Whether it was sincere or forced to be helpless, since Ma Riyan agreed to leave, Liu Zheng and Gongsun Zhan took into account his thoughts, so they did not continue to kill people.

In Ma Riyan's opinion, no matter which party's subordinates and henchmen, as long as someone is alive, things here will always spread out, and seeing that Liu Zhengshen thinks so, Gongsun Zhan's idea of preparing to leave Ma Riyan alone is naturally impossible to realize.

What's more, listening to Ma Riyan's tone, it seems that he is ready to tell the whole story in front of Dong Zhuo, and accept this responsibility, Gongsun Zhan can't even kill such a famous and important minister, after thinking about it, he is willing to accept this result.

After all, being able to show his name in front of the important ministers of the court through Ma Riyan is also a good situation for him.

If Dong Zhuo knew that he was unruly, he might not be like he did with Yuan Shao and others in the past, pushing the boat down the river and letting him sit in the official position, even if he was still anti-Dong Zhuo on the surface, this position would be in hand - Yuan Shao didn't do the same in the past, but Dong Zhuo turned his head and took over the position of Bohai Taishou, how could he not do it?

Moreover, Liu Zheng is responsible for the holy decree, whether it is facing the court or Liu Yu, he has the confidence to refute it.

Thinking of the Zhongxing sword in Liu Zheng's hand, Gongsun Zhan was also a little embarrassed, the Liu family had two brothers, and he still needed to rely on him to compliment him when he was a child.

Ma Riyan revised the holy decree on the spot, which naturally caused the deputy general and Guangyang County Ling and others to change their faces, but Liu Zheng and Gongsun Chan were on the side, and there were hundreds of cavalry around him.

"Don't panic in the county order, Liu Mou will bear this matter, you will tell Liu Youzhou, I am waiting for the situation in Youzhou, and also for the sake of going to the sour jujube in the future, so that Deyan Zhao Haojie will not be subservient. It's not good for you to escort the angels, if Liu Youzhou really wants to pursue it, just let him find me. Tell Liu Youzhou, if you wait for your life, if you are injured in the slightest, I will give the Zhongxing Sword with both hands in the future, only blame me for living up to the trust of the first emperor and doing something wrong, then I will hand over the Zhongxing Sword to Liu Youzhou, and don't pursue the lives of Er. ”

At the time of parting, Guangyang County looked panicked, and Liu Zheng also spoke to appease.

When these words came out, Ma Riyan and Gongsun Zhan both looked weird, obviously capturing some of the meanings in Liu Zheng's words.

That Guangyang Ling didn't think about it so much, Liu Zheng and Gongsun Zhan who met this time were not necessarily very old, and there was no blood in the scene, but it felt like a sword mountain and a sea of fire, it was in dire straits, and the cold sweat had already soaked through his clothes.

Knowing that Liu Zheng would bear it with all his might, guessing that Liu Zheng was famous, since he had such a word, he thought that Liu Yu would also scruple about it, but Guangyang Ling did not relax and immediately rushed to Jixian County in a panic with several guards.

Here Liu Zheng picked a few horses among several subordinates to change the carriage of Ma Riyan and others, Gongsun Zhan knew that he had benefited through Liu Zheng this time, but he was afraid that it would not work if he didn't go to sour dates, so after thinking about it, he pulled Gongsun Yue to discuss with Yan Gang.

Ma Riyan stood on the side, watching Liu Zheng help his subordinates carry the chariot and tie the horses together, thinking about his experience in Guangyang, he looked at Gongsun Zan in the distance, and asked with a smile: "How did Liu Gongzi come so coincidentally?"

His face had been tense when he had just written the decree, and when he laughed, he clearly gave people the feeling that he was hiding a knife in his smile and trying something—of course, this is what Ma Riyan wanted.

After all, Liu Zheng coerced him to make a choice, and his reluctant attitude had to be known to others.

At this time, he thanked Liu Zheng for saving everyone, and naturally couldn't say it in front of others, and he also had the heart to ask Liu Zheng if "Mr. Wujiao" was Liu Zheng's arrangement, but it was not easy to say it clearly, so he asked this question, which was also regarded as a reminder and temptation.

Since this meeting, Liu Zheng has not asked much about the poisoning of the horses, if Liu Zheng is complicit with Gongsun Zhan, Ma Riyan can only blame himself for seeing the wrong person, but if Liu Zheng forgets it for a while, or because of Gongsun Zhan's presence, he does not want to explore the truth of the matter, and he also needs to remind Liu Zheng, who is also in the layout, to be careful against Gongsun Zhan's revenge.

Liu Zheng laughed, "Coincidence is coincidence, could it be that Shibo has other ideas?" Don't be wrong about the good guys, I didn't know about the poisoning of the horses this time, I just happened to encounter it. As for the investigation, I have the Guangyang County Order to do it, and I am nobody, where can I have the qualifications and guts to get involved in such a big thing. ”

Seeing that Liu Zheng didn't want to say more, Ma Riyan didn't know how much to guess, but he didn't ask more, and when the carriage was fixed, he jumped up, with some half-truths and half-truths on his face, and after saying goodbye to Liu Zhenggong Sun Zan and others, he returned with all the guards.

Jumping on the horse, looking at the more than 300 black cavalry who had been silent and orderly in the distance, Gongsun Zhan's eyes contained a touch of jealousy and admiration, and said with a smile on his face: "What are Deran's plans?" I just listened to your remarks about Guangyang Ling, and it seems that you don't go to Jixian County? If you follow me to the north and don't see you passing by, Liu Yuanjun may not have any ideas. ”

"I'm not going to the north, now that I've met you here, I've done everything I had to do. If you don't report it, you cut it first and then play it, after all, you have offended Liu Youzhou, and I have no shame to see him. For now, I want to go to Kamiya County to meet the teacher. Haha, let the teacher intercede for me. You can't really give Liu Youzhou the impression that he is young and frivolous and doesn't know how to be polite. ”

"Oh, that's fine. At the end of the year, I went to see the teacher once, and this time I gathered people and prepared to carry weights, so I didn't go with you, and said hello to the teacher for me. ”

Gongsun Chan nodded, "When and where will you and I meet?" ”

"Let's just sour dates. Naturally, the sooner the better. The crusade against Dong Zhuo is urgent. Brother Bo Jue rest assured, I was already preparing for baggage when I came, and after seeing the teacher in the past few days, I was ready to go south. Haha, you have to hurry, don't let me arrive and you haven't arrived. I still need your protection, but don't leave me there to be embarrassed. ”

"Embarrassing what? Cao Mengde, Sun Wentai...... There are also loyal ministers and righteous men like Yuan Benchu, how can you embarrass this 'heavenly general' who is brave and unparalleled and holds the Zhongxing sword? ”

Gongsun Zhan knew that Liu Zheng's implication was that he was afraid that he would not go to sour dates, so he secretly joked wittily, and then left Gongsun Yue and left.

Riding all the way, when Liu Zheng and the others could no longer be seen in the field of vision, Gongsun Chan stopped his horse, looked at the cloudy sky, and frowned slightly in thought.

"Lord, what does Liu Deran think?"

Yan Gang stepped forward and asked, thinking in his heart that Liu Zheng was definitely prepared this time, otherwise it would not have happened to meet them at this time, and it was exactly the same position as Gongsun Zhan's plan.

"What else can I think? He and my brother worked together for the welfare of Youzhou and even the Han River. He, what he wants is for us and other soldiers who are good at fighting to go south to deal with Dong Zhuo, so that we can rescue Your Majesty and the court as soon as possible. ”

Gongsun Zhan remembered that Liu Zheng and he never mentioned the arrival one after the other, and smiled and played: "It came by such a coincidence, it means that Deran has already had eyeliner, which is the same as Xuande and me." I was at fault for this matter, and I didn't think to ask Deran's opinion. Oh, he has endured for nearly four years, and he has been obscure, so that I almost forgot that he holds the Zhongxing sword, a clan member of the Han family, and as the son-in-law of the Xun family, he seems to have no power and no power, but in fact, no one can order him. ”

These words showed that Gongsun Zhan put Liu Zheng in the same position, and Yan Gang's face couldn't help but be shocked.

He has always had a feeling of indescribable incomprehension to Liu Zheng, when he first met Liu Zheng, he originally despised Liu Zheng for being young and vigorous, and then Liu Zheng's prophecy came true, for him, at the same time, he had some jealousy and inexplicable awe of Liu Zheng, who was both civil and military.

When Liu Zheng got married, he also accompanied Gongsun Zhan, the appearance of the Xun family, and the revelation of the identities of the three Cai brothers and sisters, gave him the feeling that Liu Zheng seemed more unfathomable.

He didn't even know how to get along with Liu Zheng.

It's just that Gongsun Chan obviously had reservations about Liu Zheng at the beginning, but today's words seemed to be ready to work together, and it also made him realize that Liu Zheng was not only in Zhuo County, but also in other counties in Youzhou.

Thinking that Liu Zheng would come today, he was definitely waiting for Gongsun Zhan to make a move, and he asked a little jealously: "Lord, as soon as this matter is over, Liu Deran is sure that we are ready to fight Liu Bo'an's mind, you say, will he become the knife in Liu Bo'an's hands?" He avoided suspicion and didn't go north today, in fact, he also wanted to hide this matter from us, right? ”

Liu Zheng appeared, seemingly befriending Gongsun Chan and disrespecting Liu Yu, but as long as Gongsun Chan went south, he would help Liu Yu eliminate the strongest political enemy in Youzhou.

Yan Gang is a little worried, now many people around Gongsun Chan actually have a good impression of Liu Zheng, and even in the past, when he was in Zhuo County, his martial arts knowledge was also taught by Liu Zheng and others, if Liu Zheng really befriended Gongsun Chan on the surface, in fact, he took refuge in Liu Yu, and they cared about their feelings, but it is difficult to say whether they will be played by Liu Zheng.

"Knives? In the past, Liu Yan was wooed, he regained his love, went south alone, and shed blood and tears for the people under Wancheng City, which can be regarded as a rare thing that made the teacher and the three Zhonglang generals feel ashamed. Just now, he fulfilled my wish here, but he asked me to go south, which is also to balance me and Liu Youzhou. This temperament, in fact, is the same as when he was in Wancheng, he didn't think about flattering anyone at all, but treated us from the same or even higher perspective. ”

Gongsun Chan narrowed his eyes and said with a deep smile: "With his status behind his white body now, if he doesn't take the initiative to take refuge, who can hold his knife?" The only thing that can be held is the Han people. ”

Thinking of this, Gongsun Zhan shook his head and sighed: "The Han clan and the son-in-law of the Xun family who holds the Zhongxing sword can make a stubborn person like Ciming Gong put aside the etiquette and insist on early marriage...... You said that Deran, a knife that has been hidden for four years, is out of the sheath this time, and someone can really hold it, and someone dares to hold it? Oh, Dong Zhuo also dares to think, and he is not afraid of being killed by a knife......"

Yan Gang was a little stunned, "This ......"

"Also, in the past few days of the New Year, his people walked around Youzhou and went to Liaodong, remember? It must be like the old days...... Go to Langya, like wooing some people. He is looking for a knife, how can he want to be a knife in someone else's hand? ”

Thinking that Liu Zheng was looking for some young people who were not very old but had their own skills, Gongsun Zhan was also a little puzzled and slightly uneasy when he thought about it, and shook his head and said, "Don't mention him...... Let's go. You sent someone over to inform Zhongshu, Zijie, and Huang Shao to prepare the army and recuperate. Allocate another 10,000 people and related baggage, and let Fan Fang, Shan Jing, and Yuan Zheng go south with me. ”

"Ten thousand?!"

Yan Gang exclaimed, they only had about 20,000 cavalry in total, and if they went halfway, Youzhou might not be able to take care of all the barbarians.

"It's 10,000, Xuande is by Yuan Benchu's side, and I need to lead the troops over to support the scene, and I also have to give Deran and the teacher an explanation...... Tsk, it makes Liu Boan feel that I am showing goodwill. Deran, this guy, is still using the teacher to press me, I hope that I can always be brothers in the future. If the 10,000 left behind really can't be kept, it's best that he can come back and help me defend against the Hu people......"

Gongsun Chan suddenly sighed, he didn't know what to think, he was a little distracted, and his face slowly became gloomy, and after a while, he galloped on his horse, and his face suddenly became resolute.

It's a little too sensitive, no matter how strong De Ran is, he is just about to show his grandeur...... But his grandson Chan can mix up to this day, how can he be easy to match!

……

"Marquis Ji, General Fenwu...... Arrogance! Gongsun Zhan, this bird is really planning to reverse! How dare you do this to angels! He also dared to snatch the holy decree for personal use. ”

In the main hall of the Jixian Prefecture Pastoral Mansion, there were already a lot of people kneeling on the left and right, and after the governor of Gongsun Ji recounted the causes and consequences of the Guangyang County Order, the cavalry governor Xian Yuyin took the lead in scolding the case, and hugged his fist at Liu Yu on the main seat and said: "Ming Gong, you just give me 5,000 soldiers and horses, and a certain family will let Gongsun Zhan and other crazy people know how powerful!"

"You know it yourself, and you don't mention Liu Deran."

On one side, Wu Meng engaged in Xian Yu Fu'er smiled.

As soon as these words came out, the whole house changed color.

Everyone present knew that Liu Zheng also contributed to this incident, although Liu Zheng also contributed to the protection of Guangyang County, but it was not ruled out that Liu Zheng would join Gongsun Chan and join forces with Gongsun Chan to act in a play.

Moreover, everyone also knew that Liu Zheng asked Guangyang Ling to relay those words, and if he was reminding Liu Yu with the Zhongxing Sword, he was even threatening Liu Yu not to touch the people he wanted to protect.

Zhongxing Sword is about the first emperor, since it was given to Liu Zheng, no matter what the cause and effect were, at least it gave others the feeling that the first emperor was optimistic about Liu Zheng.

Liu Zheng has done something, if Liu Yu questions and refutes and gives others the feeling, he is questioning the person who the emperor is optimistic about.

With Liu Yu's status and reputation, he can also do these things, but if Liu Zheng really sends the Zhongxing Sword over, he will be killed.

Liu Yu's prestige in Dong Zhuo's troubled court during this time, because of the rumors of others and his own experience and virtue, has reached an unprecedented height, as soon as the Zhongxing sword arrived, it was a signal, just when Shandong Haojie decided to raise troops to fight against Dong Zhuo, it is difficult to say whether Yuan Shao and others, who had the intention of letting Liu Yu weigh the system, would send another Zhongxing sword over, and then take the opportunity to coerce Liu Yu to set up another court.

Of course, Liu Yu can also do without Zhongxing Sword and attack Liu Zheng directly.

Just attacking Liu Zheng can be regarded as a move to question the vision of the first emperor, and it can be regarded as coveting the Zhongxing sword, and Liu Zheng's reputation in Youzhou is also really sensitive to the identity of Xun's son-in-law, and the strength and Gongsun Zhan, Cao Cao, Sun Jian and others behind him are even more feared.

As far as everyone is concerned, Liu Zheng rejected Liu Yu's woo this time, and is still demonstrating without fear, thinking that Liu Yu definitely doesn't like to hear this name.

It's just that Liu Yu's face didn't change, and a face full of gentle and elegant temperament smiled quite calmly, "It seems that I rarely have different opinions, so I might as well talk about it." ”

"Liu Deran is not a beast of the flood, and there is no holy decree to tell us that we need to avoid it, Dong Thief and Gongsun Zan can say it, why can't this person say it?"

Xian Yufu glanced at everyone, smiled at Liu Yu and said: "Ming Gong, some foolish opinions, I think your colleagues can also expect them, but because of your preferences, as well as the relationship between Liu Deran and Gongsun Zhan, you deliberately ignored those possibilities."

When talking about Gongsun Zhan, Xian Yufu subconsciously glanced at Gongsun Ji, and then said with a smile: "The person who poisoned this matter must be related to Gongsun Chan for the time being." When it comes to revising the holy decree, Liu Deran is tantamount to currying favor with Gongsun Zhan. But it is an indisputable fact that he saved the angels and Guangyang Ling, and also made Gongsun Chan set off for the south in a few days to alleviate the dispute between Ming Gong and Gongsun Chan. ”

"The matter of amending the holy decree and welcoming Gongsun Chan, doesn't this prove that he and Gongsun Chan have been in the same stream?"

Xian Yuyin frowned, "I thought that he would go north this time to cater to Gongsun Chan and rescue the angels, and it seemed that he would lead Gongsun Chan south, but it was actually a suspicious plan, that is, he had the intention to lead Gongsun Chan, the wolf, into Ming Gong's room, and after I waited for him to relax, he would let Gongsun Chan attack Jixian by surprise...... What's more, with the Zhongxing Sword in his hand, he intends to wait until both sides are defeated and replace it himself! ”

"You have malice in your heart, and you treat others as you are, so naturally you think. That Liu Deran used to do things both right and evil, all based on preferences, if you only listen to rumors, it is indeed elusive. But who is behind him? Xun's six dragons, Zi Gangong. Even such characters are interested in making friends, and even made Ci Ming Gong make an exception to marry his daughter into the Liu family in advance, do you really think Ci Ming Gong is funny? Do you think he, Liu Deran, will be a person who doesn't know right from wrong? ”

Xian Yufu asked rhetorically, then shook his head and smiled: "Punctuation marks are being used, and those poems, pen and ink, are also pondering." What is the symbol? The way of breaking the chapter, clearing the messy meaning of the article, the pen and ink are also square, acupuncture, and inspiring...... Words and poems are all born from the heart, this person can do such things, and he can get the Zhongxing Sword with the help of Yuan Situ in the past, anyway, he didn't believe that he was snubbed by Ming Gong for a few months, so he had a different heart. ”

Speaking of this, Xian Yufu arched his hand and said: "Naturally, seeing is believing." Ming Gong, a certain qualification is dull, since he has different views with his colleagues, he is willing to be a pioneer and crusade against Dong Zhuo with Gongsun Zan and Liu Zheng! By the way, it's also good to train and train soldiers, in case of emergency. ”

Everyone was stunned, looking at each other, a little surprised by Xian Yufu's proposal.

This petition can be regarded as pragmatic, rather than staying here and speculating, it is better to see it with your own eyes, and after thinking for a while, everyone also turned their eyes to Liu Yu.

"Crusade against Dong Zhuo......"

Liu Yu muttered, and then smiled bitterly, "If Gongsun Zhan really goes south, he is still under my control now, and everyone will already know my attitude." And if you also went...... You and Gongsun Chan may not have contradictions, and the internal worries of Youzhou will be remembered. Moreover, there are too many people who go, Xianbei, Wuhuan, there are still some hypocritical people, Youzhou is empty, I am afraid of ......"

"That's just the right time to join forces with the people left here by Gongsun Zhan. Did Ming Gong think that Gongsun Chan would not tell his subordinates that their lips were cold and their teeth were cold? Grain, grass and military supplies are still in our hands, and as soon as Gongsun Chan leaves, if there are really Hu people who take advantage of the chaos, it will also be an opportunity for us to run in with each other and make friends. ”

Xian Yufu said with a smile, "It's just that I know, Ming Gong is really worried." Those who are hypocritical, even if Gongsun Chan is gone, the people of their own tribe Gu Nianming Gongyi crusade against them, where do they need us to take action. ”

Everyone laughed, and each of them complimented Liu Yu.

Liu Yu couldn't help laughing, thought about it, raised his hand to stop everyone's praise, and said with a straight face: "The matter of Gongsun Zhan's southward movement is related to the future situation in Youzhou, and it cannot be ignored. In the past, he Liu Deran was subjected to the word "good poetry" by the first emperor, and his ignorant temperament has always made me haunted. He avoided it, and I didn't pay any attention to it. This time, it was all about Xian Yu who brought 5,000 people from the headquarters to investigate...... Well, Gongsun is also engaged in the past. ”

"No."

Xian Yufu gladly agreed.

Gongsun Ji knew that Liu Yu had this plan because he had some friendship with Gongsun Zhan, and he also responded to it.

"It's just that I offended the angels, and the court may not think that I want to support the army and respect myself, that is, I will drive the angels with the hands of Gongsun Zhan, in a vain attempt to stay in office. This time, I have to find someone to do some loyal duties and explain. Do you have reliable people who can keep their promises and go back and forth to Youzhou in this chaotic army? It's also good to go with Xianyu to engage in it. ”

"Captain Zou is brave and strategic, but he is up to the task."

Someone immediately recommended it.

That Zou Lieutenant is Zou Jing, in the past, he obeyed Liu Yan's order to come back from Wancheng, and then went to the court, according to the order of Huangfu Song, recruited Xianbei people to attack the Liangzhou Qiang and Han Sui together, and then the Liangzhou bandits were in civil strife, and the disaster was pacified, Zou Jing continued to come back to Youzhou to guard, and now he is stationed in Yuyang County.

"Brother Zou occasionally suffered a cold a few days ago and was unwell, so he has taken leave with me."

Xian Yuyin smiled bitterly, then looked at Xian Yufu, and said in a deep voice: "I remember that there is a man named Tian Chou, who is nineteen years old, ...... years old."

"Nineteen?"

Someone was stunned, and Xian Yufu relieved the siege and said: "Although this person is young, he is both civil and military, and now he is also a well-known hermit in Youbeiping, if this is the person......"

"Uh, aren't you talking about Tian Chou Tian Zitai?"

Dong Cao Peng Wei You, who was in charge of the transfer of military attachés, looked strange, "I heard this son mention it a few years ago, saying that he intended to let me recruit him to Jixian County, which is also quite strange, but it ...... I heard that it has been taken to Liaodong by Liu Deran's people. ”

"And this?"

Xian Yufu was stunned, and Gongsun Ji frowned and said: "If it is a young man, Yuyang Yongnu also has a surname Tian, called Tian Yu Tian Guo Rang ......."

Wei You was stunned again, "Aren't they brothers?" ”

Gongsun Ji was stunned, "You ......"

Wei You's expression was strange, "Yuyang Taishou Wang Song was also there at that time, Na Tian Yu was young, he was already filial piety, and Wang Fujun was also paying attention, so he said that Na Tian Chou had gone to find Tian Yu, and he was also taken to Liaodong after that." ”

Everyone was dumbfounded, and Wei You thought for a while, "Oh, I heard that there is a ...... named Yan Rou It's the people of Guangyang, so has the Guangyang County Order gone? If you don't leave, it's just ......."

"Yan Rou was captured by Wuhuan and Xianbei since he was a child, and later he was heavily valued by Qiu Liju, and he knew him, uh......"

Xian Yufu smiled, suddenly stunned, and said with a frightened face: "The time I saw him in Nian Guan, he complained about Yan Rou's inexplicable plan to go to Liaodong...... It's hard to make it happen, he was also ...... by Liu Zheng"

"What are they doing in Liaodong?"

Liu Yu wondered.

"Did you say you would go back when you went?"

Wei You looked at Xian Yufu, as if he was confessing, and after seeing Xian Yufu nodding in shock, he smiled bitterly: "Ming Gong, I'm afraid I'm looking for someone...... I just don't know what he's looking for these people to do. ”

Liu Yu's face was surprised, he thought about it, and suddenly smiled strangely, "You guys, it's just a matter of not recommending yourself, pushing and pushing back and forth for young people to do, and they all blush for you...... Although this matter is difficult to travel, it can be seen that the saint will also have a reward, since you are unwilling, then so-and-so is not forced, it's just that you are really stupid, speaking of which, haven't you already mentioned the most suitable candidate? ”

Everyone was stunned, Xian Yufu was the first to react, and said in amazement: "What Ming Gong said, could it be Liu Deran?"

Liu Yu stroked his beard and laughed: "Not bad! Since he is clearly not helping Gongsun Chan and me, and he still has time to recruit talents, then I will probe his thoughts, and by the way, I will repay the rescue of the angels and the matter of letting Gongsun Chan go south. ”

"Rarely engaged, this time, pay attention to proportion, and have more dealings with Liu Deran. Later, I will write a letter, and you will entrust him with the matter of entering the capital to face the saint in the coming day, if he really wants to be an official, this matter has to be admitted, that is, you do not want to risk going, you can also wait and see the changes, waiting for the opportunity to act...... What do you think? ”

Xian Yuyin was stunned, "But if Liu Zhengruo has a different heart, and when he comes back in front of the Holy Seal, this is not to lure the wolf into ......."

"Ming Gong Gaojian!"

Xian Yufu should bow down first, "A certain must live up to its mission!" ”

The rest of the people thought about Xian Yufu's analysis of Liu Zheng just now, and also knew that Xian Yuyin's speculation was a bit dark, and then thought that Liu Yu dared to give Liu Zheng the credit for entering the capital and face the saint, and they must have thought that Lu Zhi and Xun Shuang behind Liu Zheng would never dare to touch him, and even let Xian Yufu get close to Liu Zheng, which was itself a digression between Liu Zheng and Gongsun Zhan, which could be regarded as killing many birds with one stone, so they also bowed down and complimented him.