Three Kingdoms

Taixing eight years.

Under the first month.

After bidding farewell to Fei Qian, Zhang Liao and his party hurried westward and soon arrived in Lianshui.

As dusk approached, Zhang Liao camped by the Lishui River.

This time to the Western Regions, Zhang Liao did not bring all his troops, but still brought his more than 200 men.

Traveling with Zhang Liao for the time being was another Xiliang native, Jia Xu.

Jia Xu was preparing to go to Jincheng, and "by chance" met Zhang Liao, so they went on the same road.

The setting sun shines in the evening, making the water red.

Zhang Liao stood on the edge of the Qishui River, his expression slightly dazed.

Jia Xu walked over slowly, his slender eyes glanced at Zhang Liao, and then turned his gaze to Lianshui.

Not far from Lianshui is the ancient pass of Chencang.

This was not only the battlefield where Liu Bang, the King of Han Dynasty, marched, but also the battleground for many subsequent battles. The most recent war was the Xiqiang Rebellion during the period of Emperor Ling of the Han Dynasty.

In the ten years before and after the Xiqiang Rebellion, there were three major turning points, two of which were related to Chencang. The last time the kingdom led a large army to besiege Chencang for more than eighty days, which led to the final collapse of the Xiqiang coalition forces.

In this small area, it seems that we can still hear the shouts of death, the sound of horse hooves, the cry for help, and the sound of swordsmanship. We can still see the smoke and dust covering the sky, the dim sunlight, and those A splash of bright red that flows freely.

"In the past, it was somewhere over there..." Jia Xu stretched out his hand to point to the direction, "In the past, in a battle, dust rose up and flooded the surrounding areas. Soldiers and horses fought in chaos, front and rear lost their positions, shouts shook the sky, weapons were raised, and flags blocked the sun... …』

"A certain person has also been here..." Zhang Liao nodded, "The Geng clan, the governor of the old Liangzhou, summoned soldiers from six counties... A certain person traveled all over the country and was also in the army, serving as a small school..."

Jia Xu glanced at Zhang Liao with some surprise, "General Wen Yuan and a certain person have gone to the same place... I think at the beginning, the Geng family was a 19th prince... I don't know General Wen Yuan, but he thought that the Geng family... at that time... What should we do? 』

Zhang Liao was silent, then took a breath and slowly shook his head.

Jia Xu glanced at Zhang Liao and saw that he was deep in thought, so he didn't say anything more.

At this moment, Zhang Liao's heart was churning. He understood why Jia Xu mentioned the Geng family. On the one hand, it was because Geng Bi, the governor of Liangzhou at that time, was the commander-in-chief of the six counties at the time. On the other hand, this Geng Bi was a man of great ambition and talent, and trusted little people...

Zhang Liao still knew something about this Geng Bi situation.

Geng Bi was born in the Geng family, and if one were to select the family that contributed most to the founding of the Eastern Han Dynasty, Geng's election would be uncontroversial.

Ever since Emperor Guangwu Liu Xiu set foot in Hebei, Geng Kuang, the governor of Shanggu, has always supported Liu Xiu. Before Geng Kuang chose Liu Xiu, his eldest son Geng Yan followed Liu Xiu in his early days, and later ranked fourth among the twenty-eight generals of Yuntai who founded the Eastern Han Dynasty. Geng Kuang had six sons. In addition to his eldest son Geng Yan, his second son Geng Shu and third son Geng Guo were all trusted by Emperor Guangwu Liu Xiu for their military exploits.

Geng Kuang, the first generation of the Geng family, was granted the title of Yu Mihou. Geng Yan, the second generation, was granted the title of Haojuhou, Geng Shu was granted the title of Mupinghou, and Geng Ba was granted the title of Yu Mihou. In the third generation, two more marquises were added, Geng Guo's two sons, Geng Bing was granted the title of Marquis of Meiyang, and Geng Geng was granted the title of Marquis of Suyi. In the third generation, one of Geng Shu's grandsons inherited the estate of his mother, Princess Longlu, and was granted the title of Marquis Longlu.

Since Guangwu ascended the throne, the Geng family has been unparalleled for a while. A total of nineteen people have been granted the title of marquis, including two generals and nine generals. In addition, there were three children, Princess Shang, and one daughter later married Liu Qing, King of Qinghe, as his concubine, and was the aunt of Emperor An of the Han Dynasty.

A family as noble as the Geng family was very rare in the Eastern Han Dynasty.

Although Geng Shu's granddaughter Geng Ji is the legitimate mother of Emperor Han'an of Han Dynasty, she does not become the empress dowager because of this. Emperor Han'an was the concubine of Liu Qing, King of Qinghe, and his biological mother was Zuo Xiao'e. He inherited the throne of his uncle Hanhe Emperor as a vassal. The empress of Emperor He of the Han Dynasty was Deng Sui, the granddaughter of Deng Yu. According to legal principles, after Emperor An of the Han Dynasty ascended the throne, he must respect Deng Sui as the empress dowager, while Geng Ji could only stay in the position of Princess Qinghe. This is the closest distance between the Geng clan and the peak of their relatives.

Then, there was none.

Later came the rise of the Dou family.

Because the Geng family was so arrogant for a while, there were naturally some arrogant people in the family who were hated, and they would definitely receive suppression and restrictions from all aspects. In addition, the Geng family was still involved in complex political struggles and was detained several times. Wrong treasure.

As the years go by, the Dou family advances in waves, while the Geng family declines. Gradually, the descendants of the Geng family became supporting actors in the political arena. In order to make up for this shortcoming, they had to choose to rely on the core forces. To put it bluntly, this is similar to gambling.

The first person to make the wrong bet was Geng Bing's younger brother Geng He. Unlike Geng Bing who was taken advantage of, Geng Ge, who was still junior, placed his bet on Dou Xian. After following Dou Xian twice in succession and achieving military success in conquering the Northern Huns, Geng Gao was granted the title of Marquis of Suyi. After Emperor An of the Han Dynasty came to the throne, Dou Xian was liquidated, and Geng He was implicated, beaten to the bottom, and deprived of his title at the same time.

The second person who pressed the wrong treasure was Geng Shu's grandson Geng Bao. Geng Bao is Geng Ji's elder brother. After Emperor Han'an ascended the throne, he became a general as "Uncle Yuan". He is the second general of the Geng family after Geng Yan. Geng Bao actually knew very well that his uncle was actually very empty. In order to consolidate his position, he colluded with Li Run, Fan Feng and others, while trying his best to seek refuge with Queen Yan and her family. The most despicable thing about Geng Bao is that he killed Taiwei Yang Zhen through false accusations.

However, Geng Bao made the wrong bet with the wrong person. In order to dominate the government for a long time, the Yan family ordered foreign dynasties to impeach Geng Bao for colluding with eunuchs, spying on palace secrets, and deposed Geng Bao on charges of gross injustice. Geng Bao, who lost his power, knew that he could not escape the liquidation, so he committed suicide.

Geng Bi, the governor of Xiliang, was the last swan song of the Geng family.

Being the governor of Liangzhou was not a good job at the time. He was faced with the turmoil in Liangzhou as soon as he took office. Between the first year of Zhongping and the fourth year of Zhongping, the governor of Liangzhou went through a revolving door and changed five people in succession.

Before Geng Bi, there were Liang Hu, Zuo Chang, Song Xiao, and Yang Yong. Some people here embezzled huge amounts of property and were recalled to face charges. Some people advocated letting the people of Liangzhou study the "Book of Filial Piety" and were recalled to face charges. Anyway, Weird things happen every year, especially in feudal dynasties, and there are countless of them. In fact, this is just because they have been aloof for too long, so that these masters... Bah, these governors are separated from the people.

In the fourth year of Zhongping, Geng Bi organized troops from six counties to attack Han Sui. It was also at this time that Zhang Liao acted as a small school among the troops from the six counties. Although Geng Bi may have good intentions, he was eager for success. Not only did he not listen to the dissuasion of Fu Xie, then the governor of Hanyang, who told him not to be too aggressive, he even did not listen to the suggestion of training his soldiers first.

In addition, the most critical point is that Geng Bi trusts his men very much, and Liangzhou governs mid-range football. This Cheng Qiu is not a good person. During his tenure, he was ruthless in making money. His greed for property caused dissatisfaction among many officials and people. So Geng Bi took the soldiers and horses from six counties hastily gathered to put down the rebellion. As soon as they reached Didao County, the soldiers mutinied. They not only killed the hated Cheng Qiu, but also killed Geng Bi. (notes in this chapter)

It was also during this rebellion that Ma Teng changed his stance and changed sides.

Zhang Liao, on the other hand, didn't even get Mao's military exploits. In addition, Bingzhou was invaded by barbarians again, so he returned to Bingzhou...

At this point, the Eastern Han Dynasty court completely lost control of Liangzhou. It was not until the kingdom surrounded Chencang and was exhausted that Dong Zhuo emerged.

If one general is incompetent, the three armies will be exhausted!

Zhang Liao understood what Jia Xu meant, and also knew Jia Xu's purpose of following him all the way. He even knew that as long as he left Longyou, Jia Xu would definitely deploy soldiers and troops in the Longyou area...

"In the past, I saw a tile-roofed house with rotten beams and pillars and broken door hinges. People living in it were exposed to wind and rain and were in great danger. Someone wanted to destroy it and set it on fire, thinking that it would remove the beetles and rotten things..." Jia Xu said slowly, "However, after meeting my lord, I realized that it is easy to destroy a house, but difficult to build one. The rot of beams and pillars and the beetles of door hinges are not the fault of bricks and tiles, but how can they be destroyed along with them? Wenyuan’s trip is like living in a dangerous house, so be more careful..."

Zhang Liao sighed softly, and then thanked Jia Xu, "Liao will bear in mind what you said." 』

Jia Xu stared at Zhang Liao for a moment, then nodded without saying anything more.

To be honest, it is quite good for Jia Xu to stand here and vaguely say a few words to Zhang Liao.

Maybe it’s because Jia Xu is also from Xiliang and doesn’t want to see the people of Xiliang falling apart and killing each other again. Maybe it’s because Jia Xu has some feelings about Zhang Liao’s behavior like a moth to the flame. In addition, Zhang Liao He also had some friendship with General Fei Qian of the Hussars, so he would go out of his way to "walk" with Zhang Liao and look for opportunities to teach him something.

Otherwise, according to Jia Xu’s usual habits...

Along the way, from a certain perspective, Zhang Liao was like Geng Bi, placing heavy bets.

What's at stake is Zhang Liao's own life, and what's on the other side is what Jia Xu just said was the "bricks and mortar"...

The setting sun reflected on Zhang Liao's face and body, making his whole body look like it was stained with blood.

Zhang Liao stood on the side of the Qishui River and reached out to touch a brocade bag in his arms.

Although Fei Qian asked the guards of the General's Mansion to bring the tip bag to him before he left, it was not a so-called "cunning plan", nor did Fei Qian want to do micro-management for thousands of miles, but just provided Zhang Liao with an idea, or maybe A small chip.

As for how to use this bargaining chip and whether it can weigh on the balance at the critical moment, it can only depend on Zhang Liao himself.

Of course, it was not just Zhang Liao who also placed heavy bets, but also Lu Bu.

Western Region.

Xihai City.

Today's Xihai City is like a faded gilt vessel. Not only is it no longer as bright as before, but it also looks particularly ugly after it fades.

Even the most obtuse people in Guizhou, both inside and outside the city, can feel the difference. Although the city wall is still the same city wall and the streets in the city are still the same streets, the spirit in them is gone.

Shops of all sizes in Xihai City are almost closed. Because the army needs it, all supplies are distributed to the front line. There is no merchandise to sell, so naturally the shops are closed.

Shops can be closed, but people can’t run out of food and drink.

Especially those who were engaged in business before, their heads were as big as a bucket and they were very distressed.

Near the East Gate of Xihai City, there is a courtyard of medium size.

A man was wearing a Hu robe, sitting slumped under the patio of the courtyard, his eyes dull. On the table next to him, there was a bowl of milk skin. It had obviously not been touched for a long time, and it had long since lost any heat.

The surrounding servants did not dare to walk into the courtyard at all, even if they did something, they were cautious, lest they make any noise that would dissatisfy the person in the courtyard, and then become the target of venting their anger.

He was originally a big businessman in Xihai City, Fatty Qi, but now he is sitting here slumped, like an overcooked dough, with an aura of decadence exuding from all the pores in his body.

A servant led a seductive man to the front of the courtyard, but he did not dare to go forward. Semuman seemed not to notice Fatty An's dejected look and walked straight inside, "Fatty An, the merchants outside are going crazy, why are you still here?" 』

Fatty An raised his head slightly and snorted, "Old man, what are you doing here?" Are you here to see my joke? 』

The old man with seductive eyes stepped forward and picked up the milk skin on the table, took a sip, and spat it out with a pop, "It's so damn sour!" Okay, you're not the only one who's in trouble right now, so don't sit still and get up and discuss some solutions! If we don’t want to come up with any more ideas, we’ll all be folded here! 』

Fatty An then raised his head and shouted in a low voice with a sad face: "I have thought of all the ways I can think of, and I have also found the connections I am looking for... I gave you enough money, but the goods are gone!" It’s all fucking gone! Those damn guys took it away and just gave me a bunch of IOUs! What I want is the goods, not the damn IOU! 』

Lao De sneered, "It's as if you were the only one who received the IOU... Guess how many goods were robbed of me by those damn guys?" Do you want me to cry with you? 』

Fatty An glanced sideways at Lao De, the fat on his face shook a few times, and snorted, "If crying helps." 』

"Yes, if sitting here helps. ” Lao De put the sour milk skin that night on the table, then turned and shouted to the outside of the yard, “Damn it, didn’t you see your master entertaining guests? If you don’t have anything to eat, bring some water! Do you still want me to kick your butts one by one? ! 』

The servant stretched his head outside the yard to look at Fatty An.

Fatty An waved his hand dumbfounded.

Immediately, many servants came out from every corner of the yard, including table cleaners, bowl setters, and water pourers, like butterflies wearing flowers, and then they retreated after a fuss.

"You have to eat when you should, you still have to drink when you need to drink..." Old De said pointedly, "Without food and drink, no matter you, me, or anyone else, we will all go crazy..."

Fatty An was originally paralyzed, but after hearing this, he slowly sat up, then stared at Lao De, and then asked after a while: "What do you mean?" 』

Lao De picked up the bowl and drank some water, "I don't mean anything... Do you remember that we donated a Han official some time ago?" 』

Fatty An curled his lips and said, "That's just spending money to buy stability!" 』

"No, no no!" My friend, it would be a pity if you really think so! " Lao De opened his arms and gestured in the air, "This is a very special identity, very special... Can you understand? 』

"Stop talking nonsense, just tell me, what do you want to do?" Fatty An gritted his teeth and said, "I only want my money and goods!" Damn, my heart hurts when I think about my money and goods! 』

Lao De nodded, "I am also heartbroken, my friend. However, you can regard those money and goods as an early investment... and now, it is time for us to start harvesting these special identities! 』

"reward? "As soon as he heard about the harvest, the fat man became energetic and his little eyes smacked with light. "What harvest? Please explain in detail. 』

Lao Degu said to him, "Hey, I've been running outside all day, and I'm hungry. But the only thing I can drink here is this cold water, and even my nipples are sour..."

"Hi! If you tell me what you have gained, I...I'll treat you to a barbecue! Roast leg of lamb! Fatty An said, "And wine!" Rose wine! But first you have to make it clear! 』

"No, my friend, you have to eat first before you have the strength to speak. ” Lao De said with a smile.

"Firstly. 』

"Eat first." 』

The two people stared at each other for a while, and Fatty An said helplessly: "I'll let someone prepare it, you tell me!" 』

Lao De laughed, and after Fatty An ordered his men to prepare food, he said softly: "The Han guard wants to fight, so he wants food, grass, supplies, and a lot of things, but there are also some things... that are not needed for the war. Up……"

"nonsense! I know this! ” Fatty An waved his hands, obviously dissatisfied with the information Lao De said, “If the damn Han people weren’t going to war, how could my goods be confiscated by the Han people? ! Oh, thinking about my lovely goods... my heart aches..."

"Now the Han people are out of stock again, but all the goods in the chambers of commerce and shops in this city have been confiscated." Lao De shrugged, "So, now is the time to find those cute little guys of yours... The Han people wanted food and grass, but they didn't know where to find it, so they were going crazy for a while! At this time, whoever can bring food and grass to the Han people will get the greatest benefits! As for the Han people's utensils, cloth, and tea, as long as they have nothing to do with the war and are not used in the war, they will be the cheapest... I say this, do you understand? 』

Fatty An's little eyes shone with greed, "I understand, find food and trade with these Han people!" Things you won’t need in a war! But... in this war, food and grass are in short supply everywhere. Where can we get cheap goods? 』

Lao De chuckled, "That's why I came to see you... Aren't those good friends of yours just in use?" 』

Fatty An was stunned for a moment, then waved his hand and his expression changed a little, "What did you say?" I do not understand. 』

"Fat An, don't worry, you don't have to act stupid. What are our identities now? If we can find food and grass, believe it or not, we can walk sideways in Xihai City? ” Lao De waved his arms, “You can also find an identity for those good friends... This is war, damn war! do you know? I just love this damn war! Otherwise, how could we have the opportunity to plunder in the name of justice? As long as they can get food and grass, these stupid Han people will support us! They don't care at all whether the food and grass are bought or obtained in other ways... How about it? Go contact your good friends and let’s praise this damn war together! 』

"Haha, okay, praise war!" This damn war!

"The owl was troubled by the rebellion of many bandits, so he said to Xun: "Liangzhou has few academics, so it often leads to rebellion and violence. Now I want to write more "The Classic of Filial Piety" so that every family can learn from it, and the common people may know the righteousness." - " "Book of the Later Han·Biography of Gai Xun"

"When we get to Didao, if someone rebels, we will kill Cheng Qiu first, and then we will kill him. Then the thieves will besiege Hanyang" - "Book of the Later Han Dynasty·Fu Xie Biography"

"In April of summer, Geng Bi, the governor of Liangzhou, attacked Han Sui, the bandit from Jincheng. His troops were defeated, and Sui invaded Hanyang. Fu Xie, the prefect of Hanyang, was killed in the battle. The people of Fufeng, Ma Teng, and the people of Hanyang rebelled against each other, and Kou Sanfu” - "Book of the Later Han Dynasty: Chronicles of Emperor Ling"

"Prefect Li Xiangru rebelled, made peace with Suilian, and together they killed Geng Bi, the governor of Liangzhou" - "Book of the Later Han·Biography of Dong Zhuo"

"In the fourth year of Zhongping, I led troops from six counties to attack the bandit kingdom of Jincheng, Han Sui and others. Xie Zhizhi lost the crowd and was bound to be defeated. He admonished: "The king's rule will be weakened, and the number of people will be unknown. Confucius said: "If you don't teach people to fight, you will abandon them. "Now those who are not accustomed to leading the army, the greater the resistance of Long, the more dangerous they will be. When the thieves hear that the army is coming, they will all be united. There are many brave soldiers on the frontier, but it is difficult for them to take the lead, and the newly united people are not in harmony with each other. , in case of internal changes, even if there is no regrets. If we do not stop the army and cultivate virtue, we will be rewarded and punished. If the thieves are lenient, they will say that I am cowardly. If the group of evil people is fighting for power, they must leave. Then lead the people who have taught them and punish them. The thief who has been separated can just sit back and wait for his achievements. Now it is not a complete blessing, but a disaster. Stealing is to prevent the king from taking it. "I refuse to obey. When they reached Didao, if there was a rebel, they killed Cheng Qiu first, and then killed Ji. The thieves then entered Hanyang and surrounded them. 』——"Book of the Later Han·Volume 58·Biographies of Yu Fu Gai and Zang"