Silver Fox of the Three Kingdoms

Chapter 59 Old Fox

Gan Ning, Shen Mi, and Lou Fa led the [-] strong men in the headquarters, and were responsible for intercepting and killing He Yi, He Man, Huang Shao, Liu Pi, and Gong Du.

Five people came out from the north city gate, with more than 100 personal guards who could ride horses.

In the Han Dynasty, there was a pavilion ten miles away, and there were many village gatherings around the pavilion.

This sunset gathering is twenty miles northeast of Wancheng, and twenty miles north is Xi'e County.

From Wancheng to Xiyangju, the post road along the way will pass two pavilions. When they came to the first pavilion, they could see someone waiting for them by the side of the road from a distance.

That group of people mostly wore brocade robes, with bird feathers on their heads, and they were extremely strong and powerful. There were two to three hundred people, and they blocked the entire road.

Seeing this, He Yi and the others stopped immediately, and they quickly realized that this was someone sent by Zhang Xiu.

They dared to go to Wancheng before, because they were forced by Cao Cao and had to find a way out.Second, they thought that Zhang Xiu was not strong enough to offend them, so they dared to enter the city generously.

More importantly, they thought that since so many Yellow Turban leaders came, if they directly attacked in the city, it would inevitably arouse the resistance of the entire Nanyang Yellow Turbans and their tribes.

However, they really didn't think too carefully. Zhang Xiu couldn't kill them in the city. The main reason was not that killing them would cause the Yellow Turbans to backlash, but because he was afraid that Liu Biao would become suspicious of him and that he would annex the Yellow Turbans to strengthen himself.

Therefore, the task of dealing with follow-up matters cannot be left to Zhang Xiu, but to Liu Biao's followers. At this time, Zhang Xiu can only watch in the city, and it is impossible to go out of the city to trouble them.

"How to do?"

Several people looked at each other, it seems that this picture is not good, I am afraid that they have long thought about annexing them.

"Walk."

Without hesitation, He Yi pointed to the road to the northwest and said, "Go over there, disperse and escape, as long as one person escapes and reports back, the whole army will break Wancheng."

"rush!"

The other people were also unambiguous, and immediately reined in their horses and fled.

But soon they were desperate.

At the end of the northwest road, a large group of cavalry slowly appeared, not only in the northwest, but also in the direction they came from the south.

To the east is the Feishui River, the waves are rolling, and if you jump into it, you will be drowned.

The surrounding wilderness is mostly farmland, and the horseshoes can't run very far if they sink into it. With nowhere to go, they can only choose to fight to the death.

It's a pity the battle ended so quickly.

When Gan Ning chopped off He Man and Huang Shao's head with two knives, He Yi, Liu Pi and Gong all surrendered.

When He Yi, Liu Pi, Gong Du and others were escorted by Gan Ning back to the headquarters of the Wenpin army, they didn't react.

It was not Zhang Xiu who recruited them, but Liu Biao!

But it's too late to regret it now.

The next thing developed too much smoothly. With the order of He Yi, Liu Bi, Gongdu and the head of He Man and Huang Shao, more than [-] yellow scarves in Yingchuan Runan were forced to surrender.

As for the other Nanyang Yellow Turbans, most of them were tricked by Zhang Xiu to come down the mountain, and what awaited them was disarmed and captured by Liu Biao's army.

Since then, the Nanyang Yellow Turbans and even the larger Yellow Turban forces in Runan, Yingchuan, have been annexed by Liu Biao.

Liu Biao got as many people as possible. According to the previous farming system, he was disrupted and dispersed to move to various counties, and the land was resettled on the spot for centralized management. Wenpin and Zhang Yun's army controlled it.

According to statistics afterwards, the number of Yellow Turban households obtained this time was about 30 to [-], and the total population reached more than [-], including about [-] to [-] elite soldiers.

After eliminating the old and weak soldiers, about [-] elite soldiers were obtained, and all of them were added to Wenpin and Zhang Yun's team.

The rest of the population will be resettled in a scattered manner with the family as the unit.

However, Liu Biao did not treat Zhang Xiu badly. He took [-]% of it, which was about [-] people, and placed them in his own territory. Even Nanjun allocated a lot.

The remaining more than [-] old and weak women and children were resettled in Xinye County, Huyang County and Chaoyang County.

Because these three places are the rear of Zhang Xiu's territory, according to his agreement with Liu Biao, he will command more than ten cities around Wancheng, and he can appoint county magistrates by himself and be responsible for his own profits and losses. In the future, Liu Biao will not need to transport grain and grass.

The surrounding counties in Xiangyang are mostly used for farmland. From the farmland last year to the present, the food and clothing of the victims in Guanzhong has been solved, and Xiangyang has also harvested millions of stones of grain and grass, earning a lot of money.

For a while, the price of grain in the whole Jingzhou dropped a lot, and now they have obtained more than [-] Dingkou of Nanyang Yellow Turban, and obtained their luggage, cattle, farm tools, and grain.

Liu Biao sent Deng Hong to be fully responsible for relocating all these people to his own territory. In addition to the victims from Guanzhong, Henan and other places, the population of Jingzhou has increased by more than two years since the year before last, which is 194 AD. There are more than 70 households, with a population of about [-] million.

By April, Deng Hong was very busy. With the help of some relatives from Shen Chen and Huang Menting, he finally completed all the tasks. less bad things.

For example, Wenpin and Zhang Yun needed to recruit soldiers. Of course, their goal was the young and strong in the Yellow Turban Army. Just like Cao Cao selected 6 elites from the million Yellow Turbans in Qingzhou to form the Qingzhou Army, they also had to choose the best.

However, in the process of selection, Deng Hong was required to make an inventory and compile the household registration first.There is room for manipulation here, and the most elite part is all assigned to Gan Ning's command.

As a result, in this battle, Gan Ning not only beheaded the two bandit chiefs and made great contributions, but his troops were also supplemented, with 2000 more soldiers under his command.

After the matter was settled, Deng Hong returned to Xiangyang to report to Liu Biao.

When Liu Biao learned of Deng Hong's return, he specially held a separate banquet for Kuai Liang and Zhuge Xuan, not in the middle hall outside, but in a relatively small pavilion in the backyard.

This is also half a family feast.

The Kuai family and the Cai family were related by marriage. Liu Biao married Mrs. Cai, and Deng Hong’s wife was Mrs. Cai’s niece. Zhuge Xuan married one of the two nieces to the Pang family and the Kuai family. He himself was very friendly with Deng Hong. Well, the relationships are all very intimate.

Several people sat in the pavilion. April in the lunar calendar is equivalent to May in the Gregorian calendar in later generations. Since summer, the climate in Jingzhou has been relatively cool. The greenery in the courtyards is row upon row, and the frogs in the pond are croaking.

After the servants poured wine for everyone, Liu Biao raised his glass with a smile and said, "These days, officials of all sizes in Jingzhou have written letters to congratulate me, and these are all thanks to Youshuo."

Deng Hong said modestly: "It's all because Duke Ming was strategizing in the rear, and won the victory invisible. Hong just did some trivial things, and it's not worth boasting about."

"You Shuo should be humble."

Liu Biao laughed and said, "In this battle, more than 1 Yellow Turbans from Nanyang were recruited and surrendered without a single soldier, and a large amount of food and supplies were obtained, and the number of troops was supplemented by more than [-]. This is a great achievement."

"Yeah." Zhuge Xuan also smiled and said, "The looting of yellow scarves around Nanyang has always been a troublesome thing, because there are so many of them, it was difficult to recruit or exterminate them before, but I didn't expect that this time they were mobilized by You Shuo." It’s not bad to kill them at their root.”

Deng Hong hurriedly said: "If it wasn't for Duke Ming's consent, it wouldn't be possible this time. What's more, this method is also the method I came up with when I learned that Duke Ming wiped out the Jingzhou sect thieves. It was the idea of ​​Duke Ming and Mr. Zirou. It’s just a matter of learning.”

In fact, he didn't have any political sense, but Deng Hong only remembered two sentences that Shen Chen said.After marrying the Cai family, she was already invincible.If you make meritorious service in the future, you must put all the credit on Liu Biao.

The former is to make the leader treat him as one of his own, while the latter is to make the leader look good.In this way, no matter what credit he makes, Liu Biao will feel that his relatives are his own, and he will not feel suspicious.

The old Liu family still has a tradition on this point, like Cai Mao and Kuai Yue who both hold the power in Jingzhou, and they can even intervene in the matter of Liu Biao's establishment of an heir, and they can change it at will, such as Zhao Gao and Li Si.

What if I try Cao Cao instead?

Later, when Cao Pi and Cao Zhi fought, Jia Xu cautiously used Yuan Shao's example to persuade Cao Cao not to abolish the elders and establish the younger ones. As a result, how many of Cao Zhi's henchmen did Cao Cao kill?

In contrast, the old Liu family is still very tolerant of their cronies, even if they intervene in the issue of establishing an heir, they will not be too harsh.

Liu Biao is very comfortable now. Once Deng Hong puts all the credit on him, making it look like he is the master behind the scenes, the world will think he is very clever, thus ignoring Deng Hong's role in it. Naturally it will be higher.

Secondly, Deng Hong is now a relative.

Speaking of which, Deng Hong still had to call him Uncle. After becoming one of his own family members, he was pleasing to the eye no matter what.

Thinking of this, Liu Biao also said: "You Shuo, no matter what, you have contributed a lot to this matter. This year, Jingzhou has expanded a lot, whether it is food or small population, the treasury is full, and the army is strong. You have a share Credit, what do you want, just open your mouth."

Deng Hong immediately said: "The Hong clan migrated from Xuzhou. There were many casualties along the way. The future of the whole clan is unknown. It all depends on Duke Ming's taking in to survive. This is all to repay the kindness of Duke Ming. How can we expect any reward?"

Liu Biao laughed and said, "How can you convince the public if you don't reward me for meritorious service? Could it be that You Shuo wants me to bear a bad name?"

"Don't dare."

Deng Hong said hurriedly.

Then he bowed his head and pondered for a moment, and then said: "In fact, Hong doesn't care about the size of his official position, but wants Jingzhou to be safe. Now that the world is in chaos, Jingzhou needs brave men to defend the land of Han for Duke Ming, so Hong wants to recommend someone to Duke Ming. .”

"Oh?"

Liu Biao asked curiously, "Who do you want to recommend?"

"Back to Minggong, I passed by Fancheng the year before last, and met Sima Ganning, who was guarding the city gate at that time. Because of similar interests, we became friends."

Deng Hong said: "I found out that this person is not only from a wealthy family in Berkshire, but also has good knowledge in reading and calligraphy. He is also brave and good at fighting. He killed He Man and Huang Shao, the leader of the Yellow Turbans, and forced He Yi and Liu Bigong to surrender, which shows his courage. Hong didn't want such talents to be buried, so he boldly recommended for Ming Gong."

"Gan Ning?"

Liu Biao thought for a while, and then tentatively asked Kuai Liang, "Is it the Gan Ning who betrayed Liu Zhang a few years ago?"

Kuai Liang replied, "Yes."

"That's it."

Liu Biao thought for a moment, nodded and said, "Did he contribute a lot to this battle?"

"Great credit."

Deng Hong replied.

"He was in Fancheng before? Zhang Yun served as a military commander?"

"Yes."

"Then be promoted to captain."

Liu Biao said, "Deng Ji, the defender of Huyang, suffered a disastrous defeat this time, so he was removed and replaced by Gan Ning."

"Thank you, Mr. Ming."

Deng Hong was overjoyed.

Although Huangmen Pavilion belongs to Xinye, it is because it is located in the north of Shahe.

The south of Shahe River is Huyang Jingyang Pavilion, so it is actually closer to Huyang.

It takes more than 50 miles from Huangmenting to Xinye County, but it only takes more than [-] miles to go to Huyang County.

Therefore, Gan Ning stationed in Huyang must be a good thing for Huang Menting.

And more importantly, he fulfilled his promise to Gan Ning and helped him to improve across classes.

The generals under Liu Biao are divided into three grades.

The first rank is Cai Mao, Zhang Yun, and Huang Zu. They are all generals of one party, with high positions and powers, and they control tens of thousands of soldiers and horses.

The second rank is Han Xi, Wenpin, Lu Jie, Liu Pan, etc. Although they are not as powerful as Cai Mao, Zhang Yun and Huang Zu, they can be regarded as senior generals.

The third rank is Zhang Hu, Chen Sheng, Su Fei, Deng Long, Zhang Shuo, Deng Ji, Huang Zhong, Liu Wei, Wang Jie, etc., which belong to the middle-level generals.

In the past, Gan Ning, Huo Du and others could only be regarded as middle and lower rank officers.

Now that he is directly promoted to captain, he is regarded as a middle-level general. Although he is still under the jurisdiction of senior generals, he already has a certain degree of freedom.

For example, the original Deng Ji was the general guard of Huyang, and now Huang Zhong is the general guard of You County, who can guard a county alone.

Therefore, to a certain extent, Gan Ning has got rid of the embarrassment of being controlled by Zhang Yun and has nowhere to vent his strength, and is able to be a bully in Huyang.

After recommending Gan Ning to Liu Biao, Deng Hong told Liu Biao that he wanted to go to Wancheng again, and persuaded Zhang Xiu not to touch the officials sent by Jingzhou, the surrounding city of Wancheng.

Liu Biao was puzzled.

Deng Hong told him.

This is to facilitate Liu Biao's indirect understanding of Zhang Xiu's situation through these officials, and it is also for the sake of people's livelihood.

After all, Zhang Xiu was born in the army, and there were not many capable officials under him. If officials were replaced at will, and those generals who did not know how to govern were sent to serve as county magistrates, it would cause serious problems for the county.

So although these cities were assigned to Zhang Xiu, it would be best if they could not be moved. It was a good thing for both Liu Biao and Zhang Xiu.

Liu Biao listened to Deng Hong's analysis and thought it was a win-win situation, so he nodded in agreement with Deng Hong's idea.

Soon the banquet ended with laughter and laughter.

In order to make up for Deng Hong, Liu Biao, in addition to agreeing to his ideas and conditions, also rewarded him with a lot of gold, silver, silk and other property.

After the banquet was over, Deng Hong and Zhuge Xuan bid farewell and left, while Liu Biao left Kuai Liang to discuss something.

"Zirou, what do you think of this matter?"

Waiting for Deng Hong and the others to leave, seeing their backs disappearing into the corridor, Liu Biao asked Kuai Liang.

Kuai Liang pondered for a long time, then said softly: "Deng Youshuo is very selfish."

"You see it too?" Liu Biao said with a smile.

"Ah."

Kuai Liang nodded: "I heard that a few days ago Zhang Xiu promoted Wang Yi, magistrate of Xinye County, to Nanyang County magistrate, and replaced Deng Mao as county magistrate."

"Selfishness is selfishness, but he is still dominated by me in Jingzhou, how many points can Huang Menting get?"

Liu Biao raised his wine glass, squinted his eyes and said, "As long as he is working for me, if he has selfishness, he will have selfishness. Who can have no selfishness? Say it."

Kuai Liang and him looked at each other, and both of them laughed.

(End of this chapter)