cite Han

Chapter 201 Going North (thanks to the lord for a year)

With the outbreak of the North-South War in Jingzhou, the two counties of Lingling and Guiyang were the only ones to look forward to, following in the footsteps of Changsha, expelling county magistrates and aiding military ships, money, food, and resources.

Especially in the middle of August, when the autumn harvest is over, rice from Lingling and Guiyang counties is continuously transported to Changsha through the Xiang River and Lei River.

However, when the news of Baqiu's defeat came, the two counties of Lingling and Guiyang were shocked. Now that Jingzhou's army may go south at any time, many grain ships from the two counties did not dare to continue going north, so they temporarily stayed at the intersection of the three counties. Ling County, while observing the situation, waited for orders from the rear.

In the future, the situation in Changsha will only get worse and worse. If there is no accident, these grain ships from Lingling and Guiyang will return the same way in all likelihood.

But if they wanted to leave, they had to get Liu Jing's consent.But obviously, he would not agree. This batch of grain had long been regarded as his own.

Liu Jing now has so many soldiers that a single county can't support them. Even with the full support of Zhongshui and Pingyang townships, it will be quite difficult. It will inevitably become the top priority in front of him.This batch of grain can just solve his urgent needs.

Of course, it is definitely inappropriate for Liu Jing to do this matter as the magistrate of Ling County. He will act in the name of Zhang Xian and Changsha County.Zhang Xian is currently facing an extremely severe situation, and he must have no time to care about these trivial matters.

Just when Liu Jing received the news that the Jingzhou army was going south and was about to block the waterway and forcibly confiscate the grain and grass, Chu Fang came to the official temple alone to ask for an audience.

Liu Jing originally thought he had some business to do, but when he came in with a letter in his hand, Liu Jing couldn't help but "thump" in his heart, the thing he was most worried about happened.

As the saying goes, "Only one who can be a thief for a thousand days will have a thousand days to guard against thieves." Zhang Xian was determined to recruit Chu Fang, and kept sending letters. Liu Jing could stop him once or twice, but there would be "fish that slipped through the net" in the end.

Chu Fang strode up to Liu Jing, held the letter in his hand, bowed down and bowed down, and said solemnly: "When my mother was still alive, Mr. Zhang Fu often sent people to greet my mother and give gifts. When my mother was dying, he still treated Zhang Fu Jun's kindness is never forgotten, so I will definitely repay it in the future.

At the beginning of this year, Mr. Zhang sent a letter, wishing to invite you to go to Xiabei to discuss major issues. However, the situation in Changsha was relatively peaceful at that time, and I was deeply trusted by the Ming court. .

Today Jingzhou has a water step of [-], and with Baqiu's great victory, he marches southward with drums, and Changsha is at stake.Mr. Zhang Fu wrote another letter at this time, and his words were quite tragic and decisive.

In the past, I was greatly favored by Lord Zhangfu, but now that Lord Zhangfu is in trouble, it is difficult for me to stay out of it, so I dare to ask the Ming court to allow me to go north. "

Liu Jing frowned deeply, helped Chu Fang up, and sighed: "Ziping, do you know that there are [-] troops in Jingzhou, and going to Linxiang at this time is almost the same as sending him to death. Rather than that, it's better to stay in Ling County , foreign aid for the Fujun."

Chu Fang shook his head resolutely and said: "I have made up my mind, and the Ming court doesn't need to persuade me anymore." Then he said: "The Ming court has great ambitions and extraordinary talents. Although I have only known the Ming court for a short time, I am convinced by it. Mr. Zhang Fu has kindness first, so he has no choice but to go. If he survives this trip to Linxiang by chance, he will definitely return to the Ming court and do his best."

When Chu Fang got to this point, what else could Liu Jing say, he just nodded and let it go.He held Chu Fang's hand tightly, and said: "Ziping, you are so talented that you really shouldn't be buried in the south of Jingnan, so I hope you can take care of your health and come back safely. In the future, you will have a chance to be famous world."

Liu Jing spoke in a very strong tone, as if following him, he would surely become famous all over the world in the future.

This is exactly what makes Chu Fang fall in love with him. How can a real man have no ambition?When Gaozu saw Qin Shihuang driving, he dared to say "a man should be like this"; when Shizu saw Zhijinwu traveling, he sighed, "Officials are like Zhijinwu."

Although Liu Jing's power at this time is small, he has always had the ambition to help the world. Compared with Liu Biao and Liu Zhang, who are a clan and own a state, but only know how to defend themselves, they are thousands of times higher than Liu Biao and Liu Zhang.

"No." Chu Fang replied emphatically.

Liu Jing said again: "Ziping, how many troops are you going to bring with you this time?"

Chu Fang has a battalion of 800 people under his command. The main body is mainly from Lingxian County. It has been established for more than a year.

To be honest, this battalion was not only Chu Fang's painstaking effort, but also Liu Jing's painstaking effort. He regarded it as his direct descendant, and it was impossible for him to let Chu Fang take all of them away.But if Chu Fang only took away two or three hundred people, he would never stop them.

Chu Fang said without hesitation: "Master Zhang's kindness is only bestowed on me. This time Lord Zhang called, I will naturally go alone."

"How can this be done?" Liu Jing was greatly surprised when he heard the words, and said, "Ziping, you are certainly a heroic man, but going north alone is too dangerous, it's better to bring some people with you."

Chu Fang shook his head and said: "In the face of a 800 Jingzhou army, even if we bring all [-] of them, it will be of no avail. Mr. Zhang's attention must not be just a few hundred people."

Liu Jing immediately fell silent. This is true. Zhang Xian has [-] soldiers and civilians in Linxiang, and there is no shortage of hundreds of soldiers. What he lacks is a general in charge.After a while, he asked again: "Ziping, when do you plan to leave?"

"Let's go today." Chu Fang replied.

Liu Jing sighed in his heart, and asked again: "Are you going to go by land or by water?"

Chu Fang replied: "Time is running out, the waterway is too slow, so I should go by land."

The Hengshan section between Lingxian County and Linxiang is extremely difficult to navigate. It is said that "the sail turns with Hunan, and there are nine sides to look at the balance." In fact, there are more than nine turns?It is far less convenient than riding a horse by land.

Liu Jingdao: "Since you have to travel by land, you only have one horse, so it's difficult to travel both ways. Last month, the wife's family, the Deng family, came to vote and donated dozens of good horses. You can go and get one later."

"Thank you Ming Ting." This was indeed what Chu Fang needed, and he thanked him immediately.

In Jingnan, a place that does not produce horses, the good horses that can be used for riding and fighting are very precious and cannot be measured by money.

Chu Fang didn't sit for a long time, then got up to leave, he has not informed the soldiers yet, before leaving, the affairs in the camp should be properly arranged.

It was not until the afternoon that Chu Fang was able to escape.Who knows who leaked the news, after half a day of fermentation, Chu Ziping spread the rumors that he went north alone to every corner of Ling County in order to repay Zhang Changsha's favor.Thousands of people went to see off on the banks of the Xiang and Cheng Rivers.

Liu Jing said solemnly: "Ziping, sending you thousands of miles, there will be a farewell. Remember what I said to you before, don't be arrogant, you must take care of yourself, keep a useful body, and hope for a famous day."

Chu Fang laughed loudly and said, "Even though the Jingzhou army has [-] troops, why should I be afraid? The Ming court can rest assured that I will return one day."

Standing beside Liu Jing, Ma Zhou in uniform said, "Brother Chu, take care all the way."

Chu Fang nodded and said, "Brother Ma, I entrust the [-] operas under my command to you."

Ma Zhou said solemnly: "Brother Chu, just rest assured. When Brother Chu returns someday, there must be a lot of eight hundred pieces, and I will return them to Brother Chu."

Chu Fang stopped talking and turned his head to look at Liu Liang. He is now seven feet two inches tall, only slightly shorter than Chu Fang, with wrists reaching to his hips. He has a handsome appearance and looks like an adult.

"Ziming, you are a piece of rough jade, you only need a little polishing to shine, but unfortunately you are too young now, if you grow two years older, this battalion can be handed over to you. "Chu Fang's evaluation is very high. You must know that Liu Liang is only 17 years old this year. That is to say, Chu Fang believes that he is 19 years old and has the ability to lead a battalion.

Liu Liang has been taken care of by Chu Fang since he entered the military camp as his personal companion. Thinking that the other party will be alone in danger, he couldn't help himself for a while, and couldn't help but shed tears.

Putting his hands on his shoulders, Chu Fang said, "A man should not act like a daughter."

"No." Liu Liang wiped away tears.

"Brother Chu, take care." Han Guang clasped his fists together.He is eight feet long and has a dignified appearance. At this time, he has regained the demeanor of a general of Jianwu, and it is difficult to find traces of iron officials and prisoners on his body.

The two, one from the north and the other from the south, rarely share the same temperament, and forged a rather deep friendship in a short period of time.

Chu Fang clasped his fists in return, without saying anything.

Next, Yan Yan, Yu Zheng and others also stepped forward to say goodbye to Chu Fang.

Seeing that it was getting late, Chu Fang immediately stopped staying, and finally bowed deeply to the crowd, turned around and stepped on his mount, while the weapon and armor were placed on the other horse, and he swung his whip away under the eyes of everyone. .

Liu Jing looked at Chu Fang's back, and sighed to the left and right: "Ziping is not only unparalleled in filial piety and bravery, but also unparalleled in loyalty."

Although Chu Fang failed to leave any traces in history, Liu Jing believed that with his ability, if he took refuge in the Ming Lord, he would definitely be able to stand out and even be famous in history.

As one of the top generals under him, Chu Fang's departure was a huge loss to Liu Jing, so he was in a bad mood.

But the next day, he didn't have time to worry about Chu Fang's departure. The reason was simple. Cai Sheng, Liu Xiu and Liu Zong came hand in hand, and they came with nearly [-] troops and more than forty soldiers. large and small ships.

Liu Jing couldn't help being overjoyed, and led the crowd to welcome him on the Xiangshui River.

"Brother Cong..."

"Hongchao..."

Liu Jing couldn't hide the joy on his face. He hadn't seen the three of them for more than a year, and he was very concerned about the three of them.

Liu Zong was average in stature, but very dignified. He stroked his short mustache and laughed and said, "I heard that my sister-in-law is pregnant. Congratulations."

Liu Xiu also nodded in congratulations: "Zhong Da, congratulations."

Liu Jing said: "This is definitely an unexpected joy. It may be that the emperor also pityed the misfortune of Shaojun's family and gave him an heir."

Liu Xiu sighed: "Since Emperor Ling, there have been great epidemics one after another, almost uninterrupted, causing the people to live in dire straits, and the people of the Central Plains have suffered greatly from it. Why did the Zhongping Yellow Turban Rebellion sweep across the eight states? It was all caused by the great epidemic. "His right arm was lost during the crusade against the Yellow Turban.

Liu Zong nodded and said: "As the saying goes, after the Great War, there will be a great epidemic. After the Yellow Turban Rebellion, the Central Plains was in chaos, and wars were everywhere. It is not surprising that the epidemic is raging."

Liu Jing sighed: "This kind of scene lasted for ten or eight years, and the degree of tragedy is probably even worse than Wang Mang's usurping the Han."

Liu Zong and Liu Xiu were silent for a while.

"Let's not talk about it, this is not something we can solve now." Liu Jing shook his head and said. "By the way, did you meet Chu Ziping on the way when you came here?"

"No." Liu Zong couldn't help asking curiously: "Has Chu Ziping gone north?"

Liu Jingjing nodded and said, "Chu Ziping went north alone in order to repay Mr. Zhang's gift from the past."

"Chu Ziping is really a righteous man!" Liu Zong said with emotion. "I've heard of his name for a long time. However, he served his mother very filially. He never left Ling County for many years. After his mother died, he went to the mountain to guard the tomb. I have been to Ling County in the past, but it's a pity. By mistake, I was not able to meet him."

Cai Sheng said: "I also often regret that I didn't get to know Chu Ziping. I thought I would meet when I came to Ling County this time, but I missed it." , the temperament is chic and heroic.

"Chu Ziping is definitely not a short-lived person, there will always be a chance to meet in the future." Speaking of this, Liu Jing paused for a moment, then asked Liu Zongdao: "Brother Cong, you have visited Baqiu in person, from your point of view, how is the Northern Army doing? Is it true that there are 10 people in Shuibu?" To be honest, Liu Jing didn't quite believe this figure, after all, Liu Biao could support an army of [-] to [-] with only a few counties, but [-] is too exaggerated .

Liu Zong said solemnly: "Zhongda, you must not underestimate Liu Jingsheng. Although he is a Confucian and does not practice military affairs, he should not be underestimated. I have witnessed the northern army with my own eyes. The elite is far superior to the southerners like us. As for Even if there are not [-] soldiers in the Northern Army, there will always be [-]."

Liu Jingjing nodded and said, "I will never underestimate Cao Mengde's generation who have repeatedly defeated him." In fact, Liu Jing paid more attention to Liu Biao than anyone else, because the initial stage of starting a business has always been the most difficult. If Liu Jing can overcome Liu Biao's obstacle is nothing in the world.

Liu Jing said again: "It is said that the commanders-in-chief of the Northern Army this time are Kuai Yidu and Cai Degui. Cai Degui is average in intelligence, but not handsome. On the contrary, Kuai Yidu is the most talented man in Jingzhou. The year before last, I went north to welcome my relatives. At that time, he was the prefect of Zhangling, and his government was in Xinye, but he happened to return to Xiangyang at that time, so he never got to see him, and he always felt deeply regretful."

Liu Zong nodded in agreement, and said, "Kai Yidu is indeed a great talent, commanding tens of thousands of people like his arms and fingers."

Liu Xiu said beside him: "Bo Si, you are not bad. When the army was defeated, gather the defeated army, force Wu Ju to retreat, and return safely."

Liu Jing asked curiously: "What's going on? Brother Cong, tell me quickly."

Liu Xiu recounted Liu Zong's deeds. When Liu Jing learned that Liu Zong managed to bring back more than [-] soldiers and more than a hundred ships when the entire army was defeated, he couldn't help being stunned and sighed for a long time: "Since ancient times, the defeated army has been tempered. The most difficult thing is that brother Cong has such abilities, even though he is a famous general in ancient times, why should he add it?"

Liu Zong was quite pleased with himself, waved his hands and said, "It's just that he did something within his power, and Zhong Da's words are too much."

(End of this chapter)