Ji Han Liu Zhang

Chapter 219 Xun You’s decision

Xun Shiti had a pair of big eyes like black grapes, and his round head turned left and right, looking at the shops and houses in Shaocheng, Chengdu.

Although he was a young man, Xun Shi was still young at heart. The shops and industries in Shaocheng, Chengdu, were prosperous. The shops on both sides of the streets sold everything, including copperware, ironware, pottery, lacquerware, horse-drawn carriages, weapons, etc. They were all of exquisite craftsmanship and well-made, which naturally attracted Xun Shi's curious eyes, causing his eyes to wander around, looking here and there.

Standing next to Xun Shi, Xun You couldn't help but feel emotional when he saw such a prosperous and harmonious scene in Chengdu Shaocheng. Since Dong Zhuo's rebellion, the world has fallen apart and the world has been in chaos. In his hometown of Yingchuan, soldiers and bandits have been rampant, and disasters have occurred year after year. In the past few years, he has been used to seeing strife and chaos, but now the city of Chengdu is so peaceful and peaceful, giving him The feeling of seeing the capital Luoyang when I was young.

When you step into Chengdu Shaocheng, you will see shops, residences, and mansions well planned and lined up in rows. The roads in the store are wide and flat, and vehicles of different sizes frequently come and go, such as horse-drawn ax carts, covered baggage carts, boxcars for transporting goods and people, etc.

"Ok?"

Seeing a four-horse chariot approaching, Xun You led Xun Shi to the side of the road without delay. The father and son stopped by the roadside, intending to wait for the chariot to pass before continuing on.

This chariot did not cross the road arrogantly, but was preceded by Wu Bai, a force escorting the officials, who cleared the way and then moved forward. The Wu Bai did not clear the road arrogantly, but stretched out their hands to clear the road. Pedestrians please move to the roadside.

"It's the official Wang! We rarely see the official Wang on patrol. Where is he going?" A fat vendor selling cloth raised his head and saw the people on the cart, and turned to his side to sell thin bamboo poles of pottery. the merchant asked.

"I'm not a member of the government, how do I know?" The thin bamboo pole vendor shook his head, and then gave a guess: "Perhaps he is going to the prefect's mansion, or he may go out of the city to relax."

The cloth dealer with a big belly retorted: "How can the official Wang have time to go out of the city to relax? Liu Yizhou is currently fighting against the rice thieves. All the matters that remain behind are all handled by the official Wang. He must not be busy in the dark..." I think it was your previous guess that Wang Changli went to the Prefect’s Mansion to meet Mr. Chen.”

When the chariot passed by Xun You, he learned from the discussions among the merchants around him that the identity of the owner of the chariot was Xiao He Wang Shang from Yizhou, so Xun You looked at the chariot with interest, intending to take a look. What is Wang Shang's appearance and demeanor?

I saw that Wang Shang had a pale face, not very plump, and a little thin. He had two wide eyebrows and a goat-like beard that was meticulously groomed. He did not wear a crown on his head, but was wrapped in a scarf. He looked ugly. He looked like an important minister of Yizhou, but he looked like an old Confucian scholar teaching.

But Wang Shang, who was dressed as a Confucian scholar, was heading to Yizhou to conquer Hanzhong. He held the power of Shu. When he went out, he was accompanied by five hundred people in front of him, followed by followers, and even armored soldiers guarding him. Therefore, although he was a king Shang doesn't seem to have anything outstanding, but his style and momentum are enough, and he can be said to be calm and powerful.

Xun Shi's eyes next to Xun You were a little confused. Who wouldn't envy Wang Shang when he held such great power? But every scholar would envy him, and the young man was no exception.

After Jin's carriage passed by, Xun Shi withdrew his envious eyes, raised his head and asked Xun You, "Father, is this Xiao He from Yizhou?"

Xun You nodded, thinking that Xun Shi did not read in vain the Taishi Gong's letter to Xun Shi: "Suppress the country, care for the people, provide payments, and never stop food supply. This official of the king is naturally Xiao He of Liu Yizhou."

"The child will become a person like the king's official in the future." Xun Shi said as he chased the team of Wang Shang from a distance until Wang Shang's chariot and horse were stepped onto the center of the road again. He was covered by pedestrians, and he just withdrew his gaze.

"My son has great ambitions." Xun You nodded in agreement, praising Xun Shi's ambitions, but in his heart he shook his head. As an adult, and one who has been tempered by society, he naturally knows , it is so difficult to become a person like Wang Shang.

First of all, we need to have the same talents as Wang Shang, who can control the land of Shu without any turmoil. Secondly, and more importantly, we need a monarch like Liu Zhang, the shepherd of Yizhou, who can trust Wang Shang without any hesitation. The world has the same talents as Wang Shang. There may be many people, but there are very few people who can display their talents like Wang Shang. Without Emperor Gao, Xiao He could die with just a sword and a pen.

Personal ability and the monarch's respect are both indispensable, so that it is possible to be as indistinguishable as Wang Shang. At this thought, Xun You let out a sigh in his heart, not to mention that Xun Shi saw Wang Shang's prominence and had a desire to catch up with him. Mentality, how could he not be envious of Wang Shang?

Xun You stroked Xun Shi's forehead and said, "Let's go back to the wine house. You haven't read the book you should read today."

After returning to the wine house, Xun Shi picked up the bamboo slips and reviewed his homework. Xun You also picked up a bamboo slip and accompanied him beside Xun Shi. However, Xun You's mind was not on the words on the bamboo slips in his hand, but on deep thought. stand up.

Xun You, who came to Shu from Jingzhou, wanted to join Liu Zhang, but before meeting Liu Zhang, he had only heard about some of Liu Zhang's deeds, so he was somewhat hesitant and was not sure that Liu Zhang was the Ming Lord he was looking for.

Just like his uncle Xun Yu, he first joined Yuan Shao with Xun Chen, but after realizing that Yuan Shaofei was the master of the Ming Dynasty, he returned to serve under Cao Cao, whom he believed to be a talented man. This shows that it is difficult for the master of the Ming Dynasty. Hard to find.

Now after appreciating the customs of Shu, stepping into Chengdu, and knowing in more detail what Liu Zhang did when he became the shepherd of Yizhou last year, Xun You made a decision. He was determined to stay in Yizhou and serve Liu Zhang. Take care of things under the account.

As far as Xun You knows now, on the one hand, Liu Zhang, the shepherd of Yizhou, was able to appoint Wang Shang as an official and hand over all state affairs to Wang Shang without any doubts. This shows that Liu Zhang is a man who can confide in his heart. On the other hand, Liu Zhang promotes talents and does not rely on their birthplace. For the purpose, as long as he has talent, even if he is from a poor family, he will vigorously promote him. It can be seen that Liu Zhang is a meritorious character. In the third case, Liu Zhang pacified Bajun and conquered Nanzhong. There was no mass killing wherever he went, so he could let it go. For example, Sheng Dao, the magistrate of Liangping County, Liu Zhang ordered Sheng Dao to continue serving as magistrate of Liangping County. Meng Yi, the patriarch of the Meng family of the Nanzhong wealthy family who was captured and then surrendered, was appointed as the magistrate of Yunnan County. County Magistrate, it can be seen that Liu Zhang is a generous and kind man.

"Liu Yizhou is so virtuous and possesses both civil and military talents that he should be my master, Xun You." ’ Xun You made up his mind. In addition, there was another factor that prompted Xun You to make up his mind. Now that Xun Chen was serving under Yuan Shao in Jizhou and Xun Yu was serving under Cao Cao in Yanzhou, Xun's cunning rabbit already had two caves. Xun You felt that he did not need to go to Jizhou. With Yanzhou, to do the icing on the cake, why not join the army of Liu Zhang, the herdsman in Yizhou, and dig a third cave for the Xun family.

The world is in chaos and the current situation is turbulent. Under this situation, Xunshi made multiple bets and tried his best to put his eggs in every possible basket. In this way, no matter who gets the world in the end, Xunshi can be among them. Shine brightly.

Xun You has made up his mind, but now he still has a little difficulty, that is, whether Liu Zhang, the herdsman of Yizhou, will appreciate him. Although he considers himself to be extremely talented and clever, as a bastard versus a mung bean, can he and Liu Zhang like each other? , this kind of thing is difficult to say.

Furthermore, Liu Zhang is currently in front of Yangping Pass in Hanzhong. Xun You, who does not know much about the situation in Shu, feels that even if he goes to Liu Zhang in front of Yangping Pass to serve him now, he is afraid that it will be difficult to provide any help or achieve any results.

After thinking about it for a moment, Xun You came up with an idea. He planned to go to the official Wang Shang to hand over his famous assassination first. Wang Shang had a high reputation for virtue. People in Jingzhou, such as Liu Biao, the shepherd of Jingzhou, and Song Zhong, the great scholar, all admired Wang Shang. Secondly, Wang Shanghao promoted scholars and recruited talents for Liu Zhang. Xun You felt that there was no need to run around to meet Liu Zhang at Yangping Pass. It was better to go to Wang Shang to show off his talents and get Wang Shang's letter of recommendation. This would pave the way and lay the foundation for a friendly meeting between him and Liu Zhang. .
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Jingzhou, Xiangyang.

In the official temple in Xiangyang, Liu Biao, the pastor of Jingzhou, was very comfortable. There was no disturbance from all directions in the land of Jingchu, which was perfect for him who wanted to defend himself, and now he might be able to expand his territory.

As an ally of Yizhou, Liu Biao had previously sent multiple documents to Yizhou, stating that Jingzhou planned to send troops from Hanzhong to threaten Zhang Lu and help Liu Zhang capture Hanzhong.

Of course, Liu Biao's ambition was not here. He had no sincerity and wanted to help Liu Zhang win Hanzhong. He was coveting Xicheng and Shangyong under the rule of Hanzhong County.

Xicheng and Shangyong are ownerless lands, and the rice thief Zhang Lu cannot control them. If Liu Zhang later takes Hanzhong and goes down the Han River, Xicheng and Shangyong will undoubtedly become Liu Zhang's territory, which is not a good thing for Jingzhou. Therefore, Liu Biao thought of taking advantage of Liu Zhang's opportunity to attack Hanzhong, and secretly made Xicheng and Shangyong counties of Jingzhou, using the words of Xiang to help Liu Zhang.

Thinking of this, Liu Biao sent an inquiry to his subordinates: "Farewell, where are Cai Mao and Zhang Yun now?"

Liu Xian thought about it for a while and responded loudly: "Your Majesty, based on the documents and the distance sent back by Cai and Zhang, we should have arrived at Fangling County now."

"That's good, that's good." Liu Biao said two good words in succession.

Liu Biao consciously sent Cai Mao and Zhang Yun to attack Xicheng and Shangyong, which was an excellent thing he planned. Firstly, Cai Hao and Zhang Yun had some talents in civil and military affairs and knew the military affairs well. Secondly, Cai Hao was His brother-in-law and Zhang Yun are his nephews, all of whom are close to him. Let Cai Mao and Zhang Yun make contributions to Jingzhou and bring merit to their own families. There is no need to worry about them being as domineering and uncontrollable as outsiders after their meritorious service.

But Liu Biao still had a doubt here: "Xicheng and Shangyong are controlled by the powerful Shen family. From a different perspective, whether the Shen family is the enemy of Cai Hao and Zhang Yun."

"The Xicheng and Shangyong controlled by the Shen family have few household registrations, the land is poor, and the number of soldiers they have is not as good as that of the people in Jingzhou controlled by Cai and Zhang... The only concern is that the terrain of Xicheng and Shangyong is undulating and the mountains are difficult to pass. However, Cai and Zhang need to be careful not to fall into Shen's ambush." ​​Liu Xian answered with an overturned hand. From his point of view, Shen was not Cai Hao's and Zhang Yun's opponent, so he had to consider The answer is that Shen made an underhanded move.

Liu Biao nodded when he heard this. Sun Jian, the Jiangdong Tiger, was such a hero. He besieged him in Xiangyang in the past, and he almost died in Sun Jian's hands. However, Huang Zu set up an ambush and easily killed Sun Jian. This impressed him deeply. He said: "Immediately issue a message to Cai Hao and Zhang Yun to act prudently and be cautious... Liu Jiyu is attacking Hanzhong. Yangping Pass is very dangerous. It will not take a year and a half to achieve results. We can slowly take Xicheng and Shangyong. Generals Cai Mao and Zhang Yun are advised not to be impatient and to be extremely careful about Shen's plot to set up an ambush."

"No." Liu responded first, and then went down to consider the documents sent to Cai Hao and Zhang Yun.
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Fangling County.

Fangling County Magistrate Kuai Qi led the civil and military officials of Fangling County out of the city far away to welcome Cai Mao and Zhang Yun who came to Fangling County.

"General Cai Zhonglang and Lieutenant Zhang, Qi looks to these two gentlemen like a dry seedling looks to the dew." Kuai Qi bowed his hands to Cai Mao and Zhang Yun and said a sincere compliment.

Kuai Qi, who was originally able to serve as the county magistrate of Fangling, was very happy. After arriving in Fangling, he realized that Fangling was actually a dangerous place with dangerous mountains and rivers, not a good land. Bandits roamed the mountains and fields, and rebels plundered everywhere, including Xicheng, The powerful and powerful Shen family believed that Fangling was the old land of the Shen family, and that Fangling was a county under the rule of Hanzhong, not a land under the rule of Jingzhou. Jingzhou could not be allowed to occupy Fangling, so the Shen family regarded him as The tigers were watching, but Shen was worried about Jingzhou's power and did not dare to send troops to attack him, but even so, Kuai Qi always felt a thorn in his back.

As the county magistrate of Fangling County, Kuai Qi suffered every day, and he never thought about returning to the gentle hometown of Xiangyang. But firstly, he was entrusted by his uncle Kuai Yue, and secondly, as a descendant of the Kuai family, he couldn't lose face, so he could only stay in Fangling one day at a time.

But now, Cai Hao and Zhang Yun came with their armies, under the pretext of helping Liu Zhang to defeat Zhang Lu, a rice thief in Hanzhong, with the intention of taking Xicheng and Shangyong Land. This would make Kuai Qi very unhappy. If he defeated the powerful The Shen family annexed Xicheng and Shangyong. It was no surprise that Xicheng and Shangyong must have come under his rule. Moreover, from the letter sent by his uncle Kuai Yue, he learned that Liu Biao had captured Xicheng, Shangyong, and Fangling. The idea of ​​setting it up as a county, he said, would probably be worth one or two thousand dan when the time came. This would be a great thing.

Therefore, Kuai Qi was very respectful to Cai Hao and Zhang Yun. Of course, apart from the fact that Cai Hao and Zhang Yun were here to help him solve the Shen family issue, their identities should not be underestimated by him. After all, Cai Hao was Liu Biao's brother-in-law. , Zhang Yun is Liu Biao's nephew. Although Kuai is Liu Biao's confidant and important minister, his status in Liu Biao's mind is probably not as good as that of Cai Hao and Zhang Yun.

(End of this chapter)