On March 29, the almanac of this day reads: It is advisable to bury and move the coffin into the burial and remove the clothes. Xue Chongxun thought that the burial must be done before he died, which meant that it was appropriate to kill. So on this day, a banquet was held to "entertain" the senior generals of the three cities who surrendered.

The generals were not happy, and after being invited, they realized that this was a Hongmen banquet, and they were afraid that there would be more than one luck. But the road has come to this point, what is the way? They did not dare to bring troops to Midtown, and they were no different from prisoners when they came to surrender, but they were treated better than prisoners, and they were disarmed and ordnanced, and at this moment they had no ability to resist, so they had to bite the bullet...... Even if it's a Hongmen banquet, you can eat a big meal and die, it's better than being dragged into the field and beheaded to show the public.

General Li Gui took forty or fifty generals and brothers to walk slowly to the north of the city, they all unarmed, some of them hung with martial arts and other grades and wore official robes rewarded by the imperial court, some generals did not have that honor, except for armor and robes, they only wore ordinary people's clothes, those who wore linen and silk, and a group of colorful people were like tigers who were plucked out of their skins and their prestige was reduced a lot.

It's just that from their tough posture and coordinated pace, it can be seen that they still have the temperament of a samurai without wearing military uniforms. Tough, resolute, and holding their heads high, they are all their own characteristics, just like the elegance and chic of civil officials and doctors.

However, the weather was not very good, and the sky was full of dark clouds and miserable winds. There is not much precipitation in the northern steppe areas, and this cloud has shrouded the heavens and the earth since early morning, but it does not rain...... The environment can always affect people's mood, and the expressions of the generals under such a canopy are more solemn.

This is a military town, and there are always troops coming and going on the main road, and those soldiers and horses are running in neat queues, fully armed, and the bright swords and guns make people feel very cold.

Li Gui and the others came to the designated place along the avenue, he quietly observed the situation around him, and did not find anything unusual, and thought with some luck in his heart: Maybe we are thinking too much, this is a banquet and nothing else.

At this time, an official stepped forward and saluted, "Generals, please take your seats." ”

So the generals followed the officer into a house. Everyone has been here here as the high-ranking generals of the three cities, and it is the command center of the middle city. Coming to this place again is an indescribable familiarity.

When Fang entered the room, he smelled the aroma of cooked meat and delicacies, which also had the low-key and good smell of old wine. The crowd soon became much more lively, and when they spoke, they were much more different from the feeling of being so preoccupied and dead at first. The smell of this appearance in front of them makes everyone feel that there is no murderous spirit, although the danger is not yet known, but it always makes people feel a lot more optimistic.

There were a few more oil lamp stands on the wall, and the orange and yellow light in the room was warm, and the sky outside was low and gloomy today, which made the room look brighter and brighter.

The large, bulky, space-consuming tables have been removed and replaced with small dining tables and stools with tempting cooked food on them. Directly north was a large case and a chair, which was obviously prepared for Xue Chongxun.

The accompanying officials beckoned: "Generals, please take your seats first, the prince will be there later." ”

As soon as the words fell, there was a sound of footsteps behind him, and he saw that Xue Chongxun had already come in. There were also two young civil officials in red robes and several military generals beside him. He said with a smile: "Everyone is polite, we are all people who have led soldiers, there is no need to pay attention to too much red tape, sit!" Sit down and have a drink and chat. ”

Everyone is the first time to see the legendary cowman, and at first sight, they feel that he is relatively easy-going and friendly, and the atmosphere is much more relaxed.

The generals hurriedly clasped their fists and saluted and said, "The sin general will wait to see the prince." ”

Xue Chongxun nodded, the smile on his face did not change, and he walked straight to the upper seat inside. Wang Changling and the others couldn't help but observe the expression on his face, and they all silently followed without saying a word.

When Xue Chongxun took his seat, he greeted him again, and the staff generals around him and the generals of the three cities next to him took their seats one after another. Xue Chongxun picked up the wine on the table and said, "There is no poison in the wine, you can drink a glass with me." ”

Everyone was stunned...... This is the first time I've heard that happen. However, Zhang Wulang and others are not surprised, and they have long been used to it.

Li Gui always felt that there was something in this, so he accosted him: "Even if the wine is poisonous, the prince will never frown when he asks the last general to drink, and do it first as respect!" With that, he took his glass and drank it up.

"Okay, what a strong man!" Xue Chongxun stroked his palms and praised.

Zhang Jiuling said: "The general's intention is that 'the king wants the minister to die, and the minister has to die', right?" ”

"It's serious......," Xue Chongxun said with a smile, and then lifted the chopsticks and said, "Eat first, eat more, I'm also a little hungry." He said in his heart: "The death row inmates in the prison should also have a good meal before leaving, and I can't go too far, let you die full."

After three rounds of drinking, someone said something good: "The last general and others knew that Mr. Zhang was planning to rebel, and he didn't want to mess with him for a long time, but the situation in the three cities was complicated at that time. When the king's master arrived, I waited until I made up my mind. ”

Xue Chongxun said: "You did the right thing, at least to prevent my Tang soldiers from fighting each other, it must be commendable, I know it in my heart." ”

He played with the wine cup in his hand, looking very interested. Of course, the generals of the three cities didn't know any details like "smashing the cup", so they didn't react; But Wang Changling, Zhang Wulang and the other people around Xue Chongxun knew very well in their hearts, and when they saw that he was holding the cup in his hand, everyone's hearts were raised.

At this time, Xue Chongxun sighed: "I also thought about whether to kill you......"

As soon as these words came out, the atmosphere in the room immediately became tense, and everyone did not dare to make a sound, and it was very quiet for a while.

Xue Chongxun continued: "I have also thought about it, you have left your hometown to resist foreign invaders in this bitter cold place with your parents and wives, and have fought bloody battles for many years, even if you have no merit, you have hard work. Since Xue is in charge of the country and the military power, he can't forget the sweat and blood you shed for the empire! In any case, as long as Xue speaks one day, your parents, wives and daughters will definitely be able to take care of it. ”

When Wang Changling turned his head to look, he saw the sincerity on his face, and he was quite moved by what he said just now, and a trace of warmth flowed in his heart...... After all, spring has arrived.

Everyone sat silently, and Xue Chongxun was still holding the cup in his hand thoughtfully. Suddenly, he took a deep breath......

Unexpectedly, at this moment, an official hurriedly came to the door and said, "Xicheng urgent! The Turkic army has entered the Kou, has passed the Yin Mountain, and in the blink of an eye, the generals are coming to the west to surrender to the city! ”G