Tan Zhi, who was standing behind Liu Daogui, changed his expression and said in a low voice: "Daogui, how can you say this? You are setting up the governor of a state. Where is the majesty of the army commander? If someone impeaches you for this..."
Liu Daogui waved his hand: "Dignity cannot save Jingzhou now, nor can it restore the current situation. At this point, is it still useful to continue to deceive oneself and others for the sake of face? Today, I just want to face the elders of Jiangling and the people of Jingzhou calmly, whether I am going or not. Stay and follow your heart!"
There was a loud noise under the city, and some people started to cry and shouted: "My son and daughter-in-law have been harmed by demons and thieves. How can I survive if I am left with this life in this world!"
Others gritted their teeth and said, "This is all the fault of demon thieves and Qiang captives. Fight with them!"
More voices rang out: "Yes, fight with the dog thief and avenge the dead relatives!"
There are also some voices whispering: "Thieves are certainly hateful, but don't you, the Beifu Army, say you are invincible? Why can't you protect us when the thieves come? Listen, everyone, even Governor Liu himself admitted that he is responsible." Oh, it’s just a suffering for our people, how can this be counted?!”
Some angry voices sounded: "What are you talking about? Instead of blaming the outside thieves, are you blaming the governor? This is a sneak attack by demon thieves. The governor sent troops for us. Who dares to say that there will be a war?" Can you definitely win?”
Some people are complaining: "I wish I had the same skills as when I wiped out Huan Chu. They were so fierce that year. But in the past few years, how come I can't even defeat the demon thieves in Lingnan?!"
The voices of these discussions gradually subsided, and almost every word reached Liu Daogui's ears. Liu Daogui sighed softly and said seriously: "Dear Jingzhou elders, please listen to me. This time Several forces launched an attack at the same time. Qiao Shu sent troops to Baidi City, Huan Qian led the Qiang cavalry across Jingbei, and the demon thieves raided Xiangzhou and defeated our Jiangzhou Army. Even the famous general He Wuji died in the battle. All of this , are not separate, but are connected. It is obvious that there is a huge black hand that is manipulating and controlling at the same time. Whether it is our Beifu army or the local state and county soldiers in Jingzhou, we are all soldiers of the Jin Dynasty and are members of the imperial court. Soldiers and horses, in this disaster, we all shed blood, and our good brothers died in the battle. We are definitely not doing nothing. If you really have opinions, then blame me, the governor, for my incompetent command, but don't blame those who died in the battle. Soldiers on the battlefield!"
An old voice sounded excitedly: "Liu Governor, my two sons died in the battle in Shashi, but I don't blame you, I only blame the Qiang thieves for their cruelty, I only blame those thieves who want to bring trouble to our Jin Dynasty for their insidiousness. I I am already sixty-seven this year, but as long as you give the order, I will hand over this old bone to you. Even if I die in battle, I can treat it as being reunited with my family!"
Several young voices shouted: "Uncle Cang, we are all going with you!"
Tan Daoji came over and whispered softly in Liu Daogui's ear: "The person who spoke was Li Zheng from Shashi Market, named Cang Bo. His son Erzhuzi died in that battle to save his daughter-in-law. "
Liu Daogui sighed and murmured: "It's our fault, I'm sorry for these Jingzhou elders."
Someone shouted: "If we ordinary people are allowed to go into battle, what will the army do? Liu Governor, you have to lead your own troops to fight, instead of asking us to die!"
Liu Daogui said in a deep voice: "Serving as a soldier, eating food, protecting your home and country, this is a matter of course. Raising an army for a thousand days, using it for a while, now is the time for our men in the army to serve the country. I am here today to tell everyone , we will go out of the city to meet the enemy soon, and we will split up to attack the bandits from all walks of life."
As soon as these words came out, the crowd below the city exploded. Countless people were shouting: "How can this be allowed? You, are you trying to escape?"
"The army has left and we, the people, are left in the city to wait for death?"
"You have to take us away, otherwise, otherwise, we, we will go to Huan Qian!"
As soon as these words came out, the city suddenly became quiet. Everyone's eyes were darting around, wanting to know who said such treacherous words at this time. After all, anyone who blatantly incites surrender to the enemy can be killed directly. .
When Yanzhi's expression changed and he took a step forward, he was about to draw his sword and order the person who said this to be taken down, but Liu Daogui said calmly: "Wait a minute, Yanzhi, it's good to let people say what's on their mind."
Yanzhi gritted his teeth and said, "Brother Daogui, be careful. This is the enemy's trick to deliberately spread rumors here to shake the morale of the army. This trend must not be ignored."
Liu Daogui said calmly: "You can't suppress it with force. If the war goes unfavorably and the army leaves the city, I'm afraid that the soldiers and people in the city will seize the city and surrender to the enemy. This time I'm talking to you, I want to be honest and honest, and don't think of using force to solve it." .”
When Yanzhi nodded, sheathed his sword and retreated, Liu Daogui looked at the crowd below the city and said calmly: "Everyone, please think about it carefully. Now Jiangling City is almost surrounded by enemies on all sides. The entire Jingzhou is almost in the hands of the enemy, and Jiangzhou is also under the enemy's control." The army captured us, and even the court was cut off from us. Some people said that we were going to take the opportunity to escape. Please tell me, at this time, where can we escape to? Where can we escape? "
Uncle Cang in the crowd said loudly: "What Governor Liu said makes sense. Now Jiangling is an isolated city with nowhere to go. I believe they are going to beg for thieves!"
More and more people echoed: "Yes, the army must be out of the city to fight. It is impossible to escape at this time. The person who said that just now must be an enemy spy. Where is he? Find him." ?”
"That's right, this man is so hateful. He must have shaken the morale of the army!"
"Don't look at me. I'm also looking for the person who said this. When you hear my voice, it's different from his. His accent is from Dangyang. I'm an authentic Jiangling person."
"Stop quibbling, San Dezi. Yesterday I heard you complain that it was better to go to Duke Huan as soon as possible. Many people can testify!"
"I, I was drunk and talking nonsense, and, and I mean, I have no weapons and can't protect myself. You can't frame a good person!"
Liu Daogui nodded: "Don't look for any more spies. Today, I am here to tell you that at this juncture, I will not force anyone. I respect the choice of each of you. I know that many of you are suffering in this world." The favor of the family used to be good when the Huan family was managing Jingzhou. Now that Huan Qian has fought back, those who want to surrender to him will be allowed to leave the city without any obstruction. No soldiers or civilians are allowed to harm them. Anyone who violates the rules will be punished. We are engaged in military law! We are all men. We each choose a camp and have a hearty battle with guns and drums. Wouldn’t it be fun?! Come on, open the city gate!"
