Chapter 509 Acting (Four Thousand)
"Third brother! General Gongsun!"

The sudden familiar words made Zhang Fei stop talking.

Gongsun Zan was slightly startled. Wasn't this voice General Guan? Why was he so anxious? Wasn't General Guan always steady?
The two of them turned their heads and looked behind them almost at the same time, and sure enough, Guan Yu took two steps at a time and came quickly towards them.

Zhang Fei was a little surprised, but fortunately he was familiar with Guan Yu's character and quickly guessed Guan Yu's purpose.

He looked around and confirmed that there were only government guards everywhere and no unfamiliar faces. He felt relieved and asked Guan Yu who was walking towards him, "Second brother, those clan leaders are so shameless. They reacted so quickly? They rushed to the county government so quickly?"

"That's right, third brother, General Gongsun. Come with me to the meeting room!"

Zhang Fei nodded. He was quite interested in how Jia Xu would deal with these gentry.

However, Gongsun Zan's expression changed slightly. Facing the gazes of Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, he forced out a slightly apologetic smile, "General Guan, General Zhang. I'll go call Brother Yue first. I'll be back soon."

Gongsun Zan and Gongsun Yue finally caught up with the meeting convened by Jia Xu, but unfortunately when they arrived at the conference room, they saw that it was full of people.

Fortunately, an unfamiliar voice solved their urgent problem, "General Gongsun, the second and third generals have reserved a seat for you, please follow me."

Gongsun Zan and Gongsun Yue turned around and saw an ordinary-looking official who seemed to have been waiting for a long time.

"Thank you." Gongsun Zan and Gongsun Yue nodded slightly, and under the guidance of the officials, sat next to Zhang Fei and Guan Yu.

Looking at Guan Yu beside him, Gongsun Yue was a little curious. He lowered his voice and asked Gongsun Zan, "Brother, wasn't General Guan in charge of relevant matters before? Why is General Guan so far away from the main seat?"

"I don't know about that either." Gongsun Yue's question really caught Gongsun Zan's attention.

Zhang Fei laughed out loud, "Haha, Captain Gongsun. The reason is very simple. No matter what method is used, it must be combined with reality and constantly improved during implementation. Don't you agree, second brother?"

"Yes, third brother is right." Even Guan Yu, the person involved, nodded.

Gongsun Zan and Gongsun Yue looked at each other, and each saw a hint of surprise on the other's face.

Gongsun Yue said in a low voice of shame: "Brother, considering that the reputation of Military Advisor Jia is far from that of General Zhang, and because General Zhang is a knight-errant, I thought that General Zhang's reputation was mostly a rumor. I never thought that he would have such an opinion. I misunderstood General Zhang."

The more Gongsun Yue spoke, the more complicated his feelings became. As a brother, he could at least understand Guan Yu's strength. After all, Gongsun Zan also had a strong brother, who was the famous General Wei.

But Zhang Fei, who had barely read a book for a few days, was so powerful.
It really made him feel complicated.

"Yes." Gongsun Zan, who was also in a state of emotion, noticed that something was wrong with Gongsun Yue. He patted Gongsun Yue on the shoulder and said with a smile, "I am not as good as Xuande. There is nothing strange about it. Pay more attention to the intentions of Military Advisor Jia. Maybe you can learn something from him."

"That's what my brother said."

Gongsun Yue nodded. It was not difficult to tell from Gongsun Zan's tone that his brother was completely relieved.

Even his brother was relieved, so why should he still care? Could it be that Zhang Fei was stronger than Liu Bei?

He smiled calmly, "General Zhang is a man of great talent, both wise and brave, and his reputation is well-deserved."

"wisdom?"

Gongsun Yue did not deliberately lower his voice when speaking the last few words, so Guan Yu naturally heard them clearly. He looked at Zhang Fei, but no matter how he looked at him, he could not see any wisdom in him.

Zhang Fei, who was a little nervous when being stared at by Guan Yu, leaned close to Guan Yu's ear and shouted in injustice, "Second brother, please don't look at me like that. I really don't know why Gongsun Yue said that. Don't you know what kind of person I am, second brother?"

"Third brother, you are right. I was confused." Guan Yu withdrew his gaze and stopped talking, which made Zhang Fei feel relieved.

In just a moment, the huge hall fell silent.

All the whispers disappeared at this moment, and even the breathing of the crowd became clearly audible, as if the excitement just now was just an illusion.

As for why the change was so abrupt, the usher who had been standing for a long time gave the answer, "The Jingzhao Yin is here in person."

The representatives of the major aristocratic families present clenched their fists nervously. They stared at the side room with wide eyes, and their breathing became rapid.

You must know that the person presiding over this meeting was Jingzhao Yin, a high-ranking official with a rank of 2,000 stones!

Of course, what’s more important is that this Jingzhao Yin is the notorious Jia Xu and Jia Wenhe!

Not to mention them, even Yuan Shao would be scared if he saw them!

No matter how powerful they are, they cannot stop the soldiers from the court!

Not to mention that Huang Zhong, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei and Jia Xu have been working together since Jincheng, Liangzhou. If Jia Xu wants to kill people,
The representatives of the noble families shuddered at the thought. They didn't dare to gamble, but they were also afraid that there was some conspiracy in the announcement. The announcement jointly issued by Gongsun Zan, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei seemed to have problems no matter how they looked at it.

The representatives of the noble families, who had originally resented Xu Shu, actually began to miss him. Although Xu Shu asked them to reduce the rent for the tenants and to pay some money and food, they would not fight over a disagreement.

Such a great family of Yixuan was gone just like that.

Jia Wenhe is really vicious!

"Everyone is here."

Jia Xu walked out of the side room and slowly sat down in the main seat amid the wary and fearful gazes of the crowd.

Jia Xu's image at this moment was very different from the impression that Gongsun Zan and Gongsun Yue had before. He no longer looked gentle, but rather cold. Although he did not look ferocious at all, he made people feel a sudden increase in pressure.

Even the smiles of Gongsun Zan and Gongsun Yue froze on the spot. They both suspected that the Jia Xu they had seen before was a disguise. Perhaps the appearance before them was Jia Xu's true face.

Not to mention the representatives of the aristocratic families present. After all, Jia Xu really has the ability and dares to kill them.

"Since everyone is here, let's discuss the announcement. Even the Han royal family members are actively participating, why don't you respond to the call?"

Winter had clearly passed and spring had arrived, the fire in the hall was clearly burning, and Jia Xu's words were clearly not in a harsh tone.

However, the scholars felt a cold wind like a knife on their backs, and their backs felt heavy as if they were carrying a mountain.

Ju Shou, who was mixed in with the nobles, was really disappointed. These people were more talkative than each other before the appointment, why didn't they dare to breathe now?

"Wait a minute!"

At this moment, a powerful voice suddenly sounded.

Everyone present was shocked, even Gongsun Zan and Gongsun Yue were stunned when they saw the man's appearance clearly.

The two of them couldn't control their mouths and blurted out: "Captain Cao Cao?!"

Correct!
It’s Cao Cao, Cao Mengde, Captain Cao!

Why did Captain Cao suddenly speak up? !
If Guan Yu and Zhang Fei were not there, Gongsun Zan and Gongsun Yue would have said, "Captain Cao, are you hysterical? Don't ruin the plan of Advisor Jia!" The two men came to their senses and immediately cast inquiring glances at Guan Yu and Zhang Fei.

Seeing Zhang Fei and Guan Yu giving them a reassuring look, Gongsun Zan and Gongsun Yue finally breathed a sigh of relief. They both thought at the same time: Perhaps Military Advisor Jia did it on purpose.

However, what Gongsun Zan and Gongsun Yue never expected was that Zhang Fei actually stood up and shouted angrily: "Cao Mengde! What are you doing?! Sit down quickly! Don't ruin the plan of General Jia!"

"Ah?" Gongsun Zan and Gongsun Yue were stunned. Why was Zhang Fei speaking their language? !

Gongsun Zan was the first to react. He thought to himself: Could it be that General Zhang did this on purpose?
But when Gongsun Zan looked at Zhang Fei's face, his previous assumption was instantly overturned.

Zhang Fei's eyes were bared and his teeth were gnashing, his fists were clenched so hard that they made a crackling sound, and he wished he could punch Cao Cao in the face.

This furious look couldn't be more real, and Gongsun Zan could not connect this look with "doing it on purpose" no matter what.

If someone said that Zhang Fei's current performance was fake, Gongsun Zan would be the first to express his disbelief.

Even Gongsun Zan and Gongsun Yue behaved like this. The other representatives of the aristocratic families were even more shocked, and the timid ones began to tremble in fear.

They were all well aware of Zhang Fei's reputation, and they could roughly guess the attitude of such a powerful figure towards them by just scratching their toes.

Generally speaking, it is definitely disdainful.

In terms of real talent and knowledge, Zhang Fei's poems and essays were almost spread all over the world.

When it comes to leading troops in battle, he has made great achievements and can be regarded as a famous general of the time.

In terms of official position and family background, he was a brave man who was granted a title of nobility based on his military exploits. He himself was his own family background. In the future, when people mention the Zhang family of Zhuo County, the first person they think of is Zhang Fei Zhang Yide.

These are not the deciding factors.

The decisive factor was Zhang Fei's background, a genius from a humble background! A fierce man who achieved the title of nobility on his own without the help of his clan, far surpassing most scholars in all aspects. How good could such a fierce man be to the gentry? !
Haven't you seen Gongsun Bogui? He was even born out of wedlock in a rich family! His teacher was Taifu Lu Zhi, who also looked down on the nobles, didn't he? !

But nothing can be so absolute.

Zhang Fei's identity is certainly frightening, but Cao Cao's identity is a good medicine that makes everyone feel at ease.

Who is Cao Cao? One of the Eight Colonels of the Northern Army! One of the Nine Ministers!

His father even held the rank of Grand Marshal!

His grandfather was even granted the title of Marquis of Feiting!
If this isn’t a true aristocratic family, then what is a true aristocratic family?
If they remembered correctly, Lord Cao had always been kind and compassionate, and he loved the soldiers and civilians very much. He was a good friend of Yuan Benchu ​​before! Now he was General Wei's guest of honor!
With Cao Gong's support, why should they be afraid of Jia Wenhe? !
However, everyone was still a little worried. Although Cao Cao was one of the Nine Ministers, he was still controlled by Zhang Fei in military affairs. Not to mention that Cao Cao had been defeated in a previous reckless move.

It remains to be seen whether Cao Cao will stick to his ideas in the face of Zhang Fei's ruthless dissuasion.

Everyone's Adam's apples moved, and they swallowed their saliva, looking at Cao Cao nervously.

Cao Cao refused to give in. He frowned and said in a firm voice, "General Zhang, Advisor Jia is wrong. Why can't I say that?!"

Guan Yu also stood up to act as a peacemaker, "Captain Cao, don't be impulsive, don't be impulsive."

"General Guan, this is a matter between us and Military Advisor Jia. I hope you don't interfere!"

Cao Cao's answer won the hearts of the representatives of the various noble families and eased their anxiety. Sure enough, the Grand Herald was still on their side!
However, this answer made Zhang Fei even more unhappy. Seeing that Cao Cao was unmoved, his brows furrowed deeper and deeper, and the anger brewing in his eyes grew stronger and stronger, and was about to explode.

Jia Xu suddenly said, "General Zhang, General Guan. Don't try to persuade him. Let him speak."

"Military Advisor Jia, but..." Zhang Fei looked puzzled, but even Guan Yu began to persuade Zhang Fei.

Zhang Fei glared at Cao Cao fiercely before stopping.

Without the resistance of Zhang Fei, Cao Cao cleared his throat and delivered his long speech with great eloquence.

The general meaning is that the Jizhou gentry are not ordinary gentry, they are meritorious gentry, they are gentry who have produced talented people.

Governing Jizhou should be a concerted effort between the court and local nobles to overcome the current difficulties.

The nobles must have their own considerations for not releasing the talented people in their clan, and they should not be implicated in this.

In the process of expressing his views, Cao Cao frequently used allusions, and he did so with ease.

This makes most people agree with it, and at the same time they can't help but sigh at Cao Cao's brilliant literary talent, which is truly admirable.

However, it was also noticed that Jia Xu's brows were getting deeper and deeper, and he was obviously not convinced by Cao Cao.

Just as Cao Cao was about to continue, Jia Xu couldn't help but yelled, "Enough!"

"!" Cao Cao's expression changed slightly, the smile on his lips receded like a wave, and his voice became colder and colder, "Haha, how come Jingzhao Yin can't even listen to the words of a captain like me?"

"You are sophistry." Jia Xu said in a bad tone.

Cao Cao retorted, "Justice is in the hearts of the people!"

After saying this, he ignored Jia Xu's thoughts. He looked around at everyone and spoke passionately: "Gentlemen, how can we scholars swallow our anger! Jia Wenhe won't give you justice, I will! Don't be afraid of Jia Wenhe! I am also one of the Nine Ministers! It is not Jia Wenhe's turn to be presumptuous! Gentlemen, let Jia Wenhe see the courage of scholars like us!"

After Cao Cao's instigation, several representatives of the gentry really stood up and expressed their strong dissatisfaction.

Jia Xu's face became increasingly gloomy, as gloomy as if dark clouds were gathering. He squeezed out a hoarse and low voice from between his teeth, "Good, good, good Cao Mengde, very good!"

The meeting ended in a bad mood.

Gongsun Zan blinked his eyes. Even after sending away the representatives of the nobles, he still felt that everything seemed so unreal. He was in such a trance that the scene before his eyes seemed blurry.

But then he heard Zhang Fei shout, "Comrade, please prepare your writing!"

"Ah?" Gongsun Zan finally came to his senses. He asked Gongsun Yue, "Brother Yue, why does General Zhang need a pen and ink?"

Gongsun Yue said blankly: "I don't know!"

Gongsun Zan had no choice but to move closer to Zhang Fei, as the hall was now empty and filled with people from the government office.

Besides, Gongsun Zan was not an outsider, so Zhang Fei naturally had no intention of hiding anything.

When Gongsun Zan saw the words on Zhang Fei's paper, his eyes widened. If he remembered correctly, these were the names of the people who had just stood up to support Cao Cao!

Could it be that.
Gongsun Zan suddenly felt his scalp tingling. Could it be that the dispute between Military Advisor Jia and Captain Cao was intentional? ! Was it a deliberate show for them? !
Zhang Fei glanced at Gongsun Zan, and seemed to have guessed what Gongsun Zan was thinking. He chuckled, "General Gongsun, it's not over yet."

(End of this chapter)