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

Chapter 216 Tzuyu shows her prowess

Xuzhou, Donghai County, Prefecture Mufu.

But it is said that after Liu Bei occupied Xuzhou, he made friends with aristocratic families at the top, cultivated life with the people at the bottom, and formed an alliance with Kong Rong externally.Xuzhou, which had been devastated by the war, began to regain its vitality.

Today, Liu Bei's strength has greatly increased because of the help of Sun Ce and others.

Moreover, in this time and space, because Lu Bu did not exist, Chen Qun was not worried about Liu Bei being attacked from behind when he got Jingzhou, so he did not have any disagreement with Liu Bei and continued to serve under his account.

Chen Qun was born in the Chen family of Yingchuan. Although his intelligence was not as good as that of top counselors, his political ability was extraordinary.

With the assistance of Chen Qun, the support of Chen Deng, Mi Zhu and other wealthy families in Xuzhou, and the minions of Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Sun Ce and others, Liu Bei quickly established a foothold in Xuzhou.

After establishing a firm foothold, Liu Bei wanted to recruit talents.

The first thing he thought of was Changshan Zhao Zilong. The two had a very close relationship before. Zhao Yun abandoned Gongsun Zan because he felt that he was not the master of the Ming Dynasty. He was currently in his hometown.

Liu Bei was well aware of Zhao Yun's abilities and personally wrote a letter asking his close friends to go to Changshan to invite Zhao Yun to come to Xuzhou to plan important events together.

Zhao Yun received the letter and learned that Liu Bei had separated from Gongsun Zan and occupied Xuzhou. Without any hesitation, he directly led his troops to surrender.

In addition to Zhao Yun, Liu Bei also fell in love with Taishi Ci from the east.

Speaking of Taishi Ci, he became acquainted with Liu Bei when he helped Kong Rong move reinforcements to attack the Yellow Turbans. At that time, in order to repay Kong Rong's kindness, Taishi Ci volunteered to break through the siege and persuade Liu Bei to lead troops to help.

Liu Bei had a pair of keen eyes, so he could naturally see the extraordinary nature of Tai Shici.

Unfortunately, with Liu Bei's reputation and status at the time, it was obviously impossible to recruit Tai Shici, and the two sides only formed a good relationship.

According to the original history, Taishi Cihui followed Liu Yao, who was from the same county, to Yangzhou.

However, at this time and space, Zhou Qi had already dominated Jiangdong and took the post of Yizhou Shepherd. Naturally, Liu Yao could no longer serve as the governor of Yangzhou.

Even if the imperial court conferred this official position on him, Liu Yao might not dare to take it.

Without Liu Yao to defect to, Taishi Ci stayed at home to accompany his mother after returning to Donglai County from Liaodong.

Although Kong Rong made many conquests, he was always rejected by Taishi Ci.

Because Taishi Ci knew that Kong Rong would never achieve great things.

After Liu Bei learned the news, he often sent people to give gifts to Taishi Ci's mother, and the two sides gradually became familiar with each other.

Originally, Taishi Ci felt that although Liu Bei was heroic and had many enemies under his command, such as Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, he was ultimately dependent on others and had no territory of his own, so he was unwilling to join forces with him.

only.

When Liu Bei occupied Xuzhou, even Sun Jian's son Sun Ce and his old troops came to surrender, which made Taishi Ci feel a little moved.

After all, he and Liu Bei knew each other well, and if they got along well, they would be reused. Otherwise, if he rashly defected to other princes, he would probably only start from the bottom.

Just when Taishi Ci was hesitating whether to take the initiative to join Liu Bei, he saw Guan Yu personally inviting Taishi Ci to Xuzhou with a letter from Liu Bei.

Taishi Ci was very impressed by the fierce general Guan Yu and knew his relationship with Liu Bei. He immediately stopped hesitating and brought his mother to Xuzhou.

Besides.

Due to Sun Jian's attack on Yanzhou, Cao Cao withdrew his troops from Xuzhou earlier than in history. Therefore, when Zhuge Xuan went from Jingzhou to Xuzhou to take care of Zhuge Gui's widow and children, the war in Xuzhou had ceased.

In addition, Yuan Shu did not declare Zhuge Xuan as the governor of Yuzhang like in history, so Zhuge Xuan did not drag his family with him. He first fled to Lujiang County to avoid the disaster of the war, and then went to Yuzhang County to take up his post.

It can be said that because of the emergence of Zhou Qi, many people and things originally related to Yangzhou in history have had a butterfly effect and changed their original trajectory.

Just like Taishi Ci, because Liu Yao did not serve as the governor of Yangzhou, he stayed in Donglai County and was recruited by Liu Bei.

Just like Zhuge Xuan, because Yuzhang County was under the rule of Zhou Qi, Yuan Shu did not declare Zhuge Xuan as the governor of Yuzhang County. In addition, the war in Xuzhou ended early, so he did not leave Xuzhou like in history.

Liu Bei was in urgent need of talents, so he learned about Zhuge Xuan's name and visited him personally.

These are troubled times, life is not easy, and Zhuge Xuan has to support a large family, so naturally he did not refuse and surrendered to Liu Bei.

It has to be said that even if history has changed, Liu Bei still seems to have the halo of the protagonist, and he will survive desperate situations wherever he goes.

At this time, under Liu Bei's account were Mi Zhu, Chen Deng, Chen Qun, Zhuge Xuan, Wu Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun, Tai Shi Ci, Sun Ce, Cheng Pu, Huang Gai, Zhu Zhi, Han Dang, Mi Fang and others.

Some of Tao Qian's old troops also surrendered to Liu Bei at this time.

Today, Liu Bei has a lot of talented people under his command, and he has the potential to rise to [-] miles.

What Liu Bei lacks is just a top counselor.

On this day, an angel suddenly came from Yecheng. After Liu Bei learned the news, he hurriedly went out in person and respectfully welcomed the angel back to the Prefecture Mufu.

The angel took out the edict and said: "Liu Xuande is a clan member of the Han Dynasty and can protect the peace of the country. The imperial court has specially appointed you as the general of the Southern Conquest. You will lead Xuzhou as a pastoralist and have the right to open a mansion."

Liu Bei and the civil and military officials in his tent couldn't help but be overjoyed.

Although Liu Bei had occupied Xuzhou before, he was not conferred by the imperial court, and Liu Bei could not even confer official positions on his civil and military personnel.

As the saying goes: if the name is not correct, the words will not be smooth, and if the words are not smooth, the things will not be accomplished.

Now that Liu Bei is the general of the Southern Conquest, the pastor of Xuzhou, and he still has the power to open a government, he can justifiably confer civil and military titles under his command.

In this way, not only can people win over people's hearts, but it will also become easier to recruit talents in the future.

Except for Zhou Qi, everyone including Yuan Shao and Xun You underestimated Liu Bei at this time and thought they could take advantage of him.

Liu Bei entertained the angel warmly. During the banquet, everyone exchanged cups and cups, and the atmosphere was warm.

Liu Bei raised his glass and said: "Previously, there were traitors who took power, which caused chaos in the world and the displacement of the people. Fortunately, the general is loyal to the emperor and patriotic. He welcomes the emperor to Yecheng and lives up to the favor that the Yuan family of Runan has received from the emperor."

The angel sent by the imperial court was Zhong Yao, a famous scholar from Yingchuan, who had been wandering around with the emperor before.

After Yuan Shao welcomed the emperor into Yecheng, he made many meritorious ministers as marquises, and Zhong Yao was one of them.

After Xun You recommended him, Yuan Shaocai sent Zhong Yao to Xuzhou to serve as an angel.

It is no exaggeration to say that with the addition of Xun You and Zhong Yao to Yuan Shao's account, the Yingchuan faction, which was originally due to Guo Tu's early death, has grown in power unprecedentedly, and is vaguely trying to compete with the Jizhou faction.

When Zhong Yao heard this, he said seriously: "Liu Shijun is certainly loyal to the imperial court."

"However, although the emperor and his ministers entered Yecheng, there were still many reckless people who ignored the laws and regulations of the Han Dynasty, wantonly killed Han clan members, and invaded prefectures and counties."

"How should you deal with these people?"

Liu Bei's heart sank slightly and he thought to himself: "There really is no free lunch in the world."

He did not answer, but asked pretending to be confused: "Who is the angel talking about?"

Zhong Yao pointed to the north and said: "Liu Youzhou calmed the people and cared for the border areas, and was deeply supported by Han and Hu people. However, in order to fight for Youzhou, Gongsun Zan killed the Han family members and important officials of the court, causing the officials and people of Youzhou to complain."

"Since Liu Shijun served under Gongsun Zan before, how could he not know about this?"

When Liu Bei heard this, he sighed but said nothing.

The fact that Gongsun Zan killed Liu Yu was indeed a hurdle that could not be overcome, and it could not be vindicated no matter what.

But Liu Bei once served under Gongsun Zan after all. Even if he is now independent, if he accuses Gongsun Zan behind his back in order to please the emperor, Liu Bei cannot do such a thing.

If you really do this, it will definitely damage Liu Bei's reputation.

If he did not clear up his relationship with Gongsun Zan, it would mean being disloyal to the court, and Liu Bei would immediately be in a dilemma.

Seeing that Liu Bei was speechless, Chen Deng took the opportunity to say: "What the angels don't know is that although Liu Shijun helped Gongsun Zan before, he only cared about his old friendship with his classmate. He was a minister of the Han Dynasty, not a subordinate of Gongsun Zan."

"After the envoy learned that Liu Youzhou was killed, he was heartbroken and disheartened before leading his troops into Xuzhou."

Chen Deng's words were both dismissive and offensive. They not only cleared the relationship with Gongsun Zan, but also did not completely break with him. If Yuan Shao led troops to attack Xuzhou in the future, it still left room for an alliance with Gongsun Zan.

Zhong Yao's eyes flashed, and he glanced at Chen Deng with some meaning, and then continued: "In addition to Gongsun Zan, Yangzhou Mu Zhou Qi is also an ambitious person. He attacked the Han Dynasty clan member Liu Jingsheng without an edict and seized his inheritance. .”

"Now they have invaded Yizhou in order to seize the inheritance of Liu Jiyu, a clan member of the Han Dynasty. His disobedience has been revealed."

"Xuan Degong is also a clan member of the Han Dynasty. How could he see his fellow members of the royal family being bullied by Zhou Qi?"

"Your Majesty sent an edict to appoint Xuande Gong as the general to conquer the south. It is precisely in the hope that your Majesty can mobilize Xuzhou's troops and horses to attack Yangzhou and force Zhou Qi to lead troops to return for reinforcements." "In this way, the foundation of Yizhou can be protected. Liu Zhang, a member of the Han clan, will not become a prisoner of Zhou Qi's rank."

Hearing this, the expressions of Liu Bei and his subordinates all changed slightly.

Although Xuzhou is prosperous, after Cao Cao's two massacres of the city, the population in Xuzhou dropped sharply, and many people fled to the Jiangnan area.

Xuzhou's current strength is far from what it used to be.

not to mention.

Xuzhou is the place of the Four Wars, with Yuan Shao and Gongsun Zan in the north, Cao Cao and Yuan Shu in the west, and the chariot and cavalry general Zhou Qi in the south. No matter which prince is in power, it will surpass Liu Bei.

Liu Bei had to survive in the cracks. If he mobilized all Xuzhou troops to attack Yangzhou at this time, not only would he be resentful of Zhou Qi, a powerful prince, but he would also worry about being attacked by other princes.

Seeing the hesitation on Liu Bei's face, Zhong Yao deliberately said displeased: "Since Duke Xuande is loyal to the Han Dynasty, why is he so afraid of rebellious ministers and traitors like Zhou Qi that even Liu Yizhou, who is a clan member of the Han Dynasty, is not willing to do so?" Send troops to rescue?"

Zhong Yao's aggressive words immediately made Liu Bei and his subordinates' expressions change slightly.

"What the angel said was wrong!"

At this moment, a clear voice came from beside Zhuge Xuan.

Everyone turned to look, all frowning slightly.

The person speaking was just a young man, and he was obviously a descendant of the family brought by Liu Bei to see the world.

At this time, even Liu Bei's civil servant did not dare to answer the question easily. Where did a mere young man get the courage?

"Tzuyu, don't be so presumptuous!"

Zhuge Xuan, who was making soy sauce, changed his face slightly when he heard this, and hurriedly scolded him, then stood up and apologized to everyone: "My nephew is ignorant, please don't blame me!"

Liu Bei looked at the young man who was as rich as jade and full of high spirits, but he couldn't help but think of his own youth.

Seeing that the young man was speaking for himself, he immediately waved his hand and said, "It's okay. I think your nephew is not like a person who speaks lies. Since he must have a high opinion when he speaks, you might as well listen to what he has to say."

Zhuge Xuan was helpless. After thanking Liu Bei, he whispered to the young man beside him: "This matter is important, so don't talk nonsense."

The young man nodded, then stood up and saluted solemnly to Liu Bei and the angel, and then said: "The angel may not know that Cao Cao conquered Xuzhou twice before and massacred the city wherever he went, leaving Xuzhou with corpses everywhere."

"A certain person is a native of Xuzhou and knows this very well."

"Although since Liu Shijun entered Xuzhou, he began to collect the corpses, appease the people, and Xuzhou gradually settled down."

"But how could the trauma caused by Cao Cao's two massacres of the city be erased so easily?"

"The people of Xuzhou have suffered greatly from the scourge of war and hate the war deeply. In addition, after Xuzhou was devastated, the people fled and the fields were left uncultivated. As a result, hungry people are everywhere in Xuzhou this year."

"Since Liu Shijun is a pastor for the emperor, he should give priority to protecting the territory and the people. If the famine in Xuzhou cannot be solved, not to mention that there is no food and grass to launch an army to attack Yangzhou. I am afraid that whether we can survive this winter is another matter."

"Jizhou is rich and has a household registration of one million. If the imperial court is willing to allocate grain and grass for disaster relief and military rations for the expedition, Liu Shijun may be able to persuade Xuzhou soldiers to go to Yangzhou."

The young man's words made Liu Bei and others look brilliant, but Zhong Yao frowned. He didn't expect that the other party would turn an army against him.

He turned to look at Liu Bei and said with a smile: "Liu Shijun has a lot of talents under his command. Who is this?"

Liu Bei didn't know the young man's name, so he could only focus on Zhuge Xuan.

Zhuge Xuan stood up and said, "This is my nephew Zhuge Jin, whose pseudonym is Tzuyu. I am twenty-one this year."

When Liu Bei heard this, he looked at Zhuge Jin with admiration in his eyes.

Zhong Yao couldn't help but praise: "What a young man with quick thinking."

He continued to ask Liu Bei: "Are Zhuge Ziyu's words true?"

Liu Bei knew that Zhuge Jin's words were for his own benefit, so he would not stir up trouble behind his back, so he pretended to be sad and said: "Xuzhou is now full of famine. After Cao Cao massacred the city, plague is rampant everywhere."

"Although I have the intention to raise an army to defeat the enemy, I really don't have the resources to do it."

"If the imperial court is willing to allocate money and food for disaster relief and appease the hearts of the people of Xuzhou, even if Liu Bei is shattered to pieces, he will lead the soldiers and people of Xuzhou south to fight to the death with the rebellious officials and traitors!"

Zhong Yao asked: "How much food and grass are needed?"

Liu Bei set his sights on Mi Zhu. Mi Zhu understood and immediately stood up and said: "At least one million stone, grain and rice."

Zhong Yao's face darkened.

Although Jizhou is rich, Yuan Shao has been at war with Gongsun Zan almost every year since he entered Jizhou, consuming huge amounts of food and grass.

Not to mention that it would be difficult for Jizhou to come up with millions of stone grains and rice. Even if it could be produced, Yuan Shao would definitely not be taken advantage of.

But, how could Zhong Yao be so easy to deal with?

He directly took out the edict issued by the emperor and said: "It is true that Xuzhou is in difficulty, but your majesty has issued an edict, ordering Liu Shijun to mobilize troops immediately from the day he takes over."

"As for the matter of food and grass, I will go to the court after I return to Yecheng."

"The emperor's order cannot be violated, please also ask Liu Shijun to take over the imperial edict!"

Why hold the emperor hostage to order the princes?
This is holding the emperor hostage to order the princes!

An edict is issued directly in the name of the emperor. Do you accept it or not?
If you accept it, you will fall into Xun You's plan. Raising troops to attack Yangzhou will not only force Zhou Qi to return reinforcements, but will also make Liu Bei and Zhou Qi at odds.

In this way, whether Yuan Shao wants to attack Zhou Qi in the future or wants to destroy Liu Bei first, he will avoid an alliance between the two.

If you don't accept it, then you will be given the title of disobeying the emperor's orders, ignoring the Han Dynasty, and ignoring the majesty of the imperial court.

Perhaps for people like Yuan Shu and Gongsun Zan, no matter what name they are given, they no longer care.

But for Liu Bei, who relied on his reputation to make his fortune, this crime was fatal.
This is why, in history, even though Liu Bei knew that attacking Yuan Shu would be troublesome, he still had to obey the emperor's order and chose to send troops and was eventually stolen by Lu Bu.

Liu Bei was caught in a dilemma and finally turned his attention to Zhuge Jin and asked, "What do you think Ziyu?"

Zhuge Jin smiled and said: "Since it is an imperial edict, how can Liu Shijun disobey the emperor's order? Just accept it."

"But regarding the food and fodder matter, please ask the angel to help with more urging after returning to Yecheng."

Liu Bei sighed slightly and had no choice but to accept the edict.

Zhong Yao completed his mission perfectly, reported back to Yuan Shao, and told Liu Bei that he requested the court to allocate millions of stones, grains and rice.

After hearing this, Yuan Shao sneered and said: "Don't say there is no food. Even if there is food, it will not be given to Liu Bei."

Zhong Yao asked with some worry: "If Liu Xuande doesn't adjust the food and grass, what will he do if he doesn't attack Yangzhou?"

Xun You shook his head and said, "It doesn't matter."

"All we need to do is let Liu Bei send troops to Yangzhou. When Zhou Qi learns of this, he will definitely be in chaos and lead his troops back to help."

Yuan Shao asked: "What if he doesn't withdraw his troops?"

Xun You smiled and said: "Liu Bei can rise up in troubled times, how can he be an easy person?"

"If Zhou Ziyi really brings troops back to support him, he may not dare to compete with Zhou Qi if he sees that he is powerful."

"If Zhou Ziyi insists on refusing to retreat, and Liu Bei sees that Yangzhou is empty, even if there is no edict from the emperor, he may not be able to plot against Yangzhou."

Xun You accurately grasped the weakness of people's hearts, and then used an edict to play with Zhou Qi and Liu Bei.

After the banquet was over, Liu Bei summoned Zhuge Jin alone, not showing any contempt for Zhuge Jin because of his youth.

He asked very sincerely: "Is it possible that Ziyu doesn't know that this is Yuan Benchu's strategy to drive away tigers and swallow wolves."

"If I succeed in conquering Xuzhou, I will definitely have a grudge against Zhou Chaqi."

"This time Yuan Shao suppressed me with the emperor's edict. What if he lets me lead his troops to attack Yuan Shu next time, and the next time he lets me lead his troops to attack Gongsun Bogui?"

"Looking around, Xuzhou's powerful enemies will find that if they have enmity with all the princes in the four directions, then Yuan Benchu ​​and Cao Cao will lead their troops to attack in the future, won't they be left alone and helpless?"

(End of this chapter)