Ji Han Da Sima

Chapter 263 Heading eastward with a whip
Jingzhou Prefecture was governed by Hanshou in Wuling, and Wuling County was governed by Linyuan County.Linyuan County is only more than a hundred miles away from Hanshou, and it can be reached in one or two days by walking along the Yuanshui River.

Wuling County is so adjacent to Hanshou that no one who is not Liu Qi's most trusted person can serve as the prefect of Wuling.The person who is now appointed as the prefect of Wuling is none other than Liu Pan.

As Liu Biao's nephew and Liu Qi's cousin, Liu Pan was deeply trusted by Liu Qi and his son.The day after Liu Qi fell seriously ill, except for Han Shou's Jingzhou Wenwu, only Liu Pan among the counties knew about it.

After learning of the earthquake in Jingnan and the sudden serious illness of Liu Qi, the state pastor, Liu Pan summoned his close confidant Xiong Han, the chief registrar, to consult on the matter.

Xiong Han, courtesy name Bowen, is from Changsha.There are many people with the surname Xiong in Jingnan, and there are many people with the surname Xiong in the four counties.When Liu Pan was in charge of Changsha, he heard about Xiong Han's name and appointed him as his assistant.During the battle with the army, Xiong Han made suggestions and made many achievements, and was regarded as Liu Pan's confidant.

After being in a high position and pampered for many years, Liu Pan gradually developed a somewhat majestic air.

Reading the letter sent by Han Shou, Liu Pan asked: "The earthquake in Jingnan also affected Linyuan. I don't know what happened to the city now, so what's going on?"

Xiong Han stroked his beard and said: "I heard from the county magistrate that more than ten old houses were destroyed in Linyuan, more than ten people were killed, and 300 people were injured. There are many people who took advantage of the chaos to do evil, but the county magistrate I have ordered my men to conduct a strict search."

"it is good!"

Liu Pan focused on the letter as he read through the contents.Liu Pan frowned, his expression solemn.

Seeing this, Xiong Han asked cautiously: "General, could it be that this earthquake had a great impact on Han Shou?"

"Ok!"

Liu Pan handed the letter to Xiong Han and said: "The earthquake in Jingnan has frightened you and made you suffer from typhoid fever. Moreover, my wife, Yuan, executed the concubine that you loved, and made you angry, and your condition worsened."

"Now there is a letter from Han Shou, inviting me to join Han Shou to discuss important matters in Jingchu. I am worried about your illness and want to go there. What should I do?"

Xiong Han pondered for a while and then asked: "May I ask the general, who else is rushing to Hanshou?"

"Apart from me, there are only Huo Jun, the governor of Nanjun, and Liu Xian, the governor of Changsha. The other governors still stay in their places to appease the people and cannot be touched lightly." Liu Pan replied.

The prefects of other counties mentioned in the previous conversation between Liu Qi and Wang Can did not refer to all the prefects of other counties, but to the core figures among the prefects.For example, Liu Pan is the representative of the clan, Huo Jun is the representative of the military meritorious warriors, and Liu Xian is the representative of Liu Biao's veterans and the Jingnan gentry.

Xiong Han thought for a long time and said: "Excuse me for lying. Huonan County, Liu Changsha and the general are all high officials of Jingchu. Now that you are sick, it is not enough to make the three kings live in Han Dynasty. The major events mentioned in the letter should be Discuss the matter of heir."

"What about the heir?"

Liu Pan felt uneasy and said: "You are in your prime, how can your illness be so serious now?"

"Heaven has its orders, and the earth has its abyss. Disease is not a matter of age. May I ask the general, if you unfortunately pass away, what does the general mean?" Xiong Han said.

"Ok?"

Liu Pan didn't understand what it meant and said doubtfully: "I wonder what the blog post is referring to?"

Xiong Han stroked his beard and said with profound meaning: "There are two young masters under your knees. The eldest son, Liu Pu, is stronger than a woman's hands. He is timid and cowardly. He has no reputation and has difficulty in maintaining his inheritance. The second son is only six years old, and he is older than a woman. How can someone who is not his legitimate son securely hold the position of state pastor in troubled times?"

As he said that, Xiong Han pointed out something and said: "Except for the two young masters, the one who can succeed the founder of Jingchu must be a general."

"How can Bowen say this?"

Liu Pan's expression changed slightly and he said: "I am your brother, and I have a deep love and righteousness. If your eldest son is your heir, I will assist you with all my heart. How can I have other intentions?"

Liu Pan's words seemed to be righteous, but his tone was lacking. He vaguely understood the deep meaning of Xiong Han's words.

Xiong Han held his beard and smiled and said: "The general's words are words of loyalty. However, there is Cao Cao in the north and Liu Bei in the east. If unfortunately you die, I am afraid that with the temperament of the eldest son, it will be difficult to obey everyone, and It is also difficult to protect Jingchu’s foundation in troubled times!”

"Liu Bei has always had an ambitious strategy. He took advantage of the two events of going east to Jiangdong and the Imperial Cao of Jinkou to gain control of the four counties on the left side of the Yangtze River. With Liu Bei's ambition, can he satisfy the needs of the four counties?"

"Looking at it from the perspective of Han, Liu Bei has long had the intention of spying on Jingchu. He does not care about Jingchu now, just because of the kindness shown to Liu Bei by his predecessors and envoys!"

Xiong Han bowed his hand to Liu Pan and said in a deep voice: "Since the general is your disciple, he has the responsibility to preserve the foundation of the Liu family. Now it is difficult for the two young masters under you to take on the important task. The general should be bound to work for the Liu family in Shanyang." , thinking for the foundation of Liu family."

Hearing Xiong Han's words, Liu Pan fell silent and didn't know how to reply.What Xiong Han said is not unreasonable. Liu Pu's lack of ability allowed him to secure the position of Jingzhou's pastor, and Jingzhou would inevitably become the fat among everyone.

Apart from Liu Pu, he seems to be the only one who is qualified to succeed Jingzhou Mu.As Liu Biao's nephew and Liu Qi's cousin, although he was inferior to Liu Pu in terms of inheritance of etiquette and law.But both his military ability and personal prestige are better than Liu Pu's.

As he thought about it, Liu Pan's heart was beating violently, his mouth was dry, and something sprouted in his heart.

After being silent for a while, Liu Pan said: "Don't talk nonsense, so that you are still here. I will do my best to help you, how can I have other thoughts. If the situation is really as what the blog said, Liu Bei wants to take over my Liu family's inheritance. The rock should stop it."

Xiong Han heard the implication of Liu Pan's words, thought for a while, and said: "Han's words were inappropriate, I hope the general will forgive me. The general is the prefect of Wuling and has the duty of guarding Hanshou. Your illness is unknown, so the general should lead three thousand elite troops. Go to Hanshou."

Liu Pan's appointment as the prefect of Wuling was not temporary.It was Liu Qi's decision after he learned that Jingxiang could not be recovered and decided to move the state government to Hanshou.

Liu Qi appointed Liu Pan as the prefect of Wuling, which not only allowed Liu Pan to take charge of Wuling's military and political power, but also actually gave him the important task of guarding Han Shou.In times of emergency, you can lead your troops to Hanshou to stabilize order.

"Leading troops into Hanshou?" Liu Panchi asked.

"When the generals sent troops to Hanshou, one was to follow the old words of the envoy to protect the central state. The other was to cause chaos for evil. After all, the earthquake in southern Jingnan caused chaos and there were many evildoers." Xiong Han said: "If the envoy has In case of emergency, the general has soldiers and horses at hand, so no matter what his intentions are, he can take it easy."

Although Xiong Han didn't say what he said next, but with the previous foreshadowing, how could Liu Pan not understand the meaning of Xiong Han's words.

Liu Pan pondered for a long time and said: "It can be said from Bowen's words!"

Let’s not say what Liu Pan’s true thoughts were, but he had been fighting for many years and acted quite decisively.After deciding on the strategy, we immediately led three thousand soldiers to Hanshou via Yuanshui.Linyuan was very close to Hanshou, so Liu Pan traveled by boat. It only took two days to reach Hanshou.

At this time, the civil and military officials of Pan Jun, Wang Can, Yin Guan, Wang Kai and other state ministers in Hanshou City also received the news that Liu Pan's troops had entered Hanshou, and everyone was talking about it.

"Chengming, in our letters to Liu Wuling, we never mentioned that he would lead the soldiers into the city. What is Liu Wuling's intention?" Wang Can asked worriedly as he paced in the hall.

Not only Wang Can was worried and puzzled, but Pan Jun was also doubtful.Liu Qi was seriously ill on the bed, and as his younger brother Liu Pan came with his army, it is difficult not to make people think about it.

Pan Jun looked calm, stood up from the couch, and said calmly: "Your Majesty is lying on the sickbed. Now there is no order from your Majesty. Foreign troops cannot enter the city easily to avoid causing trouble."

As a political figure, how could Pan Jun not know the impact of foreign troops entering the central government?Now, whether for Liu Qi's sake or for the political arena in Jingchu, he must stop Liu Pan's actions.

Once a violent machine like the army is activated, its impact will be enormous.The political arena in Jingchu is currently relatively stable, and there is no need for the army to consolidate the political arena. On the contrary, the army will destroy the current stability.

With that said, Pan Jun acted decisively and said: "Zhongxuan came to see the envoy. If the envoy orders Liu Wuling to lead the army into the city, he should try his best to dissuade him. If there is no order, just issue a military order. I will join Liu Wuling's army first. In the middle, persuade his troops to enter the city."

"it is good!"

Wang Can and Pan Jun moved separately. Pan Jun rode in a carriage alone, led several people on the left and right, and entered the army to pay homage to Liu Pan.

At this time, Liu Pan was leading his sergeants to disembark and land. He learned that Pan Jun had joined the army alone and asked him to come and talk.

When he saw Liu Pan, Pan Jun looked serious and asked: "The state government sent an order for the general to enter Hanshou, but there was no order for the general to lead his army. I don't know what the general wants?"

Seeing Pan Jun asking this, Liu Pan felt a little panicked.But Liu Pan still replied calmly: "You are sick and lying on your bed, and the back house is restless. As a subordinate, I should be responsible for the safety of the house. There is an earthquake in Jingnan and chaos everywhere. I follow your old order and should be there to comfort you." The appointment of Han Shou. Publicly and privately, Pan had no choice but to lead his troops into Han Shou."

Pan Jun's expression slowed down, he cupped his hands and said, "I deeply admire the general's devotion to the public. However, for the sake of Jingchu's major events, I ask the general to leave his army and enter the city." Then, Pan Jun explained: "The matter of the rear house, so You have already dealt with it. Since the general is a subordinate, he must not act beyond the rules of etiquette. Moreover, the back house is mostly occupied by women and children. If the general wants to make the house safe for you, the general alone is enough, and there is no need for soldiers, horses, and soldiers."

"As for the envoy's old order, Jun, Wang Changshi and other Jing officials have heard about it and dare not let the sergeants enter the city. Now I ask the general to order the sergeants to camp a hundred miles away from the city and wait for the envoy's order, so as not to let Huonan County and Changsha There was a misunderstanding between the two governors, so they each came with their troops."

Faced with Pan Jun's words, Liu Pan didn't care at first.But when he heard that Huo Jun, the governor of Nanjun, and Liu Xian, the governor of Changsha, his expression suddenly changed.

Liu Xianchu served as a guest in Jingzhou. Under Liu Biao's rule, his reputation was quite high.After the Battle of Chrysostom, Liu Xian was the only governor in Jingnan who clearly supported Liu Qi. Although his official position did not change, Liu Xian was worshiped as Zhonglang General and was awarded the title of Marquis of Tingting, and his reputation was high.

Not to mention Huo Jun, who held an army of [-] and was stationed in Jingbei. His military skills were outstanding and his power in Jingchu was unmatched by him.

If he leads troops into Hanshou, causing Huo Jun and Liu Xian to lead troops, such a scene is beyond his control, and it is not what he wants to see.

At this time, Wang Can had received Liu Qi's command and ordered Zhang Cun to go out with the order.Liu Pan was ordered to lead his army to camp seventy miles away from the city, and Liu Pan was ordered to enter the city with no more than 50 soldiers.

With the joint efforts of Pan Jun and Wang Can, Liu Pan's purpose of leading his army into Hanshou was prevented.However, it cannot be said that Liu Pan failed completely. The soldiers set up camp seventy miles away from the city and marched in a hurry. They could reach Hanshou in half a day.

Not to mention that Liu Pan led his army to retreat and set up camp. Nanjun was more than [-] miles away from Hanshou.When Liu Pan led his army to Hanshou, the messenger delivered the letter to Jiangling.However, Huo Jun is not in Jiangling City, but in Gongan City.

Huo Jun previously intended to go north to Xiangfan, but now he went north to the police station to learn about the frontline defense situation.

Huo Jun stopped at the mountains next to the Public Security City, looking down at the houses on the field and the smoke rising from the south of the Public Security City, and asked: "How is the construction of the Public Security City? What about the people who moved south?"

Xu Sheng pointed to the village house and said: "With work as relief, the people will have food to eat and houses to live in. The farmland will be divided by the rivers and rivers, and each household will have its own land. The people will be self-sufficient next year."

"As for the Gong'an City, it is built against the mountain and built with bricks and stones. The construction period is very long. Only the outer city has been built, and the inner city, urn city and Guan Tower are still under construction. In the spring of next year, the new Gong'an City will be built complete."

Huo Jun squinted his eyes as he looked inside and outside the city, and nodded with satisfaction.Xu Sheng was originally a surrendered general of the Sun family, and joined Wu Chu from the lower reaches of the Yangtze River.After several years of war experience, he gradually grew into a general in the army.

Letting Xu Sheng serve as the governor of the Han River and responsible for the construction of the Public Security City was also Huo Jun's bold promotion.But from now on, Xu Sheng has not lived up to Huo Jun's expectations.

"Thank you Wen Xiang!"

After a pause, Huo Jun said: "I have written to you, hoping to go north next year..."

Before he finished speaking, Liu Zhong climbed up from the hillside and said: "Zhong begged to see my benefactor, Han Shou urgently reported."

Huo Jun turned to look at Liu Zhong, who was sweating profusely, and asked in surprise: "The official is not in Jiangling, how can he come to the police?"

Liu Zhong handed over the two letters in his arms and said breathlessly: "Qi Fujun, Wang Changshi's secret letter arrived last night. Seeing that the letter was urgent, Zhong rode on horseback all night and did not dare to delay."

Huo Jun was promoted to the prefect of Nanjun, and Liu Zhong was also transferred from Poyang County to Nanjun to serve as the county administrator.After years of service, Liu Zhong was introduced by Huo Jun as a confidant and responsible for confidential affairs because of his character.

Huo Jun's expression changed slightly. A letter from Han Shou and a secret letter from Wang Can were sent. This kind of thing has never happened before. Something big must have happened.

Seeing this, Xu Sheng thought carefully and retreated.

Huo Jun did not stop Xu Sheng, but opened the two letters and read them one after another.When browsing Han Shou's letters, Huo Jun's face was solemn. When he saw Wang Can's secret letter, Huo Jun's face relaxed.

Seeing that Huo Jun's expression was wrong, Liu Zhong asked tentatively: "My benefactor, what's important for Han Shou?"

Huo Jun put the letter in his arms and said briefly: "The earthquake in Jingnan has made you frightened and sick. Your body is getting worse today, and you may be in danger of your life."

"Making you seriously ill?" Liu Zhong replied in shock.

"Ok!"

Huo Jun looked around and said slowly: "Liu Wuling led his army to enter Hanshou, but was scolded by Pan Zhizhong and had to give the order. Liu Wuling left the city to camp and entered the city alone."

"Ah?" Liu Zhong was surprised again.

After a pause, Liu Zhong asked in a low voice: "Then the benefactor will be from now on~"

Huo Jun fell silent in response to Liu Zhong's inquiry.

He had complicated thoughts at the moment, and Huo Jun felt sad about Liu Qi's illness.However, despite the sadness, there seems to be a hint of relief hidden inside.

When they first went down to Jiangzuo, the two of them became very close.As time goes by, conflicts slowly arise, and the relationship between the two becomes increasingly distant.As a middleman, Huo Jun basically avoided seeing the problems caused by Er Liu, for fear of getting stuck in them and making it difficult for him to get out.Now that Liu Qi is seriously ill, Huo Jun, who has been tortured by the relationship between the three, can hardly say that he has no sense of relief.

Huo Jun put his hands behind his waist and walked around thinking.

After a long time, Huo Jun took off the white whip from his waist, handed it to Liu Zhong, and said, "Zhengchen, please don't go back to Jiangling. Now I will take a boat down to the east of the Yangtze River. Holding the whip, I will see Duke Xuande and tell him that I have made you sick. Let him do it." When you come to visit the envoy, don't be delayed by the battle at Ruxukou."

Seemingly sensing Liu Zhong's confusion, Huo Jun explained cryptically: "This is for the sake of the peace of Jingchu, and also for the sake of your Majesty and his descendants."

"No!" Although Liu Zhong was still puzzled, he didn't ask any more questions.

Seeing Liu Zhong walking away with a whip, Huo Jun was confused and confused.

Given Liu Qi's kindness to Huo Jun, Huo Jun could not backstab his benefactor.But if Liu Qi dies of illness, from Huo Jun's point of view, Liu Pufei is a suitable successor to Jing Chu.Perhaps the only person who can truly inherit Jingchu is Liu Bei.

Liu Qi was able to appease Jingnan by relying on Liu Biao's legacy, clan, and achievements in seizing Jiangzuo.But considering Liu Pu's ability and prestige, he may not be able to sit firmly in Jingchu.Jingchu couldn't sit still and forced Liu Pu to take the position. Wouldn't it be harming him?

From a future perspective, as Liu Bei grows stronger and Liu Qi protects himself, there will be regional disputes between Wu and Chu in the future.The occurrence of this kind of thing will inevitably seriously damage the Wu-Chu alliance, which will benefit Cao Cao.

If Liu Bei succeeds Liu Qi, not only can the dispute between Wu and Chu be avoided, but Liu Qi's heir Liu Pu can also enjoy a high official position and live a happy life.For Huo Jun, not only can he be freed, but he can also go further.

The idea is always good, but it is not easy for Liu Bei to inherit Jingzhou.

Liu Bei is an outsider to Liu Qi's clan and has no blood relationship.From the perspective of blood relationship, even Liu Pan has a higher succession than Liu Bei.

Today is different from history. In history, Liu Bei used Liu Qi's name to conquer Jingnan, so that he could naturally inherit Jingzhou after Liu Qi's death.

But in this dimension, Liu Qi's power was huge, and the situation between the two sides was completely different, which destined Liu Bei to lack the etiquette and legality to inherit Jingzhou.Moreover, the relationship between the various forces in Jingchu is so complex that no one can imagine. Even Huo Jun is only one of the big bosses in Jingchu.

Huo Jun asked Liu Zhong to go to Liu Bei with a whip and let Liu Bei enter Hanshou. In fact, he was fighting for Liu Bei's ticket to inherit Liu Qi's position.

If Liu Bei does not come to Hanshou, there is a high probability that Liu Bei will not be able to inherit Jingchu.Even if Liu Bei enters Hanshou, there is no guarantee that he will succeed to the throne, only that he is qualified.

When Liu Zhong walked away, Xu Sheng stepped forward, raised his hands and asked, "Master Fu, it's late today, why not stay in the police station and rest."

Huo Jun waved his hand and said: "Since you are sick, I need to rush to Hanshou. The responsibility of public security will be handed over to Wen Xiang."

With that said, Huo Jun gave orders to those around him and said: "Order Chengyuan and Gongli each to lead a thousand soldiers to the mouth of Youjiang River in the south of the Yangtze River to obey our military orders."

"promise!"

　No more today, I may have to take leave tomorrow!
　　
　
(End of this chapter)