Han family achievements

Chapter 548 Choice

Xiangyang.

Xiangyang was in complete chaos.

The streets were filled with news that the imperial army was besieging Jiangxia County.

"Haven't you heard? His Majesty was seriously injured in the assassination but is still alive. He has regained consciousness."

"You are out of date. My brother is a deputy minister in the imperial court. He wrote to my family and said that Your Majesty visited the six ministries and gave generous rewards to the subjects who refused to surrender to the rebels."

"The imperial army besieged Jiangxia. Does that mean that Envoy Liu was also involved in the assassination attempt on Your Majesty?"

"Hey, this, be careful with your words, be careful with your words!"

"It's okay, it's okay. We are all family. I also heard that His Majesty and the court are furious. The Supreme Court has sentenced more than 30 people to immediate execution, and there are more waiting in line..."

"We are talking about the heavenly soldiers besieging Jiangxia. What do you think Liu Shijun would do?"

"What should we do? Envoy Liu is a member of the royal family and is loyal to Your Majesty. Everyone in the world knows this. Could it be that he is planning a rebellion?"

"Be careful with your words! Be careful with your words!"

"Then tell me, how will Envoy Liu respond?!"

"Be careful with your words! Be careful with your words!"

……

There was a lot of discussion outside, but the governor's mansion was quiet and there were few people walking around.

In a side room in the courtyard, Liu Biao, with a serious face, summoned a few confidants to discuss the affairs of Jiangxia.

Kuai Yue, Cai Mao and Deng Ji sat on both sides, all with sullen faces and silent.

Liu Biao was a man without great ambitions. He tried his best to secure his position as the governor of Jingzhou, while remaining vigilant and watching what was happening around him.

He doesn't want to get involved and just wants to be a local emperor.

"I shouldn't have been tempted by profit and sent troops to help Yuan Shao take Jiaozhi!" Liu Biao had a look of regret on his face and his words were full of regret.

Kuai Yue shook his head secretly. Liu Biao thought that it was because he sent troops to assist Yuan Shao that angered the imperial court, so the heavenly soldiers suddenly arrived to punish him.

In fact, Luoyang City would not tolerate rebellion. It was simply due to its lack of strength that it failed to send troops to suppress it in the first place.

No matter how well Liu Biao performs on the surface, he is still an uncrowned king. No matter the emperor or the officials in Luoyang City, they will not always allow Liu Biao to be a local emperor. It is only a matter of time before they send troops to attack him.

Cai Mao and Deng Ji didn't say anything, but their faces were full of "I have something to say".

Liu Biao sighed to himself and waited for someone to respond. No one said anything for a long time, so he looked at Cai Mao and said, "Degui, what do you think?"

Cai Mao did not want to answer this question, but Liu Biao called him and he had to bite the bullet and said, "Sir, His Majesty has ordered you to come to the capital to report on your work... It is reasonable, after all, you have not been to the capital for many years. However, right now there is chaos everywhere and the roads are not peaceful, so we still need to...consider it."

"How to consider it?" Liu Biao asked closely.

The court summoned him to the capital while at the same time sending its army forward by sea and land, which was clearly an attempt to "recapture" Jingzhou.

"This..." Cai Mao opened his mouth and said the word "this".

Whether entering the capital or "holding on", Cai Mao knew very well that with Jingzhou's strength, both were dead ends.

In Jingzhou, Liu Biao had been "cultivating culture and virtue" in order to win the hearts of the people. Jingzhou had neither sufficient troops nor generals who were good at fighting.

No matter from which perspective, Jingzhou, with its vast territory and sparse population, could never be a match for the imperial court.

But at the beginning, no one can just say "surrender".

Kuai Yue and Deng Ji looked at Cai Mao without saying a word, and remained silent.

There are not many choices before them now.

Either Liu Biao went to the capital and then allowed the imperial troops to enter Xiangyang.

Either Liu Biao disobeys orders, or the court sends troops to attack him.

Since the present Emperor ascended the throne, no one who openly plotted rebellion has survived.

No matter what Liu Zhang, Yuan Shao and others thought in their hearts, for the sake of appearance, they all respected Luoyang and honestly played the role of loyal ministers and filial sons.

Again, no matter what choice Liu Biao makes, it is what he wants.

It's a dilemma. As a subordinate, who dares to speak rashly?
Liu Biao looked at their expressions and became even more annoyed, but he remained as gentle and gentle as ever. He smiled and said, "It is natural for the court to order me to report to the capital. The court's naval forces stationed in Jiangxia may also be to attack Yuan Shao. As a member of the royal family, Liu Jingsheng is sincere to the Han Dynasty and Your Majesty, and has no second thoughts. Everyone, please feel free to speak."

Kuai Yue listened to Liu Biao's words, but could not judge his thoughts. He hesitated and was about to speak, when suddenly, a trusted servant came in quickly and said directly: "Master, it's bad. There is news from Luoyang that the troops in Sili have been mobilized. A thousand imperial guards have suddenly entered Nanyang."

Liu Biao's face suddenly changed, and he asked anxiously: "Who led the troops, how many were there, and what was the reason?"

To the west of Nanyang County is Yizhou, to the north is Sili, to the south is Yuzhou, and Xiangyang is right at the border between Nanyang County and Nanyang!

Once the imperial army enters Nanyang, it will take at most three to five days to reach Xiangyang!
Kuai Yue and Cai Mao looked at each other subconsciously, with the same look of shock on their faces and fear in their hearts.

What should they do if the imperial court does not give Jingzhou time to surrender?
The confidant said in a panic, "It's not clear who sent the message yet. We are investigating."

Liu Biao's expression was gloomy, without his previous elegance. He waved his hand and slowly sat down, his eyes changing constantly with alternating hatred and anger.

He is not a fool, on the contrary, he is very smart, otherwise he would not have been able to sit on the position of Mu of Jingzhou.

The imperial court is obviously planning to take action against him, what should he do?
If you want to resist with force, it is simply impossible with the strength of Jingzhou!

After a long while, Liu Biao looked up at Kuai Yue, Cai Mao, and Deng Ji with a sullen face, and said, "I have a secret agreement with Liu Zhang, Yuan Shao, and others. If the imperial court sends troops to Jingzhou, will they support us?"

His voice was low and his expression was cold, implying murderous intent.

Cai Mao's heart skipped a beat and he didn't dare to respond.

Kuai Yue was relatively calm and said, "Sir, Liu Xuande's move of troops and the navy westwards shows that Yuan Shao has withdrawn his troops, otherwise they would not have moved. Liu Zhang has not even gained a firm foothold in Yizhou, and is an incompetent man. The reason why the court wants to attack Jingzhou is that it has already figured out everything and completely isolated Jingzhou."

Liu Biao's heart sank even more, and he asked, "Are you saying that the imperial court is specifically targeting Jingzhou this time?"

Kuai Yue thought of Kuai Liang's letter, hesitated for a while, and said: "It may not be intentional, but considering the strength of the court, whether it is Yizhou, Jingzhou, or Yangzhou, they all have the power to send troops... It's just a matter of timing."

"Is the imperial court really that strong?" Liu Biao was somewhat incredulous. Just last year, rumors were everywhere that the imperial court was short of money and food, unable to send troops, and needed to recuperate.

Kuai Yue understood what he meant, and after a brief silence, he said, "The imperial court is indeed in trouble, but if we must fight, even the entire four southern states combined are no match for the imperial court."

Liu Biao immediately thought of Kuai Liang and asked anxiously, "Is there any news about Zirou?"

Zirou is the courtesy name of Kuai Liang.

Kuai Yue immediately shook his head and said, "The rebellion is raging, and there is no letter from home."

"Is there any way to contact and inquire about the court's news?" Liu Biao continued to ask. Kuai Yue wanted to refuse, but he still said, "I have been trying."

Liu Biao may have seen something. He paused for a moment on his face, then shifted his gaze to Cai Mao and said, "Degui, do you have any good ideas?"

This is his brother-in-law, they share weal and woe, and rise and fall together.

Cai Mao's scalp tingled, and he pretended to be calm and said, "Envoy, Jiangxia, the court has not yet sent troops, and Nanjun may have misunderstood. Envoy, you can delay time and wait for the opportunity, or there may be changes."

Saying it means not saying it.

Liu Biao felt depressed, but he forced a smile and said, "Degui is right. Let's leave it at that for today."

Seeing Liu Biao was about to leave, Deng Ji hurriedly said, "Sir, what about Jiangxia? Huang Zu is still waiting for reinforcements. He only has 5,000 men. Once the court sends troops, he will not be able to hold on."

How can five thousand people defend the huge Jiangxia County against the imperial army advancing both by land and sea?
Liu Biao was upset and stood up and left, as if he didn't hear anything.

Cai Mao, Kuai Liang and Deng Ji were left looking at each other in bewilderment.

Not to mention the emperor's edict, which ordered Liu Biao to set out the next day, just the fact that Jiangxia County was in imminent crisis, why did Liu Biao remain silent and make no decision at all?

But they all knew that Liu Biao was facing a difficult choice. They looked at each other, stood up silently, and no one dared to speak first.

The three of them left the room, and Cai Mao couldn't wait to leave first.

Kuai Yue watched him go to the backyard, shook his head, and walked out on his own.

Deng Ji caught up with him and whispered, "Sir, did you really not receive the letter from home?"

Kuai Yue remained calm and said, "Indeed not."

Deng Ji suddenly raised his hand solemnly and said solemnly: "Sir, if you have other prospects, please don't forget Deng Ji, I will definitely reward you handsomely!"

Seeing that he had made it clear, Kuai Yue stopped, looked back, and whispered, "The key now is not with you and me, but with Cai Degui."

"Cai Beijia?" Deng Ji looked puzzled and said, "Please give me some advice, sir."

Seeing that Deng Ji was not getting the point, Kuai Yue said bluntly: "The future of Jingzhou does not lie with you and me, nor with the governor's mansion, but with the envoy's backyard."

Deng Ji understood instantly, and then looked towards the backyard of Liu's house and said, "It seems that Cai Biejia went to the backyard, probably to meet Madam Cai."

Liu Biao was a very gullible person, especially when it came to pillow talk. Almost everything he said came true, and even his own son would become suspicious of him.

On the surface, all matters big and small in Jingzhou were in Liu Biao's hands, but in reality, Mrs. Cai could change them with just a few words.

But Mrs. Cai was a woman without her own opinion. She didn't trust her husband, but her own brother Cai Mao.

In this case, Cai Mao's attitude becomes the key.

Cai Mao's attitude is actually clearly visible.

Cai Mao was also a person without talent or virtue. He was accustomed to enjoying wealth and glory and was afraid of death.

With the imperial army approaching in large numbers, perhaps a little more pressure would be enough to dispel all of Cai Mao's fantasies.

But what other fantasies does Cai Mao have?
In the backyard, Liu Biao hid in a remote pavilion, thinking hard about countermeasures.

He was clear about the abilities of his subordinates. The Kuai brothers were very talented, but ever since Kuai Liang entered the court, Kuai Yue's attitude, or rather the attitude of the Kuai family, changed drastically, and they became distant from him.

As for Cai Mao and the Cai family, they were neither talented in literature nor in martial arts, and could not be relied upon.

On one hand, there is the emperor's edict ordering him to go to the capital to report on his work, and on the other hand, there are three armies approaching the border. What should he do?
"Ah..." Liu Biao sighed dejectedly. He never thought that as a governor of a state, he had no one to whom he could confide his true feelings.

At this time, Cai Mao had already found his second sister, Lady Cai, Liu Biao's second wife.

Cai Mao's conversation made Madam Cai stunned for a moment, and she was in a daze for a long time before she asked, "You want me to persuade my husband to report to Luoyang and recommend you as the governor of Jingzhou?"

Cai Mao said with an expression that said, "If you go to Luoyang, the court will no longer be suspicious of you, and there will be no war. I will be the governor of Jingzhou, and when Cong'er grows up, I will give him the throne. Isn't that the best of both worlds?"

Mrs. Cai listened to Cai Mao's words, thought about it, her eyes lit up, and she leaned closer and said, "Will your husband agree? If he goes to Luoyang, he may die at any time."

"So, I must be the governor of Jingzhou!"

Cai Mao said solemnly: "With me here, the court will definitely not dare to kill you without authorization!"

Mrs. Cai thought it was more reasonable. She thought about it again and again and suddenly said, "There is another thing. If Liu Qi is still alive, I am afraid that Cong'er will not be able to succeed to the throne smoothly in the future."

Cai Mao sneered confidently and said, "Second sister, you don't have to worry. I will take care of Liu Qi."

Mrs. Cai was relieved immediately and said, "I'll go find him right away. You can stay for dinner tonight."

"Okay!" Cai Mao was overjoyed and nodded without changing his expression.

Mrs. Cai hired maids and arranged a dinner, while at the same time she was thinking about how to persuade Liu Biao. After all, going to Luoyang was too dangerous, and Liu Biao would not agree without sufficient reasons.

In the face of the huge threat, the people of the small Cai Mansion were in a panic and had different opinions.

For Liu Biao, the governor of Jingzhou, this was undoubtedly the most tormenting.

He pondered for a long time in the pavilion, but still couldn't come up with a "good idea". At night, his beloved wife hit him with a big stick, which made him dizzy and even more at a loss, not knowing what to do.

The next morning, Liu Biao came to the courtyard with a haggard face and sunken eyes. He glanced at Cai Mao calmly, suppressed his fatigue, and said, "Zirou, do you have any countermeasures?"

Cai Mao took in Liu Biao's expression and pretended to be thoughtful and unaware.

He knew Liu Biao too well. He knew that it would take two or three days at most for Liu Biao to agree to his second sister's request!

Kuai Yue said respectfully: "Sir, the only solution now is to delay and wait for changes."

The court has ordered him to set off today, so how can he delay any longer?
Liu Biao didn't say it out loud, and looked at Cai Mao and Deng Ji again, feeling more helpless.

Liu Biao didn't say anything, and Kuai Yue, Cai Mao and Deng Ji dared not speak even more.

After a long while, Liu Biao gathered his strength, forced a smile, and said, "Cai Mao, you take 10,000 men to support Jiangxia, Deng Ji, you take 10,000 men to Nanyang, and there must be no loss."

Kuai Liang was shocked. Is he going to fight a head-on battle with the imperial court?
Cai Mao could no longer sit still, and hurriedly said, "Your Excellency, the imperial court has 50,000 troops in Jiangxia. Sending only 10,000 is probably not enough, right? Besides, if we send more troops to support Nanyang, Xiangyang will be left without troops to defend. Your Excellency, please think twice."

Jingzhou was a vast territory with few people. In addition, Liu Biao cultivated a reputation for benevolence and always insisted on streamlining the military and government and winning the hearts of the people. Therefore, the total military strength of Jingzhou was no more than 50,000.

In addition to Jiangxia and Nanyang, other counties also need to be garrisoned. If the 20,000 troops from Xiangyang are withdrawn, Xiangyang will be left empty!
Liu Biao knew it, but what else could he do?
We can't just sit and watch the imperial court easily capture Jiangxia and Nanyang, and then march into Xiangyang and take their lives, right?
"Report!"

Suddenly, there were urgent shouts outside the door, followed by footsteps. A messenger rushed in with an urgent letter in his hand, knelt on one knee and said, "Your Excellency, urgent news from Jiangxia County. The governor of Jiangxia has opened the city gates to welcome General Liu Bei of Yuzhou into the city!"

As soon as he finished speaking, you could hear a pin drop in the courtyard.

Liu Biao looked pale and was trembling all over.

Cai Mao opened his eyes wide with a look of disbelief as he stared at the messenger. He opened his mouth again and again, but no sound came out.

(End of this chapter)