Three Kingdoms

I don't know when, another winter snow fell one after another, like pieces of white flying flowers, flying all over the sky, accumulating layer upon layer on the eaves, making the tiles seem to rattle, gathering into the winter inside. The purest picture.

If you look down from mid-air, you will see that the entire Pingyang City looks particularly peaceful amid this heavy snowfall. Whether it is the houses or the straight and neat streets, they are all covered with a layer of white, and because of the rain, Due to the snow, there were fewer and more passers-by walking in the streets, the training grounds were also empty, and even the construction sites outside the city had temporarily stopped. The whole world of the film was extremely quiet.

Yang Xiu looked up at the sky, and a few snowflakes fell on his face, which was cold to the bones. Yang Xiu had expected that this mission would not be a good one, but he did not expect it to be such an embarrassing situation.

After arriving in Pingyang, Yang Xiu gradually understood why when fighting with the Zhengxi soldiers, his own scouts always lost a lot of money without realizing it, and then gradually they could only fight to defend themselves, but in the end they were still inevitable. The most fundamental reason for the defeat was that Zheng Xi had too many good players.

There are many elite soldiers and good equipment. Although their own scouts are not bad, they always seem to be at a disadvantage compared to Zhengxi's troops. It is reasonable to be suppressed.

Yang Xiu also thought about learning the methods of General Fei Qian of Zhengxi, but found that it was not easy to do it. First of all, the Yang family did not have a horse farm, so naturally it was impossible to have as many riding skills as General Fei Qian of Zhengxi. Superb soldiers. For the Yang family, it is already very rare to be able to move freely on horseback. How can there be conditions to select outstanding soldiers among them?

If there are not enough elites, we can only make up the numbers. The problem is that the other troops on the ground are generally okay, but what can we do if there are not enough horses on the horses?

Perhaps when the Xiongnu roamed the desert, the Han people were so embarrassed, right?

Fortunately, after procrastinating for a few days, General Fei Qian of Zhengxi had some time, or maybe he just remembered, and finally informed Yang Xiu that he was willing to meet with him.

In the post house, Yang Xiu finished washing and tidying up his clothes. Then, under the guidance of the soldiers, he got off the carriage, held an oil umbrella, and walked slowly to Pingyang Mansion Office under the flying snowflakes. He walked slowly along the way. I was thinking about how to talk to Zheng Xi Feiqian, what to say, or what allusions to use, and what meanings to draw...

Maybe it was because of the snow. Although it was still daytime, the sky was not very bright. It felt somewhat dim, and there were even dark clouds that were low on the city. Yang Xiu took a deep breath, spit it out, and put it at the corner of his mouth. An outer layer of smoke formed and drifted away together with the snowflakes.

Approaching the government office, Yang Xiu unexpectedly saw Fei Qian, the general of Zhengxi, standing on the steps at the gate of the government office. He stood tall and proud with his hands behind his back. He seemed to have heard some movement and looked over from a distance, smiling slightly. He looked natural and kind.

As he got closer, Yang Xiucai saw that Fei Qian looked like a barbarian, wearing a leather robe. However, the leather robe seemed to be specially made. It was not like those of the Huns or Qiang people. It was just simply tanned. , but should not only carefully select the fur, but also go through a more complicated process. The almost snow-white hair surrounded Zheng Xifei's neck, which looked very warm.

Yang Xiu couldn't help but touch his neck and found that his exposed hands and neck were extremely cold...

Fei Qian, the general of Zhengxi, smiled slightly, walked down the steps, held out his hand, and said: "Young Minister Yang, please come."

"Don't dare. General Zhengxi, please don't be embarrassed. Please call Xiu by his first name..." Yang Xiu bowed his hands in salute and said with a humble expression, "My father usually praises the general's majesty, but now I can see that he is really a Sansheng." Blessed."

In fact, this was not the first time Yang Xiu saw Fei Qian, nor did he only see Fei Qian in Pingyang. Yang Xiu had seen Fei Qian when he was in Chang'an. Even thinking about it carefully, it seemed that he had heard someone mention him accidentally during the Luoyang period. , the new disciple recruited by Cai Yong, glanced at it from a distance...

But this meeting was different from the previous ones.

Although Fei Qian still had the same slight smile on his face as before, Yang Xiu could still clearly feel the subtle changes hidden under the surface of the smile. Compared with the previous smile in Luoyang, it seemed to be less. There are a lot of things, and it seems that there are a lot more things. Even the look in the corner of his eyes seems to have become deeper and more complex, and his divine light is restrained.

In Yang Xiu's opinion, General Fei Qian of Zhengxi didn't look like a young man of his own age at all, but more like a figure of his uncle's generation. In Yang Xiu's countless interactions with his uncle at home, During the discussion, you can find some similarities with Fei Qian, who seems to be calm and calm all the time, as if everything is under control.

"Come here! Get some clean shoes and socks! Change the clothes for Minister Yang!" Fei Qian greeted, like a hospitable host waiting for a guest, "Heat up the brazier! Get some tea!"

Although Yang Xiu was sent to Zhengxi for the first time, he was not a novice in the negotiation field. When he saw Fei Qian's appearance, although he still maintained a relaxed look on the surface, there were some subtle hints in Fei Qian's attitude. The things contained in the agreement made him feel that this negotiation must be very difficult. Until this moment, an indescribable emotion seemed to slowly grow from the bottom of Yang Xiu's heart.

It was snowing heavily, and even though there was a carriage, Yang Xiu did not have any waterproof rubber shoes of later generations when walking on and off the vehicle. Naturally, his shoes and socks were stained with a lot of snowflakes. If he did not replace them, they would inevitably be stained with snow, mud and water, so Yang Xiu was not pretentious. No need to be polite, so I apologized and went to change my shoes and socks stained with snow and cement water.

After the two parties took their seats, Yang Xiu took a few sips of the hot tea soup from his tea bowl to drive away some of the coldness in his belly. He said with a smile: "I left in the past, and the millet and grain were blooming. Now I come to think about the rain. Snow carries the journey. The generals and soldiers will go out to the northern frontier and fight from the north to the south. I will always think about it and long for it!"

Fei Qian smiled and did not take Yang Xiu's words, but said directly: "I and Mr. Yang hurriedly said goodbye in the pass. It has been many years. I wonder how Mr. Yang is doing now?" Fei Qian was stupid to follow Yang Xiu. This guy is a "huangjuan, young woman, grandson, and mortuary" guy. If you follow him around in circles about classics and allusions, wouldn't you be making yourself unhappy?

Yang Xiu was stunned, but he couldn't ignore Fei Qian's question. After all, asking about the current situation of the elders in the family mostly occurred among relatives and family friends. Fei Qian was neither a relative nor an acquaintance. As a result, asking such a question would inevitably give people trouble. It feels a bit weird, but it is not completely out of line with the rules. After all, Fei Qian and Yang Biao are both officials in the same dynasty, and they are both in high positions. They belong to the top circles of more than two thousand stones, and are qualified to be on an equal footing with Yang Biao. It seems natural to ask about recent developments.

"General Meng is thinking about you. Jia Yan is in good health and everything is fine." Yang Xiugong cupped his hands and said, "Jia Yan also often misses the general's 'gentleman's car' and 'tangdi's flower'..."

Fei Qian blinked and invited Yang Xiu to drink tea with a slight smile, acting as if he didn't understand at all. What a "gentleman's car", what a "Tang Di's luxury", these are all bullshit!

Fei Qian's eyes turned to the distance, as if he was looking at the snowflakes falling continuously on the sky, and then he turned his eyes back and said with a smile: "I saw that Minister Yang came in a hurry and his clothes were thin, which was particularly disturbing. I've prepared some winter clothes... Come on, bring them up!"

Two attendants carried a large red lacquer plate with several brocade robes and leather robes on it. They walked closer from the corridor outside the hall and brought it to Yang Xiu.

Fei Qian pointed to the red lacquer plate and said: "This garment is called the garment of the swan. The brocade robe is hollow, with hundreds of swans sandwiched between it. It is made of snow velvet under the wings. It is delicate and moist, and can best keep warm. Husband Ji Ao's Qi, the ambition of the swan, and the one who speaks to people's hearts is sincerity. One piece is given to Duke Yang, and the other piece is given to the minister..."

Honghu, what a noble name, but in fact, it is simply bleached chicken and duck down. Simply put, it is the Han Dynasty version of down jacket. But the problem is that Yang Xiu doesn't know. He couldn't help but take a breath of cold air when he heard it. He kept saying that it was too expensive and he didn't dare to accept it. He didn't dare to accept it...

Fei Qian ignored Yang Xiu's refusal and pointed directly at another red lacquer plate and said: "This is unique to the North. It is made from the skin of the snow wolf in Xianbei. I hunted it occasionally this autumn. It is all white, so it can be regarded as a The odd number will be given to Mr. Yang as well..."

"Wolfskin?" Yang Xiu blinked and hesitated.

To be honest, does the Yang family in Hongnong not have any leather goods? There were several pictures of tigers and leopards, and quite a few pictures of bears, not to mention ordinary other animals. This snow wolf was obviously not as tall as the swan. For a moment, Yang Xiu felt there was some contrast. Bigger.

"In late spring, in March, the sheep rejoice and the grass grows; the weather is cold and the ground is freezing. Who feeds the wolves? People pity the sheep, but the wolves are lonely; the heart of the sky is unpredictable, and the world is like frost." Fei Qian smiled and said slowly, " I wonder what Minister Yang thinks?"

"This..." Yang Xiu's expression changed.

What to do in March?

Is it possible that there will be some big action at the beginning of spring?

Could it be that "sheep" reflects "yang"? Yang Congmu Congyi is said to be under the sun. Isn't it just the beginning of March when the Yang Qi rises?

At present, "It's freezing cold, who will feed the wolves?"

There is nothing wrong with it being freezing cold now, but what does the second half of the sentence mean?

Is it difficult to say that this General Zhengxi means that he needs to be full now so that he will not take action?

What does "people's hearts pity sheep, but the hearts of wolves are lonely" mean?

Does "Heaven's heart is unpredictable" mean that His Majesty's attitude towards the Yang family cannot be changed?

…

The so-called concern leads to chaos. Even though Yang Xiu is talented and intelligent, it involves matters related to himself. Suddenly, thousands of thoughts are swirling in Yang Xiu's mind, as if thousands of thoughts have been stuffed into his head in a short time. Like sparrows, they kept chirping and making noisy noises.

Yang Xiu raised his eyes and looked at Fei Qian, trying to find some clues from Fei Qian's expression that could help with interpretation, but he was soon disappointed. Fei Qian still had that shallow smile on his face, and there wasn't much change from beginning to end.

Not sure what Fei Qian was thinking, Yang Xiu didn't dare to say anything rashly. Otherwise, if what he said was inappropriate, wouldn't it make Yang's current predicament worse?

Yang Xiu took the red plate blankly and said some words of thanks. He was chatting with General Fei Qian of Zhengxi in a nonchalant manner, while he was thinking about it in his heart.

The more he thought about it, the more anxious Yang Xiu became, and the more he couldn't figure out what Fei Qian wanted to express. Several speculations collided with each other in his mind, and no one could convince anyone. Unknowingly, there was blood on his forehead. There was a little glimmer of water.

"Today I met Mr. Yang to enjoy the snowy scenery. I feel very relieved. Unfortunately, I still have official business to attend to and cannot sit for a long time. It's a pity..." Fei Qian stood up and said, "...but the days ahead are long, so I'll have a good time." In a few days, we will host another banquet for the minister, and it would be wise to ask the minister to honor you."

"Ah? This is natural, this is natural..." Yang Xiu replied smoothly, and suddenly realized that the entire meeting was over. He wanted to discuss it with Fei Qian again, but Fei Qian had already stood up and was walking out of the hall. Go, his eyes flashed a few times, but he had no choice but to stand up, and bid farewell to Fei Qian. After all, this is Fei Qian's home court, and guests can do whatever they want. What's more, Yang Xiu doesn't have any capital that he can use to force things, so he can only go back and understand Fei Qian's words thoroughly before talking.

Anyway, it’s freezing cold, well, it’s freezing cold… Ask who feeds the wolves…

Yang Xiu pondered like this and slowly returned to the post house, when he bumped into Xu You.

"Shilang Yang, are you meeting General Zhengxi?" Xu You said, pinching the long and thin beard on his chin.

"Ah, I have met Xu Shilang." Yang Xiu quickly bowed his hands to Xu You, and then said, "Exactly. I have met General Zhengxi."

"Oh? What is that?" Xu You blinked twice and looked at the red lacquer plate held by the attendant behind Yang Xiu.

"This is a gift from General Zhengxi to Jiayan..." Yang Xiu turned around and said, there was nothing to hide about this, so he told Xu You what General Zhengxi Fei Qian said.

"Oh! The clothes of the swan! Tsk, tsk!" Xu You's eyes widened, "Or can it be made with a hundred swans? This expedition to the west is so generous... I admire it, I admire it..."

"Uh..." Yang Xiu looked at Xu You's expression, which was much easier to understand than that of Zhengxi General Fei Qian. He immediately smiled and said, "Xu Shilang, Zhengxi gave the family Yan something, Xiu dare not It’s up to you, but one of them was given to me by Zheng Xi. If Mr. Xu likes it, how about I give it to Mr. Xu?”

Xu You couldn't bear to leave his eyes, but he was gesturing with his hands: "This... how can this be done, how can this be done... someone has no merit and no virtue, is he worthy of it?"

"Servant Xu has taken good care of Xiu for many days, how can I be ashamed of it?" Yang Xiu said as he took the red lacquer plate from the servant and handed it to Xu You.

"Ah, ah... this... this is really..." Xu Youxi smiled widely, took it in his hand hurriedly, rolled his eyes, and said, "There is no reward for no merit. In this way, if Marquis Wen comes, Don't open your eyes to trouble Yang Shilang, Yang Shilang just come to find someone!" After receiving something, you must do something for others. This is Xu You's principle, otherwise who will be willing to give it to him next time? Aren't they Lu Bu's men? Xu You didn't even take Lu Bu seriously, let alone his men.

"In this case, I would like to thank Shilang Xu..." Yang Xiugong handed over his hand. Seeing that Xu You was overjoyed and went back with the "Clothes of the Honghu", he couldn't help but smile, shook his head and was about to walk into his yard. , suddenly frowned, looked back at Xu You's yard next door, and then glanced at another red lacquer plate in the hand of the attendant next to him, wondering in his heart, this Zhengxi, could it be that he used my hands to transfer "Honghu's Clothes" "For Xu You?"

What if I don't give it?

No, most likely I will.

So what exactly does Zhengxi mean?

Yang Xiu looked up at the sky. Snowflakes were falling in the sky. The dark clouds were low and blocked the entire sky. It was like the true meaning of General Zhengxi's every move was hidden in this chaos...