Chapter 7: Out of the Mountain

Peng Yi received the official documents and did not dare to delay. He left Chengdu that day and went down the river. Although he failed to return a thousand miles of Jiangling in one day as the poem said, he rushed to Jiangling in three days. He took Pang Tong's handwriting and borrowed two fast horses from Huang Zhong and rushed day and night with his followers. On the evening of the fifth day, he arrived in Xiangyang City. However, he did not go to see Cao Chong immediately, but washed up in the inn, drank well after drinking and eating, and went to the general's mansion early the next morning. Early the next morning, he went to the Zhennan General's Mansion to ask for a meeting.

Cao Chong had just finished his morning exercise, and while wiping his sweat, he was talking to Xun Wenqian. Last time he invited Liu Ba to dinner at the Cai family restaurant, he wanted to invite Da Qiao to join them and match them together, but Xun Wenqian expressed his opposition on the spot. Her opinion was that Da Qiao was the old lover of his father-in-law, Lao Cao. Although Lao Cao gave up now, he might not be willing to Liu Ba carry his dream lover back. Some words are OK, but if he really wants to do it, it will not be the case. And it is not appropriate to match it with Cao Chong. If Lao Cao is unhappy one day and makes some small moves, wouldn't Cao Chong be in trouble? Don't you think you are the general of Zhennan and governor of Yizhou, but if Lao Cao is unhappy, you will be in danger at any time.

Cao Chong was stunned. He didn't believe what Xun Wenqian said, but he didn't dare to joke about his future, so he didn't dare to invite Da Qiao in the end. When he was having a meal in the restaurant, he heard Liu Ba talk about the Wuling Man, and not only knew that there were Wuling Man in Jingzhou, but also Jiang Xia Man. He caused trouble in the past few hundred years of the Han Dynasty, and it has always been a big trouble. The current leader of Wuling Man, Shamoke, is a strong man, brave and good at fighting, but greedy for money and lust. He is a character with developed limbs and simple minds, and has always been afraid of the more fierce Ba people. With his IQ, he probably can't play such long-distance raids, and there are other reasons behind this. From Liu Ba's perspective, he felt that Liu Bei must have sent someone to act as Shamoke's think tank, which made these barbarians suddenly use a cold move.

Cao Chong did not rush back to Chengdu immediately, and did not even issue an order. He continued to live a comfortable life in Xiangyang. A few days ago, he sent Liu Zhang and Liu Chan who were robbed of love, and asked them to take dozens of tributes. He also wrote a form with a written word and a sentence to the emperor to report his recent work situation and small achievements. Of course, a more detailed work report had been sent to the Prime Minister's Mansion in Yecheng by fast horses, and even Cao Chong did not miss the copy of this form. He knew Cao Cao's temper very well. Although he was very open-minded, he was actually like Yuan Shao and Liu Biao, who were both lenient outside and taboo inside, but he was just a different kind of tolerance.

When he heard that someone from Yizhou came, Cao Chong and Xun Wenqian smiled knowingly. Xun Wenqian got up and took Cai Ji into the house. When Sun Shangxiang, who was drinking oxen tea, saw that they had left, he wanted to follow them and avoid them, but was pulled by Cao Chong. Cao Chong smiled and said, "Don't leave. Peng Yongnian must have talked about the war in Fuling, so it's okay to listen."

Sun Shangxiang raised her eyebrows and said hesitantly: "Is this... suitable?"

"It's still suitable for donkeys." Cao Chong couldn't help laughing, "You followed me in front of tens of thousands of people in Yizhou, and you still care about such a person? If you want to be a general, don't be afraid of meeting people. What's the point of seeing people? You won't lose a piece of meat."

"And, everything you say is so ugly when you say it." Sun Shangxiang gave him a blank look, but did not insist on leaving. He carefully wiped the long knife and sat quietly aside.

Peng Yi strode in and saw Cao Chong and Sun Shangxiang sitting opposite each other. He was stunned and knew what was going on. He first bowed 90 degrees in front of Cao Chong, then turned around and bowed to Sun Shangxiang, and smiled and said, "This must be Mrs. Sun who is as good as a woman. Peng Yi has heard of Daming for a long time and has no chance to meet Zun in person. He did not expect to be lucky enough to meet Zunyan today. The lady is indeed as rumored, and she is a hero among women."

Sun Shangxiang was stunned and immediately grinned again. As soon as she smiled, she glanced at Cao Chong's smiling eyes. Then she remembered the husband's training that was reserved in front of outsiders. She quickly held back her smugness, showed a faint smile on her face, and owed her body and returned a gift: "Sir, I'm sorry."

Seeing that she was not yet taken over, Cao Chong felt that she had made great progress recently. He secretly picked her thumbs up at her, and then turned to Peng Yan and said, "Yongnian came so fast this time. He rushed from Yizhou to Xiangyang in five days. I guess he had been working day and night. Thank you for your hard work."

Peng Ying smiled, took out Pang Tong's letter from his arms, held it with both hands and sent it respectfully to Cao Chong: "Military affairs are urgent, and it is also necessary for Peng Ying to work harder."

Cao Chong looked at him, reached out to take the letter and opened it and read it. After pondering for a while, he raised his head and said to Peng Xiao, who had been sitting in front of him quietly and humbly, "Is Yongnian a Guanghan native?"

"That's right." Peng Xiao nodded and responded.

Cao Chong touched his chin: "In my impression, this time, there seems to be no one from the Peng family in Guanghan in the salt well in Brazil. Didn't you also work in the provincial and ministerial office? Why couldn't you go to Brazil?"

Peng Yi's face turned red and he was a little embarrassed and stopped a little embarrassed: "Peng Yi was ignorant. He advised Liu Jun not to go to Brazil, which made Liu Jun angry and punished me as a disciple, so he didn't follow him." In fact, half of what he said was right. He said Liu Zhang shouldn't go to Brazil, but he was not persuaded in person by Liu Zhang - he was a scholar and had no qualifications to make a comment - he said it behind his back, and it was very ugly, and it was spread to the ears of Liu Zhang, who was determined to shake the mighty.

At that time, the trace of reasonable suggestions was gone, and only he was sarcastic about Liu Zhang and his son. He was so angry that he could not stand it even if his temper was as good as Liu Zhang. Then he imposed a punishment of slaughter on him and went to the provincial governor's office to do hard labor. However, he was also a blessing in disguise, otherwise he would not have been able to go directly to Pang Tong's bed in a big way, for fear that before he could reach the door, he was hacked to death by the guards in the door. The guards brought out by Cao Chong were not comparable to those of Liu Zhang's original guards.

Cao Chong nodded, put the letter in his hand on the table, and asked Peng's opinion on the Yizhou tribe and his judgment on the situation in Yizhou. Then he smiled and said, "Shi Yuan said that you suggested sending Park Xinshou's White Tiger Army to Fuling is very good, and I think it's good too. However, although Park Xinshou is steady and good at fighting, he is not very good at reading. He is afraid that he is not good at handling government affairs. Therefore, Shi Yuan and the others suggest that you join the army and go to Fuling together. I wonder if you are interested?"

Peng Yi was stunned and was overjoyed at any time. His goal was to get rid of the identity of this prisoner first, and then be able to enter the General's Mansion or the Provincial Government. Anyway, he was satisfied with being able to work with Cao Chong, and having the opportunity to show his talents and lay a better foundation for his future career. Unexpectedly, Pang Tong and others suggested that he join the army and cooperate with the White Tiger Army to Fuling. Although joining the army was not the supreme commander of the army, it represented the General's Mansion and Cao Chong, this was simply a good thing for him to believe. He didn't have to think too much and bow down immediately.

"Peng Xiao received the order."

Cao Chong looked at Peng Yi kowtowing three times on the ground, then he helped Peng Yi, who was so excited that he blushed, and asked with a calm face: "Yongnian, I don't need to tell you much about the importance of Fuling. Since Shi Yuan and others recommend you, I believe that you can handle the military affairs and government affairs in Fuling well. However, I would like to remind you in advance that Pu Xinshou and the others are not very literate, and they are also Ba people. They cannot compare with wise men like you in terms of language and etiquette, but they are the main force of the battle. When they come to Fuling, they must rely on their swords to cut off their contributions. You must not underestimate them because of their great knowledge, and you must not act willful. When you arrive in the army, you must abide by the military orders, otherwise I will not be able to protect you at that time."

Peng Xiao incited a cold war. He heard the cold chill from Cao Chong's words and also heard Cao Chong's dissatisfaction with his past events. He quickly corrected his face and bowed seriously and replied: "Please rest assured, General, Peng Xiaosheng must obey the army's orders and cooperate well with Captain Park and others."

"This is the best." Cao Chong relaxed his face and raised his hand to signal Peng Xiao to drink tea. Peng Xiao quickly picked up the tea and handed it to his mouth and took a sip. Cao Chong said again: "Since that's the case, I won't leave you more. You can rest in Xiangyang for a day or two before rushing to Zhixian County, meet with Pu Xinshou and then go to Yujing in Fuling."

"No!" Peng Shi responded loudly, "Subordinates want to rush to Zhixian County as soon as possible. This time, they will not stay in Xiangyang for too long. When they go out here later, their subordinates will set off immediately after they visit Xiangyang Academy."

Cao Chong looked at Peng Yi who was eager to make contributions and nodded: "Okay, I'll be writing a book now, just wait for a moment outside."

Peng Yan saluted, stood up and stepped back. Cao Chong turned around and asked Deng Ai to prepare for writing documents, while saying to Sun Shangxiang: "What do you think of this person?"

"It's not very good, talented, and utilitarian." Sun Shangxiang smiled: "You made him a military officer, and he felt happy as if he was the prefect of Fuling, and he was a fan of the official position."

"It's not uncommon for a real man to achieve fame." Cao Chong said while dictating the order. Deng Ai wrote the document in a while and handed it to Cao Chong for a look. Cao Chong looked at it, then handed it back to Deng Ai, looking at him and sighed: "Shizai, if you weren't young, I originally wanted you to go there. If you arrived in Fuling, you would definitely be better than Peng Wang."

Deng Ai smiled slightly: "The general has been awarded. I think Peng Yongnian is indeed talented. When he arrives in Fuling, he will definitely turn the situation around quickly, and I may not be able to beat him. I would rather learn from the young master for a few more years and serve him again."

Cao Chong sighed: "Accumulate and make a lot of money, and you will be able to become a talent in the future if you have this idea."

In Youshui, Wuling County, a small black-topped boat is ready to go.

Ma Liang and Shamoke bowed and parted: "Jingfu (named Wuling Barbarians). When Liang goes there, he will definitely repay Jingfu's kindness to Lord Zhou Mu and Prefect Zhang. The weapons and food required by your troops will be transported to you soon. Just wait for the good news."

Shamoke was tall and more than nine feet tall. Ma Liang, who was of medium size, stood in front of him like a child. However, Shamoke was very polite to Ma Liang, because after Ma Liang came, he not only brought him beautiful clothes and sharp long swords, but also brought him two beautiful women. What made him happiest was that Ma Liang used a little trick and allowed him to step into Hanfa County, Fuling County, which he had never entered before, caught Ba Zi off guard, snatched a large ship of salt and various good things, and then fled before the officers and soldiers reacted, with only a dozen casualties. He obtained such a generous spoil at such a small price. In Shamoke's mind, Ma Liang's clever plan was almost as magical as the ancestor Panhu took General Wu's head at night.

Now that Ma Liang is leaving, he is determined to take Ma Liang to have another vote for a good New Year, Shamo Ke Yi is reluctant to leave. Where can I find such a good Han friend? Not only will he give gifts to himself, but he also takes himself to win battles, and then he doesn't want any spoils. He doesn't want even a woman who is as tender as a flower and can pinch out water. It's really great. Unfortunately, he is leaving now, and I don't know when I will come back.

"Mr. Ma is going all the way. After the matter is done, I will come back soon. I'm still waiting for Mr. Ma to take us to Yujing again." Shamoko was not used to it and bowed his hand, walked up, and held Ma Liang's arm intimately with his big hand like a palm fan.

Ma Liang raised his eyebrows indifferently, laughed, and turned to Shamoke and smiled, "The elf in Yujing is already familiar with the road, why do I need to lead the way? I am going to come back, but next time it may not be Yujing. Yizhou is a good place. The country of Tianfu is well-known and there are good things everywhere. The wealthy families in such a remote place are so rich. Isn't Fuling City richer? Don't always look at the salt well, and have a better eye."

Shamoke smiled embarrassedly: "Sir, right, when the teacher comes back, we will go and grab Fuling City."

Ma Liang nodded and raised his legs to the boat. The boatman untied the rope and supported it with the long bamboo pole in his hand. The boat swung away as soon as it got on and floated toward the middle. Ma Liang held the boat tent and tried hard to stabilize his body. Shamoko, who was reluctant to leave on the shore, waved: "Elf man, there will be a time in the future."

"There will be a time later." Shamoko raised his hand blankly, waved it twice in a good manner, and watched the boat gradually fade away with the river water. Suddenly, he raised his neck, put his hands on his waist, opened his mouth and shouted a few high-pitched and exciting tyrannical words. The long tail sound echoed between the valleys for a long time.

"Sir, Shamoko is seeing you off for him." The boatman smiled and looked at Shamoko on the shore and said to Ma Liang: "This is a very famous mantra. I heard that only the best relatives can sing it when they travel far away."

Ma Liang curled his lips, turned around and waved his hand again. It was not until the ship turned around and could not see Shamoko, who was still standing, that he turned around and crawled into the cabin, sighed comfortably, untied his coat and threw it into a corner, hugged his hands behind his head, and lay down leisurely: "Finally, I don't have to deal with these barbarians anymore, no longer smell the stench on their bodies. My nose can finally escape the heavens."

The follower smiled: "Sir, aren't you here?"

"Come on." Ma Liang smiled and said, "But it will take at least half a year later next time. I can finally relax for half a year. Be careful when you look at the two jars of monkey wine. Although I can't get used to it, General Zhang will definitely like it very much."

"General Zhang is addicted to alcohol and will be very happy to drink such good monkey wine." The follower smiled and packed his bedding: "Sir, it will take at least five days from here to Linyuan. You can take a good rest. This period of time is enough for you."

"Yeah." Ma Liang responded, and then felt a little bored. He was a literati and his physical strength was not good. This time, he was ordered by Liu Bei to enter the Wuling Man and contact the largest tribe in Wuling. It was really hard to find out. Although Shamoke was fierce and aggressive, he was not a fool. He had a strong fear of the people in Fuling, not only those sages and sages, but more of the Ba people behind them. Shamoke called them Bazi. When he mentioned Bazi, he shook his head. In order to persuade him to attack Fuling County, Ma Liang spent a lot of effort and finally convinced Shamoke to sneak with him for a hundred miles, snatch Yujing, which aroused Shamoke's greed that had been lurking for a long time, and broke his fear of Ba people.

His task was completed, but he was very tired. He ran around the mountains for several days, which was relaxed and comfortable for those barbarians, but for him, it was even more uncomfortable than being up to the stern. Until now, there are still a few blisters on his feet that have not yet disappeared.

I really don't want to come again. Ma Liang thought from his heart that he suddenly felt a little regretful. If he hadn't brought the Ma family with Liu Bei, maybe they would have lived a very comfortable life in Xiangyang now, just like the Pang family and Cai family, they had made a fortune, instead of running between the mountains and valleys like this.

Since he came, he would be at ease, as it would be useless to think about it. Ma Liang laughed mockingly and closed his eyes.

The boat traveled along the Youshui River for two days, and after two days of rest in Yuanling, he turned to the Yuan River, and walked for several days, and finally arrived in Linyuan. The prefect of Wuling, Zhang Fei, had already received the news and arranged for people to wait by the river early. As soon as he saw Ma Liang, he took him to the shore and welcomed him into the prefect's mansion.

"Mr. Ji Chang, you have worked hard these months, hahaha, I have lost a lot of weight." When Zhang Fei saw Ma Liang, he came up with a smile. After looking at Ma Liang up and down, he smiled happily.

"General Zhang has been too rewarded. Ma Liang is just lobbying the barbarians and talking. It's not a hard work. The general guards Wuling, waiting for the sword, and is always on guard against the attack of Cao's army in Jiangbei. This is really hard work." Ma Liang smiled politely and said, "How is it? Has the general made new contributions recently?"

Zhang Fei smiled bitterly and shook his head: "What new achievements are you doing? It's good to not suffer any hardships. I really took a look at it. Wei Wenchang, who looked at the city gate, was really a good warrior. He almost got an ambush in Qishan last month."

Ma Liang was also a little surprised when he heard this. He knew that although Zhang Fei was not as proud as Guan Yu, he was not a character who could praise others casually. Now he could hear him say this. He knew a little about Wei Yan. Wei Yan had been guarding the city gates in Xiangyang for several years and had no outstanding military achievements. He heard that he had always wanted to make great contributions. Wang Wei recommended him many times in front of Liu's surface, but Liu Biao had never taken a fancy to Wei Yan and the National People's Congress of Xiangyang.

Most people think that Wei Yan is just a guy who likes to brag, but in fact he has no real ability. Cao's army went south, Wei Yan and Wang Wei set up an ambush at Deng Sai, but they were almost surrounded, which seemed to confirm people's opinion of him. Later, Wei Yan surrendered to Liu Bei's subordinates and defended Cao Ren's cavalry with Wang Wei in Changbanpo. He basically didn't block it for a single round, and even Wang Wei was killed in the battle, and Wei Yan was also captured in the subsequent blocking battle. In general, he seemed to have never won a battle.

"Don't underestimate him." Seeing that Ma Liang was a little disbelief, Zhang Fei shook his head repeatedly: "I heard from Mr. Kong Ming that he launched a raid under Xiling City, and almost killed Sun Quan's heavy general Lu Fan, which made Lu Fan unable to let go of the attack. Last year, Xisu brought more than 2,000 people to attack Yiling, but he was dealt with by a thousand people. Xisu's entire army was destroyed, and even Xisu himself was captured. Some time ago, I heard that he was searching for ships everywhere. I was afraid that he would be unfavorable to Wuling, so I sent people to test the situation of Yiling. I never got a advantage. Wei Wenchang should not underestimate this."

Ma Liang was stunned for a moment, and smiled and said, "No matter how powerful Wei Wenchang is, he is not the general's opponent. Brother Kong Ming is engaged in military farming in Lingling and has achieved great results. In a few years, we will have sufficient troops and food. When the general leads his troops north, he will definitely be able to beat Wei Wenchang to a fallen water. Come on, General, this is the only thing I have brought out of the mountains. General must try the monkey wine from Wuling. "

When Zhang Fei heard that it was Monkey Wine, he immediately felt saliva. He swallowed his saliva involuntarily, turned around and shouted to the two guards: "Idiot, why are you still standing there and watching stupidly? Don't you know if you urge those clumsy chefs? Mr. Ma has been standing for a long time. Why can't the wine and food come back? Do you want to starve me Lao Zhang to death?"

The guard was stunned by his shouting. Just as he was about to reply, Zhang Fei was annoyed. He raised his hand and slapped the guard. The guard took two steps back, raised his hand to cover his hot cheeks, and a trace of red blood flowed down the corner of his mouth. He didn't dare to say anything, and quickly responded and ran out of the door as if he was running away. Zhang Fei looked at his back, scolded and screamed a few times, then turned around and said to Ma Liang: "These bastards just don't know, they just knew they were standing stupidly, like a wood."
Chapter completed!