Chapter 59 Conspiracy

  Plains, behind the county government office.

  In the dimly lit main hall, Liu Bei was listlessly reviewing official documents.

  The noise outside was quite loud and it annoyed him for no reason. It was Guan Yu and Zhang Fei competing in martial arts.

  Pingyuan is a small county but it is where the prefectural government is located.

  Sounds impressive, but actually knows his own difficulties.

  Other counties are far away from the capital, and the officials there have an easy life.

  However, as the county government, Pingyuan County was always under the eyes of the high-ranking officials of the prefecture, and the county magistrate had very little autonomy, and everything had to be done according to the facial expressions of the high-ranking officials, and one had to put on a flattering smile when meeting people.

  In such a situation, how can Liu Bei, as the county magistrate, feel at ease?

  Just then, Zhang Fei came to report, "Brother, there is a man named Jian Yong who requests an audience."

  "Is Jian Yong's constitution simple?"

  Liu Bei was taken aback at first, then overjoyed, "Quickly, quickly come in."

  He immediately reacted and said, "No, I should go in person to welcome him."

  He spoke as he jumped up, and didn't even have time to put on his shoes before rushing out in big strides.

  Rushing into the front yard, I saw a person standing upright in the courtyard, over twenty years old, with a robust and handsome appearance, who was none other than my childhood friend Jian Yong.

  "Long live the Constitution!"

  Liu Bei let out a loud cry, extremely excited.

  "Brother Guan!"

  Jian Yong smiled and cupped his hands together in a gesture of respect, looking very elegant.

  Liu Bei took three steps and then two strides to rush over, grasped Jian Yong's hand, and joyfully exclaimed: "Since we parted in Zhuo County many years ago, it has already been five or six years. I often think of the past when Xianhe and I slept on the same bed, and I am truly overwhelmed with emotion."

  Jian Yong saw Liu Bei's enthusiasm and was also very excited. He smiled and said: "I often think of the past with Brother Xuande."

  "Go inside and talk!"

  Liu Bei didn't say a word and pulled Jian Yong into the inner courtyard.

  Talking about childhood memories during the banquet, they couldn't help but sigh and feel a deep sense of nostalgia, gradually bringing their feelings closer together.

  Liu Bei introduced Zhang Fei and Guan Yu to Jian Yong.

  Zhang Fei's thunderous temper, holding a large bowl to persuade Jian Yong to drink, turned out to be quite compatible.

  Guan Yu was somewhat arrogant and didn't pay much attention to Jian Yong.

  Liu Bei repeatedly gave him a look, and Guan Yu reluctantly toasted Jian Yong with a cup of wine.

  Jian Yong didn't mind either and opened up his heart to discuss state affairs with Liu Bei, and the host and guest were both delighted.

  Luoyang, Li's residence.

  Li Ru was browsing through bamboo slips when suddenly the housekeeper walked in with footsteps.

  "Old Master, Niu Fu's general has sent someone to invite you."

  The butler bowed and handed over an invitation card.

  Li Ru took over the invitation letter, glanced at it casually, and then threw it aside.

  The housekeeper did not dare say another word and hastily made a bow before retreating.

  Li Ru flipped through it for a while before putting down the bamboo slips, his eyebrows gradually furrowing.

  He was really reluctant to attend this banquet invitation.

  Since ancient times, the imperial court has been a place where civil and military officials have vied with each other. On the surface, it seems to be due to differences in political views or conflicting interests. In reality, however, it is an unwritten rule that has long existed in official circles: if civil and military officials do not contend with each other, how can the ruler control his subordinates?

  If scholars and martial artists are as close as one family, then the monarch will have a headache.

  When the king has a headache, the whole country will have trouble.

  The so-called prime minister and grand councilor are just a kind of coordination in official business, a tradition passed down in historical books.

  If two tigers were to wear one pair of pants, the king's throne would be in danger.

  Li Ru was well aware of the subtleties, as Dong Zhuo's chief advisor, he really didn't want to and couldn't get too close to the generals under Dong Zhuo, and private meetings were avoided whenever possible, lest rumors spread.

  However, it's still not okay if I don't attend this banquet.

  Li Ru sighed and ordered his attendants to prepare the carriage, then went to Niu's residence.

  At night, Luoyang City was brightly lit and very lively.

  Niu Fu's mansion was located near Kaiyang Gate, adjacent to Taixue and backed by Mingtang.

  If Dongmen is where the nobles live, then Kaiyang Gate is where the noblest of the nobles reside.

  When the three senior officials, including the Grand General and the Commander of the Imperial Guards, resided here, it can be said that this was the most honorable place outside the imperial palace, and without a certain status, one could not live here.

  Dong Zhuo rewarded his trusted generals after defeating the coalition of warlords from the east.

  Niu Fu, as Dong Zhuo's son-in-law, can be said to be the first general of Xiliang, and was transferred to serve as Chariot Riding General.

  The General of Chariots and Cavalry's residence was originally not at Kaiyang Gate, but Niu Fu was able to live here, showing how much he was favored and trusted by Dong Zhuo.

  The Niu Fu was brightly lit, with a watchtower every ten steps and a sentry post every five steps, the guard was extremely strict.

  Li Ru arrived in a horse-drawn carriage, but only Niu Fu's family came out to greet him, while Niu Fu himself did not come out personally.

  Only after entering the main hall did he discover that only Li Jue had arrived.

  The rest of the Western Liang army did not know whether Niu Fu had been invited to a banquet or had not yet arrived.

  "Please take your seat, military advisor."

  Niu Fu stood up and welcomed the guests, yielding the first seat in the guest hall to Li Ru.

  Li Ru slightly politely declined, then took his seat, and didn't ask much, just savoring the melons and fruits.

  Niu Fu asked somewhat impatiently, "This time we invited the military advisor, mainly to ask for his advice. How did Niu Jin actually die? The military advisor should know something about it, right?"

  Li Jue also stared at Li Ru with piercing eyes, but his status and position were not as good as Niu Fu and Li Ru, so he didn't dare to speak.

  Li Ru calmly said, "Didn't General Luo already explain it clearly? Hu Mao and Niu Jin, the two generals, died in a fight over the right to command the army. Why do you still ask this question?"

  Niu Fu stared at Li Ru, saying word by word: "Is this really what's in the military advisor's heart?"

  Li Ru smiled calmly and did not answer.

  Niu Fu said, "This nonsense can only deceive three-year-old children. How can it deceive others? I just want to ask the military advisor one question: was Niu Jin killed by Luo Zheng?"

  Li Ru was silent for a moment before saying, "The master has already asked about this matter."

  This remark is quite subtle, hinting at Niu Fu. Although there may be more to this matter, Master has already decided not to investigate further for some reason. Why must you, Niu Fu, insist on pursuing it?

  But Niubang apparently wasn't a clever person and didn't catch the hint.

  "The master doesn't know the details, so it's naturally hard to investigate."

  Niu Fuxiang said, "Even if Hu Mao and Niu Jin lead their troops to attack each other, they won't both end up dying. If the military advisor knows the inside story, please tell me immediately. If Niu Jin was indeed harmed by Luo Zheng, I will definitely not let this child off easily!"

  Li Ruhui's heart skipped a beat as countless thoughts flashed through his mind in an instant.

  I've already hinted at it, but Niu Fu didn't catch on, so it has nothing to do with me.

  Dong Zhuo is old and will eventually pass away.

  If you don't want to be squeezed out by the Western Liang military in the future, you must stand on Niu Fu's side.

  Moreover, Li Ru had some hostility towards Luo Zheng, it was because of Luo Zheng that he proposed the plan to move the capital, which ultimately did not come to fruition.

  No matter what, emotionally and rationally, I should stand on Niu Fu's side.

  Even if Master knows about it later, it has nothing to do with me.

  He had already hinted at it himself, but Niu Fu didn't catch on and could completely deny any involvement.

  Li Ru sighed and said, "To be honest with you, General, I only have some suspicions in my heart, but there is no sufficient evidence. Luo Zheng has made great contributions, if he were to be punished, it would dampen the morale of the soldiers."

  Niu Fu was furious, slamming his fist on the table: "If even the military advisor has doubts, then it can't be wrong. Niu Jin was indeed killed by this traitor! Hmph, Luo Zhengxiao, I won't let you off!"

  Li Ruyu said: "General, you mustn't act impulsively for a moment, otherwise it will be hard to explain to the lord."

  Niu Fu angrily said: "Just a mere Luo Zheng's little son, even if I were to kill him, I'm sure Master wouldn't say anything."

  Li Ru cursed in a low voice, "You dare to kill a great general in the army, who do you think you are."

  Even if you are the master's own son, it won't do. As a subject, one must have the demeanor of a subject. You even dare to say kill and kill a general who has made great contributions, from the master's point of view, what are you trying to do? Are you trying to rebel or something?

  This is different from Hu Zhi's defeat, even if he lets it go lightly and covers up for his beloved general, there's nothing wrong with that.

  But you're good at killing high-ranking generals in the army, that's a challenge to the lord's authority, and this high-voltage line is absolutely untouchable.

  Even if Luo Zhengzhen is guilty, it's up to Master Gong to deal with him, you shouldn't be shouting and killing, unless Master Gong is dead.

  Li Ru persuaded him for a few words, but Niu Fuyou's anger had not dissipated.

  Li Jue also hastily advised: "General, the military advisor's words are reasonable. Even if General Niu Jin was indeed killed by Luo Zhen, there is no sufficient evidence, and we cannot convict him of the crime. Moreover, Luo Zhen is after all a former member of the Western Liang, and our lord has not thoroughly investigated this matter, clearly not wanting internal strife among the Western Liang remnants. If we press him too hard, I fear it will displease our lord, so it's really not advisable to act rashly."

  Li Ru nodded slightly, and Li Jue saw that he was much more understanding than Niu Fu.

  Niu Fu angrily said: "What can be done about it? Can't even a mere Luo Zheng child like him be dealt with?"

  Li Jue glanced at Li Ru and replied, "General, don't worry. If it can't be done openly, then we'll do it secretly. As the commander-in-chief of Longxi, wanting to get rid of that little brat Luo Xian is as easy as eating a piece of cake."

  Li Ru also nodded and said: "What General Li Jue has said is absolutely right."

  Niu Fu's anger slightly dissipated, "Does the military advisor have any profound insights?"

  Li Ru looked at Li Jue and said: "General Li Jue has a plan in mind, he must have already made up his mind."

  Li Jue burst out laughing and said: "Military strategist, you're flattering me! I think that for now, we shouldn't look for trouble with Luo Zhen's little brat. We don't want to scare the snake by hitting the grass. Instead, let's secretly buy off the more than 3,000 soldiers who returned from the expedition. If we can find evidence that Luo Zhen's little brat murdered General Niu Jin, then everything will be easy. We can directly petition our lord to sentence him to death for the crime of murdering a general."

  "Good, this plan is excellent."

  Niu Fupai clapped his hands in approval and asked Li Ru, "What does the military advisor think?"

  Li Ru nodded and said: "General Li Jue's plan is very good."

  Niu Fu finally revealed a hint of a smile and then discussed the details with Li Ru and Li Jue.

  Late at night, the Situ Mansion.

  Situ Wang Yun was reviewing documents when an imperial attendant rushed in and whispered something in his ear.

  "Hmm, are Niu Fu and Li Ru, Li Jue discussing how to deal with Luo Zheng?"

  Wang Yun was taken aback for a moment, and then his eyes lit up. After a brief moment of contemplation, he wrote a secret letter and handed it to the palace attendant, saying: "Deliver this to the Luo residence tonight and tell them that I have urgent business to discuss with him. Ask him to come to my residence tomorrow for a meeting."

  The eunuch responded with a yes and immediately went to handle it.