Xiliang Iron Cavalry

If Cai Mao still had the same strength as in the past, Liu Cong would have gained some important bargaining chips by becoming the Holy Master, but since Cai Mao quit Jingzhou's political arena and came back again, his influence has become much smaller, even with Cai Mao in court. There were very few speeches in the hall, it was just a decoration, if it wasn't for Empress Cai blowing the wind in front of Liu Biao, the Cai family would have been swallowed up by other aristocratic families long ago.

After all, the Cai family was Empress Cai's natal family. Not long after Liu Biao ascended the throne, Empress Cai re-recommended Cai Mao to Liu Biao to take charge of the navy and military power.

"Your Majesty, didn't you say you wanted to take back the military power from Liu Bei, why did you let him go?" Empress Cai said while sitting beside Liu Biao, shaking Liu Biao's body gently.

"Liu Bei is a fierce tiger, and Jingzhou is the land of the Four Wars. After a hundred years, I don't want Jingzhou to fall into the enemy's hands overnight. I talked with Liu Bei today and saw that he was loyal to Jingzhou and had no dissent. I let him go." He left." Liu Biao closed his eyes slightly, and continued: "Don't worry too much about the affairs of the court, don't forget that you are the empress, the mother of the world, and I have heard about the recent events in the harem."

In the Han Dynasty, there were many taboos, among which it is well known that Empress Lu was in power, which sounded the alarm for many emperors.

Although Liu Biao doted on Empress Cai on weekdays, he didn't want to be confused about such a big matter.

After Liu Bei left the palace, he returned to Jiangling without staying in Xiangyang, and told Zhuge Liang everything in the palace.

"My lord, I looked at the sky at night and found that Liu Biao will die in a few days. Why don't you make plans early and wait for the situation to change. If there is a change in Jingzhou, you should lead the army and horses and drive straight into Xiangyang to stabilize the situation in Jingzhou." Zhuge Liang said. divert.

Liu Bei's face changed slightly. Years of battles, failures and victories have made him a little numb. To be honest, he doesn't want to lose Jiangling, and he doesn't have any feelings for Liu Biao in Jingzhou. Come here, there is no pressure in my heart.

"Sir, this..." Liu Bei hesitated and said: "Jing Sheng is the same clan of Bei, even after his death, Bei should do his best to assist the new sage."

"My lord, don't worry. After Liu Jingsheng's death, Jingzhou is bound to fall into turmoil. Liu Biao has two sons, Liu Qi and Liu Cong. Up to now, the heir to the throne has not yet been determined, and the people under his command are panicked and don't know what to do." Zhuge Liang talked carefully: "After the lord leads the army to take control of Xiangyang, not only will he be able to help the Liu family stabilize Jingzhou, but he will also be rewarded with great fame. At that time, the lord will be in Xiangyang to assist the saint. Wouldn't it be a happy thing?"

"Okay, from the perspective of a military adviser." Liu Bei said slowly after a long time of contemplation. There is an essential difference between the road pointed out by Zhuge Liang and the direct capture of Jingzhou. Grasp the imperial court, and everything in Jingzhou is also under my control. It can be said that Jingzhou is holy on the surface, but it is actually my own. , the strength will definitely soar.

Three days later, Liu Biao passed away suddenly, and every household in Jingzhou was draped in white cloth, and the palace was full of wailing.

But until his death, Liu Biao didn't choose an heir. It was true that he liked Liu Cong, but Liu Qi was the eldest son.

There are not a few ministers who support Liu Cong as emperor, mainly because when Liu Biao was in power, there were some hints, so many ministers turned to Liu Cong. Cai Mao was Liu Cong's uncle. The minister's support instantly surpassed the Kuai family's status in Jingzhou.

The Kuai family did not participate in any party in this competition, but just waited and watched. No matter whether Liu Cong or Liu Qi ascended the throne as emperor, the Kuai family would do their best to help. His Majesty's favorite.

He has military power in his hands, and the eldest son Liu Qi was also appointed as the prefect of Jiangxia by Liu Biao, guarding the land of Jiangxia with Huang Zu, and he has not come back to see Liu Biao for the last time.

Cai Mao had the military power in his hands and the support of officials in the court. On the third day after Liu Biao's death, he assisted Liu Cong to become emperor. At this time, Liu Qi was on his way back to Xiangyang.

After the young Liu Cong became emperor, he didn't know anything, so he had Cai Mao to assist the government, and Empress Cai also began to listen to the government behind the curtain and interfere with the government.

After Liu Qi returned to Xiangyang, the soldiers guarding the gate of the palace stopped him, no matter what he said in tears or whatever, he was never allowed to enter the palace.

After wailing outside the palace, unable to see Liu Biao's body, he rushed out of the city to Jiangling.

Seeing Liu Bei, Liu Qi burst into tears, telling all about what happened to him in Xiangyang.

Zhuge Liang nodded slightly, knowing that the time had come. Xiangyang should be the most lax in defense at this time. As long as he got in touch with the generals guarding the gate, with a little effort, he could enter Jingzhou.

Now that the decision has been made, Liu Bei no longer hesitates. While agreeing to Liu Qi, he begins to mobilize his troops to rectify Liu Qi's name. No matter what, Liu Qi is Liu Biao's eldest son. According to the rules set by his ancestors, he should also be in the position of sage. to serve.

The gatekeeper of Jingzhou saw that Liu Bei led more than a hundred people to express their condolences. He was not suspicious and immediately let him in. The main reason is that these days, there are too many Jingzhou officials who come to express their condolences, and Cai Mao has no specific measures. Generals are soft-spoken, and they can't offend other officials. Now that they are put in, they can be more or less familiar, and it is easy to ask for help in the future.

As soon as he entered the city, a cavalry in Liu Bei's hands controlled the gatekeeper. From the perspective of outsiders, it seemed that the gatekeeper was chatting with Liu Bei to reminisce about the old days.

Half an hour later, the sound of rumbling horseshoes came, and the banners that covered the sun all day surprised the people in the city, and they returned to their homes one after another. With the cooperation of the gatekeepers, Liu Bei's army easily entered Xiangyang.

After taking charge of Xiangyang, Liu Bei immediately rectified the name of his eldest son Liu Qi, made Liu Qi emperor, and led his troops and horses towards the imperial palace.

At this time, all the defenders of Xiangyang were also disarmed by Liu Bei, and the defenders of the six city gates were also members of Liu Bei's army, and all the city was under control.

Liu Cong was just a child, how could he face such a situation, he stood aside with a pale face.

A stern look flashed across Cai Mao's eyes. He never expected that Liu Bei would be so bold that he would openly lead an army into Xiangyang under such a banner. Anyone with a discerning eye would know what Liu Bei's intention was. Even if Liu Qi became emperor, he would not be able to If you hand over the military power in your hands, you will rely on Jingzhou to recruit soldiers and buy horses to strengthen your own strength.

One day's negligence caused a fierce tiger to break into Xiangyang, and Cai Mao's heart can be said to be full of mixed feelings.

"Invite Mr. Kuai into the palace, and go secretly." Cai Mao said.

Liu Bei completely surrounded the entire palace, even if a fly flew out, it would be found, let alone a small yellow gate in a hurry. After learning that Cai Mao wanted to see Kuai Liang, Liu Bei let him go.

The overall situation in Xiangyang has been decided, even Kuai Liang will distinguish the situation.

Sure enough, Kuai Liang asked him not to get sick, and let the situation develop.

In an instant, countless thoughts flashed through Cai Mao's mind. Looking at his nephew sitting on the emperor's throne, he felt in a daze. He really wanted to lead the army to fight Liu Bei's army outside the city, even if he died in battle. Do whatever it takes.

In the end, reason prevailed over passion, and Cai Mao and others opened the palace gate to welcome Liu Bei and others to enter.

Seeing the layout of the palace, even Zhuge Liang couldn't help being amazed. Even Luoyang's palace is not much different. If Liu Biao used all the money to build an army and a city, how powerful Jingzhou would be.

The area occupied by the palace, of course, cannot be compared with that of Luo Yang, but it can be regarded as a condensed version. One should have, the palace towers, and countless court ladies coming and going.

Liu Bei did not forget the purpose of entering the palace this time. Liu Qi became Jingzhou's new saint as he wished, and Liu Biao was buried generously. Liu Cong was also named prince and confined in the city.

At this time, Jia Rong had already returned from Jizhou to Chang'an, and the information about Jingzhou had been fully known through intelligence. Liu Biao's death was too hasty, and Liu Bei's preparations were too sufficient, so that Xiangyang was successfully captured.

"Owning the land of Jingzhou and Zhuge Zhuang's help, Liu Bei will become a great enemy." Jia Rong sighed.

"My lord, Liu Bei is an ominous person after many battles and defeats. Even if he owns the land of Jingzhou, Liu Yan is still in Yizhou. He has [-] soldiers and horses in his hands. The soldiers and food are sufficient, and the terrain is dangerous. How dare Liu Bei To attack easily, Jiangdong Sun Quan, after three generations, has a strong army but the people are attached to him, and has fought many times with the Jingzhou navy, regardless of superiority, it is impossible to attack Jiangdong, let alone Cao Cao." Jia Xu said: "Liu Bei can only live in a corner. If Liu Bei doesn't have great talent, he can only be defeated."

Jia Rong nodded slightly, and he sighed, mainly because of the celebrity effect. Who knows what kind of opportunities these famous figures in history will create in desperate situations. Take Liu Biao's death as an example, Liu Cong ascended the throne as emperor, With Cai Mao's assistance, Liu Bei was able to enter Xiangyang because of the negligence of the city gate.

"Pay close attention to what's going on in Jingzhou," Jia Rong said.

Now the least panic is the Xiliang army, which governs a vast area and has enough soldiers and food. Even Cao Cao can't compare with it.

Ever since Lu Huan came to the craftsman's workshop and became familiar with the rules inside, he seemed to be completely attracted by the things inside. Except when eating, other craftsmen could see him, and at other times, they rarely saw each other, but Lu Huan The achievements after coming to the craftsman's workshop are obvious to all. Needless to say, the enhanced version of the ballista, this kind of heavy weapon that can quickly adjust the angle at any time, is probably the first in this era.

After seeing the thunderbolt car, Lu Huan's eyes flooded. He changed the thunderbolt car and doubled the range. Even Jia Rong, a future man, had to admit that Lu Huan was indeed capable. The Lu family's status in the craftsman's workshop became Higher and higher.

Many craftsmen who followed the Lu family were not placed in the craftsman's workshop, but built a separate place outside the city, heavily guarded.