Chapter 367: Involuntarily

Zhao Yun saw that Yuan Xi was very evasive in his speech, which was extremely rare, and understood that he must have some difficulties.

Yuan Xi has always been frank with me. His current behavior is probably not because he doesn't trust me, but because he is afraid that after he tells me, my response will be unnatural and will reveal my true colors.

Thinking of this, Zhao Yun couldn't help but shook his head, thinking that it was better to be straightforward on the battlefield. Things like human nature and evil deeds were really not suitable for him.

If it weren't for Yuan Xi's assignment, if it were someone else, Zhao Yun might have been very resistant to such a mission with unclear purposes, especially when it came to matters concerning the emperor and the Han court.

Yuan Xi also understood Zhao Yun's thoughts, but he still gave this extremely important task to Zhao Yun, which in itself meant trust.

Moreover, although Yuan Shikai had a clear desire to be independent, Yuan Xi never restricted Zhao Yun's actions and ideas from beginning to end. This time, he let him act according to his own judgment, which made Zhao Yun feel mixed emotions.

A military general's ideas may not completely match those of his lord. When Zhao Yun previously joined Gongsun Zan and Liu Bei, he always had his own ideas, and the same was true when he joined Yuan Xi.

But the good thing about Yuan Xi is that he could understand and support Zhao Yun's ideas, and gave Zhao Yun the greatest freedom in welcoming the emperor.

That's enough, Zhao Yun thought.

However, in Gao Shun's mansion in the city, Zhang Liao came to have a drink with Gao Shun.

The two men were quite like-minded. Although Gao Shun himself did not drink, he would always serve wine to entertain Zhang Liao whenever he came to visit.

The rest of the food was very simple, with only three or two side dishes and a bowl of rice.

Zhang Liao lowered his head and ate his rice. Halfway through, he suddenly put it down and seemed to want to say something, but stopped. Gao Shun saw this and said calmly, "Wenyuan, feel free to say whatever you want to say."

Zhang Liao hesitated for a moment and said, "Father Xiao (Gao Shun's courtesy name), you know that Wen Hou, Zhi Shu (Zhang Yang) and I were all generals under the command of the Grand Master."

"Gongtai is the only strategist under Marquis Wen, and Xiaofu led the Xianzhen Camp to join Marquis Wen, so all of us have been given the title of generals."

The so-called great general is the person who leads troops under Lu Bu alone and has a status superior to other generals.

Chen Gong had the support of the Yanzhou gentry, Zhang Liao was an early peer of Lu Bu, and he was also appointed as the Governor of Beidi and Prime Minister of Lu by the imperial court. Gao Shun brought the most elite infantry. These three people had a special status and were more like partners, so they were given the title of generals.

It looks very good on the surface, but the relationship between the lord and his subordinates is far from ideal. If the subordinates are too capable, it will be a problem for the lord.

Just like the Yanzhou gentry behind Chen Gong, a big part of the reason why they recruited Lu Bu in the first place was that Lu Bu was easier to control than Cao Cao, so it was impossible for Lu Bu not to be on guard against Chen Gong. He delayed sending troops to Chenliu to rescue Zhang Miao and Zhang Chao, who were on good terms with Chen Gong, which might not be because he had this in mind.

Lu Bu was worried that Chen Gong would be dissatisfied because he did not save Zhang Miao and his brothers. At this time, the Huaicheng Rebellion happened, and Chen Gong was coincidentally accused by Cao Xing of colluding with Yuan Shu.

Regardless of whether the story is true or not, Chen Gong will definitely be suspected, and his power will be somewhat stripped away by Lu Bu.

Lu Bu was Dong Zhuo's chief clerk, a civil servant position. Although this seemed to be an attempt to sideline Lu Bu, it did not mean that Lu Bu was ignorant of officialdom infighting. He had been under Dong Zhuo for a long time and had learned some ways of checks and balances in officialdom.

The same was true for Chen Gong, and the same was true for stripping Gao Shun of his military power in the Xianzhen Camp. It is impossible for someone who could reach a position like Lu Bu to not understand any political strategies.

Even taking Zhang Liao away this time did not necessarily mean that he was confident in Zhang Liao, but rather that he was afraid that Zhang Liao would stay and communicate with Zhang Yang who was about to return, and take the opportunity to seize power.

It can be said that after experiencing several betrayals, Lu Bu has become a frightened bird, so he brought in Yuan Xi, an outsider, to check and balance his subordinates.

Zhang Liao and Gao Shun were both veterans, so they naturally knew this very well. Gao Shun even knew that Zhang Liao came to see him today because he must have something to say to him.

Zhang Liao began, "Liao has never understood why you betrayed the Gao family of Chenliu since you took the name of Xiaofu."

Gao Shun, also known by his courtesy name Xiaofu, was a man of integrity and honesty. -- Biography of the Elders of Chenliu

The Chenliu Gao family was the family of Yuan Shao's wife.

Among the Gao family members in later generations, Gao Gan served as the governor of Bingzhou appointed by Yuan Shao, while Gao Rou "moved his clan to Hebei" and attached himself to Yuan Shao.

Gao Rou's cousin Gao Gan was Yuan Shao's nephew. He called Gao Rou in Hebei, and Gao Rou followed him with his whole family. -- "The Biography of Gao Rou in the Book of Wei"

Gao Gan and Gao Rou are of the same generation, both are nephews of Yuan Shao. In later generations, Gao Gan was able to serve as the Governor of Bingzhou, and his status was similar to that of Yuan's sons. This shows that the Yuan family attached great importance to the Gao family of Chenliu.

Liao's current intention is very obscure. Gao Shun's current situation may not be better than being under Yuan's command.

Gao Shun remained silent. Zhang Liao's personality was completely different from his. Gao Shun was aloof and couldn't get along with others.

On the contrary, Zhang Liao liked making friends very much, had a good relationship with everyone and was highly respected. It was precisely because of this that Lu Bu was worried about leaving Zhang Liao in charge.

Gao Shun could tell from Zhang Liao's words that he was already vaguely dissatisfied with Lu Bu. He didn't know whether Zhang Liao was sincere or testing him, so he said slowly: "There were difficulties back then. Now that it's over, there's no point in talking about it again."

"Whether I am right or wrong, I can't turn back now, or I will be laughed at by the world."

Zhang Liao heard this and realized that Gao Shun did not want to talk about these things anymore, so he couldn't help but sigh: "If Xiaofu has such thoughts, there is no need for Liao to say more."

"Let's wait until we welcome the Emperor. Maybe there will be other options by then."

Gao Shun heard this and said, "I will definitely remember what Wenyuan said."

Zhang Liao came out of Gao Shun's house and could not help but look back at Gao Shun standing at the door. He thought that Lu Bu was really not a suitable lord who could not distinguish between loyalty and treachery. If he followed him, he would probably not make it to the end.

Zhang Liao was not optimistic about Lu Bu's attempt to please the emperor. Dong Zhuo was much stronger than Lu Bu in terms of political strategy and in managing his subjects, yet he still died in the end. Was it so easy for the emperor to please him at that time?

He shook his head and rode away, thinking that in this world, it was really difficult to find a lord who could win his heart.

Inside Lu Bu's mansion, Yan's face was not friendly, and she angrily said to Lu Bu: "This Yuan family kid, it's a good idea to fight!"

"After all this time, the jewelry he gave us as a dowry has finally returned to him!"

"This is too much of a wishful thinking. Not only does he not give Ling'er the title of legal wife, but he also wants to be stingy. He is really a piece of shit!"

"No, there's no such good thing!"

Lu Bu was also quite helpless and said, "Don't make such a loud noise."

"Who else but him is willing to join forces with me right now?"

"Now I have only softened my stance a little, but I haven't promised him anything."

"Everything will only become clear after the emperor is welcomed and the dust settles."

"If I could be granted a high position at that time, with the help of the emperor, I might be able to find a better husband for Ling'er."

After hearing this, Yan's face showed joy, "I knew my husband was not crazy!"

"Speaking of which, this Yuan family member is very cunning. He deliberately tried to sabotage our marriage with Yuan Gonglu. He had bad intentions from the beginning!"

After hearing this, Lu Bu's face darkened and he said, "There's no need to talk about Yuan Shu, he's already here with a large army!"

"I'm going to Hedong now, and I don't know when I can come back. If Yuan Shu attacks, this city will have to rely on the fierce tiger of the Yuan family to defend it!"

"The lives of everyone in this city, including Madam and Ling'er, depend on this man. Madam, even if you are unwilling, you can't show it on your face!"

Seeing that Lu Bu was serious, Yan had no choice but to nod and agree.

Lu Bu was also feeling a little nervous. He didn't know whether it was a right decision to bet on Yuan Xi.

Lu Bu was not sure what the truth of the Huaicheng Rebellion was, and whether the masterminds were those people who appeared to be the ones. He had given up on pursuing the truth, and now he could only seek a turnaround by welcoming the emperor.

He took Zhang Liao and most of the elite troops away. In fact, he had already made plans for the worst. In case Huaicheng fell, he could still preserve some of his strength.

If possible, he would like to take his wife and daughter with him, but firstly, if he did so, his intention would be seen through by others at a glance. Second, the war was fierce and he had no confidence that he could definitely defeat those princes who coveted the throne.

Lu Bu suddenly realized that he was back to the situation when he first made his fortune, fighting for his life alone. He dared not trust anyone, and no one could protect him. He had already done his best just to stay alive.

Human hearts are so complicated, and the choices they make are full of helplessness and gambles. Everyone wants to get what they want, but how many can finally achieve their wish?

In the panic where no one could see the way forward, Lu Bu took Zhang Liao with him to join forces with Zhao Yun and Ju Su outside the city and headed towards Henei.

He looked back from his horse. Behind him was a long baggage train, and on the top of the city wall was Yuan Xi, who bowed to him and said goodbye.

He thought that this ferocious tiger had a good plan. The food that Youzhou had sent earlier might be military rations for him to send out troops!

If my daughter really were to marry such a sinister villain, I don't know what she would be deceived into!

Yuan Xi stood on the top of the city wall and saw the team moving farther and farther away. He thought that he would have to stay in Huaicheng for at least one or two months to help Lu Bu clean up the mess.

There are too many problems in Huaicheng. Lu Bu's generals are disunited, military discipline is lax, and there is no one on my side who can help. I can only rely on myself!

The city defense must be reorganized. Wei Xu has big problems as a temporary city defender and may not be able to resist Yuan Shu's army. Now Yuan Xi needs to find a breakthrough.

Chen Gong who is subject to suspicion, Gao Shun who is sidelined, Zhang Yang who is about to be driven back to Huaicheng, or Lu Bu's wife Yan?

Yuan Xi started to have a headache. Without Guo Jia and Ju Shou by his side, he was forced to think about things himself. It was so painful!

He glanced at Sun Li beside him and saw that he was standing in a daze, his hands unconsciously making knife-wielding movements. He could not help but shook his head. This kid was useless.

Ever since being attacked by Yang Feng, Sun Li started to practice martial arts crazily, and completely forgot about Guo Jia's instructions to study military books every day. He was afraid that he would become a pure warrior in the future.

Not to mention that Zhao Yun, Taishi Ci, Tian Yu and others could all offer advice, even when Qu Yi was here.

A deep sense of guilt surged in his heart. Qu Yi had done so many things for him, but he didn't have the time to repay him. Calculating the time, his coffin should have been transported back to Beixin City, right?

Beixincheng, Yuan Xi's residence.

With a bang, the tea tray in Ma's hand fell to the ground, and several tea bowls were broken into pieces.

Her face turned pale, and she pointed at the coffin and said to the two guards in a trembling voice, "Whose coffin did you say this was?"

The guard bowed his head and said, "This is General Qu Yi's coffin."

"He was killed in a battle with the enemy in Black Mountain, and the young master ordered us to bring his body back for burial."

Ma's body shook a few times and his face looked as pale as death.