Han family achievements

Chapter 255 Lobbying
A few days later, Luoyang Arsenal.

Liu Bian held a repeating crossbow in his hand and wanted to pull it open forcefully.

His face was suppressed to be red, but he only pulled away a little.

Zhong Yu saw it from the side and said quickly: "Your Majesty, this kind of crossbow requires three strong men to pull it. Don't hurt your body."

Liu Bian slowly let go, took a breath, and then said: "Not bad."

Zhong Yao noticed the awkwardness in the atmosphere and said with a smile: "Your Majesty, this kind of crossbow has a range of up to fifty feet. It is powerful and easy to carry. It is a sharp weapon whether it is for sieges or field battles!"

Liu Bian took the towel handed over by Zuo Li, wiped his hands, glanced at the silent Zhang Wen from the corner of his eye, and said, "How is Cao Cao doing now?"

Hearing this, Zuo Li immediately said: "Your Majesty, Cao Cao has stationed troops in Qiao County, and has also raised food and mobilized troops from Yingchuan, Runan, and Liang. Now, it is estimated that he has at least [-] troops and horses. Moreover, Pei, especially Pei, There seems to be many contacts with Cao Cao in Xu County."

"Xu County?"

Liu Bian narrowed his eyes slightly, then laughed and said: "It turns out that Cao Cao had such a plan when he suddenly entered Qiao County."

Although Qiao County has a special geography and is Cao Cao's hometown, Cao Cao still didn't have a good reason, but now it seems that Cao Cao has greater ambitions!

Zuo Li observed Liu Bian's profile and whispered: "Your Majesty, are you using your heart and means?"

Liu Bian waved his hand and said, "It's not needed for the time being."

Dong Zhuo is a hungry wolf and Cao Cao is a tiger. Liu Bian also wants to see who is better.

Zuo Li couldn't guess Liu Bian's thoughts and quietly retreated.

Zhang Wen had no choice but to stand up at this time. He raised his hand and said, "Your Majesty, I am confident that I can persuade Dong Zhuo."

Zhang Wen is a tepid old man in his early fifties. He does not look smooth, but very honest.

Liu Bian would not be deceived by his appearance. He pulled out a knife from the shelf and almost couldn't hold it steady. He waved it hard and said calmly: "I originally disagreed, but the Prime Minister strongly recommended it, and I can't reject it." . When you arrive in Pei State, don't be polite to Dong Zhuo, tell him directly and remember the duty of a minister, otherwise the heavenly troops will suddenly arrive and destroy him in a matter of seconds."

Zhang Wen looked at Liu Bian calmly and said, "I accept the order."

Liu Bian glanced at him out of the corner of his eye and said, "The prime minister also recommended you to be the shepherd of Yangzhou. Can you suppress Sun Jian?"

There was no expression on Zhang Wen's face, and he said, "Sun Jian is no longer what he used to be. He is incompetent and cannot be the shepherd of Yangzhou."

"I think so too,"

No matter what Zhang Wen thought, it was not Zhang Wen's turn to be the Yangzhou Mu. Liu Bian turned to him and said, "Go and see Sun Jian again and tell him that after Yuan Shu is wiped out, he will be the Yangzhou Mu."

Zhang Wen's face twitched, and then he said indifferently: "I accept the order."

Liu Bian hummed and continued to browse the arsenal.

Zhang Wen raised his hand to greet Liu Bian respectfully, but did not follow him.

After looking at some more weapons and armor, Liu Bian was quite satisfied with the research and development of the arsenal. He paced and said, "Have they been distributed to the Forbidden Army camp?"

Zhong Yu is now also serving as the Zuo Langzhong of the Bing Cao, and the arsenal is under the Bing Cao. Zhong Yu is naturally very clear about this.

Hearing Liu Bian's rhetorical question, Zhong Yu hesitated and said, "Your Majesty, the current allocation is less than five thousand."

Liu Bian was startled and said, "Why so few?"

Zhong Yu hesitated more and more, and finally said: "Your Majesty, Hu Cao's side has blocked [-]% of Bing Cao's money and food."

Liu Bian raised his eyebrows and said, "On purpose?"

Zhong Yu bowed and said, "I don't know."

Liu Bian stared at Zhong Yu for a while, then suddenly said: "What is Huangfu Jianchang doing?"

Pan Yin, who had been behind, hurriedly stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, he should be in Pei State. I don't know his specific location."

Liu Bian smiled and said: "This guy's actions always exceed others' expectations. Let him play. By the way, send Guan Yu and Zhang Xiu to Cao Cao, and allocate him another 2 people from the Forbidden Army camp."

Zhong Yu was shocked when he heard this and stepped forward: "Your Majesty, the three counties under Cao Cao's jurisdiction already have more than [-] soldiers and horses. If we give another [-], I'm afraid..."

Zhong Yu didn't speak, but expressed his meaning very clearly.

Zhong Yu is Zhong Yao's son, and Zhong Yao, Xun You and others have been trying to restrict Cao Cao and cannot allow Cao Cao to become too powerful!

Liu Bian knew what they were thinking and said, "That's it."

"Father..."

Suddenly, a little guy of three or four years old ran out from behind the crowd and rushed towards Liu Bian.

Liu Bian turned around, picked up Liu Yu, patted his butt, and said with a smile on his face: "Did you skip school and run out again?"

Liu Yu lay in Liu Bian's arms and said with a serious face: "Father, I have finished my homework and my husband agreed, so I came out."

Liu Bian looked at Liu Yu, stretched out his hand to straighten his messy clothes, and said, "Is everyone else out of class too?"

Liu Yu looked up at the rafters, then looked at Liu Bian seriously and said, "Except for the emperor brother, no one else has finished class."

Liu Bian smiled and said: "That's right, keep up the good work! Let's go, Father, I'll take you to eat something good!"

"Thank you, Father." The little guy said milkily. I don't know whether he was running all the way or was excited, his little face was red.

Liu Yu has been weak and sickly since he was a child, especially in winter, which is like a disaster.On the contrary, in summer, it is full of life and energy.

Liu Bian felt a little guilty about this second son, so he left many things up to him without much control.

However, the little guy is very smart and self-disciplined. He ranks first in his studies. Although he likes to run around, he doesn't cause trouble. He is very popular with Liu Bian and the Queen Mother He.

Zhong Yu and others followed behind, looking at the loving father and son not far away, shaking their heads silently in their hearts.

Compared with the dull and taciturn eldest prince, the second prince was smart since he was a child and liked everyone who met him. However, he was the second son and his health was not good.

There have always been voices in the court about establishing a prince, but Wang Yun's matter came first, and the actions of the government and the public were relatively dark. That is to say, Xun Yu said a few words in front of Liu Bian a few days ago, and was reprimanded by Liu Bian before he returned.

After Liu Bian left the arsenal, he took his second son around Luoyang City to let this little guy who rarely left the palace feel the atmosphere of the city.

On the other side, Zhang Wen got the order, and the officials, ministers, censors, and Sima Mansion rushed around, got a series of official documents, and counted the guarding imperial troops, and then left the palace, left the capital, and headed for Yuzhou.

He was even ordered to leave the palace and go straight to the Forbidden Army camp.

When Zhang Wen left Sili and arrived in Yanzhou, Zhang Xiu, with an army of [-], was also rushing to Yuzhou, but in opposite directions, one to the southeast and the other to the northwest.

One is heading towards Peiguo, and the other is heading straight for Qiao County.

In the early tenth month of the third year of Yonghan, Peiguo, Xiaoxian.

Zhang Wen arrived a little late, but he finally arrived in Xiao County.Regarding the old Shangguan, Dong Zhuo personally went out of the city to greet him without any hesitation.

Even Dong Zhuo was personally beside the carriage, helping Zhang Wen get out of the carriage.

After landing, Zhang Wen's round and indifferent face suddenly smiled and said: "Zhong Ying, are you okay?"

Zhong Ying, Dong Zhuo's character.

Mr. Dong Zhuo's face was full of respect and anxiety. He quickly raised his hand and said, "I'm sorry, Mr. Zhang is thinking about me. I made a mistake yesterday. Please save me, Mr. Zhang."

Zhang Wen did not expect Dong Zhuo to be so straightforward. He glanced at his entourage from the corner of his eye and remained silent.

As for Dong Zhuo, when he was conquering the Yellow Turban Army, Zhang Wen noticed that this man had the heart of a tiger and a wolf. Not only him, but even Sun Jian believed that he should be killed as soon as possible to avoid catastrophe.

But Zhang Wen had some scruples and did not take action.

Unexpectedly, many years have passed in the blink of an eye, and they will meet here again in this capacity.

Behind Dong Zhuo, Niu Fu, Guo Si, Jia Xu, Li Ru and others stood, all observing Zhang Wen.

Seeing that Zhang Wen was silent, Dong Zhuo looked panicked and said urgently: "Mr. Zhang, you know that Dong Zhuo has always been loyal to the court. Is the court determined to kill me?"

Zhang Wen listened to Dong Zhuo's words, stared at him, and said, "Zhong Ying really has no other ideas?"

Dong Zhuo's old face was as iron as steel, and he immediately said in a deep voice: "Dong Zhuo is a Han official, and he has no intention of disloyalty. Please give Zhang Gong a warning!"

Zhang Wen didn't believe it, but Dong Zhuo was so good at it that it was difficult for him to say many of his words.

After a long silence, Zhang Wen simply said directly: "What is Zhong Ying's plan for Qiao County?"

Dong Zhuo raised his hands with anger on his face and said: "Mr. Zhang, I know everything. It was Cao Cao who used troops without authorization, deceived the emperor, and had evil intentions. He should be punished by the court!"

Zhang Wen kept looking at him and said, "You have no plans to send troops?"

"no!"

Dong Zhuo blurted out, with a firm and forceful tone, and said: "Cao Cao's crime should be decided by the court, and it is not for me to say more. If I intend to send troops, how can I wait until Duke Zhang arrives?"

From Cao Cao’s occupation of Qiao County to the present,

Zhang Wen felt somewhat relieved and said, "Since Zhong Ying said so, I will also report to the court. Cao Cao has his own restrictions, so don't worry."

Dong Zhuo's old face remained motionless, and he became increasingly sincere as he said, "Mr. Zhang, will the court really question Cao Cao?"

It has been almost a month since Cao Cao occupied Qiao County.

Zhang Wen's expression remained unchanged and he said, "Yes."

Dong Zhuo seemed to be relieved and said quickly: "Oh, Mr. Zhang, please come into the city."

Zhang Wen raised his feet and walked forward. He glanced at Jia Xu and others from the corner of his eye and said, "Zhong Ying has many talents under his command."

Dong Zhuo accompanied Zhang Wen and said, "Dong Gong, I heard that the imperial court has sent more troops to Shanyang County?"

Zhang Wen was walking in front and said as if he hadn't heard: "The imperial court is determined to wipe out Yuan Shu as soon as possible. Does Zhong Ying intend to send troops?"

Dong Zhuo also turned a deaf ear and said, "Langya County has also increased its troops. Is the imperial court trying to encircle me?"

Judging from the current situation, Dong Zhuo and Lu Bu have been surrounded by the imperial army. However, the troops in the north are completely controlled by the imperial court, while those in the south are not so controlled, especially Sun Jian.

Zhang Wen said: "Zhongying, you must be considerate of the court and do your best."

Dong Zhuo said: "Mr. Zhang, I wonder if the court will not be short of my money and food?"

……

The two of them were talking nonchalantly, obviously testing each other.

Jia Xu, Li Ru and others followed behind, listening to the conversation with almost no expression.

After entering the city, Dong Zhuo and Zhang Wen exchanged pleasantries and arranged for Zhang Wen to sit down. Dong Zhuo immediately summoned a group of his confidants to the back hall.

Dong Zhuo was a tall man with a round waist, sitting in the main seat, staring, with a serious look on his face, and said: "What do you think?"

Li Ru immediately rushed to speak and said: "Mr. Dong, the imperial court sent Zhang Wen here to obviously delay time. We must not wait. Xuzhou should be captured as soon as possible!"

Niu Fu followed the sound of the urn and said, "Father, I think so too. We can't wait any longer, we have to take action first!"

Guo Si and others followed suit one after another. They should send troops as soon as possible without giving the court a chance.

Dong Zhuo listened for a while and saw that Jia Xu remained silent. His eyes widened and he said, "Wen He, what do you say?"

Jia Xu's mysophobia has become more and more serious this year. Looking at the gray stains on the corners of his clothes, he felt uncomfortable. He frowned and said, "Dong Gong, I thought we should defeat Yuan Shao first and capture Jingzhou."

Li Ru didn't like Jia Xu, and immediately frowned and said to him: "Not to mention that Liu Biao has established a firm position in Jingzhou, with more than [-] troops, and the support of many aristocratic families. If we say that we are going south, how can Cao Cao, Gongsun Zan, Sun Jian and others sit back and watch? Once we go south, , which immediately became the target of public criticism, I don’t agree with it.”

The others looked at each other and started talking in low voices.

Since Li Ru defected to Dong Zhuo, he did come up with many good strategies and was trusted by Dong Zhuo. On the contrary, Jia Xu's importance in Dong Zhuo's shogunate dropped sharply.

Jia Xu had no expression on his face and said calmly: "If you want to annex Xuzhou, what if the imperial soldiers arrive in an instant?"

Li Ru suddenly sneered in his heart, it turned out that Jia Xu was at his wits end.

"If the imperial court can send troops, why not?"

Li Ru's eyes flashed with pride, and he raised his hand to Dong Zhuo with a serious look: "Mr. Dong, the imperial court sending Zhang Wen here shows that the imperial court is unable to take action and can only delay time. Now is Gong Dong's great opportunity!"

Dong Zhuo looked hesitant and pretended to be deep in thought. He searched the group of people below with his peripheral vision.

He is a man who knows how to fight. Whether he invades Xuzhou or goes south to Jingzhou, he will be besieged unless he can send troops together with Lu Bu and Yuan Shu!
Jia Xu looked at Dong Zhuo without saying a word, quietly stroking the stained corner of his clothes with his hand.

The back hall was very quiet, as if everyone was thinking of countermeasures, but their peripheral vision was actually focused on Dong Zhuo's face.

Dong Zhuo waited for a long time and seemed to understand. He nodded and said, "Wen He's words make sense, so we won't move for now."

Li Ru was shocked and said: "Mr. Dong, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. To achieve great things, you must not miss it!"

Niu Fu, Guo Si and others were a little surprised. When did Jia Xu say, "I won't move for the time being."

Jia Xu knew clearly that the strategy he had formulated the year before was no longer consistent with it at this time.

Holding back the discomfort at the hem of his clothes, Jia Xu said: "Dong Gong, a Jiangdong family, is always defeated by the wind. As long as Dong Gong advances to occupy the two counties of Jingzhou, his followers will surely gather. With Yuan Shu by his side, others will not dare to move rashly! Jingzhou!" , is a battleground for military strategists. The land is vast and the food is abundant. With Jingzhou in hand, we can sit back and watch the changes in the world, and great achievements can be expected!"

Li Ru immediately said: "Dong Gong, we are not familiar with the place in Jingzhou. Once trapped, it will be difficult to escape. And when Dong Gong leaves Pei State, the imperial court will definitely send troops to recover the entire Yuzhou. By then, it will be impossible to advance or retreat. What else can Dong Gong do? Can we expect great things?"

Jia Xu's usually unmoved expression revealed a rare frown. This Li Ru was deliberately going against him!
　Everyone knows what happens in July, right? Take care of yourself, good health is everything!
　　Please take care of yourself and your family!
　　
　
(End of this chapter)