Three Kingdoms

Chapter 29
Since Liu Chan, the empress of the Shu Han Dynasty, came to the throne and became emperor, many of the old ministers died of illness.Zhuge Liang handles all affairs of the country.

At this time, Liu Chan had not yet married the queen.So Zhuge Liang and other officials played the queen master Liu Chan: "The daughter of the late chariot general Zhang Fei is very virtuous and wise. She is only 17 years old this year and can be established as the queen of the palace." Liu Chan married her.

In August of the first year of Jianxing, the frontier suddenly reported the military situation: "Wei State mobilized five armies to attack Shuchuan. The first line was Cao Zhen's army, with [-] troops. Cao Zhen was the governor and was attacking Pingyang Pass; The second route was the rebel general Meng Da, who led his army of [-] Shangyong, and invaded Hanzhong; the third route was Dongwu Sun Quan, who dispatched [-] elite troops to attack from Xiakou; the fourth route was the barbarian king Meng Huo, who dispatched ten troops. Thousands of troops attacked the four counties of Yizhou; the fifth route was Fan Wang Ke Bineng, who dispatched [-] Qiang soldiers to attack Xipingguan. The five-way army was aggressive and powerful. I have already reported it to the prime minister. Why did the prime minister not give it for a few days? reply?"

The queen master Liu Chan was taken aback when he learned about it, and ordered his attendants to summon Zhuge Liang to the palace to discuss the emergency military situation.

The attendant went away for a long time before rushing back to report to the Empress Liu Chan: "The servant of the prime minister's mansion said that the prime minister is seriously ill and cannot enter the court to see the emperor."

The Empress Liu Chan began to panic.The next day, he ordered Dong Yun, the servant of Huangmen, and Du Qiong, an admonishment doctor, to rush to the prime minister's mansion to report the emergency military situation in front of Zhuge Liang's bed.Dong Yun and Du Qiong couldn't enter the prime minister's mansion.

Du Qiong said to the doorman: "The first emperor entrusted the prime minister with important affairs in the court. Now the crown prince has just ascended the throne, and the five-way army launched by Cao Pi invaded the border. The military situation is urgent. Why does the prime minister always say that he is seriously ill and does not come out?" See the emperor in person?"

It took a long time for the gatekeepers to reply to Du Qiong and others: "The prime minister has an order. When I feel better, I will enter the court tomorrow morning to discuss the military situation with the emperor." Dong Yun and Du Qiong returned with sighs.

The next day, all the military officials from North Korea, Chinese and Chinese rushed to the prime minister's mansion to wait for Zhuge Liang.After waiting for a day, Zhuge Liang did not come out.All civil and military officials felt a little panicked, and finally had no choice but to go back separately.

When Du Qiong met Liu Chan, the queen master, he said, "Your Majesty, please come to the prime minister's mansion to ask the prime minister for advice."

The Empress Dowager Liu Chan hurriedly led civil and military officials to meet the Empress Dowager.The empress dowager couldn't help being shocked after hearing what the empress dowager Liu Chan said. The empress dowager said: "What is the prime minister doing? Isn't this a failure of the late emperor's trust! I want to ask him in person." So the empress dowager asked someone to prepare a sedan chair, She is going out of the palace to see Zhuge Liang.Dong Yun said from the side: "The queen mother should not leave the palace easily. I have guessed that the prime minister must have some brilliance in him. Let your majesty go to see the prime minister first. If not, the queen mother can go to the Taimiao and invite the prime minister to visit." The empress dowager permission to do so.

The next day, the Empress Liu Chan personally went to the Prime Minister's Mansion to meet Zhuge Liang.When the gatekeeper saw the Empress Master Liu Chan coming in person, he hurriedly knelt down to greet him.The Empress Liu Chan asked, "Where is the Prime Minister?" The doorman replied, "I am meditating in the mansion. The Prime Minister ordered us not to allow the Chinese and military officials of the court to enter the Prime Minister's Mansion." The Empress Liu Chan got out of the car and went alone. After passing through three gates, I finally saw Zhuge Liang leaning on a cane by a pool watching the small fish in the pool.

The empress master Liu Chan walked behind Zhuge Liang, stood behind for a while, and then slowly said to Zhuge Liang: "Is the prime minister healthy and happy?" Zhuge Liang looked back, saw that it was the empress master Liu Chan, and ate a Shocked, he hurriedly knelt down on the ground and said, "I deserve ten thousand deaths!" The master Liu Chan quickly helped Zhuge Liang up, and said: "Now Cao Pi mobilized the five-way army to attack the border of our country. The situation is very critical. Aren’t you going out at home?” Zhuge Liang laughed loudly, helped the master Liu Chan into his bedroom, and then said to him: “Cao Pi’s five armies are nothing, I have already repelled four armies in a row.” The Empress Liu Chan didn't believe it, and asked Zhuge Liang how he repelled the enemy.

Zhuge Liang said: "The first emperor entrusted me with an important task. How dare I neglect the slightest bit. None of the Chinese, Chinese and military officials in the court understand my method of using troops. The mysterious part of my military method is to keep others from knowing the real situation. Come to the court, Chinese and military officials. Seeing me, I was afraid that they would reveal this secret. I know that Ke Bineng, the king of Liaodong and Dongfan, led troops to attack Xiping Pass, but it is enough to have Ma Chao guarding Xiping Pass. Ma Chao's ancestral home is from Xichuan, and he has a high reputation among the Qiang people. , everyone calls Ma Chao General Shenweitian. I have already sent people to set off overnight and sent a letter telling Ma Chao to guard the Xiping Pass, ambush the four-way surprise soldiers, change positions every day, and use troops to resist. The enemy troops on this road don’t have to worry anymore. Nanban Meng Huo commanded an army of [-] troops to invade the four counties of Yizhou. Although it is mighty, there is nothing to fear. I have ordered Wei Yan to lead an army to fight from the left and enter from the right all day long. He didn't dare to act rashly because he couldn't figure out the details, and the enemy troops along the way didn't have to worry anymore. The rebel general Meng Da led the army out of Shangyong and attacked Hanzhong. There is nothing to be afraid of. Meng Da and Li Yan are life and death. Please, when I returned to Chengdu, I asked Li Yan to stay at Yong'an Palace, and I wrote a letter to Meng Da in imitation of Li Yan's handwriting. Meng Da would definitely refuse to send troops on the grounds of his illness. Don't worry about the army. If Wei general Cao Zhen sees that our army is standing firm and does not fight, he will automatically retreat soon. Don't worry about the four enemy forces I mentioned above. Only the enemy army of Dongwu Sun Quan is difficult to deal with. Soochow If Sun Quan saw that the other four armies were victorious, he would definitely send troops to attack. If the other four armies did not move, he would naturally stand still and wait and see what happened. Sun Quan hated Cao Pi for sending troops to attack him on the third line. This matter has always been in his heart, and he will definitely not obey Cao Pi's dispatch. Even so, we cannot take our guard lightly and neglect our precautions. All we need is an eloquent person to go to Soochow and tell Tell Sun Quan about the stakes. If you retreat the soldiers of Soochow first, what worries do the other four-way enemy forces have? But I have never found a suitable candidate, and I am still thinking about who to send to Soochow as an envoy. Your Majesty, why bother me with such a trivial matter!" Empress Liu Chan said: "The empress dowager also wants to see the prime minister. Now that the prime minister has said this, I understand. What else should I worry about?"

The Empress Liu Chan drank a glass of wine with Zhuge Liang.Zhuge Liang personally sent the latter master Liu Chan out of the prime minister's residence.All civil and military officials stood in front of the prime minister's mansion, and seeing the Empress Liu Chan happily walking out, everyone's faces were full of doubts.The Empress Liu Chan bid farewell to Zhuge Liang, got on the imperial chariot and returned to the palace.

Zhuge Liang saw one of the civil and military officials laughing up to the sky, and after a closer look, it was Deng Zhi, Minister of the Ministry of household affairs.Zhuge Liang left him behind.

Zhuge Liang invited him to meet in his mansion.Zhuge Liang asked Deng Zhi: "Now Shu, Wei, and Wu are three kingdoms. If you want to attack Wei and Wu, which country should you attack first?" Deng Zhi said: "My opinion is: Although Wei is a thief of the Han Dynasty, The power is quite large, it is difficult to attack, and we should deal with it slowly. The emperor has just ascended the throne, and the people's hearts are not yet stable. We should unite Soochow and become friends, and forget the enmity between the former emperor and Soochow. This is the long-term solution. I don't know. What does the prime minister mean?"

After Zhuge Liang heard this, he laughed loudly and said: "I have considered for a long time and have not found a suitable candidate, so I chose today." Deng Zhi asked: "What does the prime minister want this person to do?" Zhuge Liang said: "I want to send someone I am going to Soochow. Since you understand the meaning, you will be successful. This task must be completed by you.” Deng Zhi said: “I am not very educated, I am afraid I cannot take on this important task.” Zhuge Liang said: “I will play tomorrow Son, please go to Soochow to persuade Sun Quan, don't refuse."

Zhuge Liang made it clear to the later master Liu Chan, who approved Deng Zhi to go to Soochow.After Deng Zhi left, he went to Soochow.

Since Lu Xun of Eastern Wu repelled the Wei soldiers, Sun Quan, King of Wu, worshiped Lu Xun as the general of Fuguo and Marquis of Jiangling, and led Jingzhou as herdsman.From then on, the military power of Soochow was under the control of Lu Xun.Zhang Zhao and a group of civil and military officials began to play Wu Wang Sun Quan to change the year name, so Sun Quan changed the year name to the first year of Huangwu.

At this time, the envoy of the State of Wei rushed to Soochow to meet Sun Quan, king of Wu.Sun Quan received the envoy of Wei Guo.The envoy of the State of Wei said to Sun Quan: "Last time, the State of Shu sent people to our State of Wei to ask to send troops to attack your country. Our State of Wei did not know the truth for a while, and sent troops to offend you. Now we regret it. When you leave the Kingdom of Shu, the territory will be divided into half."

Sun Quan did not immediately reply to the envoy of Wei State, but asked Zhang Zhao and other counselors what should they do?Zhang Zhao said: "Lu Xun is smart and talented, you can ask him." Sun Quan ordered Lu Xun to return to the court.Lu Xun said to Sun Quan: "Cao Pi sits in the Central Plains, and he can't wait to attack Shuchuan; if he doesn't obey now, I'm afraid there will be resentment again. I know that there is no one in Wei and Dongwu who is Zhuge Liang's opponent. Promise that you are willing to send troops to respond, and make a decision after hearing about the progress of the other four-way soldiers and horses. If the Fourth Route Army and horses defeat the Shu army and Zhuge Liang cannot resist, our army will immediately dispatch and capture Chengdu first. This is the best strategy If the four armies are defeated by the Shu army, then we will make other plans." Sun Quan thought it was very good, so he followed Lu Xun's suggestion.

Sun Quan said to the envoy of the State of Wei: "Our army is not ready yet. As soon as it is ready, we will send troops to respond immediately." The envoy of the State of Wei said goodbye and returned.

Sun Quan learned that Xifan soldiers came to Xiping Pass, saw Ma Chao, and retreated without fighting; Nanman Meng Huo sent troops to attack the four counties of Yizhou, but was defeated by Wei Yan's suspicious tactics; Meng Da suddenly said he was sick and did not send troops; Kill Xiangyang Pingguan, but was blocked by Zhao Yun. Cao Zhen couldn't attack and had to withdraw his troops and return to the court.

After Sun Quan learned about the situation of the four armies, he said to the civil and military officials: "Lu Xun is really clever. Fortunately, he didn't send troops indiscriminately, otherwise he would have a grudge against Shu."

At this time, Deng Zhi, the envoy of Shu, arrived.Zhang Zhao said to Sun Quan, "This is Zhuge Liang's plan to retreat. He sent Deng Zhi to be a lobbyist." Sun Quan asked Zhang Zhao, "How should we deal with it?" Zhang Zhao said, "First place a big tripod in front of the hall, and the tripod Pour hundreds of catties of oil into the cauldron and set it on fire under the cauldron. After the oil boiled, choose a thousand ferocious warriors to stand on both sides of the cauldron. Each warrior has a big sword in his hand, and his demeanor must be majestic. Ask Deng Zhi to come to see the king Don't wait for him to speak first, first ask him if he wants to be a lobbyist like the ancient Li Shiqi, and then order your warriors to arrest Deng Zhi and see how he responds."

Sun Quan followed Zhang Zhao's strategy and ordered his subordinates to do it.When everything was ready, Deng Zhi was asked to come to the palace to see him.

When Deng Zhi saw Soochow put on such a formation, not only was he not afraid, but he even smiled and watched those warriors.

Deng Zhi walked in front of Sun Quan but did not bow down to Sun Quan.Sun Quan raised the bead curtain and shouted to Deng Zhi, "Why don't you worship me?" Deng Zhi also said loudly, "I am an angel of the upper kingdom, and I have never worshiped the king of a small country." , Do you want to be a lobbyist like Li Shi, do you want to enter the oil pot?" Deng Zhi laughed and said: "It is said that there are many talents in Soochow, but I didn't expect to be afraid of a scholar!" Sun Quan said angrily: " Why should I be afraid of you, a frail scholar?"

Deng Zhi said: "You are not afraid of me, so why do you say that I am like Li Shi as a lobbyist, and you want to throw me into the oil pot when you put the oil cauldron?" Sun Quan said: "I know you are a lobbyist sent by Zhuge Liang. I, Soochow, don’t want to unite with Wei, and don’t send troops to attack your Shu, right?” Deng Zhi said, “I’m just a scholar from Shu, and I came to Soochow to explain the stakes to the king. You put an oil Didn't Ding want to keep people away from thousands of miles away? You Soochow can't accommodate others at all, you are narrow-minded and have no tolerance!"

Sun Quan felt ashamed after hearing Deng Zhi's words, and hurriedly ordered to remove the oil cauldron, remove the warriors, treat Deng Zhi again, and give Deng Zhi a seat. How is it? Mr. Hope, tell me." Deng Zhi said: "Your Majesty is planning to make peace with Shu, or is he planning to make peace with Wei?" Sun Quan said: "I just want to make peace with Shu, but I am afraid that the Lord of Shu will Liu Chan is young and has little knowledge, so he can't do everything from beginning to end." Deng Zhi replied: "Your Majesty is a hero of today, and Zhuge Liang is also a hero of the generation; Shu has mountains and rivers, and Dongwu has Sanjiang. If the two countries reconcile, they will form an alliance forever. Then you can conquer the world if you advance, and you can divide the territory equally if you retreat without fighting. Now that the king surrenders to the Wei State, the Wei State will definitely ask the King to pay homage to the Lord of Wei Cao Pi. If the king thinks that what I said is wrong, I am willing to die in front of the king immediately, lest others gossip that I am a lobbyist." After speaking, Deng Zhi waved his sleeves and walked off. In the main hall, stride towards the oil cauldron.

Sun Quan hurriedly ordered his soldiers to hold Deng Zhi back, and invited Deng Zhi to the apse to entertain Deng Zhi with the etiquette of a guest of honor.

Sun Quan said: "Sir, what I said is exactly what I want. I will now join forces with Liu Chan, the lord of Shu, and form an alliance forever so that we will not invade each other. I hope that you will tell the lord of this important matter!" Deng Zhi said: "Just now I will be thrown into the The oil cauldron was your majesty's idea, and now it is your majesty's idea to ask me to make peace with the Lord of Shu. How can others believe that your majesty is capricious?" Sun Quan said, "I have made up my mind, sir, don't misunderstand and be suspicious. "

So Sun Quan, the king of Wu, kept Deng Zhi, summoned civil and military officials and said loudly: "I command the 81 states of Eastern Wu, plus Jing and Chu, but it is not as good as Western Shu. Deng Zhi in Shu has lived up to the expectations of Shu. Didn't anyone from Wu go to Shu to meet the king of Shu?"

At this time, a man stood up and said to Sun Quan, "I am willing to go to Shu." Everyone saw that it was Zhang Wen.

Sun Quan said again: "I'm afraid that if you go to Shu, you won't be able to explain what I mean." Zhang Wen said, "Zhuge Liang is also a human being, so I'm not afraid of him." Sun Quan was very happy and rewarded Zhang Wen heavily.Zhang Wenwen and Deng Zhi went back to Shu to represent Soochow to make friends with Liu Chan, the lord of Shu.

(End of this chapter)