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

Chapter 356 Taking advantage of the situation

Zhou Qi and Sun Ce were reminiscing about old times. Although Sun Ce rejected Zhou Qi's solicitation, the two sides still had a happy conversation.

At the end, Sun Ce suddenly bowed deeply to Zhou Qi and said, "I'm afraid your Majesty has already known our intention. Please allow me to ask, if I haven't seen Zhuge Ziyu for so long, do you have no intention of rushing to Xuzhou's aid?"

Zhuge Jin should have been the one to discuss the matter of asking for help with Zhou Qi, but Zhuge Jin handed over invitations several times, but Zhou Qi refused to see him.

Although Sun Ce originally only served as a guard, now that he had met Zhou Qi, he naturally wanted to find out more about him.

Zhou Qi slowly put down the tea cup in his hand, then took out a handkerchief and wiped his mouth gently, and then said slowly: "Liu Xuande betrayed the alliance first. Even if he wants to rush to Xuzhou's aid, I'm afraid his soldiers will not agree."

"Even if I can force them to lead troops to help Xuzhou, the Chu soldiers may not use their lives."

He looked at Sun Ce and said sternly: "It's not that I don't want to help Xuzhou, it's that I'm powerless."

When Sun Ce heard this, he was speechless.

Liu Bei betrayed the alliance first, and now that Xuzhou is at a critical moment of life and death, he licks his face and sends people to ask for help from Chu. Naturally, everyone in Jingzhou is not happy.

And don’t forget that Yuan Shao almost devoted all his strength to attack Xuzhou.

If Zhou Qi hadn't secretly agreed, Zhuge Jin might not have been able to go to Fancheng.

Zhuge Jin secretly smiled bitterly in his heart, but after much thought, he was still unwilling to accept it, so he simply found a connection to cross the river and went to Fancheng to meet Zhuge Liang.

Fancheng, inside Zhuge Liang's temporary residence, Zhuge Liang is handling military affairs.

Zhou Qi put down the tea cup again, then stood up and walked to the door, looked up at the blue sky, and said: "Although Xuzhou is weak, Liu Xuande has won the hearts of the people and has many good generals under his command. Yuan Benchu ​​wants to destroy it in a short time. , I’m afraid it’s not easy either.”

"Rescuing Xuzhou is not only in the interest of Xuzhou, but also in the interest of Chu State. Please think twice, your Majesty."

Zhuge Liang sighed and said, "Brother, if you are here just to reminisce about old times and brotherly friendship, I will naturally sweep up the couch to greet you and be overjoyed."

At that time, Yuan's army must have been exhausted from a long battle, and his men and horses were exhausted, which could greatly reduce the casualties of Chu's soldiers.

During this period, although he missed his brother, he also knew that public and private matters should be kept separate, so he deliberately suppressed this longing and did not go south to reunite with his brother.

Zhou Qi asked in return: "Even Bo Fu knows the truth about the death of lips and teeth. Why did Liu Xuande betray his alliance and accept Yuan Benchu's reward? Isn't he worried that after Yuan Benchu ​​destroyed Chu State, Xuzhou would be unable to survive alone?"

Taking advantage of his brotherly relationship with Zhuge Liang, Zhuge Liang persuaded Zhou Qi to send troops to help Xuzhou, which was Zhuge Jin's last resort.

The book boy saw Zhuge Liang being silent for a long time, and asked strangely: "Didn't the master miss Mr. Da very much before? Why is the master a little frowning when Mr. Da comes to visit in person today?"

According to the results of discussions between Zhou Qi, Jia Xu and others.

"He is unkind, so don't blame me for being unjust."

If Zhuge Liang can be persuaded, relying on Zhuge Liang's current status in Chu State, it is really possible to influence Zhou Qi's thoughts.

However, Zhuge Liang knew very well that since the two brothers had served different monarchs, although they could take care of their family ties in private, when it came to national affairs, it was best to draw a clear line.

Since the Battle of Xuzhou broke out, Yuan Jun simply stopped pretending and stopped attacking Fancheng. Instead, he retreated to Nanyang and devoted most of his troops to the Xuzhou battlefield.

Even so, Zhuge Liang was still very diligent in his work. Whether in the army or in the city, he had to handle all government affairs personally, no matter how big or small, and he never had any leisure time.

Then, Zhou Qi picked up the tea cup and shook it in his hand, but did not drink the tea.

When both sides suffer losses, it will not be too late for Xuzhou to reap the benefits.

Looking at Sun Ce who had nothing to say, Zhou Qi waved his hand and said: "Bo Fuqi goes back and tells Ziyu that if Liu Xuande cannot come up with conditions that are enough to impress the Chu State, please forgive me for not sending troops to help Xuzhou."

Facing Zhou Qi's questioning, Sun Ce was speechless again.

Zhou Qi also wanted to see how Zhuge Liang would choose between being a monarch on one side and an elder brother on the other.

After seeing Sun Ce leaving, Dian Wei suddenly asked: "Is it true that my lord doesn't intend to rush to Xuzhou's aid?"

Zhuge Liang heard the book boy's voice and put down the document in his hand, frowning slightly.

"This will definitely make Liu Xuande unable to recover from the fall. He can only play a chess piece with peace of mind and will no longer be able to compete for world hegemony!"

If Zhou Qi leads troops to rescue Liu Bei this time, he will inevitably give up the natural dangers of the Han River and Huaihe River, and then fight Yuan Jun in Xuzhou, which has no geographical advantage.

Xuzhou wants to be rescued, but not now, let alone unconditionally go to the rescue.

At least until Liu Bei has run out of ammunition and food and is about to lose his defense, Zhou Qi will send troops to reinforce Xuzhou.

This is not in the interests of Chu State.

Otherwise, the Zhuge brothers will be unhappy with each other, which will be detrimental to the future development of the Zhuge family.

The retreat of Yuan Jun also made Zhuge Liang much more relaxed, and even Zhou Yu was sent to Yizhou again.

Moreover, if Xuzhou wants Zhou Qi to send troops to help, it cannot just rely on a piece of covenant like before. At least it should pay a sufficient price to make Liu Bei deeply feel the consequences of betraying the alliance.

But he didn't expect that despite his deliberate avoidance, he still failed to stay out of the incident.

"Master, Mr. Big is here!"

"Liu Xuande was ambitious and tried to take advantage of the war between Zhao and Chu to take advantage of the situation and change the world situation."

Sun Ce returned to the post house and brought Zhou Qi's words.

Chen Wen had already sent someone to report to Zhou Qi about Zhuge Jin crossing the Han River north to Fancheng.

He couldn't say that Liu Bei and even Xuzhou's counselors once thought that although Zhao was strong, it would not be easy to overthrow Chu, which had a favorable geographical location.

Zhuge Liang had already known about Zhuge Jin's mission to Xiangyang.

Sun Ce still refused to give up and said: "With the wisdom of the king, you should know that the lips are dying and the teeth are cold. The Zhao State is already strong. Once Yuan Shao annexes Xuzhou, its strength will inevitably increase. At that time, the Chu State is alone and unable to support itself. How can it stay out of the matter?"

Sun Ce understood and immediately bowed and left.

"But I'm afraid we have other agendas when we come together!"

The book boy said: "Mr. Da is the master's closest relative after all. Even if he really has ulterior motives, he should help the master as long as it is within his ability. Why are you so hesitant?"

Zhuge Liang shook his head and said: "In terms of personal matters, my brother and I are of course close relatives of flesh and blood; in terms of public matters, we are each our own master."

"As a minister, loyalty should come first. Only when loyalty is not violated can we talk about family ties. This is best for me, my brother, and the entire Zhuge family."

"If I give up official duties for personal reasons today, how will I be able to gain a foothold in Chu State in the future?"

"If word gets out about this, I'm afraid my brother will also be jealous in Xuzhou. Isn't this a small gain at a loss?" Zhuge Liang's words were not alarmist.

If Zhuge Liang would abandon public service for personal reasons because of brotherhood, after the incident spreads, others may think that Zhuge's family is like this, and Zhuge Jin may not do this in the future because of brotherhood.

If this is the case, it will be difficult for Zhuge to gain a foothold in the officialdom in the future.

In this era, aristocratic families dispersed their disciples to many princes, but the princes did not worry about suspicion, thinking that the children of the same family might collude in private and betray the monarch's information.

That's because the aristocratic families have already formed a tacit understanding. As long as they defect to a monarch, they will never do so, otherwise the entire family will be implicated.

It is precisely because of this tacit understanding that in history, the princes such as Cao Cao, Yuan Shao, Liu Bei, and Sun Quan did not mind the children of a family splitting up and joining various parties. Instead, they entrusted the truly talented children of the family to important positions.

After hearing Zhuge Liang's words, the book boy couldn't help but suddenly realized, and then asked: "So, does the master not intend to see Mr. Da?"

Zhuge Liang pondered for a long time, and finally said: "Since my brother came to Fancheng in person, he must be a cannibal for his salary and loyalty to the emperor. How can I refuse to see him?"

"Take my salary and use it to buy wine and food, and invite several famous generals in the city to come to the banquet."

The book boy took the order and left.

Zhuge Liang greeted Zhuge Jin personally.

"Second brother!"

Zhuge Jin, who was waiting in the living room, saw Zhuge Liang, his face was full of joy, he stepped forward and called softly.

Zhuge Liang hurriedly prostrated himself on the ground, bowed his hands, and said: "When I heard that my brother had arrived in Xiangyang, I wished I could fly across the Han River and go to Xiangyang to talk about the pain of lovesickness with my brother. Because of my busy official duties, I really can't get away and it's inconvenient to visit. , that’s why it’s been delayed so far.”

"I don't want my brother to condescend to come here, which is really embarrassing for my younger brother!"

Having said this, Zhuge Liang knocked deeply on the ground, his face full of shame.

"Second brother, please get up quickly, please get up quickly!"

Zhuge Jin hurriedly stepped forward and helped Zhuge Liang up, obviously very pleased that Zhuge Liang respected his elder brother so much.

Zhuge Liang stood up, then supported Zhuge Jin's right arm, extended his hand towards the bedroom and said, "Brother, follow the younger brother into the house."

Zhuge Jin did not refuse, and allowed Zhuge Liang to hold his right arm, and said emotionally: "Since I left home, I have missed my second brother all the time. I knew that my second brother was busy with official duties, so I crossed the Han River to come here. Xiangyang came to visit."

Zhuge Liang led Zhuge Jin into the house and came to a table with tea sets. He stretched out his hand and said, "Brother, please sit down!"

Zhuge Jin also said: "Please!"

The two sat down, and Zhuge Liang personally poured tea for Zhuge Jin. During this period, he looked at Zhuge Jin with eyes full of admiration.

Zhuge Jin probably felt thirsty after walking for a long time, so he drank all the tea in the cup in one breath.

Seeing this, Zhuge Liang hurriedly took Zhuge Jin's tea and poured it for him again.

Zhuge Jin took the tea cup, but did not continue to drink it, and then said: "Second brother, do you know the wonders of the palace?"

Zhuge Liang's expression did not change, but he already knew Zhuge Jin's intention and immediately said: "This is an ancient sage, how could I not know this?"

Zhuge Jin sighed: "In the past, the Marquis of Jin wanted to imitate the ways of the Yu State and attack Guo, so he sent people to give the monarch of the Yu State beauties, jade, treasures, and good horses. He impressed the monarch of the Yu State with huge benefits, but the monarch of the Yu State ignored him. We have a brotherly relationship with the Guo State and plan to use the road to the Jin State to attack the Guo State."

"At that time, there was a strange thing about the uterus of a minister of the Yu State, and he advised the king of the Yu State: Yu and Guo, lips and teeth. If the lips die, the teeth will be cold. In this way, I urge the king of the Yu State not to lend the road to the Jin State."

"However, the king of the Yu State was obsessed with profit. In the end, after the Jin State destroyed the Guo State, it took advantage of the situation to destroy the Yu State."

Having said this, Zhuge Jin looked at Zhuge Liang solemnly and said: "The Zhao State today is just like the Jin State in the past. The relationship between Qi and Chu is bitter. If the Qi State is destroyed and the Zhao State becomes stronger than ever, how can the Chu State survive alone? "

Zhuge Liang also gradually suppressed the smile on his face. After patiently listening to Zhuge Jin's words, he said: "I naturally know the truth of lips dying and teeth cold."

"However, Yuan Shao's military strength is so strong that the Chu State can only hold on to the danger. Even if he wants to send troops to help Xuzhou, I am afraid that he has more than enough intention but not enough strength. If he acts forcefully, he may even suffer heavy losses, and the gain will not be worth the loss."

"I have a plan that may be able to resolve Duke Xuande's crisis. I wonder if your brother would be willing to listen to it?"

Zhuge Jin said hurriedly: "Second brother, come quickly."

Zhuge Liang organized his words a little, then walked to the military map, first pointed at Xuzhou and said: "The Four Battles in Xuzhou are undefeable. Now Yuan Benchu ​​has set up a strange plan, and within a short time, the entire Xuzhou will be in war, and the whole place will be filled with smoke. As a result, Duke Xuande was unable to take care of both ends, and could only passively shrink his troops and defend Donghai County with all his strength."

"However, there is no danger to defend Donghai County, and the number of Xuzhou's troops is far less than that of Yuan's army. If the war continues, Xuzhou will be defeated sooner or later."

At this point, Zhuge Liang suddenly pointed to Guangling County, which is located south of the Huaihe River. He changed the subject and said: "Fortunately, Guangling County is located south of the Huaihe River. Because General Zhou Jin blocked the river in time, Yuan's army was not allowed to cross south. Therefore, except for Guangling County located on the Huaihe River, Except for Ling County in the north, the rest of Guangling County is still under the jurisdiction of Xuzhou."

"Since there is no danger to defend Xuzhou, why don't my brother persuade Duke Xuande to abandon the city and cross the Huaihe River south to defend Guangling?"

"Although most of Xuzhou's territory will be lost, Xuande Gong will at least have a place to stay."

When Zhuge Jin heard this, he said: "If we abandon the entire territory of Xuzhou and only defend Guangling County south of the Huaihe River, how can we stop Yuan Benchu's army with only Guangling County?"

Zhuge Jin didn't say a word, that is, Zhou Jin had taken advantage of the chaos in Xuzhou and led the navy to control the Huaihe River in Xuzhou.

Although Guangling County still belongs to Xuzhou in name, as long as Zhou Jin holds the Huaihe River, it is still unknown whether Liu Bei and others can cross the river.

Zhuge Liang pointed to the land of Xiapi County south of the Huaihe River and said: "Brother, don't forget that there are still four cities in Xiapi County south of the Huaihe River. At that time, Xuande Gong led Xuzhou Civil and Military to cross south. Wouldn’t it be beautiful to control these four cities?”

Zhuge Jin remained silent.

Seeing this, Zhuge Liang asked: "Brother, what worries do you have in your heart?"

Upon hearing this, Zhuge Jin simply stopped beating around the bush and asked bluntly: "General Zhou Jin has controlled the Huaihe River in Xuzhou. Does His Highness the King of Chu want to take advantage of the situation and occupy the three cities of Guangling County and Xiapi County?" ?”

Zhuge Liang picked up the tea cup, drank the tea in one gulp, and then suddenly asked: "Brother, what did you think of the taste of this tea you just drank?"

Zhuge Jin said truthfully: "It's quite sweet."

Zhuge Liang asked: "Then the delicious tea that my brother drank into his stomach will be vomited out again?"

Zhuge Jin was speechless.

Zhuge Liang sighed slightly and said: "Brother, you should know the importance of Guangling County to Jiangnan. If Duke Xuande is willing to cede the four cities of Guangling County and Xiapi County south of the Huaihe River, and send hostages, I may be able to persuade my lord. Send troops to relieve the danger in Xuzhou."

"If not, not only Guangling County will be unable to be saved, but Xuzhou will also be unable to be saved. Brother, please think twice!"

(End of this chapter)