It was immediately decided that Xu Shu and Ma Le would go to Jincheng first and act according to the opportunity to rescue Ma Chao. Liu Qi would mobilize troops from Hanzhong and be ready to respond at any time.
Liu Qi smiled and said: "The ancients said: People are not satisfied with their sufferings. Now that Longshang has been pacified, Shu will be focused on. Now that Shuzhong has been settled early, it is just the opposite. We want to pacify Longshang and then Guanzhong."
Pang Tong couldn't sit still anymore and said, "I've been feeling bored lately. Since the war in Guanzhong is about to start, why don't I go to Hanzhong to help Wen Chang."
"When sending troops this time, we should take advantage of the situation to send troops to Qishan, capture Longshang in one fell swoop, secure Xiliang, and stabilize Guanzhong. I am willing to do the hard work of dogs and horses."
Pang Tong was dissatisfied and said: "The Central Plains still need Kong Ming's mediation. Nanyang is indispensable without you. Don't compete with me for credit for the Guanzhong war!"
Liu Qi smiled and said: "You two don't have to fight. This time the troops are sent out of Qinchuan. It may take many years. The Hanzhong troops and horses are not enough. We also need to mobilize troops from Yizhou. I will go there in person. Jingzhou will be dispatched by my second uncle and the military advisor." Waiting for opportunities to enter the Central Plains is a safe strategy."
Pang Tong nodded and smiled: "Now that Jiangdong has become an ally, we have no worries. It is in line with Kong Ming's plan of dividing the world into three parts: General Guan will send the Jingzhou army to the Central Plains, and we will march out of Qinchuan from another route. Kong Ming got what he wanted, When the hegemony is about to be achieved, it is safe to guard Jingzhou."
Zhuge Liang sighed: "The Lord is worried about the labor of his ministers and the expedition. It is the responsibility of the general, but the general has to fight hundreds of battles in the south. We cannot share the worries of the Lord. Are we not being laughed at because I have no one in Jingzhou and no one in the Han Dynasty?"
Liu Qi smiled and said: "That's a bad statement. When it comes to internal political theory, no one in Jingzhou can compare with military advisors. Only if you sit in Jingzhou can I send troops with peace of mind. Ma Chao is unruly by nature, and Xiliang's people are not attached to it. I If you don't go there in person, it may be difficult to convince the public. Only by settling Qinchuan as soon as possible can we compete in the Central Plains."
Now there is only Han Sui in Xiliang, and only Xia Houyuan in Guanzhong. Cao Cao and Sima Yi are not here, so Liu Qi is confident that he still has the strength to fight.
Zhuge Liang's role was not only to be a military advisor, but also to take care of the rear and coordinate all political affairs. During this period in Xiangyang, Liu Qi was basically a hands-off shopkeeper.
If the positions of the two were reversed, Zhuge Liang would have made up for historical regrets by going to Qishan. Whether he could have done better than Zhuge Liang by staying in Jingzhou is another matter. Isn't that asking for trouble?
Zhuge Liang frowned and said: "General, when we go, we will divide our troops into two groups. One way, we will act according to the situation in Hanzhong, and the other way out of Qishan Mountain to pacify Longyou. Shi Yuan alone may not be able to separate himself."
Pang Tong smiled and said: "Don't forget that Fa Xiaozhi is still recovering in Lingling, and he is almost recovered now. The two of us will go together, but Kong Ming can relax."
Only then did Zhuge Liang nod his head and said: "If you follow the law with filial piety and uprightness, I have nothing to worry about!"
Liu Qi said: "Today, the situation in the Central Plains is treacherous. Only the military advisor in Nanyang can peel off the silk and cocoon to look for fighter opportunities. I think General Guan has been unable to restrain himself for a long time, and he still needs to be comforted by his husband. As the saying goes, the two civil and military officers have accumulated a lot of experience. Xianghe, when the troops are sent out, the world will be shaken and the situation will be reversed."
Liu Qi also knew that Zhuge Liang had been involved in managing domestic affairs since he came out of the mountain, from governing the people to enforcing laws, even opening up fields and making waterwheels, and he was praised for everything.
The only thing he has not really shown his talents in the military field is that even though he is indifferent and clear-minded, in the troubled times and everyone is making contributions, he is still a little impatient.
Zhuge Liang clasped his fists and said: "General, don't worry, Liang is not a man who is motivated by impulse. He will never take risks before the time comes. In the battle of the Central Plains, if you don't move, it will be over. If you move, Cao's army will be unable to fight back."
Liu Qi nodded and said: "Jingzhou has sufficient money and food, and the troops and horses are well prepared. The war in the Central Plains depends entirely on the planning and control of the military adviser. If you can ask Xun Yu to come out of the mountain before this and arrange the rear, you can send out all the troops and there will be no worries!"
Hearing this, Pang Tong laughed and said: "In the past, the general invited Wolong to come out of the mountain and visited the thatched cottage. I didn't expect that Kong Ming would have to visit the thatched cottage again today. God's way is so reincarnated!"
Zhuge Liang shook his head and smiled bitterly. Although Xun Yu was disappointed with Cao Cao's actions, he did not really tamper with him after all. If he was allowed to plan for Liu Qi again, he would be changing the hands of two ministers, and he did not want to ruin his reputation.
Liu Qi added: "Zhou Yu has secretly gone to Qu'a and is preparing to go north. He has entrusted me with the investigation of Sun Ce. The military advisers must also make full arrangements for this matter. When Sun Quan leads his troops north and Jiangdong is empty, the matter will be investigated as soon as possible. "
Zhuge Liang nodded and said: "General, don't worry, with Tai Shixiang in Jianye to provide internal support, and Gong Jin leaving people to provide support, this matter will definitely get to the bottom of the matter."
Pang Tong also felt sympathy for Zhou Yu and sighed: "Gong Jin and Sun Bofu worked together with the utmost sincerity and created such a great foundation. Just when they were about to develop their ambitions, they were destroyed by the villain's conspiracy. It is really a pity."
Zhuge Liang sighed: "Zhou Lang's literary and military strategy is magnificent, and he has the ability of Han Xin. If this matter does not interfere with it, he can rule the Jiangdong people and win the world. What a pity?"
Liu Qi nodded and said: "Although Sun Jian and his son were enemies with me, they served the country and pacified the territory. They were also heroes of the world. I didn't want to think about the Sun family's foundation. In the end, it was not because of the war that the heart failed, but because of the conspiracy, I missed the father and son." It is difficult for a person to close his eyes even when he is under the Nine Springs."
Liu Qi never thought that during a mission to Soochow, he would find out this shocking secret, which would completely change Soochow's destiny.
Zhou Yu no longer fully contributes to the Sun family's plans, and the entire Soochow has actually withdrawn from the struggle for hegemony and turned into a palace drama full of mysteries.
While sighing, Pang Tong smiled and said: "But now that Zhou Lang and Tai Shi Ci have returned to the generals, once the affairs of Jiangdong are found out, they can reap the benefits and take this piece of foundation into their hands. By then, Qinchuan will be decided, and the world will be divided into two parts. , enough to fight against Cao Cao's thieves and compete in the Central Plains, the day when the Han Dynasty will be prosperous is not far away!"
Liu Qi cupped his fists towards Zhuge Liang and said, "As a military advisor, I have the three important responsibilities of governing Jingzhou, plotting the Central Plains, and planning Jiangdong. Who else can I replace Wolong?"
Zhuge Liang also realized the great responsibility. He stood up and returned the courtesy and said: "I have earned the general's trust, but Liang was so frightened that he dedicated himself to death."
Pang Tong tugged at his beard and curled his lips and said, "Actually, Feng Chu is also qualified."
Zhuge Liang was startled: "It is better for Shi Yuan to take over the post of chief historian and biejia. Liang can lead the troops out of Qishan."
Pang Tong waved his hands lazily and said: "It's just that I'm used to being idle and don't want to get involved in mundane affairs. Kong Ming is cautious and cautious. He is a prime minister. He is only a military adviser, so he is overqualified."
"What kind of bird are you?" Zhuge Liang said with a smile: "You are obviously a phoenix chick!"
Pang Tong raised his eyebrows and said, "Kong Ming, are you swearing?"
Zhuge Liang shook his head and said: "Birds follow the phoenix and fly far away. Only mediocrity below the phoenix chick is considered an ordinary bird."
Pang Tong snorted. Although it was useful, he still felt uncomfortable in his heart.
It was rare for Liu Qi to see Zhuge Liang bickering, and he laughed on the sidelines. He also invited Yi Ji, Liu Xian, Mi Zhu, etc. to discuss matters, explain everything in Jingzhou, and select generals for the Northern Expedition.
When all the civil and military personnel saw this formation, they knew that a new war was about to start, and they all cheered up and worked hard.
The next day during the banquet, the defenders reported that Guan Yu had arrived in Xiangyang. Liu Qi hurriedly went out to greet him and asked, "Second uncle is training troops in Nanyang, how could he come uninvited?"
Guan Yu has studied the Spring and Autumn Period with Li Dian in the past two years, and has gained a lot of experience. His demeanor has become more calm and elegant. He cupped his fists and smiled and said: "Guan is here to visit you all!"
