Ji Han Da Sima

Chapter 296: Expedition from the West to the North
Wuhan, Da Sima Mansion.

In the backyard, Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang were chatting in the pond. Fish were swimming in the pond, sometimes emerging from the water and making ripples.

Liu Bei looked at the fish in the pond and asked casually: "How is Wu and Chu doing lately?"

Zhuge Liang stroked the feather fan gently and said: "My lord has forced Cao Cao to retreat, and the people of Wu and Chu are at peace. It is expected that from now on, there will be very few people who want to attach themselves to Cao Cao!"

"It will be good if people's hearts are at peace!"

Liu Bei walked to the pavilion, asked Zhuge Liang to sit down, and said: "Cao Cao used the emperor to command the princes to unify China, and his army was more powerful than Wu and Chu. It is normal for the southerners to be afraid. Ruxukou and Xiakou confronted each other, but they failed to defeat Cao Cao. , but it also serves to enhance the power of our troops and boost morale."

It cannot be denied that judging from the current strength between Cao and Liu, Liu Bei is still weaker than Cao Cao.Not long after Liu Bei got Wu Chu, all aspects were being integrated.

In the two confrontations at Ruxukou and Xiakou, although Liu Bei did not win on the overall situation, he achieved the strategic goal of defeating the enemy locally.Since then, every time Cao Cao withdrew his troops, he actually helped Liu Bei consolidate his foundation in Wu Chu.

Zhuge Liang sat on the couch and said with a smile: "The hearts of the people are loyal, but people want more. Now some people say that the Lord can use Cao Cao's troops to retreat and become the Duke of the country."

"Duke?"

Liu Bei thought slightly and said: "Cao Cao is only the prime minister now, how can I become the Duke of the country? If I accept the title of Duke, I am afraid that there will be many criticisms from the scholars in the world."

"I wonder what Kong Ming thinks?"

Zhuge Liang poured a cup of tea for Liu Bei and said with a smile: "Why does my lord need to be the same as the Han thief Cao Cao? Liang thought that since my lord is a noble member of the imperial family, why not become the king of the princes."

"The king of princes?"

Liu Bei was stunned, shook his head and said: "I am only in charge of Wu and Chu, and I will be promoted to the princes. I lack merit and prestige, so I will never succeed. It will make Liu Zhang afraid."

As a monarch, why would Liu Bei not want to become emperor?However, Liu Bei is not a fool like Yuan Shu. He knows that in his current situation, he still lacks merit and fame to become a prince.

Zhuge Liang showed a faint smile and said: "Liang did not want my lord to ascend the throne of princes at this time, but thought that my lord could ascend the throne of princes after conquering Yizhou. At that time, my lord held the four states of Yi, Yang, Jing and Jiao. How can the Grand Sima, who is in charge of government affairs, treat the civil and military generals favorably?"

Liu Bei smiled and said: "Kong Ming's words are known to me. We will discuss this matter after we capture Yizhou."

"Lord, how about General Guan's request for the Northern Expedition to Xiangyang?" Zhuge Liang asked.

Liu Bei pondered for a while and said: "Today, the priority is to capture Yizhou and attack Hefei. The matter of Xiangyang will be postponed for the time being."

After saying that, Liu Bei seemed to understand something and said with a smile: "Kong Ming was afraid that Gu Yun would go north to attack Xiangfan, so he talked about the prince's affairs with me."

"How dare Liang!" Zhuge Liang said with a smile: "Xiangfan is strong and cannot be defeated without large numbers of soldiers. Wu and Chu's military strength is limited, how can they defeat the enemy in three places with troops?"

Guan Yu saw Zhang Fei capture Hanzhong, beheaded Han Sui, surrendered Zhang Lu, and became the general to conquer the east.Moreover, Guan Yu also heard that Liu Bei wanted Huo Jun to take Hefei north, so his mind became active and he asked for a northern expedition to Xiangfan.

Liu Bei was thinking about Bashu and did not want to go north to Xiangfan.But since it was Guan Yu's request, it was not easy to refute it.Zhuge Liang was worried that Liu Bei would be emotional and agreed to Guan Yu's northern expedition to Xiangfan, thus missing the opportunity to enter Shu and thus achieving nothing.

Liu Bei sipped his tea and said: "If you don't allow Yun Chang's Northern Expedition, I'm afraid he will be dissatisfied; if you allow Yun Chang's Northern Expedition, you'll be afraid of delaying his entry into Shu. I'm worried about you!"

Zhuge Liang stroked his feather fan gently and said with a smile: "My lord, Bashu is blocked and it is difficult to get it. Why not let General Guan lead the army to conquer Bashu and think that it will be a great achievement."

Liu Bei nodded and said: "It may be feasible to let Yun Chang attack Shu. However, the war in Jiangxia has calmed down for the first time, so there is no way to take Shu. Let the sergeants rest and observe the changes in the current situation before considering entering Shu."

During the meeting, the attendant walked into the pavilion and said: "My lord, Ma Gongcao has arrived at the lobby. Please see my lord to report the matter in Hefei."

"Please!"

"promise!"

After a while, the gentle and elegant Ma Liang walked into the court, saluted and said: "Liang paid homage to the lord and met the military advisor."

Liu Bei asked his attendants to add a mat and asked, "Ji Chang went to Wancheng as an envoy. Can I get Zhongmiao's response?"

Ma Liang knelt down and sat down, and replied: "To inform my lord, General Huo has said that Hefei can be taken. However, he is worried that the number of troops and horses in the tent is insufficient, so he pleases my lord to send troops to support him."

Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang looked at each other, showing joy, and said, "Zhong Miao, do you have a request? Please tell me quickly?"

Ma Liang thought about it for a while and said: "General Huo said, if my lord has a large army, please invite 3 troops; if the army is small, please recruit 5000 troops. Don't send General Xingba and ten thousand enemy generals to help him. This general Brave warriors are better than General Wenchang."

As a bridge of communication between Liu Bei and Huo Jun, Ma Liang is undoubtedly outstanding.Huo Jun asked for 5000 troops. After Ma Liang's story, he could win more troops for Huo Jun without changing the meaning of Huo Jun's words.

Liu Bei pondered for a while and said: "Thirty thousand troops and horses can be given, but I want to achieve hegemony and a general who can defeat ten thousand people~"

Zhuge Liang stroked his feather fan gently and said: "My lord, this Zhongmiao is afraid of Zhang Liao's bravery, so I ask the generals of tiger and wolf to control him."

"Xing Ba is the general of Gu Shui Division and the vanguard of the attack on Shu. If I give it to Zhong Miao now, wouldn't it go against Gu Yingnuo's words to Xing Ba. However, this is Zhong Miao's request and it is related to the war in Hefei." Liu Bei said hesitantly. .

Zhuge Liang smiled a few times and said: "Xingba is good at water warfare and attacking Hefei. Although Xingba can be used, it is difficult to show his strength. From Liang's perspective, it seems that Zhongmiao thought Hefei might be preferable and wanted to let Xingba Go east and make great achievements.”

Zhuge Liang has been with Huo Jun for a long time, and he can guess what Huo Jun is thinking.Huo Jun and Gan Ning were on good terms. Now the generals are thinking about making achievements, and Huo Jun wants to help Gan Ning and let him make achievements.

Liu Bei was not angry about Huo Jun's thoughts.Non-vegetation, ruthless Practice makes perfect.As long as what Huo Jun does doesn't damage the great cause, everything can be tolerated.

"In Kong Ming's opinion, what do you think?" Liu Bei asked.

Zhuge Liang gently shook his feather fan and said: "My lord, if you are willing, let General Zilong lead his army to the east to aid Zhongmiao and help him conquer Hefei. He also said that General Xingba is responsible for taking Shu and it is difficult for him to go to Hefei."

"Why don't you give up? It's all a matter of state!" Liu Bei said, "But who can take over?"

"Nanyang Huang Hansheng can be replaced!"

"Han Sheng?"

Liu Bei muttered a few words and said: "When he went to Jiangzuo alone, Han Sheng bravely led the three armies, but it has been seven or eight years now. Han Sheng is getting old. I wonder if there is still war?"

Zhuge Liang smiled while stroking his fan, and said: "My lord, I don't know that although Han Sheng has gray hair, his bravery is still the same as before. It can be used now, but when will it be better? Rong Liang got excited and asked General Han Sheng to ask for orders to go to battle."

"Yes!" Liu Bei stroked his beard and smiled.

"My lord, Wang Lei, the envoy from Yizhou, is here to discuss the matter of the return of Hanzhong," the attendant said.

Zhuge Liang stopped the feather fan in his hand and said in a deep voice: "Wang Lei's irritating words are a loyal man, so be careful with them."

Liu Bei's face calmed down and he said: "Tomorrow we will convene a civil and military meeting, and we will receive the Yizhou envoy at that time."

"promise!"
-
The next day, the meeting hall.

Liu Bei sat high on the couch, with Wen and Wu sitting on the left and right. Wu was led by Zhao Yun, Huang Zhong, and Chen Dao, and Wen was led by Zhang Zhao, Mi Zhu, Zhuge Liang, and Wang Can.

Wang Lei entered the hall in Confucian attire and saw Liu Bei sitting high. He saluted and said, "Wang Lei, the envoy from Yizhou, pays homage to the Grand Sima."

"Free gift!"

Liu Bei looked as normal and said, "The meritorious scholar traveled thousands of miles to Wuhan and I don't know why?"

Wang Lei presented the document and said: "To the Great Sima, my lord thanks General Zhang for conquering Hanzhong for our army. Now I have ordered Lei to go to Wuhan as an envoy and offer you a generous gift to thank the Great Sima for sending troops."

The civil and military officials on both sides heard the profound meaning of Wang Lei's words. If Liu Bei accepts Liu Zhang's reward now, it means that the Hanzhong conquered by Zhang Fei will belong to Liu Zhang.

Liu Bei turned over the document and said, "Liu Yizhou sent you a heavy gift as a reward. I am very grateful."

"I wonder when Da Sima will order General Zhang to withdraw his troops from Hanzhong?" Wang Lei interrupted.

Liu Bei was slightly annoyed and said, "Yide is on an expedition for Yizhou. We are going to Hanzhong this early. Does Yizhou have any intention of crossing the river and demolishing the bridge?"

"Don't dare!"

Wang Lei was neither humble nor arrogant, and said: "My lord has ordered the two young masters to rush to Hanzhong to reward the Hanzhong soldiers. Since there is no military order from the Grand Sima, General Zhang can take over Hanzhong, so I am asking this."

"I wonder when Grand Sima will hand over Hanzhong to Yizhou?" Wang Lei asked forcefully. "Be bold!"

Wei Yan stood up angrily and said: "Confucian scholar, Hanzhong was destroyed by our army, how can it be said that it belongs to your Yizhou? If you dare to persecute my lord now, why didn't you dare to fight with Zhang Lu then?"

Wang Lei stretched out his neck, showed a fearless expression, and said: "Here is Lei's neck. Please behead him, general."

"you!"

When Wei Yan saw Wang Lei's behavior, he was so angry that he couldn't speak. He put his hand on the hilt of his sword and wanted to chop Wang Lei with one knife.

When Zhuge Liang saw that Wei Yan had murderous intentions, he scolded him: "Chief Wen, step back!"

"Hey!"

Wei Yan had an angry look on his face, but he let out a long breath.

Wang Lei glanced at Liu Bei and sneered, "A common man has no benevolence and is greedy for profit!"

"you~"

Wei Yan's hand rested on the hilt of the sword again.

"Get out!"

Liu Bei's face turned completely cold. Wang Lei was not scolding Wei Yan, but was criticizing Sang and Huai.

"promise!"

When Wei Yan saw Liu Bei speaking, he sat down with his head depressed.

Seeing the serious atmosphere, Zhuge Liang calmed down the atmosphere and said: "Wang Gongcao, the delivery of Hanzhong cannot be done in a hurry. Cao Cao diverted to Guanzhong. If he knew that our army had withdrawn from Hanzhong, Cao Cao would have sent his troops south. If Hanzhong was captured by Cao Cao, It will be difficult to seize and retake it. Why not discuss the matter in Hanzhong after Cao Cao evacuates Guanzhong."

Hearing this, Wang Lei cupped his hands and said, "Thank you very much, Mr. Kong Ming, for considering Yizhou. However, Hanzhong has been attacked by war for the first time, and the people are at a loss. My lord has sent the second son to be the prefect of Hanzhong. I hope the Grand Sima agrees."

Liu Bei suppressed his anger and said, "Since you said this, how can I disagree? Let Yide discuss this matter with you and others in detail."

After saying that, Liu Bei returned the generous gift to Wang Lei and said, "You can return to Chengdu!"

"Big Sima?"

While Wang Lei was confused, his attendants took him down to the hall.

After Wang Lei left, Zhang Zhao rushed to attend and said: "My lord, we must not abandon Hanzhong. We should take advantage of Cao Cao's westward march to attack Shu and create a confrontation between the north and the south."

Liu Bei, who was very angry with Wang Lei, saw Zhang Zhao's invitation to attack Bashu and was surprised and said: "Can you agree to attack Shu?"

Zhang Zhao's face did not change and he said: "In the past, Zhao did not agree to attack Shu, and he mostly thought about the reputation of the Lord. Now Yizhou is on guard. If the handover of Hanzhong does not go smoothly, Liu Zhang may send troops to drive away General Zhang. Zhao heard Long Wang Shu's words, If we cannot get to Yizhou quickly, we may be captured by Cao Cao."

Zhang Zhao is not a corrupt scholar, and he also knows how to assess the situation.Bashu is the key to Wu Chu. If Cao Cao takes it, Wu Chu will be endangered.If we don't seize Bashu while Cao Cao is on his way to the west, and seize Shu after Cao Cao pacifies Guanxi, it will not be easy to seize Shu by then.

"Your heart can only be known now!" Liu Bei said with emotion.

Yin Guan pondered for a while and then said: "My lord, we may be able to use the false road to attack Guo, and send Liu Zhangyan to return to Chu in batches. Some troops will stay in Hanzhong, and some troops will capture Jiangzhou when they return. At that time, I sent troops from Jingchu to counterattack Go up the river, break through the Three Gorges, and join Jiangzhou."

Liu Bei's eyes flickered and he said: "Send a message to Hanzhong and ask General Zhang to delay the attack and be wary of Bashu soldiers. When the time comes, discuss Kong Xiu's plan with Boyan."

"promise!"

Seeing the opportunity, Ma Liang rushed to attend, raised his hands and said: "My lord, General Huo said that Cao Cao has left Guanxi, the Jianghuai River is empty, and Hefei is the best place. Now he invites [-] troops and horses to help him, and also sends two brave generals to help him to defend Zhang Liao and Li. General Dian."

Zhuge Liang stroked his feather fan gently and said: "Today Yide has [-] troops and horses, and the old Hanzhong army cannot equal [-] troops. Jingchu has sent [-] to [-] troops. If there is a war in Yizhou, [-] troops and horses will be enough!"

"Hefei is the key point for advancing in Shouchun and must be taken. Cao Cao is far away from Guanxi, and General Huo wants to take it. My lord should help him, with [-] troops and horses available. However, there are two generals~"

After saying that, Zhuge Liang paused and said: "General Zilong is powerful in Jiangdong, and he can be one of the candidates. However, Zhang Liao has always been brave enough for thousands of people. Among China's famous generals, who can't be defeated except by Generals Guan and Zhang?"

"General Guan is stationed in Jiangling and cannot be touched; General Zhang is far away in Hanzhong and is planning to seize Shu, so he cannot be touched. It is better to choose another general from the Central Army and follow General Zilong to reinforce Jianghuai." Wang Can said: "Zilong The general can stop Zhang Liao, why not send another fierce general to fight against Li Dian."

"No!"

Zhuge Liang looked serious and said: "How can you underestimate the enemy so much? Zhang Liao, Li Dian, and Zhu Guang are all Cao Cao's capable and skilled warriors. Now Cao Cao is unprepared. If he cannot attack Hefei, he will have to wait for Cao Cao to come back and attack Hefei again." It’s difficult!”

Huang Zhong, who was stroking his beard, said dissatisfiedly: "Military advisor, why do you look down on us so much?"

As he spoke, he saw Huang Zhong standing up. He was more than eight feet tall and had a burly physique. He had the physique of a fierce general.However, it is a pity that his hair on the temples is slightly white, which makes it easy to question whether he can still fight!

"Although Zhong is not talented, I hope to work with General Zilong to strengthen the Jianghuai army and help General Huo defeat the enemy."

Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang smiled knowingly when they saw Huang Zhong taking the initiative to ask for a fight.

Liu Bei shook his head and said: "When the troops were marching to the east of the Yangtze River, Han Sheng was brave enough to win the three armies, beheaded the generals and captured the flag, and showed his majesty as a tiger general. However, seven or eight years have passed, and I have only white hair, and you are nearly sixty years old. Why? Talk about slaying generals and defeating enemies?"

"I'm afraid it's no match for Zhang Liao and Li Dian!" Zhuge Liang added.

Huang Zhong felt dissatisfied, raised his hands and said, "My lord, please give me two heavy bows!"

"allow!"

After a while, the attendant came to the hall carrying two heavy bows. Huang Zhong took the heavy bows and handed them over to Liu Bei.

Then, Huang Zhong merged the two heavy bows, holding the string with his right hand and shooting the bow with his left hand.Taking a deep breath, Huang Zhong exerted force and pulled the two bows at the same time, making the bow strings tense.

"Break!"

The muscles in Huang Zhong's arms bulged, his temples bulged, and his face turned red.With two clicks, under the huge force, the string of the heavy bow was completely broken by Huang Zhong's bare hands.

Seeing Huang Zhong's bravery, everyone present took a deep breath.

"Lord, do you think Han Sheng can be used?" Zhuge Liang asked.

Liu Bei grabbed his sparse beard and said with a smile: "You are as brave as before, and you are lonely and worry-free!"

Huang Zhong wiped his sweat, raised his hands and said, "My lord, military advisor, if you still don't believe me, you can get on your horse and let Wen Chang fight with me."

Liu Bei looked at Wei Yan and saw Wei Yan turning his head and sighing, feeling very ashamed.Apparently Wei Yan, a young man, had also been defeated by Huang Zhong.

"Ha ha!"

Liu Bei got up from the couch and said with a smile: "Han Sheng is a solitary and honest man, how can you not believe it now!"

"Come on!"

Liu Bei said in a deep voice: "Where are Zhao Yun, Huang Zhong, Hao Pu and He Qi?"

"The end is here!"

The four generals lined up in unison and obeyed orders.

"I will order the four of you to lead an army of [-] troops to the north of the Yangtze River, under the control of General Zhengbei."

"Come here, give Huo Zheng a holiday in the north and supervise the military affairs in the Yangtze and Huaihe Rivers."

"promise!"

　One more chapter tonight

　　
　
(End of this chapter)