"Big brother, this is the most I can do.”Near Hanzhong, Ju Fu sent his elder brother, Ju An, back. Because Jieting had fallen, Ju An had been implicated and was directly banished.
"Sending a banished person like me here is enough.”Gou An said rather dejectedly.
"Big brother, you still have a chance. Jie Ting's defeat wasn't your fault.”Goufu immediately comforted him.
"There's no need to mention the past. You have a bright future ahead of you.”Gou An comforted his younger brother instead.
"I don't have the right to enjoy this. I think of the many brothers who died in Yiling because of my mistakes."
At the mention of the Battle of Yiling, Goufu's mood began to fall again.
The Battle of Yiling was a famous battle in which Liu Bei attacked Wu in order to avenge his brother Guan Yu. In the end, Lu Xun set fire to the camp and destroyed it. Many loyal officials of Shu Han died here, including Ma Liang, Fu Wei and others. Even Zhang Fei was assassinated by his subordinates before attacking Wu.
"In the Battle of Yiling, which had nothing to do with you, the scouting team you led was surrounded and annihilated by the enemy general Zhu Ran because of the wrong information. In fact, you were promoted as a hero mostly because you wanted to protect the person who made the mistake. Judging from Gou An's words, it seemed like there was something hidden in the Battle of Yiling.
" Who is it?!" Ju Fu's eyes flickered with hatred and anger.
"Why bother? You can't afford to offend that person." Gou An couldn't help but laugh at himself.
"Tell me!" Ju Fu suppressed his anger and asked heavily.
"General Wu Ban." Gou An turned around and said indifferently.
After saying that, Gou An immediately left the place. Meanwhile, Gou Fu clenched his fists tightly and gritted his teeth." It's actually someone from the Eastern State again! Wu Ban, you bastard, I must avenge my dead brothers!”
In the Hanzhong Council Chamber, Zhuge Liang looked at Xiang Lang with a pained expression. Because of the relationship between Xiang Lang and Ma Su, the Northern Expedition this time could be said to be in vain.
"Ju Da! How could you be so muddle-headed to do such a thing?”
"Xiang Lang failed the Prime Minister and is willing to accept all punishment.”Xiang Lang had nothing to say about this. After all, this was indeed his fault. It was understandable that the Prime Minister wanted to punish him.
"Chief historian Xiang Lang did not report Ma Su's disobedience to the military order. Xiang Lang is hereby relieved of all his duties and sent back to Chengdu to reflect on himself behind closed doors.”Zhuge Liang made his decision calmly. Although Zhuge Liang looked calm on the surface, those who knew Zhuge Liang knew that he was forcing himself to be cold.
Xiang Lang walked out of the meeting hall in silence, his back looking very lonely.
"Those who have made contributions should be rewarded. Wang Ping was loyal to remonstrance and covered up the retreat. He was awarded the title of joining the army, leading five departments and serving as a camp. He was promoted to the rank of General of the Kou. From now on, the five flying troops will be under your command.”
"Wang Ping is ashamed to be promoted by the prime minister even after being defeated.”Ping Wang said with an ashamed expression.
"There are rewards and punishments. Liang still has many things to rely on Zijun in the future. I hope Zijun can accept it.”
"Yes, sir!" Wang Ping didn't say anything. After all, he wasn't demoted but was promoted instead. This was already preferential treatment.
"I will also demote myself to the third class.”As the Prime Minister, Zhuge Liang did not gain any achievements in the Northern Expedition. Instead, he wasted his life and money. If he did not do something, people might gossip.
"The defeat of Jie Ting was Ma Su's fault. What does it have to do with the Prime Minister?”Jiang Wan asked.
Jiang Wan was from Lingling and Xiangxiang. Strictly speaking, he was also a member of the Jingzhou faction. However, in his eyes, there was no difference between the Jingzhou faction and the Yizhou faction. As long as the big man was well, he had nothing to say.
At first, Jiang Wan followed Liu Bei into Shu and was appointed as the governor of Guangdu. Later, he angered Liu Bei by ignoring political affairs. Under Zhuge Liang's persuasion, Jiang Wan was spared from death. Later, she was re-employed. Zhuge Liang carefully cultivated her and secretly expressed that Liu Chan could be Zhuge Liang's successor.
After Zhuge Liang's death, Jiang Wan had indeed become Zhuge Liang's successor.
"This time, it's all because I didn't appoint properly. I should have followed the example of the Spring and Autumn Period and asked to demote myself to the third class. Alright, bring Ma Su up now." Zhuge Liang quickly put aside the matter of him demoting himself by three ranks and started to talk about serious matters.
Soon after, Ma Su was brought up with a disappointed look on his face.
"I've already heard about the situation from Zijun. Ma Su, you didn't listen to orders and acted on your own, causing the loss of Jieting and the loss of troops.”Zhuge Liang said coldly.
"Ma Su violated the Prime Minister's orders and did not listen to General Wang. I have nothing to say about today's defeat.”Ma Su looked disappointed, and a hint of guilt flashed in his eyes.
"So, you're willing to confess?”Zhuge Liang's eyes flashed with a trace of helplessness. In fact, he did not want to execute Ma Su. However, if he did not execute Ma Su, there would be more cases like Ma Su in the future. At that time, he would not be able to make the right judgment.
"Ma Su is willing to accept his punishment."
"Previously, you gave a military order. Now, we can only deal with them according to the military order.”Zhuge Liang said calmly.
Looking at Ma Su at the foot of the stairs, Yang Yi, who was also from Jingzhou, had mixed feelings."This is an evil that we have to do. Although we are sorry for Ma Su, we Jingzhou people must rely on Ma Su's head to survive this crisis. Yong 'an's Li Yan, Wu Yi, Wu Ban, Deng Zhi, and Liu Zhang's old subordinates are all watching. As long as they are not satisfied, our efforts to win them over in the past will be in vain.”
At this moment, Zhao Yun stood up and said to Zhuge Liang," Prime Minister, you know that the world is in chaos, yet you kill a wise man, isn't that the enemy's intention... Cough cough..."
Seeing Zhao Yun coughing like this, Zhuge Liang couldn't help but worry about her health." Zilong, what's wrong?" You haven't been in good health since the retreat. You're a founding father of the country, so take care of yourself.”
"Thank you for your concern, Prime Minister. I hope the Prime Minister will show mercy to the soldiers.”
"Liang also loves Ma Su's talent, but considering the laws of the country, he can't break the rules because of this.”Zhuge Liang said.
"Prime Minister, Wei Yan agrees with General Zhao. Now is the time to use people, might as well let them atone for their sins and make contributions.”
At this time, Wei Yan also stood up. Wei Yan, who did not know much about politics, only knew one thing. If he killed Ma Su now, he would only lose the strength of his side, which would be detrimental to the attack on Wei.
"In the past, Duke Wen of Jin was delighted when Chu killed a capable minister. Now that the world is uncertain, isn't it a pity to kill a wise minister?”
Jiang Wan's meaning was also very clear, that was, they could not kill Ma Su.
However, at this time, someone came out to sing a different tune. Moreover, this person was also from Jing Zhou.
"Why do you object to the Prime Minister's righteous punishment? Do you want Ma Su to be a sinner?”
Yang Yi stood up and said.
However, Wei Yan was surprised by Yang Yi's words. He did not expect that Ma Su was from the same hometown as him. It was fine if he did not plead for Ma Su, but he actually agreed with the Prime Minister's decision.
"Yang Yi, you…you want to kill your own fellow countrymen?”
Deng Zhi, who was watching this scene quietly, thought to herself, Yang Yi has finally made a move. In order to protect the entire group, he did not hesitate to let Ma Su commit suicide.”
"Everyone, there's no need to say anything else. I've made up my mind. The reason why Sun Wu was able to win the world was that he used it quickly. In order to protect the law, I can only kill Ma Su to apologize to the world.”Zhuge Liang said.
"Prime Minister, you treat Su like your own son, and Su respects you like his own father. I hope to follow the example of killing Gun and accomplish the deeds of Yu. Su Su will have no regrets even if he dies in the underworld.”Ma Su kowtowed to Zhuge Liang.
"Alright, push him to the death cell and execute him tomorrow.”
Hearing Zhuge Liang's verdict, many people sighed to themselves. Deng Zhi frowned slightly and thought," The Prime Minister's action is a little strange. Why didn't he kill Ma Su on the spot? Perhaps the Prime Minister had other intentions. I have thought of a way to protect Ma Su, but is he willing to cooperate? Doing so would not benefit that person at all.”
That night, Deng Zhi came to the meeting hall to find Zhuge Liang. Zhuge Liang seemed to know that he would come and was not surprised at all. He just asked lightly," Bo Miao, why are you here alone at this late hour? Is there something you need?"”
"After seeing the Prime Minister's actions today and thinking about it for quite some time, I roughly understand the Prime Minister's intentions.”
"Bo Miao wants to plead for Youchang?" Zhuge Liang asked with a faint smile.
"The one who can plead for Youchang is not me, but someone else. The Prime Minister was waiting for that person to arrive and wanted to use this matter as an experiment.”Deng Zhi replied with a faint smile.
"Bo Miao's explanation is very interesting. Liang only detained Ma Su for the purpose of executing him in front of the public tomorrow.”
Zhuge Liang didn't seem to want to reveal his true thoughts as he said lightly.
"Prime Minister, the Great Han is currently the weakest of the three kingdoms. If the civil and military officials cannot unite, the regime will soon collapse. In Deng Zhi's heart, there was no distinction between Jingxiang and Xichuan. I am not happy to see the mistakes of childhood today. Zi Yuan (Wu Yi) or Zhengfang (Li Yan) should also think so.”Deng Zhi slowly analyzed.
"Bo Miao is right. This is all Liang's fault.”Zhuge Liang nodded.
At this moment, a messenger ran in and said," Report! General Fengyi wishes to see the Prime Minister."
"Prime Minister, it seems that the person you've been waiting for has finally arrived. I'll leave now."
Deng Zhi was about to leave when Zhuge Liang called out to him.
"No, Bo Miao will also come to listen to this matter. At the same time, he can get a good look at this person. Quickly invite him in!"
"Yes, sir!"
Following that, Tian Yang took the lead and walked into the meeting hall. Hei Guang and Yang Lan followed closely behind Tian Yang.
"Tianyang, Liang has been waiting for you for a long time. I didn't expect Hei Guang to come as well. Who is this lady beside Hei Guang?”
Zhuge Liang asked slowly when he saw the woman beside Tian Yang and Hei Guang.
"Because I was busy with the military, I didn't have time to report to the Prime Minister. This woman was previously a mercenary of the Qiang people, but she didn't return to the country with Yadan last time and temporarily followed our army.”Tian Yang said solemnly.
However, Tian Yang couldn't help but glance at Hei Guang. He had only brought Yang Lan here to inform the Prime Minister. He didn't expect Hei Guang to take the initiative to come along. This was really strange. Perhaps Hei Guang really liked Yang Lan, but that guy just didn't want to admit it in his heart.
"I, Yang Lan, pay my respects to the Prime Minister. Because I am deeply moved by the Prime Minister's righteousness of reviving the Han Dynasty, I am willing to follow the Great Han army to fight against the rebels.”After Yang Lan heard Tian Yang's words, she immediately stood up and took the initiative to speak.
"You're so good at saying that. You didn't have such a face when you asked me for compensation back then.”Hearing Yang Lan's words, Tian Yang couldn't help but complain in his heart.
Hei Guang glanced at Yang Lan speechlessly and thought to himself, This brat is pretending again.”
"What a female hero. Her speech is not like an ordinary Qiang person. Some of Zhuge Liang's eunuchs are not as good as him. It was a blessing for Tianyang to receive this woman's help.”Zhuge Liang couldn't help but praise.
"You mean?" Yang Lan's eyes flashed with anticipation as she asked tentatively.
"Miss Yang, please follow the Black Light Operation.”Glancing at Hei Guang, Zhuge Liang smiled faintly.
With Zhuge Liang's eyesight, he could tell that Yang Lan was closer to the black light. Otherwise, she wouldn't have just relied on the black light when she came in. She would have been leaning close to the sun.
Hearing Zhuge Liang's words, Hei Guang was slightly stunned, and then he smiled bitterly. Tian Yang only smiled slightly and did not say anything. After all, Yang Lan was not his type.
"Yay! That's great. I told you that the prime minister is very reasonable.”Yang Lan immediately cheered.
"Tsk, it's not surprising at all that you've exposed your true nature after such a short disguise.”
Hei Guang crossed his arms and said indifferently.
"Hehehe, Liang is not a rigid person. If I knew Young Lady's character, I would not need to speak like this.”
Zhuge Liang laughed.
"I almost forgot to introduce you to Tianyang. This is General Deng Zhi, Deng Bomiao. It was all thanks to him that we were able to reestablish diplomatic relations with Sun Wu.”
"So it's Mr. Deng. Tianyang has long heard of your name!”Tian Yang cupped his hands at Deng Zhi.
"Greetings." Deng Zhi smiled and said," Although I have never seen General Tian before, I have heard of how General Tian defeated the Qiang Tribe. General Hei Guang even barged into the Ji Valley alone and fought with General Zhao. Not only did he injure General Zhao, but he also managed to escape unscathed. He is truly admirable. It was a pity that Mianyang was unable to witness General Black Light's glory.”
As he spoke, Deng Zhi also stole a glance at Tian Yang. It was obvious that he also wanted to see Tian Yang's reaction.
"Mr. Deng, you flatter me." Hei Guang cupped his hands and said.
Tian Yang did not react at all. Deng Zhi could not help but smile. He was starting to admire this person.
"Prime Minister!" Tian Yang looked at Zhuge Liang again. He was here for a serious matter.
"Actually, Tianyang has come here to ask the Prime Minister for a favor.”
"Please speak." Zhuge Liang was not surprised by Tian Yang's words and let him continue.
"Regarding the matter of joining the army, Tianyang is of little importance in the military meeting, so he is unable to attend. Although Tian Yang knew that the Prime Minister was determined to punish him, he still asked the Prime Minister to show mercy.”
"It's just that Tianyang personally went to Jieting and should have seen how serious Youchang's mistakes were.”
Zhuge Liang said in a deep voice.
"Tianyang dares to guess the Prime Minister's thoughts. The Prime Minister still wants to let the army go, but this method cannot be brought to the surface.”
Tian Yang wasn't the one who thought of this. Jiang Wei was the first to think of it and told Tian Yang about it.
"It's better to say that Youchang's loss this time is Liang's fault. Zhuge Liang originally wanted to imitate Sun Quan's appointment of Lu Xun and let Youchang become famous like Lu Boyan. However, Liang's selfishness had blinded a serious fact. Lu Boyan already had the actual combat experience of pacifying Shanyue before he became a general, but Youchang did not. Sun Liang was too eager and finally made a big mistake. If the situation allowed, Liang was absolutely willing to take responsibility. However, now that Liang was entrusted with the responsibility of taking care of his son, he could not do so. Liang knew that the responsibility was not entirely on Youchang, so he wanted to let Youchang live, but he could not do it openly. He had to borrow the power of Tianyang.”Only then did Zhuge Liang express his thoughts.
"Tianyang understands, so Prime Minister can accept whatever I do?”
After getting a rough idea of Zhuge Liang's thoughts from Jiang Wei, Tian Yang knew what to do without anyone else's reminder.
"Everything will go according to your plan, Tianyang.”
Looking at Tian Yang, Deng Zhi thought to herself,'This person is really something. No wonder the Prime Minister thinks so highly of him.”
Zhuge Liang looked at Tian Yang, who had taken on this important task, and thought to himself," Tian Yang is not only knowledgeable in military matters, but he is also brave and courageous. He is well versed in the art of war. What was even more valuable was that this person had the Han Dynasty in his heart. Liang planned to let him train five or six thousand Central Tiger Infantry soldiers while teaching him the military knowledge I had learned in my life, and then bring him into the palace to meet the emperor.”
Hearing the conversation between Tianyang and Zhuge Liang, Hei Guang frowned slightly and thought," I have a general idea of how Tianyang plans to deal with Ma Su. Although I don't like Ma Su, I have to admit that he is talented in military affairs, and..."
Thinking of this, Hei Guang looked at Tian Yang." This is also a good thing for Tian Yang himself. After all, Tian Yang is different from us. He had the experience of fighting to the death with the other heroic spirits. Our abilities, mental state, and experience are worlds apart from Tian Yang's. I was originally worried that Tian Yang's ability was insufficient, but I believe that in the future, Tian Yang will definitely grow into a general that even Boyue can't compare to!”
This book comes from：m.funovel.com。