The next day arrived quickly, and Yang Hong woke up at dawn! But after he woke up, he did not go directly to Zhang Zhao's place. Instead, he went to the courtyard and picked up a pen and ink to write calligraphy. He even picked up a carving knife to carve a tortoiseshell! After lunch, Yang Hong took a nap and leisurely walked towards Zhang Zhao's courtyard. He knew that now was the time to go. If he went to look for Zhang Zhao, both of them would be speechless. If he was late, Zhang Zhao might go straight to the governor's office. After all, he was the envoy of a warlord. No matter how much the Lu Bu's Army disliked the Jiangdong's Army, they would still be polite to Zhang Zhao. After all, when two countries were at war, they would not kill envoys. You cannot let the world think that the Lu Bu's Army was a group of barbarians.
It was not too late nor too early. Yang Hong directly stepped into Zhang Zhao's mansion. Yang Hong could be leisurely, but Zhang Zhao did not have such a good idea. This was because he was now being roasted on the fire. One must know that this time, he came not only because of Sun Ce, but also because of the pressure from the nobles. For every day he delayed, the nobles would suffer in the prison. Therefore, Zhang Zhao could not wait for a moment. But on the surface, he was still calm. This was because he had to occupy the upper hand so that he could get the greatest benefits from the Lvbu's Army!
"Mr. Yang Hong is here!" Zhang Zhao was also sitting in the courtyard. Although he was anxious in his heart, he looked very calm on the surface. When he saw Yang Hong arrive, he didn't go forward to greet him. He just glanced at Yang Hong as if to say that he wouldn't entertain him.
What a perseverance! Yang Hong's impression of Zhang Zhao also increased. If it was a normal person, a normal messenger, or an ordinary person, he would be so anxious that he wouldn't know what to do. He might even jump up and down and run straight to the Administration Office. Even if Yang Hong came in, he would still be able to talk to Zhang Zhao. But Zhang Zhao in front of him was very calm. He was indeed worthy of being Jiangdong's chief strategist.
But so what? The initiative is in Yang Hong's hands. Since you're so indifferent, then I'll let you continue to be indifferent! Yang Hong didn't mind Zhang Zhao's rudeness and directly sat on the table. "Someone, bring me a set of cups!" This courtyard was found by Yang Hong for Zhang Zhao. Naturally, the servants inside recognized Yang Hong. When they heard Yang Hong's order, they immediately went to prepare. They all knew what Yang Hong liked to drink. Soon, a tray with a teacup and a teapot was brought in!
The tea of this era wasn't the green tea of the modern era. It was made with longan, salt, and even some seasonings. Rather than calling it tea, it was better to call it soup. Only people like Yang Hong who was used to drinking this kind of soup could drink it. Other people simply couldn't swallow it. For example, Liu Mang. Liu Mang didn't have any interest in this kind of tea. He even had a feeling of disgust when he saw it.
Yang Hong sat there and drank by himself. He squinted his eyes and continued with yesterday's fighting style.
"This Yang Hong!" Zhang Zhao frowned when no one was paying attention. Isn't this Yang Hong an idiot? Isn't he a person on the surface? Why hasn't the main character appeared to negotiate with me? What do they want? Chen Gong, what is he thinking? In the Lvbu's Army, Chen Gong was the number one person in wisdom and strategy. Therefore, Zhang Zhao believed that the person behind Yang Hong was Chen Gong. It was Chen Gong who asked Yang Hong to do this in order to let him speak first. Zhang Zhao didn't move because he believed the words of the guard. That guard was Sun Ce's trusted aide. Sun Ce trusted him very much. Otherwise, he wouldn't have arranged for someone to protect him.
"Drink, drink, drink!" Zhang Zhao continued to drink his tea. He didn't believe that Yang Hong could hold back and not speak. Time passed quickly. Soon, another day was coming to an end. Yang Hong looked at the sky and stood up. This time, he tasted a different kind of mood from the tea.
"Mr. Zhang Zhao, sorry to disturb you again. It's getting late. I'll take my leave now!" Yang Hong stood up and walked towards the entrance of the mansion.
"Hmph!" Seeing Yang Hong leave, Zhang Zhao snorted. This again, this again. What does this Lvbu's Army want?
"Mr. Zhang Zhao, it's time to eat!" The guard reminded Zhang Zhao. The sky had already turned dark. It was time to eat.
But Zhang Zhao wasn't in the mood to eat! "I'm not eating, I'm not eating!" Just as he was about to say it, he suddenly stopped. He knew that if he lost his temper and didn't finish his meal, it would be telling the enemy that he was anxious! This courtyard was arranged by Yang Hong of the Lvbu's Army. Who knows how many spies were planted in this courtyard.
"Come, come, let's eat!" Zhang Zhao pulled the guard up. Not only did he want to eat, but he also wanted to eat with them. He wanted to tell Yang Hong and Chen Gong that he wasn't anxious at all. They were here to give face to the Lvbu's Army and not for other reasons.
"I can still eat! Not bad! " Zhang Zhao's guess was right. There were many of Yang Hong's spies in this courtyard. Yang Hong arranged for Zhang Zhao to be here to monitor him. Zhang Zhao's every move was basically under Yang Hong's control. If Zhang Zhao couldn't calm down and was ignored for two days, then he should throw a tantrum at night. Zhang Zhao was the chief strategist in Jiangdong, which was equivalent to Chen Gong's position in the Lvbu's Army. He was someone that Sun Ce couldn't do without. But now, such a person was ignored by the Lvbu's Army. Although Yang Hong was very polite to Zhang Zhao verbally, he showed disdain in his actions.
The purpose was to provoke Zhang Zhao and make him confused. This way, Zhang Zhao would be led by the nose by Yang Hong.
But now, Zhang Zhao could eat, and he was eating very happily. He brought a few guards to the table and talked about Jiangdong's customs while eating. They even drank a little wine. How was this an enemy's city? Zhang Zhao didn't look like he was here to negotiate, he looked more like he was here for a vacation.
Most people would be deceived by Zhang Zhao's expression. If Liu Mang was here, he would have directly confronted Zhang Zhao.
"Stay calm and composed! Let's see how long you can stay calm! " Yang Hong sneered. He, Yang Hong, might be slightly inferior in terms of strategy and strategy, and could even come up with some bad moves. But in terms of diplomacy, if Yang Hong claimed to be number one, no one would dare to claim to be number two. Alliances were a joke in front of Yang Hong!
On the third and fourth day, Yang Hong was like this. Zhang Zhao was as indifferent as ever, calling the guards to eat. But from the stiff expression on his face, it seemed like he couldn't hold on any longer.
Yang Hong planned to continue like this, but he was interrupted by Liu Mang. This was because Liu Mang was about to leave. He was going to take Gan Ning, Huang Zhong, Huang Xu, Xu Sheng, and Chengyu to Shouchun. Huang Zhong and Huang Xu were originally by Liu Mang's side. Xu Sheng's Black Flag Army was ready to go, and Chengyu's City Guard was also settled. Although they didn't know how strong they were, it wasn't like they couldn't fight!
Gan Ning's departure caused Yang Hong's plan to be brought forward. This was because Gan Ning's navy needed to follow Liu Mang to Shouchun. Although Gan Ning's navy defeated the Jiangdong Army's navy and did not suffer any heavy casualties, the Lvbu's Army's navy needed time to expand. This was because there would be large-scale battles in the future. What was the use of relying on a few thousand soldiers? If the Jiangdong Army really fell out with the Jiangdong Army, they could still gain the upper hand by relying on the ballistae. However, if the Jiangdong Army became ruthless and blocked the Yangtze River, Gan Ning's navy would not be a match for them. Moreover, there was also the Jingzhou Navy on the side. Therefore, Liu Mang wanted to take Gan Ning's navy to Shouchun. There was also the Huai River and Ying River in Shouchun. These two rivers were enough for Gan Ning to train his navy. Now that Gan Ning's navy was at the border between Lujiang and Jiang Xia, they would be in Jiang Xia and Jingzhou. It was precisely because of this that Sun Cejun was very worried. Once Gan Ning's navy and Jingzhou's navy joined forces, then Zhou Yu would not be able to escape. This was also Yang Hong's bargaining chip. Now that such a big bargaining chip was about to disappear, Yang Hong had to change his plan!
On the fifth day, Zhang Zhao could not hold on any longer. A day ago, he received information from Jiang Xia that Gan Ning's navy and Jiangdong's navy had come into contact again. This time, they were unusually close. Everyone could see the enemy's face. What was the Lvbu's Army trying to do? Did they really want to go to war with Jiangdong? If Zhou Yu's navy was destroyed, then Jiangdong would be in danger. At the very least, Jiangzhong's position as the overlord of Jiangdong would be shaken. He only had two main forces left to resist the counterattack of the Jingzhou Navy. If this one was lost, then not only would he lose Jiang Xia, but he would also lose Pan Yang. However, he was still holding on to Wuchang. At that time, it would not be expanding his territory, but he would be suppressed. Although Liu Biao did not have the heart to make progress, he would be a fool to not eat the fat meat in front of him. Therefore, Zhang Zhao was a little anxious.
Especially tonight, there was one thing that made Zhang Zhao even more anxious. That was, there were fewer dishes for dinner. How could there be enough food? Therefore, Zhang Zhao asked the maidservant why there were fewer dishes. The maidservant said that it was because there wasn't enough food in the city. It wasn't a problem to have enough food, but it was impossible to increase the number of dishes.
There was a shortage of food in the city? If Zhang Zhao could analyze a lot of things for the Lvbu's Army, he would be very happy. Because the Lvbu's Army lacked food, he would naturally withdraw his claws. This way, Jiangdong would be safe. But now that the summer harvest was coming, the shortage of food would be reduced for a period of time. But now, even he, the messenger, had to reduce his meals. What about the nobles in the prison? When he came to the Lu Bu's Army, he had promised to bring back all the nobles one by one and bring them back unscathed.
If a few of them starved to death, then it would be a big joke. If they starved to death before, then it would be excusable. But if they starved to death now, then it would be Zhang Zhao's fault. Because of Zhang Zhao's delay, those nobles starved to death. Although Zhang Zhao was a famous and powerful person in Jiangdong, he did not want to offend the nobles!
If the Zhang family wanted to establish a foothold in Jiangdong, then they must have a good relationship with the local nobles. This way, they can both attack and defend. If they were not accepted by the local nobles, then sooner or later, they would be plotted against. But what if Zhang Zhao died? Then who else in the Zhang family would be able to support the Zhang family?
On the sixth day, before Yang Hong left the mansion, Zhang Zhao went up to him and said, "Mr. Yang Hong, I would like to ask if your lord wants to negotiate!" Zhang Zhao's face had a trace of anger and coldness. He would not beg Yang Hong, because it was not that he did not have the strength to fight. If he was forced into a corner, then he would do something desperate! Moreover, Liu Biao did not have a good impression of Sun Cejun, but did he have a good impression of the Lvbu's Army? They were both enemies, but one was a wolf and the other was a tiger! In this world, there were no absolute friends, only absolute interests. Perhaps an enemy would become a friend in the next moment.
Just like when Lü Bu was in Xuzhou, he was still friends with Liu Bei, but in the next moment, he sold out Liu Bei for the territory in Xuzhou. Not only did he take Xiapi, but he also seized half of Xuzhou and almost killed Zhang Fei. But now, these two families were about to fight to the death! After all, Lü Bu endured until Tao Qian died and took over Xuzhou from Tao Qian. Now that he had a foothold, Lü Bu came to snatch the territory. One must know that Lü Bu only came to Xuzhou because he was protected by Xuzhou's Liu Bei. Lü Bu escaped from Yanzhou's Cao Cao. Lao Cao originally wanted to kill Lü Bu, but when Lao Cao was about to take over Xuzhou in the name of revenge for his father, he interfered and almost destroyed Lao Cao's entire hometown. It would be strange if Lao Cao would let go of Lü Bu. However, because of Liu Bei, Lao Cao endured it. He could defeat one Lü Bu, but if it was one Lü Bu and Liu Bei, he really wouldn't be a match for them. What's more, his hometown was already in chaos. Lao Cao couldn't even take care of himself. Therefore, Cao Cao withdrew his troops. Liu Bei also gave Xiao Pei to Lü Bu to guard the entrance to Xuzhou. That was their honeymoon period!
However, in the blink of an eye, when Liu Bei was attacking Yuan Shu, Lü Bu directly turned around and bit Liu Bei. He seized Xiapi and occupied Xuzhou, leaving Liu Bei with only a few cities. At this time, Yuan Shu also interfered. He wanted revenge. He was beaten up by Liu Bei before, and now he wanted to fight back. Liu Bei was already at the point of life and death. Under the leadership of Ji Ling, Yuan Shu's army could have easily destroyed Liu Bei. At this time, Lü Bu stood up and became the peacemaker. He wanted to persuade Yuan Shu's army to withdraw. This was how the story of shooting a halberd at the Yuan Gate came about. Do you think this is the end?! Not yet! Liu Bei was saved by Lü Bu, but he didn't thank Lü Bu. His current role was completely different from that of Lü Bu! On the surface, he promised Lü Bu to help Lü Bu defend Xuzhou. However, he secretly contacted Guangling's Chen Deng and Cao Cao who was far away in Yanzhou. He also gave Lü Bu a show of besieging Xiapi! Lü Bu was almost played to death by Liu Bei!
Therefore, in this chaotic world where benefits were the most important, there were no real enemies. There were only absolute benefits.
"Peace talk, of course I want peace talk! Mr. Zhang Zhao, we have been talking for the past few days! "Yang Hong said to Zhang Zhao with a smile. Zhang Zhao finally couldn't help but speak first. If Zhang Zhao continued like this, Yang Hong would also be helpless. This was because Gan Ning's troops were about to leave Wancheng City. He had to follow Liu Mang's troops to Shouchun. At that time, a big bargaining chip would be gone. Yang Hong was very helpless. Now that Zhang Zhao spoke first, he was naturally very happy!
"Peace talk!? Humph! " Zhang Zhao's heart was filled with anger. This is called peace talk? Drinking tea, sleeping, and writing calligraphy for several days, this is called peace talk? This is called going to relax! Even if you go out to relax, you won't be so leisurely!
"Come come come! Mr. Zhang Zhao, now I, Yang Hong, am representing my lord to have peace talk with Mr. Zhang Zhao! " Yang Hong straightened his clothes and said to Zhang Zhao in a serious tone. In ancient times, peace talks were very serious because both sides represented their respective lords. Their words and actions were the representatives of their respective lords. They could not afford to lose face.
"Then let's begin! Mr. Yang Hong! "Zhang Zhao could only endure his anger and also returned a salute. The peace talk officially began.
"Mr. Yang Hong, I would like to ask what your lord's navy is like!" Zhang Zhao was the first to ask. "He sometimes enters Jiang Xia and sometimes returns to Wancheng City. The most recent time, he was even dozens of meters away from my navy. What is he doing? Does he want to continue the war? "
"Start the war?" Yang Hong smiled and said to Zhang Zhao. "I don't know where Mr. Zhang Zhao learned that there is a truce between our two armies!" Sun Ce's army attacked Lujiang while Lu Bu's army defended Wancheng city and attacked Shucheng city. Both sides have been fighting for a long time. Although both sides have retreated, neither side has declared a truce. In other words, they were still in a state of war. How can there be a truce in the middle of a war?
"Huh!?" Zhang Zhao frowned. Yang Hong was right. They were in a state of war. Zhang Zhao did not expect that Sun Ce would not be able to take down Lujiang with 100,000 troops. One must know that Sun Ce used only 3,000 infantrymen to occupy the entire Jiangdong. But now, he was blocked by tens of thousands of troops on the Yangtze River. 100,000 troops! If 100,000 troops appeared on the battlefield of Jiangxia, then the situation of Jiangxia would change! Zhang Zhao did not expect that Sun Ce would not be able to take down Lujiang.
In fact, Zhang Zhao was not wrong. If 100,000 soldiers appeared in Jiang Xia, then Jiang Xia would be broken. Similarly, the nobles in Jingzhou would not sit still. They would also go to support Liu Biao. In the end, it would become a war between the nobles.
These nobles sent troops to attack Lü Bu because Lü Bu could not win the hearts of the other nobles. The nobles in Wancheng City also rebelled against Lü Bu. With such a person, everyone was relieved to send troops to attack him.
"Well, even if that is the case, Mr. Yang Hong, since I am here, then both sides should be in a truce!" Zhang Zhao looked at Yang Hong's mischievous smile and wanted to punch him. This Yang Hong's strategy was not good, but his mouth was really strong.
"Okay!" Yang Hong nodded. Originally, the Lvbu's Army did not want to continue fighting. Although Sun Ce was attacking Lujiang, don't forget that Lujiang originally belonged to Sun Ce. Yang Hong and the Lvbu's Army only occupied other people's territory. If they continue to fight, it would only benefit Liu Biao. The one who was laughing the most was Cao Cao. He was now caught in the battle with Yuan Shao. He was afraid that while he was fighting with Yuan Shao, someone would suddenly attack his hometown. Sun Ce was originally prepared to do this. Therefore, Lao Cao used a stratagem to get rid of Sun Ce with the help of some conspirators in Jiangdong.
As for Lü Bu, he had a criminal record. When Lao Cao attacked Xu Province, he attacked Lao Cao's hometown. At that time, Lao Cao did not have any provisions and ate human flesh. That battle caused Lao Cao to suffer. If it was not for Lü Bu, Lao Cao would have already captured Xu Province. Even now, Yangzhou was in Lao Cao's territory. How could the Jiangdong Army have the opportunity to cross the river? He would not have fought with Liu Biao. He could even join forces with Liu Biao to fight against Lao Cao.
Because of Lü Bu's move, Lao Cao was forced to recuperate for many years. This was the reason why Lao Cao hated Lü Bu. When Lü Bu and Sun Ce fought, the happiest person was Cao Cao. These two tigers could not coexist on the same mountain. There must be a winner. No matter who won, it would only benefit Lao Cao. If Sun Ce won, he still had Jingzhou's Liu Biao by his side. Liu Biao killed Sun Ce's father, Sun Ce's father, Sun Jian. Naturally, he was afraid that Sun Ce's Jiangdong would become stronger and find trouble with him. Even if Sun Ce won against Lü Bu, he would not be able to send troops to threaten Xu Du in a short period of time. With Liu Biao as his henchman, Cao Cao would be safe.
If Lü Bu won, how could Sun Ce, that little tyrant, send out troops? It would definitely be a big battle. Even if Lü Bu won, he would suffer heavy losses. Moreover, Lü Bu had just escaped from Xu Province. He did not have that many troops.
The only thing that Cao Cao missed out was that not only did the Lvbu's Army win, but they also won beautifully. They directly sent Sun Ce back to his hometown. Out of a hundred thousand troops, only five thousand returned. Although the Lvbu's Army's Black Flag, Urban Security, and Bingzhou Wolf Cavalry were all injured, the Bingzhou Wolf Cavalry and Formation Breaker were still there. Now, the Black Flag Army was also complete. The City Guard also had the new blood of Danyang soldiers. Therefore, Lü Bu's threat became even greater!
The Lvbu's Army also did not want to start a war with Sun Ce. Sun Ce occupied Jiangdong. Although Lü Bu coveted the territory of Jiangdong, the Yangtze River was a natural barrier and the place was rich in resources. There was also no lack of provisions! However, the Lvbu's Army had a lot of land troops. The navy only had Gan Ning's battalion. How could it be enough! Moreover, Jiangdong had many waterways and the land was muddy. It was very unfavorable for cavalry, not to mention heavy cavalry like the Bingzhou Wolf Cavalry!
Now, the Lvbu's Army's main point was to accumulate provisions and slowly become the king. He wanted to watch the neighbors fight each other. Sun Ce and Jingzhou Liu Biao were at a dead end. Cao Cao and Yuan Shao were at a dead end. When the outcome of their battle was determined, then it would be time for the Lvbu's Army to act.
"There is no sincerity in the truce!" Zhang Zhao looked at Yang Hong and said.
"There is!" Yang Hong was very straightforward. "Since Mr. Zhang Zhao is sincere in wanting to negotiate, then our Lvbu's Army will give you face. I will make the decision on behalf of the Lord. General Gan Ning's navy will not take half a step into Jiangxia!"
"Eh?!" Yang Hong's straightforwardness made Zhang Zhao puzzled. Why was this fatty so easy to talk to! He agreed so quickly. Won't he explode again?
Of course, it won't be a scam again. Gan Ning's navy was about to go to Shouchun. It would be a waste if he didn't do this favor. If he did it now, Zhang Zhao might be grateful.
You've already exceeded your reading limit for today. If you want to read more, please log in.
Login
Select text and click 'Report' to let us know about any bad translation.
