At the end of the Han Dynasty: a stingy husband from his hometown

Chapter 202: Marrying the Cai family, everyone persuaded them to surrender

However, it was said that Cai Mao's servants were frightened out of their wits when they heard what Xi Zhicai said, and hurried into the house to report it.

Cai Mao was also frightened. Although he felt that the person might be alarmist, he always wanted to believe what he had and not what he didn't.

Even if the scholar who left said that the possibility was only [-]%, Cai Mao would not dare to bet on the lives of his family.

He hurriedly said: "Bring that person into the house quickly!"

The servant said: "He has left."

Cai Hao became even more panicked and shouted sternly: "Even if you leave, you are still in Xiangyang City. Can't you still find me?"

When the servant saw Cai Mao getting angry, he hurried out to look for Xi Zhicai.

The Cai family covered the sky in Xiangyang City. It didn't take much effort to find the inn where Xi Zhicai lived, and took him back by force.

Cai Mansion, living room.

Cai Hao played with a sword that shone with cold light, his face as cold as frost.

After Xi Zhicai was pushed into the house, more than a dozen burly men wearing weapons stood around, watching him eagerly.

"puff!"

The cold light suddenly appeared, and Cai Mao hit the sword with a wave of his hand, directly cutting the table in the living room into two pieces.

"Crash!"

As the case broke into two pieces, all the items placed on it fell to the ground.

Cai Mao's eyes flashed with a fierce light, and he said in a cold voice: "How can your neck be tougher than this case, a person who deceives the public with your monstrous words?"

Xi Zhicai looked at the table made of huanghuali wood on the ground, but the corners of his mouth were slightly raised.

He deliberately stretched out his neck and said, "General, why don't you try it yourself to find out which one is harder, my neck or your huanghuali wood case?"

"you!"

Cai Hao originally wanted to give Xi Zhicai a blow, but he didn't expect that the other party was not afraid at all and instead pressed his neck towards him. This made Cai Hao a little unable to get off the stage.

He became angry from shame, stepped forward, put the sword in his hand on Xi Zhicai's shoulder, and shouted: "Do you think that this general does not dare to kill you?"

Even though the sword and ax were coming, Xi Zhicai still had no fear at all and always looked at Cai Mao with a smile without saying a word.

When Cai Mao saw this, he looked at Xi Zhicai and felt a little familiar, and couldn't help but feel suspicious.

He put away his sword, waved all the guards at the door to get out, and then asked: "I see that you are quite a kind-faced person. Have you ever met this general before?"

Xi Zhicai did not hide his identity and said truthfully: "I am Shi Xi Zhicai, the chief of the Chariot and Cavalry General's Palace."

"Previously, General Chariot and Cavalry besieged Xiangyang. I rode in the same boat with General Chariot and Cavalry and patrolled Xiangyang City. I met the General several times."

"But because of the distance, the general may not have seen clearly, so he didn't recognize me."

When Cai Mao heard this, his expression changed slightly, he held the hilt of the sword in his hand, and said in a deep voice: "Everyone knows that Yingchuan Opera Zhicai is Zhou Qi's confidant. If I capture you and give it to Liu Jingzhou, it will be a great achievement!"

Xi Zhicai looked at Cai Mao with a smile and said, "Even if the general hands me over to Liu Jingsheng, he may not dare to kill me."

"On the contrary, the general will offend the general of chariots and cavalry. With the temper of generals of chariots and cavalry, when Xiangyang is conquered, the Cai family will definitely leave no chickens or dogs behind!"

When Cai Mao heard this, he couldn't help but feel awe-struck.

He speculated on Xi Zhicai's words, and found out helplessly that the other party was not wrong.

Liu Fang now only occupies half of Jingzhou, and he is as afraid of Zhou Qi as a tiger. Knowing that Xi Zhicai is Zhou Qi's confidant, he will never dare to kill him.

not to mention.

Zhou Qi's ability to lay such a foundation is inseparable from Xi Zhicai's assistance. Over the years, Xi Zhicai has also risen from a poor family to become a famous counselor in the world.

With his huge reputation, given Liu Biao's character, even if he put aside his fear of Zhou Qi, he would not necessarily kill him.

Cai Mao knew that Xi Zhicai had been following Zhou Qi since he was young. The two were called Junchen, but they were actually brothers.

Zhou Qi now occupies one state and two counties. He is powerful and protective of his weaknesses.

If Cai Mao really handed over Xi Zhicai to Liu Biao, he might really bring disaster upon himself.

He suppressed the anger in his heart and asked: "Sir, why did you hide your identity and sneak into Xiangyang?"

Xi Zhicai smiled and said: "There is a marriage, I hope the general can agree."

Cai Mao looked shocked and asked, "What kind of marriage is this?"

Xi Zhicai said: "General Chariot and Cavalry heard that General has a young daughter, who is over eight years old. She is dignified and beautiful, young but smart."

"My lord's eldest son is already ten years old. He will be of marriageable age in a few years, but he has never found a suitable partner."

"Fortunately, Li Zhengfang met your daughter and recommended her to my lord, so General Chaoqiu sent me to Xiangyang to propose marriage."

"I wonder if the general is willing to fulfill this marriage?"

When Cai Mao heard this, he was stunned on the spot, and then with a smile on his face, he hurriedly asked his servants to take away the case that had been cut into two parts, and then ordered a banquet to be prepared to entertain Xi Zhicai.

Previously, he thought that Xi Zhicai came to Xiangyang to plot evil, and the other party said that he was in danger of destroying his family, which made Cai Mao furious and gave Xi Zhicai power.

But now, when Cai Mao learned that Xi Zhi was here to be a matchmaker, his attitude immediately changed 180 degrees.

The most important thing is that this marriage is very important.

Zhou Jin is the eldest son of Zhou Qi. If nothing unexpected happens, he will definitely inherit the foundation laid by Zhou Qi in the future.

So Cai Mao's daughter marrying Zhou Ji means that the interests of both parties will be closely tied together. How big the foundation Zhou Qi has built will be how high Cai Mao's daughter will be in the future.

With this level of marriage relationship, even if it would take a long time for Zhou Ji to take power, the Cai family would be able to grow rapidly with the help of Zhou Qi.

He entertained Xi Zhicai warmly, and the two chatted happily during the banquet. However, Cai Mao was not a stupid person and already knew why Xi Zhicai was here.

The other party was nominally proposing marriage for Zhou Qi's eldest son, but in fact he wanted Cai to join Zhou Qi. He must have wanted to capture Xiangyang.

Three rounds of wine, five flavors of food.

Xi Zhicai asked: "What does the general think of my previous proposal?"

Cai Mao put down his wine glass and said with some hesitation: "Of course I don't object to this marriage, but my sister married Liu Jingzhou. Now the relationship between Jing and Yangzhou is not very harmonious. If I agree to this marriage, I'm afraid it will I am jealous of you."

Xi Zhicai laughed loudly and said: "Liu Biao just sat here and chatted with guests. He first lost three counties in Jingzhou, and then handed over Li Yan and greatly lost the hearts of Jingzhou. Sooner or later he will be captured by my lord."

"A good bird chooses a tree to live in, and a virtuous minister chooses a master to serve."

"The Cai family is a prominent family in Xiangyang. They should know that in troubled times, only by finding a wise master can they protect the family's safety."

"How to decide, please let the general think about it."

However, Cai Mao was still hesitant and said with a wry smile: "It's not that I can't see the situation clearly. It's actually Liu Jingzhou who has been kind to me. If he betrays his master, wouldn't he make everyone in the world laugh at him?"

"What's more, he is also my sister, how could I do this?"

Xi Zhicai understood Cai Mao's difficulties and was not aggressive. He just said: "I have three strategies for the general to choose from."

Cai Hao asked hurriedly: "Let's talk about what to do first."

Xi Zhicai sneered and said, "The next best thing is for the general to refuse the marriage, tie me up and give me to Liu Biao, and wait until the general Chariot and Cavalry conquers Xiangyang to destroy the entire Cai family!"

Cai Hao felt cold sweat dripping down his back when he heard this. He waved his hands hurriedly and said, "Sir, you are joking. How could I give him to Liu Jingzhou?"

“I don’t know what the middle strategy is?”

Xi Zhicai's face softened slightly and continued: "Except for the eldest son, the second son is also unmarried. If the general is willing to marry the second son, there is no need to do anything more. As long as Xiangyang remains stationary while I mainly attack Jingzhou."

"After my lord captures Liu Biao, the general will offer Xiangyang again."

"In this way, the general can marry the general of the chariot and cavalry, preserve the family's inheritance, and not live up to his will. It is the best of both worlds."

At least one-third of Jingzhou's troops and horses remained in Xiangyang and were controlled by Cai Mao. Moreover, there were mountains of grain and grass in the city, enough for the soldiers and civilians in the city to use for several years.

As long as Cai Mao agrees to stand still, it is equivalent to breaking off Liu Biao's arm, and Jingzhou will no longer have anything to fear.

When Cai Mao heard this, his heart sank slightly, and he was obviously unwilling to accept this condition.

Although doing this can not only preserve his own reputation, but also preserve the Cai family's foundation, and can also marry Zhou Qi.However, although Zhou Tong was also the legitimate son, he was not the eldest son.

From the perspective of etiquette and law, only the eldest son has the right to inherit. As long as Zhou Ji is still alive, it is basically impossible for Zhou Tong to inherit the foundation laid by Zhou Qi.

As a result, Cai's future development will inevitably be restricted.

Even if Zhou Tong is suspected by Zhou Ji in the future, the Cai family may be implicated.

Cai Mao shook his head, looked at Xi Zhicai, and asked, "May I ask, sir, what is the best strategy?"

A smile appeared on Xi Zhicai's face and he said: "The best plan is for the general's daughter to marry the young master. The general and your sister will work together to persuade Liu Jingzhou to surrender."

"As long as Liu Jingzhou surrenders, the general can keep his reputation and marry the general Chariot and Cavalry. Wouldn't it be wonderful?"

Cai Mao's eyes lit up, but he quickly sighed: "I'm afraid the envoy may not be willing to surrender."

Xi Zhicai smiled and said: "If the general's army of chariots and cavalry presses the border and besieges Hanshou, and most civil and military officials in Jingzhou persuade Liu Jingzhou to surrender, does the general think he will surrender?"

Cai Mao's expression moved slightly and he said: "If this is really the case, I am [-]% sure that I can persuade Liu Shijun to surrender."

"It's just that I hope that after you surrender, you will be treated well by the cavalry general!"

Xi Zhicai laughed several times, stood up and said, "General, please don't worry, my lord is a benevolent man. If Liu Jingzhou is really willing to surrender, he will receive special treatment!"

Not long after Li Yan left Hanshou, a scout suddenly came to report that Yan Xuhuang had led [-] troops and horses across Yuanshui and was heading for Hanshou.

Zhou Qi himself mobilized all the soldiers and horses from Yangzhou, Jiangxia and Changsha counties, plus various newly recruited soldiers, totaling [-].

Zhou Qi raised 30 troops, falsely claiming [-], and rushed toward Jingzhou with great fanfare.

Liu Biao was shocked when he heard the news.

Previously, Xu Huang became a god in a battle and became famous in Jingzhou. Liu Biao was already frightened, so when he heard that he was leading troops to kill him, he was naturally heartbroken.

What's more, how can we resist the 30-strong army led by Zhou Qi himself?
You must know that when Zhou Qi attacked Jingzhou before, the total number of troops and horses was less than [-], and Liu Biao had already lost Changsha County.

This time, Zhou Qi came with all his strength, obviously determined to defeat Jingzhou!

He urgently summoned Kuai Liang, Kuai Yue, Wenpin, Huo Jun, Zhang Yun, Liu Pan, Liu Xian, Deng Yi, Yi Ji and others to discuss countermeasures.

Just after Liu Biao finished explaining the matter, Fu Xun, the Dongcao general, immediately said: "Xu Huang is so powerful in Jingzhou that the 30 troops and horses he leads are just the vanguard. It won't be long before the [-] troops under the general Chariot and Cavalry will arrive in Jingzhou."

"At that time, with half the strength of Jingzhou, it would be difficult to resist the Yangzhou soldiers and horses."

Liu Biao couldn't help but change his color when he heard this.

Fu Xun looked around at the crowd and said, "Xun has a plan that can make the people of Jingxiang as peaceful as Mount Tai, and also preserve the title of the lord."

Liu Biao asked hurriedly: "What's the plan?"

Fu Xun said: "It is better to offer the four counties of Jing and Xiang to Zhou Qi. The chariot and cavalry generals will certainly treat the envoy well."

When Liu Biao heard this, he couldn't help scolding him: "What are you talking about? How can you abandon the imperial court alone and sit in Jingzhou?"

Kuai Yue stood up at this time and said: "Fu Gongti's words are true."

"Rebellion and obedience have general principles, and strength and weakness have certain trends. Now Xu Huang, with the power of great victory, marches westward to Jingzhou, backed by a chariot and cavalry general commanding 30 troops and horses."

"Jingzhou has lost three counties. Foreign troubles have not been calmed down, and internal troubles will arise. When the people of Jingxiang heard about Xu Huang's arrival, they were frightened before fighting. How can they be enemies?"

"The northern princes are at war again, and no one can stop the cavalry generals from seizing Jingzhou. If we don't surrender early, Jingzhou will surely suffer the disaster of war again. If you are defeated, it will be too late to regret it!"

When Liu Biao saw that even Kuai Yue was urging him to surrender, his heart sank.

But he also knew that with the current internal and external troubles, he could not offend the Kuai family, otherwise it would be more difficult for Jingzhou to compete with Zhou Qi.

He suppressed the anger in his heart and said: "I have no objection to your good advice. However, I am guarding one side for the imperial court, and Zhou Qi invades the territory of Jingzhou without any reason. If he surrenders without a fight, he will be ashamed of the emperor's high hopes, and he may be in trouble. Laughing in the ears of the world."

As soon as Liu Biao finished speaking, another person came forward and said, "The words of Fu Gongti and Kuai Yidu are very good. Why don't you follow them?"

Everyone saw him as a native of Gaoping, Shanyang. His surname was Wang Can and his given name was Zhongxuan.

Wang Can was one of the seven famous sons of Jian'an in history. He was from a famous family, well-read, well-remembered, and talented. He was from Liu Biao's hometown, and he came to join him on his own initiative.

However, Wang Can was thin in appearance, short in stature, and had a bohemian and informal personality, so he was not taken seriously by Liu Biao.

Wang Can knew that Liu Biao was not the master of the Ming Dynasty, and had long wanted to switch to others. Seeing that Jingzhou was declining, he naturally hoped that a heroic chariot general would take over Jingzhou.

After seeing Wang Can, Liu Biao couldn't help but darken his face.

Although he looked down upon Wang Can, he was from his hometown after all, and he was from a famous family, so he did some superficial things.

He never thought that Wang Can would jump out and persuade him to surrender.

Wang Can didn't seem to notice Liu Biao's expression, and asked directly: "How does the general compare to the general on horseback?"

Although Liu Biao didn't want to admit it, he still had to bite the bullet and said: "It's not as good as that."

Wang Can said: "The generals of chariots and cavalry are strong and brave, and they are very good at using troops. They killed Peng Tuo in Runan, broke the waves in Changshe, killed the kingdom in Chencang, drove Han Sui to Anding, and fought for more than ten years in a row, eliminating those who destabilized Ding. , cannot be defeated."

"Today, the generals of chariots and cavalry personally lead a large army to march westward to Jingxiang. It is difficult to defeat the enemy."

"The plans of Fu and Kuai are long-term strategies. A general will not doubt his delay, which will lead to regrets in his life."

Liu Biao's face was ashen, but he didn't know how to refute.

Now everyone in Jingzhou is fearful of war, and even Kuai Yue persuaded him to surrender. Without the help of these people, Liu Biao would never be able to resist Zhou Qi on his own.

"Your Majesty has treated you very kindly. Now that the Zhou thieves have invaded, you have not thought about sharing the worries of the Lord. Instead, you have tried your best to persuade your Majesty to surrender. You are worthy of death!"

At this moment, a sharp shout sounded in the house.

Everyone looked around and saw that the person who spoke was none other than Liu Biao's son Liu Pan.

Liu Pan looked around at the crowd and shouted sternly: "The soldiers will stop us, and the water will cover us."

"Xu Huang dares to invade our territory with light troops. I request to go to war and lead the troops in the city to defeat the few. I will definitely defeat Xu Huang and make Zhou Qi dare not underestimate me, Jingzhou!"

Obviously, Liu Pan was still aggrieved by his previous defeat to Xu Huang and wanted to regain his position, so he tried his best to take the lead.

"Absolutely not!"

As soon as Liu Pan finished speaking, someone came out to object. Everyone looked at him as Huo Jun.

Huo Jun and his brother once led hundreds of people from their clan to come to Liu Biao. His brother was appointed Sima of another branch by Liu Biao, commanding the troops of his own army, and more than a thousand people were assigned to the two brothers.

Unfortunately, Huo Du died of illness before, so Huo Jun inherited his brother's official position and took charge of the army.

Speaking of Huo Jun, he can be regarded as a good general of Shu Han in history, but he was always sent by Liu Bei to guard Zitong, so he did not have many dazzling achievements.

His only recorded victory was when he was stationed at Jiameng Pass. He relied on hundreds of men to resist the more than [-] troops sent by Liu Zhang for more than a year. Then, taking advantage of Liu Zhang's exhausted troops, he selected the elite to take the initiative to leave the city and defeat them in one fell swoop. Of.

With hundreds of people beating more than ten thousand people, Huo Jun's record is nothing short of brilliant.

It was precisely because Liu Bei saw Huo Jun's outstanding military abilities that he made him the Grand Administrator of Zitong and General Pi.

Zitong is located in the north of Yizhou, covering almost all the passes, such as Jiameng Pass, Baishui Pass, Jiange, Jiangyou, Fucheng and other important military places, all located in Zitong.

In the future, when Zhong Hui and Deng Ai conquer Shu, they will go to Fucheng and Jiange.

By handing such an important place to Huo Jun for garrison, it can be seen how much Liu Bei values ​​Huo Jun.

It is a pity that Huo Jun died in office before he was 40 years old. Liu Bei cried bitterly and regretted it so much that he personally led his ministers to express condolences in front of his tombstone.

At this time, although Huo Jun had begun to rise to prominence, he was not taken seriously by Liu Biao.

When Liu Pan saw Huo Jun refute him, he immediately said angrily: "Are you afraid of Xu Huang and don't dare to fight?"

Huo Jun shook his head and said: "Although I am not afraid of Xu Huang, Xu Huang's name spread throughout Jingzhou, but the soldiers in the city are afraid of his reputation."

"If the soldiers learn that they are leaving the city to fight Xu Huang, their morale will be shaken and they may have no chance of winning."

Liu Pan was furious and shouted: "Why do you make others' ambitions destroy your own prestige?"

Huo Jun said calmly: "What I said is not the truth."

When Liu Biao saw the quarrel between the two gradually escalating, he couldn't help but feel a headache. He hurriedly stopped them and asked, "What's Zhong Miao's response?"

(End of this chapter)