Different from the tense atmosphere on the north bank of Mian River, as the Wu-Shu coalition captured Liu Biao's remnant army and gradually occupied most of the strategic locations in Hannan, the peaceful scene of the past began to reappear in Xiangyang City.
May is when the rice is about to ripen. In the pouring rain, in the large paddy fields south of Xiangyang City, the spectacular sight of rice ears hanging low like clouds can be seen everywhere.
Although it was not yet fully ripe, in order to prevent the rice ears from sprouting during the heavy rain, farmers in Nan County had to start harvesting the rice in the rain and were unable to return home sooner or later.
Just looking from a distance between the streets, the human figures are looming among the piles of rice, looking very small and weak. It is difficult to imagine how the Han people of the third generation made their way here to open up the mountains and forests.
Liu Fan, the king of Shu, was looking down the mountain from afar on the mountain road. He vaguely saw the figures of farmers working as hard as ants. He felt solemn and emotional for a moment, and sighed: "It is said that the world is vast and the world is precarious, but how can the country be established? It is all because our people cannot survive. Rest." When Zhang Song, a farewell chariot from Yizhou, heard this, he immediately echoed and praised: "Since ancient times, the common people have only asked for food and drink from a basket to support themselves. However, in the current season of the Ji Dynasty, the late emperor has been in chaos and has no owner of the sacred weapon, which has led to the ruin of the people. It’s really a pity that people are hanging upside down! Fortunately, His Highness cares about the people and is kind. If Chi County can be unified, it will be a blessing for the people." Liu Fan laughed when he heard this, waved his hands and said, "Ziqiao has been praised too much, why should I deserve it? ?" He then turned his gaze to the top of the mountain and couldn't help but admired: "The Xian Mountain we are climbing is a famous mountain. It is said that it was here when King Zhuang of Chu aspired to conquer the Central Plains." At that time, the disputes in the Spring and Autumn Period, and the feudal princes competing for hegemony, suddenly emerged. Countless heroes emerged, the most prominent of whom was King Zhuang of Chu.
In his early years, he kept a low profile and bided his time. Later, he worked hard and went north to compete with the Jin Dynasty. He lost two times and won two, and finally became hegemonic.
During this period, he deployed troops in the suburbs of Luoyi, which aroused the fear of King Zhou Ding, and then sent the official Wang Sunman to the Chu State.
After the two met in Xian Mountain, King Zhuang did not ask about the scenery and talents of the Central Plains, but only asked about the importance of Jiuding. Wang Sunman knew that he meant to replace Zhou, but he still had the spirit to answer: "The country is strong, but virtue is not in Ding. If Xia Jie did not cultivate virtue, Jiuding would be lost to Shang Tang. If Shang Zhou did not cultivate virtue, Jiuding would belong to Zhou Wu. The king is not seeking hegemony now, but he wants to seize Jiuding by force. Can he really hold it?" King Zhuang laughed when he heard this, and immediately ordered his troops to withdraw to relieve the siege, and turned to seek hegemony. Soon he drank the Yellow River and claimed to rule the Central Plains, silencing the world. .
Nowadays, when people go back to the old road and think about the ups and downs of their old friends, how can it not inspire people to imitate the heroes?
The group continued to climb. They were walking on a path made of stone slabs. Due to the continuous rain, much of the soil on the mountain path had been washed away, revealing the smooth stone surface. Along the road, grass was in full bloom, and leaves and clouds were luxuriant, making it very windy. There is always a fragrance of grass and trees floating in the air.
Everyone just walked from Thousand Thousand Mountains to Zigai Mountain. Zigai Mountain is also known as Pipa Mountain because of its momentum like a lute. It is also called the Three Hyeon Mountains along with Qianwanshan Mountain and Hyanshou Mountain.
The neck of the pipa is said to be the place where the great god Fuxi fell. Therefore, the local people built a Fuxi Shrine here, which is Liu Fan's destination today.
Liu Fan saw from a distance that there were more than a hundred soldiers standing in front of the shrine, all wearing swords and armor, and he knew that Sun Ce had arrived first. He smiled at everyone and said, "Sun Bofu is worthy of being from the Wu family. Even the clear valleys and secluded forests can't eliminate his fierceness." You have the spirit of Jin Ge." The entourage wanted to agree, but after taking a few steps forward, he recognized Huang Gai, Han Dang, Zu Mao and other famous warriors among the soldiers, and was immediately frightened by their power. Don't know what to say.
Liu Fan was followed by about eighty people. In addition to a group of soldiers and literati, there were also military men accompanying him.
Therefore, he ordered the others to stop at the door, and he only took four people, Zhang Liao, Gan Ning, Huang Quan, and Zhang Song, inside.
The layout of the ancestral hall is simple. In addition to the main hall, there are also three side rooms for travelers to come and go. Sun Ce was standing in the main hall at this time, looking up at the two-foot-high Fuxi statue in the center. He was accompanied by Deng Dang, Lu Su, Liu Ye, and Wu Fen.
Hearing the footsteps outside the door, he turned his head and looked back. When he saw Zhang Liao and Gan Ning, two brave young men, his eyes showed a little appreciation.
Then he returned his gaze to Liu Fan and saluted him. This was the first meeting between the two. Although the two armies had previously jointly marched north, Zhou Yu was actually the commander-in-chief, and Sun Ce appeased and suppressed the formation in Xiling.
Now that the overall situation has been decided, Sun Ce came by boat to discuss the details of the future alliance with Liu Fan. The two of them had been sending envoys to each other before. When they met for the first time, they couldn't help but look at each other's appearance.
Sun Ce was in his early thirties at this time, an age when his energy had not faded and his experience had accumulated. In addition, his appearance is extremely handsome. From a distance, he looks like a jade mountain reflecting the snow, and up close, he looks like a sword hiding its edge. He already has a restrained and reserved demeanor that shows off his brilliance.
Liu Fan was a little older, over forty, but his demeanor was extremely calm, and every word and action seemed to have profound meaning, which gave Sun Ce the impression that he was in an abyss and didn't know where to stop.
After the two exchanged pleasantries, they sat across from each other in front of the Fuxi statue and got straight to the point, talking directly about the recent arrangements of the two armies.
Now the Shu army has controlled Green Forest Mountain to the east of Xiangyang and Atou Mountain to the west. With these two mountains as a shield, it is enough to stabilize Xiangyang's defense line.
Wu Jun also occupied Wusheng Pass, Pingjing Pass, and Jiuli Pass between Tongbai Mountain and Dabie Mountain, blocking several roads between Jingzhou and Yuzhou.
It can be said from this that the rule of the two armies over Jiangxia and Nanjun counties has been stable. The only thing to worry about is that Suixian County has been controlled by Chen Chong at this time, and Du Ji has been assigned to garrison with 5,000 soldiers and horses.
Suixian County is located between the Tongbai and Green Forest mountains, more than a hundred miles away from Xinye, but the terrain is extremely flat. With the speed of cavalry, it can be reached in one day.
Now the Western Dynasty is obviously aware of the danger of this place and has been strengthening the fortifications in Suixian day and night. As long as Fancheng and Suixian are in hand at the same time, the Western Dynasty can curb the northward expansion of the Wu and Shu armies.
At this time, Liu Fan and Sun Ce were satisfied with their new acquisition of large tracts of land, so they had no intention of competing with the Westerners for the time being. Instead, they planned to go south and integrate Jiangnan.
The two armies had a secret agreement before the war started. The Shu army got the three counties of Nanjun, Wuling and Lingling, while the Wu army got the three counties of Jiangxia, Changsha and Guiyang.
The two met here mainly to reaffirm their previous alliance to avoid friction between the two countries. On the other hand, the two also wanted to take this opportunity to discuss the future development of the situation.
Especially now, after the Western Dynasty defeated the Eastern Dynasty, it has gradually begun to control the world. This undoubtedly makes Wu Shu feel uneasy and has to prepare for a rainy day.
Liu Fan said: "The report came from the north, saying that Cao Cao has been delaying going south to send aid, so Puyang has fallen. Among the counties in Yanzhou, only Taishan County is still in the hands of the Eastern Dynasty. Liu Bei is going to pursue and fight! I see. If this continues, Cao Cao won't be able to survive for another five years." Sun Ce raised his eyebrows slightly when he heard this. He could tell that Liu Fan had a plan in mind, so he waited for his next step.
Liu Fan then said: "Now that Jingzhou has been leveled, you and I are inseparable from each other. The so-called advancement can help the world, and retreat can stand on its own feet. This is the general trend of the world. But if you want to bend your knees and serve the north, Liu Bei will use Chen Chong's plan. If he wins someone, he will not allow us to be called a vassal. At that time, if the sun cuts and the moon cuts, if Qin pacifies the six kingdoms, will that be what you and I want?" Sun Ce had already heard some of the meaning, and he said unhurriedly: "Your Highness, you want me to fight against the Overlord together with Your Highness! It's just that I have a nephew-uncle relationship with Longshou, and all my titles were given by the imperial court. If I meet him in battle, I'm afraid I will be criticized by the world!" The voice said! As soon as he fell, Liu Fan laughed loudly, waved his hands and said: "Liu Bei and Chen Chong, named Zhongxing Sheji, are actually thieves of the country. Eight years ago, the emperor ordered Lu Bu to fight against thieves with me at the same time. It is known to the whole world. Could it be that Wu Hou is not Have you forgotten? You and I are ministers of the late emperor, what do we have to do with Liu Bei?" Speaking of this, Liu Fan paused and pretended to be mysterious and whispered softly: "Besides, in the past two years, I think Liu Bei will definitely be crowned king. , by then, righteousness will be on your side and mine." Sun Ce was indeed a little moved when he heard this, but he did not reveal it in his words. Instead, he continued to ask: "In that case, His Highness plans to go north to King Qin. But I don’t know how to arrange it?" Liu Fan stood up and asked Zhang Song, who was accompanying him, to untie the long baggage, and it turned out to be a rolled-up map.
Liu Fan and Zhang Song unfolded the map, and Sun Ce took a closer look. It turned out to be a map of Wei and Luo describing the geography of Sizhou in detail.
Liu Fan pointed to the various passages in the Qinling Mountains and said: "The roads in the Qinling Mountains are extremely dangerous. We can only make surprises, but it is difficult to compete for a long time. In the seventh year of Yanxing, our troops came out of the plank road and almost captured the third auxiliary, but fell short. Over the past few years, , Chen Chong also has two palaces in the southwest, and the high forts and passes are already difficult to conquer. Now it is impossible to fight for hegemony from here." Then he moved his finger to the Nanyang area, clicked and said: "Therefore, I plan to go north next year. Cross the Mian River, take Wancheng and Luyang directly, and end at Kunyang. With Funiu Mountain and Waifang Mountain as barriers, we can defend according to the danger. Then I will send troops from Wuguan into Qin, following the example of Emperor Gaozu in entering the pass. road." At this point, Liu Fan raised his head and looked directly at Sun Ce, and asked with a smile: "What does Wu Hou think of my plan?" Sun Ce patted the hilt of the sword at his waist, calculated the strength of both sides in his mind, and said: "The imperial court The troops and horses are twice as many as those in Shu. Even if His Highness expands tens of thousands of troops from Jianghan, if he wants to go north to defeat Longshou, is it just a dream?" Liu Fan clapped his hands and said, "That's why I want to do great things together with the Marquis of Wu. As long as I go north At this time, Wu Hou's troops came out of Huaibei to attack Heyin and Runan, causing the Bafu to worry about one thing and lose the other. If they can't have both, are they afraid of not getting anything?" At this time, Sun Ce understood Liu Fan's intention. He stood up and walked back a few steps, feeling that it was true. Somewhat feasible: If Liu Fan really wanted to compete with the Western Dynasty, he would attack the key areas of the imperial court such as Heluo Sanfu. The Bafu would have to respond with heavy troops. If he attacks Yuzhou, he will only have to deal with partial troops. Obviously Easier to succeed.
But will the new King of Shu keep his promise? Sun Ce turned his attention to him and couldn't make up his mind for a moment.
After all, in troubled times, loyalty, filial piety and trustworthiness have become as low as a straw dog. Didn't he also betray Yuan Shu and get a corner of Yangzhou?
Unexpectedly, Liu Fan saw what he was thinking, stood up and said proactively: "I heard that Wu Hou still has a little sister waiting for his wife, and my second brother Zhong Yu is newly widowed, why not get married? I am willing to send her to Yangzhou to consolidate the family. It is a good alliance between the two countries." If the hostages are related by marriage, it would also show Liu Fan's sincerity.
This sentence dispelled Sun Ce's doubts, and he immediately agreed to send troops and get married, which concluded the Xianshan meeting.
On the way down the mountain, the rain has not stopped, but it cannot cover the beautiful scenery between heaven and earth. Sun Ce looked at the undulating mountains and forests from a distance, and his chest was filled with thousands of emotions. He couldn't help but stand in the mountains and thought to himself: My father often said during his lifetime that when a man is born in the world, he should aim to make a name for himself in the nine states. If I separatist power in the southeast for the rest of my life, what will happen? What does a hero do?
