weaving

In Luo Rucai's tent in Cao's camp, Yuan Shizhong told him: "He is not a businessman. This Tang Xuan turned out to be the magistrate of Kaizhou. Before the incident, my nephew was suffering from hunger and cold and could not survive, so he worked with several accomplices. Some robbery work.

Unfortunately, he was captured by the government. He thought he would definitely die, but it was Mr. Tang who sat in court that day to interrogate all the prisoners. Some were sentenced to death, and some were sentenced to autumn.

When he was about to interrogate his nephew, he saw that his appearance was different and he was the first offender. He felt sympathy in the hall. He said to his nephew, "You are a tall and handsome boy. Why can't you win?" Why do you want to die as a thief when you have food to eat? It's a pity that you are so big, don't you know the shame? If you can change your career from now on, I will spare your life. Are you willing to change your mind and become a good person? '

When I heard what he said, I didn't believe it at first. But at that time, my life was very important, so I quickly kowtowed and begged, "Don't you know it's shameful for a villain to be a thief? I only did it as a last resort when I was forced by hunger and cold and had no way to go." If the master is kind to me, I would like to wash my hands from now on, correct my evil ways, and no longer be a thief. '..."

Luo Ru just heard this and couldn't help but interjected and asked: "Is he going to let you go now?"

Yuan Shizhong nodded and said back to him: "Yes. Mr. Tang nodded and only gave my nephew twenty slaps. Then he was released in court. He also rewarded my nephew with a few strings of copper coins to help him find another way to make a living."

Luo Rucai also smiled at this time and said: "He didn't expect that you would still become a thief later. However, this time you did not become a small thief, but a big thief with a body count of tens of thousands." Not only will you no longer be arrested and brought to justice by the government, but those dignified state and county gentlemen will have to beg you for mercy."

He finally added: "This is the truth of everything in the world, and the heroes have long since seen through it!"

After he finished speaking, he couldn't help but burst out laughing "haha".

Military advisor Ji Gui also smiled and said: "This is just as the ancients said, 'Those who steal the hook will be punished, and those who steal the country will be martyred'."

Cao Cao and Luo Rucai stopped laughing and said to Yuan Shizhong: "My dear nephew, you should repay the favor of your life. After the city is broken, you quickly enter the city and send more brothers to guard around Tang Xuan's house to avoid misunderstandings and injuries. It would not be good if he killed his nephew and benefactor's family.

The fact that you can act like this shows that you have a manly character, which is really what I like! "

In order to win over Yuan Shizhong, Luo Rucai deliberately left him and military advisor Liu Yuchi to have dinner in his camp.

Although he had just set up camp, the food and wine were still very rich, and the tableware and wine utensils on the table were all fine porcelain and silverware. What surprised Yuan Shizhong the most was that there was a singer singing a cappella, To help you enjoy drinking.

Under the shadow of the candlelight, you can always see her slender legs and waist, her red sleeves and jade hands. From time to time, she comes forward to hold a pot for a few people and persuade them to drink. During the singing and dancing, she is full of intoxication, which makes people's hearts and eyes blurred.

He is truly worthy of Cao Shuai’s style, very different from King Chuang!

However, Yuan Shizhong and Liu Yuchi only forced a smile at the table. Although they accompanied Luo Rucai and Ji Gui to guess fists and talk and laugh happily, they were not happy in their hearts.

The eating and drinking soon ended, and they immediately got up to say goodbye, left Cao's camp, and galloped back to their own camp.

…………

After returning to camp that night, Yuan Shizhong secretly discussed with Liu Yuchi, Zhu Chengju, and Liu Jingyi how he and Liu Junshi met Luo Rucai. I feel very unfair in my heart.

Liu Jingyi originally did not advocate surrendering to the king of Chuang Li Zicheng, but he sighed and said: "The general is the leader of a battalion, and he can give orders independently.

But now it is self-defeating, and it is impossible to paint a tiger. It has changed the host into a guest, and is living under the fence of others. It seems that it is being held hostage by others. Not only is it difficult to develop, but it is also difficult to survive on its own!

Tomorrow the city of Suizhou will be broken and Cao's camp will be plundered, but our little Yuan camp will not allow troops to enter the city. We can only wait for him, King Li Chuang, to spit out something from his teeth in the future and ask us to be grateful. receive.

This is really unreasonable...how unreasonable! "

The big bosses Wang Shikui and Liu Dengkai were not in favor of surrendering to King Chuang. Seeing that Liu Jingyi made the first move, they took advantage of the situation and spoke out what they were thinking.

"Just... think about back then... our little Yuan camp was spread out between Guide Mansion and Bozhou. No matter which leader he was, or even the state government yamen, who was he afraid of? Who would have thought that today he would be subjected to such bird-like behavior!"

"That's right. We attack the state, destroy the government, kill corrupt officials, smash the prisons, and provide relief to the people. Wherever we go, we respond to everyone's call. How can we be so useless as this time, and we are not even allowed to enter the city of Suizhou?"

In Xiaoyuan camp, Yuan Shitai relied on his status as Yuan Shizhong's cousin and never took military discipline seriously. Everyone was used to him. He was originally very free and easy, but since joining Li Zicheng, there have been more rules and regulations, which has made him feel confused. They all felt uncomfortable.

At this time, he borrowed everyone's words and said: "In my opinion, since you are not happy staying here, it is better to leave early, so as not to be closely watched in the future, and you want to leave but can't."

There were various opinions for a while, some of them were complaining, and some were venting their resentment.

However, two military advisors, Liu Yuchi and Zhu Chengju, as well as another cousin of Yuan Shizhong, Yuan Shiyou, advocated holding on for a while. They said: It is a last resort to pull the troops away from Li Zicheng now.

Yuan Shizhong himself also advocated not to act rashly for the time being, and not to treat surrendering to King Chuang as a child's play. He also reminded everyone: "You all know that Cao Cao and King Chuang are also in the same bed but have different dreams. So, don't do it. We regard Cao Cao as King Chuang and mistakenly believe that King Chuang treats us the same way.

Judging from the current situation, King Chuang still attaches great importance to our little Yuanying, and he also favors me. Otherwise, how could he accept me as his son-in-law? Even if everyone is dissatisfied with Cao Cao's actions, we must be patient in our hearts and never show it to others.

After we arrive in Shangqiu, join forces with Chuang Ying, and return to the command of King Chuang, we will no longer be threatened by Cao Ying. At that time, we will wait and see how the situation changes and how King Chuang treats us, and then we will decide our course. It's not too late. "

After listening to the words of the big leader Yuan Shizhong, everyone thought it was very reasonable and decided to endure it for a while.

At this time, Liu Yuchi suddenly said to Yuan Shizhong: "General, our conversation tonight must not be leaked to the new lady. If it accidentally reaches King Chuang and makes him suspect that we are not sincerely surrendering, then in the future At once……"

Yuan Shizhong didn't wait for him to finish speaking, nodded quickly, and said to everyone present: "You guys, please keep your mouths in check. Only a few of us here will know what you say tonight, but you can't say even a single word." Pass it to the outside. Otherwise, don’t blame me for being rude!”

Everyone talked again, and then everyone retreated. Only Military Advisor Liu Yuchi stayed in the tent. With a smile in his mouth, he whispered to Yuan Shizhong: "General, Mr. Liu has come to our camp. Are you ready?" Meet him?"

"That Liu Jinhai?" "Yes. That's the person Shiyou has been secretly contacting."

"What do you mean, is it better for me to see you, or not to see you?"

Liu Yuchi hesitated for a moment and then said: "In my opinion, it is better for the general to avoid it for the time being. However, the line of Master Liu cannot be completely disconnected for the time being. I will deal with him first and save our little one." Yuan Ying left a retreat to prevent unexpected wind and rain."

He lowered his voice again and said quietly: "In this way, even if the matter is leaked, the general can still claim that he didn't know it, and all the blame can be shifted to Yu Chi. King Chuang is very concerned about the general, and he will definitely win over him after he tries his best to win over him. There will be no punishment.”

"How can this happen? How can I make my husband take responsibility for Shi Zhong's crimes!"

"General, as the commander-in-chief of an army, how can he be easily involved in danger? Since Yu Chi is planning for the general, he should naturally bear the risk for the general. In short, no matter what happens in the future, if King Chuang has any doubts, the general can blame Yu Chi. ruler."

Finally, Liu Yuchi specifically told him: "Remember, the general alone is related to the safety of tens of thousands of soldiers in our Xiaoyuan camp. I hope you will love yourself. Since Yuchi follows the general and makes decisions for the general, he should be his own My little Yuan Ying has far-reaching plans, surrendering to King Chuang is one way, but surrendering to the imperial court is also another way, it is just a matter of which way is more beneficial to my little Yuan Ying and the general."

"Sir, do you think it was a mistake to vote for King Chuang?"

"Wrong and right are not clear at the moment."

Liu Yuchi continued: "Whether it is right or wrong, this can only be the case now. The general must always keep a word of 'faith', so how can he go back on his words? However, if Chuang Wang's place really cannot last long, we must have a place to go." , According to Jade Ruler’s observation, Yongning Bo may be a good choice, at least much better than Ding Qirui, Zhu Dadian and the like.”

"In this case...there is Mr. Lao."

"Not much to say. General, hurry up and accompany your wife. We are in the camp at the moment, so we must not wait for your wife."

Liu Yuchi then added: "By the way. General, please remember that in the near future, you should go less to the two concubines and stay with your wife as much as possible, so as not to make her sad, but there are rumors that have spread to King Chuang's ears. , but that’s not good.”

Yuan Shizhong was stunned when he heard this. He didn't understand what Liu Yuchi meant, so he looked at him and smiled without saying a word.

Liu Yuchi went further and said: "The general will be rich and prosperous in the future. The progress of Xiao Yuan's camp is not dependent on Commander Cao, but on King Chuang. The general's love for his wife means that he supports King Chuang."

Mrs. Kuang's slender figure, bright eyes and white teeth are even better than those of the Jin family. It's just that she is the adopted daughter of King Chuang. She has been in the army since she was a child, and she was once the deputy leader of the Jianfu Battalion. Therefore, she is somewhat reserved and has a dignified status. She is not like the Jin family who is flattering, obedient, and deliberately trying to please the general. .

You should know that poor families pray to the Kitchen God and hope that he will 'speak good things from heaven and ensure peace in the lower world' and 'speak more good things and never mention bad things'. Madam is the adopted daughter of King Chuang and Madam Gao, how can she not be satisfied? "

At this time, Yuan Shizhong said hesitantly: "I have told Aunt Jin that I will stay in her room tonight..."

"General, please put your career first!"

Yuan Shizhong closed his eyes and meditated for a moment, then smiled suddenly, nodded and patted Liu Yuchi's shoulder gently, saying: "You are really my wise man!"

…………

After the magistrate of Suizhou left office, the roads were uneasy due to plague and banditry. The new magistrate had not yet arrived, and the people in the city were leaderless and unwilling to defend the city. Although Li Mengchen, the local eunuch who had become an official, was elected to take charge of the city defense There were no soldiers to deal with the matter, so how could he defend it?

Luo Rucai had already figured out the situation in Suizhou, so he sent only a few troops to patrol outside Suizhou City at night to prevent the officials and gentry in the city from escaping, so that most of the troops could have a good rest in order to enter the city tomorrow.

On the ninth day of March, when the sky was just getting brighter, Luo Rucai was already ready. He summoned the generals and reiterated the military order: "As long as the officials and people in the city do not resist, no one is allowed to be killed indiscriminately!"

In addition, he also ordered his brothers to shoot books from different places in the city before entering the city. He informed all the gentry and people in the city that the book should first read "Obey the Civil and Military Marshal Li Yu of Fengtian and advocate righteousness", and the bottom line should also be written "Dai". The name of Luo, the mighty and virtuous general who cares for the people.

Since Li Zicheng, king of Chuang, proclaimed himself the "Civil and Military Marshal of the Fengtian Advocacy of Righteousness", their army of Chuang camp no longer used the reign name of Chong frame of the Ming Dynasty, but only used the zodiac signs to mark the year. Luo Rucai and Li Zicheng also followed this method after they joined forces.

As Luo Rucai expected, the rebels had just finished breakfast when they heard the sounds of commotion in the city.

Soon, the south gate was rushed open by the hungry and hungry people. The officials and officers of the state government offices were unable to stop it. As Cao Ying's cavalry galloped into the city, the east, west and north city gates were also opened.

At the beginning of Cao Ying and Li Zicheng's joint camp, military discipline was not as strict as it is now, and violations of military regulations occurred from time to time. Although Li Zicheng always tolerated it, the generals who broke into the camp could not look at it.

After that, King Chuang personally ordered to deal with a group of disciplinary officers in Cao Ying. Although Cao Ying gradually became more disciplined, the seeds of mutual hatred between the two sides were also sown.

In Suizhou City, there were only a few bold people at the beginning who held up a piece of white paper with the word "submit to the people" written in large letters and greeted Cao Ying's soldiers entering the city at the street entrance. Later, when they saw that their troops were in order and did not disturb the people, they gradually became more and more popular. Take to the streets bravely.

Not only were they holding copybooks in their hands, but the same copybooks were also pasted on the courtyard and room doors of each house, with the word "obedient to the people" written in handwriting on them.

Yuan Shizhong's small Yuan camp quickly seized the north gate. Because he was worried about the safety of his benefactor Tang Xuan, he first sent his small leader Wang Shijie to bring twenty cavalry, and galloped into the city towards the Tang mansion.

Next, he arranged the soldiers in the battalion to strengthen patrols inside and outside the North Gate, especially in the North Street area of ​​the city, so as to prevent undisciplined soldiers from harassing the people in the city. Then he assigned the gatekeeping matters to the big boss Wang Shikui, and met with Liu Yuchi and Yuan Shitai led fifty infantrymen into the city and also headed up to Tang Xuan's Mansion.

He had already sent someone to inquire and find out that the Tang residence was located in the northwest corner of the city, a long way from Beimen Street, and was not within the control of his Xiaoyuan camp.

It was precisely because of this that he hurriedly went to see Luo Rucai last night in order to ask him for a command flag so that he could place it in front of his benefactor Tang Xuan's house to protect his family and his family.

It was no coincidence that when he left the camp after the banquet last night, he forgot to mention the flag to Luo Rucai and Ji Gui, so now he hurried into the city and went to the gate of Tang Mansion to protect it in person, and then went to Luo Rucai to ask for it. Order the flag.