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

Chapter 263 Yuan Shu enters the game
Yecheng, Prince Zhao's Mansion.

Just after the spring plowing, Yuan Shao couldn't wait to summon his subordinates and civil servants and said: "Zhou Qi has captured Yizhou and occupies half of the country. This is a serious problem for Zhou Qi."

"Now that Youzhou has been secured, with all the troops and armor in place, and sufficient food and grass, Gu Yu leads the three armies to march south again. What do you think?"

Since the last attack on Xuzhou failed and returned, Yuan Shao began to work hard to govern, and adopted Xun You's words to completely pacify the counties of Youzhou. He also used kindness and power to make good friends with Wuhuan, Xianbei, and the Xiongnu.

Today, Yuan Shao basically has no worries, so he wants to continue his southern expedition and attack Xuzhou while Zhou Qi's foothold in Yizhou is not yet stable.

After Yuan Shao finished speaking, all the generals in Hebei came to ask for battle.

"Your Majesty can't!"

Unexpectedly, just when everyone was gearing up and preparing for a big fight, they suddenly heard voices of opposition.

When everyone looked at it, they realized that the person speaking was Ju Shou.

Yuan Shao, who was originally in high spirits, couldn't help but darken when he saw Ju Shou actually refuting him in public.

He asked in a deep voice: "Why do you say this?"

Ju Shou stood up and said: "Zhou Ziyi, Yuan Gongdao, and Liu Xuande established the southern court together and formed an alliance to help each other."

"If your Majesty attacks Xuzhou, what will happen if Zhou Ziyi and Yuan Jiujiu lead troops to help again?"

As soon as Jushuo finished speaking, Feng Ji immediately retorted: "It is precisely because the three major princes in the south have formed an alliance to help each other that it is even more appropriate to take advantage of the fact that Zhou Ziyi first gained Yizhou and his foothold was not stable, so he led his army south to attack Xuzhou. .”

"Otherwise, after Zhou Ziyi suppresses the Nanzhong rebellion, it will be even more difficult to attack Liu Xuande."

Xin Pi also said: "What Yuan Tu said is reasonable."

"Now that there is a rebellion in the south, Zhou Ziyi has assembled a large army in Yizhou. I am afraid that it will be difficult to take care of the war in the north. This is the best time for the king to attack Xuzhou."

"If we miss the opportunity to fight, it will be too late to regret it when Nanzhong is pacified!"

When Jushou heard this, he shook his head and said, "The rebellion in Nanzhong is nothing more than a scabies itch. Even if Zhou Ziyi doesn't send troops for the time being, it won't cause too much trouble."

"Even if we send troops to quell the rebellion, 5 to [-] people will be enough."

"This week Ziyi occupies the territory of three states. If he learns that Xuzhou is in crisis and leaves 5 people to fight the rebellion in Nanzhong, he can also mobilize a hundred thousand troops to help Liu Xuande."

"What's more, there is Yuan Gongdao stationing troops in Ruyang, so we have to guard against it."

"The king's previous expedition to the south came back in vain. If he is defeated again, the soldiers and the people will definitely be devastated, so they cannot rush south."

When Yuan Shao heard this, his face became gloomy and scary.

The army's previous expedition to the south had failed, which made Yuan Shao embarrassed. No one dared to mention this matter in front of Yuan Shao.

I never thought that Jushou would mention this matter in public during the civil and military discussions in Hebei. Wouldn't he be slapping Yuan Shao in the face?

Yuan Shao became increasingly displeased with Ju Shou, but still maintained his honorable work. Finally, he set his sights on Xun You and asked pleasantly: "Does the military advisor think it is appropriate to go south at this time?"

If it were Xu You, Guo Tu and others who heard Yuan Shao's inquiry at this time, they would definitely add insult to injury and take the opportunity to find a way to kill Ju Shou.

Xun You is different.

Although he is classified into the Yingchuan faction, he still considers the overall interests more than personal honor and disgrace.

He knew that Jushou's dissuasion was not wrong.

Now that Zhou Qi is in the south, he can be said to have many soldiers, generals, and numerous household registrations. He is definitely Yuan Shao's most powerful enemy.

the most important is.

Zhou Qi was not short-sighted and knew the benefits of leaving Xuzhou as a buffer. That's why he spared no effort to lead his army to rescue Yuan Shao during his last large-scale southern expedition.

If Yuan Shao goes south again this time, even if Zhou Qi temporarily indulges the Nanzhong rebellion, he will definitely rush to help Liu Bei.

At that time, Yuan Shao might not return without success again.

The former Yuan Shao mobilized all the forces in Hebei. Everyone thought that Xuzhou would be captured, but in the end they came back in despair.

If this southern expedition fails again, it will be as Ju Shou expected, which will greatly damage the confidence of Hebei's military and civilians. It will not be easy to go south to compete for the world in the future.

Therefore, ideally speaking, Xun You still agrees with Ju Suo's statement.

However, he and Xin Pi both belong to the Yingchuan faction, and now Fengji is also gradually moving closer to the Yingchuan faction, so it is difficult to openly support Jushu.

Xun You pondered for a long time and said: "It is indeed a good time to march south at this time."

When Xinpi and Fengji heard this, smiles appeared on their faces.

They knew, however, that Xun You's position in Yuan Shao's heart was now, and since Xun You agreed to the southern expedition, even if Jushou and the Jizhou faction strongly opposed it, they would not be able to prevent it from happening.

Unexpectedly, Xun You changed the subject and said: "However, if the alliance of Zhou Ziyi, Yuan Gongliu, and Liu Xuande cannot be broken, it may not be easy for the king to capture Xuzhou with one enemy against three."

"I have a plan that can drive away the wolf and the tiger. It will not only break up the alliance, but also make Yuan Gongli and Liu Xuande fight against each other."

"At that time, Your Majesty took advantage of the situation when both of them were hurt, and the mantis stalked the cicada and the oriole followed. Isn't it beautiful?"

When Yuan Shao heard this, his eyes widened and he asked, "If Gongda has any good ideas, please tell me quickly!"

Xun You stroked his beard and said: "I heard that Yuan Jiujiu had the Jade Seal of Chuan Guo in his hand, but he hid it and refused to hand it over to the puppet emperor Liu Xie. Your Majesty can send people to spread the news in Xuzhou and Jianxian, saying that Yuan Shu secretly concealed the Jade Seal of Chuan Guo. He has the ambition to be emperor."

"Although the Jingxian court is just a puppet, when it learned that the imperial seal was in the hands of Yuan Gongli, under the pressure of public opinion, it was bound to send someone to ask for it."

"Liu Xuande claims to be a member of the Han clan and loyal to the court. Even if he doesn't want to, he will send people to Ruyang to inquire."

"Yuan Gongguo is headstrong and self-willed. If he is questioned by the southern puppet court and Liu Xuande, he will be furious and have a grudge."

"At that time, your Majesty can send someone to Yuan Gongluo to instigate him. Why worry that Yuan and Liu won't turn against each other?"

Yuan Shao was overjoyed and immediately acted according to his plan.

The result was not what Xun You expected.

It was originally said that the imperial seal was at Yuan Shu's place. Even though everyone knew about it, they all understood it tacitly, so naturally nothing happened.

but now.

The matter spread widely, and was brought to light by the spy sent by Yuan Shao. So the southern court, which claimed to be orthodox, could only send people to ask for it even if it knew that Yuan Shu would not hand over the imperial seal.

Not for anything else, just for the remaining face of the southern court.

As for Liu Bei, the same is true.

He knew that asking Yuan Shu for the imperial seal would be fruitless, but he had no choice but to send people to Ruyang to ask about the imperial seal.

If it were Zhou Qi, even if he was unwilling to hand over the imperial seal, he would definitely entertain the imperial court and the envoys sent by Liu Bei, and then pretend to be stupid to get the matter out of the way.

Neither the imperial court nor the envoys sent by Liu Bei expected Yuan Shu to actually hand over the imperial seal.

As long as Yuan Shu lowers his attitude and makes up a lie to fool him, the matter will be solved and neither party will hold on to it.

I never thought that Yuan Shu was the kind of headstrong person.

Yuan Shu thought he was of noble birth, and even Yuan Shao and Zhou Qi looked down upon him, let alone the puppet court he supported and Liu Bei who occupied Xuzhou.

Facing the questions from the angel and Liu Bei's envoy, Yuan Shu became furious and drove them out.

Not only did he not think it was a big deal to humiliate the messenger, but he felt that he had been insulted and felt indignant.

After the angels and Liu Bei's envoys returned, they all said that Yuan Shu was extremely rude.

Liu Xie and Liu Bei were very angry, but they did not dare to do anything to Yuan Shu.After the news reached Jizhou, Yuan Shao couldn't help laughing and said to Xun You: "The military advisor is indeed very calculating. How should we continue to alienate Yuan Shu and Liu Bei?"

When Xun You heard this, he fell silent and hesitated to speak.

Yuan Shao became suspicious and asked, "What is the military advisor hiding?"

Xun You was silent for a long time and said: "The king has many talents under his command, why not ask the counselors?"

As soon as Xun You finished speaking, Feng Ji had already walked out and said, "This is easy."

"Yuan Shu secretly keeps the imperial seal and refuses to hand it over, so he must have rebellious intentions. The king can write a letter to Yuan Shu, describing the friendship between the same clan and the threat of Zhou Qi, and supporting Yuan Shu in claiming the emperor and occupying the south."

"At that time, no matter who wins or loses, the world belongs to the Yuan family."

"Yuan Shu has a disloyal heart. He is bewitched by a eloquent person and has the support of the king, so he must be ready to take action."

"If Yuan Shu proclaims himself emperor, the alliance of the southern princes will be destroyed without attack. If the king then leads troops to attack Yuan Shu, he will definitely be isolated and helpless."

"In this way, Yuzhou can be conquered!"

Yuan Shao was overjoyed when he heard this.

Based on Yuan Shao's understanding of Yuan Shu, if he sent someone to bring heavy gifts and secretly supported him in becoming emperor, the other party might not do this.

Yuan Shao was about to agree, but suddenly he hesitated and said: "If I support him in becoming emperor, I'm afraid it will damage the reputation of both Yu Gu and the Yuan family."

Now that Zhou Qi is in power in the south, Yuan Shao has not yet lost his head and knows that he cannot bear the reputation of a national thief at this time.

When Feng Ji heard this, he smiled and said: "The former Yuan Shu set up a trap, and on the surface he persuaded the king to be crowned king, but in fact he harbored evil intentions, and later refused to admit it."

"Yuan Shu can do this, why can't your Majesty treat him in his own way?"

"At that time, all we have to do is deny it to death, then reprimand Yuan Shu for his treason in the name of the Runan Yuan family, and expel him from the Yuan family. Your Majesty will become the head of the Yuan family!"

Yuan Shao was overjoyed when he heard this and immediately acted according to his plan.

Yuan Shao was deeply ashamed of being tricked by Yuan Shu in the previous episode.

Feng Ji's strategy can not only disintegrate the alliance of southern princes, but also bring disaster to Yuan Shu, and also allow him to seize the position of the head of the Yuan family. It can be said that he kills three birds with one stone.

The court meeting ended, but Xun You left gloomily.

Xun You had actually thought of this strategy a long time ago.

Just acting like this is another heavy blow to the dignity of the Han Dynasty.

If Yuan Shu truly proclaims himself emperor, he will open Pandora's box, and from then on other princes will covet that position.

At that time, the big man really had no hope.

It was precisely because Xun You knew this that he hesitated to speak when Yuan Shao asked, and did not offer this strategy.

never thought.

He did not offer this strategy, but Yuan Shao had many talented people under his command, and finally Feng Ji offered this strategy.

However, he said that after he offered his advice, he was appointed as an envoy by Yuan Shao and went south to Ruyang with heavy gifts to meet Yuan Shu.

Runan County, Ruyang, Prime Minister's Mansion.

"Prime Minister, Yuan Benchu's envoy wants to see you."

After Yuan Shu heard the report from his subordinates, he couldn't help but frown slightly and thought to himself: "Before, Yuan Benchu ​​and I fought for Yanzhou, and we were at odds with each other. We haven't had any contact with each other for a long time."

"Why did he suddenly send someone to visit today?"

Yuan Shu asked: "Who is the envoy's name?"

The subordinate replied: "It's a meeting of famous people in Yingchuan."

Hearing that the envoy was meeting the rules, Yuan Shu suddenly stood up and said, "I'd like to invite you quickly."

Although Yuan Shu was proud, he treated the children of famous families with great courtesy, so his attitude changed drastically after hearing Feng Ji's name.

Not long after, Feng Ji was brought in, and he paid homage to Yuan Shu: "Foreign minister Feng Ji, please pay homage to the Prime Minister!"

Yuan Shu stretched out his hand and asked, "Why is Yuan Tu here?"

Feng Ji replied: "I'm here for two things."

"First, King Zhao Gu Nian and the Prime Minister are brothers of the same clan. Blood is thicker than water, so he sent me to bring heavy gifts to him to ease the relationship with the Prime Minister."

When Yuan Shu heard this, he couldn't help stroking his beard and his face was filled with color.

He thought to himself: "No matter how strong your troops are, Yuan Shao, you will still have to send people to make peace with me!"

Yuan Shu straightened his body and asked, "What about the second thing?"

Feng Ji said solemnly: "I'm here to save the Prime Minister's life!"

When Yuan Shu heard this, the proud look on his face slowly dissipated, and then he stared at the traces with a gloomy gaze, and said in a deep voice: "What does Yuan Tu mean by this?"

Yuan Shu is not a broad-minded person.

He could treat him politely because of his status as Fengji, but he would not condone the other party's nonsense, otherwise he would not mind leaving him in Ruyang.

Feng Ji was not afraid at all, but said with a smile: "Does Prime Minister know that Liu Zhang has surrendered to Zhou Qi?"

Yuan Shu nodded and said, "What does this have to do with me?"

Feng Ji said: "How come it doesn't matter?"

"Zhou Qi now occupies the prosperous land of Jing, Yang, and Yizhou. He has many soldiers, generals, and numerous household registrations under his command."

"This person is very ambitious. Once the situation in Yizhou is stabilized, he will definitely continue to expand his power northward."

"If the prime minister were Zhou Qi, where would he attack?"

When Yuan Shu heard this, he frowned and said nothing.

Feng Ji said on his behalf: "Liangzhou is a desolate and bitter frontier land with a sparse population and rampant Qiang people."

"Guanzhong has experienced disasters in the capitals of Dong Zhuo, Li Jue, and Guo Si. Ten houses and nine empty houses have long been empty. Even if Cao Cao's people who moved to Yanzhou moved to Guanzhong, they will no longer be as prosperous as before."

"Other than that, if Zhou Qi wants to continue heading north, only Yuzhou and Xuzhou are left."

"Xuzhou Liu Bei and Zhou Qi formed a blood alliance and exchanged protons. The relationship between the two is extremely close. Zhou Qi's eldest son is still a hostage in Xuzhou, so he will not attack Xuzhou."

"Based on this, Zhou Qi can only attack Yuzhou."

When Yuan Shu heard this, he couldn't help being frightened, and said forcefully: "We established the southern court together and are each other's allies. How could he send troops to attack me?"

Feng Ji said seriously: "If it were before, Zhou Qi might not have an excuse to attack Yuzhou."

"However, the Prime Minister secretly hid the imperial seal first, and then drove away the puppet imperial angels and Liu Bei's envoys from the south. Zhou Qi can use this as an excuse to go north to attack Yuzhou."

Yuan Shu hurriedly stood up, grabbed Feng Ji's hands, and asked, "Sir, do you know how to break this situation?"

There was a subtle smile in Fengji's eyes.

(End of this chapter)