When the fire broke out in the Mengcheng government office, it was just about 1 o'clock in the afternoon, and Shi Le and his party had already traveled more than 50 miles out of the city. They first followed the road outside the south gate of the city roughly to the west, and only after crossing the Suishui did they turn southwest. The terrain near the city is relatively low-lying, and it gradually rises closer to Suishui, and when you look back, there is no shelter, and the majestic city walls always stand on the horizon.

Suddenly, someone shouted, "Is the city on fire?" ”

Shi Le and the others looked back in amazement. Of course, the light of the fire could not be seen at such a long distance, but a slender black smoke shot into the sky, and anyone with good eyesight was shocked—it was hard to say whether it was a real shock or a false alarm. The accompanying generals discussed a lot, and some people suggested: "Is there no chaos in the city?" You should go back to the division as soon as possible! ”

Shi Le was about to give an order, but Gou Xi hurriedly stopped and said: "Diao, Zhang Erchangshi, Gou and Zhi Er's generals are all in the city, what big things can happen?" Maybe it's just a fire in a civilian house or a military camp. If he doesn't go to Wang Mi this time, he will be suspicious, and if he wants to capture him again, it will be difficult! Please think twice! As he spoke, he squinted at Wang Zan. Wang Zan nodded in understanding, and hurriedly came forward to persuade him, Shi Le pondered for a long time, and said, "I have to hope for the generals left behind." So he sent a general to investigate on horseback, and then drove the men on horseback, and continued to drive to himself.

Wang Zan felt that his palms holding the reins were full of cold sweat, and he secretly glanced at Gou Xi. Gou Xi winked and nodded at him, which means: Everything is according to plan, and Zhengchang doesn't have to worry.

Thinking that Pei should "ink seal" the letter that day, Wang Zan suddenly woke up when he saw it, and hurriedly went to Gou Xi to discuss, and Gou Xi sent someone to secretly investigate Qu Bin's movements. Thinking about the first time he did it, he had no experience, he only needed to have a heart, and it was not difficult to find all his flaws; In addition, Gou Xi occupied Mengcheng for a long time, and he had a lot of eyes and ears in the army and among the people, so he quickly found out the results: first, Qu Bin had a quarrel with Pei Gai, and second, Xu Guang often visited Qu Bin secretly at night.

When Wang Zan heard this, he was so frightened on the spot that he was at a loss, and he cried while pulling Gou Xi's clothes: "Dao General, I don't know people well, I don't act secretly, and I hurt Qingye!" Gou Xi pressed his shoulder and said don't worry, don't be afraid, things shouldn't be as bad as you think.

"I don't want to be sent by the shepherd slave."

Why? Because in this army, Shi Le has absolute authority, everything can be decided in a word, and we don't have any soldiers and horses, so he won't throw a mouse, if Qu Bin was really sent by him, or the matter has been secretly reported to his case, it is estimated that he would have ordered us all to be arrested and stabbed in two. The reason why it looks calm at the moment is that Qu Bin must have acted like this because of the instructions of others-

"If I don't mean Xu Guang, it's Zhang Bin's instigation!"

Fortunately, every time you go back to see Qu Bin, it is only a verbal exchange, and there is no solid evidence in his hands, even if you confront Shi Le, as long as you grit your teeth and deny it, saying that it is purely Qu Mofeng who framed us for revenge for being whipped, this lawsuit will definitely not be lost. It is precisely because of this that Xu Guang or Zhang Bin have not yet reported to Shi Le, or although they have reported it, they still need clear evidence to win the trust of others, so they have no other actions.

Wang Zan said, then let's just dispel the idea of running away, right? Gou Xi shook his head: "It is not my ambition to retreat when I am in trouble." "Wang Zan said that from now on, I will never see him again. Gou Xi still shook his head, and then gritted his teeth and said: "Gou Dao will not be bullied in his life!" Qu Bin dares to deceive me, he will take his life; If Pei should not obey me, he will be robbed! ”

So they finally came up with a plan.

Shi Le took Gou Xi and Wang Zan to accompany him, and asked them to help him arrest Wang Mi. Shi Le took care of Gou Xi in private, saying that even if I set up an ambush, it would be easy to kill Wang Zan, and it would not be easy to capture him alive - if the general was sent close, he would definitely be vigilant; Sending an unknown warrior to him may not be qualified to get close to him......

For example, I have heard the story of "Specializing in Assassinating the Prince", why did you say that the King of Wu didn't bring two people to the banquet with him? Isn't it impossible to get close to him at all, so what can you stab him?

But I intend to introduce Gou Sima and Wang Zhi to Wang Mi, and you are in sufficient status to come and greet him. In addition, although Gou Sima is also brave in the three armies, he is the general of the defeated army after all, if you pretend to be a little decadent, Wang Mi will not be suspicious. When the time comes, draw the knife on its neck, take its seal ribbon, crown belt, then Xiang Guan can not be attacked!

Shi Le even promised, saying that as long as you help me capture Wang Mi alive, I will hand over all his troops to you to command—anyway, there are many people from the Central Plains in his ranks, and you must be more convenient than me to manage—"Dao General, the one who did not let Qing go to attack Pengguan before was a talent on the Qing side, and it was inconvenient to use it for a small time." If I get Wang Mijun, then I will go hand in hand with Qing in the north and south, and I will win Qingzhou, and take the head of Cao Wei! ”

Gou Xi thanked him for his kindness, and patted his chest to express his willingness to serve the dogs and horses, and then found Wang Zan when he withdrew, saying: "The time is right!" Wang Zan was also very happy when he heard him relay Shi Le's words, saying that it was just right, we don't have to risk running away, and when we can really collect Wang Mi's soldiers and horses, then do we still need to be afraid of Shi Le? Gou Xi shook his head again and again: "Zheng Changshi is also a gentleman - how can the words of the shepherd be credible?" ”

He now said that he would hand over Wang Mi's team to me, that was because he hoped that I would help him kidnap Wang Mi, so the empty promise was very likely to turn around and not admit it at that time. It's not that there are no Central Plains generals under the command of the shepherd slaves, who can't be sent to annex Wang Mijun, so he really feels free to hand over such a large team to you and me? So, we can't wait for someone to bring food and drink to the door, we have to fight for it ourselves!

According to Gou Xi's plan, Wang Zan told Qu Bin that they planned to take advantage of the signs of unrest in the city of Mongolia on the way to Jiwu. But in fact, Gou Chun, who stayed in the city, didn't want to set fire to the city at all, his task was to kill Qu Bin to vent his anger, and second, to rob Pei's aunt and nephew so that he could be useful in the future.

The mastermind behind Qu Bin, whether it is Xu Guang or Zhang Bin, will definitely set a trap in the government office, and want to capture Gou Chun and others - so that there is evidence, and he can make a statement to Shi Le to kill Gou Xi and Wang Zan. But Gou Xi also considered that once Gou Chun and them succeeded and successfully tied Pei's aunt and nephew and escaped from the city, how would the mastermind behind the scenes deal with it? What if he takes the initiative to set fire to the city and tries to trick us into returning to the army?

In fact, it's very simple, we can't afford it, we don't look back; And even if the fire starts, we will not look back, and not only that, but we will also persuade Shile to continue to his journey. If Shi Le didn't know about it in advance, it would be tantamount to me setting up a knife plan to kill Qu Bin who dared to do it, and let Xu Guang or Zhang Bin suffer a dumb loss; And what if Scheller had known beforehand? He will suspect that someone else is deliberately framing us, but in fact, we have no intention of running away at all.

- Since Qu Bin has been informed of the plan on the surface, how can he escape on the way back to the city? The man behind the scenes must be prepared.

As long as Shiler's suspicions about us were a little calmer, it would be easier for the plan to work in the future.

Of course, this plan is not without risk, for example, Gou Chun acted carelessly and didn't escape, what if he was really caught? Gou Xi also took care of Gou Chun in advance, saying that killing people and robbing people are secondary, you can do it if you have the opportunity, even if you don't have the opportunity, you have to escape. As long as Gou Chun doesn't fall into the hands of the other party, even if the other party sends a fast horse to sue and start a lawsuit, Gou Xi can put all the blame on his brother - I am innocent, I don't know what Gou Chun wants to run away. You say I'm involved too, but what about the evidence?

"I'm afraid that the traitor Qu Bin hates me, but tempts my brother, and wants to make Ming Gong angry and kill me!"

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Probably at the same time as Shi Le and his party continued on the road to Jiwu, the gate of Pei's house was kicked open, and then several big men swarmed in—it was obvious that there was still outside the door. At this time, Pei Gai and Zhang Bin had already left their seats, and took a few steps back, Pei Xiong was originally waiting on the side, and hurriedly turned sideways to block in front of the master - the same was true of the veteran soldiers brought by Zhang Bin. However, the veteran didn't look like he could fight, and even if Pei Xiong was brave, he was empty-handed after all, but the guys on the opposite side not only held sharp blades in their hands, but also clearly had blood dripping from the tip of the knife - probably it was contaminated when he killed the Hu soldiers guarding outside the door, and he hadn't had time to wipe it off yet.

Pei Gai and Zhang Bin both looked at the leader of the person, and saw that this person was extremely majestic, about forty years old, with two thick eyebrows, one beard, and his appearance was quite heroic—he was three points similar to Gou Xi. As soon as he entered the door, he immediately ordered: "Quickly take Mr. Pei and the princess of the East China Sea to ......" Before the words fell, he saw Zhang Bin, but he was very unexpected, he couldn't help but stop talking, his footsteps also stopped, his eyes stared, and he was quite stunned.

Zhang Bin smiled bitterly and arched his hand: "General Gou." ”

Pei had never seen this person, so he immediately tilted his head, approached Zhang Bin, and asked in a low voice, "Gou Chun?" Zhang Bin nodded.

Pei Gai immediately put his sleeves on his chest and bowed deeply to Gou Chun: "Thank you, General Gou." ”

Gou Chun frowned, and his eyes narrowed slightly: "Mr. Pei knows that I will come to pick up Qing later?" ”

Pei Gai straightened up and shook his head: "How do I know?" But seeing that General Gou is here, presumably the villain Qu Bin is already in a different place, right? He has a deep grudge against me, and General Gou has to thank me for it. ”

Gou Chunyi grinned: "Qu Bin has indeed been killed." Then he waved his hand: "Mr. Pei quickly invite the princess to come out, and I will wait for the road." ”

Pei Gai pretended to be at a loss and asked, "Where are you going?" ”

Gou Chun explained simply: "What Wang Chengcheng said to Mr. Pei before the long term should not be forgotten. Because of Qu Bin, Mr. Pei did not dare to agree, and now we have killed Qu Bin, and the internal and external arrangements are in place, just to take Mr. Pei and the princess off this shackle and go to meet with his brother and the prince. ”

Pei Gai nodded and said, "Please wait a moment, general, and I will go inside to pay homage to my aunt." ”

Gou Chun said that there is no time, you just call here, and the princess will definitely be able to hear it. Pei Gai smiled: "Why are you so anxious? There are still four cars of classics that must be sorted out, and then they can leave with them...... "He has collected a lot of public and private books in various places these days, and he has more than half a car of books that Zhang Bin gave him.

Gou Chun's eyebrows twisted, and he said in his heart Is this person really an idiot or pretending to be stupid, how can I have time to pack your luggage at this point? "Anything outside of your body, don't take it with you."

Pei should put his face on the plate and said, "The general's words are wrong. Books and classics and the words and teachings of the sages are the foundation of our China, how can they be discarded? He Liu Yao burned Luoyang, and countless treasured ......" a posture that wants to make a long speech. Gou Chun was not impatient to hear him say so much, and immediately glanced to the side, originally several of his subordinates were already in a semi-encirclement posture against Zhang Bin, Pei Gai, Pei Xiong, and the old army.

Seeing this, Pei Cai hurriedly swallowed half of what he said, suddenly turned sideways, stretched out his hand, and pulled out the long sword in Zhang Bin's hand with a "dang chang".

- At that time, even scholars often carried swords to show their dignity, Pei Gai himself did not have this habit, and he was in his own home, so he did not wear it, but Zhang Bin came with a sword. However, at this time, the main popular sword method is the Xuan style sabre method, that is, the sword scabbard is inserted into the belt through the jade Xuan, which is quite inconvenient when kneeling, so it is often taken off first before sitting for a long time and is placed horizontally in front of the knee. Zhang Bin and Pei should be drinking and playing chess again, this has been a long time, the saber has naturally been solved, and when he stood up just now, he copied it in his hand by the way......

Pei Gai had the long sword in his hand, and immediately slammed it to the side of his neck, and shouted: "Whoever dares to act rashly, I will die here!" ”

His movements were crisp and neat, as if he was used to committing suicide, and he couldn't help but startle everyone present. Gou Chun reacted first, and hurriedly waved his hand and said, "Why is Mr. Pei like this? "Put your sword down, though the scribe may not be as sharp as it is, but it will be enough to tear through your delicate flesh.

Pei Gai glared angrily and shouted: "If the book is there, I will live, and if the book is dead, I will die!" If Pei is not allowed to bring books and classics, he would rather die here, and he can't bear to see the ashes after the catastrophe and then die again! ”

Gou Chun frowned, thinking that this matter was very difficult to do-do you said that this Pei should really love books like his life, or did he not make up his mind to follow us, so he deliberately wanted to delay time? At this moment, I suddenly heard an urgent voice at the door of the main room: "Wenyue, no!" Gou Chun raised his eyes and saw that it was a noble lady standing against the door, and his eyes immediately lit up: "Don't pay attention to Mr. Pei, please invite the princess on the road quickly." ”

What my brother wants is not you as a person, but the political influence of your Pei family, if you can pinch the princess of the East China Sea in your hands, then whether it is the Pei family or the Sima family, the influence is enough - what is the use of you being young?

Several of Gou Chun's subordinates immediately wanted to bypass Pei Qi and the others and ran over to kidnap Pei. Pei Gai had no choice but to loosen the long sword around his neck slightly, and suddenly used all his strength, his tongue bloomed with spring thunder, and he shouted: "Slow!" ”

Taken aback by this, several big men instinctively were stunned and paused for the time being. Pei Cai looked at Gou Chun and asked in a deep voice: "General Gou, can I go out of the city safely?" ”