villain

Chapter 370 Xuzhou One Night

Starting from this chapter, "The Villain" will enter the fourth volume, with life and death in ten years.

Everyone can fully understand the meaning of this title. In this volume, all the main story will revolve around the battle of Guandu.It is also the most exciting volume among the five volumes in my opinion.The rise of the powers of various princes, as well as various things that happened around Dong Bi, will appear in this volume.

I think it will be very exciting, very cool!

--------

In the fourth year of Xingping, if you switch to the calendar well-known to later generations, it would be 196 AD.

During this year, many things happened, and almost all of them revolved around the Western Regions.

Dong Bi pacified the Western Regions, established counties and reformed the system, sent troops out of Hexi, and occupied Guanzhong...

For the people living under the sky of the Great Han, this year is undoubtedly a year of elation and elation, because the territory of the Great Han has expanded by nearly one-third, and the Huns, who are regarded as scourges, are also completely defeated this year .

This is the glory that the Han Dynasty has never had since the great general Dou Xian.

It's just that this glory didn't seem to make Liu Han Sheji prosperous, but showed signs of decline.

The most representative event among them is the death of Lu Zhi, the former general of Beizhong Lang of the Han Army, General of Chariots and Huaili Hou.

If we say that during the 12 years from the beginning of the Yellow Turban Rebellion to the end of the Huns' demise, Lu Zhi and Lu Zigan deserved the most prestige, the greatest contribution, the most extensive knowledge, and the best reputation among the people in the entire Han court.

Before the Yellow Turban Rebellion, each era had its representative tasks.

Li Ying and Chen Fan in the period of Emperor Huan, and in the early days of Emperor Ling were celebrities and romantics headed by the three monarchs.But after the Yellow Turban, it was the era of Lu Zhi.The words "Guoshi Wushuang" were used on Lu Zhi, and no one would object.

How high is Lu Zhi's reputation?

Just look at when the news of Lu Zhi's death spread, Cao Cao immediately ordered Taishi Ci Zhongyou to withdraw from Hangu Pass from Xin'an; attack.

Sun Ce and Zhou Yu are besieging Liyang.

But when Liyang City was about to be broken, the siege was stopped, and the three armies ceased fighting for three days to pay homage to Duke Lu's heroic spirit.

The entire Guanzhong, Liangzhou, and Western Regions all died down.

Dong Bi also stopped his attack on Chang'an, ordered the three armies to wear mourning mourning for Lu Zhi.

So much so that Cao Cao looked up to the sky in Luoyang and said: If you can win half of Duke Lu in death, you will be satisfied!
In October, early winter has just arrived.But for the Han Dynasty, it was a cold winter... Lu Zhi's death represented the end of an era.

Next, what kind of years will it be?

******
Liu Bei is dressed in hemp and mourning, and looks haggard.

If you say you have no resentment towards Lu Zhi, you are talking nonsense with your eyes open.

But no matter what, when Liu Bei was penniless, it was Lu Zhi who accepted him and taught him knowledge and skills. Liu Bei could not forget this affection.When he was at his worst, Lu Zhi didn't reach out to give him a hand.

But after Lu Zhi's death, Liu Bei asked himself, but he really felt the love Lu Zhi had for him.

Outside Xiapi City, Liu Bei was sitting in a large tent, his eyes swollen like walnuts.

It is said that Liu Xuande in history was good at shedding tears.Regardless of whether the tears in the past were real or not, but today, he is really sad.

Guan Yu was by the side, looking at Liu Bei, feeling very sad.

Others don't know about his brother's suffering, so how can he not know?From his outstanding military achievements, he suddenly became a small official in the county; from the head of a county, he became a traitor and rebel party; Guan Yu watched deeply in his eyes.

Brother, it's really not easy...

"Brother, don't be sad anymore! Mr. Lu is gone, but our life must continue, right?"

Liu Bei took a deep breath and opened his eyes.

"I used to hate Master Lu to the core, hated him for being ignorant of current affairs, hated him for being heartless and ungrateful...but now that I think about it, if Master Lu was really that heartless, when I took refuge in Bogui back then, he would have said nothing. Words would make our life worse than death. Even after Yongqiu, Master Lu tried his best to cover up for us, otherwise, how could my brother survive to this day?"

Guan Yu sighed. Although he might not agree with Liu Bei's words, he had to admit that it was true.

Lu Zhi accepted the Dong family son as a student, I'm afraid it was a deal to cover up for Liu Bei, it must be like this!
As everyone knows, after Yongqiu, Lu Zhi really didn't know that Liu Bei was also involved.

However, he did plead with Dong Bi, and Dong Bi has always been covering up the facts for Liu Bei on this point.

If Yuan Wei hadn't acted and told Lu Zhi the truth back then, perhaps Lu Zhi might not have known it in his life.

Of course, if Lu Zhi didn't leave Luoyang, maybe the Han dynasty would look different.

Guan Yu said: "Brother, my brother has to be more careful in planning the current plan. The Dong family spent several years sweeping the Western Regions, defeating the Huns, and reoccupying Guanzhong. Don’t even think about taking revenge on the Dong family’s son for the rest of your life...the family’s destruction, and the third brother’s death, must be reported.”

Liu Bei was refreshed upon hearing this.

This hero, who is regarded as one of the ancestors of the thick black school by later generations, has a strong mind that ordinary people cannot match after experiencing countless hardships.As soon as Guan Yu's words came out of his mouth, he immediately cheered up and cheered up from his sadness.

Yes, revenge must be reported!

The most urgent task at the moment is to control one's own strength as soon as possible, so that one can no longer rely on others like this...

"Liu Xuan, king of Pei, is now my father-in-law. Speaking of it, I have a foothold. It's just that Pei is not strong enough to resist Cao Cao's troops, and the war is in chaos, and it is in the fourth war. It is really not suitable for my future development. "

Liu Xuan, king of Pei, was a clan member of the Han Dynasty.

In history, this person was unknown and did not even appear in the records of history books.

He has no ambitions or talents, only likes beautiful women and good wine, and is an idiot with no ambitions.

When Tao Qian sent Liu Bei to Pei County, he wanted Liu Bei to be cannon fodder for him.

Unexpectedly, after Liu Bei arrived in Xiaopei, he had a fierce fight with Liu Xuan, and the relationship between the two was very close.Liu Xuan, in terms of seniority, is the uncle of Emperor Ling of the Han Dynasty. He is over 60 years old and has many concubines but no heirs.However, Liu Xuan has a daughter named Liu Ting, who is 24 years old. Although she is not very beautiful, she is also virtuous.

And Liu Bei is Liu Ting's husband.

As the saying goes, if you lose your horse, how can you know that it is not a blessing?
Liu Bei lost a Mrs. Gan and left a Mrs. Mi, but unexpectedly got the status of a relative of the emperor.

Liu Xuan saw that Liu Bei was in his thirties, but he didn't have a wife, which was very strange.

The old man is an enthusiastic person, and he also knows that if he wants to continue to have fun in Xiaopei, he must rely on Liu Bei.

Liu Bei lacks fame, but he has soldiers and horses in his hands.

Liu Xuan has no strength, but he has the title of clan clan of the Han Dynasty.

Under questioning, Liu Bei did not say that he was married, but answered Liu Xuan with the words "the country is not yet stable, how can a man get married?"I was so excited to talk about Liu Xuan, and immediately decided to marry my daughter to Liu Bei.

"Xuande, I have a daughter who has been widowed for many years... Although she is not very beautiful, she is still a virtuous and virtuous person. I want to betroth my little girl to Xuande. From now on, you and I will be one family. Would you like to?"

According to the rules of the Han Dynasty, people of the same clan cannot marry.

Although Liu Bei's surname is Liu, it is not true that he is also a clan of the Han family as it was said in history.Moreover, even if he is... he can't produce any evidence right now, otherwise, why should he live under someone like his grandson?Marrying Liu Xuan's daughter can at least wash away his reputation as a traitor, and this is exactly what Liu Bei needs.

At Liu Bei's age, whether his wife is beautiful or not is no longer important!

The key is to be helpful to one's career, and to have a dignified character is enough.What's more, he is still a relative of the emperor?
Liu Ting is a very kind woman. After marrying Liu Bei, she respects the teachings of "The Taming of Women".

Guan Yu also respected this new sister-in-law very much. In his opinion, what Liu Ting brought to Liu Bei was a bright future.

"Brother means..."

"I want to take Runan and seek longevity, what does my second brother think?"

Runan is under the rule of Yuzhou. From here, it can cross the Huai River through the Xifei River, occupy Shouchun, and expand its power to Jiujiang.

From a strategic point of view, this is an extremely fertile land, which is extremely beneficial to Liu Bei.

However, the war in Yangzhou is now raging, and Sun Ce has captured Kuaiji, and his power has greatly increased.If you snatch this piece of fat, I'm afraid... What's more, although Jiujiang is good, it may not be safe, not to mention there is Liu Biao watching it?

"Brother, why don't we take Xiapi and occupy Xuzhou?"

Guan Yu said: "That Tao Qian has a false name, but he is just an incompetent person. He threw us in Peiguo, not to make us work for him. Even Juhu can see this...how can he occupy it?" This piece of land in Xuzhou?"

Liu Bei was silent for a moment, "Why don't I know that Tao Qian is using us? Just by occupying Xuzhou, we may not be able to gain a firm foothold. You said that Shouchun was the place of the Fourth World War, so why isn't Xuzhou the place of the Fourth World War? What's more , We have been wandering for many years, and finally gained some reputation. If we rob Xuzhou, I am afraid that we will be criticized by others."

Guan Yu was also silent...

In the past ten years, he has learned the usefulness of this reputation.

Let's look at the princes of the Guandong, which one didn't rack their brains to gain a reputation, occupy the righteousness, and develop their strength?

Whether it is Yuan Shao in Jizhou or Cao Cao in Yanzhou.

Even Dong Pi, their sworn enemy, had to guard the deposed emperor Liu Bian when he was in exile in the Western Regions.

That is righteousness, that is fame!

Guan Yu was silent for a moment, raised his head after a while, and said softly: "Brother, why don't we ask Mr. Ma for advice?"

Mr. Ma's name is Lang, and his style name is Boda.

When Cao Cao raised his troops to attack Xiapi, Guan Yu was attacked by tiger and leopard cavalry and tried his best to cover Liu Bei and others from entering the city.

He was seriously injured and fled to a place called Pugupi.

Pugupi is located fifty miles west of Xiapi, where Guan Yu met a man named Malang Maboda.

After a full 30 days of recuperation at Ma's house, he talked with Ma Lang in his spare time and found that he was knowledgeable and talented.

It is said that Ma Lang also has a younger brother, who is now studying at Shuijing Villa in Xiangyang, and his name is Ma Yi.

After Guan Yu recovered from his injury, he invited Ma Lang to Liu Bei's tent, but Ma Lang refused.Tao Qian threw Liu Bei to Peiguo. Accompanied by Guan Yu, Liu Bei made a special trip to Pugupi and found Mr. Malang Maboda.

But Ma Lang still didn't come out of the mountain.

It wasn't until Liu Bei married Liu Ting and became Liu Xuan's son-in-law that he rushed to Pugupi again that Ma Lang agreed.

Here, there is also a famous relationship.

Regardless of whether Ma Lang was really unwilling before, Liu Bei's reputation as a traitor was enough to deter Ma Lang.

Liu Bei's eyes lit up, "That's exactly what it should be!"

While talking, Liu Bei and Guan Yu got up, and they were about to go out of the army tent to discuss with Ma Lang.

At this moment, a soldier outside the door suddenly came to report: "My lord, Mr. Xiapi Mi sent someone to report something important."

Guan Yu frowned and snorted.

He doesn't like the Mi family, firstly, the Mi family is just a merchant, and secondly, because of Mi Zhen's escape from marriage.

But Liu Bei disagreed.

In his opinion, Mi Zhu's help to him was quite considerable.If it wasn't for Mi Zhu, how could he have achieved what he is today.He was very clear about Guan Er's temper, so he simply didn't say anything, and said to his soldiers: "Hurry up and be sympathetic!"

Then he said to Guan Yu: "Second Brother, why don't you take a hard trip and invite Mr. Boda? Mr. Mi sent someone here at this time, it must be something very important. I will receive him first, and then we will be with Mr. Boda Discuss."

Guan Yu nodded and strode out of the military tent.

At this time, the soldiers led a person into the big tent, bowed their hands and bowed deeply to Liu Bei.

This person is about eight feet tall, with broad shoulders and a round waist.Wearing a dark black warrior outfit, he looks like a martial artist.

"Milong sees Lord Xuande!"

"Ah, it's the Twelve Brothers..." Liu Bei showed a warm smile on his face, and stepped forward to hold Milong's hand, "I haven't chatted with the Twelve Brothers for a few days, so I really miss it. Why are you free today? Come to my place, but is there something wrong?"

For this elk dragon, Liu Bei likes it very much.

Not only is he cautious in doing things, but he is also highly skilled in martial arts. He once sparred with Guan Yu and won thirty rounds.

Of course, Guan Yu didn't try his best, but even so, it was enough for Liu Bei to look at him with admiration.

Milong clasped his hands and said: "Mr. Xuande, don't be so polite. The villain came today because the master has a message for me to tell."

"Oh?"

Molong sat down, pulled out a small knife from his waist, separated the bottom of the boot, and took out a letter from inside.

Liu Bei didn't feel dirty either. He took the letter, shook out the flesh, and looked at it carefully by the light of the candle.

His face gradually became ugly, and after a while, he put the letter on the candle and lit it.

"What Elder Elk said..."

"Exactly!"

Milong said softly: "During this period of time, Lord Zhou Mu has often gathered with Cao Bao and other big clans in Xiapi. A few days ago, Mr. Han Yu from Guangling sent someone to discuss with Master Zhou secretly for a long time. My family Due to his status, the master is unable to get a clear message... This time, Master Zhou is paying homage to Duke Lu, so please invite Duke Xuande, I'm afraid it will be uneasy."

Hearing this, Liu Bei gasped.

"Also, the master discovered in the evening that the deployment of troops and generals in Xiapi City is quite unusual. Please also be careful, Lord Xuande."

"This... Brother Twelve, thank you for sending me the news today. But this matter is unusual, and I have to think about it carefully. Why don't you wait a while in the side tent? After I discuss it with my second brother, I will inform you." You answer."

"Little man obeys!"

Milong said, got up and walked out of the tent.

When leaving the army tent, I happened to have a face-to-face meeting with Guan Yu who was walking towards me.

When Guan Yu saw Milong, he snorted coldly.However, Milong bowed respectfully and made way for Guan Yu.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a young man beside Guan Yu.

He is about 28 or [-] years old, with a face like pink jade and eyes like bright stars.The three strands of black beard under the jaw are quite elegant.But that gaze seemed very quiet and deep.With the eyes of Milong, it seems that you can see Milong's heart.

His heart skipped a beat, but his face remained calm.

"Mr. Berda, please!"

"Second General, please..."

The young scribe glanced at Milong without asking, and gave way to Guan Yu, and walked into the big tent side by side.

Four personal guards stood at the door of the big tent.Milong didn't stop there either, and followed the guide to the side tent to rest.

The personal guards are men and horses trained by Juhu, and they are called white-eared elite soldiers.

Juhu is obedient to Liu Bei now, and the reminder from his father Jushou back then has long been forgotten.Although I still write to Yuan Shao every month, secretly reporting Liu Bei's developments.But what was said in that letter were all Liu Bei's good words.Especially after Liu Bei became Liu Xuan's son-in-law, Juhu looked up to him a lot.

In the past, Juhu was the main general in the expedition.

But now, Juhu is willing to be Liu Bei's deputy, and vaguely in his heart, he also regards Liu Bei as the master.

So, the word reputation is really elusive!
Liu Bei said: "Mr. Boda, I am really sorry to invite you here so late. Bei originally wanted to ask for advice in person, but something happened, so...don't blame sir, Bei now..."

Before finishing these words, Liu Bei felt uncomfortable for a while.

Thinking of me, Liu Bei, since my debut, I have gone through countless ups and downs, but I can always treat people with sincerity. Why does God treat me like this?
The tears flowed down uncontrollably.

Guan Yu was taken aback, "Brother, this is..."

"I……"

Liu Bei choked up and couldn't even speak.

Ma Lang hesitated for a moment, then sighed and said, "Mr. Xuande, but that old man Tao Qian wants to do something to you?"

Liu Bei's heart skipped a beat, and he raised his head in shock.

Ma Lang's face was calm, and the ancient well was calm.He said softly: "Mr. Xuande, don't be alarmed. It's actually not difficult to infer. You are proud of yourself in Peiguo, and you have won the title of a relative of the emperor. There are two generals under your command who are brave and brave, and Ju Gongqi is proficient in martial arts. Military affairs...hehe, if I were Tao Qian, I would also be murderous towards Duke Xuande."

"Mr. Boda, please advise!"

"Mr. Xuande, the current situation is very clear. What advice are you talking about? Either you take Xuzhou, or you are killed by Tao Qian. Even if you escape today, Tao Qian only needs to join hands with Cao Cao to get rid of you... ...Cao Mengde is a hero in troubled times, if you block his way to take Xuzhou, you will definitely not let you go easily, this is very obvious."

Liu Bei couldn't help but said, "Isn't Tao Qian afraid..."

"How capable is Tao Qian? Let him stay here, and sooner or later he will be wiped out by Cao Cao. That old man, he is just a dead bone in a tomb... Now that the Dong family's thieves are occupying the Western Regions, Cao Cao's first priority is not Xuzhou, but Xuzhou. It is Guanzhong. You are behind him, and sooner or later you will become a big problem... If I were Cao Cao, I would definitely join hands with Tao Qian to get rid of you."

Liu Bei couldn't help being silent...

What Malan said does make sense.

Tao Qian is old, and he really can't pose a threat to Cao Cao.Instead of killing it, it's better to keep it, and it can stop Jiangdong.

And myself...

Ma Lang said: "I have three strategies for Duke Xuande to choose from."

"Appreciate further details!"

"The best strategy is that Duke Xuande has a close relationship with Mi's family, a giant merchant in Xiapi. Mizhu is also a man of insight, but tonight, Tao Qian was unprepared. Duke Xuande joined forces with Mizhu to enter Xiapi, taking the first step and taking Xuzhou hold in hand."

Liu Bei frowned, "Tao Qian killed me because he had a plan. He has been running Xuzhou for many years and is quite popular. If I act rashly, I'm afraid that I won't have the name of righteousness, and I'm afraid it will be bad."

Ma Lang smiled, "The middle strategy is, tomorrow, when Duke Lu pays homage, Duke Xuande can bring the second general into the city. First, you must show your identity as a relative of the emperor, and then you must explain that you are a student of Duke Lu... When Tao Qian started , you can capture the thief and the king. You can promise the Mi family to be the big family of Xuzhou... With the help of the Mi family, all the big families who are close to Tao Qian will be killed and looted. In this way, Xiapi can fall into the hands of Duke Xuande hand, and then take advantage of the situation to raise troops, capture Guangling, and enter Jiangdong."

"This……"

"Lang still has a bad plan. Duke Xuande went back to Peiguo overnight, mobilized troops and horses, sent troops from Peiguo, and captured Runan. But in this way, you will inevitably have to confront Cao Cao head-on. I'm afraid it's unpredictable."

Liu Bei said: "The best strategy is not righteous, and the worst strategy is not sure, but this is the middle strategy... After robbing Xuzhou, isn't it the same as fighting Cao Cao and Sun Ce? Mr. Boda, isn't that..."

"Mr. Xuande, after Xuzhou falls into your hands, I am afraid that Cao Cao will not confront you. After all, the enemies he will face are the traitors from the Dong family in Guanzhong and Yuan Shao from Jizhou. As long as you show enough sincerity, Cao Cao will It won't be too tough either. Otherwise, what he will face will be a situation where he will be attacked from two sides, or even be attacked from three sides."

"You mean..."

"Ju Gongqi, you can solve Cao Cao's threat for Xuan De Gong."

Liu Bei asked again: "Dare to ask Sun Ce..."

Ma Lang laughed loudly, "Sun Bofu is just a child with a yellow mouth. He looks powerful, but he is not enough to threaten. Why didn't Duke Xuande ask King Pei to write a letter to Jingzhou Shepherd Liu Biao? Lang has a word, if Duke Xuande wants to Based in Xuzhou, be like the traitors of the Dong family, knowing how to advance and retreat. Survive in the cracks, and when the time is right, it will be enough to make a blockbuster."

Hearing these words, Liu Bei couldn't help being overjoyed, and got up to give a deep salute.

But Ma Lang stood up and said softly: "I know that Duke Xuande has great ambitions, and Lang also has pain in his heart. I have already said what should be said. Please decide for yourself how Duke Xuande will do it. Lang will watch from the sidelines to learn from Xuande." A great talent exhibited by the Duke of Virtue."

The meaning of this sentence is very clear.

Your Excellency has great ambitions, but I can't recognize you as my lord yet, because I haven't seen your true ability.

What I should do, I have done.

Now it's up to you!
If you can do well, I will recognize you as the master. If you can't, don't blame me. This is your own problem.

The king is the minister, and the minister is the king...

This may be a rebellious thought in the future, but in this era, it is the most common thing.

Liu Bei was full of confidence for a while!

That's right, what Mr. Boda should do has already been done.

If I, Liu Xuande, can't stand out under such circumstances, then I should be mediocre all my life, so I might as well take my wife and children and find a nest in a ravine, at least I can seek peace.So, I must succeed, must succeed!

Liu Bei clenched his fist unconsciously, "Mr. Defense, Bei will definitely do his best!"

(End of this chapter)