When Chen Deng stabilized Lu Bu, filled in the old holes and dug new ones.
The letters and decrees that Zhuge Jin asked the messenger to send to Guangling County also reached Guan Yu's hands.
In just two days, Guan Yu made all preparations before the troops set off.
The troop transport ship was polished to its best condition, the sails and rigging were finally inspected and renovated, and the weapons and armor were also in good condition.
It's just that he didn't bring much rations with the army, which was enough for a month at most - Liu Bei's side was not very rich in food, and it could only be said that the food shortage had just been resolved.
The messenger who had previously contacted Zhuge Xuan reported that Yuzhang County was not short of food rations for these thousands of people, and Zhuge Xuan had more food than fewer soldiers.
From this perspective, when Guan Yu went to help defend, he just had enough food to support his troops.
Sun Qian also made a special calculation for Liu Bei: If these four thousand people are raised in Yuzhang through the spring famine next year, Guangling will be able to eat about 20,000 shi of military rations.
After Guan Yu made all preparations, a messenger came to report that Liu Bei and Zhuge Jin were almost there. He did not fight for this day and a half, and chose to reorganize his troops and armor, meet with Liu Bei and Zhuge Jin before setting off.
On the afternoon of November 8, the canal boat Zhuge Jin and Liu Bei boarded finally arrived at Guangling, and Guan Yu greeted them directly at the Hekou Pier outside the city.
Liu Bei didn't have much to say. They had been friends for more than ten years, and Guan Yu could understand his elder brother's care with just one look.
On Zhuge Jin's side, Guan Yu was very polite and respectful, insisting on personally thanking him for the official position that Xu Du had brokered for him.
On the contrary, Zhuge Jin was made a little embarrassed: "Why are you doing this, Commander Yun? You have been leading the army for more than ten years, and you are already capable of commanding tens of thousands of troops. You are just a lieutenant in charge of Zhechong, and you just deserve the name. You Wasn't he already a captain?"
Guan Yu insisted and bowed to the end: "That's different. My original captain was actually my eldest brother's cousin, and the court did not actually award him. This time when my husband came to Beijing, apart from getting an official position for my eldest brother, I was the only one who got the title of captain. The third brother still has no actual assigned position. How can I not thank you for such kindness?"
Zhuge Jin: "How can you say that? Zizhong has actually become the governor of Donghai, and I have also become the captain of Pinglu. From now on, you and I will be regarded as colleagues, and we are both captains of the imperial court. I have never even led a soldier, so I am just like him." That would be even more shameful."
Guan Yu said from the bottom of his heart: "Although sir, although he does not lead troops, he is very capable of planning and calculating. He is more than enough to be a captain. He is no more brave than me."
In the end, Liu Bei couldn't stand it anymore and acted as a peacemaker: "Okay, okay, we are all brothers, why are you so polite? Yun Chang, one day you treat Ziyu like you are as indifferent to me, then you will It’s called treating each other with sincerity.”
Guan Yu then kept silent, and everyone drank three more bowls, and rewarded Guan Yu's soldiers with a meal of wine and meat, and then set off on their journey.
While Zhuge Jin was toasting his troops, he also took the time to inspect the ship and confirm that Guan Yu had indeed hid enough Yuan Shu's military uniforms and flags in the cabin as he requested, so that he could sneak across certain sections of the Yangtze River in disguise at any time. , then I feel relieved.
When Zhang Fei killed Lei Bo, he got hundreds of Yuan Jun's armors. Later, Guangling City was defeated. Yuan's troops in the city had no time to retreat, and at least a thousand people were captured.
Therefore, it is no problem for Liu Beijun to pick out two thousand sets of clothes that can be used to disguise himself as enemies.
On our way to Yuzhang, we have to pass through Lujiang County along the way to Jiangbei, which is Liu Xun's territory.
Although Liu Xun did not pay much attention to patrols in the dangerous places along the rivers and mountains, Danyang bandit Xu Qian was still entrenched in Ruxukou and other places.
These forces can also send thousands of river thieves to rob at any time.
Along the south bank of the Yangtze River, Danyang County in Yangzhou nominally belonged to Yangzhou at the time, but due to its rugged geography, it was not actually controlled by Sun Ce.
Zu Lang, a local handsome man, is also a Danyang thief. It is said that he has tens of thousands of followers, and is far more terrifying than Xu Qian in Jiangbei. Don't underestimate this Zu Lang. He has fought several battles with Sun Ce, and they have won and lost.
In other words, the Danyang County occupied by Sun Ce today is actually equivalent to all of Nanjing and most of Zhenjiang in later generations (except Liu Yao's Dantu County), plus the three Anhui "Wuma Chu" in Nanjing. The area is not large, but it only occupies the fertile plain land of Danyang.
In later generations, the four Anhui prefecture-level cities south of Wuhu, Xuancheng, Huangshan, Tongling, and Chizhou, are now the territory of Zu Lang, the "Jingxian Marshal".
Guan Yu's advance this time must be careful to guard against interception by the river bandit army. If necessary, it is also an expedient measure to disguise himself as Yuan Shu's army and cross the border close to the north of the Yangtze River.
Zhuge Jin personally made careful suggestions, checked for any omissions, and made sure that Guan Yu was not arrogant and took things seriously. Only then did he let the fleet set sail with peace of mind.
…
After Guan Yu sent troops, Liu Bei and Zhuge Jin each went back to rest to relieve their fatigue from the journey. They had nothing to say that day.
Early the next morning, while Liu Bei was still sleeping, Mi Zhu came to see him early, but he did not dare to be disturbed by anyone, and just waited in the back hall of the government office.
Liu Beichen had just washed up and dressed for business after half the time. Hearing that Mi Zhu had been waiting for a long time, he complained a few words to the attendants and hurriedly came out to talk to him.
"Why did Zizhong come here so early in the morning? Aren't you tired after three days on the boat? Why didn't you say something on the boat yesterday?"
Liu Bei was slightly surprised, thinking that something new happened last night and he had to talk about it early in the morning.
Mi Zhu said worriedly: "My lord, yesterday when Riyu and I were on the same boat, there were some things I shouldn't have said, and that's why I have endured it until today."
Liu Bei became more and more surprised: "Tzuyu and I have a close relationship. I treat him as a teacher. Why should I avoid him? Don't do this in the future!"
Mi Zhu sighed: "My lord, how could I not know this? I am convinced of Ziyu's merits and wisdom. But this time he went to Beijing to seek an official position, and sought peace for his uncle as the governor of Yuzhang, and for himself. The prison captain.
At only twenty-one years old, his official rank is already as high as that of Yun Chang. Moreover, his official position was already planned by Cao Cao before His Majesty called him alone. Apparently it was because of his young age that he could not be given a prominent position suddenly.
Judging from how much Ziyu is appreciated by His Majesty and Cao Cao, as long as he performs meritorious service against Yuan Shu in the future, he will definitely be promoted to a higher position within a year or two. When the time comes, will the lord be able to win over him if he relies on the conquests of General Zhengdong and Yangzhou Governor?
Moreover, Zhuge Xuan's Yuzhang County had more land and people than Guangling County. After the Lord asks Yunchang to help him pacify the entire Yuzhang County, will the Zhuge family become so powerful that they become the mainstay of the guests? "
Liu Bei changed his color slightly when he heard this: "Zizhong! Do you know what you are talking about? How can Ziyu be a person who covets wealth? I am in love with him, how can it be influenced by the rank of the nobles! Besides, we all serve as ministers in the same court and work together Why not support the Han Dynasty?
Even in today's troubled times... civil and military affairs often work together privately. But in the past, Liu Hou paid a visit to Emperor Gaozu just to help the King of Han, and Emperor Gaozu didn't take it seriously. Even if Tzuyu helped me in the first place, it was to help his uncle in the end, it was the right thing to do. Shouldn't he be closer to his uncle than Liu Hou to the King of Han? "
Liu Bei's words finally left Mi Zhu completely speechless.
After Zhang Liang became the Prime Minister of Han, he said when he first voted for Liu Bang, "I hope the King of Han can help the King of Han, so I came to vote for the King of Han." Liu Bang didn't mind.
Later, Zhang Liang helped Liu Bang tide over the difficulties and helped King Han regain his throne. Zhang Liang resigned and went to serve King Cheng of Han, without Liu Bang stopping him.
In the end, Han Wangcheng was killed by Xiang Yu, and Zhang Liang lost his master, so he returned to Liu Bang, and Liu Bang still made him the number one plotter.
If Mi Zhu tried to persuade him again, it would appear that Liu Bei was not as magnanimous as Emperor Gao.
He had no choice but to bite his lip and change his words: "I don't want the master to be jealous of you, but I just feel that I should treat him with kindness and kindness. I don't mean any harm."
Liu Bei felt relieved and patted Mi Zhu on the shoulder: "I was too harsh just now. Don't I know that you have good intentions, but there are just some things, so there is no need to worry...
Of course, whatever we can give, to give Tzuyu more benefits and make him privileged and honorable, is what we should do, but he doesn’t lack anything right now..."
Liu Bei was talking to himself, and suddenly his volume dropped, apparently thinking of something.
He looked at Mi Zhu again, and when he saw Mi Zhu's eyes evading in embarrassment, he knew that he had guessed correctly and realized Mi Zhu's true purpose.
Liu Bei thought about his words, patted Mi Zhu on the back, and said sincerely:
"Zizhong, I remember that more than a month ago, I told you from the bottom of my heart that my life was too strong for my wife and I declined your kindness.
But I also said that I appreciate this sincerity, and I will always regard your Mi family as relatives by marriage.
If you can find another good home for your sister, I will be happy to see it happen. After all, my concubine has just been found for more than a month, and she is recovering from the shock.
However, this matter needs to be discussed over a long period of time and tested slowly, not recklessly. Before Ziyu went to Xudu, when I was chatting with him, I occasionally mentioned that he had not yet started a family, but he seemed to be very resistant to talking about marriage before going away, saying it was unlucky, and I didn't know why.
Presumably, he is about to go to Yuzhang this time, and he will definitely think it is unlucky. He doesn't want to talk about it for the time being, and he will probably have to wait until Yuzhang comes back. "
After hearing this, Mi Zhu felt mixed.
On the one hand, he knew that Liu Bei would not marry his sister as his official wife. After all, he had missed the window of time when "Liu Bei's concubines were all detained by Lu Bu" and he could only be forced into a concubine, so why bother.
In the same way, Mi Zhu will not pay for her sister's 100 million yuan dowry - without the position of a head wife, who would pay so much money to be taken advantage of.
However, according to Liu Bei's words, he seems to support the Mi family in winning over the Zhuge family, and emphasizes that he will still accept the Mi family's favor, which seems good.
It's just that she doesn't know how to deal with Zhuge Jin, so Mi Zhu still has to think of a way.
…
Mi Zhu and Liu Bei were discussing secretly in the government office.
This morning in the Zhuge family was also not peaceful. It can only be said that every family has its own sutras that are difficult to recite.
Zhuge Jin returned home last night and immediately met with his stepmother and uncle to apologize for not being able to fulfill his filial piety after more than a month of separation. But because he was tired, he didn't talk too much with his uncle and just took a rest.
This morning, after breakfast, he remembered that he should settle his family affairs and prepare for going to Yuzhang to rescue his uncle alongside Guan Yu, so he ordered his servants to prepare to pack things and sort out the property accounts first.
Mrs. Song saw her son's strange behavior and knew that her son was determined to move the whole family, so she finally decided to sit down and have a good talk.
Mrs. Song asked sadly: "When you go to Yuzhang next month, do you plan to stay there for a long time? Aren't you going to come back when the war is over?"
Zhuge Jin was stunned: "Although Zuo Rong is not a famous general, he is good at deceiving people with lies and has many subordinates. Moreover, he may have colluded with the ancestor of Jingxian County (Xuancheng) and started fighting together. It is difficult to estimate the time. Of course, You need to be lenient to the enemy."
When Mrs. Song heard this, she once again took out the etiquette and ethics with a lonely expression: "In that case, how can there be any reason for a widowed sister-in-law to defect to her brother-in-law? If this could be done, our Zhuge family would not have to go south in two ways two years ago, and there would be no need for food. So much pain?
Then you can go to Yuzhang, and your uncle and I will live in Guangling. Since you are so valued by General Liu, the local officials will protect us properly. During the month before you went to Xudu, my daily life here was not lacking, so don't worry about it. "
Zhuge Jin then remembered that her stepmother had been suffering for two years in order to avoid suspicion. He knew he was in the wrong, so he tried to persuade her a few words, but Mrs. Song just told him not to worry about her.
Zhuge Jin could only sigh: "My parents are here, so I won't travel far away. I don't know how long it will take to finish the war. My mother doesn't want to go, so I can't fulfill my filial piety..."
Moreover, according to Zhuge Jin's plan, when he goes to Yuzhang, he will not come back after defeating Zuo Rong. There will definitely be some internal affairs matters in the future, as well as diplomatic operations to deceive Yuan Shu, which he needs to stay and deal with personally. I can't tell when.
According to the moral values of the Han Dynasty people, it is understandable that if you are very anxious to save your uncle, you will temporarily abandon your parents.
Once the crisis is over, it would be unfilial for you to hang out alone - unless, of course, there are other brothers staying at home to serve your stepmother.
Just like before, Zhuge Jin took on this responsibility, so Zhuge Liang and Zhuge Jun could follow their uncle.
Faced with the rigid filial piety of the Han Dynasty, Zhuge Jin had to think: How about dragging Zhuge Liang back to Guangling to fulfill his filial piety and replace himself...
However, just when he was trying to figure out this plan, Mrs. Song saw that her son was in trouble, and finally decided to show off her cards:
"Jin'er, I have suffered so much in the past two years and I have figured it out. Now that General Liu has lost most of Xuzhou, Langya County probably won't be able to get it back. Your biological parents have long been buried together and have been buried together. Neither am I." He must join in the fun and insist on returning to Langya to bury his bones a hundred years later.
Since you can do great things and settle down, I feel relieved and will go back to the Song family to set up a family. I can remarry freely in the future, and you don't have to be bound by filial piety. "
Zhuge Jin was shocked: "Don't force the mother! Could it be that the child has ambitions in all directions, which is why the mother has such thoughts... That is really unfilial!"
Mrs. Song quickly covered his mouth and told him not to think too much: "It's none of your business, I'm only twenty-six after all. This time you go to Xudu, I figured it out myself and voluntarily found someone to remarry.
In the past few years, I was only worried that you had not yet made a living and could not establish a family, and that was why I survived until now. Now that you have a bright future, what should I worry about?
You don't have to worry about being accused of forcing your stepmother to remarry. I've actually thought about it. You can let Axin establish his own business first and no longer be vassal to the Zhuge family, and then take me back to the Song family. In this way, even if you remarry in the future, you will only follow your brother's words after returning to your natal family, and it has nothing to do with you. Besides, it may not really be possible to remarry. "
Zhuge Jin didn't expect that his stepmother would think about so many long-term issues while he was away from home for a month.
Emotionally and rationally, of course, he would not stand in the way.
Zhuge Jin is a modern person with a more humane outlook on life, and he also feels that it is cruel for a young woman to remain a widow for the rest of her life, not to mention that the Han Dynasty did not have such a requirement.
But no matter what, the Song family raised him and his siblings for seven or eight years, and he must be grateful.
According to the filial piety of the Han Dynasty, if the Song family has lost its population and the Song family directly remarries as the widow of the Zhuge family, it will have a certain impact on Zhuge Jin's reputation. Some outsiders will say, "Is this boy unable to tolerate his stepmother?" ".
But fortunately, his uncle Song Xin is still here. As long as the Song family is allowed to establish its own business again and the widow is taken back to her parents' family first, there will be no problem with the Zhuge family.
Of course, no matter whether the Song family marries well or poorly in the future, it has nothing to do with the Zhuge family. The benefits or disadvantages of nepotism will be borne by Song Xin.
The Zhuge family also disdains relying on these potential nepotisms to gain benefits or connections.
On this issue, Zhuge Jin is still very upright. He may not care about his own future historical image, but he must maintain the perfect image of his second brother Zhuge Liang.
With the strength of the Zhuge family, they don't need to rely on any connections and can rise solely by strength.
Therefore, in order to avoid relying on facts, Zhuge Jin felt that it was better to hold a banquet and invite some prominent figures in Guangling to bear witness to his uncle's establishment of his own business.
Zhuge Jin also had to give some of the money that Liu Bei Mi Zhu gave him to his farm servants, as well as the treasures rewarded by the emperor, to the Song family as the starting capital for Song Xin to become independent.
In this way, outsiders will also praise Zhuge Jin for his benevolence and filial piety, and he can share so much family property with his stepmother who returns to her parents' home to repay the kindness of raising her.
From this perspective, it seems good to do this now.
Because Zhuge Jin is not very rich now, even if he gives all his family property to the Song family, he can quickly make several times that amount of wealth in a blink of an eye, which is equivalent to settling the matter with only two months' salary. .
If it takes a few more years for the Song family to make such a fuss, the Zhuge family may have accumulated tens of thousands of dollars by then. Even if they give out hundreds of dollars, outsiders will say, "He only gave out 100% of the family property." "A few points for the adoptive mother" sounds like it has a bad reputation.
"Since the mother has made the decision, the child should obey. The child and uncle will take care of the external matters." Zhuge Jin stood up and bowed, finally settling his worries.
…
Due to unexpected changes at home, Zhuge Jin had to fine-tune his recent schedule.
On Mi Zhu's side, after discussing with Liu Bei, he originally wanted to come and have a look. But when he learned that Mr. Ziyu's whereabouts were uncertain and seemed to be busy with important matters, he had no choice but to go back and wait for news.
On the other hand, Chen Qun and others have recently consulted relevant ancient books to straighten out the management method of working-for-relief, and also conducted on-site inspections of some issues related to people's livelihood in Guangling County.
Chen Qun took the collected information and asked Zhuge Jin's house for advice on how to plan the project, but he was also rejected.
Fortunately, Zhuge Jin didn't disappear for too long.
Just two days later, when everyone was anxious and suspicious, Zhuge Mansion finally released the news:
Mr. Ziyu has urgently purchased a decent house in Guangling City and presented it to his uncle Song Xin.
There will be a banquet tomorrow to celebrate the Song family's move and establishing their own family.
All the dignified civil and military officials in Guangling City received invitations from Zhuge Jin.
Anyone who is willing to support me is welcome to come to the banquet and bear witness.
——
PS: It will be on the shelves soon, so hurry up and finish writing some of the protagonist’s trivial household chores while it’s free, so as not to occupy everyone’s paid word count after it is released.
This chapter is relatively trivial and long, but there will be a second update today. It’s not the end of these 5,000 words. The rhythm of the second update will be normal. Please forgive me.
