Soldiers come to the world

Early the next morning, Liu Biao came to the state office as usual. He walked into the official room. The room had been cleaned and incense was burned, filling the room with a dry and hot fragrance.

The weather is gradually getting hotter. Xiangyang is near the water, and the summer is extremely hot. Although it is not yet the time of great heat, the room is already stuffy, which makes Liu Biao very disliked. He has been in Jingzhou for more than ten years, but he has never I like the summer in Jingzhou.

"Why haven't there been ice cubes in the sandwich wall?" Liu Biao asked with some dissatisfaction.

Many wealthy households in Xiangyang have sandwich walls in their houses, and they also have ice cellars in their homes. In summer, ice cubes are placed in the wall to cool down the heat. The same is true in government offices. There is an underground ice cellar behind the state government offices that stores a large amount of ice cubes.

An official bowed to report: "Qizhou Mu, today is the fourth day of May. According to the regulations, the ice can only be placed after the eighteenth day of May."

Liu Biao was even more upset, and said angrily: "The weather has changed, and the rules have to be flexible. This year is very hot, and it is only the fourth day of May, which is as hot as usual in June. Do we have to wait until May [-]th to add ice?" ?"

The official lowered his head, "A change must be approved by the state pastor."

Liu Biao thought that he had just returned yesterday and couldn't express his anger, so he had to hold it in his chest. He gave the official a hard look, walked quickly into the room and sat down, still feeling hot and dry, so he ordered: "This year's weather is abnormal, you can arrange it earlier. Put ice on it, even if it's a special case!"

The officials immediately rushed to find someone to put the ice on. Liu Biao’s irritability was not because of the heat, but because of his son Liu Cong’s injury. Last night he questioned the doctor Zhang Jin again. Although Zhang Jin said he could be cured, But the time has changed from half a year at the earliest to one year at the earliest, that is, recovery is possible after one to two years.

In fact, Liu Biao was not stupid, he knew that Zhang Jin was trying to comfort him, his lower body was seriously injured, how could it be so easy to recover, and it would take a year or two to recover, which is actually a very uncertain thing.

The eldest son, Liu Qi, is physically weak, obviously not the appearance of a Wangzi. The second son, Liu Cong, is in good health, and he has high hopes for him. If his son becomes useless this time, it will have a great impact on his descendants.

Liu Biao also didn't care to read official documents, and sat in front of the table, staring blankly at the wooden floor, thinking about something.

At this time, Shu Zuo Yiji walked in quickly, holding a thick stack of papers in his hands. He was in charge of sorting out the papers for Liu Biao. Seeing that Liu Biao was deep in thought, Yi Ji didn't dare to disturb him, so he carefully put the papers on the table and slowly back slowly.

Liu Biao was startled, and withdrew from his contemplation. He glanced at Yi Ji, forced a smile and said, "Uncle Ji, long time no see."

"The state shepherd has actually only been there for five days, not long."

Liu Biao sighed, "But too many things happened in these five days."

Yiji didn't know what Liu Biao meant, so he didn't dare to say anything, just smiled and said nothing, when Liu Biao remembered something, frowned and asked, "I heard some rumors that Liu Jing is not my nephew, what's going on? Did Uncle Ji hear this rumor?"

Yiji smiled lightly, "I have heard from a lowly position that people are superior to others. People must envy him. Mr. Jing defeated the Jiangdong Army in Chaisang, and his reputation is soaring. Everyone praises him as a young hero. Of course, some people will hate him. Zhou Mu, Mr. Jing There are quite a few people who offended him in the past, isn't it normal to have rumors against him?"

Liu Biao nodded. He didn't really believe this rumor. After all, he participated in the clan sacrifice. So many clansmen had seen him, and no one had any doubts about him. It can be seen that saying that he is not his nephew is pure nonsense. As Yi Ji said, Jing'er had offended too many people in the past.

In fact, Yi Ji alluded to the Cai family, and Liu Biao also understood what he meant. After pondering for a while, Liu Biao said: "Go and inquire about this matter, where did the news come from, and there are two other rumors, you should also check it out." Check it out."

Yi Ji quickly bowed and said, "I understand, I will take my leave first."

Yiji retreated, and Liu Biao stood up and walked slowly to the window. Beside him, more than [-] servants were busy placing ice cubes in the sandwich wall. The pieces of ice were as square as big blue bricks, stacked one by one. clip wall.

At this moment, Liu Biao could already feel that the heat in the room subsided, and there was a clear sense of coolness, and his hot heart gradually calmed down.

Liu Biao closed the window, walked to a wall with his hands behind his back, and stared at the map of Jingzhou hanging on the wall.

He paid special attention to Jiang Xia. Kuai Yue came to visit him last night. Although he didn't say much, his meaning was very clear. Liu Jing will be the key figure in solving Jiang Xia's dilemma. At this time, the interests of various factions are fiercely confronting each other.

In order to compete for Jiang Xia, the opponent will use all kinds of despicable means, not only Huang Zu, but even Jiang Dong will secretly attack Liu Jing, so it is quite normal for someone to deliberately discredit Liu Jing.

Kuai Yue supported Liu Jing at this critical moment, and Liu Biao could understand it, after all, they had a good relationship, but what Kuai Yue said made sense, Liu Jing defeated Jiangdong and captured Chaisang, Jiangxia's situation has been disrupted, at this critical moment Moment, I must be steady!

Don't be disturbed by slander, and ruin your Jiangxia plan.

Liu Biao narrowed his eyes, and secretly told himself to stay calm.

At this time, a guard at the door reported: "Qi Zhou Mu, the military master accompanied Jiang Xia Huang Taishou to come, and asked to see him outside the door!"

Liu Biao's eyes showed surprise. Huang Zu came, and it was actually Cai Mao who accompanied him. What does this mean? Are these two people openly challenging themselves?

Of course we have to meet, but we must follow the rules. Liu Biao sneered and ordered his subordinates: "Take him to bathe and change clothes, and see you in Wendetang!"

Wende Hall is the main hall of the state government. It covers an area of ​​tens of acres. There are more than 81 steps in [-] levels, cornices and bucket arches, and dozens of vermilion lacquer columns that can only be embraced by two people. The whole hall is like a palace hall. It is magnificent, just for It was named Wendetang out of taboo.

Huang Zu had already bathed and changed his clothes. He was wearing a brand-new official uniform. He stood under the steps. According to the previous plan, he had to reach a compromise with Liu Expression today.

There were 36 gold-armored warriors standing on both sides of the steps. All of them were tall and burly with shining golden armor, holding various weapons in their hands. , let Jiang Xia Taishou Huang Zu come in to see him!"

Huang Zu picked up his robe, ran up the steps quickly, and when he reached the lobby, he knelt down on his knees, kowtowed, and shouted loudly: "I'm guilty of a humble job, I'm here to plead guilty to the State Shepherd!"

Today, Huang Zu made up his mind to pretend to be his grandson, he must use the most humble gesture, the most sincere words, and the most loyal expression. In short, he must give Liu a good face, and fully demonstrate his status as a subordinate in front of Liu Biao.

But this is only one aspect of attitude. On the other hand, Huang Zu has secretly ordered his son to gather troops and wait for him. Once he is detained by Liu Biao, Huang She will immediately support himself and openly rebel against Liu Biao. This is Huang Zu again. another attitude.

In the lobby, Liu Biao sits on the nine-level white jade dan step, which is actually forbidden. The ninth dan step is the status of the emperor. Generally, local officials can take up to three levels, or even no level, despite some people's persuasion. Liu Biao, but Liu Biao turned a deaf ear to it, in fact not only steps.

His carriage and ceremonial guards are all the same as those of the emperor, Jingzhou officials have long been used to it, and they are no strangers to it.

Liu Biao was wearing a Jinxian crown on his head, a large purple unicorn robe, and a ribbon around his waist. Behind him stood two maids in palace costumes, each holding a talisman bestowed on him by the emperor of the Han Dynasty. Yin, only the costumes and decorations are different, in fact, his demeanor and rank are no different from the emperor.

Sitting on both sides are the main officials of Jingzhou, the military adviser Cai Mao, the army Kuai Yue, the farewell Liu Xian, the Zhizhong Deng Yi, the chief secretary Wang Can, as well as Pang Ji, Fu Xun and others, as well as the generals Wang Wei, Wen Pin, Huo Du and the others also sat down in the lobby.

This was Liu Biao's official job report interview, usually for the prefects of various counties, today Huang Zu came, Liu Biao did not intend to have a personal friendship with him, so he came to meet him formally.

Liu Biao's eyes were gloomy and his face was expressionless. Even if Huang Zu knelt down in front of the lobby to plead guilty, knocking his head loudly, he didn't smile or express anything.

After a long while, Liu Biao said coldly, "Teacher Huang please come in!"

Liu Biao's indifferent attitude made Cai Mao feel a little uneasy. Originally, he negotiated with Huang Zu to exchange for Liu Biao's concession in Jiangxia and maintain the status quo. Some attitudes cannot be exchanged for Liu Biao's concessions.

Cai Mao couldn't help secretly regretting that if he had known that he would talk to Liu Biao first, the matter would not have caused any serious problems.

At this time, Huang Zu walked into the lobby, knelt down and kowtowed again, and said sincerely: "Jiangxia Taishou Huang Zu failed to report to the state pastor for several times. He is guilty. Come here today to plead guilty!"

Everyone had never seen Huang Zu's low profile before. Huang Zu in the past was not like this. He was arrogant and arrogant. His tone and demeanor were as if Liu Biao was number one and he was number two.

Today, however, he was as soft as a grandson. In a short period of time, he knelt twice in a row. Someone counted carefully. Huang Zu kowtowed nine times in total, which was unprecedented.

Liu Biao said calmly, "Prefect Huang is exempt from courtesy, please sit down!"

Huang Zu nervously sat down on the first seat at the bottom. He was about to speak when a guard hurried in and walked up to Liu Biao and whispered a few words. Liu Biao showed a look of surprise on his face. Jing is also here.

He then said to the crowd: "Marquis Liu Jing is seeking an audience outside, what do you senior officials think, should he be invited to attend the meeting, or should he be interviewed separately?"

Cai Mao's face changed. Liu Jing's appearance at this time would be extremely detrimental to Huang Zu. He stood up and saluted, "My lord, Wende Hall only allows officials with a size of [-] shi to go to the hall, and Liu Junhou is only an officer of the middle and lower ranks of [-] shi. You are not qualified to go to court, and the hierarchy is strict, please learn from me, my lord!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Wenpin on the opposite side said: "Junshi Cai only said one thing, not the other. Wende Hall is also called Qinggong Hall. It is a place to commend meritorious soldiers. The battle of Xinye, the lord is here to commend the soldiers." At that time, not to mention the six hundred high-ranking officials, even the two hundred shi uncles came out to receive rewards. Mr. Jing led two thousand weak soldiers to defeat the [-] Jiangdong tiger and wolf army, and saved Chaisang. Great work? Should it be commended?"

As the leader of the Xinye War, Wenpin has always been bitter about Liu Jing not getting any rewards in the Xinye Battle. Today Cai Mao said that he was not qualified to go to court, Wenpin couldn't help it anymore, and spoke up.

There were whispers in the lobby, Cai Mao's face turned red and then turned pale, secretly hating Wenpin, who actually humiliated himself in public at this critical moment.

At this time, Kuai Yue, who joined the army, stood up and laughed, "My lord, General Wen is very right. Mr. Jing should have given you a reward for his great achievements in Chaisang. I agree with General Wen's suggestion, so you can order him to go to court."

Everyone expressed their approval, and Liu Biao nodded, "In that case, then according to the wishes of the senior officials, let him go to court!"

Liu Biao immediately ordered: "Order the Marquis Liu Jing to go to court!"

"The state shepherd has an order, the military marquis Liu Jing will go to court!"