Chapter 5 Lianyungang

Sun Shao couldn't laugh or cry. Sun Shao seemed to be addicted to being a scoundrel. As the king of Yue, he not only did not restrain a little, but also had a tendency to become worse. He grabbed Sun Shao and shook his head repeatedly: "Feng Xian, my Highness, King Yue, don't make me embarrassed, okay? There is a legitimate reason for you to send troops. I can't do it. Once I send troops, I will become a sinner who destroys the current good situation. Don't mention me, even the King of Wu can't bear this notoriety.

"Who said you sent troops?" Sun Shao looked at Sun Shao inexplicably: "What can your thousands of people do for?"

Sun Shao was stunned: "What do you mean?"

"I just want to ask you to move your troops to the north, just to prevent pirates from crossing the border from hiding and not letting you cross the border to fight." Sun Shaoli said confidently, "Of course, if you are willing to lend me a few useful people, I also welcome you very much."

Sun Shao smiled bitterly: "Fengxian, do you even calculate me?"

"What are you talking about?" Sun Shao didn't think so: "Wu Yue is originally a family, and you and I are brothers. I didn't ask the King of Wu to ask you to come here. Now I just want you to help me show up. Why is it a calculation? Brother, I think you have a snied opinion about me.

Sun Shao couldn't say anything about Sun Shao, so he had to turn around and recruit a strong and bright-looking middle-aged general: "This is my subordinate who will move to Gao Zhongyuan, which is the best way for my men to fight. I asked him to take a thousand Quying to follow you, okay?"

Sun Shao had known Gao Qian for a long time, but he didn't expect Sun Shao to let Gao Qian follow him. After all, this was his cronies. When Sun Shao said this, he was overjoyed and nodded to express his satisfaction.

"I want to ask the king of Wu for instructions to assist you. This is the rule, and I'm sure you can understand it." Sun Shao smiled and said, "Other than that, as long as I can, you can speak, and I can help."

"Thank you very much." Sun Shao smiled and said, "I have submitted a request to the King of Wu for a joint ban on the sea. I guess he will agree. Of course, you are no exception here. Prepare in advance. However, your people should not leave the coast for more than ten miles, otherwise I will not be responsible for the accident.

Sun Shao rolled his eyes. On the one hand, the lion opened his mouth, and on the other hand, he was meanly stingy. The combination of these two expressions on Sun Shao's face was so natural that it really opened his eyes. He said angrily, "Don't worry, my people don't have so much ability and won't invade your Yuewang's territorial waters."

"That's good, that's good, so as not to hurt the harmony between brothers." Sun Shao nodded with peace of mind.

"Yes, Feng Xian, you have to take good care of Wang Zideng. Don't make any mistakes."

"Who is right about this?" Sun Shao laughed and said, "I can only pay attention to it as much as possible, but I can't guarantee that the battlefield is dangerous, and no one can protect it, right?"

Sun Shao was completely speechless. Although he believed that Sun Shao would not deliberately harm Sun Deng, Sun Shao's appearance made him rest assured and always felt uneasy.

In February, Sun Shao took his army to an unknown island outside Donghai County, Xuzhou. The island is about ten miles away from the coast of Yu County, and the place is not small. It is about fifty or sixty miles long from east to west, and about thirty or forty miles long from north to south. The island is sparsely populated. Anyway, Sun Shao and others did not see anyone when they went ashore. Su coarse leg, who had been stationed on the island for several months, said that there were some barbarians on the island, but there were not many. After the army arrived, most of them hid in the deep mountains. Except for some skirmishes and several prisoners, they basically did not deal with them.

Sun Shao was very satisfied and asked Su's thick legs to bring the prisoners. These barefooted Yi people were very vigilant. They gathered together and hugged the shabby clothes tightly without saying a word.

"Is there anyone who can speak Chinese?" Sun Shao and Yan asked happily.

Several Yi people looked at each other and finally said that an old man bent like a bow. Although the old man's Chinese is very awkward, he can still distinguish it more or less. Sun Shao said to him, "I am the king of Yue, sealed by the emperor of the Han Dynasty. In the future, the islands in the sea will be my fiefed country, and you are also my people. I hope you can go back and tell your relatives that I will not be against you. The past is a misunderstanding. I will send you a little gift to apologize. After you go back, let your leader send someone to see me, and I have more rewards.

The old man listened to the words in front of him, but when he heard the back, his turbid old eyes turned and nodded. When Sun Shao really asked people to take out the gift, not only did the old man's eyes light up, but also the eyes of those who could not understand Chinese.

"Give... to us?" The old man grinned and smiled.

"It's for you." Sun Shao smiled. A few daily necessities and a few pieces of silk made them happy like this. It can be seen that the days in the mountains are not easy. Go back and ask your leader to send more people, and I have more gifts for you. If you still have any doubts, I can send someone to show you my fleet.

Sun Shao asked Sun Song to take the old man to the seaside to see his fleet. Although Sun Song is only 18 years old, he is very good at dealing with people. He knows that Sun Shao intends to comfort these barbarians and occupy the island, so he is very attentive to the old man. He politely took them to see the cargo ship full of goods first, and then to the majestic warship. Finally, he arranged for them to have a meal and gave them a wheelbone car to push back the gift from Sun Shao. First, these Yi people were dazzled by the mountains of goods on the huge cargo ship, and then they were scared enough by the majestic soldiers on the warship. Finally, they were almost swallowed their tongues by the fragrant food. They were convinced one by one and worshipped Sun Song, and then left happily.

Sun Song successfully completed the task and came back to report to Sun Shao. Sun Shao was very satisfied. Su's thick legs were a little puzzled. Those Yi people were two or three thousand at most. Why did they take so much effort to send someone to fight directly? Sun Shao didn't think so. He said to Su coarse legs and others that although there are not many islanders, it is an excellent transit station. If you can spend a little money, you can win over these barbarians and turn this place into a stable base. What's wrong? If they really don't know what's good or bad, it's not too late to send troops to kill them.

Su's thick legs don't matter. He has never paid attention to those Yi people. He said happily to Sun Shao that he has tossed Zang Ba miserably in the past few months. Zang Ba's sailor was beaten by him so that he dared not go to sea. This long coastline is the paradise where he gallops freely.

"However, Cao Pi is here." Sue's thick legs finally said.

"What is he doing here?" Sun Shao was a little puzzled.

"It should be afraid that we will take the opportunity to swallow Qingxu." Su's thick legs guessed, "Jang Ba is now afraid of beating the wolf with a hemp pole. He is afraid of both us and Cao Pi."

"That's right." Sun Shao touched his chin, thought for a moment, and said to Shi Bu, "Zhong Rong, when you go to see Zang Ba, just say that I invited him here... Lianyungang to discuss the joint suppression of pirates."

"Lianyungang?" Shi Fu's eyes lit up: "Good name, the clouds of the sky, the water of the sea, a good name."

Sun Shao smiled and said that of course you didn't know that this place would be called Lianyungang thousands of years later, and there was also a Huaguo Mountain on it. That monkey was once the most admired hero in his childhood. It's just that Lianyungang, a thousand years later, has been connected with the land, and now it is still alone in the sea. It's simply a sorry conscience if you don't take advantage of Zang Ba and Cao Pi's pregnancy with this island.

Zang Ba was having a headache. Su's thick legs came to the scene and harassed the coast for several months in a row. In order to protect his territory and show that he still had the strength to occupy Xuzhou, he joined hands with Sun Guan, the assassin of Qingzhou. However, after fighting with Su's thick legs several times, he tragically found that his sailor and these pirates The Aurora sailor can't be compared at all. When it comes to warships, he also has several warships taken from Jiang Qin's hands, but when it comes to the cunning of war, he is obviously not on the same level as Su's thick legs. Several times when he saw the shadow of Su's thick legs on the sea, he just couldn't bite him. Instead, he was seized by Su's thick legs several times. He swallowed the bait before the main force of the ambush arrived, and then fled. The timing was really good, as if Su's thick legs participated in his military deployment, or he could be predicted and ambush him. A palm.

He later vaguely heard that there was a tube called Qianliyan in Su's thick leg. He could see a long distance, and then he vaguely understood something.

After several wars, the warships taken from Jiang Qin's hands were all lost. With his original warship alone, Zang Ba had no ambition to fight. He honestly asked Cao Qian for help. As a result, Cao Qian sent several generals and failed to solve the problem. On the contrary, the matter became bigger and bigger, and finally even affected the negotiations of Wancheng. He was blackmailed by Yang Biao and wanted to walk Sanhe.

Of course, Cao Yan was not convinced and was also angry with Zang Ba, so he sent Cao Pi to supervise the war. He must wipe out this group of pirates.

Cao Pi came to Xuzhou with more than 10,000 troops. Zang Ba panicked. Did Cao Pi really come to suppress the pirates or to suppress his Zang Ba? Just as he was uncertain, Sun Shao, the king of Yue, arrived again with the sailor and formed a clamping force against him with Cao Pi.

Zang Ba is not stupid. Of course, he knows who the pirates in the sea are, and he also knows that Sun Shao is not good, and good people are not coming.

Who doesn't hide evil intentions these days? Including himself.

When he saw Shi Fu, Zang Ba sighed at the handsomeness of Shi Fu while being surprised by Sun Shao's intention. Of course, he didn't believe that Sun Shao wanted to jointly suppress the bandits - because Su's thick legs were his men - but he saw another solution from Sun Shao's advice. Maybe they didn't need to use force.

Zang Ba immediately passed the message to Cao Pi to see what Cao Pi's attitude was. Hearing this, Cao Pi smiled and sent Sima Yi and Shi Pao back to Lianyungang to meet Sun Shao and discuss the big plan.

"Where's Brother Zihuan?" As soon as Sun Shao saw Sima Yi, he smiled, "Why didn't he come to see me directly?"

"The prince is preparing a banquet in Qi County to pick up the king." Sima Yi said neither humble nor arrogant.

Sun Shao curled his lips and said to his heart that Cao Pi took Zhang Liao and others to ride more than 10,000 steps in Qi County to catch the wind for me? It's almost enough to kill me. He quietly changed the topic: "When will he go to the Western Regions?"

"After pacing the East China Sea."

Sun Shao glanced at Sima Yi, was silent for a moment, and suddenly asked, "How is the health of His Royal Highness the King of Wei recently?"

Sima Yi raised the corners of his mouth, and his face became much more respectful: "His Royal Highness the King of Wei is not in good health recently."

Cao Yan spent two years and devoted all his strength, intending to conquering Yizhou in one fell swoop and then going down the river to unify the world. Seeing that Liu Bei's oil and lights were exhausted, Yizhou might collapse at any time. When he was only close to the last blow, he didn't expect Guan Yu and Sun Shao to break through from the middle road and marched all the way, capturing at an unexpected speed. Xu County shattered his ambition. The emperor broke away from his control and re-established the capital in Luoyang. The spread of the Han communique spread everywhere, connecting the original voice of resistance against the lonely army. Although it was not enough to shake his foundation, his 30 years of efforts can be said to be in vain.

Cao Wei fell ill. He had a hunch that there was not much to come, so he was more eager to choose one of Cao Pi and Cao Zhi as his heir. After Cao Zhi made contributions in Ba County, he performed well. He seemed to have found his place on the battlefield and became another person - just like Cao Ren, he was unruly when he was young, but after becoming a general, he put the military law on the desk and ruled the army strictly and meticulously. In contrast, Cao Pi is slightly inferior in military affairs, but he is quite talented in government mediation. Judging from the Wancheng negotiations, he can seize the opportunity to solve the potential danger.

Which one to choose? Cao Shen found that he was still unable to make a decision. The two sons had their own strengths and a group of supporters, but neither of them was perfect. At this time, Cao Wei thinks of Cao Xiu and Cao Chong, especially Cao Xiu. If he is sorry for Cao Chong, then he is more guilty of Cao Xiu. If it hadn't been for his absurdity, there would have been no change in Wancheng, Cao Xiu would not have died, and there would not have been such a problem now.

When he is old, he often falls into memories, and there are too many regrets and regrets in Cao's memories. In the dead of the night, he often burst into tears. He dreams of Cao Xiu, Cao Chong, his brother Cao De, and his wife Liu and Ding. Countless people appeared and disappeared in front of his eyes, making him unable to sleep at night.

His body weakened rapidly.

At this time, Cao Pi was very anxious. He knew that he had not yet sat firmly in the position of prince in his father's mind, and there was not much time left for him. He urgently needed a plausable victory to show that he also had considerable military talent, so that he would not be scopped by Cao Zhiwei. He thought about it and finally fixed his eyes on Qing Xu.

Qingxu is a heart disease of Cao Qian. Although Zang Ba, Sun Guan and others submit to Cao Qian, they are subject to him personally, not the State of Wei. As soon as Cao Shen dies, Zang Ba and Sun Guan are likely to have different intentions, or divide, or throw themselves into Luoyang's arms. Xuzhou is barren, and the gain and loss have little impact, but Qingzhou is different. Qingzhou, Jizhou and Yuzhou are the main sources of strength of the State of Wei. Once Qingzhou is lost, the strength of the State of Wei will be greatly affected.

So Cao Pi took the initiative to rush to Xuzhou. He nominally cooperated with Zang Ba to fight, but in fact, he wanted to find an opportunity to replace Zang Ba. While replacing Zang Ba, he also had to remove the threat of the pirates to Qingxu and ensure a smooth transition of Qingxu, instead of stabbing the hornet's nest. The key reason why Cao Pi has this confidence is Sun Shao. He believes that Sun Shao can help him, not out of morality, but out of interest - to marry Xia Houhui to Sun Shao. Cao Pi has never felt that this can make Sun Shao share with him. He just hopes to make Cao Zhi and others feel that his relationship with Sun Shao is very good. That's enough. So far, his goal has been achieved.

Sun Shao asked about Cao Jian's body. Sima Yi knew that Sun Shao knew more about Ye Cheng's situation than him. He could inadvertently provoke a civil unrest in Ye City, so it was not surprising to know that Cao Jian's health was not good.

Asking about Cao's body is not the point. The point is that Sun Shao knew that Cao Pi was in a bad situation and urgently needed his help.

Sima Yi is not a fool. That's what he means by listening to string songs.

"Is there anything I can do to help?" Sun Shao came straight to the point.

"The prince needs a big victory." Sima Yi did not hide it, and said frankly, "A victory that can be compared with the battle of Langzhong."

Sun Shao smiled, supported his chin in one hand, and looked at Sima Yi with a smile: "What benefits can he do for me?" After a while, he added: "I'm a businessman. I don't do anything that's not good."

"What benefits does King Yue want?" Sima Yi asked back.

"Hahaha..." Sun Shao laughed. He stood up, slowly walked behind Sima Yi with his hands behind his back, and suddenly reached out and patted Sima Yi on the shoulder. Sima Yi was shocked. He did not move, but turned his head back half a circle and looked straight at Sun Shao. Sun Shao looked naughty: "It's really the wolf Gu Zhixiang. I said Zhong Da. I heard that Cao Gong deliberately wanted to kill you because of you, the wolf Gu Zhixiang, but it's true?"

Sima Yi was a little embarrassed by him. The king of Yue had no dignity at all. Sometimes he claimed to be a businessman, and sometimes he was like a friend for many years, which made him a little at a loss and didn't know what kind of opponent to deal with him. Sun Shao felt that it was very difficult to answer this question, so he had to answer it vaguely.

"Zhong Da, I haven't figured out what the benefits are yet." Sun Shao touched his nose and thought for a moment and said, "Well, I'll talk to Zang Ba's messenger again to see what kind of benefits he can give me, and then talk to you. How about that?"

Sima Yi frowned and stopped talking.

Zang Ba's messenger is his son Zang Ai. Zang Ai is in her thirties. She has a strong figure and looks very similar to Zang Ba. Her two slightly small eyes are shone, and a thin and broad mouth is hidden in her thick beard and tightly closed.

"Sima Yi didn't say it, but I guess he should be able to promise me one or two counties." Sun Shao said calmly, "If we go further, I guess it will be Qi County and Haixi. I don't know what the young general thinks?"

Zang Ai blinked his little eyes and nodded silently, admitting that what Sun Shao said was basically reliable. Their father and son also estimated it like this, but Sun Shao's frankness made him a little uncertain about where Sun Shao's bottom line was.

"I'm not interested in Qi County and Haixi." Sun Shao said, "The major general probably also knows that I like doing business and don't like farming - farming is too slow to make money, so these two counties don't mean much to me. I would like to use these two counties to make friends with the major general.

Zang Ai was at a loss. He looked at Sun Shao warily. Sun Shao's Yue country's territory was the smallest. According to him, he should have land to fight for it. Why didn't he want it? Don't you like it?

"What does Your Highness want?"

"I want a promise from the major general." Sun Shao leaned forward and stared at Zang Ai without moving. After a while, he continued, "I want the major general to promise me that when my merchant ships are moored in Qingzhou and Xuzhou in the future, you should ensure that my human ship is safe and will not be disturbed by any accidents. Major General, please rest assured that I won't lose any of the tax you collect, but if anyone wants to slaughter me as a fat pig, I will never agree.

Zang Ai clenched his teeth, his cheeks squirmed for a moment, and nodded and said, "I can promise Your Highness that as long as my father and son are still in Xuzhou, I will ensure the safety of your Highness's people. As for Qingzhou, I want to ask for the consent of Uncle Sun. I think he will not refuse His Highness's kindness."

"Very good." Sun Shao stamped hard: "Also, this island is my territory. The major general won't have any doubts, will he?"

Zang Ai's eyebrows trembled, and his eyelids jumped involuntarily. He pondered for a moment and gritted his teeth: "Yes."

"Well, we are partners." Sun Shaolang laughed and said, "I'll give a big order to the major general first. I don't know if the major general is interested."

Zang Ai smiled and said that he had heard that Sun Shao, the king of Yue, liked to do business for a long time. Sure enough, three words did not leave his own business. He nodded and said, "I don't know what Your Highness needs. As long as we can meet it, I will reassure your Highness."

"It's easy to say." Sun Shao's mouth was crooked: "I want iron, a lot of iron. I know that there are several iron officials in Xuzhou, which are now controlled by your father and son, and there are also in Qingzhou. I want you to give me all the pig iron that meets my requirements now. The price is negotiable.

"So many?" Zang Ai is a little embarrassed. Xuzhou is not as good as before. It is supported by these iron mines. Sun Shao wants a lot of iron. They definitely can't ask for a high price, which is equivalent to losing a lot of money. He hesitated and said, "This iron is controlled by the government. If Your Highness wants less, we can also send some to your Highness in private, but Your Highness wants so much, we..."

"I don't want you to send it for nothing." Sun Shao understood what he meant and shook his head repeatedly: "Just according to your market price." He casually took a piece of paper from Sun Song's hand and sent it to Zang Ai: "This is the iron price of several iron officials in Xuzhou last year. What's wrong with the major general?"

Zang Ai took a look and was surprised. There were several iron prices of different grades of iron officials written on it, which was clear and unpleasant. He smiled bitterly and said, "Your Highness knows my Xuzhou very well."

"If you want to do business, of course, you have to find out the market first." Sun Shao didn't think so and returned to his seat: "If the major general can't make the decision, he might as well go back and ask Zang Gong for instructions. Anyway, I have plenty of time, and I can wait for another month. The scenery on this island is good. I'm interested in building a few small buildings for a few days. If you come and go often in the future, you have to talk about disturbing the major general.

"Welcome." Zang Ai smiled politely, and then asked the most critical question: "How dare you ask Your Highness, how can I ensure that my father and son can sleep peacefully in Xuzhou?"

"Cao Pi wants war merit, not to provoke Xuzhou chaos. I give him a war merit, and he will be satisfied." Sun Shao smiled and comforted Zang Ai, "He is now in a hurry to make contributions and go back to fight for the throne, and he will not be willing to be trapped in the quagmire of Qingxu."

Zang Ai suddenly realized and stopped repeatedly.

(to be continued)