Xue Ao came to Yingchuan County.

And the facts proved that he guessed correctly, that Mrs. Chen let him be a guide for more than ten days, although it was not without gain.

On March 21, Zhao Yu came to the military camp outside Xuchang City and met Ju Sheng, who was sitting in the military camp instead of Wang Qing.

When Ju Sheng learned of Zhao Yu's intention, he was also overjoyed, and he said to Zhao Yu: "I also think that Zhou Gong is a talent, if you kill it, it would be a pity, but Zhou Gong is a rebel general, if the commander subdues him, will it affect the captain's ...... Official career? ”

Zhao Yu shook his head: "It's okay, take me to see him." ”

To be honest, if it had been before, Zhao Yu might have had some concerns, but now he will not worry anymore, because after inspecting the tuntian in Kunyang, Taishi Chen praised Zhao Yu's practice of subordinating the rebels into the 'subordinate army'.

With the approval of this old lady, what else does Zhao Yu need to worry about?

Although it's a bit embarrassing to mention, but now he has a very hard backstage.

A moment later, Zhao Yu, under the guidance of Ju Sheng, saw Zhou Gong, who was being held alone.

He greeted Zhou Gong with a smile: "General Zhou, don't come unharmed." ”

"Zhou Hu ......"

Zhou Gong looked at Zhao Yu with a complicated expression.

Ever since he was captured by Wang Qing outside Liang City that day, he had been imagining the fate he was about to accept, guessing when he would be beheaded.

However, Wang Qing only left him and the rest of the captured soldiers in this camp, one was not tortured, the other was not short of food, except for a few prisoners who wanted to escape, he did not do anything excessive, which made Zhou Gong inexplicable.

In the end, Zhou Gong thought that the other party might want to recruit them.

After all, there is a precedent for Yingchuan County to surrender rebel prisoners, led by Ju Sheng, Cao Wu, Qin Yu, Jia Shu, Xu Ma, Xu Shen and others, more than 16,000 rebel prisoners surrendered to Yingchuan County before and after, which made Zhou Gong feel incredible - that Zhou Hu, where did he get the courage!

“…… You have come today, and you want to persuade me to surrender? Zhou Gong asked with a frown.

"That's right."

Zhao Yu sat down in front of Zhou Gong and said with a smile: "Zhou and you, as well as Xiang Xuan, are also old acquaintances, let's get straight to the point, as long as you are willing to submit to Zhou, Zhou will try to let you live, and the group of captured soldiers under your command can also live; If you refuse, I will bury you all. …… Of course, before burying the soldiers under your command, I will tell them that they will die because you refuse to submit. ”

“……”

Zhou Gong was not annoyed when he heard this, he took a deep look at Zhao Yu, and then raised his head and asked Ju Sheng: "Wait, were you also threatened like this at that time?" ”

Ju Sheng smiled and said nothing.

Thinking about it carefully, it seems to be really a road number.

Seeing Ju Sheng's smile, Zhou Gong couldn't help but be a little surprised: "I said this, you can still laugh, it seems that you are really doing well in Yingchuan County......

Hearing this, Ju Sheng said meaningfully: "Righteousness is not only on the side of the righteous teacher. ”

“……”

Zhou Gong's gaze moved slightly, and he lowered his head and pondered for a moment.

Immediately, he asked Zhao Yu, "Chen Shuai...... What is the current situation? Did he successfully withdraw to Chen? ”

Of course, Zhao Yu knew that Zhou Gong was asking Chen Miao, nodded and said, "Chen Miao has withdrawn to Chen County, but it is estimated that you can't count on him to rescue you...... Half a month ago, the imperial court had sent Zou Zan, the general of Huben Zhonglang, and Wang Tan, the general of the post, to lead an army of 150,000 to attack Chen County, and it was only a matter of time before Chen County was recovered. ”

When he said this, Zhao Yu couldn't help but think of his brother Zhao Yin, but he wasn't worried about the latter.

If he guessed correctly, if Chen Jun could not be preserved, Zhao Yin would definitely take Chen Miao to the east and withdraw to the sphere of influence of Jiangdong Yishi.

What's more, Zhao Yu suspected that after Zhao Yin failed in the 'Battle of Liangcheng' that day, the reason why he didn't immediately abandon the other two righteous divisions and retreat to Shandong was to buy the hearts of the remaining two righteous divisions, or even for the sake of that Chen Miao.

After all, the brother who met again after eight years knew at a glance that he was quite scheming, and he was no longer the stupid guy he was back then.

“…… So, think about yourself. ”

Zhao Yu said with a chuckle.

"I see."

Zhou Gong nodded, and Zhengse said, "Okay, I agreed." ”

"What?" Zhao Yu was stunned: "You agreed?" ”

"Yes." Zhou Gong repeated: "I have fulfilled my promise to Chen Shuai that day, and now, whether it is for the sake of my own life or the sake of the soldiers under my command, I am willing to submit to Captain Zhou." …… If there is a disobedience, God and man will kill together. ”

『……』

A few hints of surprise flashed in Zhao Yu's heart.

That's too refreshing, isn't it? He didn't do anything......

After a while, after leaving the place where Zhou Gong was being held, Zhao Yu asked Ju Sheng, "Ju Sheng, did you say anything to Zhou Gong before I came?" ”

Ju Sheng didn't hide it, and clenched his fists and said: "Yes, I humbly persuade him to return to Zhou Duwei and serve Zhou Duwei." ”

"Oh......"

Zhao Yu nodded slightly.

He didn't doubt Ju Sheng, after all, Ju Sheng had completely drawn a line with the righteous teacher by 'humiliating' and 'framing' the righteous teacher as early as when he was in Kunyang.

But Zhao Yu faintly felt that generals such as Ju Sheng, Cao Wu, and Qin Yu had not given up their belief in 'overthrowing the Jin State'.

It's like Ju Sheng, he said one by one for 'returning to Zhou Duwei' and 'serving Zhou Duwei', without mentioning the Jin Kingdom, the imperial court or anything.

『…… Aren't these guys trying to survive through the skin of the 'Yingchuan Junjun'?"

Zhao Yu secretly raised his eyebrows.

Of course, he's happy to see it happen.