Chapter 19 Thunder Copper

Shucheng, Lujiang, the prefect's mansion.

Xiahou said, sitting in the mansion, lying on the desk, looking at the map carefully, with a sound of brisk footsteps sounded at the door, and the main reporter Jiao Zhongqing walked in happily holding a document in his hand: "Sir."

Xiahou raised his head when he heard the sound, glanced at Jiao Zhongqing with a smile on his face, and couldn't help but smile, "Zhongqing, Madam is going to give birth, are you so happy?"

"Sir, jokingly, my inner brother has just been in a month, how could he have had such a soon?" Jiao Zhongqing smiled and lifted up his clothes and knelt in front of Xiahou Cheng, and handed the document to Xiahou Cheng: "Sir, the Lei family is going to surrender."

"Is that true?" Xiahouying smiled, took the document and looked at it, and breathed a sigh of relief: "I am worried about this. Tens of thousands of people in the Lei family are hiding in the mountains. In short, it is a hidden danger. I thought I would wipe out them when the new army was ready, but I didn't expect that they would be conscious and surrender voluntarily. Well, it's a good thing, worth having fun. Who is here to talk about it?"

"Lei Gongyi (Lei Xu)'s younger brother Lei Gongfang (Lei Tong)." Jiao Zhongqing smiled and said, "The Lord borrowed Jingshan Army and cleared the troops in Jiangdong in one month, which can be regarded as relieving the threat to them. Now he has invited peasants from Xiangyang to measure the land. If they don't come out again, they will not have a chance. Of course, they will rush to come out."

"Lei Gongfang?" Xiahou said raised his eyelids and thought: "I heard that he is very good at fighting. He has fought with Jiang Qin several times, and he will win or lose?"

"Yes, in the Lei family, he is the only one who can compare with Lei Bo." Jiao Zhongqing nodded. He looked at Xiahou Cheng's face and said tentatively: "Sir, the Lei family and the vassals have tens of thousands, and the winners are three or four thousand, which is enough to compete with the adults. They are a great contribution to surrender. But once they have a strange intention, they will be enough to cause a big mess."

Xiahou said, thinking for a moment, nodded and responded, "Zhongqing, you are right, I am also a little worried about this problem. The war in Guanzhong is about to begin, and the troops near the capital of the capital have turned to Guanzhong. The Prime Minister's Office has ordered Zhang Dangkok from Hefei to return to Changshe to garrison, leaving only three thousand Li Polu. Because of the new decree, my Lujiang River is opposite to Jiangdong, so I did not draw troops, but the troops in my hands are limited, and the Lei family is not a stable person. How to arrange them is indeed a big problem. Is there any good way?" Xiahou said, looking up at Jiao Zhongqing.

Jiao Zhongqing hesitated for a moment. He looked at Xiahou's face again: "Sir, my subordinate has a plan, but he just doesn't know whether to say it or not."

Xiahou burst into laughter and slapped the documents on the table: "Zhongqing, you used to be straightforward. Now you are always striking around the bush. Are you really reunited with your wife and will be a father again? "

"My joking," Jiao Zhongqing blushed: "Subordinates think that the Lei family makes the adults worry not because of the many people, but because of the many soldiers. If his troops are dispersed, it will not be enough. The Prime Minister's Mansion has drawn more than 10,000 troops near Xiangyang, and General Zhennan wants to capture Yizhou again, so the troops will definitely not be enough. Why not transfer the most elite troops of the Lei family to Xiangyang? Under the jurisdiction of General Zhennan, this will help General Zhennan and relieve the worries of his confidants."

Xiahou laughed, raised his eyebrows twice, and slapped Jiao Zhongqing on the shoulder: "Zhongqing, it's really a good plan, killing two birds with one stone. Let's do this, if the Lei family surrenders first, I will be transferred to Xiangyang. As long as there is some trouble, the Prime Minister's Office may ask me about the crime of privately dispatching troops. It's better to let them go to Xiangyang to ask for surrender, so that there will be no handle in the hands of people. It's not convenient for me to talk to. Go and talk to the Lei family, just let this Lei Tong go."

"No!" Jiao Zhongqing agreed repeatedly, got up and retreated.

Lei Tong stood outside the door and was anxious and uneasy. He was ordered by his brother Lei Xu to come to discuss surrender, thinking that he could go out as soon as possible, and that he could return to his old house to have a more comfortable winter, and secondly, he relied on his strength to discuss with the new prefect Xiahou and occupied a lot of land. They already knew that the new prefect Xiahou invited many peasants from Xiangyang and had to teach the fields according to Xiangyang's new policy. Since Sun Ce defeated Liu Xun in the fourth year of Jian'an, Lujiang has been under the rule of Jiangdong. Local tyrants are proactive or passive.

There was some contact with the Sun family. This time Jiang Qin was defeated and Lujiang returned to the court. Some families retreated to Jiangdong, while others were killed due to their contact with the Sun family. Lujiang also had a lot of fertile land. Lujiang was well-known and was not inferior to Xiangyang. Once someone took care of it, the harvest was considerable. How could the Lei family missed this good opportunity? Moreover, they had always been in a disagreement with Jiangdong. With this, the prefect of Xiahou should not make things difficult for their Lei family. Based on this consideration, Lei Xu quickly decided to surrender to the court and the prefect of Xiahou.

Lei Tong didn't expect that he was not warmly welcomed by the prefect when he arrived at the prefect's mansion. Instead, he asked him to stand at the door for a long time. This made him feel a little unhappy. He was just considering the purpose of his arrival, so he resisted the unhappiness in his heart. He was paced back and forth, and Jiao Zhongqing walked out of the inside, and bowed and smiled from a distance: "Brother Gong Fang, don't be fine."

Lei Tong raised his eyes and looked at him carefully for a long time. It was not until Jiao Zhongqing rushed to him that he suddenly realized. He smiled while politely, "Zhongqing, you have changed a lot, and I can't even recognize you. Oh, look at your clothes, are you now working in the prefect's palace? Or Gongcao or the chief minister?"

"Shame, my Jiao family is not qualified to be Gongcao. Gongcao must have a master like his brother. I am just worthy of being a master." Jiao Zhongqing smiled and walked in with Lei Tong: "Come on, come on, I am busy, and I have to wait a while before I can receive Brother Gongfang. He was afraid of neglecting Brother Gongfang, so I'll receive it first, and I'll have to talk to Brother Gongfang."

When Lei Tong heard that Jiao Zhongqing had become the chief clerk of the new prefect, he was a little surprised. The Jiao family was a small clan in Lujiang. Although they had officials in all dynasties, they were not a high-ranking official. Although the landlord's record is not a high-ranking official, he is in charge of all the records and has many opportunities to get close to the prefect. It is a very important position. It can be seen that Jiao Zhongqing is highly valued by the prefect of Xiahou. Although the prefect did not come out to greet him in time, he asked Jiao Zhongqing to come out to talk to him first, and did not mean to despise him.

Thinking of this, Lei Tong smiled: "I have been separated from Zhongqing for several years, and I have something to say to talk to Zhongqing."

Jiao Zhongqing smiled and pulled Lei Tong to his office, and had someone go to tea. He sat down with Lei Tong, chatted for a few gossips, then looked at Lei Tong and said, "Brother Gong Fang, your Lei family is willing to come out of the mountain. Lord Taishou is very happy. He said that your Lei family is an example that all the families in Lujiang should follow. In the future, we will rely more on the support of the Lei family."

"How dare you?" Lei Tong hurriedly smiled and shook his hand: "Lujiang returned to the court and ruled by the court. The efforts that our Lei family has worked hard for over the years have not been in vain. Supporting the rebuilding of Lujiang is the unshirkable responsibility of our Lei family. Xiahou Prefect is polite."

Jiao Zhongqing looked at Lei Tong as if he was taken for granted and smiled secretly: "The Lei family has emerged in many talents, and Lord Xiahou is eager to seek talent. The Lei family's grand occasion is just around the corner. But Brother Gong Fang, I'm afraid you don't have many opportunities."

Lei Tong was stunned and asked in confusion: "How do you say this at Zhongqing?"

Jiao Zhongqing gave up Rangcha, thought for a while and said, "Brother Gong Fang may have heard that the war in Guanzhong is about to begin. The court is mobilizing a large army to Guanzhong. Unfortunately, Lujiang is newly captured. It is also across the river from Jiangdong. Therefore, although Lord Xiahou is good at fighting, he is not among the convenings. Otherwise, with Brother Gong Fang's ability to use troops, he will be able to be appointed as a marquis soon when he arrives in the battlefield of Guanzhong. Now in Lujiang, he is just to appease the territory. There are not many wars. Although the Lei family has three thousand people, there is no place for Brother Gong Fang to use his skills."

Lei Tong suddenly realized Jiao Zhongqing's meaning. After a long time, the new prefect was worried about the loyalty of the Lei family and the strong strength of the Lei family. This was the capital for the Lei family to negotiate. However, because the capital was too strong, the other party was a little afraid. He lowered his head and was silent for a moment, and slowly said, "Do Zhongqing have a clever plan?"

"The trick is not enough." Jiao Zhongqing smiled and said, "But I have thought of a place for Brother Gong Fang, and I would like to ask Brother Gong Fang to take a look. Speaking of which, although Lujiang belongs to Yangzhou County, because of its border with Jingzhou, Xiahou Prefect also belongs to General Zhennan's control. General Zhennan is preparing to advance westward to Yizhou, and is worried about insufficient troops. If Brother Gong Fang arrives under General Zhennan, he will have more opportunities to make contributions, and he may be promoted faster."

Lei Tong frowned. After thinking about it, he smiled again. It was good that although the strength of the Lei family was separated, it was not damaged. Moreover, he also heard that Cao Chong was very good at using troops, and his surrendered generals were also highly valued. For example, Huang Zhong had already guarded Jiangling, and Wei Yan guarded Yiling, which was like two goalkeepers in Xiangyang. Before surrender, Wei Yan was just a fake Sima who looked at the city gate, and Huang Zhong was just a general. In less than a year, he became a general. With his own ability, he probably wouldn't be much worse. Instead of being guarded here, it would be better to go there to make meritorious contributions. He bowed and thanked: "Zhongqing is indeed a clever plan, and I will go back to discuss it with my brother. Then I will discuss it with you."

"It's easy to say." Jiao Zhongqing smiled and bowed his hand back.

Lei Tong returned to Dazhai in the mountains and discussed with Lei Xu, and soon accepted Jiao Zhongqing's suggestion, led a thousand of the most elite troops out of the mountain, and handed a letter to Wen Pin from Jiangxia County to go to Xiangyang to ask Cao Chong for surrender. Wen Pin did not dare to be negligent when he heard the news. He welcomed Lei Tong into Xiling City, and reported to Cao Chong at the same time. Half a month later, Cao Chong returned the letter and sent Wen Pin to send Lei Tong to Xiangyang, and at the same time sent Liu Pan and his men to greet him on the Han River.

When Lei Tong saw Cao Chong, Cao Chong was sitting respectfully in front of an old man to be taught. When he saw Lei Tong coming in, he bowed to the old man and said, "Thank you for your hard work, sir, let's talk about this today. I will invite you to come in two days."

The old man smiled and stood up: "General is so polite. I am treated as a courtesy by the teacher, and I have no worries about food and clothing. I am at ease in the academy to write books and learners. It is not difficult to say a few words to the general. What's more, the general is careful in thinking, and I am also quite inspired. The so-called teaching and learning is like this. The general is busy with affairs, so I will wait for Mr. Zhongyu to come and disturb him."

Cao Chongke politely sent the old man out, stood at the door and watched the old man get into the car and go away, then turned around and looked at Lei Tong: "Lujiang Lei Gongfang?"

"Report to the general, he is his subordinate." Lei Tong felt a little nervous when he saw Cao Chong's face was gentle, and he quickly responded.

"What a man." Cao Chong praised, waved his hand and asked him to sit down, waved his hand to the side and smiled: "General Zi Ju, you know, I won't ramble. I will introduce you to everyone else, this one is Jiang Gan Jiang Ziyi of Jiujiang, and this one is Pang Tong of Xiangyang..."

Cao Chong said as he introduced Lei Tong, who politely greeted the first person. When Xi Su was introduced, Lei Tong was a little surprised. Didn’t he say he wanted to attack Yizhou? Why did the generals of Yizhou sit here? And this guy seems to be quite favorable. Has Yizhou been surrendered? Then his idea of ​​making contributions has been lost again?

Cao Chong was a little surprised when he saw Lei Tong. He smiled and said, "Your Majesty is here to be hard, so let's take a break for two days. Be familiar with the situation in Xiangyang and then make arrangements."

"No!" Lei Tong didn't dare to say anything more. He originally thought that he had brought a thousand elite troops, and even if he couldn't stand alone, he could at least have some strength. But as soon as he saw Liu Pan's troops coming to meet him by the Han River, he immediately became half apart. If his thousand people had any abnormal movements, they would be killed by Liu Pan in less than half an hour. But when he heard Liu Pan's words, it seemed that his men and horses were not the strongest under Cao Chong's subordinates. The strongest combat power of Cao Chong was first of all the 200 Tiger soldiers. Then there were the 800 Iron Armored Army and two thousand Iron Cavalry. These people could only be considered the third-rate land, the same level as the Jingshan Army and the new Yizhou Army.

Lei Tong couldn't help feeling a little discouraged when he heard this. Liu Pan was the third-rate, and probably he was the fourth-rate. He didn't expect that Cao Chong's subordinates were so strong. No wonder that although there were not many others, he was invincible. He put away his arrogance at the time, obediently obeyed Cao Chong's arrangements, and returned to Liu Pan's subordinates to be a lieutenant, and became a colleague with Xi Su. Every day, he trained in the camp with Liu Pan, waiting for the expedition.

What he was strange was that Xiangyang was in the intense autumn harvest and the farmland was busy, but Xiangyang's army had no intention of going out to help, and even the camp was not allowed to go out. The daily task was to train, and it looked like a war was coming. After getting familiar with Liu Pan, he found an opportunity to ask Liu Pan. Liu Pan smiled and said, "General Zhennan ordered that we are not farmers. We are just protecting farmers, so harvesting crops is not our business, and not letting people rob their crops is our business."

Lei Tong nodded in a daze, half understood and half didn't understand.

A carriage slowly stopped on the north bank of the Han River. Xun Yue, who was thin, slowly got out of the car under the support of the maid, stepped onto the solid land. He pinched his fists, gently pounded his sore waist, slowly straightened up, squinted his eyes at the endless stream of Han River, and gently whined: "It's finally here."

"Sir, look, the boat is coming over there." A maid on the left pointed to a large boat in the distance and shouted softly.

Xun Yue raised one hand to cover the dazzling sunshine and looked into the distance. A big boat was sailing up and sailing quickly. A woman was surrounded by people and stood at the bow of the boat, waving to the side. Xun Yue smiled, and he turned around and greeted, "Okay, let's go, get ready to get on the boat."

The big ship quickly approached the shore. Xun Wenqian jumped ashore with the help of his servant, rushed up and bowed quietly in front of Xun Yue: "The niece is late to welcome you, please follow Bo Shu for guilt. Your husband should come to welcome him in person, but the autumn harvest is tight and the affairs are busy, so he can only wait in the city."

Xun Yue laughed and waved his hand: "Get up, I saw it all the way. The entire Nanyang County is busy with autumn harvest. How can Xiangyang be an exception? Come on, let's get on the boat and talk again."

Xun Wenqian quickly arranged someone to pick Xun Yue up on the boat and sat in the cabin. Xun Wenqian personally brought a cup of tea and placed it in front of Xun Yue. He lifted the lid of the cup, and a smell of medicine came to his nose. Xun Yue asked in confusion: "What kind of tea is this? Why is it so weird?"

Xun Wenqian smiled: "When my husband heard that Cong Bo was ill, he specially asked Master Zhang to put a pair of medicinal tea, which added some medicinal materials to replenish qi and refresh the spirit, which was very good for Cong Bo's health. He was afraid that Cong Bo would be exhausted from a long journey, so he asked Master Zhang to arrange a disciple to serve him. Xiaoqing went to ask Doctor Ji to come and diagnose Cong Bo's pulse."

Xun Xiaoqing responded and went out of the cabin to call a middle-aged man. The middle-aged man bowed, sat in front of Xun Yue, and said with a smile: "Jiping has met an adult and took the pulse for him."

Xun Yue smiled while stroking his beard. He looked at Xun Wenqian with satisfaction, reached out to pick up the medicine tea and took a sip, then stretched out his left hand. Xun Xiaoqing quickly slapped his sleeve upwards, revealing his skinny and thin arm. Ji Ping stretched out three fingers, put on his vein door, closed his eyes, and after nearly thirty breaths, he opened his eyes and let go of his hands, let Xun Yue open his mouth, looked at the tongue coating, and then smiled and said, "Madam, Lord Xun is just a little weak. With me Ji Ping, and the Five Animal Show prepared by the general for the adults, I dare not say much. It is no problem for the adults to live healthy and healthy for ten years."

Xun Yue laughed: "I am already sixty-two years old and I dare not hope to live another ten years and have a year or two. After discussing my books with General Zhennan, I just have no regrets."

Xun Wenqian smiled and said angrily: "Where is this? I will invite you from all the way to a long distance. How can I just discuss a few books? You must live well." She said, nodding to Ji Ping, Ji Ping bowed, and retreated, followed by Xun Xiaoqing and others retreated, leaving only Xun Yue and Xun Wenqian in the cabin.

Xun Yue sipped the tea while looking at Xun Wenqian, and a sense of confusion appeared in her calm eyes: "Wenqian, you have something to say in the letter that you have not finished. Tell me in detail what kind of opportunity can make my dream come true."
Chapter completed!