Ji Han Liu Zhang

Chencang, county temple.

After making corresponding arrangements against Han Sui of Liangzhou's harassment of Tianshui County, the meeting was suddenly dispersed. The officers in the hall left either alone or in groups of two or three. Not long after, Liu Zhang, who was at the head of the group, swept the hall and found it empty.

But soon, Liu Zhang discovered that there was a man who was still sitting there motionless when all the generals left.

"Gongyi, is there something wrong? Why don't you follow the crowd?" Liu Zhang asked.

Zhang Ren heard Liu Zhang's question and he said, "Mingsir, I have doubts in my heart, so I can't leave for the time being."

Liu Zhang stood up and motioned Zhang Ren to follow him. At the same time, the Military Advisor Fa Zheng also followed closely behind Liu Zhang. The three of them walked towards the backyard of the county temple, one in front and two behind.

Liu Zhang stopped at the corridor and looked ahead. It was early summer and the courtyard was full of lush trees and plants. After a moment, Liu Zhang said, "Gongyi, if you have any doubts, please feel free to speak up."

Zhang Ren was silent for a moment, then he gritted his teeth and said bluntly: "Mingsir, Han Sui has sent Qiang and Hu to harass Tianshui. I am a cavalry general, and I am dispatched to Tianshui County to drive out and kill the Qiang and Hu who are disturbing Tianshui County."

"Why is it that today's order orders General Wu to lead Ma Mengqi and Zhang Youwei to go, but I am idle in Chencang and cannot go to Tianshui County..."

Zhang Ren felt that something was unusual. Given his position under Liu Zhang, he must be among the people who were sent to Tianshui County to expel the Qiang and Hu people. However, when the order was given, his name was not included. This made Zhang Ren confused. Hesitant, he wanted to ask Liu Zhang for an answer.

Liu Zhang turned his head and looked at Zhang Ren for a while. Zhang Ren felt a little guilty. Zhang Ren regretted it at this moment. It was not appropriate for him to ask for a quota from the Lord and disrupt the Lord's deployment when the order had already been given.

After a moment, Liu Zhang smiled and said, "When I initially considered the candidates to be sent to Tianshui County, I was committed to justice..." When Zhang Ren heard this, he felt a little happy in his heart, but he did not show it on his face. He listened quietly to what Liu Zhang said next.

"However, there is an important matter. After much thought, I have decided that it must be done by justice. That is why I have not included justice in the list of people going to Tianshui County." Liu Zhang said slowly.

Zhang Ren showed joy at this moment, but soon, he showed doubts: "Mingsir, among all the affairs in the four directions, Longyou is the most important. I wonder what kind of important matter this is, which is more important than conquering Longyou."

Liu Zhang did not give an answer immediately. He asked Zhang Ren, "Gongyi should know about the usurpation of the title of emperor by Yuan Shu of Huainan."

"Everyone has heard of this matter. Yuan Shu is rebellious and immoral, and he talks nonsense about the will of heaven. His Yuan family has been blessed by the country for generations, and has repeatedly passed down the throne, but he actually committed the act of usurping the throne and proclaiming himself emperor. He is truly ungrateful and shameless." Speaking of Yuan Shu, Zhang Ren's face was furious, and he criticized Yuan Shu harshly.

Seeing Zhang Ren's attitude, Liu Zhang revealed the answer: "Yuan Shu is rebellious and has done such an unrighteous thing. Cao Mengde will certainly send troops to conquer him to show the right of the country. I intend to send troops to help him and wipe out Yuan Shu, the traitor... As for the commander of the army, I have my eyes on you. Do you want to go? If you don't want to go, I will send you to Tianshui so that you won't waste your time in Chencang."

Zhang Ren was delighted. Going to Huainan to fight against the usurper Yuan Shu was a good opportunity to make a name for himself and gain merit. Besides, Han Sui was just a small bandit compared to Yuan Shu. Thinking of this, Zhang Ren bowed to the ground and said, "You wanted to send me to Huainan, but I asked you too much. I am willing to accept this order and fight against the traitor Yuan Shu for you."

First, he apologized to Liu Zhang for not being sent to Tianshui. Then Zhang Ren was assigned the task of going to Huainan to fight against Yuan Shu. Then, he asked Liu Zhang about the details of the expedition to Huainan: "Mingsir, I wonder how many troops will be sent and when they will set out for Huainan."

"No hurry. It's still early summer now. Cao Mengde has just come to Xu to welcome you. There are many things going on everywhere. I think Cao Mengde will send troops to Huainan after autumn." Liu Zhang said slowly, "Besides, to help Cao Mengde conquer Huainan, Zhang Song needs to go to Xudu to meet the emperor and discuss it with Cao Mengde."

After explaining the timing of sending troops, Liu Zhang gave the number of troops to be sent: "As for the number of troops to be sent, more than 2,000 infantrymen, plus your own elite cavalry, will be enough to get a brigade."

Fa Zheng on the side added: "Gong Yi, if you can go to Huainan, you can make a big show of yourself, saying that the Grand Marshal is fighting against the enemy for the country, and you can also talk about the good governance of Guanzhong... Nowadays, there are many displaced people in Guandong, and those who do great things all put people first. Guanzhong has a small population, and it is a time when people are needed. If you can attract a group of talented people to Guanzhong, it will be very beneficial to your plan. Even if you can't get talented people, it will be a great thing to get refugees to go to Guanzhong."

"I know." Zhang Ren nodded repeatedly, indicating that he had kept it in mind.

"Remember, military discipline must be strict. Nothing that disturbs the people must happen, which will tarnish your reputation." Fa Zheng reminded him again earnestly.

"Don't worry, Xiaozhi. I have strict military discipline and there will be no incidents that disturb the people." Zhang Ren's face was very serious and he responded seriously.

After saying that, Zhang Ren said to Liu Zhang: "My lord, should I wait for Zhang Song's reply in Chencang or wait in Chang'an?" Zhang Ren thought about it. If he was going to Huainan later, he should wait in Chang'an or Huayin, which was closer to the east. It would be more convenient to set off at that time.

Liu Zhang thought for a moment and replied, "I think Cao Mengde will most likely agree to help him conquer Huainan. You can go to Huayin and wait for Zhang Song's reply. When the time comes, you don't need to wait for my order. Just do what you want and send troops to Xudu first, and then go to Huainan with Cao Mengde's army to conquer Yuan Shu."

"Yes." Zhang Ren replied with a bow.

A few days later, the two armies left Chencang, only one day apart.

One brigade was led by Zhang Ren, a General of the Cavalry under Liu Zhang. This army headed eastward, with Huayin County as its destination. Zhang Ren would wait in Huayin for a reply from Zhang Song, who was on a diplomatic mission to Xudu, and then rush to Xudu and head to Huainan.

One group was led by Wu Yi as commander-in-chief, with Ma Chao and Zhang Xiu as deputy generals, with a total of about five to six thousand people. They went westward through the narrow road of Chencang to Tianshui County, with the goal of suppressing the Qiang and Hu who were harassing and causing trouble in Tianshui County.

……

Xiangyang. When Gongcao Zhang Su heard Liu Biao lamenting that his achievements were insignificant and that he did not have the great military achievements of Liu Zhang, who conquered Guanzhong and killed Li Jue, he smiled calmly: "Your Excellency wants to achieve something, but now there is a big thing to do. If this thing is completed, people in the world will praise you, and your name will be known from the Yue in the south to the Hu in the north."

"Oh...what's the matter?" Liu Biao asked Zhang Su with a little vigilance but also some expectation. He would not be too honest with Zhang Su, who was Liu Zhang's envoy. Although the two families were allies, in this world, one had to be on guard against allies.

"Your Excellency should know that Yuan Shu usurped the throne and proclaimed himself emperor in Huainan." Zhang Su did not answer, but talked about the rebellious and rampant Yuan Shu in Huainan.

"Of course." Speaking of Yuan Shu, Liu Biao's face was slightly angry. As a descendant of the Liu family, he could not stand a traitor like Yuan Shu, especially since the Yuan family was deeply favored by the country and the Han family treated them very kindly, but Yuan Shu usurped the Han Dynasty and established himself as the first usurper in the world. Liu Biao was naturally angry at Yuan Shu, such an ungrateful and heartless villain. Whenever he talked about or wrote about Yuan Shu, nameless anger would jump out of his chest.

Zhang Su's face was serious. He said frankly: "Sir, Yuan Shu's actions have angered the heavens and the people, and he is hated by the world. But you are a virtuous elder among the clan members, and you are in charge of a state with thousands of miles of land, more than 100,000 soldiers, and you are the master of Jingjiang. No one can defeat you..."

At this point, Zhang Su paused and continued, "I heard from the court that Cao Sikong will conquer Huainan after the summer harvest. At this time, why don't you send a troop to help Cao Sikong conquer Huainan? This is your duty as a member of the royal family, and at the same time you can make contributions to the country and become famous throughout the world."

"Hmm?" Upon hearing this, Liu Biao stroked his beard and began to think. He had to admit that Zhang Su's proposal was very tempting and feasible. It would indeed be a good thing to make a name for himself by conquering Yuan Shu, who had rebelled against the Han Dynasty and established himself as an independent ruler in Huainan. In addition, it would also show his support for the imperial court and the emperor as a relative who controlled the Jianghan region.

However, Liu Biao was still a little hesitant and could not make a decision for a while. After a while, he asked Zhang Su: "Does the Grand Marshal want to send troops to help the court conquer Huainan?"

"Yes." Zhang Su nodded confidently. He told Liu Biao in detail, "My lord has no selfish motives and only acts for the Han Dynasty. That is why Yuan Shu rebelled, so my lord sent my brother Zhang Song to Xudu to declare to the emperor that he is willing to send troops to fight against the rebels. If we calculate the distance, Zhang Song should have already arrived in Xudu."

"How many troops does the Grand Marshal plan to send?" Liu Biao asked.

"One brigade." Zhang Su replied, "For this expedition to Huainan, we should rely mainly on the people under the command of Prime Minister Cao. The troops sent by my lord are only to assist you, but you won't need too many. I think one brigade will be enough."

"Oh." Liu Biao nodded. He was already somewhat tempted at this moment, but he did not immediately agree. Instead, he said, "Jingzhou is currently in turmoil. There is Zhang Lu of Shangyong in the west and Sun Ce of Wujun in the east. I will consider the matter of sending troops to help."

"Su is just making a suggestion. It is up to you to decide whether this will happen or not. Su has nothing to do with it." Zhang Su did not force Liu Biao to send troops, as if he did not care whether Liu Biao would send troops to conquer Huainan. After he finished speaking, he raised his glass to salute Liu Biao.

A banquet to welcome Zhang Su ended with the host and the guests happy. After the banquet, Zhang Su came to his residence in Xiangyang City. He was exhausted from the journey and had a conversation with Liu Biao on the day of arrival in Xiangyang. He had to be careful with his words during the conversation so as not to bring disgrace upon the envoy. After coming and going, he felt tired both physically and mentally.

Zhang Su, who was just feeling tired, did not go to bed early after washing up. He thought about his conversation with Liu Biao today, and the excited look on Liu Biao's face after hearing his words. He estimated that it was almost certain that Liu Biao would send troops to help the court conquer Huainan.

This was one of Zhang Su's goals in going to Jingzhou. His great-grandfather Liu Zhang would send troops to help the imperial court conquer Huainan, but if only his great-grandfather went to fight, it would seem somewhat lonely and abrupt. If Liu Biao, a virtuous elder in the royal family, was brought along, it would be more appropriate and would also greatly enhance the prestige of the Han family.

After spending some time pondering and analyzing the day's conversation and feeling that there were no omissions, Zhang Su yawned, lay down on the bed, and fell asleep quickly due to exhaustion.

Day two.

As if knowing that Zhang Su was tired from the long journey, no one came to the residence where Zhang Su was from morning to noon, for fear of disturbing his sweet dream.

While Zhang Su was sleeping comfortably, Liu Biao got up early and was dressed neatly with the help of the beautiful Madam Cai. His hair, eyebrows and beard were all neatly trimmed, and the power of a frontier official was evident in the bronze mirror.

"I've grown old, and have more white hair." Liu Biao sighed as he looked at the black and white image of his hair in the bronze mirror.

Mrs. Cai, who was putting the crown on Liu Biao, heard this and said with a smile, "My husband, what are you talking about? We enjoyed the romance last night, but you didn't look old at all."

"Hahaha." Liu Biao laughed out loud when he heard such compliments. At the same time, he teased Madam Cai, "Madam, you have no shame."

Mrs. Cai smiled, her smile was as beautiful as a blooming crabapple flower: "There is nothing that cannot be said between husband and wife, and what's more, this is the truth from me."

"The truth is good, the truth is good. What I like to hear most is the truth." Liu looked happy on the surface. Under Mrs. Cai's flattery, he seemed to be a few years younger.

Then Liu Biao left the backyard and came to the left wing of the governor's mansion, where he met with his deputy Liu Xian and counselor Kuai Yue who came to see him. He spoke first and mentioned Zhang Su's suggestion yesterday to send troops to assist the court in its expedition to Huainan.

Upon hearing this, Deputy Driver Liu Xian immediately said, "As a member of the royal family, you should fight against the enemy for the country. Moreover, sending out a brigade is nothing to Jingzhou, but the benefits of this expedition to Huainan are huge. It can show your loyalty to the emperor and make you famous throughout the country. This should be feasible."

Liu Biao nodded when he heard this. He turned to Kuai Yue and gave him a questioning look.

Kuai Yue saw Liu's apparent excitement and knew that Liu Biao had already made up his mind, so he echoed what his deputy Liu Xian said: "As the deputy said, you are a relative of the royal family and a virtuous elder among the royal family. If you do nothing when there are thieves who are rebelling, you will lose the trust of the people of the world. So there is no doubt that you should send troops to help the court."

"You two gentlemen share the same idea as me." Liu Biao nodded with a smile. He decided to send troops to help the court conquer the rebel Yuan Shu in Huainan.

As for the selection of the commander, Liu Biao began to think. Huang Zu was stationed in Jiangxia, Liu Pan was guarding Changsha, and Cai Mao and Zhang Yun, as his close generals, could not be far away. After a while, Liu Biao had an answer. He planned to send Huang Zhong, who was guarding Changsha with his nephew Liu Pan. Huang Zhong was known for his bravery and would not bring down the prestige of him as the governor of Jingzhou, but would greatly enhance his reputation. (End of this chapter)