After Zhuge Jin and Lu Su arrived at Chaisang, they first wrote to inquire about Jingzhou's situation. When they learned that Liu Qi was willing to turn hostility into friendship, they happily crossed the river.
When he arrived in Xiangyang, Zhuge Liang greeted his brother ten miles away, accompanied by Liu Xian. When he arrived at the government office, Liu Qi was already waiting at the door.
When they entered the house to see the ceremony, the two of them were amazed at the furniture in the room before they sat down. After they sat down, they were even more impressed. They were surprised to learn that Liu Qi had renovated it.
Lu Su sighed secretly, saying that Liu Qi was suppressed and endured the humiliation. He didn't expect to enjoy it so much.
After some pleasantries, Lu Su said: "The Sun and Liu families had a lot of disputes in the past, all because of Huang Zu. Now that Huang Zu is dead, Wu Hou is willing to resolve the grievances, fight against Cao's thieves, and protect the Han Dynasty. We have been specially sent here to communicate with each other on friendly terms.”
Zhuge Jin also said: "As the saying goes, it is better to resolve enemies than to make enemies. Since the general is a nobleman of the Han Dynasty and inherits the ambition of Uncle Liu, he should put the overall situation first!"
Liu Qi clasped his fists and said: "Everything happened because of the lack of power and the treacherous ministers who rebelled against power. First there was Dong Zhuo and then Cao Cao. If there were no such powerful traitors controlling the imperial court, how could there be wars and enmities? My father has always been kind and unwilling to do so. Fighting, since Wu Hou is willing to put aside his grudges, I am happy to hear about it."
Liu Xian said with emotion: "General Polu died due to a power struggle, and there are still descendants to avenge him. Who will uphold justice for those generals, soldiers, and even innocent people?"
From the fight between Liu Biao and Sun Jian, to Sun Ce and Sun Quan's repeated attacks on Jiangxia, the two sides were incompatible with each other. He had experienced many wars personally, and never imagined that one day the two families would shake hands and make peace.
Liu Qi also put on a deep expression and said slowly: "When things prosper, the people suffer; when they die, the people suffer."
Zhuge Liang paused slightly while shaking his feather fan. Liu Qi made another wise comment since the last time he left a letter in the thatched cottage.
In fact, after meeting with Liu Qi, Zhuge Liang felt that Liu Qi did not look like an enlightened person, and even often spoke vulgarly and seemed a bit superficial. He once speculated whether there was someone with expert guidance on the letter, but he never found any evidence.
Today, I heard him say these wise words again. Although they are just a few words, they go straight to the root. If you don’t have a big heart that cares about the world and cares about the common people, how can you have such high opinions?
"Could it be that the eldest son has returned to his true nature?" Zhuge Liang's eyes were slightly glaring. The closer he got to Liu Qi, the less he could see through this person.
Lu Su and Zhuge Jin on the side were even more convinced and praised Liu Qi, but for Liu Xian, he had heard these golden words a lot and was no longer surprised.
Lu Su said: "The king is not at peace, and the people are hanging upside down. Since the general has this mind, he must eradicate the evil rebellion as soon as possible and stabilize the people. Wu Hou has a sister who is about the same age as the general. She wants to get married forever and work together to defeat Cao Cao, but he doesn't know the general. how about?"
"Wu Hou's sister?" Liu Qi was surprised, "Could it be that Sun Shangxiang?"
Lu Su was also a little surprised: "The general actually knows the lady's name?"
"Uh... this," Liu Qi said with a dry smile: "I have heard for a long time that Miss Sun does not imitate women's beauty, she is good at using swords and guns, and she is not inferior to women, so I have heard a little bit about it."
Liu Qi never expected that due to a strange combination of circumstances, Sun Shangxiang would have to take over the offer himself.
When he first planned to replace Liu Da'er, he only had a crush on Guan, Zhang and Zhao, but never thought of taking over his wife.
Although Sun Shangxiang and Liu Bei are not on the same page now, she was Liu Bei's wife in history, and happiness came too suddenly.
Everyone saw Liu Qi's expression changing, sometimes happy and sometimes worried. They didn't know what he was thinking. Lu Su and Zhuge Jin became excited. Could it be that Liu Qi was frightened?
Zhuge Liang first smiled and said: "Since Wu Hou knows that the eldest son is about to get married, and is willing to marry his sister, he must not mind being a concubine?"
Zhuge Jin nodded and said: "The general is a golden branch and a jade leaf. He also worships the general of chariots and cavalry and is granted the title of Marquis of Xiangyang. How noble he is. The two of them are worthy of each other."
Lu Su stared at Liu Qi's face and asked anxiously: "What do you think, General?"
Liu Qi came to his senses and asked, "I'm about to get married. If I agree to the wedding, I'm afraid that the Xi family will be displeased and others will laugh at me. If I don't agree, it will be a waste of Wu Hou's painstaking efforts, which will make me embarrassed."
Lu Su became anxious when he heard this and said hurriedly: "Although the young lady has some martial arts skills, she is just a showman. She has been taught by Mrs. Wu since she was a child. She is also well-educated and very beautiful and virtuous. General, don't doubt her!"
Liu Qi is now the lord of Jingzhou. He is a chariot and cavalry general and holds a high position. Why would he care about what his wife's family says?
These words seemed to make sense, but in Lu Su's view, it was because Liu Qi was dissatisfied with Sun Shangxiang's sword-wielding and spear-playing, and was deliberately trying to shirk the situation.
Zhuge Jin also spoke up and said: "Sun and Liu are united. Only when the two families join forces with the Qin and Jin Dynasties can the Cao thieves dare not face the south of the Yangtze River again. This is a matter of state. General, please put the overall situation first."
Liu Qi thought for a while and asked: "Marriage matters require the order of the parents. I wonder if Mrs. Wu will agree?"
Lu Su said with a smile: "Mrs. Wu loves young girls very much, and Marquis Wu is the most filial person. If we don't discuss it with the old lady first, how dare we make a mistake and say it? Isn't it ridiculous?"
It seems to be different from Zhou Yu's design of Liu Bei. After all, Jingzhou belongs to his family, Sun Quan has no chance to get involved, and there is no need for Zhou Yu to dwell on it.
Now Liu Qi is stronger than Liu Bei. I dare not say that he is stronger than Soochow, but he is enough to compete.
At this time, everyone in Soochow focused on self-preservation and stability. If they plotted to frame Liu Qi, wouldn't they be destroying themselves?
Even Wu Guotai agreed to this matter, which shows Sun Quan's sincerity. This is the attitude of the enemy that is determined by strength.
Liu Qi looked at Zhuge Liang and saw him nodding slightly and said: "You two will stay in the hotel for the time being. I will discuss it with my family and hold a banquet in the future. I will give you an answer."
Lu Su clasped his fists and said, "I had many conflicts with Liu Mu in the past. If it is convenient, I would like to visit him and apologize for Marquis Wu."
Liu Qi smiled and said: "Everyone has their own opinions, sir. There is no right or wrong. If two families get married in the future, there will be countless days of drinking and talking!"
Lu Su breathed a sigh of relief, bid farewell to Liu Qi, and sent Liu Xian back to the hotel to rest.
Zhuge Liang invited Lu Su to his home for a banquet, but Lu Su declined politely and agreed to visit him another day.
Zhuge Jin must have a lot to say when he reunites with his brothers and sisters after a long absence, not to mention that Zhuge Jin has to persuade Zhuge Liang that it is unnecessary for him to go there alone.
I was sitting bored in the hotel post when I saw someone coming in and saying, "I am Zhang Wei. I have been ordered by the eldest son to come to serve you. If you have anything to do, just give me your orders."
It was not convenient to eat or drink during the banquet just now. Lu Su also wanted to see how the people in Xiangyang were doing, so he asked: "Is there a good place to have a drink in Xiangyang?"
"If you want to have wine and entertainment, Shuiyunjian is second to none!" Zhang Wei's eyes flashed and he said with a smile: "Not only are there fine wines, but there are also many delicious foods, as well as countless beauties and dancers. The black pearls from South Vietnam are the best in the world. Guaranteed to give you an emperor-like enjoyment..."
"Shut up!" Lu Su was displeased and snorted coldly: "How can I, Lu Su, be a drunkard and a womanizer? I just want to appreciate the character of Xiangyang."
"Yes, yes, you are too talkative!" Zhang Wei lightly slapped himself in the face and said with a smile, "Sir, feel free to wander around. All the expenses tonight will be paid for by the eldest son."
