Three Kingdoms: Liu Bei seeks the master and seeks to conquer the world

Chapter 197

How to choose?

Liu Bei's eyes became complicated and hesitant.

If he knew how to make a choice, he wouldn't let Zheng Ping go back to Linzi City quickly.

"Xianmou, I want to hear your thoughts." Liu Bei looked at Zheng Ping with three expectations in his eyes.

last time.

Zheng Ping asked Gongsun Zan to go to Changshan Kingdom, successfully delaying the conflict between Gongsun Zan and Liu Yu.

Liu Bei also believed that this time, Zheng Ping still had a solution.

Zheng Ping secretly sighed.

This is Liu Bei's personality charm.

But again, emphasizing friendship will make it difficult for Liu Bei to choose the best solution.

The world is like chess, and the changes in the universe are unpredictable. It is difficult to have both fish and bear's paw.

a long time.

Zheng Ping shook the feather fan lightly, and there was a bit of resentment in his eyes.

After all, Zheng Ping still didn't want to see Liu Bei suffer because of Gongsun Zan.

"Zigang's conjecture is consistent with mine. General Gongsun was bewitched by Yuan Shao and returned to Youzhou. He will definitely put Da Sima under house arrest in a vain attempt to make Da Sima the emperor."

"In this way, he can be promoted from a Fenwu general to a general of Wei, general of chariots, general of hussars, and even a general."

"Dong Zhuo was able to coerce the emperor to order the world, and General Gongsun can follow suit."

Liu Bei clenched his fists: "If it wasn't for Yuan Benchu's bewitching, brother Bogui would have committed such a crime, hateful Yuan Benchu!"

Deep down in his heart, Liu Bei already hated Yuan Shao very much.

Zheng Ping pondered for a moment, then said: "As long as General Gongsun doesn't make the big mistake of killing Da Sima, then there is still room for maneuver in this matter."

Liu Bei got up suddenly: "Then I will go to Zhuojun personally! I think Brother Bogui will see my face, and maybe he can rein in the precipice."

Zheng Ping shook his head: "Master, you can't go to Zhuojun."

"Now you are Qingzhou Mu and General Zhenxi, and General Gongsun is just a general who fights hard. He will definitely be ashamed to see you."

"If you try to persuade me as Qingzhou Mu and General Zhenxi, General Gongsun will not only not be grateful, but will become angry from embarrassment."

Liu Bei was stunned.

Although he didn't want to believe that Gongsun Zan would be jealous of his official position and general position, but based on Liu Bei's understanding of Gongsun Zan, Gongsun Zan had the personality of wanting to take care of his brother when something good happened, but he would never easily look down and ask his brother for help.

The Gongsun family is a big and well-known family in Youzhou, but Gongsun Zan, who was born as a bastard, was not valued by the family since he was a child.

It is Gongsun Zan who has achieved this position today.

Therefore, Gongsun Zan can show others his strength and dignity, but he will never let others see his weakness and humbleness.

The closer the person, the more so!
Liu Bei can ask Gongsun Zan for help with a low profile, but Gongsun Zan is absolutely unwilling to be persuaded by Liu Bei to do what he wants.

"Since I can't persuade you, can Xianmou go to Zhuo County again?" Liu Bei's eyes added anticipation.

With Zheng Ping's debating skills, Liu Bei believed that Zheng Ping must have the skills to persuade Gongsun Zan.

Zheng Ping shook his head again: "My lord, the essence of lobbying is to seek advantages and avoid disadvantages."

"The last time I was able to lobby successfully, it was because it was more beneficial for General Gongsun to go to Changshan than to stay in Youbeiping."

"But this time, is there any greater benefit than staying in Zhuojun, owning the Jade Seal of Chuanguo, and coercing the Great Sima to command Youzhou Quartet?"

The Jade Seal of Inheritance alone is enough to drive Gongsun Zan crazy, and with the addition of orders to the counties and counties of Youzhou, where is there any greater benefit than this?
"Sending the Jade Seal of Chuanguo to Da Sima, it made me harm Da Sima!" Liu Bei sighed, "Is there no other way to deal with it?"

Zheng Ping paced and shook his fan: "Master, you are in the middle of the game, and you are blinded by a leaf."

Liu Bei looked at Zheng Ping in astonishment.

Zheng Ping explained softly: "The envoy is just a shepherd of Qingzhou, and he is in charge of Qingzhou affairs. Why bother to intervene in Youzhou affairs? There is still one person who is more worried about the changes in Youzhou than the envoy."

"There is one more person? Who is it?" Liu Bei was puzzled.

Yuan Shao and Gongsun Zan formed an alliance. Besides Liu Bei, who else in Hebei would care about the changes in Youzhou?

Zheng Pingfan pointed in the direction of Chang'an: "Dong Zhuo of Chang'an!"

After mentioning the point, Liu Bei came to his senses: "Before this, neither Yuan Shu, nor Da Sima and I have publicly passed on the jade seal of the country."

"Even if there are rumors in the market, they are unconfirmed. Although the people of Kanto have doubts, they may not believe them."

"However, Dong Zhuo of Chang'an will definitely believe it!"

"Because Chang'an didn't hand down the national jade seal, even if it's just a rumor from the Kanto, Dong Zhuo would believe it!"

"So, as long as I report the information about the Chuanguo Yuxi at Da Sima's place to the emperor in Chang'an, Dong Zhuo will definitely intervene in the affairs of Youzhou and use all available methods to prevent Da Sima from proclaiming himself emperor!"

"Wonderful!"

Liu Bei figured out the key.

Considering the old friendship with Gongsun Zan, Liu Bei couldn't turn a blind eye.

However, as Zheng Ping analyzed, Liu Bei's personal intervention in Youzhou affairs would only be counterproductive, and it would make Gongsun Zan's determination to support the new emperor stronger.

But having Dong Zhuo intervene is different.

The reason why Dong Zhuo was able to observe the changes in the Kanto region peacefully in Chang'an was because Dong Zhuo had the emperor in his hand.

This is the reason why Dong Zhuo can be stable in Guanzhong.

But now, Gongsun Zan and Yuan Shao have obtained the Jade Seal of Chuanguo, even if Liu Yu is not willing, Gongsun Zan and Yuan Shao can support other Liu clan kings as emperors.

Anyway, they are all puppets, and it is the same to support anyone.

However, Da Sima Liu Yu is the best choice!

Supporting Liu Yu can make it easier for the forces in Youzhou to surrender.

Unless he is sure that after supporting other clan kings to proclaim himself emperor, he can easily make all the forces in Youzhou surrender, otherwise Gongsun Zan will only order Youzhou in the name of Liu Yu, and will not immediately support the emperor.

And this time difference is the opportunity for Dong Zhuo to intervene.

"Back to the original question." Zheng Ping said with burning eyes, "If General Gongsun invites the envoy to establish a new monarch, how will the envoy choose?"

Liu Bei's eyes were not as complicated and hesitant as they were at first, and his tone became firm: "The Son of Heaven in Chang'an is of the blood of Emperor Ling. Since the Son of Heaven still exists, it is against the law and morality to support a new emperor."

"Qingzhou will only support the emperor of Chang'an, and will not recognize the second emperor!"

Liu Bei has figured it out.

Gongsun Zan has already made a big mistake. If he wants to save Gongsun Zan, Qingzhou cannot support Gongsun Zan to support the new king.

Even if this choice would make Gongsun Zan angry!
But this is the only way Liu Bei can save Gongsun Zan's life.

Once Gongsun Zan is really desperate to support the new emperor, even if Liu Bei wants to protect Gongsun Zan, there is nothing he can do.

"Your Majesty is wise." Zheng Ping praised at the right time.

Liu Bei sighed helplessly: "Xianmou, I know that you are actually very unwilling to offer advice."

"Brother Bogui abandoned Ju Gong, and he has committed a big taboo in employing people."

"From now on, there will no longer be any truly talented and wise men who will join Brother Bogui."

"However, when I was weaving mats and selling shoes in Zhuo County, I received a lot of kindness from Brother Bogui. When I was studying under Master Lu, Brother Bogui also helped me a lot."

"One cannot forget one's origin, nor can one forget one's righteousness."

"Since ancient times, loyalty and righteousness have been in a dilemma, but I hope that while being loyal to the Han Dynasty, I can maintain the friendship with Brother Bogui as much as possible."

"Let Xianmou bother!"

Liu Bei bowed solemnly to Zheng Ping.

To rule the roost in troubled times, Liu Bei's thinking is a bit indecisive, even pedantic.

However, everything has two sides.

Perhaps in terms of the general trend, Liu Bei's thoughts are indecisive.

But for those who follow Liu Bei, they will respect Liu Bei's thoughts.

after all.

Who doesn't want to have a Mingzhu who can empathize and empathize?
Zheng Ping quickly helped Liu Bei up, with sincerity in his tone: "Please don't do this! Personally speaking, I really don't want you to waste your energy on General Gongsun."

"But since I chose to assist the envoy to rule the world, I will definitely follow the envoy's will and spare no effort to plan for the envoy."

"It's up to people to plan things, and it's up to God to make things happen. Please do everything with a clear conscience!"

After his mind was clear, Liu Bei immediately drafted a document, asked Zheng Ping to assist in polishing it, and then sent his cronies to Hulao Pass in Yanzhou and rushed to Chang'an.

After receiving the information from Liu Bei, Dong Zhuo was so shocked that he didn't even want to enjoy the wine and beauties.

"Gongsun Zan and Yuan Shao won the Imperial Seal?"

Although Lu Zhi planned the general trend of the world, Dong Zhuo had the fighting spirit, but his nature did not change because of it.

At the beginning, Dong Zhuo could still listen to Lu Zhi's advice, win over people's hearts, and make friends with the noble clan.

But soon, Dong Zhuo found that all these scholars were complimenting each other in front of their faces and cursing behind their backs, so he couldn't restrain his killing intent.

So Dong Zhuo issued an order that officials below Shangshu should report to the Xiangfu as long as they have a child.

And Dong Zhuo became more and more powerful, wantonly conferring clan members, even infants, all males were conferred marquises, and females were enfeoffed as lords.

He also built Meiwu in Chang'an, with a height of seven feet and a thickness of seven feet. The accumulated rice can be used for 30 years!

At the same time, in the name of rebellion, the old people in Guanzhong were massacred, and their farms were used to reward cronies and meritorious soldiers.

This gradually caused dissatisfaction among the court officials, ministers, civil and military officials.

Dong Zhuo also knew that he was hated by others, so he let Lu Bu accompany him when he went in and out.

For Dong Zhuo, with the Son of Heaven in his hand, this group of ministers, civil and military officials who claim to be loyal ministers are just a group of ants that can be killed at any time.

Now, Dong Zhuo felt threatened!
When the emperor moved westward to the emperor's hundred officials, Dong Zhuo never found the Jade Seal of Chuanguo, so he secretly carved one to prove the emperor's orthodoxy.

But now, the real Chuanguo Yuxi appeared!
When Yuan Shao and Gongsun Zan are fully prepared to support Liu Yu or other clan kings in Youzhou, then there will be two emperors of the Han family in this world!
With the Imperial Seal in hand, the new emperor supported by Yuan Shao and Gongsun Zan will let Dong Zhuo take the emperor by force, so that the plans of the world will be severely challenged!
Dong Zhuo immediately went to the palace to invite the emperor Liu Xie, and called all the officials to the palace to discuss countermeasures.

"Your Majesty, gentlemen."

"This Grand Master has received news that Yuan Shu stole the Jade Seal of the Chuan Kingdom in Luoyang in the past, and has been hiding it until now."

"As for Liu Bei, shepherd of Qingzhou, he defeated Yuan Shu in Fengqiu City and got the Jade Seal of the Chuan Kingdom. Liu Bei sent the Jade Seal of the Chuan Kingdom to Da Sima."

"Da Sima wrote to my Grand Master a few days ago, saying that he would send the Jade Seal of the Chuan Kingdom to Chang'an."

"But it's a pity that Da Sima's plot was not secret. Yuan Shao and Gongsun Zan took the Chuanguo Yuxi, and Da Sima was also put under house arrest by Gongsun Zan."

"The Kwantung rebels stole the legendary jade seal of the country and put the chief Sima under house arrest. Such evil deeds are absolutely unforgivable!"

Dong Zhuo's half-truths and half-false words surprised Liu Xie and Wenwu Gongqing.

Huang Wan, captain of the Sili school, came out and questioned directly: "Grand Master, hasn't there always been a Jade Seal in Chang'an? Why is there another one in Youzhou?"

Dong Zhuo shuddered, dissatisfied: "Huang Sili, my Grand Master said that the Chuan Guo Yuxi was stolen by Yuan Shu, don't you understand?"

Wang Yun hurriedly grabbed Huang Wan: "Brother Ziyan, let's discuss how to get back the Jade Seal of Chuan Kingdom first!"

Dong Zhuo took advantage of the situation and said, "Master Wang is right, the most urgent thing is to get back the Jade Seal of Chuanguo. Otherwise, once Yuan Shao and Gongsun Zan support the new emperor in Youzhou, you guys will all become rebels!"

"Even Your Majesty has become a false emperor!"

In an instant, the entire court was silent.

No matter how many grievances there were before, no matter how many people were looking forward to Dong Zhuo's death, but now, everyone is facing the same crisis!
How to ensure the orthodox imperial power of Emperor Chang'an!
Wang Yun was dismissed from the position of Situ before, and today he just had the opportunity to show his performance, and he said first: "Yuan Shao and Gongsun Zan put the great Sima under house arrest. They must want to support the great Sima and proclaim him emperor."

"Your Majesty can worship Da Sima as Taifu and call him to serve in the court."

"However, in order to prevent Yuan Shao and Gongsun Zan from supporting other Liu clans to proclaim themselves emperors, Your Majesty has to separate Yuan Shao and Gongsun Zan."

"Gongsun Zan can be given the post of former general, named Marquis of Yi, and command Qingjiyou and the troops of the four prefectures, and then give Gongsun Zan a secret edict to sweep Qingjiyou and the four prefectures for dissatisfaction, and then return the Jade Seal of Chuanguo."

"Gongsun Zan has benefited and doesn't have to return the Jade Seal of Chuanguo, so naturally he won't take the risk of supporting a new emperor at this time!"

"Bringing Da Sima back to Chang'an will also allow Gongsun Zan to be unrestrained in Youzhou."

"In this way, not only will the crisis be resolved, but Gongsun Zan and Yuan Shao will be able to fight each other!"

Lu Zhi glanced at Wang Yun, and couldn't help secretly praising him.

Wang Yun's move directly broke the alliance between Gongsun Zan and Yuan Shao.

Former general, Marquis of Yi, commander of Qingjiyou and the troops of the four states, Gongsun Zan's power and status can be said to be unique in Kanto!
With such great power, plus the secret edict that can keep the Jade Seal of Chuanguo, unless Gongsun Zan lost his mind, he would take the risk to support the new emperor.

"Teacher, Wang Zishi's strategy is indeed wonderful."

"But the imperial decree alone may not make Gongsun Zan submit. An order must also be given to Zang Hong, governor of Yanzhou, Liu Bei, governor of Qingzhou, and Ma Teng, governor of Bingzhou, to let them march north."

"To lure them with benefits, and to intimidate them with prestige, Gongsun Zan can weigh the pros and cons."

Lu Zhi supplemented and perfected Wang Yun's strategy.

Although Wang Yun was very upset, he still bowed to Lu Zhi: "Lu Shangshu is thoughtful, thank you for your advice."

All the ministers also echoed.

After deliberating for a long time, Dong Zhuo adopted Wang Yun and Lu Zhi's plan, and sent Shangshu servant Sun Rui as an envoy to Zhuojun to announce the decree.

At the same time, he sent orders to Ma Teng, Zang Hong and Liu Bei, ordering their Chen soldiers to go north to deter Yuan Shao and Gongsun Zan.

(End of this chapter)