Chapter 196
In February, at the beginning of spring, flags were raised in various places to form camps. While the war continued, news also came that Wuling had formed an alliance with the old Liang Dynasty.
Rather than forming an alliance, it was actually the old Liang Dynasty seeking out Wuling and supporting him in his conquest of the world.
While Wuling is forming an alliance with the old Liang Dynasty, King Pengcheng will also arrive in Yuzhang soon.
Previously, Fu Wei advocated using reforms to win over King Pengcheng's sincerity, but Zhou Yi and Zhou Zongzhu were not optimistic about it.
Although they were not optimistic, it did not affect the father and son's interest in the content of the reform.
When Master Zhou first received the letter, he was also surprised to see the reforms proposed by Fu Wei.
He pondered the letter all night, then called a few trusted officials and discussed the letter for two days. They all felt that it might be feasible, so they sent the news of their approval.
When Fu Wei returned from Pengcheng, the Zhou clan leader learned that the King of Pengcheng had changed his mind and formed an alliance with Yuzhang because of the reform, so he appointed Fu Wei as the councilor of the Ministry of Personnel and allowed him to complete the content of the reform.
However, some contents could not be completed so quickly. We can only say that the existing contents that were proposed to King Pengcheng are complete.
After revising it again and again, it was finalized after a month and was asked to be taken back by General Li.
Soon, the King of Pengcheng sent a message saying that he would arrive in Yuzhang City soon to sign the alliance.
Whenever an alliance was to be signed, the master would rarely go directly to the other party's territory. Instead, he would look for a place where he could defend or attack to sign the treaty. However, King Pengcheng was not afraid at all, which earned him more appreciation from Sect Leader Zhou.
At the end of February, Yuzhang gradually became warmer and the spring breeze was just right.
A fast horse entered Yuzhang City and headed straight for the county mansion, reporting that Prince Pengcheng had entered Yuzhang County and was waiting at the agreed place.
Soon after the news arrived, officials from all sides also heard the news, but they did not receive the order from the county lord to welcome him.
Everyone was wondering whether it was Zhou Erlang who went to greet him.
Indeed, it was Zhou Yi and Fu Wei who came out of the city to greet them.
Before sunset, we arrived at the agreed place, Xiaofengling Temple.
After dismounting and looking around, Zhou Yi and Fu Wei didn't see any troops under martial law. They exchanged a glance, slightly hesitant: "Has the person not arrived yet?"
Fu Wei looked around and saw three tall horses tied outside the temple: "We're here."
Zhou Yi also saw the two horses and asked, "Did you bring only two people with you?"
Fu Wei smiled and replied, "That's what King Pengcheng would do."
As soon as he finished speaking, a voice came: "Mr. Fu does understand our lord."
Everyone looked towards the temple gate and saw King Pengcheng, dressed in rough clothes, walking out of the temple gate with General Li and another soldier.
These three people don't look like a local overlord and his capable generals at all... They look more like bandits who are going to rob people.
Zhou Yi was stunned for a moment.
He had originally thought that King Pengcheng was so tall and mighty, but now the feeling was somewhat indescribable.
Zhou Yi bowed briefly and said, "I have long admired the reputation of the King of Pengcheng. I am Zhou Yi, the second son of the Zhou family in Yuzhang."
Fu Wei bowed and said, "It's been a long time since we last met. How is the King of Pengcheng?"
Heng Ji nodded, his usual cold and serious expression: "It's okay."
General Li said, "The journey from Pengcheng to Yuzhang is quite long, and any disturbance would cause trouble. Therefore, we will split our forces into two groups. We will escort our lord lightly ahead, while the main army will follow."
Zhou Yi said, "Yuzhang has prepared wine and food, and asked me to come and invite you into the city."
King Pengcheng nodded and said, "Please lead the way."
There wasn't much small talk, which made Heng Ji satisfied.
The northern strong horses are not inferior to the Yuzhang horses even when they are running all the way.
We hurried back to Yuzhang, and were actually faster than when we came.
When I returned to the outskirts of the city, it was very deserted.
Fu Wei explained, "Master Zhou knew that Prince Pengcheng didn't like to make a big statement, so he didn't send any officials to greet him. Now they are all waiting in the palace."
Prince Pengcheng's face remained expressionless, and he simply said, "Go directly to the Duke's Mansion."
In just this brief moment, Zhou Yi could sense that King Pengcheng really did not like formalities and was a man of few words.
Several officials were waiting outside the Duke's Mansion.
After everyone dismounted, a guard came to lead King Pengcheng's horse. The shiny black warhorse suddenly raised its hooves and kicked forward, and the guard holding the reins was almost kicked down.
A horse follows its master and is equally difficult to tame.
Heng Ji patted the horse's neck, and the restless warhorse finally calmed down.
He said to the guard, "It has a bad temper, be careful."
The guard nodded quickly.
Heng Ji retracted his gaze and looked at Zhou Yi and Fu Wei: "Go in."
After entering the mansion, Zhou Yi asked, "Prince Pengcheng has been traveling all the way, would you like to have a quick wash?"
Heng Ji said bluntly: "No need, fill your stomach first, and then we can discuss matters."
When everyone arrived at the main hall, Sect Leader Zhou was already in his seat. He looked at King Pengcheng who came in. Although he did not go out to greet him, he stood up as a sign of respect.
King Pengcheng walked in from outside the door. He was tall, dressed in coarse cloth, with a long-handled broadsword at his waist. His face was stern and his steps were heavy. He entered with an invisible sense of dominance, which made several officials hold their breath and dare not breathe even a little.
Heng Ji disliked being bound by rules, but he also followed them. When he saw Master Zhou, he still bowed and saluted: "Pengcheng Heng Ji, I am honored to meet you, the Duke of the County."
Sect Leader Zhou smiled and said, "I have long heard of the great name of King Pengcheng. It is indeed a great honor to meet you today."
After a few polite words, he was asked to sit down and the food began to be served.
There was no singing or dancing, but there were bowls piled high with meat dishes and the best Shaodaozi.
This way of entertaining guests may seem rough, but it actually takes a lot of thought.
The officials who were summoned were secretly worried.
They were afraid that this simple way of hospitality would displease King Pengcheng and the alliance would be ruined.
But when he saw that King Pengcheng didn't say anything but was eating meat and drinking wine with big mouthfuls, and didn't look unhappy, he felt a little relieved.
Just after eating, a guard came in hurriedly: "County Lord."
Zhou Yi asked first: "Why are you so out of control?"
The guards looked troubled. "The Prince of Pengcheng's warhorse entered the stable and started fighting with the other horses. We were afraid of hurting the horses, so we couldn't stop them."
It would be more accurate to say that it was a one-sided fight between King Pengcheng's warhorse rather than a fight. The horse was tall and strong, and it was impossible to stop it without injuring the horse.
This guy has an extremely bad temper.
The guards suspected that the horse wanted to be the boss among the horses, so it was giving the others a warning.
King Pengcheng frowned, stood up, and said, "I'll be back soon."
After that, he turned and walked towards the guards: "Lead the way."
Sect Leader Zhou glanced at his son, and Zhou Yi and Fu Wei also stood up and followed him out.
Sect Leader Zhou watched them leave, pondering for a moment. He called over the people around him and whispered, "When horses fight, they're bound to get injured. Sixth Miss has studied medicine for half a year, so she should know how to treat wounds. Go ask Sixth Miss..." He paused, since they were men from outside the family, so he added, "Change into men's clothes and treat the horses."
The best way to maintain a long-term relationship with Pengcheng is through marriage.
But at first glance today, it seems that King Pengcheng is not a person who values profit. If a marriage is to be arranged, he must agree willingly.
Xiaoliu is not a good character, so the only option is to let her show up in front of King Pengcheng more often to attract his attention.
If it can be accomplished, it would be the best.
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