After Zhang Shicheng learned about it, he did not intend to summon the Haidong delegation for two consecutive days. I didn't arrange another place for them to stay, but I just sent someone to bring a banquet every day. Everyone couldn't bear to wait and fidget, Luo Guoqi went to the envoy of Eastern Wu who had previously sent Yidu and asked him, "What's going on?" ”

That man had been to Haedong more than once, and he was the last one to Ito, and he was the last one to Pyongyang, and both times he was warmly received. It stands to reason that it should be "reciprocated with courtesy". However, he was also helpless about the current situation in which the Haidong mission was being snubbed, and said: "I have already told the Taiwei about the arrival of your country's mission. He also truthfully conveyed the intention of your country's mission. ”

"Then why is your lord so reluctant to receive us?"

The man groaned and said, "When I told the Taiwei about this, the Taiwei was not the only one present. and Rao is also participating in politics. Captain Ben was playing chess with him. I watched Rao's reaction to participating in politics, and after hearing about the intention of your country's mission, his face seemed to be very uncertain. Maybe? ……。 ”

When this man first went to Pyongyang, he gained a lot of benefits. Because of this, he also helped Pyongyang to smuggle many displaced people from western Zhejiang to enrich their labor. A while ago, I went to Yidu and got a lot of benefits. Although Chahan was overwhelmed by heavy troops at that time, Deng She was too busy to take care of himself, but he was still polite and thoughtful, and sent a lot of treasures to him. And specially sent high-ranking officials to send them off for hundreds of miles.

As the saying goes: "Eat people with short hands, take people with soft hands." Although this man is greedy for money, he often boasts that he is a "righteous person." Whether or not to agree to borrow grain is Zhang Shicheng's business; However, whether the Haidong mission can see Zhang Shicheng as soon as possible does not contradict this. At most, Zhang Shicheng disagreed and refused. What's the point of putting it here like this, ignoring it?

This man was also a little anxious. In addition to being anxious, I was a little ashamed. Therefore, he pointed out slightly in Fang Cai's words, reminding Luo Guoqi that maybe this "Rao Participating in Politics" made a stumbling block.

"Rao participates in politics?"

Since Luo Guoqi came to Eastern Wu as an envoy, he naturally had an understanding of the eunuchs of Eastern Wu. Rao participates in politics, the surname Rao is named, and the word is introduced. Linchuan people. The current official Meng Yuan, the post of Hanlin Yingfeng, out of the Zhejiang Xian, and the promotion of Huainan Province to participate in politics. Zhang Shicheng according to Wu, admired the name of the building, and still served as an official. is not only a eunuch, but also erudite and intelligent, and is also a famous literati and calligrapher. Now Zhang Shicheng is in the house, and another celebrity Chen Ji, with the main article. Shicheng's cases, official documents, and the like are more out of his hands.

The people of the time praised him: "Jiezhi is a person, dignified and bold, 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 compelling. ”

Luo Guoqi listened, took a long look, and expressed his gratitude. Rotate back to your residence and discuss with Fang Congzhe and others. Explaining the original situation, Luo Guoqi asked: "Although Rao Jiezhi was originally a minister, he is very honest. I have heard that the guests and hosts are very happy. Now that Rao Jiezhi is making a stumbling block, will the plan be released? ”

Those who participated in the discussion were all in the mission, and among them there were those who were bold and those who were cautious.

The cautious man said: "Zishi is honest with Wu, so as to attract guests, and the horses, living rooms, and other utensils donated are all sufficient." It has a reputation as a good man in Jiangnan. Whether virtuous or unscrupulous, they are vying for it. You can get rich. And a few days ago, I entered the city with you, and on the way I heard the words of ordinary people, and all words and sincerity will be praised. It can be seen that it also has the will of the people. With such a benevolent name and such a popular heart, how can you not have the death power of a soldier? Although Rao Jiezhi was originally a minister, he was able to negotiate with Shicheng's guests, and the reason for this was that Shicheng had such a reputation, and Shicheng had also lowered Mengyuan. But it's not surprising. ”

Han boldly said: "Talking about things for a long time." The adult is asking 'Ji will come out', not to hear your reputation as a good person! ”

"Only when we know the reputation of Shicheng, have an in-depth understanding of the relationship between Shicheng and Rao Jiezhi, and understand the degree of trust of Shicheng in Rao Jiezhi, can we prescribe the right medicine. Dude, how anxious! ”

"Tell me how to prescribe the right medicine."

If you want to prescribe the right medicine, the best strategy is to go directly to Rao Jiezhi. As long as you can move him and make him change his mind, the problem will of course be solved. However, the Haidong mission was sparse in western Zhejiang, and there were not many doors, so it was not easy to meet Rao Jiezhi. Nine times out of ten, this approach will not work.

The best strategy is difficult to do, can there be a middle policy?

Zhongce, bypassing Rao Jiezhi, directly asked someone to help with the rhetoric, such as the envoy of Eastern Wu who had sent an envoy to Haidong, to give Zhang Shicheng a speech. If Zhang Shicheng is moved, the problem can naturally be solved smoothly. However, with the relationship between Zhang Shicheng and Rao Jiezhi, Rao Jiezhi's attendant literature, he has to meet Zhang Shicheng almost every day. If you want to bypass Rao Jiezhi, I'm afraid it will be even more difficult.

He thought about it for a long time, but he also had no good solution, and everyone was looking at him, waiting for him to answer. I had to slowly reply: "It's hard to achieve it overnight, you have to slow down." ”

Han boldly slapped the case and said, "Isn't it nonsense! His eyes widened, he shook his sleeves, pressed his waist with his left hand, raised his right arm and said angrily, "I want the messenger of Nashi Cheng to come to my Haidong, and the lord will be hospitable to you." There is a small banquet on the third day and a large banquet on the fifth day. Eat meat in large pieces and drink wine in large bowls. The affection for it is not profound! Let's go all the way to Pingjiang. But they threw us idle, and we didn't see each other. Could this be the way Zhang Shicheng, who has the name of 'benevolence', receives guests? "Very angry.

The cautious man hurriedly said, "And whisper! ”

As he spoke, he hurriedly turned his head to look out the window, and he was not at ease, so he walked to the door again, opened the door, and looked out left and right. Fortunately, there were no servants and maids in the palace who happened to pass by. The yard was deserted. Only the drizzle that gradually turned lighter, and it still rained. Falling on the tree, rustling. When the wind blows, it is cold all over the body. Many people in the room couldn't help but shudder.

Luo Guoqi frowned and said, "It's cold, close the door." ......, ladies and gentlemen, we have come from afar to make sure that we do not fail in our mission. Before leaving, the lord said that the envoy we were waiting for must be full of difficulties. Now, although Shicheng has not been seen now, he has encountered an obstacle first. This was to be expected. The lord often said, 'There is calm in every big event.'" You don't have to be anxious and calm down. Good livelihood. Seeing Fang Congzhe sitting quietly on the side, not speaking, he asked, "Is there a way for Zhonghan?" ”

Luo Guoqi may not be in a hurry, but after all, he has rich experience, he has been a Confucian scholar, he has been in the army, he has also been arrogant, he has also experienced ups and downs, tasted the warmth and coldness of the world, and erased the edges and corners of the past. Since entering Haidong, he has also received heavy responsibilities, and his experience and experience have also made great progress. Not to mention anything else, in terms of calm measurement alone, it has indeed been honed.

People's experience and experience are very important, and when they encounter difficulties for the first time, they only feel that it is difficult to reach the sky, and they are helpless. After solving this difficulty, after passing and encountering difficulties again, we will have experience and know that no matter what kind of problem, there is always a way to solve it. The key is: whether this solution can be found.

As for whether Zhang Shicheng can be moved, Luo Guoqi is indeed bottomless. However, when it really comes to encountering difficulties, such as Fang Xia, among the members of the mission, he is the most able to calm down and meditate, and not be impatient or impatient.

Fang Congzhe stood up, paced indoors with his hands in his hands, turned around twice, and said boldly to Na Han: "General Shi is worthy of his true character in the army, and his strength is commendable!" Zhong Han asked, when I go to see Shicheng, will General Shi have the courage to walk with me and repeat what you just said? ”

Han Dada's name is Shi Sanqian, an old man who is a horse thief, and is now a thousand households in the army.

The mission trekked through mountains and rivers to envoy to a great country, and the regiment must not be guarded without soldiers. At this time, although Sanqian was a horse thief and a soldier, he also read the village school when he was a child, knew a few words, read a few books, and was not very fierce in appearance. Dress up, change into a scribe's uniform, and look at it from a distance, you can also give people a bit of a polite impression. Therefore, Deng She also transferred him to the mission, which was the command of the accompanying soldiers.

Shi Sanqian straightened his chest and concave belly, and replied loudly: "Longtan Tiger's Den, I also regard it as normal." Master Shi is not a person who has never seen the scene, but when he sees a mere Zhang Shicheng, why don't you dare? ”

"Good! Good! Fang Congzhe applauded and said, "With the general's words and the general's good courage to help, let's talk about the grasp of moving Shicheng this time, and we will have three more points." Luo Guoqi listened to his voice, and didn't seem to take the current difficulties in his eyes, and asked, "How do you say that Qi Shicheng will meet us and others to solve the current predicament, Zhonghan, don't you already have a plan?" ”

Fang Congzhe pursed his lips and smiled, and said: "When I waited for me to come, I told Dongwu bluntly about the purpose of borrowing grain, and Zhonghan had a whisper, thinking that Shicheng might refuse to meet us because of this. However, if we don't tell us our intentions bluntly, we will inevitably be suspected of deception. Even if he saw Shicheng, he might be dissatisfied because of this. Preconceived ideas, resistance, but not beautiful. Therefore, there is no persuasion to adults not to speak out. For example, the two armies are facing each other, and the dignified array is above board, which is the wind of the king. However, since Zhonghan has this concern, it will not take precautions. ”

"What is Zhonghan's strategy?"

"Please go to the envoy of Dongwu again and tell him that my Haidong mission is here not only to borrow grain, but also to come for the safety of Dongwu! asked him to ask Shi Cheng, because he wanted to sit in Soochow and eventually escape the situation of destruction; Or does he have the ambition to soar to the sky, do you want to be a blockbuster for three years? ”

"This ,......。"

only said that borrowing grain, it has nothing to do with the pain of Dongwu, it is Haidong seeking Dongwu, Zhang Shicheng can see it if he wants to, and if he doesn't want to see it, he won't see it. Adding a topic, it pulls up the safety of Soochow, even if it is empty words, Zhang Shicheng is concerned about his own body, even if he only believes in it a little, he can't help but pay attention to it.

Luo Guoqi had a doubt, and said: "What if Shicheng still ignores it and ignores it?" If you want to attract Zhang Shicheng's attention, the premise is that he can believe it, even a little bit of belief is also believing. However, what if he didn't believe Fang Congzhe's words at all? What should I do?

Fang Congzhe said: "It's none of your business, hang high." It's about your own body, and every inch will be chaotic. Shi Cheng received us and others, but it was a waste of time; If you don't see us, it is related to the survival of Soochow. Which is more important?

"However, so are the worries of adults. For the sake of insurance, I asked my lord to say another word to the envoy of Dongwu, and asked him to tell Shicheng that Songjiang is now the Dongwu of the past. Let me ask, who is Cao Wei in the past, and who is it now? If Shi Chengguo has the sincerity to reduce the Yuan, he is indeed very sincere in lowering the Meng Yuan, and wants to be a slave of the Tartars, then we will not mention the matter of borrowing grain again, and we can leave now. Those who know the times are Junjie. And if Shicheng has other aspirations, he will not see us, please make his own decision! ”

If Zhang Shicheng really surrendered to Meng Yuan, then Haidong's purpose of borrowing grain would definitely not be achieved. But if he didn't really surrender to Meng Yuan, the other party's rhetoric from Congzhe couldn't help but think deeply.

Luo Guoqi listened, lowered his head and thought for a while. He really had no choice but to follow Fang Congzhe's idea, go to the envoy of Eastern Wu, and relay Fang Congzhe's original words. The envoy of Dongwu was also very willing to help, and in the afternoon of the same day, he went to see Zhang Shicheng again, and told him these words as they were.

On the morning of the next day, Zhang Shicheng sent an envoy to summon the Haidong delegation to the meeting.

"Zhonghan is really talented." On the way to Taiwei's Mansion, Luo Guoqi said to the other party. Fang Congzhe smiled, but he was very modest, and said: "Pretending to be amazing is an ancient lobbyist's trick. It is difficult to say that the movers see us sincerely; can say that he is willing to lend us food, but he is capable. ”

That's a lot of honesty. However, this "amazing statement" is not easy to pronounce. At the very least, you have to say what is on the other party's mind. There has to be a bit of a shadow, the other party is really worried about this matter, so that the other party can be moved.

There are a lot of people from the Haidong mission, and those who go to see Zhang Shicheng don't need to go. Luo Guoqi is a regular messenger, he is one; Deputy Envoy Fang Congzhe is also a one. Fang Congzhe ordered the general of the three thousand again, and the three thousand was also another one. There were just three of them. Under the leadership of the envoy of the Taiwei Mansion, he greeted the drizzle, walked through the thoroughfare, walked through several lively streets, and turned into the Shicheng Mansion.

Wang Shicheng's Taiwei Mansion is not the original Suzhou mansion, nor is it the mansion of the wealthy families in Suzhou, but a temple in the original Suzhou city. The temple is called Jotenji Temple.

Zhang Shicheng destroyed the Buddha statue and occupied the palace, thinking that it was a mansion. There is a Banzai Pavilion in Jotenji Temple, which is very famous. It was probably because of the name and perhaps the magnificence of the temple that he now lives in it. As early as when he entered Suzhou and just took Chengtian Temple, there was a small incident. I don't know what kind of idea came from, he personally drew his bow and arrows, and shot three arrows at Liang Dong.

Luo Guoqi, Fang Congzhe, Shi 3,000, came to the outside of Chengtian Temple.

When I looked up, I saw that outside the temple gate, there were dozens of soldiers standing on both sides of the temple majestic, high-spirited, all in black armor and wearing black cloaks. The rain that fell and pulled continuously hit their armor and spears with a slight sound. The weather in early spring is still very cold. Bathed in the rain, these soldiers all stood solemnly, and none of them moved. Before the people were in time, there was already a murderous aura coming towards them. Luo Guoqi and Fang Congzhe glanced at each other, and they all thought: "Take the lead." ”

Luo Guoqi has been on the battlefield for a long time, and Fang Congzhe also has the courage, not to mention the three thousand. Luo Guoqi took the lead in the front, Fang and Shi were in the back, and the three of them walked proudly, going to the temple and hall, and drove straight in.