Chapter 38: The Strategist Chen Ping

  Hou Xi did not come alone, accompanied by Hu Zhuang, an important figure of the Hu family in Yangwu City. The Hu and Zhang families lived in Yangwu, and intermarriage between large families was common. Upon closer inspection, Hu Zhuang and Zhang Fu were also considered relatives.

  "Ah Ping, you go and listen too. What does Hou Sima have to say." Zhang Fu waved his hand, adjusted his clothes and hat, and went to the front hall to welcome the guests.

  "Listen to Ah Weng's orders!" The young man lowered his head and responded with a "yes", adjusting his clothes, his expression still calm.

  Hou Xi was excited to hear that Li Yuan was just outside the city and preparing to enter, so he hastily consulted with Hu Zhuang and He Ping on how to respond. These days, they had been constantly urged by Zhao Bin's people, and many male citizens of Xuzhou had been mobilized to guard the city walls, except for Zhang Fu's family, who were wealthy enough to pay for exemption from corvée labor. With great changes imminent, Hou Xi decided to visit Zhang Fu first to sound out his views.

  These days, if it weren't for Zhang Fei's generosity, Hou Xi and Hu Zhuang would have faced even greater difficulties in the face of adversity. At that time, when Yang Xiong agreed to the settlement conditions during the withdrawal to Xiangyang, they became a mere scrap of paper once they arrived at Zhao Bi's place.

  "Zhang Weng, there are some things that must be told to you. The county governor has a new order, within three days, all able-bodied men in the city will be recruited to defend the city wall, and women who can work will also be required to provide labor service." Hou Xi sat up straight, clasped his hands together and said seriously to Zhang Zheng.

  The Zhang family was a prominent household, and Zhang Fu was also an elder respected by the people of Yangwu and Xinye. Although Hou Xi and Hu Zhuang couldn't be certain that they would get Zhang Fu's support for their plans, at least he wouldn't oppose them. Zhao Bi's tyrannical rule had already made Zhang Fu very dissatisfied, and Hou Xi believed that if he spoke out against it, Zhang Fu would surely resonate with him.

  "What? Hou Sima, you're absolutely right! This Zhao dog really doesn't want to live!" Before Zhang Fu could speak, Zhang Jin, who was listening on the side, jumped up first.

  The Zhang family had been a prominent household for generations, especially after Zhang Yi served as the Prime Minister of Qin and Wei. They had always lived a life of luxury and extravagance. Now, being asked to guard the city and having their wives and children carry stones was unbearable for Zhang Liang.

  "Sit down, what's the hurry? Learn from Ah Ping." Zhang scolded with a darkened face. However, his complexion didn't look good either.

  Zhao Bin's move has really touched Zhang Fu's bottom line. Originally, he thought that no matter how turbulent the city was inside and outside, as long as his family lived a peaceful life, they would always be able to get through the difficulties. Who would have thought that Zhao Bin would make such a move, coming to Chang Heng Shang to guard, with knives and guns everywhere, if someone gets killed or injured, what can be done?

  "Zhang Weng, Zhao Ben's desire to live or not is none of our business. There are many people in this city who want to live. If something unexpected happens later on, Zhang Weng must remain calm." Hou Xi smiled, and the gloom that had been plaguing him for days suddenly lifted, making his whole person radiant with spirit.

  "What's going on? Sima said... Ah, this must be kept confidential, in case the news gets out. Zhang Fu was suddenly startled, although he had also heard rumors of opposition to Zhao Bai within the city, but when it came to really taking up arms, Zhang Fu was still unprepared in his heart. Liu Bang's army was outside the city, at least there was still a city wall blocking them, if things got chaotic inside the city, who knew what would happen."

  "Old Zhang will be relieved, this time there won't be any mistakes. In a few days, once Old Zhang sees it, everything will be clear." Hou Xi left with a smile, preparing to take his leave.

  "Slow down, Hou Sima and Hu Zhanglao! Ah Ping, see them off." Zhang Fu instructed, the young man who had been silent all along responded in a low voice, escorting Hou Xi and Hu Zhuang to the gate.

  Hou Xi and Hu Zhuang came to Zhang Fu's place, mainly to give a preventive shot, which means that whatever actions they take next, please don't oppose them, Old Master Zhang, at least remain silent.

  "Hou Sima, in a few days, is someone coming? This person, my father knows?" The young man bowed his hands to bid farewell to Hou Xi and Hu Zhuang, suddenly asking a question.

  "Ah, yes, it will be known in two days. Isn't Chen Xiaoge traveling to Linji? How did he return to Xiangyang?" Hou Xiyu responded with a single word and didn't elaborate, then hastily left with Hu Zhuang. A major change is imminent, and Li Yuan is about to enter the city. The imperial guards by their side can't exert much force in battle, but they have many plans. Since the purpose of coming to Zhang Fu's place has been achieved, they are busy thinking about what to do next."

  ——。

  Chen Ping slowly paced back and forth from the doorway, Zhang Fu still sat in the hall, his brow furrowed and not speaking, while Zhang Zhong was anxious and his face turned bright red, but he didn't dare to disturb him.

  "Ah Ping, come and persuade Ah Weng. He hasn't spoken for half a day, it's driving me mad." Zhang Zhong hastily stepped forward and said as soon as he saw Chen Ping enter.

  In this family, Zhang Fu has always been the master of the house. For all these years, Zhang Zhong has lived under his shadow and hasn't experienced many things or trained in any skills. In terms of vision and city governance, he is actually not as far-sighted as his own son-in-law.

  "Ah, just now I saw the expressions of Hou Sima and Hu Zhanglao, both were beaming with joy. If this is only about uniting against Zhao, it shouldn't be such a big deal." Chen Ping stepped forward and said, one has to consider Old Master's face after all. Zhang Zhong couldn't hide his thoughts, besides, he really had something to discuss with Zhang Fu.

  "Ah Ping, you mean to say that Hou Xi and Hu Zhuang will benefit from the great change? I'm afraid this is unlikely. The county magistrate of Fan, Guan Gong Cao, the imperial clan, and those unknown forces are not to be underestimated." Zhang Fu shook his head, Chen Ping's words made him somewhat uncertain.

  Chen Ping is a fellow townsman of Yang Wu. This son-in-law was chosen by him personally, not only does he have a good appearance, but also follows Huang Lao and has a good education. In the past two years, Chen Ping received financial support from the Zhang family, traveled to Wei and Chu, and had extensive social interactions, and can be considered a knowledgeable person.

  Chen Ping's face was calm, and he remained silent for a while before speaking: "Ah, this is just my guess. Originally, I wanted to go out of the city to visit Liu Shi Jun's camp in Wu'an, and have a reunion with old friends. Now, it seems that can't be rushed."

  "Alas, let's wait a bit longer. The matters outside the city can be delayed for now. The disaster of the Daliang is right before our eyes. If it weren't for the fact that we have no other choice, we would not take that step. As for Su Niang, you should pay more attention to her and don't let these things disturb her." Zhang Fu sighed and instructed Chen Ping.

  Being the head of a big family is glorious, but also very tiring. Chen Ping's wife, Zhang Fen's granddaughter Zhang Su Niang, had been engaged five times before, but each time it didn't work out due to various reasons. Perhaps out of sympathy, Zhang Fen was especially fond of Zhang Su Niang.

  "Ah, don't worry, just stay at home for the next few days and take care of Su'er." Chen Ping nodded in response. Now Zhang Suer was over seven months pregnant, it was a time when she couldn't move around easily. Last time from Xuchang to Yangwu, she vomited non-stop all the way on the donkey cart, if there's chaos in this city and she gets frightened, it won't be good.

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