Chapter 208: Eat the marrow and know the taste
There are two or three branches of peach blossoms outside the bamboo, which are prophets of the warmth of the spring river. ----------Song Su Shi's "Two Poems on the Spring River and Xiaojing of Hui Chong"
Speaking of the front line on the north bank of the Yangtze River in Jiangling, Chen Long, with his flying dragon horse and gentian silver spear, has been with Zhao Yun's army for many days. As long as Jiangxia surrenders and Huang Zhong's warship arrives, he will cross the river to fight, capture Jingzhou in one fell swoop and expel Liu Biao.
When he received a letter from Xi Zhicai that day, he learned about the changes in Jiangxia and the appearance of powerful enemies Sun Ce and Zhou Yu, which made Chen Long ponder. Just when Liu Biao came to envoy, Chen Long discussed the interests with several military advisors and made a decision in his mind.
Chen Long first wrote a divorce letter to Xi Zhicai, directly using a commanding tone. Although Xi Zhicai retreated resolutely this time and avoided heavy losses, strategically he gave up on the Yangtze River passage. He was too hasty and lacked persistence, resulting in his failure to cross the river as scheduled at Jiangling.
The wording in the letter was slightly harsh, and he ordered Xi Zhicai to immediately activate the navy after receiving his letter. Within 20 days, transport supplies to the southwestern coast of the intersection of the Xiangjiang River and the Yangtze River, set up a water fortress, and block the Yangtze River forcefully on standby. If Jiangxia naval forces block it and win at all costs, they must establish a base there, at least divide the Yangtze River with Jiangxia and open up the channel for warships to Jiangling. Otherwise, the only issue is the will to play. At the end of the letter, he encouraged Xi Zhicai and said: "I have always known that Zhicai's talents are not inferior to those of Fengxiao and Yuanzhi, so I entrust the third army to your Excellency. When Zhicai uses troops, he must not only seek merit, but also seek no faults. , we should sympathize with my strategic intention of going to the east of the Yangtze River after seizing Jingzhou, actively use troops, occupy key points, control the Yangtze River, and open up waterways. The Yangtze River natural moat, I have ordered Yang Huai to cultivate a navy and build large ships for several years, which is transforming the Yangtze River natural moat into a channel. Cut, cut, cut.”
Chen Long's order drew on the experience of Cao, Sun, and Liu in dividing Jiangxia in official history. Due to the confluence of many rivers and the complicated terrain of Jiangxia, it is very difficult to control the entire territory. This provides convenience for each force to reject one side. Chen Long decided to occupy the corner where the Xiangjiang River meets the Yangtze River and establish Luzhai and Shuizhai to control the Yangtze River. If Liu Biao does not surrender, Xi Zhicai's warships can go up the river to fight the Jingzhou navy, or they can transport the first army across the river to fight, or even go directly up the Han River to attack Xiangyang; if Liu Biao surrenders, they can go along the Yangtze River Next, cooperate with your own army to attack Jiangxia and go straight to Jiangdong.
After Xi Zhicai received the letter from his lord, he knew that his lord meant to blame him. He felt regretful and hurriedly reorganized the warship, loaded it with all kinds of weapons and supplies, and went out with Huang Zhong and Wei Yan to lead the army again. Xi Zhicai went there with great courage, vowing to wipe out the Jiangxia navy, establish water villages on the south bank of the Yangtze River and the west bank of the Xiang River, across the river from Queyue City, and develop the Yangtze River base.
After pressing Xi Zhicai's plan to launch military operations, Chen Long received a letter from Liu Biao, agreed to meet Liu Biao, and decided to attend the banquet alone. Early in the morning five days later, a medium-sized warship from Liu Biao arrived as promised. Zhou Cang carefully inspected the incoming ship and found that it was indeed ordinary sailors.
So he carried his lord's flying dragon gun on his back, and together with Lu Chang, he accompanied his lord on board the ship. The boat slowly sailed out of the river, watching the colorful clouds coming from the north bank of the Yangtze River.
The surface of the river is unusually open, with towering green mountains and deep still water. On both sides of the river, pink patches of spring can be seen. It is the spring breeze that turns the south bank of the river green again. Chen Long wore a blue-grey outfit sewn by his beloved wife Zhen Mi, a light-colored scarf knitted by his beloved wife Liu Qian, and a white jersey made by his beloved wife Diao Chan, with his beloved wife Tong Feifei under it. He wore black leather armor tanned by his own hands and warm boots made by his beloved wife Taohua. He stood on the bow of the boat and enjoyed the gentle breeze of the river and the beautiful scenery on both sides of the river. The sailors of Liu Biao's army had long heard about the name of Lingling Prefect, and rushed to see it. Seeing Chen Long's figure and appearance, they secretly praised him without mentioning it.
Caiyunji is a giant rock that naturally protrudes to the river surface. The stone is even flat. When viewed from the ship, it looks like a dark cloud crossing the river. The color of the water is reflected in the sun, and it seems to be surrounded by a colorful halo. It is breathtaking, so it is named Caiyunji. Ji. Ancient people have long discovered this excellent location for viewing the beauty of the river, and built several high-rise buildings behind the stone. From the building, you can enjoy the view of the river, and you can go directly to the stone and get close to the Yangtze River.
Caiyunji has always been a tourist attraction, where literati and poets like to recite poems and compose poems. However, due to the haze of war, it has become deserted. On this day, a group of guards blocked the street and prohibited traffic. There was only one luxury carriage, which drove straight in under the protection of more than a dozen guards. It did not stop until it was downstairs.
The man driving the car was dressed in casual clothes. He was tall, with thick eyebrows and a square face, and a serious expression. The big man got off the carriage himself and raised the curtain. Liu Biao, who looked tired, stepped out of the carriage and turned around to pick up a middle-aged woman. The big man held up his hands and called out: "Mother!"
The beautiful middle-aged woman was fair and wealthy, with vaguely charming features, but a hint of ruthlessness in her eyes. Liu Biao ordered the big man: "Degui, you and Su Fei go upstairs with me, and the others are waiting downstairs."
It turned out that this man in plain clothes was Cai Mao and Cai Degui, the commander-in-chief of Jingzhou. This time, Liu Biao brought Cai to come in person, hoping to be sincere and persuade Chen Long to release Liu Cong. When Cai Hao saw his second sister coming, he naturally took action in person to protect everything.
The four people hurried upstairs and saw that the second floor was facing Caiyunji. There was a stove in the foyer, and the room was full of spring. There were two rows of desks facing each other in the hall, and there were floor mats on the ground, making it easier for both parties to sit and negotiate.
Liu Biao nodded with satisfaction, lowered his head and coughed a few times. His health and mood have been bad recently. Cai Mao reached out and pushed open the door leading to Caiyunji. Cai and Liu Biao supported each other and stepped onto the stone surface of Caiyunji. When they walked forward to the end of the boulder, they saw only the same color of water and sky, flying sand gulls, majestic scenery and picturesque mountains and rivers. Liu Biao started coughing, his face turned red and his neck was thick. Cai quickly punched his back. Liu Biao recovered, raised his head and let out a long sigh.
Who would be willing to give away such a great country to others? Forced by the helpless situation, I am afraid I have no choice but to bow my head this time.
Su Fei pointed to a black spot on the river in the distance and said, "My Lord and Mistress, isn't that a warship coming?" Liu Biao and Cai looked far into the distance, and sure enough, a black spot upstream gradually expanded, revealing the word "Envoy" embroidered on it. The white sail is the envoy warship that brought Chen Long to Caiyunji.
Liu Biao simply did not return to Nuange, and instead watched the approaching warships from Caiyunji. I remembered that when I was in Luoyang in the past, with the help of General He Jin, I finally snatched the governorship of Jingzhou from Chen Long. Now I am forced to have no choice but to keep Jingzhou. What will happen to the family behind me and even the Cai family?
Cai Mao and the eldest sister of the Cai family are married to Huang Chengyan, a famous scholar. The last time the eldest brother-in-law came together with Pang Degong, he actually told secrets that Chen Long might be the Lord of the True Dragon. He advised himself to stop it and not to know it. Don't do it. Because of Liu Cong, Mrs. Cai naturally had pillow wind blowing every day. In addition, Liu Biao's health was deteriorating, and she really couldn't stand it.
As the warship approached, Chen Long stood on the bow and saw four people standing on Caiyun Ji. The person in front was tall and thin with a gray head, it was Liu Biao and Liu Jingsheng.
Chen Long deliberately wanted to show off his skills. Without waiting for the warship to dock, he turned around and took the silver gentian spear. He gently pulled out his body and jumped into the void. The warship was at least eighty feet away from Caiyunji, and it would be difficult for a god to jump over at a single rising and landing. Everyone couldn't help but hold their breath and watch attentively. Seeing Chen Long falling from a high altitude and getting closer and closer to the river, he suddenly saw the red dragon in his hand spit out and hit the river surface hard. It immediately surged up, the water mist transpired, and a thick water column rose like a giant dragon. , holding Chen Long straight up from the river to Caiyunji. Chen Long took a slight step forward, stepping onto the rocky ground with light clouds and gentle breeze. The water column just became the end of a strong crossbow and rained down on the river, just like falling rain, splashing a rainbow across the river.
Chen Long's dazzling appearance stunned everyone. Chen Long stood still, turned the steel gun, and the red dragon magically disappeared without a trace. Cai Hao nervously stood in front of Liu Biao and Cai Shi, looking at the young, handsome, tall and mighty opponent opposite him unable to relax.
Liu Biao coughed again, stretched out his hand to gently push Cai Mao away, and said hello: "Brother Wenlong, it's been three years since we parted ways in Luoyang. I feel so relieved to see that your demeanor is even better than before." cough."
Cai's eyes couldn't hide the look of admiration. It's probably hard for a woman to be stern when seeing an outstanding man, not to mention that Cai still wanted Chen Long. With a heavy weight, Chen Long inserted the steel spear on the stone smoothly, showing his superb skills. From then on, there was a Lingling Prefect's Gun Hole on Caiyun Ji, which became a tourist attraction thousands of years later.
Chen Long inserted the steel spear, spread his hands, and called to Liu Biao and Cai: "Brother Jingsheng, Sister-in-law Cai, Jiangling is so beautiful that it makes me inspired by poetry. It's a pity that brother Jingsheng wants to discuss work with me today. This is not a big deal." Does it ruin the scenery?" Tan Tan moved forward slowly and noticed that Cai Hao's muscles were tense.
Liu Biao looked at the handsome opponent across from him and said quickly: "Brother Wenlong is invited here today. The main thing is to have a drink and talk about Quanzi. Ahem, Jiang Xia's incident is just an accident."
Chen Long stretched out his hand to stop him and said: "Stop, stop, stop, since we are drinking and having fun, let's get drunk first before we stop and talk about old times." Liu Biao raised his hand to give way. Just as the warship was approaching, Lu Chang and Zhou Cang also jumped up. Going up to Caiyun Shiji, a group of people entered the Nuan Pavilion. Liu Biao and Cai were seated, Cai Hao and Su Fei were guarding them on the left and right. Chen Long was sitting opposite, with Lu Chang and Zhou Cang behind him. There were servants in the Nuan Pavilion, who served fine wine and dishes and then retreated.
Liu Biao raised his glass, thanked Chen Long for his trust, and said he was ill and drank a little. Cai couldn't hold it back and asked with a cry in her voice: "Excuse me, General Chen, but how is my useless Cong'er?"
Chen Long ignored Chen Long, and Zhou Cang shouted from behind: "If Huang Zu of Jiangxia does not surrender, Liu Cong will be executed soon." This sentence frightened Cai's face and changed drastically. Cai Mao glanced at Zhou Cang angrily, thinking that this big black man was so unlucky. present.
Chen Long stopped Zhou Cang, raised his glass and said: "This is my general Zhou Cang. Although what he said is rough, it should be so. You and I have an agreement first, and Brother Jing Sheng has a letter to prove it. It's just that this time I Come, of course I want to hear if your Liu Cong can't exchange for Jiang Xia, what else can you give me in exchange?"
Cai was dumbfounded immediately. She had no control over this matter, so she had to look at Liu Biao helplessly. After all, the interests of Cai and Liu Biao's family must be guaranteed. If the whole family is dragged down because of one Liu Cong, the clan members will never agree.
Liu Biao had no choice but to raise his glass and make another toast. After Chen Long finished drinking, he bit the bullet and asked, "Ahem, cough, cough, but what does General Chen want to change?"
Chen Long laughed loudly and said: "There is an idiom called "Eating the marrow to know the taste. I wonder if Brother Jing Sheng has heard of it. Since your second son can replace Jiangxia, I think he can also replace the entire Jingzhou, right?"
If you want to know what happens next, listen to the explanation next time.
