Silver Fox of the Three Kingdoms

Chapter 306
"My lord, my lord?"

Fazheng's call gradually sounded in his ears.

Liu Bei raised his head, his slightly dazed eyes gradually came to his senses.

He sees everyone looking at him.

He asked, "What's wrong?"

Fazheng said: "My lord thinks whether Xiaoqing's words are feasible or not."

At that moment, Liu Bei's face became serious, and he said in a deep voice: "Xiaozhi, Ziqiao. I can sit on Jingyi now because of Xiaoqing's plan. Kong Ming is right. If someone else said that, I would definitely not Reasonable, but if Xiaoqing said that, there must be his reasons."

After that, he turned his head and said to Shen Chen: "Xiaoqing, if you insist on this, I will take your suggestion and choose to eliminate Jiangdong first, and unite with Han Sui and Ma Chao to fight against Cao Cao. But I hope you can tell the reason, of course, you don't It doesn't matter if you say it, as long as you say you want me to be like this, then I will be like this."

The faces of Fazheng and Zhang Song also changed suddenly, their seriousness was filled with astonishment, their eyes widened in disbelief, and they were shocked to see Liu Bei trusting Shen Chen so unconditionally.

"Thank you, my lord, for trusting me."

Shen Chen got up and said earnestly, "I am willing to serve my lord just because I know him as a human being. If I can gain this trust, I will die without regret."

Liu Bei got up and walked in front of Shen Chen, took his hand, patted it lightly and said, "Xiaoqing, do as you say."

"But my lord."

Fazheng quickly said: "If things don't go as Xiaoqing said, there will be endless troubles."

"Yes."

Zhang Song also said: "My lord, if Han Sui and Ma Chao choose to surrender to Cao Cao, and we go to war with Jiangdong, Cao Cao will have the entire north, and Guanzhong has an unknown number of cavalry, and Yizhou will face a huge Cao army offensive. At that time, Cao Cao will present his troops in Jianghuai, Nanyang and other places, watching us fight Jiangdong, may let Cao Cao reap the benefits of the fisherman."

Liu Bei waved his hand and said, "It's okay, I owe today to Xiaoqing. Even if Xiaoqing miscalculates, it's just a hard fight. I have been in the north for many years. How have I ever been afraid of Cao thief? Today I am countless times stronger than before. Do I still have to be afraid? him?"

People often dare to work hard when they have nothing.

But suddenly became rich overnight, but became cautious, afraid of losing.

Just like Yuan Shao.

Now Liu Bei also owns such a big family business like Yuan Shao, but he dared to trust Shen Chen, gambling with this family business also moved Shen Chen very much.

Fazheng turned his head to look at Shen Chen, and said solemnly: "Xiaoqing, I think you should also understand the importance of this matter. My lord trusts you so much, but if you miscalculated, Han Sui and Ma Chao surrendered to Cao Cao, and we Then Guanzhong and Xiliang will be lost, and we will have to face Sun Cao's joint attack, which will become our life and death crisis, please explain clearly why we act like this."

Shen Chen also sat upright, and said with a serious face: "Okay, then let me explain why I chose to destroy Jiangdong first, and then take Guanzhong. First of all, it is geographical factors. Although the Xiliang Guanzhong occupied by Han Sui and Ma Chao is very important, it is important for us. , its role is only to produce horses, and it does not constitute a huge profit.”

"Please explain, Xiaoqing."

Everyone also knelt and sat down seriously, straightened their backs, and looked at Shen Chen.

Shen Chen said: "One is that there is no one in Guanzhong. After countless Xiliang princes invaded Sanfu, and Dong Zhuo's rebellion, Guanzhong has ten houses and nine empty houses. Now the 50 households are probably less than [-]. The land is vast and sparsely populated. If these places are occupied, the people will not be able to provide grain and grass, and they can only transport grain from Hanzhong, but the road to transport grain is difficult, and the long distance will only increase the loss."

"Well."

Fazheng nodded slightly, this was something he knew and could not be denied.

Shen Chen said again: "Secondly, Jiangdong is too close, Sun Quan endured it, and even his own sister was willing to dedicate it to the lord. It was definitely not because he wanted to be friendly with us. Otherwise, why would he continue to separate the regime? Wouldn't it be good to submit to the lord? The hearts of the princes will definitely unite with Cao Cao to attack Jingzhou. Because he cannot fight in the north, and only the south can enter the land of Jingyi through water warfare. Therefore, the purpose of destroying Jiangdong first is to prevent us from being attacked from behind when we fight with Cao Cao. "

"Ah."

This time, including Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang, everyone had no objections.

Because what Shen Chen said was the truth, since they already had the idea of ​​dividing the world between the north and the south, then the Sun family must be the target they wanted to eliminate.

Regardless of whether Sun Quan has the heart to stab Liu Bei in the back, if they say yes, then he has it.

And geographically, it is true that Sun Quan is too close to the center of Jingzhou. It takes about a month to walk from Guanzhong to Hanzhong and walk through Chencang Road.

In history, when Sima Yi faced Zhuge Liang, he didn't break into Hanzhong, but was always passively beaten.

So from a practical point of view, the Yizhou area is actually very safe. As long as Hanzhong is defended, there is no need to worry about others attacking.

In contrast, Jingzhou is different.

To the north is Cao Cao, and to the east is Sun Quan, caught between them, facing the enemy from both sides.

Therefore, it is necessary to eliminate an enemy and prevent backstabbing, so that we can concentrate on dealing with Cao Cao in the north.

It's just that in terms of order, Pang Tongfazheng Xu Shu and the others thought that Han Sui and Ma Chao's Guanzhong forces should be eliminated first to prevent Cao Cao from getting these troops, and then turn around and destroy Jiangdong.

But Shen Chen believed that Han Sui and Ma Chao would not take refuge in Cao Cao, and should eliminate Sun Quan first, and then fight against Cao Cao.

This is where Shen Chen and Pang Tongfazheng Xu Shu's opinion is to the left.

Shen Chen continued: "Third, Guanzhong is barren. From a geographical point of view, Jiangdong is more threatening. At the same time, from a strategic point of view, the effect of obtaining Guanzhong Xiliang is far less than that of obtaining Jiangdong. The cost paid is much higher than the benefits gained. So it is best to destroy Jiangdong first and then take Guanzhong."

"But it's still the problem."

Fazheng said: "Once Cao Cao obtains Xiliang in Guanzhong, and wins Han Sui and Ma Chao to surrender, together with the other forces in Guanzhong, Cao Cao will be able to expand more than [-] soldiers and horses at once, and there will be a large number of cavalry. We will be at a great disadvantage if we destroy Jiangdong and fight for hegemony between the north and the south."

"That's my fourth point."

Shen Chen said: "I know that Shi Yuan, Yuan Zhi, and Xiao Zhi have a long-term view and have considered the issue of the future hegemony between the North and the South. However, in my opinion, Han Sui and Ma Chao's actions definitely do not seem to be submitting to Cao Cao, so this is why my conclusion is different from yours. place."

"Oh?"

Fazheng asked, "What basis is there for Han Sui and Ma Chao not to submit to Cao Cao? Don't they even care about their own parents, children and family members? Although Han Sui only sent one son there, his general Yan Xing's parents and children, as well as Ma Chao's family is in Yecheng, Ma Chao's father, brothers and sisters, don't you want them all?"

"this."

Shen Chen didn't know how to answer these words, so he could only smile wryly: "You may not believe it, but I really think so. They may indeed abandon their families and choose to be self-reliant."

Fazheng didn't refute, but said, "I want to hear why Xiaoqing made such a judgment."

"This time when Cao Cao attacked Bingzhou, the high-ranking officials fled into Guanzhong in embarrassment. Although the high-ranking officials sent people to contact Han Sui and Ma Chao and wanted to fight against Cao with them, they refused, but they did not send troops to help Zhong Yao."

Shen Chen thought about it and said: "Look at their actions, they don't send troops to help Cao Cao, and they don't intercept the high officials. Zhong Yao was in Chang'an, and almost made the high officials run away. No one will miss such an opportunity to show their favor to Cao Cao. But the only thing they did was when the lord went north to take over the high-ranking cadres, as if he was facing a big enemy, which shows that they have a separate heart."

"Unfortunately."

Fazheng shook his head: "It doesn't convince me, because the reason is too far-fetched. The news that Hanzhong was conquered by the lord has been passed on for a long time. In order to prevent the lord from accepting high-ranking officials or sending troops to Guanzhong, Cao Cao ordered them to treat it strictly. Possible things, even this may be the situation at that time, so I can't agree with what you said, Xiaoqing."

The arena fell silent.

The autumn wind gently patted the doors and windows, making a whirring sound.

Zhang tightened the collar of his royal blue Shu brocade silk robe, Zhuge Liang closed his eyes and rested his mind, while Liu Bei leaned on the table in front of him, leaning forward to look at Shen Chen and Fazheng.

After Fazheng finished questioning, he kept looking at Shen Chen, hoping that he could give him a reasonable answer.

But Shen Chen just lowered his head and meditated, with a serious expression on his face.

He couldn't give Fazheng a reasonable explanation.

After all, he can't say that Han Sui and Ma Chao have done this in history.

Moreover, Cao Cao in history was much stronger than it is now. Although he experienced the failure of the Battle of Chibi, he was still the biggest overlord in the north.

In that case, Han Sui and Ma Chao dared to rebel, which shows that they don't care about the life and death of their family members.

Just how to say this kind of thing?

It's like the great men of later generations thought about it for ten days and ten nights, but they didn't understand why that mysterious eastern power dared to attack us.

The behavior of Han Sui and Ma Chao was also incomprehensible in the eyes of people at the time.

You must know that Cao Cao and Ma Chao had no personal enmity at that time, but it was Han Sui who killed Ma Chao's mother.

Moreover, Cao Cao treated the princes and generals who surrendered him very well.

Except for Lu Bu, as long as you come to surrender, you will basically accept it.

Even Gao Gan, who was a loyal member of the Yuan family, and Zhang Xiu, who killed his son, nephew, and favorite general, Cao Cao accepted them.

It can be seen that even though Cao Cao has many shortcomings, he still does a very good job of accommodating people.

In a world governed by filial piety, there are actually some people who give up fame and morality, and the glory and wealth brought by surrender and obedience. They don't even want a family, they just want to fight Cao Cao.

This kind of thing itself is not in line with common sense.

Shen Chen wanted to find a suitable reason to overthrow common sense, and to prove a matter that did not conform to common sense, one can imagine how difficult it was.

Unless it happens.

So Shen Chen said in a deep voice: "These are just my personal inferences, and I have no way to verify them. I will ask Mr. Wen He to see if his understanding of Han Sui and Ma Chao is consistent with mine."

"Mr. Wenhe?"

Fazheng was quite surprised and said, "Could it be Jia Wenhe?"

"Yes."

Shen Chen nodded and said, "He's in Xiangyang."

Fazheng said: "Mr. Wenhe is indeed one of the most wise men in the world, but I believe he will choose to attack Xiliang in Guanzhong, just like us. At least he should miss his hometown in Xiliang."

Shen Chen said: "I still stick to my opinion on this matter, my lord, the most urgent thing now is to deal with internal affairs. In terms of foreign affairs, we should keep from fighting the enemy for at least five years. Everyone is buying time, rest and recuperate well, and the people Wealth makes the country strong, and the country is strong to fight for hegemony. Therefore, I think that you can’t fight Guanzhong, and wait and see the situation first.”

Liu Bei thought for a while, and then said: "Since I promised Xiaoqing, you will be the one to decide this matter, so you can do it with confidence. You said before that you would not preside over the internal affairs of Jingzhou and Yizhou, and you need to lead troops to resist Cao Cao, why don't you simply station your troops in Hanzhong to deal with matters in Guanzhong?"

Zhuge Liang stood up and suggested at this time: "Xiaoqing can't go to Hanzhong."

"Why?"

Liu Bei was puzzled and said: "Xiaoqing went to Guanzhong, wouldn't she be able to deal with Han Sui and Ma Chao's affairs at any time?"

Zhuge Liang said: "Now Yizhou should stay on the defensive. The most likely places to fight are Nanyang and Huainan. Both of these places need a general to be stationed. Liang thought that Xiaoqing must be in Nanyang to resist Cao Cao's attack. What's more There is Wuguan in Nanyang, and there are changes in Guanzhong, Xiaoqing can leave Wuguan and enter Guanzhong at any time."

"Ah."

Liu Bei nodded slightly and said, "It's better for Kong Ming to think wisely, how about Xiao Qing stationing troops in Nanyang?"

"only."

Shen Chen clapped his hands and said yes.

Liu Bei said again: "Then this matter will be settled like this. According to Xiaoqing's policy, Han Sui and Ma Chao will be united outside, Cao Cao will be resisted in the north, and the Sun family will be eliminated inside."

Shen Chen said: "Where does my lord plan to locate General Zuo's residence?"

Liu Bei thought for a while and said, "Chengdu?"

"No."

Shen Chen shook his head: "Chengdu is too far away from Jingzhou, once the war in Jingzhou changes, it will be difficult to react."

"Then Xiangyang?"

Liu Bei asked again.

Shen Chen shook his head again: "Xiangyang is too far away from Hanzhong, if there is a change in Hanzhong, Jingzhou will not be able to rush to help immediately."

"As the center."

Zhuge Liang pondered: "Ding Jiangzhou?"

"good."

Shen Chen said: "Jiangzhou is the center of the two regions. The east can quickly rush to help Jingzhou, and the north can immediately go north to Hanzhong. Therefore, Jiangzhou is the most suitable place for General Zuo to station."

Liu Bei nodded: "Okay, then it will be in Jiangzhou. Then Kong Ming can follow me to Jiangzhou to govern Shu."

"There is also the issue of Huainan. We have gained a small half of Lujiang County. The east can deter Jiangdong, and the north can attack Cao Cao Jianghuai. We also need generals to garrison."

"Who does Xiaoqing think is the most suitable person to recommend?"

"My lord has a lot of talents, but I think only Kong Ming, Shi Yuan, Uncle Yun Chang, Uncle Zi Long, and Wen Zhongye can be single-handed generals."

Shen Chen said: "As for Uncle Yide, my lord knows that he likes to drink to make things worse."

"Zi Long?"

Liu Bei was surprised and said, "Does Xiaoqing think Zilong can lead the army alone?"

"Exactly."

Shen Chen nodded seriously.

In fact, later generations often think that there is only one person in the Liu Bei Group who can play the leading role, and that is Zhuge Liang.The rest of Pang Tong died early, Guan Yu had character defects, and eventually defeated Maicheng.

But Shen Chen thinks that Zhao Yun can also do it, because Zhao Yun has a calm personality and has ingenuity, such as the famous empty city strategy, which he used in the Battle of Hanzhong, and successfully defeated the strong with the weak, leading the army alone to defeat the army led by Cao Cao himself. force.

Later, as soon as Zhuge Liang came out of the battle of Jieting in Qishan, due to Ma Di's wrong tactics, he was defeated in the battle of Jieting. It was Zhao Yun who gathered troops in time, defended Jigu, and personally led the troops, so that no major losses were caused.

Therefore, in his opinion, Zhao Yun is a reliable general, even if he can't reach the point where Guan Yu flooded the Seventh Army and shocked China.But if Zhao Yun is placed in Jingzhou, there is a high probability that there will be no defeat in Maicheng.

It's just that in a sense, Zhao Yun's real status is actually not high at present.

In the current Liu Bei Group, the first echelon that is most trusted by Liu Bei must be Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Shen Chen, Zhuge Liang, Xu Shu, Pang Tong, and Fazheng.

Needless to say, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, Zhuojun raised troops just like Liu Bei's right-hand man, and he was his most trusted right-hand man.

Shen Chen is similar.

Liu Bei saw Shen Chen's ability when he was in Xuzhou, just like even if Chen Deng didn't go with Liu Bei, Liu Bei would still praise Chen Dengyuan's heroic spirit when he arrived in Jingzhou.

Although Shen Chen hadn't defected to Liu Bei at that time, the two sides had already established the foundation of friendship.

It is precisely because Shen Chen told him a long time ago that if there is no way out in the future, he should go to Jingzhou to join Liu Biao, so he is today.

What's more, Shen Chen still led troops to join, and Jingzhou's [-] troops are now under his command. In terms of military status, they are even higher than Guan Yu and Zhang Fei.In terms of political significance and making suggestions for Liu Bei, he is not inferior to Zhuge Liang.

As for Zhuge Liang, Xu Shu, Pang Tongfazheng, and Shen Chen, everyone helped him plan Jingzhou and Yizhou. It is because of them that Liu Bei can get such a large territory.

So these seven people are the core layer of Liu Bei Group.

As for Zhao Yun and Tai Shici, because they are not original stocks like Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, nor did they lead troops to join, or make suggestions, their status is not as good as the seven of them.

It is roughly the same status as Mi Zhu, Sun Qian and the group that Xuzhou followed, and even Tai Shici's status may be higher than that of Zhao Yun.

Because Zhao Yun went back to the funeral for a period of time due to his brother's illness, and was absent from Liu Bei's experience in Xuzhou.

This is the same as the selection of the founding marshals, generals, and admirals of later generations. No matter how outstanding the military exploits are, it is difficult to be evaluated without the three major uprisings and the Long March.

Therefore, Zhao Yun's status at this time belongs to the second level, and his position will be relatively backward.

It may be ranked behind Jian Yong, Mi Zhu, Sun Qian, Tai Shici, etc., and is about the same status as Shi Ren, Liu Yan, Yuan Wei, Xia Houzuan, etc.

If Liu Bei needs to find someone to lead the army to guard Huainan alone, he may choose one of Shen Chen, Guan Yu, Zhuge Liang, Pang Tong or Wenpin, but he will never think of Zhao Yun.

Only Shen Chen strongly recommends it.

Liu Bei pondered for a moment, then nodded slightly and said, "Okay, since that's the case, then I will order Zhao Yun to garrison Xunyang."

"There is also Hanzhong and Chengdu, and there must be troops stationed there."

"In addition, south of Yizhou and south of Jingzhou, although these places are remote, they should not be underestimated. For example, Yinan produces more iron, gold, silver, and copper. Jingnan has good sunlight and can use double-cropping rice to produce grain."

"As for the issue of local governance, my lord can use more talents from aristocratic families in the two places, and one county should still be able to manage it well."

"If Mr. Wen He is in Xiangyang, he can also make suggestions. At least for five years, there will be no war in Jingzhou."

"."

Shen Chen also gave a lot of suggestions, such as garrisoning troops in various places, internal political management, diplomatic affairs, economic development and so on.

Liu Bei basically adopted them one by one.

At the end, when things were almost finished, Zhuge Liang said softly: "The governance matters in various places have been dealt with, so it's time to talk about the last thing."

"What's the matter?"

Liu Bei asked in surprise.

Zhuge Liang smiled and said, "My lord, don't forget, there is another marriage. Sun Quan sent envoys several times to ask when my lord will marry his sister. Thinking about it, he can't wait."

Speaking of this matter again, Liu Bei had no choice but to smile wryly and said, "Forget about this matter, then send envoys to Jiangdong to deal with this matter."

He didn't really want to agree.

But Zhuge Liang also said before that they need an excuse to start a war against Jiangdong.

And when Sun Quan sent his sister here, Sun Shangxiang would definitely be the internal response.

At that time, they can use their tricks and ask Sun Shangxiang to pass some false information back.

Once Sun Quan was fooled and took the initiative to provoke a war, then they would have a legitimate reason to send troops to Jiangdong.

So for the sake of the great cause, Liu Bei could only agree to get married.

(End of this chapter)