Chapter 242 Sun Jian's Son
The fifth day of the first lunar month, the second year of Chuping.

Guangcheng Pass.

Sun Jian had a very miserable New Year.

He drained all the oil and water nearby, but the soldiers still had to go hungry.

Sometimes, Sun Jian had to doubt whether his original move of recruiting soldiers and buying horses was a mistake.

Less than 10,000 people and 20,000 people are two different concepts. Sun Jian didn’t understand that before. He thought the more people the better and that they could accomplish great things.

But now, Sun Jian finally understood that no matter how many people there were, it was useless if they didn't have enough food and would not have the strength to fight.

For example, the battle at the beginning of this year.

Sun Jian defeated Lu Bu again in a head-on battle.

But then, Sun Jian was dumbfounded.

Relying on the mobility of the Bingzhou Wolf Cavalry, Lu Bu played a game of hide-and-seek with Sun Jian.

Sun Jian's warhorse was not as good as Lu Bu's, and his cavalry was not as well-trained as the Bingzhou Wolf Cavalry. As a result, even though he won, he was unable to expand his victory and had to retreat to Guangcheng Pass to defend it.

Not only would it waste fighter planes, but it would also consume all the limited military rations.

If there is no reinforcement within three days, the army will be on the verge of mutiny.

Today is exactly two days since that battle, which means it is the third day.

The entire army had not a single grain of food left, and rumors were spreading in the army. Sun Jian killed many people, but the rumors could not be stopped.

Sun Jian knew that there were spies infiltrating the army, but there was no food, no matter how much he tried, it was useless.

Just as a mutiny was about to happen, Cheng Pu came back!

And he came back with food and fodder!
Sun Jian personally went out to greet him to show his importance.

After a few days of recuperation, Cheng Pu was barely able to mount a horse and trot for a while, so when he met his lord, he rode on horseback.

"Demou comes back just in time!"

Sun Jian looked at the long convoy behind Cheng Pu excitedly, and said with emotion: "I didn't expect that Demou was so eloquent that he could get the governor of Yangzhou to send so much food and grass!"

Cheng Pu tried hard to get off his horse, but failed. His confidants wanted to help him, but were pushed away by Sun Jian.

Afterwards, Cheng Pu was helped off the horse by Sun Jian himself.

But Cheng Pu was not moved at all. Compared with Jin Mao's magnanimity, Sun Jian seemed petty.

Perhaps, this is the different kind of confidence that comes from different bases.

After Cheng Pu landed, he still gave Sun Jian face and clasped his fists and said, "My lord, you have something important to tell me."

After saying that, Cheng Pu looked around and his meaning was very clear. There were so many people here and some things were difficult to say.

But Sun Jian was worrying about how to boost morale, and Jinmao’s golden signboard came just in time!

So, Sun Jian said proudly: "The governor of Yangzhou and I are like brothers. If you have anything to say, just say it in front of the brothers!"

Cheng Pu looked at Sun Jian strangely and shook his head helplessly.

Since Sun Jian insisted on offering his face, Cheng Pu didn't mind hitting him louder.

Cheng Pu shouted, "My Lord! Envoy Jin has already said so!"

"This time we will provide 4,000 shi of grain and grass. If you want more in the future, you will have to go to Luyang County!"

He took out a sealed letter from a bamboo tube and said, "I have a letter. Please take a look, my lord!"

This time, those who should have heard it have heard it, and those who shouldn’t have heard it have also heard it.

The smile on Sun Jian's face froze, but he couldn't blame Cheng Pu. Cheng Pu had already indicated that they should talk in a place with fewer people, but he didn't listen.

But as the lord, how can I take the initiative to apologize?

"Hahahaha!"

Sun Jian laughed to hide his embarrassment, snatched the bamboo tube from Cheng Pu's hand, opened it, looked around and said loudly: "My junior brother just loves to joke!"

"If he can support me once, he can support me twice!"

"Don't worry, everyone. I will make sure you have enough food before you go to the battlefield!"

These words had a very inspiring effect, and morale was visibly restored, mainly due to the effectiveness of the actual food and fodder.

But after reading the contents of the letter, Sun Jian's face turned darker than the bottom of a pot.

This time, Jin Mao was not so polite in his letter. He directly asked Sun Jian to be his dog.

If you don’t listen, then try it!

Yuan Shu was already deposed, Liu Biao was half-deposed, and Liu Yan was nailed to death in Yizhou by Jin Mao.

The only other nearby lords who had the power to support Sun Jian were Dong Zhuo and Yuan Shao.

Sun Jian would definitely not choose the former, and if he went to the latter, he would just be a dog, no difference.

But Sun Jian really had the idea of ​​joining Yuan Shao.

Perhaps, this is the bad nature of human beings.

I would rather be a dog for a stranger than for an acquaintance.

However, Sun Jian was always a heroic leader. He patiently settled everything before returning to the central military tent to hold a high-level meeting.

At this time, Sun Jian stopped pretending and slammed the table while shouting, "This is too much!"

Han Dang, Zu Mao and Zhu Zhi were unaware of the inside story and all looked at Cheng Pu, who had an attitude of "a dead pig that is not afraid of boiling water".

Cheng Pu was mentally prepared that if Sun Jian still refused to repent, he would go to Jin Mao.

Fortunately, Sun Jian vented for a while and then controlled his emotions. He looked at Cheng Pu and asked, "Does the governor of Yangzhou have any other instructions?"

Cheng Pu didn't know the contents of the letter, so he said with a clear conscience, "No more."

Sun Jian angrily slammed the paper letter on the table and shouted, "Then do you know what is written in it?"

Cheng Pu calmly clasped his fists and said, "Please let the Lord know."

"You still call me Lord!" Sun Jian vented his anger on Cheng Pu: "I am not your Lord, Jin Mao is your Lord!"

Cheng Pu looked at Sun Jian in disbelief.

Even if Han Dang disliked Cheng Pu, as they were both from the north, they were natural allies, so he couldn't help but plead for Cheng Pu: "My lord, there must be a misunderstanding here!"

"Misunderstanding?" Sun Jian said hysterically, "There is no misunderstanding here!"

"He is Jin Mao's running dog!"

Then, Sun Jian made his plan of self-torture known to the public, pointing at Cheng Pu and saying, "I was kept in the dark, and in the end I had no choice but to accept it!"

These words left Han Dang speechless.

It also deeply hurt Cheng Pu's heart.

Obviously, everything he did was for Sun Jian, but why couldn't he get trust?

Cheng Pu really wanted to tell the truth and tell everyone that the envoy would never change his mind this time and they must be careful.

But Cheng Pu has his own dignity. Since he is not understood, he will not explain anymore.

"Are you mute?" Sun Jian said crazily, "If you don't speak, you admit it!"

"From now on, Cheng Pu and Cheng Demou are no longer my subordinates. Go and join Jin Mao!"

"Haven't you always wanted to go?"

As soon as these words came out, Han Dang and his three generals immediately knelt down and begged, "My lord! Please think twice!"

Cheng Pu stood up, looked at Sun Jian and said, "I was so blind to follow someone like you!"

"You don't need to plead for me!"

"I, Cheng Demou, have a clear conscience!"

"I don't want to leave you here, I have my own place to stay."

Cheng Pu clasped his fists and said, "Everyone, let's say goodbye now!"

After saying that, he left without looking back.

Han Dang stood up and was about to chase him, but Sun Jian stopped him: "No need to chase him! Let him go!" Han Dang was very confused and asked: "My lord, why do you do this?"

"Demou is thinking about you with all his heart!"

Then, Han Dang told Sun Jian the part he knew. After hearing it, the latter turned pale, staggered and bumped into the table.

"It turns out that I was wrong about Demou!"

Zhu Zhi took the opportunity to suggest: "Please go and get Demou back, my lord."

Sun Jian seemed to have suddenly realized his mistake and said anxiously, "Prepare the horses! Prepare the horses for me!"

After saying this, he hurried out, leaving the three generals looking at each other in bewilderment.

night.

At the foot of Lushan Mountain.

Cheng Pu brought ten of his followers and rushed to this place, regardless of the pain in his back. This was the place where Yuan Shu used to roast chicken.

But the pain in the body cannot compare to the pain in the heart.

Especially when you revisit an old place, you will recall the past when you see the things there.

pain!It hurts so much!
No sleep for one night.

The next morning.

Cheng Pu and his followers were cooking and eating, and were about to set off when one of his followers suddenly called out, "General! Someone is chasing you!"

Yesterday, Cheng Pu made it clear to his subordinates that only these ten people were willing to follow him to join Jinmao.

After all, these were all veterans and private soldiers who followed Sun Jian. It was considered good to have ten of them following him.

The snow had not yet melted, but Cheng Pu saw at a glance that the convoy was flying a flag with the word "Sun" on it, and there was a man leading the way. Who else could it be but Sun Jian?

However, Cheng Pu couldn’t understand why Sun Jian brought so many people with him if he wanted to chase him, as if he was bringing his whole family with him.

When they got closer, Cheng Pu discovered that Sun Jian really came with his family.

"Demou, there were so many people here yesterday that I couldn't say many things clearly. Please forgive me if I have offended you."

As soon as Sun Jian arrived, he dismounted from his horse, knelt on one knee and begged for forgiveness.

Cheng Pu had never seen such a scene before, so he quickly stepped forward to help Sun Jian up, "Lord... Sun Yuzhou is worrying too much, I don't blame you at all."

Sun Jian sighed, smiled bitterly and said: "You are right to feel resentful. Who told me, your lord, to be such a failure?"

Cheng Pu remained silent. Since he had made up his mind to leave, he would not turn back.

Sun Jian saw Cheng Pu's expression and sighed again, "The governor of Yangzhou wants me to send my family to Jianye County to settle down. The journey is long, so I hope you can take care of me for the sake of our friendship."

This time, Cheng Pu had to react and asked in shock: "Is what you said true?"

"Did the envoy really say that in his letter?"

This is different from what I said at the beginning!
Sun Jian had known this for a long time, so he pretended to be surprised and asked, "You don't know about Demou?"

Cheng Pu jumped up and down in regret, "If I had known this earlier... oh no!"

"It's too late! Everything is too late!"

At this time, Sun Jian began to play the emotional card and said: "Cheng Pu, don't be sad. You and I were once a king and a subject. All the wrongs were caused by me alone!"

"I just hope you can take good care of my family, so I can go fight Dong Zhuo without any worries."

Cheng Pu said solemnly: "Don't worry!"

"As long as I am still alive, I will protect you!"

Sun Jian let out a long sigh and said, "I feel relieved with your words."

For a moment, Cheng Pu felt very sad. He couldn't explain how he felt, but he always felt that he had done something wrong.

Sun Jian saw this and tried to comfort Cheng Pu until his image in Cheng Pu's heart was restored.

"It's getting late."

Sun Jian looked up at the sky and said, "You don't have many guards around you, so you should set off as soon as possible."

"When we get to Luyang County, please tell the governor of Yangzhou that I, Sun Jian, will fully comply with his wishes. However, as the commander-in-chief of the army, I cannot act rashly."

After all, Sun Jian was still worried that Jin Mao would take the opportunity to detain him and then annex his troops, so he did not dare to go to Luyang County.

Things are different now. Sun Jian used to be confident that he could escape from Jin Mao, but now the strength of the two is not equal. If he goes to Luyang County, his life and death will really be in the hands of Jin Mao.

Sun Jian didn't like this.

As a fellow human being, Sun Jian would rather believe in Yuan Shu's arrogance than bet on Jin Mao's kindness.

If it were him, he would do the same without hesitation.

This may be what is called mutual appreciation.

Cheng Pu was unaware of this and was still hesitating whether to join Jinmao.

After Sun Jian's explanation, Cheng Pu began to feel a little doubtful and worried whether he would be accepted.

But when I thought about how well Zhang Fei and Guan Yu were doing, this slight hesitation disappeared.

The eighth day of the first lunar month, evening.

Cheng Pu brought Sun Jian's family and finally arrived in Luyang County.

Soon, Jin Mao learned about this and came to the camp gate to greet him in person.

Seeing Cheng Pu bringing his family with him, Jin Mao felt puzzled. Then, when he saw his family holding a flag with the word "Sun" on it, he became even more confused.

Without giving Jin Mao more time to think, Cheng Pu bowed from a distance and said, "Commoner Cheng Pu pays respects to the governor of Yangzhou."

This self-proclaimed name confused Jin Mao even more, and he couldn't help but wonder, "Demou, what are you doing?"

Everything was fine when I left, how come it became like this when I came back?
Cheng Pu was even more surprised, but he still remembered Sun Jian's request, so he said, "Please allow me to report this to you, Lord. Sun Yuzhou asked me to apologize on his behalf. The army cannot be without a commander for a day, and Sun Yuzhou specifically asked me to escort his family to you."

Jin Mao was even more confused. In his letter, he only wanted Sun Jian to come in person to explain. Why did he want his family to do that?
He is not Cao the thief!

However, upon learning that the carriage was filled with Sun Jian's family, Jin Mao had no choice but to show courtesy and meet these people one by one.

Unexpectedly, Sun Jian was ruthless enough to send all his four sons, three daughters and two wives.

Including Sun Ce, that makes five sons in total!

This is one way to do it. In ancient times, generals would leave their families behind when they went to war to show their loyalty.

But Jinmao doesn't want to take over this mess.

Especially since there is also Sun Quan in it.

This kid is only ten years old, but he is like a little adult, knowing etiquette and when to go. What will he be like when he grows up?
Jin Mao likes simple-minded people like Sun Ce, but he dislikes people like Sun Quan.

In particular, he had to leave Sun Jian in the rear, as he was really afraid that Sun Quan would do something weird.

His mind was in a mess, so Jin Mao sent Sun Jian's family to rest and talked to Cheng Pu alone.

It was not until Cheng Pu explained the whole story that Jin Mao realized, "Sun Jian is more than just a reckless man."

If he did not have the help of his advisers, he would be inferior to Sun Jian in every way.

There are a lot of troubles, but there is one good thing.

"So, Demou, you are free now?"

Jin Mao immediately offered an olive branch and asked, "Would Cheng Pu be willing to work for me?"

Cheng Pu bowed without any hindrance and said, "Cheng Pu greets Mingshang."

Jin Mao said his favorite sentence: "I still like you to call me Lord!"

Cheng Pu hesitated for a second, then bowed again, "Greetings, my lord!"

Jin Mao was overjoyed, and helped Cheng Pu up, saying, "I'll keep the position of the Cavalry Commandant for you."

"From now on, you only need to listen to my orders!"

Cheng Pu's frozen heart burned again, and he transferred his hopes from Sun Jian to Jin Mao.

(End of this chapter)