Sun Ce suddenly became alert. Gifts? What kind of gifts? Don’t say that Zhen Yan wanted to surrender to me, this is simply unrealistic. The Zhen family in Zhongshan is not a small family, but a representative of the Hebei family. If Zhen Yan dares to surrender, even if Yuan Tan is kind, he will immediately confiscate the Zhen family. Even if he doesn’t kill him, at least he will be under house arrest.

Besides, if Zhen Yan dared to surrender, why would he surrender until now?

"Where does this start?"

Zhang Hong sighed. "The general is kind and does not kill Zhen Yan, the Zhen family is grateful. However, the three thousand war horses the general asked for are too large. Even if the Zhen family buys them, they cannot deliver them to the general. I have no choice but to make this decision, and I want to exchange one person for another, and offer thirty horses to thank the general for their kindness."

"One person changes another person?" Sun Ce already understood what Zhang Hong meant, but found it ridiculous. "But I am only interested in ransom and war horses, not in people. I heard that Zhen Yan's father and brother died early, and he is now the head of the Zhen family. Who else can compare with him in the Zhen family?"

Zhang Hong didn't say anything, but looked around and Sun Ce waved his hand. "If you have something to say, just say it. I'm all my confidant here."

"Here." Zhang Hong nodded. "What the general said is that Zhen Yan's father and brother died early, and now there are only two brothers left. The younger brother is underage. He is the head of the Zhen family. It is impossible for the Zhen family to leave for a while. In a few years, no one can replace him. However, this is not the case for the Zhen family. The general is full of heroes and talents. He is just a defeated general. His literary talent is only a county magistrate, and his martial arts are only a lieutenant. As a prisoner, if he cannot exchange for ransom, what is the significance of the general except for consuming food every day?"

Sun Ce was very surprised. Zhang Hong looked like a martial artist, but he spoke quite thoughtfully and had a very good character. No wonder he went to the grassland to do business. He didn't say anything and signaled Zhang Hong to continue. Zhang Hong bowed to thank him, and then said, "Although the Zhen family is not strong, there are many women. Zhen Yan has five sisters, all of whom are healthy and have a small appearance, especially young girls. Not only are they smart, they read poetry and books, but they are also noble in their destiny. The prime minister Liu Liang once praised the children of the Zhen family, but only said that this woman is noble and unspeakable. The sister of the family thought that the general was young and heroic, and the young champion was powerful in the world. She should be her destined good match. She wished to offer this woman to the general to serve a broom and thank the general for not killing her."

After Zhang Hong finished speaking, he looked at Sun Ce quietly, with a little more confident in his eyes. He believed that his words could impress Sun Ce. Zhen Yan's letter said that Sun Ce was lustful and had taken several concubines before he was young. When he captured him, he specifically mentioned his sister Zhen Mi. He must have coveted Zhen Mi's beauty, so he ignored his decent strong desire. Although he did not like Sun Ce's character, the Zhen family had no choice. Zhen Yi died early, and Zhen Yan's elder brother Zhen Yu also died of illness a few years ago. Now there are only two sons of Zhen Yan and Zhen Yao. Zhen Yao is young. If Zhen Yan was killed, the Zhen family will not be in charge for ten years, let alone the official position. In such a chaotic era, it is too dangerous for no adult man to be the master of the family.

So no matter what, Zhen Yan must be replaced, even if Zhen Mi was sacrificed. Anyway, the Yuan family has no hope. It is better to marry Sun Ce than to marry Yuan Xi, as a waste. At least Jiang Dong'er seems to have some chance to fight for the world. Maybe Zhen Mi's fate is in line with Sun Ce. If this is the case, the Zhen family will make a profit.

Of course, he could not say that Zhen Mi is beautiful, which is too direct, which means that Sun Ce is lustful. It is different to say that Zhen Mi has a noble fate. This is a praising Sun Ce's noble fate and a bright future. A martial artist like him who is from a poor family wants to fight for dominance in the world, and what he lacks most is fame. Otherwise, he would not regard himself as Yuan Shu's heir and marry Yuan Shu's underage daughter. He should have no resistance to such a good omen from heaven.

Sun Ce looked at Zhang Hong, unable to laugh or cry. No matter how dull he was, he could understand Zhang Hong’s implications and better understand Zhang Hong’s logic. If it were a few days ago, he might have sneered at the statement that life is precious or not, but now it is different. Even if he doesn’t believe it, there seems to be no need to make it public, after all, others believe it.

"Who is the prime minister you mentioned? Where can I find him?"

"The surname is Liu and the name is Liang, Zhongshan, and the area around Changshan is quite famous."

"He really said that?"

"It's true." Zhang Hong continued: "Actually, my sister said something, but there was no evidence from outsiders, so she didn't dare to speak to the general."

Sun Ce smiled. "Tell me, listen."

"My sister said that after this girl was born, when she was in her infancy, she often felt that someone covered her with jade clothes, and the room was shining."

Sun Ce almost laughed out loud, but admired Zhang Hong's eloquence. If he told this story first, most people would not believe it, but putting what a famous figure said in front of him and adding this statement to prove it, the situation would be different, and the credibility would increase greatly. Of course, figures can also be bribed, but people in this era attach great importance to the face of each other. Newborns will meet each other, and it is common for professional figures to invite professional figures, and famous figure teachers are still very popular.

"If I let Zhen Yan go back, what will he do next?"

"Study behind closed doors, wait for the general to wipe out the world and share peace." Zhang Hong smiled bitterly. "Since the Yuan brothers are unwilling to invest in redeeming people, they must not be able to force others to do anything. Of course, the Zhen family is unable to compete with the Yuan family, so they can only protect themselves."

Sun Ce nodded. "What about the foot?"

Zhang Hong was a little surprised and laughed in silence. "I am just a businessman who went to and from the grassland to sell some fur horses. Although he is a little powerful in the Zhongshan area, he is far inferior to Mi Zizhong in the Donghai. If the general is willing to support him, I am still unlucky."

"Haha, I don't know anything. My Sun family is also a businessman. The business is not as big as yours. It's really a small business. Fortunately, I'm lucky. The business has been a bit bigger in recent years. If I'm interested, we can join forces. I'm interested in horses and furs. But what I'm most interested in is the news on the grassland. Is there anything I want to hear if I don't know?"

Zhang Hong was surprised. He had been in business for many years, had a wide range of knowledge and was well-educated. He not only learned good eloquence, but also had eyes that had insight into people's hearts. He could see at a glance that although the young general in front of him did not refuse this deal, his interest in Zhen Mi was obviously not very strong. On the contrary, he preferred to value the information he had, and was obviously ambitious about Youzhou.

Mi Zhu appeared around the Bohai Sea, from Liaodong to Guangyang, and Zhuo County, but he could not involve the inland. Whether it was Gongsun Zan or Liu Bei, he was very wary of him and was unwilling to let him do business in the inland. This not only had the purpose of monopolizing business, but also had the intention of restricting him from inquiring about the news from Youzhou. Everyone knew that Mi Zhu was stranded in Bohai Sea not only for business.

On the contrary, he had this convenience. Zhongshan people were good at doing business, and there were many big businessmen, and they had close contacts with Youzhou counties and Hu tribes on the grassland. If Zhongshan merchants could become his eyes and ears, they could make up for Mi Zhu's shortcomings.

In an instant, Zhang Hong realized a problem: Zhen Yan might have underestimated Sun Ce. Zhen Mi was not Sun Ce's goal at all, at least not the main goal. The Zhongshan businessman who is famous in the northern border was. Zhang Hong made a decision after a moment of thinking.

"So, does the general agree?"

Sun Ce nodded. "You said too, if I refuse, I can only leave Zhen Yan to consume food, and there is no other use. Why should I do such a thing that harms others and is not good for myself? However, this transaction is limited to Zhen Yan, and at most a few guards are brought, and his subordinates are not included."

Zhang Hong was in a dilemma. Zhen Yan's subordinates were the Zhen family's troops, and some were representatives of the powerful people in northern Hebei. They followed Zhen Yan to support Yuan Shao. Now Sun Ce only let Zhen Yan go back and did not let those people go. How could he explain to the powerful people in northern Hebei? He repeatedly weighed the pros and consented to Sun Ce, but Sun Ce was very determined. One person who had agreed to be replaced by another person. A gentleman's word was as good as he could. If he wanted to let go, he could only let Zhen Yan go, and the others could not let go.

Zhang Hong had no choice but to agree first. If he annoyed Sun Ce and didn't even let Zhen Yan go, then his trip would be in vain.

"Please tell me what happened on the grassland." Sun Ce asked Zhang Hong to take his seat and ordered someone to have tea.

At this time, someone informed that Feng Wan was coming. Sun Ce didn't think much about it and asked Feng Wan to come in and speak. After a while, Feng Wan walked in with brisk steps. Seeing someone sitting there, she was a little disgusted. She stuck out her tongue, walked around Sun Ce, and muttered a few words. She just met Cai Mao on the road, and Cai Mao said she wanted to give her a house. She wanted to collect it but didn't dare to collect it. She happened to pass by, so she came to ask Sun Ce what she meant.

Sun Ce looked at her. "Do you know where that house is and what it looks like?"

"I know, Achu and I have been there several times."

"like?"

"I like that house is at the foot of Gushe Mountain, with the back of the mountain and the water. When you go out, you can get a boat trip, which is both convenient and quiet."

"If you like it, please accept it, but ask for the price clearly, I'll pay it back."

Feng Wan was surprised and happy, and then said, "Isn't this good? Now..." When the words came to his mouth, Sun Ce gave a wink. Feng Wan remembered that there was an outsider on his side and swallowed it back. She was so happy that she was at a loss. Sun Ce smiled and said, "Okay, go and do it first. I have a big business to negotiate here."

"Okay, OK." Feng Wan nodded repeatedly and went out with a smile on her face.

Sun Ce smiled at Zhang Hong and said, "This is my concubine Feng, so the daughter of Feng Fang, the captain of the Sili School, does not understand the rules, so she laughed."

Zhang Hong was very surprised. He now understood why Sun Ce was not very interested in Zhen Mi. In terms of appearance, the Feng family was no less than Zhen Wan, and could be called a national beauty. He restrained his mind, and also put away his unwillingness in his heart, cheered up and explained to Sun Ce about the things on Youzhou and the grassland.

"General, Youzhou has changed a lot in the past two years. After the governor Zhang Ze took office, he supported Liu Bei with one hand and appeased the Xianbei and Wuhuan troops. After Liu He returned to Youzhou, he was appointed as the prefect of Zhuo County. Gongsun Zan was attacked from both sides and no longer arrogant. Liu Bei trained troops in Yuyang. Now he has troops and food, and his strength has surpassed Gongsun Zan. His generals, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun, Tian Yu, and other generals, were all good at their abilities and had won several times. It was Zhang Ze's heavy arm. With the help of Liu Bei and Liu He, Zhang Ze's creeping tiger was like adding wings, and the Youzhou was rarely stable."

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Chapter completed!