Zhang Heng returned to the city and discussed with everyone how to rescue Wang Shuang. They all knew that Liu Qi loved money, so they prepared money and food to redeem him.
Suddenly, the garrison reported that Wang Shuang had returned to the city. Zhang Heng was shocked and hurriedly called him in for questioning. Wang Shuang hesitated, so Zhang Heng had to send his servants away and question him alone.
Zhang Heng asked in confusion, "Although I know Liu Qi treats prisoners well, he will never let anyone go easily. How did you get back?"
Wang Shuangyan said, "Liu Qi said that my adoptive father was also a hero of Xiliang and had raised an army to rescue the emperor. He should not have joined forces with Han Sui, and he should not have worked for Cao Cao. He should put justice first. If he could abandon the dark and join the light and serve the court, we will put aside the past grudges."
"Hmm?" Zhang Heng pulled his beard and pondered, "Does Liu Qi really mean this?"
Zhang Heng was different from Yang Qiu and others. He was originally a former subordinate of Dong Zhuo. After Dong Zhuo's death, Li Jue and others rebelled. He, together with Liang Xing, Duan Wei and others, killed Li Jue and returned to his hometown in Longxi.
Later, Ma Teng was killed, and Ma Chao raised an army to seek revenge. He also responded. Han Sui surrendered to Cao Cao and returned to Longxi. He did not want to get involved in Liangzhou affairs anymore, but he did not expect Ma Chao to escape to Longxi.
Originally, Ma Chao was trapped in Jincheng and everyone thought he was doomed, but he escaped death. Han Sui told Zhang Heng that if they did not work together to get rid of Ma Chao, no one who retreated across the Weishui River at that time would be spared.
Han Sui and Cao's soldiers chased him here. He knew that if he did not agree, he would be killed by Han Sui immediately before Ma Chao came to take revenge, so he had to get involved.
Now seeing Liu Qi leading his troops westward to rescue Ma Chao, Zhang Heng felt more and more that there was no chance of winning this battle. Cao Cao was not even a match for Liu Qi, let alone Han Sui
Seeing that Zhang Heng was still hesitating, Wang Shuang told him what Liu Qi had said, saying, "Han Sui is cruel and ruthless. He even betrayed his sworn brother and wanted to kill Ma Chao. This kind of treacherous villain is unreliable. I think Liu Qi, a relative of the Han Dynasty, is the real wise leader."
"What do you know at such a young age?" Zhang Heng snorted coldly. There was more than just his life and death involved here.
While he was hesitating, a guard suddenly came to report that Liang Xing had led his troops outside the city and requested a meeting.
Among all the generals in Xiliang, he had the best friendship with Liang Xing. Zhang Heng specifically asked Han Sui to send Liang Xing to help in the battle this time because he did not trust others enough.
Zhang Heng went out personally to welcome Liang Xing into the city. After they sat down, they exchanged greetings and Liang Xing asked about the battle that had just taken place.
Zhang Heng sighed, "Liu Qi has a strong army and horses, and he has Zhang Fei and Zhao Yun leading the troops. I just went out of the city to meet the enemy and was almost killed. My son was also captured by Zhang Fei."
Liang Xing pointed at Wang Shuang and asked in confusion: "Isn't my nephew here?"
Zhang Heng said: "Liu Qi just released my son and is willing to reconcile. He said that this time he only wants to eliminate Han Sui and stabilize Xiliang. As long as we abandon the dark and join the light..."
Bang!
Liang Xing slammed the table and said angrily: "What do you mean by abandoning the dark and joining the light? We are following the orders of Prime Minister Cao and suppressing the rebellion. We are the army of justice. What is Liu Qi?"
Zhang Heng said: "Liu Qi is a relative of the Han Dynasty and wants to restore the Han Dynasty. Cao Cao has been promoted to Duke of Wei. Their intentions of usurping the throne are obvious. Brother Liang should think twice!"
Liang Xing sneered, "What nonsense! Prime Minister Cao serves the emperor. As long as we get rid of Ma Chao this time, we can be granted titles and become generals, bringing honor to our family. What can Liu Qi give us? Now we each have a hundred thousand troops, and victory is certain. You must not take any chances. If you make a mistake, you will be killed!"
Zhang Heng's face changed slightly, and he frowned and said, "But Zhang Fei and Zhao Yun are indeed brave, and you and I are no match for them. What should we do?"
Liang Xing laughed and said, "Zhang Fei is just a reckless man, what ability does Zhao Yun have? My dear brother, you can't defeat him. Wait and see how I defeat him. When I defeat Liu Qi, don't steal the credit from me."
Zhang Heng sighed, "Zhang Fei and the other two are very skilled in martial arts, no less than Ma Chao, brother, you must not underestimate the enemy."
Liang Xing said with a smile, "My dear brother, Liu Qi deliberately released my nephew to win people's hearts. This is a plot to sow discord. Now we have General Han to help us earn merits, and we can share the glory and wealth. If Ma Chao rises, how can you and I live so freely? This Longxi land does not belong to you, my dear brother. It is better to be the head of a chicken than the tail of an ox. Do you understand?"
Zhang Heng hesitated again. He had been in Xiliang for many years and was used to being free and unfettered. If he was really restricted by others and lost his territory, he would be reluctant to leave. Finally, he nodded and said, "Brother Liang, what you said makes sense."
Liang Xing held Zhang Heng's arm and said with emotion: "I think of you and I, who joined the army in Xiliang, from being a soldier to now, through life and death for decades. Who is strong and who is weak, and where to go, can't I see it better than you?"
Zhang Heng said, "It is because of our old friendship that I am being frank with Brother Liang and discussing this matter. Since it is impossible to do so, we should unite to fight the enemy."
Liang Xing smiled and said, "Just rest assured and defend the city. I will station troops outside the city, and the candidates from the north will arrive soon. Liu Qi has come from afar and must be short of food and grass. If we attack from three directions, Liu Qi will surely be defeated."
Zhang Heng felt relieved and sent Liang Xing out of the city. He set up a large camp along the river, and the people inside and outside the city supported each other and joined forces to fight against Liu Qi.
Seeing Zhang Heng change his mind again, Wang Shuang said anxiously, "Foster father, Liang Xing is definitely not Liu Qi's opponent, we must not hesitate any longer."
Zhang Heng sneered, "How could you know my brilliant plan? Liang Xing is not on the same page with me. He is outside the city and will deal with Liu Qi's troops first. Let's see how they win and then make a decision."
Wang Shuang was helpless, knowing that he could not persuade Zhang Heng. Remembering Liu Qi's instructions, he did not force him and had to give up for the time being.
Before he knew it, it was already dark. A scout came to report that the Han army was camping in the distance. He couldn't help but feel anxious. Before leaving, Liu Qi said that he had another plan, so why had there been no movement
After dinner, Wang Shuang was walking alone on the street to relieve his boredom. Suddenly, Old Zhao from the iron shop said he had just made a new sword and asked him to try it out. Wang Shuang happily went.
The two came to the backyard, but found it empty. Wang Shuang was startled: "Where is the knife?"
Old Zhao smiled and said, "Young General, don't worry. I am here on the orders of General Liu to question you."
"What General Liu?" Wang Shuang was startled, then his face changed drastically, his eyes widened and he exclaimed: "You are..."
"Young General, be quiet!" Old Zhao quickly stopped him and said, "General Liu saw that Zhang Heng had not made any move since you returned to the city. He didn't know what he was thinking, so he sent me here to get the news."
Wang Shuang was shocked. This old Zhao blacksmith shop was a craft passed down from his ancestors. Several generations of his ancestors had been in Lintao. When did it become Liu Qi's spy
Old Zhao comforted Wang Shuang and whispered, "General Liu was willing to expose his identity to contact you, which shows that he trusts you. You must not let him down."
Wang Shuang took a deep breath, calmed himself, and told him how Zhang Heng was persuaded by Liang Xing and hesitated, and asked anxiously, "What should I do now?"
Old Zhao smiled helplessly and said, "I am only responsible for delivering the message. I don't know anything else. But don't worry, General. If General Liu has other instructions, I will contact you."
Wang Shuang asked, "When will I come again?"
Old Zhao instructed: "Young General, if you see a shovel hanging at the door of a store, you can come find me."
Wang Shuang felt relieved. As all the meteor hammers were lost today, he asked Lao Zhao to make three more overnight. These were hidden weapons for self-defense and life-saving, and they had to be carried with him at all times.