An Feng's envoy went to Jinling, and an edict asked for borrowing soldiers. Whether Zhu Yuanzhang is in a dilemma or not, let's not say for the time being. But at the same time, in Songjiang Mansion in western Zhejiang, Zhang Shicheng was already "in a dilemma".

What is he embarrassed about?

Before Li Chahan relieved the siege of Caozhou, he listened to Feng Timu's suggestion and sent an envoy to western Zhejiang to form an alliance with Zhang Shicheng.

At that time, he was stationed in Lijiadao, although it was not too far from Lijiadao to Songjiang, but in the middle was trekking through mountains and rivers to cross the Yellow River; Second, it is necessary to pass through several Yan Jun and Wu Jun's territory, and the journey is not easy, and there is a lot of delay on the road, so I just entered Suzhou City a few days ago.

Li Chahan and Zhang Shicheng have not dealt with each other directly, but through some other indirect channels, they have long heard of each other and are relatively familiar with each other.

Just a few years ago, there were two celebrities in Huainan and western Zhejiang, one named "Wang Tong" and the other named "Shi Chun", who went to visit Li Chahan.

Speaking of Zhang Shicheng twice, Li Chahan had this comment on Shicheng: "Zhang Shicheng is not loyal to the country", and said, "The Central Plains is decided, and the south of the Pingjiang River should start from Gusu."

At that time, Wang Tong had just been promoted to an official and "worshiped Zuo Cheng of Huainan Province", so Li Chahan encouraged him and Shi Chun and said: "Jun and Shi Jun should work together." - Together, what? The two of you should work hard to develop your power in Huainan, and help me when our army moves south and pacifies Gusu.

From Richard's remarks, it can actually be seen that he has no good impression of Zhang Shicheng, and he sees very clearly the essence of Zhang Shicheng's "surrender in name, but in fact he holds both ends".

This time, when he decided to send an envoy to form an alliance with Zhang Shicheng, Wang Baobao vigorously objected, saying that Zhang Shicheng "has two ambitions, how can his father form an alliance with such people"? He replied, "There is no informality in planning big things."

——These words, these sentences, at the time, seemed to take the overall situation into account, but in fact they were full of helplessness. He knows the essence of Zhang Shicheng very clearly, and he is also very disdainful of Zhang Shicheng's character. Wang Baobao looked down on Zhang Shicheng and thought he was such a hero? I won't look down on Shicheng.

But at this point, in order to recover the decline, he had to take the initiative to form an alliance with it. How aggrieved!

But then again, although helpless, it can be seen from this that Richard Han "can advance and retreat", and he is indeed a hero in the world. As the saying goes, "the inchworm is bent, and the dragon and snake can survive."

……

Richard's command was originally civil and military, but once he came, after fierce battles, he was damaged one after another; Both, he traveled thousands of miles to help Caozhou this time, and the base camp could not be guarded without people, so there was only one strategist who accompanied him, Li Weixin.

It is important to send an envoy to western Zhejiang, but it is not possible to send the "chief strategist" because of this.

Moreover, as Wang Baobao said: "My father has put down his position by taking the initiative to make an alliance with Shicheng, if he is rejected by Shicheng again, won't he be humiliated?" Once the news comes out, teach Deng Thief to know, and it is bound to be even more noisy"! - This layer is indeed a concern. Therefore, when choosing the messenger, he picked and chosen, and finally chose a person named Li Weide, but Li Weixin's brother.

This Li Weide, whose official position in the Chahan Army is not high, is just a calmer, but because of Li Weixin's relationship, he is also very favored on weekdays, and he is a person who can "speak".

There are two advantages to sending him. First, his status is not high, if this alliance is rejected by Zhang Shicheng, he will not be too embarrassed; Second, he is Li Weixin's younger brother, Li Weixin is the mastermind of Chahan, if this alliance is successful, he can also sign an alliance with Shicheng on behalf of Li Chahan.

Chakhan Timur had good intentions, and before Li Weide left, he privately explained: "When you go to Songjiang, you not only want to see Feng Boyan, the clan brother of Feng Timu; I want to see Wang Tong and Shi Chun. ......, and yes, I heard that last time the Yan thief sent Luo Guoqi and Fang Congzhe to go to western Zhejiang to borrow grain, Rao Xingweng and Chen Jingchu had vigorously opposed it together. This time, I want to form an alliance with Shicheng, and the plotter is also a thief. If you can get the support of the two of them, you will definitely get twice the result with half the effort. Therefore, you must also see the two of them. ”

Wake up Weng, who is it? That is, Raojie. Chen Jingchu is Chen Ji.

Both of them are big "celebrities" and have a lot of influence in Wuzhong. Most of the "Ten Talents of Beiguo" and "Four Masters of Wuzhong" have dealings with them.

- "Wuzhong Four Heroes" is Gao Qi and others, and speaking of the "Ten Talents of Northern Guo", Monk Daoyan is also one of them. "He is a man, dignified and arrogant, and he is handsome and handsome for a while. The book is like Huaisu, the poem is like Li Bai, the arrogance is shining, and Ye Ye is pressing". This sentence of evaluation of Rao Jie came from the mouth of Daoyan.

Although Rao Jie and Chen Ji were literati, they had great influence and won the trust of Zhang Shicheng, and if they could get their support, the matter of "forming an alliance" would be more certain.

……

After getting Li Chahan's advice, after Li Weide arrived in western Zhejiang, he really did as he said, first made an appointment to meet Feng Boyan, then met Wang Tong and Shi Chun, and then met Rao Jie and Chen Ji, and spent two or three days to test their meaning.

Feng Boyan doesn't need to say much, he originally advocated this "alliance" and completely agreed; Wang Tong and Shi Chun don't need to say much, there is Li Chahan's sentence "Jun and Shi Jun should work together", and they also expressed their support. But he only encountered some trouble here with Rao Jie and Chen Ji.

But it was not Rao Jie and Chen Ji who objected, the two of them had been by Zhang Shicheng's side and attendants for a long time, and they knew Shicheng's mind very well.

Just like Li Weide's analysis before leaving, Li Chahan, Li Weixin, Feng Timu, etc., Zhang Shicheng is indeed "afraid of wolves in the front and tigers in the back".

First of all, the loss of Xu and Suzhou caused great pressure on Suzhou, and the Yan army could go south at any time; At the same time, Jinling Zhu Yuanzhang sharpened his knife, which made it even worse. For several days, Zhang Shicheng didn't sleep well and was worried. But secondly, Richard Han is not good at stubble, if he forms an alliance with him, how can he "drive the tiger at the front door and lead the wolf at the back door"? It's not that the ministers of western Zhejiang haven't mentioned the alliance with Li Chahan, and that Feng Boyan has mentioned it many times. But every time because of Zhang Shicheng's worries, "nothing happened".

Rao Jie was very frank and told Li Weide: "Taiwei Zhang is a person, although he is lenient and kind, but he is a little soft, and it is not easy to convince him." And said, "Since Li Jun is here, there is no need to worry." The alliance is a major event, even if the captain is interested, it is difficult to make a hasty decision. Let's stay for a while, and when I find an opportunity, I can speak slowly for you, or it can be done. ”

Chen Ji also meant the same thing, he said: "The previous Yan thief borrowed grain, and we all thought it was impossible, but Taiwei actually allowed it, which finally led to the loss of Xu and Su today." A few days ago, when he talked about this incident again, the captain was also quite remorseful. Since you regret it, you have regretted it. And since he regrets it, maybe if he talks about joining forces with Li Pingzhang again, the resistance will not be too great. …… Li Jun came from afar, and the road was hard. Rao Gong is right, and there is no need to worry, take a break for three or two days. Let's wait for us to try the captain's tone, and then it's not too late. ”

Li Weide had no choice, so he followed their intentions, stayed for the time being, and only inquired every day. After another two days, there was still no movement, so I couldn't help it, so I went to see Rao Jie again.

Rao Jie was very embarrassed and said, "Yesterday afternoon, Taiwei invited me to play chess. In the chess game, I took the opportunity to mention the matter. The lieutenant just laughed, but didn't say a word. What he meant, I couldn't tell. ”

"How's that good?"

"Li Jun doesn't have to be anxious. In the past two days, I have met with many colleagues and asked many local celebrities what they mean, and eight or nine out of ten are in favor of forming an alliance. Like Han Qian, Qian Fu, etc., they are also strong supporters of this. Public opinion is like this, and the people are aspiring, maybe wait another two or three days, and there will be a change. ”

"That's it."

……

Why did Rao Jie, Chen Ji and others work so hard to help?

It must be known that they are loyal to the "Mengyuan Imperial Court", but not Zhang Shicheng. Shicheng treats him very well, but if it weren't for the reduction of Meng Yuan, I am afraid that no matter how hard he tries, he will not be able to invite them to come out of the mountain to serve as officials.

Zhang Shicheng's mind of "holding both ends of the yin" can be clearly seen by Richard, who is thousands of miles away, they are close people around Shicheng, how can they not understand?

It's just helpless, the military power in western Zhejiang is in the hands of Shicheng, they are just Wenchen, and there is no way to change Shicheng's mind. But if he forms an alliance with Richardan and uses this to attract Richard's troops and "force guests to overwhelm the master", can this Zhang Shicheng still "hold both ends"? Only loyal to protect the "Great Yuan".

Therefore, they are very committed to this matter. If it can be done, I think I will be able to "leave a name in history and leave a legacy for future generations".

……

Two more days passed, and there was still no movement.

Li Weide came to see Rao Jie again, and Chen Ji happened to be there.

"Li Jun came just in time."

"What? Isn't it that the two gentlemen have already said that they have moved the captain? ”

Chen Ji shook his head and said, "This is not true. ......, yesterday I received a military report that Li Pingzhang had lifted the siege of Caozhou, and the Yan thief Zhao Guobu fled from the wind. Taking this opportunity, Feng Boyan wrote to Captain Tai and once again formally proposed: Please join forces with Li Pingzhang to suppress the two thieves of Yan and Wu. ”

"What did the captain say?"

"The captain didn't express an opinion, but he said a word."

"What?"

"Far water can't quench your thirst."

Li Weide was stunned for a moment, puzzled, and asked, "What does this mean?" Do you think we are too far away from western Zhejiang? ”

"Of course not. Li Pingzhang has stationed a heavy army in Henan, and Linyi is in Caozhou, which is only one or two hundred miles away from western Zhejiang. Leave at dawn and arrive at dusk – a short trip. How can it be far? ”

"What does that mean?"

Chen Ji and Rao Jie glanced at each other, and Rao Jie said: "We guess that the meaning of the Taiwei is really Xu and Su. What is 'Far Water'? What is 'near thirst'? If Li Pingzhang is regarded as 'far water', then what is 'near thirst'? ......, I thought that Taiwei had no other intentions, and must be referring to Xu and Su Erzhou! ”

"That is?"

"Taiwei's meaning should be: If Li Pingzhang is willing to help recover Xu and Su, then the alliance can be agreed."

"I see!"

Li Weide was overjoyed when he heard this, and said: "I can't hide it, before I came, Lord Pingzhang specially explained, saying, 'Take the Yellow River as an oath and use Mount Tai as an alliance, and I am willing to make an appointment with Taiwei: the two families will attack Yan." If Taiwei agrees, then after the matter is completed, the Yellow River will be the boundary, Shandong will belong to me, and Xu and Su will return to Taiwei'. And, after the matter is completed, I am willing to borrow 10,000 elite soldiers and Taiwei to take Jinling together to eliminate the trouble on the occipital side of western Zhejiang. ”

These words, because they are the bottom line of Chakhan Timur, Li Weide has never spoken to Rao Jie, Chen Ji and others before. But they don't know. Hearing this, Rao Jie said, "Oh? Is that really what Li Pingzhang said? ”

"It's true, it's true!"

"If that's the case, then the alliance ,......。" Rao Jie looked at Chen Ji, slapped his thighs violently, spread his hands, and shouted, "......, it's already done!" ”

Chen Ji was also overjoyed, complained about Li Weide, and said: "Since Li Pingzhang said this, why didn't Li Jun tell us earlier?" If you had said it earlier, it would have been done a long time ago! Why wait until now? ”

"I don't want to say it. Just because I don't know the captain's intentions, I'm afraid that if I say it too early, it will not be conducive to success. If the hole cards are shown too early, maybe Zhang Shicheng will put forward conditions that are unacceptable to Richard's side because he sees that it is "profitable", that is, the so-called "it is not conducive to success".

Chen Ji and Rao Jie are both smart people, and they both know this.

Chen Ji complained about Li Weide a few words, and didn't say more, picked up the tea bowl and drank it all, Huo Ran got up, and said: "The people who are worried about Taiwei are none other than Xu and Su Erzhou. Since Li Pingzhang said this, the alliance must be harmonious! Li Jun has been coming to Songjiang for many days. Without further ado, how about we go and see the Captain? ”

Zhang Shicheng is the lord of western Zhejiang, Li Weide has been here for many days, and he has seen many important ministers of Songjiang, how can he not know? It's because I've been hesitant about forming an alliance that I pretend not to know.

It was easy for Rao Jie, Chen Ji and other ministers to exert their strength, constantly blowing the wind in their ears, and mobilizing Suzhou celebrities to cause public opinion and move it; It just so happens that Richard Han is willing to use the biggest concession in exchange for cooperation, and in such a situation, he should naturally strike while the iron is hot, cut through the mess quickly, and make an alliance as soon as possible. so as not to have too many dreams at night and prevent Zhang Shicheng from changing his mind again.

——"Shicheng and gentle", this is the consensus of the ministers of Songjiang.

……

On the same day, Li Weide and Zhang Shicheng met in the palace and talked about the proposals, requirements, conditions and concessions of Chakhan Timur, and Shicheng really had nothing to say, no longer embarrassed, no longer "hesitating".

The next day, the two sides made an alliance.

Agreed: "One goes north from Songjiang, one goes east from Taihang, and the two armies work together to exterminate the Yan thieves." After pacifying the swallow thieves, north of the Yellow River, Chahan occupied it; South of the Yellow River, Shicheng has. ”

Zhang Shicheng also raised the threat of Jinling. According to Li Chahan's confession before coming, Li Weide agreed instead: "The day our army recovers Shandong, it is when it goes south to Jinling." Before that, our army is willing to lend the elite soldiers of Henan to Taiwei, and form an angle with Songjiang to curb the Wu thieves between sizes."

As for the specific date of "allied troops", it is not something that Li Weide can decide with Zhang Shicheng, and Li Chahan needs to send another henchman to negotiate.

When the covenant was reached, Li Weide offered to leave, and Zhang Shicheng kept him: "Although my Songjiang is small, I have my own romance. Sir, why don't you stay for two more days and enjoy the scenery of Jiangnan? It's also a lot to be close to Mr. ”

Li Weide excused himself and said: "My lord has relieved the siege of Caozhou, and he may return to Shanxi in the near future." It's a big deal to form an alliance with Taiwei, so it's better to go back early and tell my lord. ”

"In that case, I won't keep Mr. anymore." Zhang Shicheng ordered someone to take two large plates of gold and silver and give them to Li Weide, "Let's talk about it." "Tell Rao Jie, Chen Ji," send one to Mr. Li on my behalf. ”

It was late that day, and I quit the next day.

……

Wang Tong, Shi Chun, Feng Boyan and others also came to send them together.

Because of the invitation of Rao Jie, Yang Ji, Wang Xing and other Suzhou celebrities who had contributed to this and created public opinion before also came. There were no less than twenty people, old and young, who sent Li Weide ten miles out of the city before stopping.

In the morning, the sun was shining, the mountains and rivers were green, and the willows were still nearby.

Rao Jie ordered his entourage to fetch the wine, poured three glasses, and said, "Father Wu Zhong has been looking at the king for a long time!" Li Pingzhang is famous all over the world and is a hero in the world. Now I can make a covenant with Zhexi, which is a blessing for the head of Qian! Li Jun returned with a full load, and all those who carried it were all the hopes of my Wu people. It's a heavy burden! I hope that after Li Jun goes back, when he sees Li Pingzhang, he can tell him about our heart. ......, reluctantly! Please have a drink. ”

Li Weide drank to his heart's content.

"Brother Li Jun, a wise man in the North, since assisting Li Pingzhang, has made many strange strategies, strategized and won thousands of miles, and most of the robbers in the North have been destroyed because of Brother Jun's plan, and he has made meritorious contributions to the society and benefited the country. We've been famous for a long time, and we can't wait to see each other. I only hope that Pingzhang's army will come as soon as possible, so that we can meet Brother Jun as soon as possible. ......, after Li Jun goes back, please also tell my brother about what I am waiting for. Please have another drink. ”

Li Weide drank to his heart's content.

Rao Jie took a wicker from the willow tree on the side of the road, served the wine for the third time, and said, "Farewell today, the mountains and rivers are far away." The times are uneven, the roads are not quiet, and I don't know when I will see you again. ......, please have another drink. ”

Li Weide drank to his heart's content.

After three cups of drinking, he said goodbye and said, "Sending you a thousand miles, you must say goodbye in the end." How can he be in the next place? There are all the adults and gentlemen who are sent away, which really makes Weide sincerely afraid. Please rest assured, please rest assured, please rest assured, please rest assured, your heart will definitely tell my father-in-law. Everyone, please come back. ”

You can't just go, in the place where Wuzhong and humanities gather, everyone present is more talented.

Wang Xing, one of the "Ten Talents of Beiguo"; Yang Ji, as famous as Gao Qi, "one of the four masters of Wuzhong", is good at five words, and is known as the "five words condor shooter". and Zhang Yu, Xu Ben, Zhou Di and others, all of whom are either one of the "Four Masters" or one of the "Ten Talents", all have literary names.

Starting from Rao Jie and Wang Tong, everyone "parting poems" one after another.

- Rao and Wang have the highest official positions among the people, one is the Huainan Province to participate in politics, the other is the Huainan Province Zuo Cheng, and many of the rest have not been appointed officials, even if they have positions, they are not very high, such as Yang Ji, who is just a shogunate "record office" of Zhang Shicheng.

The poems written by all of them may be five words, or seven words, or sprinkled, or short and concise, and so on. It wasn't until after noon that the send-off came to an end.

Li Weide's luggage was stuffed with poems, and he said goodbye to everyone in tears. After walking far away, he turned his head to look back, and still saw that Rao, Wang and others were nostalgic, and waved his hand.

He couldn't help but say emotionally: "The people of Wu Zhong are like this, why worry about big things!" With emotion and hope for the future, I embarked on the return journey to meet the sun, which had risen to the middle of the sky and began to set.