"Who has such a big enmity with Wei Xiancheng that you want to get rid of him desperately?" As soon as the words fell, a slightly old voice sounded next to the two of them, Wei Deshen and Wei Zheng were together, looked at each other, and smiled and saluted: "My subordinates have seen Lord County Guard!" "Dong Weng, why did you have time to come to the school?"

"You are beating gongs and drums here, can the old man still sit comfortably in the yamen?" Wuyang County Shouyuan Treasure returned the identity of the boss, and asked rhetorically with a smile.

Hearing this, the faces of the two Wei adults were a little embarrassed. Whether it was beating drums and ordering troops to gather generals, or Ming Jin telling everyone to disperse, neither of them discussed with Yuan Bao. Although the county keeper has always been broad-minded, it is not difficult to be a subordinate. But after thinking about this matter carefully, Wei Zheng and Wei Deshen were also a little reluctant to take their bosses seriously.

"This matter is actually a subordinate abruptness. When he heard that Juluze had caused civil strife, he immediately wanted to kill Zhangshui! Wei Deshen once again stretched to the ground and apologized to Yuan Bao first. The subordinate ordered the soldiers while ordering someone to report to the county guard. Who would have thought that the brothers around you would not be able to do well, but in the end it would still alarm you! ”

"Suddenly, I was afraid that the brothers would be eager to fight, so I hurried over. If you are rude, please forgive you! Wei Zheng didn't speak as politely as Wei Deshen, but just explained the reason for rushing to the school for himself.

Treasure smiled and waved his hand, his face full of generosity, "Where are you two talking about this!" The dispatch of troops and horses is the responsibility of Naide. Remind colleagues that it is also Xuancheng's duty, although the old man lives in this county, he can't let go of everything, right? ”

Wei Deshen saw that the Yuan Treasure had no intention of delving into it, so he hurriedly slipped down the slope, "Your Excellency is right. But for important official business, we should first ask the adults to do so. This time, the subordinates are reckless, and the people who want to forgive them will be one! ”

As he spoke, he respectfully made a gesture for the Yuan Treasure to show his remorse. Yuan Baobao was not a dictatorship in the first place, and seeing that Wei Deshen knew how to advance and retreat, he didn't plan to continue to dwell on this topic. smiled and took half a step forward, holding Wei Deshen's arm weakly, "Deshen is polite." The old man is also worried that you are in a hurry to fight, and you are not well prepared before coming to take a look. I don't mean to blame you. But how come it is that you have just gathered together and you have disbanded them again? ”

"It's a shame to be reminded by Xuancheng!" Wei De smiled apologetically, and then retold Wei Zheng's analysis just now in a low voice. "If it weren't for Xuan Cheng's timely arrival, his subordinates would almost have made a big mistake!"

Treasure stroked his beard and whispered. "Xuan Cheng's analysis is right, when the two tigers are fighting, there is no need for us to join in the excitement before the morning. But since the soldiers and horses have been assembled, don't startle the snakes. Those spies that Juluze planted under our noses......"

At this point, Wei Deshen handled it very carefully, "Before the assembly, the subordinates had already ordered people to surround the store they used as a cover. If anyone inside acts rashly, they will all be killed! ”

Treasure nodded in satisfaction, and then continued: "Since you haven't done it yet, don't arrest them immediately." Let's put them all under house arrest first, and when the army is all dispatched, then take their heads and sacrifice the flag! ”

Obey! Weide agreed bitterly.

"Also, the guy surnamed Bao is very clever and tries his best to catch the old man alive. Perhaps, the old man, there are still things for him to do! ”

Wei Deshen hesitated slightly, and replied in a low voice: "My subordinates try to arrange it!" He didn't understand why the county keeper had become interested in the bandit spy Yellowtooth Bao, but it shouldn't be too difficult for him to capture him alive. Besides, the top boss Yuan Baobao has always been very tolerant of him, and in return, he should meet the other party's requirements as much as possible.

Seeing that Wei Deshen was so respectful to himself, Yuan Bao was very satisfied. smiled and continued: "In terms of grain and grass, Deshen doesn't have to worry. I have instructed Wan Jun to make his supplies open, and he will never let the brothers go hungry and fight the thieves. But Deshen, there is a sentence that my old man has to talk to you......."

"Please advise your subordinates and absolutely implement them!" Listening to Yuan Baobao's tone of voice changed sharply, Wei Deshen stood up straight and agreed.

Yuan Baobao smiled bitterly, sighed first, and then whispered to the two: "It took almost a year for our Wuyang County to barely come up with these ten thousand strong men. If you are sure that the thief will be swept away, Deshen will do it. Xuan Cheng acted cautiously, and the old man asked him to follow you and help you with advice. If you are not sure, you must remember not to steal a handful of rice. In case things are not harmonious, and the anti-recruitment thieves follow, let's Wuyang County! But there was no second army of soldiers. ”

Wei Deshen's face fluttered, and he turned red from the front of his head to the back of his neck. Yuan Baobao's words are obviously a little distrustful of the command ability of him and Wei Zheng, but the lessons from the past are not far away, the two of them were just killed by Wang Ermao with five hundred minions last year, and it is no wonder that others are not at ease. I had no choice but to smile wryly, and solemnly promised: "Don't worry, my lord." is not completely sure, and the subordinate officials do not act rashly. If he is killed by someone again, he will not be bothered by the adults, and Wei himself will not have the face to see his hometown father again! ”

"The two of us will definitely advance and retreat together with the brothers this time, and we will never do anything to lose our teachers and humiliate the country!" Wei Zheng solemnly clenched his fists and solemnly assured.

Yuan Baobao shook his head with a wry smile, "You two, you misunderstood the old man's meaning." The old man is not afraid that you will not work hard, but for the people of Wuyang County, try to think about the worst results. At present, there is smoke all over Hebei, Zhang Jincheng and Cheng Mingzhen in the west, Gao Shida and Dou Jiande in the east. Wang Bo, Ge Qian and others couldn't stay in Henan, and they also fled to Hebei. With this little strength in our hands, we have to think about how to protect ourselves first. After saving this one-third of an acre of land, it is the turn to exterminate the rogues and make contributions to the country! ”

Wei Zheng and Wei Deshen looked at each other again, and then nodded at the same time. "The old man taught him very well. Since we are the officials of Wuyang County, we naturally have to consider Wuyang County first in everything. ”

After Wei Zheng finished expressing his attitude for the two, Wei Deshen added: "This time Juluze is in civil strife, and the opportunity is rare, so my subordinates tried to cross the river and kill it. But in case the thieves are on guard, their subordinates will definitely not move, so as not to provoke the fire and burn themselves, so that the people of the county will suffer with them! ”

"If only you understood that." Yuan Baobao freed up a hand and gently patted Wei Deshen's shoulder, "Deshen, at this extraordinary time, as magistrates, we must support each other and tide over the difficulties together." The old man doesn't know the art of war, so he doesn't interfere too much. You prepare it yourself, what do you need the old man to do, just ask. But where it is possible, the old man will never elbow you! ”

"Deshen understands!" Cheng Wei Deshen of Guixiang County called his name and agreed.

Turning sideways, Yuan Baobao put his arm on Wei Zheng's shoulder again, and said earnestly: "Xuancheng, you read a lot, you are smart, and you must help Deshen more in everything." If there is something unexpected on the old man's side, you can also remind him a lot. ”

"Subordinates remember!" Wei Zheng nodded in promise.

"You two keep busy. When I'm done, Xuan Cheng came to my study, I still have some chores to discuss with you! Yuan Bao glanced around, and then smiled and arranged.

Since he is the top boss who has something, how dare Wei Zheng slack off. smiled and responded in a low voice, "Wu Bei is under the management of Wei County, I just have to give him some ideas, and I can't help with anything else." If you go back to the Yamen, you might as well take a carriage and carry me for a while. ”

"Okay, let's talk while walking in the car!" Yuan Bao thought about it and agreed with a smile.

The two guests and hosts hugged their fists and said goodbye to Wei Deshen, and then walked side by side to the carriage. Before stepping into the carriage, before the curtain was lowered, Yuan Baobao couldn't wait to ask: "The change of Julu Ze, who does Xuan Cheng think will win in the end?" ”

"No matter who wins, Julu Ze's strength will inevitably be greatly damaged!" Wei Zheng thought about it and responded cautiously.

"Isn't Xuan Cheng optimistic about Zhang Jincheng?" Yuan Bao followed up and asked again.

"What does Dong Weng think?" Wei Zheng did not answer directly, but asked about Yuan Baobao's opinion.

If it is between an ordinary boss and a subordinate, this is already very rude. But Wei Zheng is a henchman of Yuan Baobao, so he doesn't have so many scruples when communicating with each other. With a long sigh, Yuan Baobao responded in a deep voice: In the long run, of course, the old man expects Zhang Jin to win, and Cheng Mingzhen will be defeated and die. But if he only cares about the words in front of him, the old man can't wait for Cheng Thief to win and snatch the top spot of Zhang Thief! ”

"The subordinates also expect the same!" Wei Zheng also sighed with Yuan Baobao and said in a low voice. "At best, the thief is a puppet, brutal and murderous, and narrow-minded. His subordinates were afraid of his obscenity, so they had to obey it. Even if he can annex Cheng Mingzhen's three counties this time, it will only be the grass and the dew, the ghost fire in the mud, and the prosperity will be in a blink of an eye, and it will decline in a blink of an eye. And Cheng Thief..."

Wei Zheng glanced at his boss, sighed and shook his head, "Cheng thief tuntian to raise the people, train troops and prepare for war, not only knows the art of war, but also knows how to govern the place. The subordinates heard that the mansion of the couple was empty, and there was not even a valuable ornament. Over the years, the proceeds of plundering in all directions have been exchanged for rice, grain, salt, and iron, or loaned to the people, or supplemented with military supplies. Such a person, with Zhang Jincheng pressed on his head, can be described as a tiger trapped in a cage. Once he overthrew Zhang Jin, he made the decision for himself. It is close to Juluze in the north and Taihang Mountain in the west, and lives in danger. Retreat can be a disaster, if it is deliberately aggressive......"

"So, the old man is very conflicted!" Yuan Baobao took the initiative to summarize for Wei Zheng. "If Cheng Thief wins, he will never make trouble like Zhang Thief in a short period of time, but once he gains a firm foothold in Juluze, I'm afraid my generation won't even be able to sleep. And once the thief wins, I will inevitably have to sleep in the city with a lance in my arms this winter, and by next summer, maybe I can celebrate with a crown, and there will be one less thief in the woe place! ”

From beginning to end, Yuan Baobao did not take into account the strength of Wuyang County, as if he didn't think that Wei Deshen could take advantage of the chaos to send troops to reap the benefits. Wei Zheng couldn't understand why his proprietor was like this, hesitated for a moment, and said in a low voice: "According to the shallow views of his subordinates, I'm afraid that Zhang Jincheng and Cheng Mingzhen will still be able to gain the upper hand after fighting and losing both." After all, Juluze was run by him, and its roots in it are far deeper than Cheng Mingzhen. The counties have been suffering for a long time, if Wuyang County sees the opportunity and contacts Qinghe and Xindu......"

"It's useless!" Yuan Bao glanced out of the carriage and then interrupted coldly. "Deshen is dedicated to the country, which the old man admires very much. But he is by no means a commander of the army, and our brothers in Wuyang County are all showy goods. Relying on the thick armor and sharp weapons, he defended the city, and perhaps could compete with the thieves for a while. If you take the initiative, you may not be able to take advantage of Zhang Jincheng! ”

"Dong Weng ......" Wei Zheng frowned when he heard this, and he couldn't understand how Yuan Baobao could take his own people so lightly. Yuan Baobao waved his hand gently, "Don't interject, listen to the old man tell you slowly." The last time I was defeated, the old man felt that the responsibility was not on you, after all, the thieves were too cunning, and the weather at that time was too bad. But after that, the old man took a closer look at how Wei Xiancheng trained his troops, he, as you said, is not a material to be a general! ”

"Wei Xiancheng has been in the barracks for more than half a year, and many brothers are willing to serve him to the death!" Knowing that Yuan Baobao's evaluation was right, Wei Zheng was still unwilling to distinguish a sentence for his colleagues.

"Yes, Deshen has the heart of the military. The brothers regarded him as if he were their own brother. But as a general, he can't just know grace, but don't understand Liwei. The old man believed that once Deshen was defeated, there were not a few brothers who were willing to live and die with him. But when the two armies were at war, how many people were willing to carry out his orders to the letter? ”

Without waiting for Wei Zheng to argue, Yuan Baobao snorted and continued to count: "Today, when he heard the news of the civil strife in Juluze, he immediately prepared to make a move, and he couldn't even wait to say hello to the old man?" The old man didn't blame him for being abrupt, but he had heard people say that the word 'quiet' is particularly important for anyone who is a general. If the generals encounter something and burn it, how can the soldiers below make Mount Tai collapse in front of them and not change color? Third, the ancients had a cloud that the two armies fought each other, one was vigorous, then declined, and the third was exhausted. He hastily gathered his men and horses, and with a few words he disbanded the brethren again......"

"It was his subordinates who urged him to stop sending troops!" Wei Zheng didn't dare to let Wei Deshen take all the responsibility alone, and took the initiative to admit that he interfered with the other party's command.

Yuan Baobao sneered slightly, "He can do it." But have the morale of the brothers ever considered that in such a large noble town, there are many people, and only a few thieves who are in the open can control the eyeliner of the thieves, can the news be hidden? Once the thief is prepared, will he be caught off guard? If the old man changes places with him, he will definitely take you first, and then immediately send troops and put the team by the Zhangshui River to repent again! ”

Jiang is still old and spicy, many problems that Wei Zheng didn't take into account, and Yuan Bao took all of them into account. At this moment, they were listed one by one, so that Wei Zheng could not excuse himself and his colleagues at all. Fortunately, he was also a responsible person, and he sat upright in the carriage and arched his hand: "Hearing what the adults said, the subordinates know that they are reckless. Please don't blame Deshen, his subordinates should be punished with him! ”

"The old man said, I don't want to blame anyone! None of you are leading the way, and it's really hard for you to catch ducks on the shelves! Yuan Baobao sighed, held Wei Zheng's hand, patted it gently, and comforted him in a low voice. The old man is just talking about things, and he is not optimistic about Deshen's trip. Besides, even if he was lucky enough to get a bargain, he exterminated the thief. According to the rules of the imperial court, the soldiers and horses of our Wuyang County cannot be stationed in Wu'an and Xiangguo counties for a long time. And the eastern counties of the two counties have fallen into the hands of thieves for too long, and people's hearts have been confused. As long as the officers and soldiers are withdrawn, it will not be too long, and naturally someone will fill the position left by Zhang Jincheng. Maybe it's Wang Jin, maybe it's Li Jin, but after changing the name, it's not all the same thing! ”

Hearing this, Wei Zheng felt more and more admiration for the Yuan treasure. nodded, and said in a low voice: "Then it's really better to let Cheng Mingzhen win, so he still has a temperance in doing things!" ”

The treasure sighed one after another. "At least he acts in a disciplined manner, not like Zhang Jincheng who comes by temperament!"

"If ......." Suddenly, a spiritual light flashed in Wei Zheng's heart, and he widened his eyes and said tentatively.

"No!" Yuan Baobao immediately interrupted, "What Xuan Cheng thought, the old man also thought about. At this moment, we can only turn off the fire across the shore, and we must not interfere indiscriminately! ”

"Yes, after all, we are officials, and the other side is a thief. We are inseparable from each other! The flame in Wei Zheng's eyes immediately extinguished, and he said with a wry smile. What he thought of just now was a bad idea, that is, Wuyang County sent troops to threaten Zhang Jincheng's flank to help Cheng Mingzhen survive the catastrophe in front of him. Later, with this help, he may be able to recruit An Cheng Mingzhen, or let him repay this favor with the promise of not harassing Wuyang County again.

But this idea can only be thought of in the heart, but in reality it can never be done. Sensei said that after doing it, he will be held accountable by national law, and even his conscience will be tormented day by day.

As if he had guessed Wei Zheng's thoughts again, Yuan Baobao smiled indifferently and said in a mocking tone: "The old man doesn't fancy the difference between officials and thieves. His Majesty has been ignoring the government all year round, and the traitors in the court and the central government are in charge, and the filthy officials are rampant underneath. This official has done all the work of the thief, and there is no need to stand up to the thief anymore. ”

Fortunately, sitting in the carriage, Wei Zheng did not jump up in surprise. In his impression, although the top boss Yuan Baobao is sleek, he has always been loyal to the imperial court. At this moment, he suddenly heard such a big rebellious words from the other party's mouth, which really caught him off guard. But after thinking about it, I can understand why Yuan Bao is so resentful.

The old man clearly had completely lost hope of the imperial court, and no longer planned to tie himself to this rotten ship. His Majesty the Emperor had just stopped his crusade to the east, and immediately went north to meet the Turks. Counting, for four consecutive years, I didn't spend a total of six months in both the East and the West. Even in the six months that remained, His Majesty the Emperor did not bother with the government. Instead, instead of looking for this auspicious rui, it is to search for that auspicious sign. As a result, many local officials do not do anything at all, and try every day to search for exotic flowers and plants, rare birds and monsters, in order to advance to the ranks.

Thinking of this, Wei Zheng was also a little disheartened, sighed, and asked in a low voice, "Why is the adult unwilling to give him Zhang Jincheng's side?" Let's send a favor to Cheng Mingzhen, and we can reap some benefits afterwards! ”

"The old man is embarrassed, he is embarrassed here!" Yuan Bao continued to sigh, but refused to speak clearly. "Akari, the old man is an official, he is a thief, and the old man can't help him. Secretly, if the old man helped him, alas, ......."

"My lord......." Wei Zheng was about to continue to ask what was the difficulty of Yuan Baobao to see if he could help solve it, but the carriage had already reached the county guard yamen. The guests and hosts closed their mouths sensibly, got out of the car, and entered side by side. When I went to the study, I lost the atmosphere just now, and I couldn't continue the topic for a while.

"If it is inconvenient for the adults to come forward, it is better to have the subordinates take the ...... on their behalf like the previous strategy of 'raising tigers and devouring wolves'" Wei Zheng hesitated for a moment and said tentatively.

Yuan Baobao shook his head slightly, his back to Wei Zheng, and his gaze fell on an ink painting in the study. In the painting, there is a lofty mountain, and between the craggy mountains and rocks, there is a faint white mist floating out, as if there are countless gods and ghosts hidden inside.

In the past, Wei Zheng often came to Yuan Baobao's study, but he rarely paid attention to this painting. At this moment, I looked at it carefully, and suddenly there seemed to be a deep meaning in and out of the painting. Judging from the technique of the pen and the shade of ink, this painting is not a good product. Except for a few lines of small characters on the side of the painting, which are quite skillful, there is almost nothing to praise.

But such a painting was hung on the wall of the study as a treasure by Yuan Baobao, and he was not afraid of being ridiculed for not knowing how to appreciate it. Wei Zheng couldn't get the echo of Yuan Baobao, so he had to continue to pick out the places worthy of collection from the paintings, and looked down along the handwriting, but saw a very beautiful private seal.

The private seal is used as a plum blossom ancient seal, and the strokes are quite complicated, few people can know it, and even fewer people can write. But this was not difficult for Wei Zheng, he paid a little attention, and his gaze immediately condensed like electricity. Just Yuan Bao turned around at this time, his eyebrows jumped upward, and he asked in a low voice: "Xuan Chengke knows who made this painting, and who is the original owner who collected it?" ”

In an instant, the hairs on Wei Zheng's back stood on end, wishing that he had never been to the study of Yuan Bao today, and he couldn't recognize the unlucky plum blossom ancient seal. But Yuan Baobao didn't give him a chance to think about it, smiled, and said indifferently: "It's just the two of us here, Xuancheng doesn't have to worry too much." The old friend who gave me the painting was also like Xuancheng back then, and he was a famous talent. ”

"This painting is full of murderous atmosphere, presumably by a fierce general with a heavy army. But the inscription and the private seal were from another person. The inscription is a rare talent in the world, and Wei never dares to compare with him! Holding the cold sweat in his palms, Wei Zheng replied cautiously.

He had already guessed who the painter and the inscription were. has the money to learn painting from a famous teacher, but there is a noble son who has no beginning and an end, and the whole world may add up to more than 10,000. But those who once held heavy troops and were full of killing in their hearts, I am afraid that they can be counted on one hand. However, the calligraphy of the guy who inscribed this painting is unique, and his handwriting was spread as a model for many followers back then.

Yuan Baobao nodded lightly, made an expression that you and I knew, and then smiled and stepped forward half a step, and asked indifferently: "Has Xuan Cheng ever heard the rumor of 'Tao Li'?" ”