Ji Han Liu Zhang

"There is Zhang Song in the front and Zhang Su in the back. There are so many talented people in Shu."

After a banquet that was harmonious on the surface but surging secretly, Liu Biao bid farewell to Liu Xian and saw off the Yizhou envoy Zhang Su, and sighed sincerely to Liu Xian who came back to return.

At the banquet just now, Zhang Su talked eloquently. There was no formality in his speech and behavior, and everything he said was reasonable and without any hint of tact. Although he was very different from Zhang Song last year, who was sharp-tongued and unparalleled in his repartee, but They all had their own strengths in the position of envoy, and Jingzhou was at a disadvantage.

"After all, Cai Mao and Zhang Yun are not up to the task." Liu Biao sighed and blamed Cai Mao and Zhang Yun. If Cai Mao and Zhang Yun had not suffered a series of defeats in Shangyong, and even lost territory and Fangling, the situation would not have been as impressive as the one in Shu that took Hanzhong.

The exchanges between envoys from the two countries rely on the strength of the country, the order of the army, and the dedication of the soldiers. However, Jingzhou seems to be inferior to Yizhou in these aspects. No matter how clever the words are, it will still inevitably fall behind. , just like today's banquet, Zhang Su's words made Liu Biao a little embarrassed.

"Although there are many virtuous people in Shu, you can establish academic officials and seek Confucian scholars. Thousands of scholars from Guanzhong, Yan, and Henan have returned. The literary style is flourishing and is as far away as Zhongzhou. If we talk about virtuous people, Shu is far away. It's not as good as Jingzhou." Liu Xian comforted Liu Biao and recounted Liu Biao's achievements as pastor in Jingzhou.

"You've said so." Liu Biao shook his head and waved his hands to reject Liu Xian's praise. However, the smile on his face and the inadvertent curling of the corners of his mouth revealed that he was very much indebted to Liu Xian's praise. These words.

Liu Xian noticed Liu Biao's cheerfulness, and he added: "Your Majesty admired Confucian scholars and asked for suicide notes. The great Confucians in the state were like sweating, and the classics were collected and filled into the houses of the state. This is the capital of Chu people. It’s impossible to overstate what has been witnessed by all.”

"Although Liu Yizhou is good at military formations and is worse than the battlefield, in terms of literary and moral character, it is not as good as making the king far away. The book "Five Classics Chapters" written by Qi Wukai, Song Zhong, etc. alone can surpass him. Liu Yizhou’s martial arts.”

Liu Biao couldn't stop the smile on his face, and he laughed: "Don't drive me, how can I deserve your ridiculous praise?" Although he shouted that he couldn't bear it, Liu Biao's face was filled with joy. The clothes were tight, and the old face was glowing, and the whole person looked several years younger.

In a cheerful mood, Liu Biao got down to business: "What Zhang Su said just now is that Liu Jiyu has no intention of going north to Guanzhong. Is it true that Liu Jiyu has said otherwise?"

After observing Zhang Su's expression and answers earlier, Liu Biao believed that Zhang Su's statement that Liu Zhang was not interested in Guanzhong was at least 70% true. However, as a monarch, being suspicious is a normal character, so at this time, he Liu Xian asked Biejia.

Liu Xian considered the words and gave an ambiguous answer: "Looking at what Liu Yizhou did, he was very human. Last year he defeated Bajun and Nanzhong, this year he conquered Hanzhong and Wudu, he raised troops year after year, and his military power was great. ...With Wudu in Hanzhong, Guanzhong is just around the corner. If Liu Yizhou has no interest in Guanzhong, it is not trustworthy. "

"What you are saying is that Liu Jiyu is not a peaceful person. These young people are very troubled and cannot calm down." Liu Biao nodded, acknowledged Liu Xian's words, and at the same time added a message to the young people at the last sentence. the opinion of.

"Besides, looking at what Liu Yizhou is doing now, it shows that Liu Yizhou is somewhat interested in Guanzhong." Liu Xian threw out a hook.

"Oh, where do you start with this?" Liu Biao leaned forward slightly, as if he was listening attentively.

Liu Xian heard Liu Biao's questioning, and he revealed what he had in mind: "A rice thief Zhang Lu fled to Shangyong, but Liu Yizhou did not pursue and annihilate Zhang Lu, a poor bandit. Instead, his army marched westward and conquered Wudu. , This is not in line with Liu Yizhou’s past deeds. In the past, Liu Yizhou eradicated the culprits in Bajun and Nanzhong, leaving no trace of evil behind. It is a bit surprising to let Zhang Lu go this time. "

"Yeah." Liu Biao half-squinted his eyes, raised his right hand to stroke his beard, and nodded to express his agreement with Liu Xian's statement. After all, he sent people to find out what Liu Zhang did. Just as Liu Xian said, Liu Zhang, the culprit of Ba County, He, Yong Mian, Zhu Bao and Liu Zhang, the chief thieves in Nanzhong, were all dug out from the roots.

"Two things." Liu Xian continued his calculation: "The land of Wudu is full of Qiang and Di people. The scholars and people are not prosperous, and the household registration is not abundant. Even if we take it, there will be no big benefits. There is only one thing, and that is Wudu There is the Chencang Road leading to Guanzhong and the Qishan Road leading to Liangzhou. Once you capture Wudu, you can get close to Guanliang."

"Three of Liu Yizhou's two brothers, the eldest brother Zuo Zhonglang, General Liu Fan, and the second brother, Shushi Liu Dan, both died at the hands of Li Jue and Guo Si. How can we not avenge the murder of our brothers? Liu Junlang (Yan) mourned the deaths of Fan and Dan, and his heart was depressed and his back was sore. The hatred between father and brother was irreconcilable. "

"In summary, with my limited knowledge, I can conclude that Liu Yizhou will definitely send troops to Guanzhong. There is no doubt about this. Zhang Su's words should not be taken lightly."

"Hearing Bie Jia's words is like turning the clouds and seeing the moon." Liu Biao nodded frequently and said with approval. Liu Xian's words were very reasonable and could be trusted by him.

"Don't think that if Liu Jiyu really sends troops to Guanzhong, he can win it." Liu Biao changed the topic and asked Liu Xian's opinion. At the same time, he felt a little melancholy. Seeing Liu Zhang expanding his territory, it seemed that he had a big enemy. His actions may imitate the story of Emperor Gao and determine the land of the Three Qin Dynasties. This will inevitably make him, who is also a member of the clan and has a great reputation, feel a sense of depression in his chest.

Liu Xian shook his head: "This cannot be foreseen in advance."

"Don't just say it. I'll just listen to it. It's not true." Liu Biaoqiang asked Liu Xian to express his opinion. He must listen to Liu Xian's analysis.

Hearing this, Liu Xian had no choice but to speak: "In my opinion, although Liu Yizhou is good at military affairs and has elite soldiers and generals under his command, in terms of the sharpness of his troops, they are not as sharp as Liangzhou's horses, which can run rampant in the world... In the past, Dong Zhuo relied on and Liang Qiang died, and no one in the world could compete with him. The combined efforts of the Kwantung Allied Forces could only force Dong Zhuo to move to Chang'an. Therefore, Li Jue and Guo Si competed with Liu Yizhou, and the outcome was uncertain. "

"Yes." Liu Biao nodded, as if he recognized Liu Xian's statement, but he was worried in his heart, thinking that Li Jue and Guo Si would most likely not be Liu Zhang's opponent, unlike what Liu Xian said was the outcome was unknown.

……

After a night, Zhang Su, who got up early, saw the carriage that came to greet him. This was a banquet agreed on last night. The Kuai family, a wealthy family in Xiangyang, invited him to visit the house and express some kindness. As for the kindness shown, it was Kuai Qi of the Kuai family was rescued by Yizhou, so that he would not be detained in Shangyong as a prisoner at the end of his life.

When Zhang Su's carriage and horses arrived at the road where Kuai's mansion was located, Zhang Su, who was sitting in the car, saw the two brothers Kuai Liang and Kuai Yue standing in front of Kuai's mansion from a distance. They were on an envoy to Jingzhou. He met Kuai Liang and Kuai Yue at a banquet, so he recognized them at a glance. At this moment, the passers-by on the road where Kuai Liang and Kuai Yue were were all looking sideways at the famous Kuai brothers, wondering who had come to the Kuai Mansion. They actually asked the Kuai brothers to come out to greet him, which was even more exciting. The door looked very polite.

Some passers-by couldn't help but stop and stood aside to wait quietly, wanting to know the person who came to Kuai Mansion. They couldn't help lowering their heads and whispering. Some people gave their guesses, saying that it was Liu Jingzhou who came to the door, but some people denied it and said that it was Liu Jingzhou who came to Kuai's house. Liu Jingzhou didn't go out today, so it definitely couldn't be Liu Jingzhou.

Others speculated that apart from Liu Jingzhou, only Pang Degong, who lived on Yuliang Island in Mianshui, south of Xian Mountain, might be the only one who could be personally greeted by the Kuai brothers, Hou Yu, at the door, but someone soon gave it. The negative opinion is that Pang Degong has never entered the city. He is a hermit. He only works in the fields, rowing and wading on weekdays, and will never enter Xiangyang City.

Speculations abounded, and the onlookers even became red-faced, arguing over the identity of the person who came to Kuai's house. But soon, the disputes subsided, and a carriage came from a distance. The onlookers saw Kuai who came to the door. People from the government.

"Who am I? It's Zhang Su, the envoy from Yizhou." Someone recognized Zhang Su's identity and declared.

"The envoy from Yizhou! He can afford to be personally welcomed by the Kuai brothers." Some people admit that Yizhou has become quite prestigious in recent years, and its soldiers can defeat everything they point at, even defeating their Jingzhou army many times. The rice thief Zhang Lu was just a small bandit who was defeated by Liu Zhang, the herdsman of Yizhou.

Just as the envoy of Yizhou, he was able to get the Kuai brothers to stop in front of the door to welcome him personally, but it was still not enough for the Kuai Mansion to open the middle door to welcome him. However, thinking about the Yizhou shepherd Liu Zhang stepping in to rescue Kuai Qi, the magistrate of Fengling County, all this was enough. It makes sense, the life-saving grace deserves such courtesy and generous reward.

The carriage was driving slowly, approaching the gate of Kuai Mansion. Zhang Su on the carriage was neatly dressed and behaved dignifiedly. His hand was touching the carriage, both for etiquette and safety reasons. His eyes were staring ahead. Ten feet away, his eyes did not wander left and right, he only stared ahead, adhering to the etiquette of riding in a car, and being extremely disciplined, so as not to lose Yizhou's face in the eyes of outsiders.

Riding a carriage is no different than doing other things. You must strictly follow the etiquette. If there are any omissions, it does not comply with the regulations of the famous scholar Jia Yi in the "New Book·Rong Jing": "Sit with the posture of sitting, stroking the posture, and look at the five journeys." , Desire is careless, but care is not taken. A small ceremony is performed, a medium ceremony is performed, and a big ceremony is performed. 'Then you will be looked down upon, even despised.

When the carriage arrived at the gate of Kuai Mansion, Zhang Su followed the rules of the ceremony. He got off the carriage and paid respects to Kuai Liang, Kuai Yue, and Kuai Qi, the former magistrate of Fanngling County behind the two brothers.

Kuai Liang and Kuai Yue both arched their hands and bent their bodies slightly to pay tribute. When it came to Kuai Qi, he bowed his head and paid a great gift to Zhang Su, who had redeemed him from the rice thief Zhang Lu. It was to carry out the order of Liu Zhang, the shepherd of Yizhou, but Zhang Su was also kind to him. As a scholar, ingratitude is the most unacceptable thing. At the least, it will be despised by the world, and at the worst, it will be insulated from society.

"Please, Mr. Zhang." As the master, Kuai Liang stretched out his hand to invite Zhang Su into the mansion. Zhang Su smiled and nodded. Under the guidance of Kuai Liang, he stepped into the Kuai mansion and sat on the chief guest's seat.

After drinking a few cups, Kuai Qi attended and solemnly expressed his gratitude to Zhang Su: "If it weren't for Zhang Junxiang's help, Qi would probably still be in a prison in Shangyong, hungry, without food, cold without clothes, and I don't know what he could do." How can we return to Xiangyang if we wait for a few days?"

Zhang Su avoided the banquet and declined: "This is not Su's fault, it is actually the responsibility of my lord. Su is just doing what he was ordered to do. He does not deserve such a great courtesy from Lord Kuai."

"Even so, Zhang Jun has been very kind to me, so I should thank him now." Kuai Qi spoke sincerely and thanked Zhang Su. There was another polite exchange, and then Kuai Qi returned to the table.

Unlike when he had a banquet with Liu Biao and Liu Xian, Zhang Su rarely had verbal confrontations. When facing Kuai, who regarded him as a benefactor, Zhang Su spoke harmoniously and showed no arrogance. He just talked with Kuai Liang, Kuai Yue and Kuai Qi. Discussing Jing local customs, celebrities and hermits.

This harmonious banquet did not disperse until the sun went down. Kuai Liang and Kuai Yue followed the courtesy of welcoming Zhang Su in front of the mansion, and sent Zhang Su outside the mansion. They watched Zhang Su get on the carriage and leave. go.

Under the reflection of the moonlight, Zhang Su returned to his residence in Xiangyang, the post house. While walking on the corridor towards the room, he lifted his sleeves to his nose and felt the strong smell of alcohol on his body.

He has been drinking too much recently, and Zhang Su has a helpless smile on his face. He is not a good drinker, but since he came to Jingzhou, he has been drinking every day. He cannot avoid drinking every day. The exchange of favors cannot tolerate him not drinking. Although he controlled his drinking so as not to get drunk, drinking too much wine would inevitably make people dizzy.

With this thought, Zhang Su gave up the idea of ​​reading by candlelight at night, and took a rest early. His head was a little dizzy. This was not a good time to study.

Under the service of the maid, Zhang Su washed away the smell of wine and fatigue. He wore silk pajamas and lay on the bed. After a while, he snored and fell asleep. .

When the sun rose on the second day, Zhang Su got up from the bed with a refreshing feeling. Sufficient sleep time gave him full energy. As soon as he washed up and ate the morning meal, he called the attendants and rode a carriage to the Go outside the city.

Zhang Su planned to visit someone today, a well-known hermit in Jingxiang, Pang Degong. He was a hermit who even refused Liu Biao's recruitment. Even when Liu Biao, the shepherd of Jingzhou, went to recruit him personally, Pang Degong was not aggrieved. Live in the mountains and rivers.

How lucky it would be for such a famous person to be used by my lord.

With the idea of ​​recruiting Liu Zhang, Zhang Su came to Pang Degong's residence - Yuliangzhou in Mianshui River. As for whether the recruitment could be successful, he had little hope, but he could meet a famous person like Pang Degong and chat with him for a few days. sentence, it is also of great benefit to him.

After asking several passers-by on Yuliang Island for guidance, Zhang Su learned the specific residence of Pang Degong, but he seemed to be a little unlucky.

When Zhang Su knocked on the door of Pang Degong's courtyard, he greeted the boy who opened the door and paid homage to Pang Degong.

But the boy shook his head: "My master went to Lumen Mountain to collect herbs. He was only in Lumen Mountain. The clouds were deep but he didn't know where he was." (End of Chapter)