Zhu Youtian gave it some thought but was still unwilling to give up. He said, "Ma Yuan, it won't be easy for Pacifying West Wang to wipe out the bandits in Fulu County. After all, the bandits in Fulu County have gone through another round of fighting. The remaining groups of bandits, big and small, aren't weak. If Du Qi comes, these people will surely unite. Even if Du Qi is strong, he may not be able to win. "
"Hahaha …"
Ma Yuan couldn't help but laugh.
He smiled faintly and said, "General Zhu, you're exaggerating the strength and cohesion of the bandits in Fulu County. If everyone is as far-sighted, knowledgeable, and courageous as you, it won't be easy for His Highness to sweep through Fulu County. But the rest of the bandits won't be able to withstand a single blow. "
When Zhu Youtian heard this, the corners of his mouth curled into a smile.
Ma Yuan was praising him.
As the saying went, 'A flowery sedan chair lifts a man'. Zhu Youtian was very happy with Ma Yuan's words. Especially since Zhu Youtian thought highly of Ma Yuan. He was quite proud to receive Ma Yuan's praise.
Ma Yuan continued, "General Zhu, you're very resourceful. The other bandits are only brave because they have more people. In fact, they're greedy beyond measure. "
"They're nothing to worry about."
"When His Highness's army arrives, he'll surely be able to defeat them one by one. The reason is simple. They're always on guard against each other and won't trust each other. "
"No matter which bandit it is, they won't trust each other."
Ma Yuan said, "This is determined by the bad habits of the bandits. They only value short-term benefits and worry that they'll be swallowed up if they join forces with others."
"Sigh …"
Zhu Youtian said, "Your words make sense."
He had to admit that Ma Yuan's analysis was reasonable.
Ma Yuan continued, "General Zhu, you're self-sufficient in Fulu County, but it's very difficult or even impossible for you to have a wider space for development."
"Although General Zhu is ambitious and doesn't speak of old age, you don't have any strategists under your command. You don't have any powerful generals, and you don't have a general who can truly control the army."
"This has also restricted General Zhu's development."
Ma Yuan said, "If that's the case, why not pledge allegiance to His Highness? General Zhu has opened up new territory for His Highness and made meritorious contributions. In the future, when General Zhu conferred the title of wife and children, wouldn't that be wonderful? Jumping around in a small pond like Fulu County is completely different from rushing through a huge river. "
Zhu Youtian's eyes were sharp as he said, "Ma Yuan, in the western region, Ping Xi Wang actually has no official position. I'm afraid it's a bit too much to say that I'm opening up new territories for Du Qi and conferring titles to his wife and children. "
Ma Yuan chuckled.
Huang Shi had told him a lot about this on the way here. He was very clear about Du Qi's position in the Western Regions.
Ma Yuan explained, "General Zhu, you're wrong. His Highness didn't come to the Western Regions without anything. His Highness received His Majesty's order to reorganize Suzhou, Shazhou, and Guazhou. "
"After the three regions are reorganized, His Highness will expand to the west."
"The reason why His Highness was conferred the title of Ping Xi Wang by His Majesty is because His Majesty has promised that once the territory west of Guazhou is conquered, it will belong to His Highness and be controlled by His Highness."
Ma Yuan sternly said, "So what you said about conferring titles to his wife and children is impossible. That's wrong. When His Highness establishes a foothold in the Western Regions, it will be equivalent to becoming a vassal state of the Tang dynasty. It will be independent. "
Zhu Youtian was surprised.
He didn't expect there to be such a relationship.
According to what Ma Yuan said, this was a great opportunity because Du Qi was still in the beginning stage. The sooner one pledged allegiance to Du Qi, the easier it would be to be put in an important position and the easier it would be to accumulate experience.
When Du Qi really established a state, all the teams had been set up, and the forces were thoroughly stabilized, it would be impossible to get the current treatment if one pledged allegiance to Du Qi.
Providing timely help!
Icing on the cake!
These were two different treatments and results.
Seeing the change in Zhu Youtian's expression, Ma Yuan knew that the other party had been moved, so he said again, "General Zhu, because you are different from the other bandits, I directly came to you."
"If you did all kinds of evil and killed people, even if we know each other, I wouldn't have come to you."
"Because His Highness doesn't need such a person."
"Now, not only is it an opportunity for you, but it's also an opportunity for the entire Zhu family and all the brothers under your command. One wrong decision and you will either rise to the top or go to the depths of hell. "
Ma Yuan said, "I believe that General Zhu has experience and strategy, so you can certainly make your own decision."
Zhu Youtian was not an indecisive person. He gritted his teeth and said, "Fine, I'm willing to pledge allegiance to Ping Xi Wang. Ma Yuan, you're really an eloquent person. Ping Xi Wang is really lucky to get your allegiance. "
"You're wrong!"
Ma Yuan shook his head.
With a sharp look in his eyes, Ma Yuan continued, "It's not His Highness who is lucky, it's me who is. What virtue and ability do I have to get His Highness' appreciation? It's because of His Highness' promotion that I have a place and an opportunity to display my ambition. In this world, horses of a thousand miles are common, but Bo Le is extremely rare. To be able to meet His Highness is my good fortune accumulated from three lifetimes. "
Zhu Youtian chuckled and said, "You really admire Ping Xi Wang!"
Ma Yuan said, "Because His Highness is wise and farsighted, and His Highness' wisdom is like that of a celestial being. If General Zhu were in Jiuquan County, you would have the opportunity to read a book like 'Romance of the Three Kingdoms', which was written by His Highness. This book shows Your Highness' wisdom even more. Forming alliances, the Empty Fort Stratagem, the Battle of Tongues with the Confucians … One by one, Your Highness' wisdom is evident. "
Ma Yuan had read the 'Three Kingdoms' book by countless people.
Ma Yuan had also read the 'Romance of the Three Kingdoms' book, which was a simple history book. But the 'Romance of the Three Kingdoms' book was based on a historical basis and was even more vivid and lifelike. The novel's ingenuity and literary talent were amazing.
Ma Yuan had read the book countless times, yet he still read it with great interest.
After Zhu Youtian heard it, he said in a small voice, "If that's the case, then I must take a look."
He didn't doubt Ma Yuan's words.
Because Ma Yuan would never lie.
Zhu Youtian suddenly said, "Ma Yuan, there's another thing. This General's daughter is sixteen years old and has reached the marriageable age. Are you willing to marry her? Of course, you and I are both men, and we both know that men like to look at appearance. I will call her over and you can take a look. If you are willing, I will personally arrange your marriage. If you are not willing, then forget about it. What do you think? "
He was extremely confident in his daughter.
He also had a high opinion of Ma Yuan.
He believed that Ma Yuan's future was bound to be boundless.
Therefore, in Zhu Youtian's heart, no matter what, he wanted to facilitate this marriage.
Ma Yuan said solemnly, "I have no objection to General Zhu's favor. I am just a poor kid, I have no objection to General Zhu's trust and favor. However, the marriage arrangement must be arranged by my elder sister. After all, she is like a mother. So, I will ask my elder sister to arrange this marriage after we return to Jiuquan County. After all the formalities are completed, we will choose an auspicious day to complete the marriage. "
Speaking up to here, Ma Yuan paused for a moment and then continued, "General Zhu, there is one more condition. Your daughter must be willing to marry this kid. If she is not willing, you can't force it. A melon that is forcibly picked is not sweet. This is the basic principle. "
"Hahaha …"
This time, Zhu Youtian burst into laughter.
His laughter was quite proud.
Ma Yuan said, "Why are you laughing, General Zhu?"
Huang Shi had been standing behind Ma Yuan. When he heard that Ma Yuan and Zhu Youtian had reached a relationship, his face was full of joy. It was because he also hoped that Ma Yuan would get married as soon as possible. Besides, Zhu Youtian was a very good person, and it was possible for Ma Yuan to marry his daughter.
He also had a curious look on his face.
Why was Zhu Youtian laughing?
Zhu Youtian said with a straight face, "The reason why this old man is laughing is very simple. Because back in Jiuquan County, my daughter was once ridiculed by some children in the place where you practiced martial arts. It was you who stood up to protect her.
"That's why she set her heart on it.
"My daughter has been paying attention to your news all these years. Otherwise, do you really think this old man would have casually picked you as his son-in-law? Otherwise, do you really think this old man would have written to you again and again? "
Zhu Youtian said, "Although this old man wrote to you because I thought highly of you, it was more because of my daughter's influence. This is the most fundamental reason."
Ma Yuan was quite touched when he heard this.
He had actually forgotten about it long ago. He didn't expect that a kind gesture would last until now.
Zhu Youtian changed the topic, "Since you've come to Fulu County and persuaded this old man to surrender, the next thing is to deal with the bandits here. This matter can be discussed later for now. This old man will hold a welcoming feast for you first. "
Ma Yuan also knew that haste made waste, so he didn't rush him. He nodded and said, "Then I'll have to trouble you, General Zhu."
Zhu Youtian said, "You're still calling me General Zhu. It's not too much to call me Uncle."
"Uncle!"
Ma Yuan changed the way he addressed him.
Zhu Youtian immediately made arrangements to prepare pigs and goats for Ma Yuan's arrival. At the same time, Zhu Youtian also ordered the kitchen staff to prepare wine and meat for the soldiers, so that the soldiers could enjoy themselves.
Not long after, wine was served.
Apart from that, some braised meat was also quickly served.
Zhu Youtian toasted Ma Yuan and said with a smile, "There's wine and meat, but it won't do without music. It just so happens that my daughter is versed in zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting. Let her play some music. "
Zhu Youtian immediately gave the order.
Before long, a girl in her late twenties entered. Her name was Zhu Lihua, Zhu Youtian's only daughter. She was tall and slender, and it was obvious at a glance that she practiced martial arts.
Her brows were sharp and experienced, and her features were delicate and pretty. She also had a scholarly temperament.
In terms of appearance, Zhu Lihua wasn't particularly charming.
Her temperament, however, was quite good.
After she entered, she glanced at Ma Yuan with a hint of shyness on her face. She sat down, adjusted the strings of her zither, and casually plucked it. In an instant, ethereal music flowed out from the strings.
It was "High Mountains and Flowing Water".
The song "High Mountains and Flowing Water" was very good.
Ma Yuan saw and heard it with his eyes and ears and was momentarily stunned. Not only was Zhu Lihua's temperament and talent, but she also had a special quality that his sister possessed.
This temperament made Ma Yuan feel very comfortable.
Zhu Youtian saw this scene and the corners of his mouth curled into a smile.
It was fine as long as they liked each other.
His daughter had been longing for him, and Ma Yuan was indeed outstanding. He was naturally very happy to be able to facilitate this marriage. Zhu Youtian had set up this banquet to create an opportunity for his daughter, and also to let Ma Yuan see his daughter.
This welcoming banquet was very fast. After three rounds of wine and five dishes were served, Zhu Lihua retreated, and all the wine and meat in the tent were removed.
After the hustle and bustle, Zhu Youtian's expression gradually became solemn.
Although he had drunk wine just now, it didn't affect him at all. Zhu Youtian said in a low voice, "The wine has been drunk, the meat has been eaten, and the person has been seen. Ma Yuan, do you have any other opinions? "
"No, no!"
Ma Yuan smiled and shook his head, appearing very happy.
To be able to find a good match was a joyous occasion.
Zhu Youtian nodded and said, "Alright, we'll arrange the wedding when we get back to Jiuquan County. Now, let's get back to business. Now, tell me how you plan to break out of this situation. There are many bandits both inside and outside Fulu County right now. It won't be easy to wipe them all out. "
Ma Yuan appeared very confident. He said seriously, "Uncle, I already had a complete plan on the way here. Under the premise that you pledge allegiance to His Highness, we only need to drive the tiger to devour the wolf, then you can reap the rewards. It'll be enough to sweep the entire Fulu County. "
Zhu Youtian said, "Tell me about the specific arrangements."
Ma Yuan said, "The main plan of driving the tiger to devour the wolf is to assassinate some of the bandit leaders. After killing the bandit leader, we'll throw his head into the other bandit leaders' tents. As long as they're sane, they'll know how to seize the opportunity to attack. This is the simplest method of driving the tiger to devour the wolf. "
Zhu Youtian said, "Once the bandit leader is killed, it'll be equivalent to weakening their fighting strength. It can indeed be used to start a war. The problem is, assassinating the bandit leader alone isn't easy. This is the crux of the plan. "
Ma Yuan shook his head. "This isn't difficult. I'll introduce you to someone."
At this time, Ma Yuan pointed at Huang Shi and introduced, "Uncle, he's called Huang Shi. He's His Highness's trusted aide and was once a gold-ranked assassin from the First Tower Under Heaven. The reason he came with me this time was to ensure my safety and to assist me in my work. With him, the plan won't be difficult. Against mere bandits, a gold-ranked assassin from the First Tower Under Heaven is a piece of cake. "
Zhu Youtian was shocked.
He naturally knew about the First Tower Under Heaven.
This was the place where assassins gathered.
Zhu You Tian had a brilliant smile on his face as he said, "Good, good, good. With Huang Shi around, everything will be easy. With this as the precondition, we'll definitely win. "
Ma Yuan chuckled. "Uncle, Huang Shi has another identity. He's my brother-in-law."
"Oh, so you're in-laws!"
Zhu Youtian smiled. "Come, come. In-laws, please sit."
Logically speaking, in-laws were of equal seniority.
However, Zhu Youtian knew that Ma Yuan's parents had passed away. The siblings relied on each other for survival. Huang Shi was Ma Yuan's brother-in-law, so it was fine for him to address him as in-laws to deepen their relationship.
Huang Shi sat down with a smile. "Uncle, you don't have to do this. It's Erlang's fortune to be able to gain your favor."
After a pause, Huang Shi continued, "I'll complete this plan as soon as possible. In short, the sooner we complete the mission in Fulu County, the sooner we can report back to His Highness. "
"Yes, yes!"
Zhu Youtian hurriedly nodded and smiled. "When the war is over, we can also complete the wedding."
Huang Shi also smiled.
Zhu Youtian's words made sense. He also wanted to complete Huang Shi's wedding as soon as possible.
This way, Qinglian would be extremely happy.
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