At the gate of Xiangyang City, Liu Bei, who was holding a white Luma, looked at the scene of busy traffic, crowds of people, and vendors hawking in front of him, and couldn't help but feel a little dazed.
In fact, this is not the first time Liu Bei has come to Xiangyang.
After the defeat of Anfeng, he and Zhang Fei followed the post road to track down Guan Yu's whereabouts, and entered Jiangxia County before finding Guan Yu waiting for them in Yunshe County.
The three brothers gathered together again and headed to Xiangyang with more than a hundred remaining soldiers.
Liu Biao did not express his willingness to accept them, but Liu Qi's secret letter was full of kindness. In addition, Liu Bei really had nowhere to go at this time, so he could only risk being shut out.
Fortunately, Liu Qi did not disappoint him. As an imperial uncle, he withstood the pressure from the Cai family and persuaded Liu Biao to take Liu Bei in.
At this point, he went to Xinye as he did in history.
Today was the second time he came to Xiangyang. After all, he was not as hasty and anxious as the first time. He had a little leisurely time to enjoy the grand scenery of Xiangyang. He couldn't help but sigh that the prosperity of Xiangyang City was not inferior to that of Xuchang. city.
Jingzhou is indeed the heart of the world. It has the convenience of waterways and can travel north and south. In addition, Liu Biao has no less than 200,000 troops. To say that he is not envious would be a lie.
"Liu Bei pays homage to Brother Jing Sheng."
In the yamen, Liu Bei bowed to Liu Biao, who was over fifty years old and slightly depressed on the handsome chair.
"Xuande is here, sit down."
Liu Biao, who has white hair and beard, looks like he is seventy years old. In fact, he is only fifty-four years old. This state is thanks to Liu Cong's mother, Cai, who has been squeezed out.
"Is there insufficient ordnance, food and fodder sent to Xinye this month?" Liu Biao's back was a little stooped.
"Thanks to Brother Jingsheng, the food, grass and weapons are exactly the same."
Liu Biao treated him quite well. Although he did not allocate troops or horses to him, the weapons, food and grass were given for two thousand people. Liu Bei could definitely recruit enough troops and horses in Xinye. "I came here today because of the weather. Big good news to Brother Jing Sheng."
"oh?"
Liu Biao yawned and smiled sleepily: "What great news?"
"Has Brother Jing Sheng ever heard that Cao Cao is seriously ill?"
"heard."
Liu Biao, who was sitting on the main seat, took a sip of tea, stretched, and said in a lazy tone: "The scholars who participated in the poetry meeting in Jingzhou also talked about this when they came back. They said that it was Lu Bu's son-in-law Lin Mo who attended the poetry meeting. He wrote an article criticizing three generations of Cao Cao's ancestors. After reading it, Cao Cao was so angry that he became critically ill."
After calming down, Liu Biao said with emotion: "This boy is so young, but he has such amazing talent, he is enough to be famous for generations to come."
Liu Bei, who had been tricked by Lin Mo, could no longer feel any good feelings. After a flash of disdain in his eyes, he cupped his hands and said: "Brother Jing Sheng, Cao Cao, under the name of Sikong, can coerce the emperor and order the princes to come. He has already usurped the Han Dynasty and is self-reliant." It is obvious to everyone in the world.
I met His Majesty twice in private when I was in Xuchang. Every time he talked about national affairs, His Majesty cried bitterly. He hoped that we would wipe out the traitors and return power to the Emperor.
Brother Jingsheng, you and I are both descendants of the Han Dynasty. At this juncture, we should serve our country and raise our troops to fight against Cao Cao. At this time, Cao Cao is in danger. If Brother Jingsheng personally leads a powerful force to attack Xuchang, I believe that , he will surely be able to kill the national thieves, help the court, and save the emperor from fire and water.
This move is a way of repaying Heaven's grace and bringing peace to the people. Isn't it great news? "
Impassioned words from the mouths of successful people are the secrets to reaching the top.
And when it came from the mouth of a desperate man like Liu Bei, Liu Biao naturally sneered.
"Xuande, to tell you the truth, I am already fifty-four and my body is old and decrepit. I don't have many days left. I have no desire for power, and I don't want to dominate among the princes."
As he said that, he turned his head and glanced at the map of the nine counties of Jingxiang hanging behind his back, and smiled happily, "I just want to protect the country and the people, and stay here forever."
Liu Bei was indeed a little surprised when he first heard this.
Sitting in the nine counties of Jingxiang and Xiangxiang, with no less than 200,000 troops, the government's treasury was even richer in money and food than Cao Cao, how could he be so lazy?
Liu Bei's eyes darkened, he turned around, and continued: "Brother Jingsheng, since ancient times, peace in a corner will never last long. Cao Cao has long coveted the nine counties of Jingxiang. If brother Jingsheng doesn't take the opportunity to attack, wait until he is relieved. With this tone, they will definitely attack from the south.
Brother Jing Sheng is a wise man and should know how to be prepared for danger in times of peace. "
The words that were supposed to wake up Liu Biao like bells in the morning and drums in the evening made him laugh loudly and finally coughed. Ms. Cai on the side quickly smoothed his breath on his back and said, "Master, don't get excited."
Cai is twenty-eight years old, with a face like a hibiscus emerging from the water, unstained by dust, and a pair of star-like eyes that seem to be breathtaking. Even wearing a loose light red dress, you can get a glimpse of her proud figure.
No wonder Liu Biao would spend so much time thinking about her.
"Xuande, there is a natural moat along the Yangtze River in Jingzhou, and the Jingxiang navy is not weak in combat power. It is a fool's dream to think of annexing Jingzhou with his northern cavalry."
Liu Biao, who was relieved, held Cai's jade hand and sighed: "I, the Jingxiang soldiers, are good at water battles, but not as good as Cao Cao's army at land battles. Therefore, it is best for me and Cao Cao to live in peace and to end the war." Once opened, no one can eat well.”
At this point, Liu Bei already knew that what Cao Cao said when he was having a drink and discussing heroes in Xuchang City was completely true. Liu Biao was really the person who looked after the family and the courtyard.
"Brother Jingsheng's words made me wake up from a dream. I was stupid."
"Come on, come on, Xuande, don't talk about other things anymore, stay in Xiangyang tonight, and we can have a long talk by candlelight."
"Being respectful is worse than obeying orders."
They said they were talking by candlelight at night, but in fact, after dinner, Liu Biao went to bed with Cai's help.
Early the next morning, Liu Bei got up early and came to say goodbye to Liu Biao before returning to Xinye.
That's what it's like to be under someone else's wing. Even if you clearly know that now is the right time, but the other person doesn't listen, you can only do it obediently.
Not far out of the city gate, I saw the young master Liu Qi sitting on a horse, seemingly waiting for Liu Bei.
"Master." Liu Bei nodded.
"Uncle Emperor."
After taking the initiative to make a gesture of invitation, Liu Qi kept pace with Liu Bei, "Please don't resent my father. In fact, my father was not like this in the early years."
"How dare you, I'm just a little confused." When Cao Cao said that Liu Biao was a housekeeper and a guardian, Liu Bei didn't agree. After all, he was the one who rode into Jingzhou alone to clean up the mess, so he couldn't be without some scheming skills.
"Uncle, does the emperor know the four major families in Jingxiang?" Liu Qi was riding a horse with a nonchalant look on his face.
"The Huang, Cai, Kuai, and Pang families, I heard that these four families have many capable people, and they share most of the governance burden for Brother Jing Sheng."
Liu Bei's words were so euphemistic that even Liu Qi couldn't help but want to laugh.
The power of the four major families has penetrated into the military and administration of the nine counties. From the prefect to the county magistrate, from the general to the Sima, it is almost impossible for people who are not from the four major families to hold power.
"Among the four major families, the Cai family is the most powerful. Especially after Cai married his father and gave birth to Liu Cong, most of the people in the army were replaced by close associates of the Cai family."
Liu Qi turned his head and glanced at Xiangyang City behind him, biting his lower lip until it turned white, "The Cai family siblings win over people's hearts externally and deceive others internally, so that my father cannot understand the truth about many things.
In addition, Cai's habit of using charm techniques, my father..."
Liu Qi was a little embarrassed to speak the next words.
But at this point, the doubts that had been lingering in Liu Bei's mind were finally solved.
He finally understood why Liu Qi would bypass Liu Biao and send a secret letter to invite him to Jingzhou. Because the Cai family was too favored, and most of the army was from Cai Mao's faction. Under such a background, Liu Biao would most likely make the decision to abolish the elder and establish the younger. Something bad happened.
Even if he doesn't want to do it, someone will help him do it.
Therefore, Liu Qi needs foreign aid. At this time, his identity as imperial uncle will be of immeasurable effect.
"Are there any supporters of the Young Master among the other three major families?" After understanding the whole story, Liu Bei got straight to the point.
He was keenly aware that Liu Qi's situation was too imaginary and he was at the end of his rope.
Perhaps, after he takes office, he will have the opportunity to put Jingzhou on the road to resisting Cao and saving the country.
Liu Qi frowned and said in a low voice: "Only the Huang family, headed by Huang Zu, the governor of Jiangxia, supports me. The Kuai family and the Cai family vent their anger out of the same nostril, and the Pang family is on both sides and never expresses its stance on such matters."
That situation is not too bad, Liu Bei thought.
However, the strength of the Huang family cannot even compete with the Cai family, let alone the Kuai family.
"If we can win over the Pang family to stand on the Young Master's side, the situation may be alleviated." Whether it was being offered help or lending a helping hand when he was at the end of his rope, Liu Bei felt that he should help Liu Qi.
What's more, abolishing the elders and establishing younger ones has been a way to cause chaos since ancient times. As Liu Biao and I are both descendants of the royal family, we also have the responsibility and obligation to correct mistakes.
"My nephew understands this part, but"
Liu Qi shook his head feebly, "I have visited the Pang family many times, but found nothing."
"Who is the head of the Pang family?" Liu Bei asked.
"The famous sage of the Pang family is Pang Degong, a famous scholar in Xiangyang, but he ignores family affairs. The person who can lead the Pang family now is the new generation of leader Pang Tong and Pang Shiyuan.
Pang Degong was his uncle. He once praised him for his talent in managing the country and stabilizing the country, and called him Feng Chu. "
Liu Qi paused for a moment and said in a low voice: "It's a pity that Pang Tong's whereabouts are uncertain. I have never seen him."
Feng Chu Pang Shiyuan?
To run the country, help the world, and stabilize the country?
These words were piled together, which frightened Liu Bei, who originally only had the attitude of helping Liu Qi to help himself.
He really needs a think tank who can look up to the world and strategize to assist him. Lu Bu is just a dying man. With the help of Lin Mo, he can control the two states and his strength will increase dramatically.
I wonder how talented this person is compared to Lin Mo
"Sir, where does Mr. Pang De live?" Liu Bei asked calmly.
"Yuliangzhou."
Liu Qi pointed to the west and said: "Thirty miles to the west from here, there is an embankment in the water south of Xian Mountain, where Pang Degong lives."
Then his eyes flashed, "Could it be that your uncle wants to visit in person?"
"Although he ignores family affairs, he is Pang Shiyuan's uncle after all. I am willing to use my sincerity to persuade the Pang family to fully support the young master." Liu Bei looked to the west in confusion.
He hoped that he could persuade the Pang family to help Liu Qi.
I even hope that Pang Tong can help me.
The person who can sustain these eight characters must be able to fight with Lin Mo.
Even though he had been attracted by Lin Mo's talent in the past, he never thought that Lin Mo's accomplishments in strategy would be as invincible as Lu Bu's accomplishments in martial arts.
As the cradle of talents in the world, Cao Cao occupies one of Jingzhou and Yingchuan, so he has many advisers under his command.
Then, as long as he can recruit Pang Tong to his side, he will have a chance to clean up his decline.
After all, since the Pang family is behind Pang Tong, if Pang Tong is willing to help, it is equivalent to waiting for the support of the Pang family.
Once Liu Qi takes office, he will definitely not be dormant in Xinye County, so it is not too much to allocate a county to himself.
At that time, the support of the family will become particularly important.
Pang Tong may be the key figure for me to turn the situation around.
"So, thank you very much, uncle!" Liu Qi bowed to Liu Bei.
In the distance, at the gate of Xiangyang City, a tall man wearing black armor and a tasseled helmet was squinting at the two of them. He taught an ordinary general with a fairer complexion and wrinkles on both sides of his nose. It’s daunting.
"How many times?" As the contemporary leader of the Cai family, General of Jingzhou, in charge of an army of 120,000 men, Cai Mao stared unkindly at Liu Bei and Liu Qi, who were walking side by side.
"Including today, this is the third time we have met. We met once on the day we came to Xiangyang. Not long after, the young master went to Xinye privately again. Including today, it is a total of three times." The sergeant on the side responded to Cai Hao in a low voice.
"People are lacking."
Cai Hao snorted coldly, "I didn't force the lord to take him in, but because of his status as an imperial uncle, I tried to persuade the lord to launch a war today, which almost put the people of Jingzhou into trouble.
Now that he is getting along too closely with Liu Qi, it seems that he should find a suitable time to deal with him. "
Then, Cai Hao turned his back to the sergeant and said in a deep voice: "Keep an eye on who Liu Qi has seen and where he has been. Don't leave any behind."
"Don't worry, General!" After the soldiers bowed, they turned around and left the city gate.
Cai Mao's right hand grasped the hilt of the sword at his waist, pulling it out and then retracting it. Listening to the sound of the sword, his narrowed eyes were filled with devouring desire.
In Jingzhou, the Cai family has been working hard for many years and finally pushed Liu Cong to this point.
Judging from the current situation, as long as there are no complications, once Liu Biao dies, Liu Cong will definitely take over.
At that time, the Cai family can become the real people in power in Jingzhou, and they will have all the means to deal with the Huang family.
As the Cai family is determined to push the Cai family into the largest family in Jingzhou and the only irreplaceable position, the other three major families are all his future rivals.
On the contrary, he never took Liu Qi seriously.
However, Liu Bei's appearance made him feel a little uneasy.
In Cai Mao's eyes, Liu Bei's benevolence and righteousness were fake, but his respect as an imperial uncle was real, and the bravery of Guan Yu and Zhang Fei was not watered down.
On these two points, he and Liu Qi could not be tolerated.
(End of chapter)
