Han family achievements

Chapter 549 Choice Three

Cai Mao, Kuai Yue and Deng Ji were so shocked that they were speechless.

Once the gates of Jiangxia are opened, the imperial army will be able to march straight in and attack Xiangyang without any obstacles along the way!

Moreover, when the royal army arrived, how could Liu Biao, who had always claimed to be a "loyal minister", and the generals guarding along the way resist?

I am afraid that there will be a second or third Huang Zu, leading the royal army to attack the city of Xiangyang!
What should we do now?
Cai Mao, Kuai Yue, and Deng Ji were also extremely panicked when they saw Liu Biao's expression.

The court acted faster than they expected. Liu Bei entered Jiangxia, but what about Nanyang?

These two places are not far from Xiangyang. Perhaps while they were talking, Liu Bei had already surrounded Xiangyang with his army!

At that time, it will be too late to talk about other things. Even if the family is not confiscated and the clan is not exterminated, it will be almost the same.

"Well, Huang She, the son of Huang Zu, is the prefect of Zhangling." Deng Ji suddenly spoke in the silence.

Liu Biao's heart trembled even more, and his eyes were filled with despair.

In order to secure his position as the governor of Jingzhou, he not only cultivated his literary reputation, but also tried to win over some generals. Huang Zu was the second most important general after Cai Mao.

In order to make Huang Zu loyal and serve the country, not only was Huang Zu appointed as the prefect of Jiangxia, his eldest son was also appointed as the prefect of Zhangling!

If Huang Zu "rebelled", he would not fail to inform his son. Now Xiangyang, or Liu Biao, was surrounded by enemies on all sides.

Cai Mao's face was as gloomy as water and cold sweat ran down the back of his neck.

He was still thinking about becoming the governor of Jingzhou yesterday, but who knew the situation would become so bad today!

Whoever wants to be the governor of Jingzhou can do it, but he doesn’t want to do it anymore!
Seeing that Liu Biao remained silent for a long time, Kuai Yue said softly, "Sir, the angel is still waiting outside the palace."

According to the imperial edict, Liu Biao must leave Xiangyang today and rush to Luoyang to report on his work.

Liu Biao looked at the expressions of the crowd, suppressed his anxiety, and said, "Yuan Shao has not withdrawn far. If he advances, Liu Bei will have some concerns and will have to withdraw from Jiangxia, right?"

Kuai Yue looked at him and wanted to tell him that Yuan Shao had already withdrawn his troops, and Zhang Liao and Sun Quan were not far from Danyang, so it was impossible for Yuan Shao to send troops to rescue him.

But facing Liu Biao's face full of expectation, Kuai Yue did not say the words that came to his lips.

Cai Mao and Deng Ji were even more silent. Jiangxia had already fallen into Liu Bei's hands, and Zhang Ling had probably already assembled his troops. Xiangyang was in danger, and Liu Biao was still pinning his hopes on Yuan Shao for rescue?

Liu Biao felt extremely heavy in his heart, his expression was bitter, and he couldn't utter a word.

These people are of no help at all and don't even say anything useful. Are they already in collusion with the court and waiting to surrender?

Liu Biao was not a confused person. Ever since Huang Zu surrendered to the court and opened the gate of Jiangxia to Liu Bei, he had already remembered that Huang Zu and Cao Cao were old acquaintances.

The imperial court's march into Jingzhou this time was obviously well prepared and not a whim.

Jingzhou is in danger!
In the small room, the silence seemed eternal.

"Husband!"

Suddenly, Madam Cai came hurriedly, looking flustered and uneasy, and asked, "I heard, I heard that Huang Zu rebelled?"

Liu Biao was now full of annoyance, and when he heard Cai's voice, he became even more annoyed. He immediately frowned and scolded, "This is a place for officials to discuss matters. You, a woman, cannot come here. Get out!"

Madam Cai seemed not to have heard it. She went straight to sit next to Liu Biao, pulled his arm, and said anxiously, "My husband, the sky has fallen, why are you still fussing about these things? Even if you don't care about my life or death, you have to consider Cong'er, right?"

Liu Biao frowned, his face was gloomy and uncertain, and he turned a deaf ear to Cai's words.

Madam Cai held his arm, suddenly filled with grief, and cried, "Husband, why don't we accompany Cong'er to Luoyang, and let us serve as hostages. The court will not embarrass you..."

After hearing what she said, Liu Biao's heart softened even though it was hard. He didn't care about her intrusion and said to Kuai Liang in a serious tone, "Sir, at this critical moment, are you still keeping silent? Since Liu Biao came to Jingzhou, he has never treated Kuai family with disrespect!"

Upon hearing this, Cai Mao immediately said, "Sir, the Kuai family and the envoy are of the same blood. If one suffers, we will suffer together. Please tell me the way to survive!"

Deng Ji also stared at him without saying a word, with a look on his face that said: Save me quickly.

Kuai Yue's expression changed, and after a moment of silence, he said, "The envoy has indeed treated me and the Kuai family well. I have something to say that is really offensive..."

"But it doesn't matter!"

Liu Biao said anxiously.

Kuai Yue glanced at Cai Mao and Deng Ji, then at Cai's face, and said hesitantly, "Sir, the only way now is to go to the capital."

Liu Biao's hope was still on his face, but he was twitching stiffly, as if he was laughing and crying.

Cai said hurriedly: "Mr. Kuai is right! My husband, you should negotiate with the court on the condition of going to Beijing and let Degui be the governor of Jingzhou. Otherwise, it will be a fight to the death. The court will not refuse!"

Liu Biao had no idea what expression he had. His heart was filled with fear and he was unable to think for a moment.

Even though he was unable to think, Liu Biao knew very well that as long as he left Xiangyang and arrived in Luoyang, those people in the imperial court would definitely settle accounts with him and eat him alive.

As for what Cai said about a fight to the death, that was even more ridiculous. Liu Bei had an army of 40,000, plus Huang's grandfather and his son, a total of 60,000. Xiangyang seemed to have 20,000 people, but Xiangyang had just been built and there was not even a decent city!

Not to mention, Cai Mao, Kuai Yue, Deng Ji and others have probably tried their best to contact Liu Bei and the court, surrender first, and grab the credit and obtain official positions.

With internal and external troubles, the situation is hopeless!
How to choose?
Liu Biao looked at the evasive eyes and hesitant expressions of Cai Mao, Deng Ji, Kuai Yue and others, and sighed in his heart. He sat there motionless as if he was deflated.

It's not that he has no ambitions.

Before Zuo Li warned him, he wanted to wait and see which way the wind would blow, perhaps to become the king, so he tried his best to seek fame and win over the scholars.

After being warned by Zuo Li, he became obedient, guarded Jingzhou and did not interfere in external affairs.

However, he could not resist Cai's instigation and Yuan Shao's inducement, and he sent troops out of Jingzhou for the first time.

But just as the troops returned, the imperial army arrived.

Punish the disloyal!
Defeat this loyal but disloyal minister!

"Owner,"

At this time, a servant came to the door and said, "The angel sent someone to ask when the master will leave."

After this sentence was spoken, everyone looked at Liu Biao.

Liu Biao felt those gazes and anger surged in his heart - the anger of betrayal!

None of these people are "loyal". At this time, they actually want to push him out to die!

Mrs. Cai's eyes immediately filled with tears, and she said in a sad voice: "Husband, things have come to this point, we, we have to think more about Cong'er, we can't let your husband be childless..."

Liu Biao looked out the door, wanting to cry but unable to, and said loudly and sadly, "Who could have thought that I, Liu Jingsheng, would have such a day! Hahahaha..."

Cai Mao and Deng Ji were shocked to see him crying and laughing, and they quickly lowered their heads, not daring to breathe. Kuai Yue also lowered his head, but his expression was not at all uneasy.

With Kuai Liang in the capital, the Kuai family had no worries about being implicated by Liu Biao. Kuai Liang's letter clearly stated that the Grand Marshal's Office had already made a clear plan, and Jingzhou's return to the court was an inevitable trend that no one could stop!
The meaning is very simple, requiring the Kuai family to cut ties with Liu Biao and be clear about their position.

Seeing Liu Biao like this, Mrs. Cai suppressed her grief, covered her face with her hands, and cried incessantly.

"That's it!"

Liu Biao looked at Cai and felt that their previous love between husband and wife was ridiculous. He sighed, stood up and walked out.

Surrender!
There is no other way but to surrender!
Kuai Liang, Cai Mao, Deng Ji and others watched Liu Biao stride out and all breathed a sigh of relief.

If Liu Biao insisted on raising his troops to resist, they would be in big trouble.

Liu Biao got on the carriage without preparing anything. Officials from the palace, the Secretariat, and the Ministry of Rites immediately shouted "set off" and prepared to take Liu Biao on the road quickly.

"Husband, husband!"

Liu Biao was so angry that he didn't want to care about anything, but his wife was thoughtful. Not only did she carry the package, but she also had two carriages waiting for her.

Liu Biao lifted the curtain, took a look, then threw it back suddenly. His face turned pale and he felt pain in his liver.

Mrs. Cai kept running after the carriage and shouting, but the carriage didn't stop.

At the same time, Cai Mao, Kuai Yue, Deng Ji and others found Liu Biao's seal, quickly wrote letters and issued orders to various counties, while also sending messages to Liu Bei and the court.

Letters were continuously sent from Xiangyang City, allowing Liu Bei to capture Xiangyang without bloodshed. At the same time, he dispatched troops to take over the entire Jingzhou.

Liu Bei and Liu Biao have many similarities - they are both members of the royal family, they like fame, they are known for their benevolence, they respect the wise and the humble, etc.

In order to appease Jingzhou, Liu Bei held a series of banquets in Xiangyang to entertain celebrities and famous figures from Jiangdong.

Liu Biao chose to follow the angel into the capital, which meant he made a choice, and this choice would undoubtedly shock the world.

Jingzhou has been a battleground for military strategists since ancient times. To the west is Yizhou, to the south is Jiaozhi, to the east is Yangzhou, and to the south is Sili and Yuzhou. It is a strategic point connecting the south and the north!

Especially on the east and west sides, one is Liu Zhang of Yizhou, and the other is Yuan Shao of Yangzhou. These two people are two of the three remaining rebels in the Han Dynasty!
Sun Quan, Marquis of Wucheng, who had an extremely special identity and status, caused unrest in the entire Wu County after Liu Biao ordered him to come to the capital.

Every day, countless people come and go in the Sun Mansion and the County Government. Sun Quan has been pushed to the edge of the cliff as to what to do next.

At night, at Sun’s house.

Sun Quan sat in the main seat. Despite his young age, his face was as gloomy as water, and his eyes kept moving between Cheng Pu and Gu Yong on his left and right.

Without waiting for them to speak, Sun Quan said in a deep voice: "Jingzhou is about to fall, and the imperial court has added tens of thousands of troops! Zhang Liao has deployed troops in Guangling County, Huang Zu and Zhang Fei have entered Jiujiang, and Zhou Yu's navy has already turned around! Gentlemen, today is the day to make a decision!"

Liu Biao's entry into the capital brought Wu County to the fore. Facing the court's covetous gaze, Wu County had to make a choice - either surrender or rebel!

Gu Yong remained silent, lowering his head as if thinking.

Cheng Pu's face was filled with sternness. He said, "Lord Sun, I still say the same thing, wait and see. Lord Sun is loyal to the court, and he is your Majesty's son-in-law, a royal relative. There is absolutely no reason for the royal army to be incorporated into Wu County!"

Gu Yong looked up at him. The imperial court wanted to recapture Wu County. Before and after the event, there were many people giving advice. Would ten thousand reasons be enough?
Sun Quan was noncommittal about Cheng Pu's idea, and knowing that Gu Yong was already a "surrenderist", he could not help but look embarrassed and pondered for a long time.

After all, Sun Quan did not want to easily give up the foundation laid by his father and brother, but now the situation has changed drastically, the imperial court is strong and powerful, and tens of thousands of troops are at the gates of the city. What can he do?
Wujun has tens of thousands of soldiers, but the imperial court has hundreds of thousands! Wujun can resist the first day, but not the fifteenth!

What's more, there is Yuan Shao in the south who is eyeing them covetously!

Wu County has reached a desperate situation!
Cheng Pu saw through Sun Quan's thoughts, glanced at the silent Gu Yong, and said hatefully: "Lord Sun, delay, there are many ways, the worst that can be done is to form an alliance with Yuan Shao and fight against the court together! Jingzhou is vast and sparsely populated, it is not easy for Liu Bei to swallow it all in one go! As long as there is a little provocation, there will be countless rebellions and no peace..."

"Mr. Cheng!"

Gu Yong interrupted him directly and said irritably: "At this time, are you still using such empty words to deceive Lord Sun!?"

"you!"

Cheng Pu was furious, pointing at him and scolding him: "You, the Gu family, have received favors from the Sun family for three generations, but you have no intention of repaying them and are bent on rebellion. How can this be possible?!"

Gu Yong snorted coldly and said pointedly: "What is the so-called rebellion, please explain it in detail, Mr. Cheng!? Are you talking about my Gu family and Lord Sun, or the imperial court? To Lord Sun, my Gu family has a clear conscience! To the imperial court, my Gu family, as a Han official, would rather break than bend!"

Cheng Pu's eyes widened with anger. He was so angry at Gu Yong's shameless words that he stood up and rushed to Gu Yong, shouting, "Then let me ask you, is your heart with Sun Hou or with the court?!"

Gu Yong did not show any weakness at all. He stood up and spit out saliva and said loudly: "Then let me ask you, where is Lord Sun's heart? Is it in Wujun or in Luoyang!?"

"You..." Cheng Pu was furious. It was obvious that Gu Yong was making trouble for him. He was so angry that he wanted to draw his sword.

Gu Yong was faster than him and drew his sword directly.

"enough!"

Sun Quan shouted angrily, "Do you want to bleed here in front of me?"

Gu Yong and Cheng Pu were able to restrain themselves. They looked at each other angrily, turned around and sat down, trying to suppress their anger, but it was obvious that they were still fuming and ready to explode.

Sun Quan was already anxious, and seeing the two men like this, he could only frown, his chest heaving, and for a moment he didn't know how to continue speaking.

He has met many people in the past few days, most of whom have "surrendered". There are only a handful of people who want to resist the court and maintain the independence of Wu County!
This situation was undoubtedly a huge blow to Sun Quan.

He does not have his father's resume and prestige, nor does he have his brother's bravery and military achievements. It can be said that he became the Marquis of Wucheng and the prefect of Wujun simply because of good luck. So far, he has no team and cannot gain a firm foothold in Wujun.

Amidst the calls for "surrender", Sun Quan was torn. Even though Cheng Pu insisted, he could not support the overall situation of Wujun alone.

Gu Yong took in Sun Quan's expression and realized that it was almost time. He pretended to be thoughtful and said, "Lord Sun, the reason why Liu Biao decided to obey the imperial order and enter the capital is mostly because Huang Zu surrendered to the court and opened the gate of Jiangxia."

Sun Quan's face suddenly changed, and he said anxiously: "Sir, you mean, someone... someone..."

Cheng Pu immediately said, "Don't worry, Lord Sun, the counties and generals are loyal to Lord Sun and will never betray him!"

Gu Yong said expressionlessly: "Mr. Cheng, what guarantees can you make?"

"You..." Cheng Pu was so angry that he wanted to draw his sword and stab Gu Yong to death on the spot.

Sun Quan's expression was stiff, and his heart felt as if he had fallen into an icy cave, cold to the bone.

Jingzhou is full of people who have surrendered to the imperial court, and now there are countless people expressing their loyalty... What about Wujun?
Once the first person surrenders to the court, there will definitely be a second and a third!

By then, Wujun would be as easy as walking on flat ground for the imperial army, with no obstacles in sight.

Sun Quan opened his eyes, as if waking up from a dream. He raised a hand with difficulty to stop Cheng Pu who was about to speak, and said weakly: "Mr. Gu, send a letter to Zhang Liao and tell him that I am going to visit the troops."

Cheng Pu looked at Sun Quan's dejected expression and opened his mouth to speak, but he heard Gu Yong's joyful voice: "I obey your orders!"

(End of this chapter)