Three Kingdoms

The cold wind blew up the snow and dust outside the desert pass.

In the distant horizon, chunks of lead-gray clouds piled up, as if another heavy snowfall was brewing, ready to fall at any time.

In the winter of Dahan's fourth year in Taixing, the weather seemed to be colder than in previous years.

In the past few years, even the dullest person can clearly feel that winter has become longer, coming earlier and leaving later. This is especially true in this desert border area. As soon as October enters, basically there is one heavy snow after another, shrouding everyone in this boundless cold, and it seems that everything in the world will be frozen. Same.

A group of men and horses, wearing iron armor, wearing hoods on their heads, and wearing large cloaks, were standing quietly reining in their horses on a hill.

Under the general flag is General Zhao Yun of Pingbei in Youzhou.

The bitter cold in the desert is not just a lie.

Today, Zhao Yun is naturally a little thinner than when he was in Guanzhong. The lines on his face are more distinct like a knife and an axe. His bare skin also has a bronze color. His beard is not long, and in the cold wind Fluttering slightly. In the past, when I merged with Beiyin Mountain, I still had some youthfulness, but it has faded away completely.

Suddenly two or three scouts pointed north under the mound: "General!" People are coming! 』

Zhao Yun looked up and saw some smoke and dust gradually coming from the north. A group of about ten riders were meandering towards them. The cold wind blowing in the desert tore their robes, cloaks, etc. into disorder.

Not long after, they saw this group of people approaching, and the first person was Zhang He.

When they reached the foot of the hill, Zhang He and others jumped off their horses and walked up the mountain.

Zhao Yun also dismounted and met Zhang He.

"General Zhao..." Zhang He saluted. Zhang He glanced at the armor on Zhao Yun's body, and then lowered his gaze.

Zhang He himself wore only leather armor. It's not that Zhang He respects Zhao Yun and therefore wears leather armor, but because in such weather, he can only wear leather armor and leather robes...

Just like eating popsicles in summer, you must not choose those that are extremely frozen. Don't ask why you know this.

Unless they want to taste the charm and sweetness of iron pieces, leather armor and leather robes are the only choices for Zhang He and others in winter.

But Zhao Yun and others are different. Under the iron armor, there are not only cotton cloth, but also furs. Whether in combat or daily activities, basically no iron pieces are touched. This kind of craftsmanship and luxury, for Zhang He and others, Especially for a few Xianbei people, it is unimaginable.

In Europe, it is common for people to regard a piece of armor at home as a family heirloom. In the current era of the Han Dynasty, the price of a piece of armor is already worth more than half a million yuan. A general's armor like Zhao Yun's starting price is one million yuan. It can be said that Zhao Yun This outfit is equivalent to wearing millions of dollars on your body...

Zhao Yun looked calm and returned the gift without saying much.

Zhang He curled his lips and didn't say much.

What can a defeated general do?

If Zhao Yun is willing to meet him, he is already giving him a lot of face. How can he be expected to be more cordial?

In the past, when Zhang He was under Yuan Shao, although he was not a very popular minister, at least everyone had to respect him when they saw him. At that time, Zhao Yun was just a bandit in the Black Mountain...

The experience of Zhao Yun's rise has been regarded as a miracle for the Han Dynasty. It is talked about by many people and has also brought new hope to many people. After all, a remnant of the Yellow Turbans and the leader of the Black Mountain bandits can now become General Pingbei. So how can he become famous with his skills under the hussar?

Therefore, this is one of the reasons why Zhang He led the Xianbei people to find Zhao Yun.

Another reason is the weather.

The severe wind and snow made all Zhang He's plans come to nothing. Without enough food and fodder, without supplies and pastures, migrating in an unknown direction in the wind and snow is no different than seeking death.

There was no way to go, and there was no place to stay. Therefore, looking for Zhao Yun became the only way to survive.

This is where the advantage of civilization lies.

Compared with other nomadic peoples in the desert, Zhang He and the remaining Xianbei people prefer to choose the more civilized Han people. At least even if the Han people kill them, they will not use their skulls to drink...

For Zhang He, it was not his original intention to cooperate with the Xianbei people. It was just forced by the situation at that time. Although he has now won over some Xianbei people and has about 3,000 fighting soldiers, the Hu people's fighting soldiers Well, basically it is like that, it is easier to use than the Han militia, at least it is the militia on horseback.

Therefore, the number is not small, but it does not have anything to do with strength. In addition, Zhang He cannot have complete command authority over the Xianbei people. In many cases, it has to be passed through the second hand, so the dispatching cannot be called such. The arm points.

Living with these Xianbei people is enough. What would such a miscellaneous army and horses accomplish even if they go north? Once a battle is fought, there is only defeat. It is precisely because of this that even if Zhao Yun dislikes Zhang He no matter how cold his attitude is, Zhang He will not say a word.

Zhao Yun looked past Zhang He and landed on the Xianbei people who followed Zhang He.

Several Xianbei people were somewhat embarrassed.

After all, they were in a hostile state before, but now they have become losers, seeking asylum from the Han people. Their morale has been invisibly weakened by three points. Under Zhao Yun's sharp eyes, everyone suddenly shrank their heads and did not dare to express their anger.

Zhao Yun didn't speak, and everyone didn't dare to speak.

Zhao Yun leads the army, and he must be the first in battle. There is no need to say that he is brave. No one in the whole army refuses to obey, and he strictly abides by military discipline and is selfless. Even if his bodyguards violate military discipline, they will still be punished and punished. No one is immune. , plus Zhao Yun himself lives a simple and hard life, does not pay attention to extravagant expenses, and does not have much fun in the army. When it comes to his character, he is even more thumbs up. Needless to say, naturally the whole army respects, fears and respects Zhao Yun. Peace of mind.

In addition, Zhao Yun was favored by hussars, and from time to time he would be sent armor, sharp weapons, and good horses. Although Zhao Yun was in the desert of Youzhou, his favor was not reduced by half. Therefore, under Zhao Yun's command, The military here in Youzhou is extremely sharp from top to bottom, has strict military discipline, and has the demeanor of a strong military.

Zhao Yun suddenly asked coldly: "Is there anyone among you who has brought troops into the territory of the Han Dynasty to harass the people?" Rape and robbery? Killing innocent people? 』

Several Xianbei people suddenly felt excited.

These Xianbei people can understand some Chinese to some extent. Even if they understand it to an average of 80%, they can still feel some problems from the tone of voice...

At that moment, some Xianbei people fell to their knees with a cry, "General, general!" We, we haven't done anything like this since the general got here! I swear to God that what I said is all the truth! 』

Zhao Yun's eyes fell on Zhang He.

Zhang He smiled bitterly and said, "General Zhao, I am also a Han. How could I do such an unjust thing?" 』

Zhao Yun nodded slowly. Zhao Yun is not completely unreasonable and unreasonable, but Zhao Yun has his own insistence on some things.

Of course what the Xianbei people said is also true. In recent years, the Xianbei people have been beaten up by Zhao Yun, so naturally they have no intention of going south to plunder every year. Despite their pitiful appearance now, before Zhao Yun came, the Xianbei people were ferocious and did all kinds of evil, invading borders and killing people.

"Whether your words are true or not, you have to verify them yourself..." Zhao Yun did not pursue the things that happened before he came. "Since you have entered the Han Dynasty, you should respect the Han laws. If there are wanton actions or bad people breaking the law, You know the consequences. 』

Zhao Yun's voice was not loud, even in a light tone, but the coldness in his tone was as irresistible as the current severe winter.

Several Xianbei people knelt on the ground, repeatedly promised and kowtowed in thanks.

As for the crimes committed by the Xianbei people before Zhao Yun arrived...

At that time, even the court was ignored, and all the local governors and captains ran away. If they deserved to be killed, those who abandoned the border areas and ignored their own people deserved to be killed even more!

It is understandable that one is not strong and is bullied by foreigners. However, if one has become stronger, but when he sees a foreigner, his knees weaken and he becomes half shorter. To some extent, this kind of person is better than Foreigners who do evil are even more hateful!

After sending these Xianbei people to retreat first, Zhao Yun looked at Zhang He and asked, "What is the current situation in Mobei?" Where are the people of Ding Ling and Wuhuan located? 』

Upon hearing this, Zhang He slowly took out a parchment scroll from his arms. Zhang He's movements were very slow, even very careful. He didn't even dare to hand the parchment directly to Zhao Yun, but gave it to the guards beside Zhao Yun.

Zhao Yun took the parchment scroll in his hand, weighed it, and then glanced at Zhang He.

Zhang He smiled bitterly and said: "In the desert, there is a lack of pen, ink and paper... so we can only make do with it..."

Zhao Yun nodded slightly.

Who said the sheepskin was made of saltpeter, but I don’t know if the workmanship is incomplete or because of being in a hurry. It still has some smell. It is not as smooth as the leather of later generations, and the drawings on the leather are not written with pen and ink... …

Zhao Yun reached out and touched it gently. It seemed to be charcoal.

Zhang He on the side lowered his head and remained speechless.

A worthless person is worse than a pig. At least people still buy pork, but most people don’t want human meat. Zhang He had already considered this before coming to Zhao Yun. If he could not bring Zhao Yun any valuable information, then he would be of no value to Zhao Yun...

What would you do with a person or item that has little value?

Perhaps it would turn Zhang He into a social figure who could only rely on himself, to show that the Cavalry General was magnanimous, open-minded and open-minded?

Zhang He didn't want to take that road, so Zhang He had to come up with something. Even if Zhao Yun didn't ask, Zhang He would take the initiative to come up with something. But once the opposite happens, Zhang He can't come up with anything when Zhao Yun asks, or even say anything, so even if he has martial arts, he won't get any good treatment.

But Zhang He still had some doubts. He had heard in northern Youzhou and the Xianbei tribe that Zhao Yun and others had magical powers, that they could be protected by gods, and could come and go unimpeded in wind and snow...

Of course, Zhang He thought these rumors were too illusory, but today when he saw Zhao Yun looking at the parchment he drew very carefully, he suddenly had a feeling...

Maybe these things are all true?

Otherwise, why does it feel like Zhao Yun and others are preparing to go north?

Such weather!

Zhang He looked at the low dark clouds in the distance, then looked at the leather armor on his body, and lowered his head.

No matter from which angle, Zhao Yun seems to have no reason to easily raise his troops and go north. In the Youbei Desert, to be honest, it is actually far away from the Han Dynasty. Even if it is divided and beaten to pieces by Ding Ling and Wuhuan, so what?

But Zhang He felt that Zhao Yun seemed to be looking at it very carefully, as if he wanted to find an offensive line... Because Zhang He himself was so focused when he was looking at the map and planning.

Zhang He had countless thoughts in his mind, and then suddenly heard Zhao Yun say in a deep voice: "What is the sign here?" 』

Zhang He took a look and said, "A valley in the mountain can provide shelter from the wind and snow." 』

Zhao Yun nodded slightly, then handed the parchment to the guard beside him, "Make a few copies and send scouts to verify according to the drawing..."

The guard took the parchment and went down.

Zhao Yun turned around and looked at Zhang He. "General Zhang..."

Zhang He raised his hands and said: "A defeated general does not dare to be called this. If the general does not give up, just call me by my name..."

Zhao Yun nodded slightly, "Jun Yi led his troops to surrender. I don't know what his plans are for the future?" 』

Zhang He was a little hesitant. He knew that speaking out might make Zhao Yun suspicious, and it might even lead to worse results. However, Zhang He still said in a deep voice: "I am willing to follow the general and fight in the Northern Desert!" 』

Zhang He did not want to return to the Central Plains.

Zhang He originally thought that if he wanted to be a good general, he must know some politics. And politics is gray, or not so clean. So when Yuan Shao ordered Zhang He to kill Qu Yi, Zhang He did it, even though Zhang He knew that Qu Yi might have been wronged.

Zhang He first followed Han Fu when he defeated the Yellow Turbans. At that time, Zhang He thought that Han Fu was already a hero. What he didn't expect was that after Yuan Shao attacked him three times, Han Fu was captured without any resistance. Ability, which made Zhang He doubt his own strength for a time.

Is bravery on the battlefield really inferior to political skills?

In addition, Yuan Shao was in the early stage of his rapid rise. It was really killing people and killing Buddhas. Even Gongsun Zan, who was sitting on a white horse, was defeated by Yuan Shao. The entire Jizhou was submissive to Yuan Shao. , which made Zhang He also have the "consciousness" that if he wants to climb higher, he needs to have political skills like Yuan Shao...

As a result, Yuan Shao declined rapidly, and the balance of Jizhou was broken. Political strife made the seemingly powerful Jizhou seem like paper. Before Zhang He could figure out what was wrong, it was teetering on the edge of collapse, and then here was a A hole, a flaw over there.

Yuan Shao's power in Jizhou before was like a wonderful dream. When he woke up from the dream, what he saw when he opened his eyes was the broken eaves and broken walls, and the old trees and crows.

Even after Zhang He surrendered to Cao Cao, he was still trapped in the political whirlpool.

Cao Cao boasted about Zhang He in front of Zhang He and the Xiahou family of the Cao family more than once, saying that Zhang He was his good general and that he could rest assured when he was allowed to do his work. Then I turned around and realized that the prefect belonged to the Cao family, the commander belonged to the Xiahou family, and Zhang He would always be either a partial general or a vanguard.

What crushed the balance in Zhang He's heart was Xia Houyuan's final blow.

In Yuan Shao's hands, Zhang He and others are warriors, just hawks and dogs. They are used when needed and thrown away when not needed. However, they will also be given some sweetness and maintenance to avoid killing something next time. It's easy to use. Those who are disobedient like Qu Yi will naturally be killed.

But when it comes to Cao Cao, even eagles and dogs are not ranked, just swords and guns. False compliments are like being polished on a sword, just to look good.

Zhang He didn't know what the situation was like in Guanzhong under the rule of the Husbands, but Zhang He guessed that it was similar. As long as there were nobles, where could there be no politics? Zhang He no longer wants to try this kind of life. He would rather die on the battlefield than get involved in those dirty political fields again...

But this is difficult.

Even Zhang He himself, if he puts himself in Zhao Yun's shoes, can he trust an enemy general who was his opponent before? Will you keep him by your side to lead the troops in battle?

Zhang He lowered his head, and the light in his eyes gradually began to sway as the silence extended, like a candle in the wind that was about to be extinguished.

"Why does Junyi want to stay in Youbei?" "Just when Zhang He was gradually losing hope, Zhao Yun suddenly asked.

Zhang He raised his head and said, "I am from Muxian County. My family is rich, and I was carefree when I was young... I thought that by acquiring martial arts, I could protect the country and the people... Later, when the world was in chaos, I sold my property and ignored my parents' requests to keep it... Later I voted for Hanzhou Mu, thinking that I would be able to return home in fine clothes, but I never thought..."

"...After a certain person left home, rebel troops crossed the border..." Zhang He said, a tear shed from the corner of his eye, and then it dried up when the cold wind blew, "..."

Zhao Yun was silent.

Sometimes, rioters who have lost their order are more terrifying than ordinary thieves.

"... A certain young man swore to defend his homeland, but a certain person failed to do so... He later belonged to Han Shijun and should have protected him, but a certain person defected to Yuan Benchu... Yuan Benchu ​​ordered a certain person to kill Paoze, but a certain person did not speak out... He led his troops to fight in Yanzhou, so a certain person We have never fought to the death..." Zhang He's face was twisted in pain, and he gritted his teeth and roared in a low voice, "I am already thirty years old and have accomplished nothing and have nothing... Loyalty is not considered, filial piety is not fulfilled, benevolence and righteousness are even more impossible to talk about... ...I am living in this world now, and I have no shame in entering the Central Plains again...Only dying on the battlefield can purify the evils of a lifetime..."

"I hope the general will take him in!" 』

After Zhang He finished speaking, he kowtowed to the ground.

The cold wind howled, sweeping away the dust.

"...Well, Jun Yi can stay here temporarily..." Zhao Yun said slowly, "It's just that Jun Yi still needs to write a letter from himself and send it to Chang'an, waiting for the Hussar to make a decision..."

Zhang He suddenly raised his head, and then bowed deeply to Zhao Yun: "Thank you, General Zhao!" 』

If Zhao Yun is unwilling to accept him, even Zhang He's efforts will be useless. Think about it and you will know. For Qiaoqi, should he value Zhao Yun or listen to Zhang He? If Zhao Yun gets a word from him, Zhang He's chances of staying in Youbei will increase by at least five points!

Zhang He took a long breath.

Maybe in this life, there will no longer be a distinction between black and white!

Perhaps from now on, there will no longer be nightmares...