Chen Gong's words immediately aroused opposition from others.
In several battles with Jingguo, Chu State did not take any advantage and suffered a lot of losses, which is enough to prove the power of Jingguo. Moreover, Jingguo is currently attacking Wei State instead of Chu State. Why should they spend Chu State's money and people? To help Wei Guo?
As a Jingchu nobleman, Kuai Yue must stand on the standpoint of a nobleman.
But he knew that Liu Bei was a hero, with the firm determination to dominate the world, unify the country, and reorganize the Han Dynasty. He also knew the truth of the death of lips and teeth, and he also knew that it would be very difficult to fight against Jingguo with the strength of Chu State, even if it was Even if you win, you will have to pay a huge price.
Compared with Jingguo and Wu, the latter is easier to bully.
Therefore, Kuai Yue said: "Your Majesty, I dare not agree with Prime Minister Chen's point of view."
Liu Bei frowned slightly and looked at Kuai Yue: "Tell me and listen."
"Your Majesty!" Kuai Yue said, "Everyone knows that Jingguo is strong and prosperous. Chu has fought many times with Jingguo, but has not achieved any benefits. If we go north to help Wei, how sure can we be of victory? The redeemer bluntly said that it is only 50% at most. And this 50% must be exchanged with the full strength of the whole country of Chu."
Hearing this, the other ministers began to whisper among themselves.
Kuai Yue continued: "I also know the principle of lip death and tooth cold, but this lip death and tooth cold only occur under the condition that the two countries rely on each other. If our country is strong enough, will we still be afraid of lip death and tooth cold? Therefore, in my humble opinion, It is better to march eastward than to rush Wei, and while Sun Ce is marching north to attack the Central Plains, make friends with Jingguo, use the whole country to march eastward, seize all thirty-six counties east of the Yangtze River, use the Yangtze River as the dividing line, and share the world equally with Jingguo!"
Kuai Yue's words were sonorous, powerful and resonant, echoing in the palace, attracting other ministers to nod and praise, mainly because this was in the interests of the nobles.
To rush to the aid of the Wei State, they would have to confront Jingguo head-on, and the price they would pay would be even greater. Even if they saved the Wei State, they would not get any benefits. They might as well capture the Thirty-sixth County of Jiangdong. By then, their family's land would be lost. They can expand with the expansion of territory. In this way, the country will become stronger and their goals can be achieved, getting the best of both worlds.
Chen Deng also supported Kuai Yue and said: "I second the proposal!"
Ministers from other families expressed their opinions one after another: "I second my opinion!"
It has to be said that Kuai Yue's strategy is impeccable. Compared with the powerful Jingguo, Wu State should be their best choice. Moreover, the main force of Soochow Wu has gone north to attack Wei State. In the thirty-six counties of Jiangdong, only Huang Fifty thousand people led by Gai defended the Yuzhang area.
Liu Bei pondered.
He was unsure about sending troops to confront Jingguo head-on, especially when Guan Yu and Huang Zhong, who had fought against Jingguo's army, reported back on Jingjun's reaction on the battlefield. Even if the main general died in battle, Jingguo's army would not be defeated because of this. This was very It's terrible.
In comparison, Wu State seems to be more suitable for them.
But he wanted to hear Chen Gong's opinion more.
So he asked: "Gongtai, Yidu and Yuanlong's intention is to attack eastward to capture Jiangdong. What do you think?"
In fact, whether to rush to aid Wei and whether to march eastward, Chen Gong made careful considerations on these two issues, and finally came to the conclusion that he should aid Wei first. Of course, there is a deeper meaning in this. It was said in the palace that after all, no one could guarantee whether there were officials bribed by Jingwu among the people present.
Chen Gong insisted: "How can Dongwu be unprepared for our army when it goes north? If it fails to advance eastward, it will delay the best opportunity to aid Wei and lead to the demise of Wei. After the Jing army annexes the Central Plains, they will attack us next." Take action, so..." He looked at other ministers, "Please think carefully, ministers, if the eastward advance fails and Wei is destroyed, how should we face the next Jingguo?"
The other ministers were silent again.
Liu Bei frowned and glanced at Chen Gong with his gray eyes. He felt that he did not mention the actual strategic purpose. After thinking about it, he stood up and said: "I am a little tired. Let's discuss this matter later! Retreat from the court!"
"Long live my emperor!"
The ministers retreated from the court.
Just after leaving the court, the ministers of the Chu State left the palace and walked in twos and threes. Chen Gong was thoughtful, his eyes were lowered and he was just walking forward. Suddenly a voice came out of his ears: "Prime Minister Chen, the emperor has summoned you at Hanlin Palace. !”
"Uh-huh?"
Chen Gong thought he heard wrongly, and raised his head in surprise. Then he saw clearly that the person coming was Liu Bei's personal eunuch Li De. He hurriedly said: "It turns out to be Eunuch Li. I'm so rude!"
Li De smiled apologetically: "What are you talking about! Please, Mr. Chen!"
As Li De came all the way to Hanlin Palace, the main door was open, and Liu Bei's voice came from inside. When he walked in, he found out that Kuai Yue and Chen Deng did not go back after leaving the court. They were summoned by the emperor and entered the door. , performed a great ceremony first, and waited for the emperor to give him permission to sit down, on the right hand side in front of the two people.
Liu Bei's expression remained as usual, "The three of you are the mainstays of Da Chu and my right-hand man. There are some things that are hard to say in the court. There are no outsiders here. Let's talk about it quickly!"
Kuai Yue and Chen Deng looked at Chen Gong.
Chen Gong was suddenly startled, and a ray of light flashed in his surprised eyes. From the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of Liu Bei looking at him expectantly. He immediately understood in his heart that his thoughts were probably those of the emperor, and the two of them might have coincided with each other. It’s done.
He lowered his voice and calmed down and said, "Your Majesty, Jingguo will share the acres of land, open roads and build canals, step by step, steadily, with a solid foundation and strong national power. Our army must not confront it head-on, otherwise, it will be defeated!"
This is completely opposite to what was said in the court just now.
Kuai Yue and Chen Deng were stunned.
Liu Bei had a calm expression on his face, as if he was expecting it, and smiled slightly: "Gong Tai's evaluation is fair, continue."
Chen Gong said: "Although Soochow has developed a lot under the leadership of Sun Ce, its foundation is weak after all. Three years ago, a war broke out that lasted for one year, which led to the loss of Wu's national power. Later, it purchased a large number of Jingguo's war horses have caused internal economic shortages. After just two years, Soochow is about to launch a war against Wei again, and may also face Jingguo. This is a sign of insufficient people's support!"
Chen Deng and Kuai Yue nodded in agreement.
"Then what do you mean by aiding Wei in the court today?" Kuai Yue asked.
Chen Gong laughed: "Of course it's confusing. If you want to advance eastward, you must do three things before you can break through quickly. Taking advantage of the enemy's unpreparedness is the first condition. Entering Soochow like a rabbit, you must not give Sun Ce any chance to react. This This is one; Zhou Yu's army is in the north of Yuzhang. It must wait until the battle of Wei comes to an end to force Zhou Yu to go north. At this time, it is our army's opportunity. This is the second one; the army is dispatched, and the navy goes first to burn the east. The Wu warships blockaded the Yangtze River, swept east of the Yangtze River, and besieged Jianye. These are the three things!"
After everyone listened, they suddenly realized.
Liu Bei smiled with satisfaction and said: "Gongtai's words are very much in line with my heart."
Chen Deng said: "Since it is to confuse the public, how can the soldiers and horses rushing to aid Wei be dispatched, and how can they deceive Wu's spies?"
Chen Gongdao: "This matter is simple, naturally: the fake show is real, and the real show is fake. It is true that the soldiers of the whole country went north, and it is true to fight against the Jing army. How can the Wu State not believe it? It's just that these fighting soldiers are not the main force. These troops and horses depend on the two prime ministers!"
Chen Gong is talking about the gentry tribe.
After Kuai Yue thought briefly, he said with a smile: "For the great Chu and the emperor, I am willing!"
"good!"
Liu Bei touched his palm and was delighted.
