Ji Han Liu Zhang

Jingzhou, Xiangyang.

Since Liu Bei entered Jingzhou alone in the first year of Chuping, except for the initial situation when Yuan Shu and Sun Jian plotted to seize Jingzhou, which put Jingzhou and Xiangyang in danger, the following years have been basically peaceful and tranquil.

One reason is that Liu Biao's personal ability is quite good. Although he lacks the ability to make progress, he is more than capable of maintaining the status quo. Therefore, the internal political situation in Jingzhou is stable and there is no war.

The second is the princes in the world adjacent to Jingzhou. Liu Zhang in the upper reaches is on good terms with Liu Biao and they are each other's allies, so Liu Biao does not have to worry about the upper reaches. As for the Jiangdong area in the lower reaches, it was in a state of chaos in the early years and posed no threat to Liu Biao.

Although the Little Overlord Sun Ce has unified the six counties of Jiangdong, Sun Ce killed many heroes and leaders when he conquered Jiangdong, which caused internal unrest and rebellion. In addition, the Shanyue people in Jiangdong were rampant, so he had to leave troops to suppress them. As a result, Sun Ce invaded Jingzhou for many years, but was always blocked in Jiangxia and could not go any further.

As a result, under Liu Biao's combination of kindness and power, and his methods of attracting people, the land of Jingzhou was cleared for thousands of miles, the people were happy and obedient, and the four borders were at peace. Liu Biao, who was able to protect himself, established classics and schools, loved the people and nurtured scholars. Thousands of scholars from Yan and Yu returned to Jingzhou, making Jingzhou a prosperous place with flourishing literary style, and a paradise in troubled times.

It was March, when spring was in full swing. Liu Biao saw the spring colors blooming on the branches. He was so excited that he called together a group of civil and military officials from Jingzhou to appreciate the rich spring atmosphere.

"Gentlemen, please." Liu Biao raised his glass to signal everyone. His face looked just right and happy, with a peach blossom inserted in his black and white hair. Against the backdrop of the spring scenery, he looked a few years younger.

At the banquet held in the courtyard of Yuzhou Mu's mansion, there was no distinction between superiors and subordinates, and there were no restrictions. People gathered in twos and threes, some sitting, some standing, some walking, some lying down, some drinking, some appreciating flowers, all immersed in the rich spring scenery.

Liu Biao's close friends Liu Xian, Cai Mao, Zhang Yun, Kuai Liang, Kuai Yue and others sat around him. They talked and laughed with Liu Biao, drank wine and composed poems, and from time to time they laughed happily.

The joyful banquet passed quietly with the passage of time. Since ancient times, excessive joy leads to sorrow. After laughing for a long time, one cannot help but feel a little tired. Liu Biao suddenly sighed and said, "It has been almost ten years since I rode into Jingzhou alone in the first year of Chuping, and now it is the fifth year of Jian'an."

Time makes people grow old and their appearance deteriorates. Liu Biao picked up a cup filled with wine but was reluctant to drink it. Seeing Liu Biao's attitude, the people around him stopped what they were doing and waited for his next move.

Liu Biao said in a thankful tone, "For ten years, thanks to the blessing of the gods and the care of heaven, Jingzhou has rarely suffered from disasters and plagues, and there have been no powerful enemies or bandits in the surrounding areas. That is why I have been able to stay in the position of Jingzhou governor and live in peace and stability until today."

Liu Biao paused, shook the cup in his hand and said, "It is also thanks to your great help, otherwise I, the governor of Jingzhou, would not be at peace, nor would I be able to sit down."

“I would like to express my gratitude to you all here.” Liu suggested that everyone raise their glasses and drink to express his gratitude.

As the governor of Jingzhou and the head of a state, Liu Biao's behavior naturally required the people below to react. Liu Biao could not be left alone to express his emotions.

Liu Xian, the deputy driver, was the first to respond. He cupped his hands and said to Liu Biao, "The world is in chaos and the borders are in turmoil. If you hadn't taken over Jingzhou and brought peace to the region, Jingzhou would have been plagued by war and chaos. This is all due to your merits and virtues, which can be seen by the sun and the moon."

Although Cai Mao was a military general, he was born into a noble family and naturally had literary talent. He cupped his hands and praised: "Mingshou has cleared up thousands of miles of troubles, and the people are pleased and obedient. The people of Jianghan and Jingnan all look up to your great virtue. It is because of you that Jingxiang is at peace."

Kuai Liang, the leader of the Kuai clan, said: "Your Excellency has been in power in Jingzhou for only a few years, but your teachings have spread widely and your literary style has flourished. You have also widely sought out posthumous books and collected ancient books, so that all the classics are collected and filled in the state. This is what Confucius said is a meritorious deed."

With Liu Xian, Cai Mao and Kuai Liang taking the lead, a group of civil and military officials in Jingzhou came forward to praise Liu Biao. Some praised Liu Biao's achievements, some admired Liu Biao's virtues, and some praised Liu Biao's appearance and talent.

Hearing what everyone said, Liu Biao couldn't suppress a smile on his face. He waved his hand and said, "You are wrong. Although I have done some good things for the people, I don't deserve your praise."

At this joyous moment, a messenger carrying urgent military intelligence stepped into the courtyard of the governor's mansion where a banquet was being held. The messenger's steps were hurried, which was very different from the relaxed and happy mood of the people at the moment, so he attracted everyone's attention as soon as he entered.

Liu Biao saw this person, and a trace of displeasure flashed across his face. On such a happy day, there was such a person who spoiled the mood. However, he also knew that military and national affairs concerned him, so he straightened his expression and asked the messenger, "What urgent military information is there?"

Did Zhang Lu of Shangyong invade? Did Sun Ce of Jiangdong invade? When Liu Biao blurted out the question, he guessed the news brought by the messengers and gave two possible answers.

It was also adjacent to Jingzhou, and the only princes who had a feud with Jingzhou were Zhang Lu and Sun Ce, so Liu Biao casually put forward two options and made a gamble of choosing one of the two.

The messenger came at a rapid speed, and his breathing was a little difficult. In order to make a loud report, he took a deep breath first, and then when his breath was slightly stable, he said loudly: "My lord, the scouts reported that Cao Cao in Xudu seems to be planning to invade Jingxiang?"

"Huh?" The wine glass in Liu Biao's hand almost slipped out of his hand. Fortunately, he applied a little strength in his palm when the glass slipped out of his hand and held the glass firmly in his hand, and did not let the glass fall to the ground. Otherwise, he would have lost face in public.

"Cao Cao in Xudu? Are you sure?" Liu Biao asked. He couldn't believe the news brought by the messenger. He knew that he and Cao Cao had no major hatred. The two families had always kept to themselves. But he didn't know why Cao Cao went south to invade Jingxiang.

The messenger nodded heavily and replied, "According to the information obtained by Xinye Ling, a large number of troops and horses have entered Wancheng, Nanyang, and there are also baggage and food stored in Wancheng. From Wancheng to the south, the troops are heading towards Jingxiang."

"Hiss..." Liu Biao's happy mood at the banquet suddenly flew away. He looked extremely puzzled. He really couldn't understand why Cao Cao invaded his Jingxiang. This was unbelievable.

At this time, the benefits of keeping counselors became apparent. Liu Biao asked Liu Xian, Kuai Yue and others, "Gentlemen, what do you think? Does Cao Cao intend to go south?"

Liu Xian took the lead and was the first to speak up. He said, "The war has not started yet, and Cao's army has not moved. The details of the situation are still unknown. Now that Cao's army has entered Wancheng and stored food and grass in Wancheng, it may not be that they will go south to attack Jingxiang. I suggest sending an envoy to Xudu to investigate a little, so that we can be prepared and avoid any danger."

"That's right." Liu Biao nodded and agreed to Liu Xian's suggestion to send an envoy to Xu Du. Then he turned his attention to Kuai Yue. Among the counselors in Jingzhou, Kuai Yue had the most far-reaching wisdom and was always able to anticipate the enemy's actions. Kuai Yue's opinions must not be ignored.

When Kuai Yue saw Liu Biao's inquiring gaze, he coughed lightly and then said, "Yue thinks that Cao Cao has no intention of going south, and this move is just a feint." "Why do you think so?" Liu Biao's eyebrows jumped slightly, and he asked a follow-up question as soon as Kuai Yue finished speaking.

Kuai Yue sat at the table, bowed and said: "Cao Cao occupies the Central Plains, and the Central Plains is surrounded by enemies, and there are many places to defend. Although Cao Cao has pacified Dongping, Qingxu and eliminated internal troubles, Yuan Shao in Hebei and Liu Zhang in Guanzhong are both eyeing him covetously. Cao Cao cannot move lightly. This is the fundamental reason."

When the civil and military officials, including Liu Xian, Cai Mao, Kuai Liang and others heard what he said, many of them nodded silently in agreement, thinking that what Kuai Yue said made sense.

"Secondly," Kuai Yue continued, "Your Excellency has no old grudges against Cao Cao. When Yuan Shu rebelled in Huainan, Your Excellency sent troops to help him. You have done Cao Cao a favor. Although Cao Cao is not a good person, you should still be careful about what people say."

"Furthermore," Kuai Yue said eloquently, "Cao Cao lives in the Central Plains, and his first target should be Hebei and Guanzhong. If Cao Cao is determined to go south and clash with your army, the two families will have resentment, and Cao Cao will not be at peace. Whenever he sends troops, he should also take care of Jingxiang to prevent you from attacking Xudu, which may hinder his great cause."

Kuai Yue concluded his speech by saying, "Given these three factors, I believe Cao Cao will not invade Jingxiang." Of course, Kuai Yue did not say too much, he added, "But we still need to send more troops to Xinye to prevent Cao Cao from seeing that our troops are few in number and becoming aggressive and invading."

"Hearing Mr. Kuai's words is like seeing the blue sky through the clouds." Liu Biao stroked his beard and praised. At this moment, he did not look as nervous as before, but a little more relaxed.

……

Yecheng, the General’s Mansion.

Qu Yi, the most important hero in the Battle of Jieqiao, defeated the White Horse Volunteers in one battle and was the most important general under Yuan Shao. When he heard Yuan Shao's declaration, he stood up and said loudly without waiting for Yuan Shao to finish his words: "Mingshou, now we are going to march to Hedong and conquer Guanzhong. I am willing to be the vanguard and do something for you."

Yuan Shao was interrupted in the middle of his speech, and a look of displeasure flashed across his face. As a lord, he should value dignity, but he would lose his dignity if he was interrupted by his subordinates at will.

However, facing Qu Yi, a general with great military achievements and a person he would need to rely on in the future, Yuan Shao's displeasure disappeared in just a moment. He smiled and said to Qu Yi: "General Qu has such ambitions, I will certainly agree to it. General Qu will be the vanguard in this battle."

"Thank you very much, my lord. I will definitely not let you down." Qu Yi was overjoyed when he heard this, and he thanked Yuan Shao in a serious tone.

"I have witnessed General Qu's bravery and bravery at Jie Bridge. I believe that the general will not let me down. In this battle, the general will be the vanguard and will achieve great feats." Yuan Shao responded to Qu Yi's confidence and enthusiasm.

After the meeting, Yuan Shao left a group of advisers to continue the discussion. He asked Feng Ji, "I heard that Xudu has the intention to go south. Is it true?"

Feng Ji responded, "Cao's army has gathered soldiers, weapons, baggage, and food in Wancheng. Judging from their momentum, they are indeed planning to move south, but we still need to find out more about their intentions."

Yuan Shao stroked his beard and smiled, "If Cao Cao intends to march south, I will not need to gather a large number of troops in Liyang. I can focus on sending troops to Hedong to fight Liu Zhang."

"My lord, you can't do that." Ju Su advised, "Cao Cao has not yet sent his troops south, and most of his troops are still stationed in Xudu. We should act according to the situation and wait for an opportunity. If we reduce the garrison in Liyang, Cao Cao may take advantage of it."

"Don't worry, Ju Qing." Yuan Shao waved his hand and said, "I am just talking. As long as Cao Cao does not fight Liu Biao, I will not skip the garrison at Liyang."

"Your Excellency is wise." Ju Su praised.

Yuan Shao paused and talked about something: "This time I am sending troops to Hedong and marching into Guanzhong, but I still have one thing that worries me." Upon hearing this, all the counselors put down their hands and waited for Yuan Shao's next words.

Yuan Shao spoke slowly, "Zhang Yan and Gongsun Xu were defeated by me in the past, and they are now lingering in the forests of Taihang Mountains. They should not be a threat anymore, but I never thought that if I didn't kill the tigers, the disasters would not stop...Now the Black Mountain bandits have regained their strength and are causing harm again. They have invaded the counties and towns of Changshan County several times. Although they are not a big threat, I am also troubled by them. Do you have any plan to suppress the bandits?"

"Zhang Yan and Gongsun Xu have few soldiers and their morale is not high, so they have been able to cause chaos until today. It's because they have been fleeing to Taihang Mountain for a long time. This is just a minor issue. You can send someone who is familiar with geography to suppress it." Ju Su bowed and made the suggestion. He did not take Zhang Yan and Gongsun Xu, who were like grasshoppers in autumn, seriously.

"I am worried about this matter." Yuan Shao sighed and said, "This time we are going to fight in Hedong, Yan Liang, Wen Chou, Zhang He, Gao Lan and other generals are all with us, but there is not one person who can defeat Zhang Yan and Gongsun Xu."

Ju Su smiled and said, "Now there is a good choice. This person can be used to the best advantage for Zhang Yan and Gongsun Xu. I wonder if you are interested in choosing this person."

"Oh, who is it?" Yuan Shao asked.

"Liu Bei, Liu Xuande." As soon as Ju Su's name came out, Yuan Shao clapped his hands and exclaimed: "I almost forgot about this person. Liu Bei is from Zhuo County, has been to Youyan for a long time, knows the various Xings of Taihang, and has always been involved in battles and is experienced in military affairs. He is a good choice."

Ju Su then said, "In the past, Liu Bei and Gongsun Zan studied together under Lu Shangshu, and they had a close personal relationship. Liu Bei certainly knew Gongsun Xu, the son of Gongsun Zan. As the Art of War says, if you know yourself and the enemy, you will win every battle. If Liu Bei fights against Gongsun Xu, he should be able to achieve success."

"Great, great." Yuan Shao nodded repeatedly. He approved of Ju Su's suggestion very much. Then he issued an order: "Order Liu Bei as the commander, and command Lü Xiang and Lü Kuang to go and defeat Zhang Yan and Gongsun Xu."

After coming up with countermeasures for Zhang Yan and Gongsun Xu who were harassing counties and towns, Yuan Shao and his advisers discussed the details of the march into Hedong. If they wanted to march into Guanzhong, they had to first take down the roadblock of Hedong, otherwise they could only look at the river and sigh.

After discussing for a while, Yuan Shao decided on the details of the march to Hedong, and would send troops to Hedong when the summer grain harvest was sufficient. (End of this chapter)