Chapter 790 Gan Mei's Sorrow
My over-protection may be unintentionally depriving them of the opportunity to grow.
When Zhuge Liang was immersed in thinking, he saw soldiers coming in a hurry.
After the soldier saluted respectfully, he handed over a letter and said, "Sir, the Prime Minister is not at home. The eldest lady said that she is a woman and it is inconvenient for her to take care of her affairs, so I am entrusting you with this letter."
Zhuge Liang took the letter, frowned slightly, and listened to the soldier telling the origin of the letter.
When the soldier finished speaking, he couldn't help but be surprised, and an ominous premonition surged in his heart.
He did not dare to delay at all and hurriedly opened the letter. The letter read: "Xi Yu, come to the cave quickly, otherwise you will be responsible for the consequences."
Zhuge Liang knew the seriousness of the matter. If the prime minister did not act according to this woman's request, the lives of the innocent people who were kidnapped would surely be at risk.
He paced back and forth in the room, thinking about how to deal with it. What was this woman's intention? Where is the Prime Minister? Time is running out, and we must find a way to save the people as soon as possible.
Zhuge Liang frowned, holding the letter tightly in his hand, and murmured to himself: "This is really a hot potato." He knew that this matter was difficult, and if it was not handled well, the lives of the people would be in danger.
After thinking for a moment, Zhuge Liang decided: "This matter needs to be discussed with Zhou Yu. We can send troops to suppress the bandits, but since that woman dares to kidnap and threaten, she must be prepared. If she acts rashly, those people will definitely be harmed. Implicated. But since Madam has entrusted this matter to me, how can I sit back and ignore it? "
So, Zhuge Liang immediately ordered people to prepare and go to Zhou Yu's house.
Along the way, he was thinking about how to discuss with Zhou Yu a solution that had the best of both worlds, which could not only relieve the plight of the people, but also catch the mysterious woman in one fell swoop, so as to avoid alerting the enemy and putting the people into a more dangerous situation.
Zhou Yu was drinking tea leisurely at home, and the fragrance of tea lingered. Suddenly, a servant came to report to Zhuge Liang and asked for an audience. He was slightly startled, and then ordered someone to invite Zhuge Liang in.
After Zhuge Liang entered the door, the two exchanged greetings. Zhou Yu smiled and joked: "Why did Kong Ming come here today? Could it be that he has another conspiracy to share with me?"
Zhuge Liang had a solemn look on his face, waved his hand and said, "Gong Jin, I have something urgent to do today. This matter concerns the lives of many people."
With that said, he handed the letter to Zhou Yu, and then told in detail the villagers' abduction, threats in the letter, and the absence of the prime minister.
Zhou Yu's original relaxed expression gradually turned serious. As he listened, he read the contents of the letter carefully, his brows frowning more and more.
Zhou Yu put his hand on his chin, thought for a moment and then said: "Now that the Prime Minister is not at home, we must carefully discuss the countermeasures. Since that woman dares to threaten people's lives, she must have some courage and means." His eyes became firm. "I will secretly lead my troops to ambush near the cave in case of emergencies. Kong Ming, you are resourceful. It is up to you to negotiate with the woman to see if we can stabilize the situation and find out the situation."
Zhuge Liang nodded slightly, with a solemn expression: "It seems that this is the only way to do it. It's just that the woman's mind is unpredictable. I have to be careful when I go, try to delay the time and ensure the safety of the people. At the same time, I hope you, Gongjin, can take good care of it. Don’t act rashly to avoid endangering the people.”
"Don't worry Kong Ming, I will act cautiously. You should also be more careful. Since that woman dares to do such a thing, it must be difficult to deal with." The two of them looked at each other and prepared to take action. The air was filled with tension.
In this way, Zhou Yu led an elite team and carefully followed Zhuge Liang towards the cave. The location of the cave is extremely secretive. It is surrounded by lush vegetation and rugged rocks. Even if there are soldiers hiding in it, it is generally difficult to detect them without careful inspection.
Zhuge Liang held the feather fan and walked towards the cave step by step. He seemed to have a normal expression, but he was actually a little frightened in his heart. After all, the enemies he faced this time were full of unknowns.
Suddenly, there was a slight movement, and Zhuge Liang immediately stopped.
Almost at the same time, a figure flashed out of the cave, and it was the woman's subordinate.
This man looked wary, stared at Zhuge Liang with sharp eyes, and shouted loudly, "Who are you? What are you doing here?"
At this moment, the woman slowly walked out of the cave. She looked at Zhuge Liang with a arrogant expression and cold eyes, and said loudly: "I am Mrs. Mingyue. Is this the Prime Minister Xi Yu?"
Zhuge Liang bowed slightly and replied in a neither humble nor condescending manner: "Mrs. Mingyue, the Prime Minister is not at home. I received your letter and know that the people's captivity is of great concern, so I came here to ask why you did this? I hope you don't Being impulsive and hurting innocent people.”
When Mrs. Mingyue heard this, her eyebrows suddenly stood up with an angry look on her face: "Huh! I don't see anyone except Xi Yu. Don't say anything more and get out of here! Otherwise, don't blame me for being rude."
There was a fierceness in her eyes.
Zhuge Liang showed no fear on his face, held a feather fan in his hand, and said slowly: "Madam, since you are looking for the Prime Minister, you must have something important to discuss. Now that the Prime Minister is not here, why don't you talk to me? Maybe I can solve your problems."
Mrs. Mingyue sneered, her eyes full of disdain: "Just you? Who do you think you are? You are worthy of taking care of my affairs."
After saying that, she waved her hand, and several muscular men sprang out of the cave and rushed toward Zhuge Liang like wolves attacking prey.
Although Zhuge Liang wanted to resist, he was outnumbered and was quickly captured by them.
Mrs. Mingyue walked up to Zhuge Liang, circled around him, and raised the corners of her mouth with a sinister smile.
"Hmph, originally I arrested those people because I was afraid that I wouldn't be able to threaten Xi Yu. But now, if I capture the people around him, he will definitely come faster."
Her laughter echoed in the cave, exuding a chilling malice.
Zhuge Liang struggled hard and shouted: "Madam, I came to negotiate with you with good intentions, why do you treat me like this? Where is the justice? Let me go!"
He shouted, deliberately raising his voice, and the sound echoed in the valley.
Zhou Yu heard Zhuge Liang's shout not far away and secretly screamed something bad.
He frowned, knowing that the situation was critical, and immediately ordered his men in a low voice: "Be ready to take action, listen to my orders at any time, and be sure to ensure the safety of Mr. Zhuge and rescue the hostages."
Although Zhuge Liang struggled, he was forced into the cave by Mrs. Mingyue's men.
The cave was dimly lit and filled with a damp smell. When the people saw Zhuge Liang being captured, they all showed expressions of horror and despair.
At this moment, Zhuge Liang, who was brought into the cave, showed no fear on his face. He stared angrily, looked directly at Mrs. Mingyue, and shouted insults: "You evil woman, you harm innocent people, what kind of hero do you think you are? If you have the ability, you and the Prime Minister can be upright." What's the point of taking these defenseless people as hostages in a showdown? If you have a grudge against the Prime Minister, you should settle the score with the Prime Minister himself. This kind of behavior is simply despised!"
Mrs. Mingyue's face darkened, and a trace of cruelty flashed in her eyes: "Huh! You don't know how to live or die, you still dare to be tough. If you continue to talk nonsense here, believe it or not, I will break your legs right now!"
Her subordinates also gathered around, staring at Zhuge Liang eagerly, and the atmosphere in the cave suddenly became extremely tense.
Zhuge Liang groaned secretly in his heart, realizing that his impulse just now might make the situation worse.
His original intention was to let Zhou Yu know his situation, but he did not expect that he might anger Mrs. Mingyue and endanger the lives of the people.
At this moment, there was a noise outside the cave.
Zhou Yu has led his soldiers to rush outside the cave as fast as the wind.
Upon seeing this, Mrs. Mingyue's expression changed, and she and several of her capable subordinates rushed out without hesitation.
Zhou Yu held a sword and looked heroic. He stared at Mrs. Mingyue with burning eyes and shouted loudly: "You are a vicious person, don't do evil again, release the hostages quickly, otherwise I will not spare you today!"
The soldiers behind him were all ready and fierce, forming a tense confrontation with Mrs. Mingyue.
A sarcastic smile appeared on the corner of Mrs. Mingyue's lips, and she said loudly: "Huh, Xi Yu is just a coward. He doesn't dare to show up, but he sends so many people here. He is simply a loser!"
When Zhou Yu heard this, his eyes widened with anger, and his eyes seemed to burst out with fire. He shouted sternly: "If you dare to talk nonsense again, I will take your life now!" The sword in his hand was raised slightly, and the cold light flashed.
Mrs. Mingyue showed no fear, but sneered: "Huh, if you have the ability, just come and deal with me. But, aren't you worried about the life and death of these people? As long as you dare to act rashly, I guarantee that all these people will be killed. I will be buried with you!”
Zhou Yu and the soldiers did not dare to act rashly.
Mrs. Mingyue then raised her voice and said: "If these people are not injured at all, none of you can afford it if the Prime Minister blames him in the future!" Zhou Yu frowned at this time, and his heart was full of tangles. He knew how difficult this matter was. It was beyond imagination, and I was suddenly in a dilemma.
After hesitating again and again, Zhou Yu had no choice but to soften his stance and asked: "Then what do you want?"
Mrs. Mingyue looked stern and said loudly: "I have only one request. I must see the Prime Minister, tonight. If I can't see him, the lives of these people will be in danger. Also, the person who came just now is also I want to stay as a hostage. Your actions of sending troops here have already angered me. According to common sense, I can go on a killing spree, but I have a kind heart and don’t want to commit any more crimes. I hope you leave as soon as possible.”
Zhou Yu looked solemn, knowing that he must make a careful decision now, otherwise the consequences would be disastrous.
Zhou Yu frowned and asked deliberately: "Why are you looking for the Prime Minister? You must know that the Prime Minister is indeed not at home now, and we don't know his whereabouts. You are so unreasonable and will only make things worse."
Mrs. Mingyue raised her eyebrows and said impatiently: "What's the matter with me? I have no comment. Well, if the Prime Minister is not at home, that's your business and has nothing to do with me. I'll just say it once, I must see the Prime Minister tonight, otherwise everything will happen." You are responsible for the consequences.”
There was an unquestionable firmness in her eyes, and it was obvious that she had made up her mind.
Zhou Yu was helpless, and after careful consideration, he had no choice but to temporarily agree to Mrs. Mingyue's request and leave.
He looked at Mrs. Mingyue solemnly and said, "Madam, I hope you can keep your promise and take good care of Zhuge Liang and the people. If they are harmed in the slightest, we will not let you go."
Mrs. Mingyue just looked at Zhou Yu coldly and did not respond. Seeing this, Zhou Yu had no choice but to turn around and leave with his soldiers.
On the way back, Zhou Yu frowned and felt extremely worried.
He thought to himself: "Where has the Prime Minister gone? Time is so tight, how can I find him tonight? What is the hidden secret in this that makes this woman go to such trouble to see the Prime Minister?"
Zhou Yu was anxious, but had no clue at the moment. He could only rush back to the city, hoping to find the prime minister as soon as possible.
The Prime Minister has always cared about the people and regarded the safety of the people as the top priority. What he hates most is when someone uses the lives of the people as a bargaining chip for threats. This is undoubtedly a blatant challenge to the Prime Minister's bottom line.
But now, facing Madam Mingyue's heart-rending behavior, everyone fell into deep helplessness.
She acts so wantonly, with no regard for the life and death of the people, and she is using the same weapon as her own. If she is not careful, it may lead to irreversible consequences. It is really infuriating and troublesome. Although Gan Mei said that she was a woman and was not in a position to take charge of other people's affairs, in her heart she was always concerned about the development of the people's captivity. She frowned and was restless, so she sent her servants to find out the news.
Soon, the servant came back and reported: "Madam, Master Zhuge Liang went to contact Master Zhou Yu and has not returned yet."
Gan Mei became more and more worried. At this moment, a servant came to inform Zhou Yu to see him again.
Gan Mei hurriedly let Zhou Yu in, and Zhou Yu quickly walked into Gan Mei's room. After saluting, he told the whole story in detail.
From receiving the letter, to discussing countermeasures with Zhuge Liang, to confronting Madam Mingyue in the cave, and to Madam Mingyue asking the Prime Minister to show up or harm the people and Zhuge Liang, let's go through it one by one.
After hearing this, Ganmei's face became very solemn.
Zhou Yu looked anxious and asked Gan Mei eagerly: "When will the prime minister return? The situation is critical now. If it continues to be delayed, the people may be in bad luck."
Ganmei looked helpless and replied with worry in her eyes: "I don't know where your husband has gone, let alone when he will come back."
When Zhou Yu heard this, he couldn't help but sigh deeply: "Oh, those people were innocently implicated and were frightened in the cave. It's really pitiful. But that woman is extremely vicious, and we are afraid of rats. No one dares to act rashly, otherwise the consequences will be disastrous."
After Gan Mei thought for a moment, he said to Zhou Yu: "General Zhou, please go back first. I will think about it carefully and see if I can find other solutions."
Zhou Yu knew that there was no better way at this moment, so he had to sigh heavily again, bowed and turned to leave, hoping that Gan Mei could figure out a way to deal with it as soon as possible.
Ganmei sighed and kept saying in her heart, husband, when will you come back?
Ganmei paced back and forth in the room, looking anxious, worried, and completely at a loss.
Just at this time, Xi Shi came to invite Ganmei to play cards with a smile.
Gan Mei had no intention of playing cards. With a frown on her face, she told all the stories about the people being kidnapped and the threats against the prime minister.
After hearing this, Xi Shi's face was also full of surprise, and a look of worry instantly appeared on her face.
"What should we do? Now that my husband is not here, what can we do?" Xi Shi's voice trembled slightly, and her eyes were full of panic.
Ganmei bit her lower lip and tried to calm down: "We can't sit still and wait for death. We have to think of a solution. But in this situation, what can we two weak women do?"
The two fell into silence, and the air seemed to freeze.
The breeze outside the window blew gently, but it could not dispel the sorrow in their hearts.
They racked their brains to think of countermeasures, but in the face of this crisis, they felt extremely helpless and confused.
Zhou Yu returned home with a gloomy face, full of anger and unwillingness.
He never expected that what happened today would cause him such frustration. He has always led troops to fight invincibly on the battlefield and is invincible. Never has he ever suffered such injustice.
The more he thought about it, the angrier he became, and he slammed his palm on the table with a loud noise. "Damn it!" He glared angrily and gritted his teeth.
Then, there was another heavy slap, and the table shook slightly, as if it also felt his anger.
The afterglow of dusk shines on the ancient walls of Youzhou City, casting a layer of warm golden light.
Xiyu returned to Youzhou City after a long journey. At this time, he didn't know that Ganmei was as anxious as an ant on a hot pot.
People sent by Ganmei have been waiting here anxiously for Xi Yu's return.
Seeing Xi Yu's figure, the man hurriedly stepped forward to salute Xi Yu and said in a hurried tone: "Prime Minister, you are finally back. Madam has an emergency and has been waiting for your return."
When Xi Yu heard this, he was shocked.
He knew very well that Ganmei would never have sent someone to find him so eagerly if he had not encountered something major.
Without any hesitation, he immediately got on his horse and galloped towards the mansion.
The dust raised by the horse's hooves drifted away in the dusk, and Xi Yu's heart was tightened. She didn't know what happened to make Gan Mei so anxious.
Ganmei was restless in the room, filled with anxiety that made her unable to calm down. Finally, she came to Ouyang Linlin's small Buddhist hall.
In the Buddhist hall, candlelight flickered, emitting a soft light. The faint scent of sandalwood fills the air, making people's hearts seem to find a little peace at this moment.
However, Ganmei's heart was still filled with ups and downs.
She knelt in front of the Buddha statue, clasped her hands together, and her eyes were full of expectation.
She kept praying, muttering words, praying that Xi Yu would come back quickly. Every word was filled with her deep concern and worry.
At this tense moment, she placed all her hopes on the Buddha, hoping to get some comfort.
The sky outside gradually became darker, and Ganmei's heart became more and more anxious. She didn't know when Xi Yu would return, but she firmly believed that as long as she prayed sincerely, the Buddha would bless Xi Yu and return to her safely. around. (End of chapter)