I, Liu Bian, Sanxing Han Dynasty

Chapter 519 Guan Yu Goes to War
After handing over his work to Tian Yu at Liu Yu's place, Guan Yu, with the support of Liu Yu, set out to quell the rebellion with 30,000 infantry and cavalry recruited from all over Youzhou.

In addition, more than 10,000 civilians were recruited to transport food and other supplies for the army.

Under Liu Yu's management, Youzhou became prosperous.

Half a month after receiving the imperial edict, the army left Youzhou and first arrived at Bohai County, which was the closest to Yuyang County and also the place where the rebellion started.

Guan Yu's tactics were very clear. The soldiers under his command were well-equipped, many of whom were veterans. He only needed to push forward with a dignified manner, and anyone who dared to stand in his way would be crushed to dust.

With the intelligence support and cooperation of Chen Gong, the prime minister of the neighboring Hejian State, Guan Yu marched forward through Bohai County, where the prefect had long disappeared. His normal marching speed of forty miles a day was the speed at which he advanced.

During this period, Guan Yu kept the emperor's instructions in mind and did not forget to investigate those who were fanning the flames behind the scenes.

Gao Shun, who stayed in Shanggu County after Lu Bu left and was transferred to Guan Yu's army this time, was highly valued by Guan Yu, who entrusted part of this important task to Gao Shun.

"Your fort must be demolished within three days!"

"General, isn't this forcing others to do something against their will? This fort was built by my ancestors and records the life trajectory of my ancestors. If I demolish it by force, wouldn't I be an unfilial person? General, please give me some convenience..."

Gao Shun frowned and shouted angrily, "How dare you bribe me, you bastard! Come, arrest him and put him in jail."

Soon, the soldiers gagged the man and took him away.

Gao Shun immediately looked at the other people present and asked, "Is there anyone who can make the decision?"

Another man immediately stepped forward tremblingly and said, "General, the fort is very strong and cannot be demolished in three days. Can you give us some more time? Seven days... five days will be fine..."

"I only have three days, so you only have three days!" Gao Shun remained unmoved.

These powerful families and wealthy men who hid in sturdy fortresses and were not harassed by the rioters were all possible suspects.

A few days later, Gao Shun, who was not very sympathetic in front of others, came to Guan Yu and reported: "General, as of yesterday, a total of eight forts have been demolished, including two newly built ones, and their clan leaders have all been captured."

Guan Yu nodded. If those old forts could be said to be relics left by their predecessors, then the construction of new forts was almost obvious.

He seemed to suddenly remember something and asked, "Are there any complaints from the people regarding the demolition of the fort?"

Gao Shun, who had been expressionless, couldn't help but twitch his lips when he heard this.

He was honest by nature, and answered Guan Yu's question truthfully: "There are many rumors among the people now that the general has put down the rebellion with unstoppable force, and he is very dissatisfied with the existence of these forts. He thinks that the people living in these forts do not trust the general to completely put down the rebellion, so he ordered all the forts to be destroyed."

Guan Yu took a deep breath and asked, "How is the effect?"

Gao Shun replied: "Recently, many people who don't know the general have thought that he is arrogant and domineering. At the same time, some fort owners have taken the initiative to dismantle their own forts."

Seeing that Guan Yu's expression seemed to have eased a little, Gao Shun added: "However, I think that arresting those who refused on the first day to serve as a warning to others should have worked."

Guan Yu: ...

Immediately, Guan Yu approached Zheng Yi and asked, "Is this what you came up with?"

I originally thought that Zheng Yi, as the son of Zheng Xuan, would have some talents, but I never expected that he was also an uneducated and unskilled playboy.

Zheng Yi was a little confused: "What do you mean, General? I haven't used the solution I came up with yet?"

Guan Yu paused and said, "What has Yien come up with? Now that I am outside, I am already a domineering general."

"I don't care about these false reputations, but there are many people among the rioters who are being coerced because of ignorance. If they are afraid of my reputation and refuse to surrender before the swords come into contact, it will surely cause many unnecessary deaths and injuries." Zheng Yi heard this, stood up and bowed solemnly to Guan Yu, and said: "I have heard of your virtuous reputation in Luoyang for a long time. I think this matter is not difficult, but I am afraid that the general will suffer some grievances."

Guan Yu said, "Tell me about it."

Zheng Yi replied: "Since entering Jizhou, the general has tried his best to pacify the people. However, he has punished the scholars and officials but not rewarded them."

"Even if there are a few scholars who are willing to speak for the general because he treats the people well, they are not the mainstream. I have a suggestion, please explain clearly that the scholar-officials are also part of the people."

Guan Yu smiled when he heard this and said, "I understand what Yi En said. I will never be prejudiced against those who are virtuous among the scholars. If the grievance that Yi En mentioned is to make friends with these people, then it is actually fine."

Zheng Yi pursed his lips and said, "Most of them may not be of the same moral character."

Guan Yu was stunned for a moment, and after hesitating for a long time, he nodded and said, "It is indeed a bit aggrieved."

Zheng Yi also knew that a person with Guan Yu's character would certainly disdain to make friends with hypocritical people, let alone flatter each other or even recommend them for official positions.

"But if it can help pacify the people, it doesn't matter if I suffer a little."

"I'll leave this matter to Yien."

Zheng Yi bowed deeply to Guan Yu again and promised, "Don't worry, General. I will write the invitation right away."

"General, those I have invited are all famous people from various counties. There may be people with the same virtue among them, but you still need your wisdom to identify the gems."

After following Cheng Yu around the county and towns, Zheng Yi deeply understood the principle of forbearance.

Guan Yu smiled and said, "In this case, there is some hope."

The title of Zheng Xuan's son was very useful. Within a few days, under Zheng Yi's arrangement, Guan Yu met many so-called "famous scholars", some of whom were from outside Bohai County.

Guan Yu had more than ten years of military and political experience, and he could see through some of these people at a glance.

Most of the "famous people" were empty talkers who did not interest him.

This made Guan Yu very disappointed.

During the break between meetings, Guan Yu complained to Zheng Yi: "There are so many famous people, but it's hard to live up to their reputation."

Zheng Yi said: "It is still good now. At least the counties have started to use the test to select minor officials, and most of the capable ones have been recruited and recommended."

Guan Yu said: "There are quotas for recruitment and recommendation every year, but if we choose from these people, it is better not to choose."

Zheng Yi was speechless.

Finally, after Guan Yu finished complaining, he met a man who he didn’t know whether he could be considered a talented person or not - this man had special skills - he was particularly eloquent and had good debate skills.

After so long, he finally met someone who was acceptable. Guan Yu was not picky and immediately recruited this man named Liu Changren as his official.

After Guan Yu did this, his reputation improved at an almost visible speed.

Although the fort is still being demolished, the reason has changed to "demolishing it to appease the people."

(End of this chapter)