Ma Teng retreated from Hangu and headed west, but did not return to Liangzhou. Instead, he settled in his hometown of Fufeng Maolin to recruit troops.

In Maoling and even in Fufeng as a whole, Ma Teng inherited the influence of his ancestors. The Ma family has a good reputation here. In addition, Ma Teng is now a general who actually leads the army. Even the magistrate of Maoling respects him.

When Fu Xie was in Chang'an, he inquired about Ma Teng's whereabouts and immediately went to Maoling. However, when he arrived at Maoling, he heard that Ma Teng was on the expedition again.

It was not difficult for Fu Xie to guess that Ma Teng naturally wanted to control the entire Fufeng, so he went to capture Huaili.

After several rounds of maneuvers, Fu Xie finally found the location of Ma Teng's garrison north of Huaili.

At this time, Ma Teng was sitting in the Chinese army's tent, sulking, cursing, "What a Zhang Ze, who refuses to listen to his good words, you really think I don't dare to attack the city!"

Cheng Yin hurriedly advised him: "Don't be upset Shoucheng. You and Governor Zhang have a public enmity, not a private grudge. If you can explain it to them, we support the imperial court, and Han Sui colluded with Yuan Shu to transfer You Fufeng to the throne without permission."

I have, and now it is coming with great force. I think once Han Suijun arrives, he will understand the good intentions of brother Shoucheng."

"But Han Sui's army is huge. If the army comes to the city, it will be too late!"

Ma Teng stared anxiously, "How about attacking the city directly?"

Ma Teng didn't have full confidence in his words, because this Zhang Ze was an old acquaintance. He was originally a captain protecting the Qiang. When he was in Xiliang, he often bumped into Ma Teng and Han Sui, and was later promoted by Dong Zhuo.

As the governor of Fufeng.

In terms of fighting alone, Ma Teng believed that Zhang Ze was no match. However, in terms of his ability to lead troops, Ma Teng felt that he was slightly inferior.

Therefore, Ma Teng was not very confident in continuing to attack Huaili City.

It can be said that I am anxious and anxious, and I have nothing to do.

Suddenly, an announcement came from outside the door: "General, there is a person outside the camp asking to see him, claiming to be the envoy of the King of Bohai."

"Messenger of the King of Bohai?" Ma Teng repeated it unexpectedly, without thinking much, and said quickly: "Please come quickly!"

Not long after, the envoy was brought to the big tent.

When Fu Xie appeared in front of Ma Teng, Ma Teng was really shocked.

It turned out to be the former governor of Hanyang County, Fu Xie.

Although Fu Xie was not Ma Teng's superior at the time, he was still a big boss. After Ma Teng launched a mutiny in the army, he forced Fu Xie away.

For a moment, Ma Teng didn't know what to call him, as if the scene of that day was reappearing before his eyes.

He admired Fu Xie very much, but sometimes he was forced by the general trend and had many involuntary actions.

"You're well, General Ma." Fu Xie said with a smile.

Seeing Fu Xie's smile, Ma Teng's face softened a little, and he replied: "I didn't expect it to be Governor Fu. I wonder what the Governor is here for?"

"I came here on the order of King Bohai, or in other words, on the order of His Majesty."

"Teng is listening attentively. Please sit down and talk!" Ma Teng made a gesture of invitation and sat back down as the commander.

"Yuan Shu raided Luoyang, and Han Sui colluded with him to divide the three auxiliaries. When the king heard that the general refused to cooperate with Han Sui, he admired the general's ambition and specially ordered Fu Xie to come here to recruit the general and continue to serve the Han Dynasty."

Fu Xie's words are very straightforward. Fu Xie was born in Liangzhou and knows the temperament of Liangzhou people. Ma Teng also lived in Liangzhou since he was a child, so he also has the bold character of Liangzhou people. What you say is what suits them.

.

Ma Teng did not rush to express his position, but asked: "Your Majesty is really fine in Jizhou now?"

"Everyone knows about this!" Fu Xie said.

"Fortunately, fortunately." Ma Teng muttered twice and then asked: "Where is General Dong?"

"General Dong led the fall of Luoyang due to underestimating the enemy and advancing rashly. His Majesty has demoted him to the position of shepherd of Bingzhou. He is now guarding Bingzhou."

Ma Teng's lips twitched when he heard this. Why is this so unbelievable? His Majesty demoted Dong Zhuo? Ma Teng immediately thought that it was naturally because of King Bohai's relationship.

Now that the young emperor fell into the hands of King Bohai, even Dong Zhuo was willing to submit to him. After thinking about it, he figured out Fu Xie's purpose.

"Then why did Governor Fu come here?" Ma Teng seemed to be asking straightforwardly, but in fact he was pretending to be confused, because Fu Xie had just said that he was here to recruit him.

Fu Xie suddenly smiled and said immediately: "I heard that General Ma has returned to his hometown, and Han Sui's army will arrive soon. Naturally, I came here to help the general."

Ma Teng did not expect that Fu Xie also changed his words.

"Oh, I wonder how the prefect can help?" Ma Teng asked curiously.

"Isn't it just for the purpose of Huaili that the general came here?" Fu Xie pointed out Ma Teng's purpose of coming and said: "I have the king's order, and entering Huaili is like entering a deserted place." Fu Xie said.

Fu Xie really wasn't bragging. Before leaving, Liu Qing specially prepared a warrant for him. Zhang Ze, the Fufeng prefect stationed in Huaili, was promoted by Dong Zhuo. Everyone in Dong Zhuo's faction knew Dong Zhuo's attitude towards the King of Bohai, and

Zhang Ze was loyal to the emperor and loyal to the Han clan.

When Ma Teng heard this, he was shocked. He couldn't hold on to what he said in the scene. His intentions had been manipulated, and his helplessness was seen as easy in the eyes of others.

Cheng Yin on the side said quickly: "Do you really mean what the prefect said?"

Fu Xie waved his hands and said with a smile: "Then Fu is not here just to joke with the two generals."

Ma Teng gritted his teeth and asked again: "Then what is the purpose of Prefect Fu coming here?"

Fu Xie smiled again and said very relaxedly: "Of course it is to break up the conspiracy between Han Sui and Yuan Shu, and to hope that the general can understand current affairs, just like what Fu did before."

Ma Teng understood that this was the method of King Bohai, the people under King Bohai.

A mere man dared to come alone, and threatened to destroy the conspiracy between Han Sui and Yuan Shu. He also claimed that entering Huaili was like entering an uninhabited land, and even told himself that he would surrender to the King of Bohai.

It sounded outrageous, but Ma Teng believed it.

Seeing that Ma Teng was still hesitant, Fu Xie said again: "General Ma, considering that the ancestors of the Fu family have a good relationship with General Ma Yuan, it is the wisest move for Fu to treat each other with integrity and be loyal to the King of Bohai.

"

Ma Teng thought: You are loyal, of course you say so.

But now, there is no other way.

At this time, Cheng Yin approached Ma Tengqing and said, "Brother Shoucheng, I think you can consider what Governor Fu said."

Ma Teng gritted his teeth and said, "Can you really resist Han Sui?"

"If General Ma joins, it will be no problem. By the way, what is the general's current position?"

"Ashamed. Although Teng is called general twice, he has no actual job."

Fu Xie said and stood up suddenly, "Then I will ask General Huaili City's delegation to find an official position for the General."

Seeing that Fu Xie was not joking at all, Ma Teng and Cheng Yin looked at each other, immediately stood up, walked to Cheng Yin, and said: "Ah Yin, I'm going to go there. I'll leave it to you to handle matters in the camp."

Cheng Yin nodded heavily.

"Haha, General, there is no need to say that we have to say goodbye to each other, this trip will definitely be safe."

So the two set off. Ma Teng took a few riders and headed straight for the north gate of Huaili with Fu Xie.

Not long after, a group of people came to the city. Fu Xie revealed his identity and hung the warrant on top of the city.

Sure enough, under Ma Teng's surprised gaze, the North City Gate opened.

Moreover, Ma Teng recognized the person who appeared at the city gate as none other than Zhang Ze.

"Prefect Fu, we are waiting for you from afar! We are waiting for you from afar!" Zhang Ze came out to greet him politely, and when he saw Ma Teng was there, he was suddenly startled.

Fu Xie quickly explained: "Don't worry, Governor, General Ma Teng is one of our own."

Although Fu Xie said this, Zhang Ze was still uneasy. After all, Ma Teng's reputation was not bad, but it was not good either. In the eyes of official officials like them, Ma Teng was just a warlord, which was not a nice word.

.

The group of people entered the city and the mansion with their own thoughts. Fu Xie, as the intermediary, said bluntly: "Prefect Zhang, General Ma, and Fu are here to convey the orders of His Majesty and the King."

Zhang Ze and Ma Teng listened quietly.

"After Yuan Shu occupied Luoyang, he tried to annex Guanzhong and use it as a hinterland. He conspired with Han Sui to secretly give Fufeng County to Han Sui. Fufeng is the Fufeng of the imperial court. How can they be allowed to do whatever they want? Your Majesty has decided

We are planning to besiege Luoyang, all the way to Guanzhong, let's see if you two can cooperate sincerely?"

Ma Teng and Zhang looked at each other and then turned their heads away. Obviously, there was still a gap between the two.

"How?" Fu Xie asked.

The two still didn't speak.

Fu Xie directly named him, "Prefect Zhang?"

Zhang Ze cupped his hands and said, "If he can do it, I can do it!"

Ma Teng immediately replied: I'm sure I can do it, let's see!"

Fu Xie smiled. The two of them have not wanted to see each other for a long time. It will be eliminated in a while. It is probably impossible. However, with a good start, things will be half done. For them to truly accept each other, it must be

When fighting.

Okay, with that said, Fu Xie raised his hand again and said: "In the name of your majesty and the general, I temporarily designate Ma Teng as the captain of Fufeng, and lead the army to intercept Han Sui's army here. Ma Teng will supply the military supplies from Fufeng County."

.”

Ma Teng was overjoyed when he heard this, and Liansheng replied: "Ma Teng obeys the order!"

Zhang Ze was not surprised. If he wanted to use Ma Teng's troops and horses, he would naturally need to be supported. This is understandable.

"Zhang Ze takes the order!"
To be continued...