The big man is on the run

Chapter 118 A Trick in the Bag for Liu Bei
The envoy sent by Xuzhou Mu Liu Bei is Jian Yong.

From the point of view of candidates, Liu Bei attaches great importance to this exchange with the imperial court.

Liu Yi stayed in Weibei for a long time after the war to clean up all kinds of things. Therefore, the news that the Han army Weiqu defeated Li Jue and regained control of Guanzhong has already spread throughout the world.

Except for Shixie of Jiaozhou and Gongsundu of Liaodong who may not know it, other major separatist princes must know it.

This kind of news is similar to the effect of dropping a nuclear bomb in the Mariana Trench, and it is very explosive.

If the imperial court is compared to a dying old rich man, the meaning of this battle means that the old man who was declining day by day and almost became a puppet vegetative, suddenly came back to his hand. It is hard to say whether it can be rescued, but at least it is A good omen, or rather a bad omen.

——It depends on whether these old man's brothers and nephews covet the old man's huge inheritance and hope that the old man will die quickly, or really sincerely want the old man to live a long and healthy life and continue for a few more years.

In other words, it depends on whether the princes of various places have a heart for the Han Dynasty or have a heart of disobedience.

For example, Liu Yao, the shepherd of Yangzhou, who was sitting in a lonely city, excitedly told Xu Shao three things, saying that the sky has eyes and God blesses the Han Dynasty.

Yuan Shao in Yecheng, who had just been repulsed by the Heishan Army, Baibo Army, Southern Huns, Wang Yi, and Yang Feng's combined forces, retreated back to Shangdang County, so he was naturally jumping in anger.

Skeleton King Yuan Shu, who was preparing to become emperor, also hesitated for a while, delaying his plan to become emperor.

Speaking of Jian Yong.

Jian Yong is a good friend of Liu Bei's hometown in Zhuo County. He met Liu Bei when he was young, and then ran with him.Although he was born as a knight-errant, he is eloquent and often acts as a talker, serving Liu Bei on missions.

Jian Yong is good at debating and discussing matters, and his temperament is simple and direct, without sticking to trivial matters.When sitting with Liu Bei, he also sat cross-legged, ignoring the dignity.When getting along with other people, he always occupies a couch, talks in a prone position, and never yields to others.

In other words, a very arrogant person.

Of course, he didn't dare to be so promiscuous in front of the emperor, not to mention him Jian Yong, even Liu Bei had to salute obediently when he came, and obediently straightened his back and knelt down.

Liu Yi carefully looked at Jian Yong in front of him, he was a man of medium build who looked to be in his 30s, about six feet eight inches tall, with a handsome appearance, with a sword on his waist.

He was wearing a black and red official robe, his hair was neatly combed, neatly tied up, and an iron hairpin was inserted.

It seems that Youyan is still a knight-errant in his bones, Liu Yi thought silently.

"How is Liu Xuzhou recently?" Liu Yi asked.

Those who are not named Liu Bei are commonly known as Uncle Liu Huang, and there is no other reason, but because Liu Yi doesn't like people who are inferior to others to be called Xiao Liu.

Anyway, there is no way to verify whether the emperor's uncle is the emperor's uncle or not. I think that your relative has already endorsed your "Hanhuang descendant" status, but your seniority cannot be messed with me.

The attitude of the emperor's words was not alienated, which made Jian Yong, who had heard a lot of rumors along the way, look a little uneasy.

"I'm not being polite, just tell me what the situation in Xuzhou is like, can it be worse than that Liuzhou Mu in Yangzhou?"

After hearing what the emperor said, Jian Yong saluted and said.

"Reporting to the Son of Heaven, although Cao Cao is fighting Lu Bu in Yanzhou, Xuzhou has not been at peace recently. Liu Zhoumu has transferred General Guan Yu to Xiaopei to make preparations. Before leaving, he ordered me to tell the Son of Heaven that the forces in Xuzhou's counties have changed a lot. Many, I hope His Majesty can give some support."

"Oh."

Liu Yi nodded, what kind of support can I give you, Liu Bei?
I can give you all but practical support.

The situation in Xuzhou is more complicated. Although it was slaughtered by Cao Cao, the main city is still intact, and Cao Cao is now in the darkest moment of his life.

Because Cao Cao slaughtered Xuzhou and killed celebrities, Yanzhou Haoqiang planned to change the owner of Yanzhou. Therefore, Lu Bu stole his house this year. Lu Wenhou, who had been displaced, had just helped Yuan Shao fight before the first year of Xingping (194). Zhang Yan, who had been in the Black Mountain Army for a while, was embraced as Yanzhou Shepherd in a blink of an eye.

It can only be said that the influence of the local powerful gentry on various places today is really great.

At one time, Cao Cao had only three counties left, and even had the idea of ​​fleeing to join Yuan Shao. If Cao Cao's generation of heroes hadn't had a tough mind and finally chose to believe in himself, someone else would have gone to his big brother Yuan Shao long ago.

However, this incident had a great backlash against Cao Cao. Not only did the powerful nobles in Yanzhou resist his rule even more, but his best friend Zhang Miao also followed Lu Bu to rebel. He also sent his younger brother Zhang Chao and his family to protect Yongqiu. Cao Cao is still here The soldiers surrounded Yongqiu, so they had no time to attack Liu Bei.

From the point of view of the situation alone, Cao Cao had a worse life than Liu Yi.

At any rate, Liu Yi has a stable and relatively closed Guanzhong base. Zhang Lu in the south will only hang up in Hanzhong and will not take the initiative to attack. Ma Teng and Han Sui in the northwest are also hanging up. The main enemy is Yuan Shao, who is separated by a river east. Yuan Shao couldn't beat him again, so Liu Yi had a precious period of recuperation, and he could plant some technological trees and plant fields to restore people's livelihood.

What about Cao Cao?It is true that the big brother Yuan Shao is in the north. Except for the north, Liu Biao, Liu Bei, Yuan Shu, and Lu Bu around, which one is not an enemy?It is true that there are enemies on three sides. In addition to fighting, you are fighting. If you don’t fight others, others will fight you.

Therefore, Cao Cao, who started in the hell mode, can have the last laugh. It is indeed because he has this strength and has a high gold content.

Lu Bu is a fierce general, good at riding and shooting, with extraordinary bravery, he is invincible in attacking cities and villages. He is an extremely difficult character in troubled times, but Liu Yi still believes that if there is no accident, Cao Cao cannot be restrained by Lu Bu alone.

"The imperial court doesn't have much support for Liu Xuzhou."

Liu Yi set a tone first, so that Jian Yong's expectations would not be too high.

"In addition to some rewards, there is also a lack of money, food, soldiers, and other imperial courts. I believe you have seen the dilapidated situation in Guanzhong along the way."

Jian Yong nodded, he believed that the emperor was not stingy, but really poor!
"However, I'm a bystander, so I can give Liu Xuzhou some advice. You can go back and make a statement. If you have any questions, you can ask while I'm talking."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"Liu Xuzhou's current situation is nothing more than two difficulties, internal and external."

Liu Yi began to talk eloquently, and preached to Jian Yong as a "comer", teaching him how to help Liu Bei break the situation.

Liu Yi was willing to help Liu Bei in this way, so he was sure of Liu Bei.

Does Liu Bei have ambitions?There must be, who wouldn't want to be an emperor.

But whoever takes the last step is in a specific historical environment. At least from the current point of view, Liu Bei is more in line with the standard of "Han loyal minister" than Cao Cao in all aspects, so Liu Yi is willing to help him.

It's not because of personal likes and dislikes, that's not important, the emperor is the biggest political animal, and the criterion for all choices is whether it is conducive to maintaining his political status and political interests.

To be serious, Liu Yi likes Cao Cao even more than Liu Bei, but this does not prevent him from suppressing Cao Cao everywhere, and making trouble for the "King Wen of Zhou" as much as possible.

"External matters have to be combined vertically and horizontally. This matter will be discussed later." Liu Yi said slowly: "What Liu Xuzhou needs to pay attention to most now is how to suppress and dissolve the opposition forces within Xuzhou in a short period of time, so that Facing the upcoming attacks of Cao Cao, Yuan Shu and even Lu Bu."

After hearing the last sentence, Jian Yong was momentarily stunned.

Liu Yi waved his hand, signaling to listen to him first.

"First of all, as you said just now, Liu Xuzhou sent Guan Yu out of Xiaopei. Remember, you must tell him that I know that Guan Yu is the only one under his command who can take charge on his own, but even if he goes out on his own, Guan Yu must stay in the city. Don't let Zhang Fei defend the city, you understand?"

"Guan Yu is kind to soldiers and is proud of scholar-officials. Zhang Fei loves and respects gentlemen but not villains. But you have to know that a gentleman should look down on you, or look down on you! You can only be looked down upon by others. Only by making extraordinary achievements. Now You can't do it, so just listen to me, let Zhang Fei, an enemy of ten thousand people, follow Liu Xuzhou to fight, and Guan Yu leads troops to defend the city."

Jian Yong opened his mouth, speechless, he didn't know how the emperor was so familiar with Liu Bei and his subordinates who were unknown a few years ago.

It can even be said to be well-known!

This is horrific!
Jian Yong thought of the raging rumors in Guanzhong again, that when the emperor spread his hands, he caused roaring mountain torrents, and when he flipped his hands, he ignited a prairie fire. He couldn't help but feel a little guilty.
"Secondly, about the specific situation in Xuzhou, you will tell the secretary Ling Zhongyou later that when you leave, I will give you some orders and appointments from various counties in Xuzhou to help Liu Xuzhou stabilize the internal situation in Xuzhou to the greatest extent. .”

Jian Yong was overwhelmed with gratitude, and saluted again and again to thank His Majesty, Liu Zhoumu would never forget His Majesty's great kindness, and vowed to defend the Han land in Xuzhou for His Majesty, herd the Han people well, and crusade against the traitor Yuan Shu for His Majesty.

"Don't! I'll tell you about Yuan Shu immediately."

"Yuan Shu is arrogant and immoral, and Lu Bu is brave and without plan. In the long run, neither of them can accomplish anything, but now the strength of these two cannot be underestimated. Therefore, they cannot accomplish anything. It doesn't mean that there is no threat to Xuzhou now, on the contrary, Xuzhou is a piece of fat that they can bite at any time in their eyes."

"Liu Xuzhou, be careful about Lu Bu's seizure of Yanzhou again in Xuzhou, and be careful of Yuan Shu's attack. Only after defeating them, will it be his turn to face Cao Cao, who has recovered from his strength. Regarding internal and external matters, my suggestion is to first Flat inside, and then flat outside."

What Liu Yi said makes sense, Liu Bei is currently in a very tense and fearful stage.

Now Liu Bei is in a dilemma. On the one hand, he wants to ease the internal contradictions in Xuzhou, and to ease with the powerful gentry who have different opinions in the local area; development time.

The current situation around Xuzhou is at a time of war. If Liu Bei chooses the latter, he will probably be taken advantage of by Yuan Shu and Lu Bu, and he will probably fall into a passive position at that time.

And there are only so many suggestions that Liu Yi can give to Liu Bei who is far away in Xuzhou, and the rest depends on Liu Bei himself. If he doesn't live up to it, then it is God's will to lose Xuzhou.

Liu Yi had no condition to send troops to help him, nor did he have the obligation.

The loyal Yangzhou shepherd Liu Yao and Liu Yi can only give him spiritual support, and then strongly condemn Yuan Shu and his subordinate Sun Ce, let alone Liu Bei whose loyalty has yet to be verified.

"Your Majesty's words are precious. After the minister returns, he must tell Liu Zhoumu."

"Well, I'm looking forward to it." Liu Yi smiled and nodded.

Influencing the situation in the world through diplomatic means is the only thing he can do to the princes of various places at present.

"In that case, the minister will discuss it with the secretary order, and then return to Xuzhou."

The excited Jian Yong became more and more transparent as he thought about it, he hurriedly saluted and said goodbye, and left here.

Liu Yi watched Jian Yong leave and heaved a sigh of relief.

Liu Bei is a good seed, but after all, he is also a hero of a generation. This kind of person should be used and guarded against.

Of course, in the final analysis, it still depends on whether Liu Yi can live up to his expectations.

If Liu Yi comes to Guangwu Xinghan again, then as long as Liu Bei still follows the Han Dynasty, he will naturally be a hero who can be crowned king.

It's hard to say whether it will be sealed before death or after death, but Liu Yi is confident that he will outlive Liu Bei in terms of lifespan.

Liu Bei is now also a member of the Liu clan. In the plan submitted to him by Zhong Yao after discussing with Jia Xu, there are four state herds with the surname Liu, namely Yangzhou Mu Liu Yao, Xuzhou Mu Liu Bei, Jingzhou Mu Liu Biao, and Yizhou Mu. Mu Liuzhang is the first echelon of princes that the court wants to win over.

What is this?Counting Liu Yi, how about a "Five-Liu Alliance"?
Liu Yi can see the characters of Liu Yao and Liu Zhang very clearly. Both of them are not suitable to be the lord of a state. Liu Biao is not bad. The Central Plains should not be a big problem.

Although Liu Bei is talented, he lacks a strong enough family background.

In other words, in Liu Yi's eyes, except for Liu Bei, the other three state shepherds with the surname Liu are actually guarding the territory for Liu Yi.

They can be obedient to the imperial court, and they can have all kinds of petty thoughts, but in the final analysis, Liu's surname is Zhoumu, and he is tied to the Han Dynasty at the root.

If the Han Dynasty is strong, they are naturally the loyal ministers who guard one side for the emperor in troubled times. If the Han Dynasty is weak, they are the monarchs who want to continue the Han Dynasty.

Therefore, as long as Liu Yi overthrows all dissatisfied forces in the north and the Central Plains, people like Liu Zhang in Yizhou and Liu Biao in Jingzhou will have countless "big brothers" under him who will stand up even if they don't want to surrender to the court.

Liu Yao from Yangzhou Oh, Liu Yi thinks that he may not be able to persist until then.

However, Liu Yi also gave him an order to move closer to Liu Biao, occupy Yuzhang County, and rely on Liu Biao to support the navy to Poyang Lake to resist Sun Ce.

Liu Yi didn't have too high demands on him, just keep it safe and don't send him off.

Therefore, Liu Yi's influence in the south is still very stable.

Looking at it from another angle, isn't the skeleton king Yuan Shu surrounded by Liu Biao, Liu Bei, and Liu Yao on three sides?

After Liu Yi defeated Li Jue, both Liu Zhang and Liu Biao obediently went to the court to congratulate them, and promised to provide the court with a certain amount of money, food, cloth and silk every year.

Liu Yi reciprocated, and also gave them nominal rewards.

Their attitude is very clear, let us maintain a semi-independent state, as long as the court does not intervene, they will give blood to the court economically.

It's not that Liu Zhang and Liu Biao expected the imperial court to rule the world, it's just that there is an imperial court in Guanzhong, and they can report to the regiment to keep warm against the Yuan family and its affiliated forces.

Righteousness, this is the only advantage Liu Yi can show at present.

The construction of the Liu surname alliance still needs a lot of effort, but at least there is a prototype.

"I hope my decision is right." Liu Yi sighed softly. He knew that his choice should be right, but behind this choice, there are still many uncertain factors hidden.

Like Yuan Shao, like Lu Bu, like Cao Cao.
(End of this chapter)