Zhao Yun finally escaped!

Just as the Xiliang army withdrew the siege, Xiahou Lan and others escorted him out of the inner gate, he suddenly struggled to break away the rope, then knocked down several villagers, took advantage of the situation to grab his mount, urging the horse to spread its hooves, and quickly escaped into the darkness.

"Catch him!"

Although Hao Zhao was prepared and immediately sent a light cavalry torch to chase him, many people familiar with Zhao Yun knew that with Zhao Yun's riding skills and martial arts, as long as he entered the mountains and forests, the chasing cavalry would never be able to keep him in unknown geography.

Of course, Hao Zhao also saw the trick, but after weighing the pros and cons, he suppressed the anger in his heart and did not blatantly order the soldiers to raise the butcher knife.

Eliminating "heroes" and slaughtering the countryside are two different things after all.

Amid the persuasion of the siege, he had a cold face and waved his hand to let the soldiers take away the elders, Zhao Yun's family, Xiahou Lan and others.

This matter is far from over.

···

Yecheng, the General's Mansion.

Yan Xing, the new owner of Yecheng, was happily investigating Jizhou's household registration and land, accompanied by Zhou Liang, Xu You and others.

Jizhou is the best among all states. Although in recent years, the territory has been repeatedly war-breaking, land abandoned, and household registration is severely hiding. In addition, the influence of war, the documents and albums in the government are either destroyed by war or lost or abandoned, after preliminary statistics of the staff of the General of the Cavalry who took over Yecheng, the household registrations that can be checked in Jizhou are now no less than 400,000. The land of the Yuan, Shen, Ju and other tribes confiscated outside Yecheng also needs to be calculated in tens of millions of acres. As for the pursuit of other grains, silk and wealth, there are countless.

The wealth of Jizhou cannot help but make many staff members stumble. The savings of this state alone have exceeded the sum of Sanhe and Guanzhong.

Of course, this is under the premise that half of Jizhou is still controlled by Yuan Tan.

But the people who are excited at the moment do not consider anything else. They have already calculated the remaining half of Jizhou into something in their pocket. They are even thinking about how many people, fields, and wealth registered in the bamboo book of the shogunate's documents after Qingzhou.

Yan Xing, who was rubbing the tiger's beard, was full of confidence in laughter. At this time, he had learned about Cao Cao's assassination through the secret report of the school affairs of the Central Plains. He thought that Yuan Cao, whom he was most afraid of, had died one after another, and his prime ministers and generals gathered in his prime, and his fortune was booming. He would soon include the northern states and become the real lord of the northern country. Look at the future direction of the soldiers, the infantry and cavalry, the Sun of Jing Yang, and the southern troops under Liu's rule. Then, return to the world and pursue the Qin and Han dynasties. Such great achievements must be realized in his own hands, so how can it not make people feel excited?

"I wonder what I thought about when Yuan Benchu ​​lived in four prefectures and lived in this high hall?"

Fortunately, many of the staff around Yan Xing were not immersed in the carnival of defeating powerful enemies and making huge profits. Yang Fu, a native of Hanyang, said this sentence with profound meaning.

These words were like a clear spring water at a glance, instantly extinguishing the proud fire that Yan Xing had just risen in his heart.

Yan Xing looked like Yang Fu, and immediately restrained his expression and did not blame him.

He has always attached great importance to the group of civil and military officials around him from Yongliang.

Yan Xing, who had returned to normal, quickly shifted his attention from the fantasy of joy to reality. He looked at Zhou Liang and Fa Zheng beside him, pondered for a while, and said:

"Have Cui Jigui invited him back?"

"Military Xun has sent officials to invite him back from the mansion."

"Okay, then let's go with me to meet this famous scholar from Hebei."

Yan Xing laughed and walked out of the lobby of the case investigation and household registration.

···

In the inner hall, Cui Yan, who had long beards, was still old, but his appearance was still as handsome as he was young. Xun You, who was having a discussion with him, was also a handsome person. In addition, both of them were famous celebrities, and the atmosphere in the hall seemed quite harmonious for a while.

But if you look closely, you can see a clue.

Xun You talks in a breeze, and although Cui Yan is also solemn and elegant, a hint of sorrow occasionally flashes in his clear eyes.

After all, although the two of them said more elegant and elegant things and reduced the contention between Yan and Yuan, the fact that the soldiers and horses in Guanxi broke through Yecheng was right in front of them. No matter how they avoided it, they could not avoid it.

Xun You had already hinted to Cui Yan while talking and laughing.

After a brief test, Cui Yan also guessed some of Xun You and the thoughts of Yan Xing, the general of the Cavalry behind him.

Guanxi used strong troops to conquer Heshuo, conquered cities and captured the Yuan family's foundation. Although the process became very easy because the Yuan brothers killed each other and attracted foreign aid, it was far from being as simple as attacking and killing the prefectures, counties and counties after the capture.

In order to defeat the powerful enemy, Guanxi soldiers and horses were very serious. Needless to say, the Yuan family loyally supported the Yuan family and resisted stubbornly. The Ju and other tribes suffered a great disaster after the city was broken. Many fathers and brothers and children in the city died among the Guanxi infantry and riders. Therefore, if Yan Xing wants to truly gain a foothold in Heshuo, he must win over the hearts of the people in this huge Hebei.

Cui Yan is obviously the candidate chosen by Yan Xing and Xun You.

Although he was reluctant, the situation was stronger than others. Looking at the soldiers of the Guanxi infantry and cavalry, Cui Yan, who was considering the family, had to lower his proud head.

I hope this General of the Cavalry is a wise lord who pitys the people.

While talking, Cui Yan could only comfort him silently in his heart.

"Hahaha, Duke Ji Gui, I have invited you."

Just as Cui Yan was silently reciting in his heart, there was a sound of soldiers outside the hall, and then a heroic laughter sounded. A tall figure outside the hall, surrounded by several staff members, strode into the hall.

Xun You smiled slightly and signaled to Cui Yan, and stood up to greet him. Although Cui Yan and Yan Xing had not been masked, he immediately understood that it was General Cavalry himself who had arrived in person.

"What kind of virtue in Yan? General Lao sent an envoy to invite him."

Cui Yan also quickly stood up with Xun You and saluted Yan, but he was quite calm and did not pretend to be in a trepidated manner.

"Hey, I was alone in Guanxi, and I have heard of the name of Duke Ji Gui for a long time. If it weren't for armor and armor, I was afraid of disturbing the female family in the mansion, so I wanted to visit him in person."

Yan Xing smiled and kindly asked everyone to sit back. At the same time, after exchanging eyes with Xun You, he took the initiative to move the couch in full view of everyone, narrowed the distance with Cui Yan, and said with a smile:

"Duke Ji Gui, Yuan Shao, occupied the land of Heshuo, was unscrupulous, and invaded foreign states. Gu killed his kingly affairs and led the soldiers in Guanxi to have few enemies. He relied on his life to defeat his army in the land of Bing, and recently he drove his two sons to Ye. Gu Zheng wanted to declare great justice in the world and save all the people in the water and fire. However, there was a difference between the east and west of the land. The people of Heshuo were not attached to him, so Gu Zheng was about to ask the Duke for advice on the way to govern the peace."

"Yan's talent is a poor person, so how dare he talk about military and national affairs lightly-"

Although Cui Yan had expected Yan Xing's straightforward honesty, he still subconsciously wanted to stand up and say humbly. However, Yan Xing did not let him get what he wanted, but instead brought the distance closer again and said more earnestly:

"Donald Ji Gui is both talented and virtuous, and the people in Ye are admired by him. What he is alone in his request is for the country and the people. Please do not refuse."

When the words were said to this point, Cui Yan looked at Yan Xing's bright gaze closer, and had to ponder for a while, and said:

"The general clearly sees that the key to governing is the first. Although the Yuan brothers acted improperly, there were also many capable and ambitious people under their command. Moreover, the vast territory of Jizhou was under his command and many talents in all fields. If the general could personally trust him and lead him as an assistant to show his ambition to quell the rebellion, the people of Heshuo should look up to him like the sun and the moon, and return to him like flowing water."

Cui Yan said this after careful consideration. Although he was restrained in Yecheng, he had recently heard some news about the Western Liang army, such as plundering the villages, arresting the Yuan family's children, and liquidating those Hebei scholars who were stubborn and loyal to the Yuan family...

In short, the Hebei scholars and citizens were very complaining under the military power and pressure of Guanxi.

But Cui Yan knew that it was impossible to let the Guanxi soldiers who had invaded Hebei withdraw from this land. Instead of doing so, it would be better to strive to allow more Hebei scholars to enter the shogunate of the General of the Cavalry, so that Hebei scholars could communicate and talk with Guanxi civil and military officials, and to protect the overall interests of the Cui family and the Hebei scholars by exerting influence on Yan Xing and the shogunate.

But after saying that, Cui Yan looked at Yan Xing's thoughtful expression and was still a little worried, afraid of arousing the disgust of General Cavalry and his staff. After all, this is a sensitive moment when the soldiers in Guanxi have just moved into Jizhou. If they don't speak for themselves, it is very likely that they will cause greater disasters.

Fortunately, Yan Xing did not make Cui Yan feel uneasy for too long. After he thought for a while, he smiled again.

"What the Lord said is very true. Since I came to calm the people and suppress the rebellion, I will definitely be a talented Jinshi. In Jizhou, not only the former Yuan ministers, but also the opposition people, as long as they have the talent to govern the country and use military forces, the shogunate is willing to be promoted and hired. Well, since that's the case, I want to pronounce Duke as a separate master of Jizhou and be responsible for recommending talents in Jizhou. I don't know what the public opinion is?"

Seeing Cui Yan getting up again, worried that he would refuse, Yan Xing held him in a hurry and said confidently:

"This matter must be the public, please do not refuse!"

······

After accepting the official position of the other party, Cui Yan and Yan Xing continued for a while. Cui Yan seemed to have regained the demeanor of a famous scholar. He did not avoid revenge on the outside and did not avoid relatives on the inside. He criticized the people in one breath and recommended Cui Lin, Linghu Shao, Han Xuan, Chen Lin, Li Fu, Yin Kui and other talents to Yan Xing. Yan Xing was also very kind, obeyed Cui Yan's recommendations and asked carefully about the governance of Jizhou. Finally, the monarch and minister ended the conversation with satisfaction.

"Choi Jigui is very honest, even his own cousin recommended him."

After watching Cui Yan's back disappear into the courtyard, Zhou Liang relied on his qualifications and contributions to Yan Xing.

For Hebei scholars who are likely to get a share of the generals' shogunate in the future, they will not have much favorable feelings from their old subordinates. They thought to remind Yan Xing that these Hebei scholars are unreliable, and they still have to rely on the high-pressure methods of the shogunate and military control to govern Hebei at present.

After hearing Zhou Liang's words, Yan Xing looked as usual and did not comment.

Cui Yan has his own advantages and his problems. Yan Xing naturally weighed the pros and cons of talent when he asked him to serve as a different leader and to observe talents. At least for now, Cui Yan is very important to him.

Xu You, who was standing aside, was even more jealous when he saw this. He made great contributions to the Xiliang army defeating Yuan Shao and seizing half of Jizhou. However, he was not aware of his important position as an expert in the imperial examination and talent, but he eventually fell into the hands of a famous scholar like Cui Yan, and he was a wedding dress for others.

Just seeing the importance of General Cavalry to Cui Yan, even Yuan Congzhou Zhou Liang's words could not arouse Yan Xing's disgust towards him. Xu You was jealous and had to think about him.

"Ming Gong, surrendered general Zhang He said he had important military information to ask for a visit."

Xu You, who rolled his eyes, gritted his teeth and said.

Hearing Xu You's words, Yan Xing turned his attention to him in the hall again, his eyes narrowed slightly, and after a while, he smiled again:

"Zhang Junyi is a general from Hebei. Since he said he had important military requests, Xu Jun spoke in person, so he would just meet him."

"Thank you, Mr. Ming."

After receiving Yan Xing's permission, Xu You, who had been waiting for hope, was secretly happy. Zhang He, who had been waiting for a long time, quickly stepped forward under the guidance of the soldiers. He took off his sword, walked up to the lobby, came to the front of everyone, with a solemn expression, and bowed respectfully to Yan.

After receiving Yan Xing's throne, Zhang He raised his head again and looked at the people in front of him with a little restrained attitude.

His status is quite awkward. He was a Hebei general valued by Yuan Shao in the past, but after joining the Xiliang army, he was unable to make enough brilliant achievements. The only chance to attack Yecheng was defeated by Shen Pei, who was guarding the city, and even took the life of his comrade Gao Lan. Later, as the Xiliang army advanced rapidly on the land of Hebei, Zhang He, who had not made any achievements, gradually showed signs of being lost in the army.

At present, the old subordinates of the Yuan family were invincible. The former defeated and surrendered were Zhang Yan, Ma Yan and others, and the latter offered the city to surrender like Han Fan, Liang Qi, Yin Kai and others, and there were many civil and military officials. Seeing that the younger generations in the past turned against each other in the battle of Yecheng, Su You, who surrendered to the Western Liang army, can now be on par with him in the Western Liang army. The generals Cao, Xu, Zhang and other generals under the command of the General of Cavalry have made many achievements. Because they had pursued and killed Que Yi and made enemies with the Tu family, Zhang He, who was unintentionally anxious, could only take the line of Xu You, in an attempt to establish his own new achievements by offering suggestions.

Xu You was also ambitious and was determined to occupy an important position in the general's shogunate. The two hit it off immediately. Xu You made a suggestion and Zhang He volunteered to lead his troops to Youzhou.

Before Zhang He came, Xu You had already roughly talked about the strategy with Yan Xing, and Yan Xing became interested and wanted to listen to Zhang He's statement with his own ears.

"I heard that Junyi has a plan to conquer Youzhou?"

Hearing Yan Xing’s question, Zhang He, who had been thinking about his strategy for a long time, immediately replied:

"General, He believes that Youzhou is in chaos. Before the county and county are separated and have no master, he should send troops first and defeat them one by one, so that he cannot join forces to resist the king's army. He has always had friendships with his lieutenant generals Zhang Nan, Jiao Chu and others, and can write letters to persuade him to join the general. If the general trusts He, He will dare to transfer three thousand infantry and cavalry from the general's command, and with Zhang and Jiao, they will attack Huo Nu, Zhao Du, and Xianyufu, Wang Song and others will definitely be scared. In this way, Youzhou will not take a large army and be determined in one battle."

As he spoke, Zhang He took out a volume of picture album from his sleeve and said solemnly:

"He has written the detailed military route and strategy in the book. Please read it."

"Take it up."

Fu Gan in the hall quickly stood up and presented the picture album that Zhang He raised to Yan Xing.

Yan Xing saw the detailed signs of Zhang He about mountains, rivers and cities in the picture album, and smiled slightly on his face. He asked several questions about the battle against Youzhou with interest. Zhang He, who was ready in advance, immediately talked and answered it in a slight manner, which made Yan Xing nod in satisfaction.
To be continued...