Chapter 288 Liu Yu of Youzhou
Hanging a hut to guide the boat, loving the people like a son, blowing flowers and following the water, bowing to the end of his life. ---------couplet
It is said that Chen Long and his party, wearing bright clothes and angry horses, mingled among the people of Yuyang in a high profile, attracting the attention of the people. With sharp eyes, Chen Long caught a glimpse of Guan Yunchang's green shirt and saw him staring blankly at Zhen Mi. He thought that even a true hero like Wu Sheng had a chivalrous heart and a tender heart, and it was inevitable that his children would love each other. Suddenly, he felt two icy cold eyes coming from a short distance away, causing goosebumps to rise on Chen Long's skin. Chen Long turned his head slightly, and it turned out that the person observing him was Liu Bei, a white-faced and gray-clothed man with a black beard.
Liu Bei's cold gaze showed a familiar look of thinking. Chen Long hurriedly pretended to be nonchalant and turned his head sideways. Sure enough, he caught a glimpse of Zhang Fei, who was dressed in black and looked very strong.
Although Chen Long pretended not to know Liu Bei, his eyes met Liu Bei's intentionally or unintentionally. Liu Bei suddenly smiled and his eyes turned warm. Chen Long was shocked and said, this Liu Xuande was pretending, and his cold nature was instantly covered up and revealed again. With that enthusiastic gentleman and frank look, I don’t know whose heart he is trying to win over.
Chen Long also pretended to smile, and nodded to Liu Bei with a smile. As expected, Liu Bei came over and bowed and said: "Your Excellency, you are very familiar with me. I seem to have known you before, but I can't remember it. I am Liu Bei and Liu Xuande."
Chen Long dismounted hurriedly, pretending to be flattered and said: "It turns out to be Uncle Liu Huang! I'm clumsy-eyed, please forgive me! My surname is Long, my name is Zhu, and I'm from Qiongya, Jiaozhou." The two chatted for a few words, but neither could see through the depth of the other. Guan Gong and Zhang Fei also came over. Zhang Fei was polite, but Guan Yu was a little lost, wondering if he was attracted by Zhen Mi's beauty.
Meeting Liu Guan and Zhang in a hurry on the street was an unexpected encounter, but Chen Long was secretly wary that this Liu Bei was by no means a weakling with low martial arts skills. He must be a master of swordsmanship based on his murderous eyes. However, the city is deep and hidden, its attitude is kind, and its emotions and anger are invisible, which is even more frightening and confusing.
After Tian Yu returned, the news that Gongsun Zan was coming to Yuyang soon spread quickly, and only then did Liu Bei and General Guan and Zhang realize that the dragon ball they met on the road that day turned out to be Xu Jing's disciple. General Guan and Zhang didn't think much about it, but Liu Bei felt like an ant on a hot pot. He relied on his reputation and wanted to show off his fine style every day. Now he has Xu Jing's disciple and he wants to start a new business again. Yuedan comments, it is really necessary to sharpen one's head. But every time Guan Yu squinted his phoenix eyes, as if he was looking for someone's silhouette, but he never saw it, and he couldn't hide his disappointment.
Liu Bei immediately became energetic after visiting the thatched cottage three times, and took Guan Zhang to Chen Long's inn every day. Chen Long didn't have time to put on makeup all day long, so he received Liu Bei for tea in the Xuan Hall. During this period, we didn't have much to say. We just talked about the state of the world and made some salty remarks. At this time, Gongsun Zan led a large army to Yuyang, and rumors that Gongsun Zan wanted to attack Yuan Shao's territory finally spread.
Just before Gongsun Zan was about to summon Longzhu, a middle-aged man, dressed in a salesman's uniform, quietly left Yuyang City and headed north. This person was originally Tian Yu's superior, named Xian Yufu, and he was originally a subordinate of Liu Yu. After Gongsun Zan drove away Liu Yu, Xian Yufu, Xian Yuyin and others gathered and led some troops to lurk in Youzhou and wait for the opportunity. But Xian Yufu deliberately made friends with Tian Yu, and the two were irreconcilable with each other. According to the official history, Yan Rou, a native of Yan State at that time, was elected as Wuhuan Sima because of his high prestige. Yan Rou summoned tens of thousands of Hu and Han people to fight with Zou Dan, the governor of Yuyang County appointed by Gongsun Zan, in the north of Lu County. Yan Rou won and killed Zou Dan and more than 4,000 of his men. King Wuhuanqiao also led the Wuhuan and Xianbei people, a total of more than 7,000 cavalry, and went south with Xian Yufu to meet Liu Yu's son Liu He. He joined forces with Yuan Shao's general Qu Yi to attack Youzhou with a total of 100,000 troops. Baoqiu defeated Gongsun Zan.
Xian Yufu had been lurking for many days. Hearing that Gongsun Zan was about to attack Yuan in a big way, he thought that Liu Yu had the opportunity to counterattack. He quickly disguised himself and hurriedly left Yuyang to report to his lord Liu Yu farther west in Liaoning. Liu Yu was beaten by Gongsun Zan all the way to Xianbei territory and almost died on the grassland. Now he barely occupies a few prefectures and counties in the north of Youzhou. But because he has a good reputation and is a member of the Han clan, he has many people who are loyal to him. Geng Geng followed.
Liu Yu, named Bo'an, was a native of Tancheng, Donghai County. Liu Yu is an authentic clan member of the Han Dynasty, after Liu Qiang, the son of Emperor Guangwu of Han Dynasty, Prince Donghai Gong. He once served as governor of Youzhou, prime minister of Ganling, Zongzheng and other positions. He had outstanding local political achievements and was quite famous. Later, Liu Yu became the shepherd of Youzhou, and was promoted to the rank of Da Sima, and was granted the title of Marquis of Xiangben.
When he was guarding Youzhou, his administration was tolerant and benevolent, and he appeased the people, winning the hearts of the people. He advocated a gentle policy towards the local nomads and was loyal to the imperial court, surpassing Cao Cao, Liu Bei, Yuan Shu and Yuan Shao. In order to escape the Yellow Turban Rebellion, more than one million people from the neighboring Qingzhou, Xuzhou and other places came to seek refuge.
Liu Yu's grandfather Liu Jia served as Guang Luxun, and his father Liu Shu served as the prefect of Danyang. Liu Yu was proficient in the Five Classics. He was initially promoted as a filial and honest official and served as a Cao official. He was promoted to a county official because of his ability to perform his duties. Later, he moved to Youzhou due to his accumulated political achievements. During the period when Liu Yu was the governor of Youzhou, he had high prestige among the Xianbei, Wuhuan, Fuyu, Haoqi and other foreign tribes. They paid tribute at any time and did not dare to intrude. The people spread songs to praise Liu Yu's merits. He was later dismissed from office due to official duties.
The Yellow Turban Rebellion broke out, and the Yellow Turban army was overwhelmingly powerful, attacking all the counties in Jizhou. After that, the imperial court appointed Liu Yu as the Prime Minister of Ganling, where he went to appease the people after the famine. He set an example of frugality for his subordinates, and was soon promoted to Zongzheng.
Soon after, former Zhongshan Prime Minister Zhang Chun and former Taishan Prefect Zhang Ju allied with Lord Wuhuan and launched a rebellion. They attacked Jixia, burned down the city walls, captured the people, and killed the Wuhuan captain Ji Chou and Youbeiping Prefect. Liu Zheng, Liaodong Governor Yang Zhong and others had more than 100,000 troops stationed in Feiru. Zhang Ju claimed to be the "Son of Heaven", and Zhang Chun claimed to be "General Mi Tian and King An Ding". They sent letters to various states and counties, saying that they would take over the world in place of the Han Dynasty. Zhang Chun also sent 50,000 troops including King Wuhuanqiao into Qingzhou and Jizhou, conquered Qinghe and Pingyuan, and killed officials and people.
Because of Liu Yu's high prestige in the north, the imperial court again appointed him as Youzhou Mu. Liu Yu arrived at Jicheng, streamlined his troops, extended favors widely, and sent envoys to tell King Qiao and others that the court would treat them leniently, which would absolve them of the crimes they committed. He also offered rewards for Zhang Ju and Zhang Chun. Two of them fled beyond the wall, and the rest surrendered or fled. Zhang Chun was killed by his subordinate Wang Zheng, and his head was sent to Liu Yu.
Emperor Ling of the Han Dynasty Liu Hong sent an envoy to promote Liu Yu to the rank of Taiwei and grant him the title of Marquis of Qiu. Liu Yu first declined and recommended Wei Wei Zhao Mo, Yizhou Mu Liu Yan, Yuzhou Mu Huang Wan, and Nanyang Prefect Yang to continue to serve in this position, but Liu Hong finally worshiped Liu Yu as Taiwei. At that time, those who worshiped the Three Dukes had to pay a huge amount of gift money to Xiyuan. Liu Hong deliberately exempted Liu Yu from the gift money because Liu Yu had always had a reputation for integrity and had contributed to quelling Zhang Chun's rebellion.
Youzhou was originally a poor state and needed Qing and Hebei states to subsidize official expenses. However, due to the war, transportation was cut off and money could not be allocated. Liu Yu pursued a lenient government in Youzhou, persuaded the people to farm, and obtained income from opening up the market in Shanggu to trade with foreigners and mining the salt and iron mines in Yuyang, causing more than a million people from Qingzhou and Xuzhou to flee here and live and work in peace and contentment. Although Liu Yu was a high-ranking official at the third-gong level, he was very frugal by nature. He wore shabby clothes and would not eat more than one meat dish at a meal. The wealthy families from far and near who used to have a luxurious style were influenced by him and changed their style.
When Dong Zhuo took over power, he sent an envoy to grant Liu Yu the title of Grand Sima and the title of Marquis of Xiangben. He also worshiped Liu Yu as Taifu and called him to serve in the court. However, due to road blockage, the appointment could not be reached.
When Gongsun Zan was ordered to conquer Wuhuan, he was under the control of Liu Yu. Gongsun Zan only focused on the strength of his troops and allowed his troops to harass the people, while Liu Yu focused on benevolent governance and cared about the people, so conflicts gradually emerged between him and Gongsun Zan.
In the second year of Chuping, Han Fu, the governor of Jizhou, Yuan Shao, the prefect of Bohai, and the Shandong generals discussed that since the emperor was young and controlled by Dong Zhuo, they wanted to make Liu Yu, a member of the Han clan, the new emperor, but Liu Yu refused; so Han Fu The others also asked Liu Yu to take charge of the Secretariat, so that everyone could be appointed officials according to the system, but Liu Yu refused again. Emperor Xian of the Han Dynasty, who had been kidnapped to Chang'an, wanted to return eastward. At that time, Liu Yu's son Liu He was serving as an attendant to the emperor, so the emperor sent him to sneak out of Wuguan secretly and find Liu Yu so that he could lead troops to rescue him. Liu He passed through Nanyang and was detained by Yuan Shu, who had ulterior motives. He sent other envoys to Liu Yu, saying that they would send troops west to pick up Emperor Xian of the Han Dynasty. Liu Yu then sent thousands of cavalry to Yuan Shu, but Yuan Shu actually stayed behind and refused to send.
At first, Gongsun Zan saw that Yuan Shu was cheating and resolutely stopped Liu Yu from sending troops. But Liu Yu refused to obey, so Gongsun Zan secretly sent people to persuade Yuan Shu to detain Liu He and annex the troops sent by Liu Yu. After Liu Yu learned about this, the hatred between him and Gongsun Zan deepened. Soon, Liu He found an opportunity to escape from Yuan Shu and headed north, but was detained by Yuan Shao again. At that time, Gongsun Zan had been defeated by Yuan Shao many times and continued to attack. Liu Yu felt that Gongsun Zan was too aggressive and was afraid that he would be difficult to control if he succeeded, so he was not allowed to send troops again and his authority was slightly weakened. Gongsun Zan was furious, repeatedly violated orders, and began to invade the people. The items that Liu Yu planned to give to the nomads were repeatedly robbed by Gongsun Zan. Liu Yu could not stop him, so he reported to the court to accuse Gongsun Zan of robbing the people. Gongsun Zan also reported to the court that Liu Yu was not doing things well. The two blamed each other, and the court was unable to deal with it. . Gongsun Zan simply stopped building the city to guard against Liu Yu. Liu Yu invited Gongsun Zan several times, but he always said he was ill and could not come, so Liu Yu conspired to conquer him.
In the fourth year of Chuping, Liu Yu himself gathered 100,000 people to attack Gongsun Zan. Before leaving, Cheng Xu tried to dissuade him and was beheaded by Liu Yu. Liu Yu told the soldiers: "Don't hurt more people, just kill Gongsun Zan." Liu Yu's subordinates were engaged in Gongsun Zan. Because they had the same surname, they were treated favorably by Gongsun Zan and went to Gongsun Zan at night to report Liu Yu's plan. At that time, Gongsun Zan's troops were all scattered outside. Gongsun Zan felt that he was outmatched and wanted to escape. As a result, Liu Yu's soldiers were not good at fighting, and they cared about the people's houses. They ordered not to burn the city, and they were unable to capture it for a while. Gongsun Zan then summoned hundreds of elite warriors, set fire to the wind, and took advantage of the situation to make a surprise attack. Liu Yu was defeated and fled north to Juyong County. Gongsun Zan pursued, and the city fell in three days. He captured Liu Yu and still made him a puppet to manage the affairs of the state. Just in time, the imperial court sent envoy Duan Xun to increase Liu Yu's fiefdom and put him in charge of the affairs of the six northern states. Gongsun Zan took the opportunity to become a former general, granted the title of Marquis of Yi, and took charge of the four prefectures of You, Bing, Qing, and Ji during the holidays. Gongsun Zan also falsely accused Liu Yu of conspiring with Yuan Shao to become emperor, and coerced the envoy Duan Xun to arrest Liu Yu and return him to Beijing for questioning. He was rescued by Wei Dun, Liu Yu's old official, on the way. Liu Yu was very popular in the north and fled all the way to the far western Liaoning Province, occupying prefectures and counties to confront Gongsun Zan.
Now Xian Yufu hurriedly put on makeup and went north to pass the news to Liu Yu that Gongsun Zan and Yuan Shao were about to fight. This will trigger how the already complicated situation will change. We will explain it next time.
