The mountains follow the plains, and the rivers flow into the great wilderness. ——Li Bai "Farewell to Jingmen"

It is said that Chen Long received a letter from the saint and learned that Zhang Ning had arrived in Luoyang, Kyoto, and was restless for a while, and he didn't want tea and dinner. Returning to the mansion sullenly in the dusk, the peach blossoms greeted each other with a smile, and saw that Chen Long frowned deeply, and slowly inquired about the reason. Chen Long hugged the peach blossoms and sat by the peony flowers, it was the setting sun, and the flowers were dyed with gold edges by the sun, like fire trees and silver flowers. The peony flowering period is nearing the end, about to wither, thinking of the peony blooming season, Zhang Ning smiled like a flower, now the peony is about to wither, Zhang Ning's life may also be about to wither. Chen Long couldn't help but feel sad, his tiger eyes were full of tears, and he said to Peach Blossom: "Peach Blossom, you see that when the peony flowers bloom, Mei Niang cured your poisonous wounds." Now that the peony flower is about to wither, Mei Niang's life is also in danger. ”

Peach Blossom was shocked when she heard this, and the grace of the charm girl to detoxify was not repaid, why was her life suddenly in danger? Chen Long was surprised when he saw Peach Blossom, and said, "Peach Blossom, your mind is pure, you have to keep the secret I told you today for my life." Seeing Peach Blossom nodding, Long Chen continued: "Mei Niang is a yellow scarf, and she is the leader of the yellow scarf. Her men captured Liu Du's Lingling, but she gave it to me. Now that she has been betrayed by a traitor in Luoyang, her life is in danger, do you think I should save her? Chen Long still didn't say that Mei Niang was a saint, nor did he say Mei Niang's real name, only said that he was the leader of the Yellow Turban, even if Peach Blossom accidentally leaked the news, everyone couldn't guess Zhang Ning's true identity.

Peach Blossom was stunned for a moment when she heard this shocking news. The yellow scarf has always been a thief in her mind, but Mei Niang is her savior, and her relationship is very good, how can these two things be equated? For a while, my brain was like a nervous disorder, and I was stunned. After a while, he said slowly: "Does the husband want to save Mei Niang?" ”

Chen Long knew her contradictory mood, he was reluctant to let him go, and he was reluctant to die of Mei Niang, so he stroked her heart and said: "Mei Niang is a good yellow scarf, she promised me to treat the people well." The reason why I'm telling you this secret is because I want to discuss with you and don't stop me from saving Mei Niang. People say that the grace of dripping water, when the spring reciprocates, not to mention the charm to save your life and dedicate me to a city? Hearing this, Peach Blossom wrapped around Chen Long's wide waist tightly like an octopus, and her cherry lips gently spit out a whisper: "Husband, do you like Mei Niang?" ”

Chen Long opened his mouth and stammered, but he didn't want to deceive Peach Blossom, so he didn't speak in embarrassment. Peach Blossom buried her face in Chen Long's arms and said affectionately: "Husband, Mei Niang is a good girl, I knew you liked her, and she liked you too." I really hope that you can save her and serve you with me to the end of the day. Chen Long was moved in his heart, but he was speechless, only to hold the peach blossoms tightly and tightly in his arms.

With the love words with Peach Blossom, Chen Long felt a lot more at ease. When Huang An and Huang Gai returned at dinner, Chen Long said that he was going to go out to Luoyang, Kyoto for a few days, nominally to establish relations with high-ranking officials of the imperial court, and by the way, to find a good general. Of course, Long Chen had absolute trust in Huang Gai, but he didn't want them to worry, so he simply kept it a secret. Huang Gai repeatedly said that he would follow Chen Long to Kyoto to protect Chen Long's safety, Chen Long said: "Lingling's cavalry division has just taken shape, and it needs to be overturned here, and I am still waiting for you to train me an invincible hero." You can rest assured of my safety, I will take Yuan Zhi and the four special operations captains with me, and let them increase their experience. Peach Blossom is also going to trouble her stepfather and mother to take care of it. Huang An and Huang Gai had no choice but to agree. This night, a pair of mandarin ducks who are about to be separated, heart to heart, soothing each other, upside down, and not mentioning several spring breezes.

Early the next morning, Huang Gai accompanied him to the Taishou Mansion, Chen Long asked his soldiers to summon all the senior officials for a meeting, and Huang Gai took the soldiers to inspect the security around the county government. Zhou Budo was the first to arrive, and when he heard that Chen Long was going to take him to Kyoto, the child's heart was overjoyed. Chen Long said: "Yuan Zhi, my words today cannot be announced to the ears of third people. Zhou Budo hurriedly smiled, knelt down solemnly and said: "Taishou trusts me so much, how dare I live up to it, in my life, I am only loyal to Taishou." Chen Long nodded slightly and said: "This trip is not easy, we are going to save a person I must save, this person is in Kyoto now, she is an undercover agent of the Yellow Turban, if it is exposed, the situation will be very dangerous." You have to be prepared for everything, and it is your wisdom that I want to borrow. Tell me first, are we going openly or secretly? Zhou Buhesitant asked, "Is it an undercover agent of the Yellow Turban?" Dare to ask him if he is male or female? Why did Taishou want to save? Chen Long thought for a moment and said, "It's a girl, she saved my wife's life, she is my benefactor, I don't want her to die in Kyoto." ”

Zhou Budo relieved a little doubt, nodded and said, "Taishou, since your purpose is to save people, I suggest that you go secretly without knowing it." Even if someone knows that someone wants to save the yellow scarf, no one knows who saved it afterwards, so it will not be suspected by others. If we go clearly, I'm worried that if the time we go to Kyoto and the time when the Yellow Turban people are rescued, it will cause others to think about it. Chen Long nodded and said, "Okay, let's be a group of six people, you and me and the four special operations captains, you think about the disguised identity and the details of the operation, and after a while, the six of us will discuss it separately." Zhou Budo nodded and said: "My father has a childhood friend in Kyoto, whose surname is Cao Mingcao, whose name is Mengde, and now he is the court's councilor, so we may be able to take advantage of this relationship." ”

When Long Chen suddenly heard Cao Cao's name, his mood suddenly became nervous, and he pretended to be casual and said, "In this case, Yuan Zhi can consider a more detailed plan." For other things, let's see each other when we get to Luoyang. Remember, we only say that we go out to look for military talents. Zhou Budo nodded in agreement.

The division commander and the officials followed the soldiers and hurriedly came, saluting and sitting down. When Long Chen saw that everyone had arrived, he announced: "I have a lot of waste to be revived, but there is a shortage of military generals. I heard Yuan Zhi say that the Central Plains is a place where heroes gather. This afternoon, I will go out with Yuan Zhi to the Central Plains to find suitable talents. Everyone felt sudden when they heard it, and they asked about the details. Chen Long waved his hand and said: "The details of the operation, I have my own direct arrangement, and I will also send a letter to Gongyan at any time to inform us of the plan of action, so that you can grasp my movements and make a favorable decision." In terms of security, with the protection of my four special combat captains, you can rest assured. Your most important task is to build up the army in accordance with the established guidelines. During my absence, Huang Gai acted as the county guard, reported everything to him, and listened to his command. Huang Gai heard that he refused repeatedly, and the second brother could guard the county on behalf of him, but Chen Long waved his hand and did not allow it. When the generals heard that Chen Long did not disclose the details, they had no choice but to say that they would inevitably follow Huang Gai's instructions and strengthen the training of the troops.

Chen Long turned his head to Liu Xian and said, "Second brother, you can hand over the training of your troops to Liu Min first." I won't let you act as the county guard, because I have an important task for you. Liu Xian was open-minded by nature, knowing that Chen Long was not relying on himself, so he nodded and said, "As long as it is the arrangement of the eldest brother, I will follow it." Moreover, the third brother is all-round in civil and military affairs, and his talent is above me, and I am willing to assist the third brother in governing Lingling. Chen Longxi said: "The generals can hear that Liu Xian's righteousness is indeed a model for generals." Everyone nodded their heads.

Chen Long continued: "Second brother, you have been in Jingzhou for a long time, you are relatively clear about the situation in Xiangyang, and there are also familiar officials, I need you to go to Xiangyang to plan for me in Jingzhou, simply put, to build momentum. First, my appointment as a taishou has not been lowered for a long time, and we don't know why, no matter what means you use, you must get this appointment back. Second, we implement benevolent government in Lingling that is beneficial to the people, although we have done a lot of practical things, but others will think that I am just selling fame and reputation, I want you to go to Xiangyang to publicize our benevolent government to the greatest extent, and see how many hearts can be gained. Third, the outside has been speculating that my background is low, my reputation is low, and I am not suitable to be the Lingling Taishou, I want you to publicize my background to the greatest extent, only to say that my ancestors are Hu people, follow the revival of Emperor Guangwu, the first emperor gave the surname Chen, and became a hermit after resigning. Fourth, I want you to arrange a detailed network in Xiangyang to monitor every move in Xiangyang, especially to comprehensively monitor the movements of Cai Mao's mansion, but you must not alarm any of the objects being monitored. Fifth, I have always been thinking about the talents of the Pang family, the Kuai family and the Ma family in Xiangyang, and I want you to visit them one by one on my behalf, especially on Pang Degong's side, you have to express my admiration in detail, and see if you can invite the Pang family to my office as an official. Also, I have a personal matter; As he spoke, he asked his soldiers to take the silk cloth and draw it carefully.

Liu Xian lowered his head and wrote down the work assigned by Chen Long one by one, only to know that he was indeed shouldering a heavy responsibility. After remembering and was about to speak, I looked up, only to see Chen Long's pen, a beautiful national beauty with clear eyebrows jumped on the paper, and I couldn't help but forget what I wanted to say, and asked first: "What is this?" ”

Chen Longhu's eyes showed deep feelings, and said: "Her name is Liu Qian, she is my first lost wife, I hope you will help me find in the Xiangyang area, including the Lingling area, if you can post some missing person notices, it would be better, if she is lucky enough to see it, she will do everything possible to meet me." I went to the Central Plains this time to find news of her. Only then did the generals know that this beauty was actually Mrs. Taishou, Liu Xian hurriedly patted his chest and agreed, and then said: "Big brother, I understand all the tasks you have given, but my intelligence is limited, can you let Gongyan do it with me." With him on the horse, I have the confidence to do it all. Chen Long thought for a while and said, "Lingling's internal affairs are still inseparable from Gongyan, so let Deputy Chief Shi Li Shu assist you." Liu Xian and Li Shu both nodded in agreement.

Chen Long also called Huang Gaidao: "For the training of the special forces, since I and the four detachment leaders are going to the Central Plains, we still need the help of the third brother to take care of it, don't let these boys herd the sheep." This is our sharp knife and heart, and you can use it reasonably according to the situation when necessary. Huang Gai nodded.

Chen Long also called Yin Mo to persuade the students to engage in Yin Mo and said: "Siqian, the preparation for the scientific examination cannot be relaxed, when I come back, the examination will start immediately, and you must try your best to spread the news that civilian students can participate and be hired on the basis of merit." In addition, I want to establish Lingling University, and invite a great Confucian like your master, Song Zhong, to come and give lectures and train talents, and you can first make a plan to establish a university for everyone to discuss. When Yin Mo heard this, he felt that it was extremely fresh, and quickly nodded and promised to prepare immediately.

Seeing that everything had been ordered, Chen Long said to Jiang Wan: "Gongyan, I know that you are still arranging the matter of letting the rich donate, I don't want to know the details, the principle is not to cause a backlash from the people." The silver taels needed for the task I assigned just now, especially those needed by Liu Xian and Yin Mo, you have to find a way to supply them as much as possible. As for me here, you will first deliver three thousand taels to Yuan Zhi, and if there are treasures, let him bring one or two. Jiang Wan nodded and was about to agree, Liu Xian said: "Big brother, three thousand taels is too heavy, it's not easy to carry, and if you bring less, you can't do things." The eldest brother didn't know that our Lingling had always had eyeliner in the capital, and it was arranged by my father personally, and he sent 100,000 taels of silver there last year to facilitate dealing with those people in the palace. My eldest brother only needs to bring my letters, and they can be taken from him. Chen Long thought that this bribe was really a big deal, and stood up and said happily: "This is very good, after I go straight with Yuan today, I will ask everyone here to perform their duties." With a deep bow, the generals stood up and shouted in unison: "I am willing to serve the Taishou!" ”

After the meeting, Lu Chang and other four captains rushed to Quanling County, and Zhou Budo planned a route combining water and land routes, and explained to everyone on the map. Zhou Budo said while gesturing on the map: "I plan to borrow a merchant ship from the Yang Gang Master, Taishou disguises himself as a herb merchant, and I wait for my entourage, and the ship is loaded with some herbs." Going north along the Xiangshui River, you can go directly to Jiangxia, which takes about six days. I planned to land in Jiangxia, hire a few wagons, and reach Luoyang by land via Yiyang and Xuchang, which would take about ten days. Chen Long looked at the map, which should be the most convenient passage to Luoyang, and nodded: "Then prepare your bags separately." The four of you have worked hard to find someone to prepare herbs, and inform Yang Huai to prepare a suitable merchant ship for us to load herbs. Yuanzhi, you go to Jiang Wan and get five hundred taels of silver for use on the road. In the afternoon, Shen Shi met at Xiangshui Ferry. And they went.

When Chen Long returned to Huangfu, Huang An and Huang Gai knew that he was going to leave in the afternoon, so they came back to see him off, and everyone had a happy lunch. Peach Blossom had already packed his bags for Chen Long, and Chen Long dressed up as a big businessman and picked out some more gorgeous clothes to change into. When the time had arrived, Long Chen inserted the serrated dagger he carried with him, went to the horse circle to comfort the flying dragon, and then said goodbye to everyone. Everyone wanted to send Chen Long, but Chen Long only let Peach Blossom and Huang Gai send each other, and the three of them came to the ferry by carriage. I saw that by the ferry, a sailboat of moderate size was docked at the berth, Yang Huai and Zhou Budo were waiting on the boat for a long time, and when they saw Chen Long coming, they jumped off the boat to greet them. Chen Long saw that Zhou Budo and the four captains were all in Tsing Yi and hats, dressed as subordinates, and couldn't help laughing: "On the way, just call me master." Yang Huai said: "The guys on the boat have been arranged, and when they arrive in Jiangxia, they will return." Chen Long nodded and said, "Gang Leader Yang, after I leave, you have to do your best to help me arrange things on the water and stimulate water trade and transportation." Yang Huai bowed and agreed.

Seeing that everything was ready, Chen Long turned around and said goodbye to Huang Gai and Peach Blossom, Peach Blossom was already in tears, hugged Chen Long tightly, and only said: "Husband, you must always remember my feelings, don't be alone, don't be rash, and come back to see me safely." After saying that, tears were pouring out, and the generals turned their heads one after another, and they couldn't bear to look at it. Chen Long comforted softly and promised Peach Blossom that he would be safe, so Peach Blossom let him go.

The white sail slowly rose, the hull shook slightly, and it was already the beginning of the ship. Chen Long stood on the side of the boat, waving frequently to several people on the shore, and Peach Blossom hid his face and cried from time to time. A leaf boat gradually drifted away, slowly not able to see the dock figure, Chen Long looked at the surging river, his heart was surging, he came to the Three Kingdoms, destined not to be an ordinary person in his life, this time and the peach blossom difference, may be staged in the future, he still needs to be firm, otherwise in the face of those insidious and vicious military generals, the unparalleled strategists and thinkers, it is inevitable to lose. The imperial court will never be soft on the Yellow Turban, rescuing Zhang Ning may be a life-and-death war, and you must muster the greatest courage to face it in order to have a chance of winning.

The boat was moving very slowly, the sky was getting dark, Chen Long entered the cabin, Zhou Budo held the light, and Lu Chang and the other four took turns guarding the cabin door. Chen Long said to Zhou Bu: "Yuanzhi, which of the counties we passed through all the way are relatively large cities?" Whose territory are they currently located? Zhou Budo said: "Sailing along the Xiangshui River, the first stop is Changsha County, where Hansheng is located, and Han Xuan is too guarded. The second stop entered Dongting Lake, and entered Jiangxia County through Baling, Taishou Liu Xiang, the father of Liu Ba. The confluence of Xiangshui and the Yangtze River, that is, Xiling County, the seat of Jiangxia, is the place where soldiers fight. By land through Yiyang County, it entered Yingchuan County, Yuzhou, and governed Yang Zhai, and guarded Cao Chi. After passing through Xuchang, it changes to the northwest, and you can reach Luoyang in ten days. ”

The quiet and dark cabin shook slightly, Chen Long leaned on the head of the bed, listening to Zhou Budo's introduction, and the light brain in his brain had already carefully screened the roadmap provided by Zhou Budo. Along the way, there are several activity areas that are suspected to be yellow turbans, and you need to be cautious in the choice of routes. Suddenly, when he found Yang Zhai, the governing office of Yingchuan County, a famous name came into his sight, and Chen Long stood up and shouted: "Guo Jia! ”