What is the matter, what is the matter.
Although he had imagined countless impassioned speeches before, Liu Qi felt that his choice was defensible, whether in terms of his own interests, the fate of his soldiers, or the prospects of Jingzhou.
But when he actually faced Liu Bei's questioning, he was still speechless. He even avoided Liu Bei's eyes, and the knuckles holding the cup in his right hand turned white.
He looked at Zhang Hu, who was getting ready to go, then at Liu Bei, whose eyes were as bright as a torch, and then at Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, whose eyes were as bright as fire. Finally, he swallowed and timidly said with a smile: "Uncle Emperor, My nephew has been thinking a lot recently, and I occasionally feel something. I hope you won’t mind if I’m wrong.”
"Young Master, it's okay to say so." Liu Bei said calmly.
"That is, what the emperor uncle said just now, when he said that the emperor was humiliated and the country was in ruins, was it overstated."
Seeing the subtle changes in Liu Bei's expression, Liu Qi did not dare to stop, fearing that he would not be able to speak anymore if interrupted, "My nephew heard that ever since Lu Lin took over Xuchang to welcome back the emperor, he has been respectful and courteous and has done his best to serve as a minister. It is widely rumored that the position of the Three Dukes and Nine Ministers is entirely decided by His Majesty."
At this point, Liu Bei had completely confirmed that Liu Qi's so-called banquet today was exactly as Zhuge Liang predicted. It was a Hongmen Banquet with hidden murderous intentions.
Four hundred years ago, their ancestors opened the chapter of the rise of the Han Dynasty at such a banquet, but Liu Bei never imagined that Xiang Yu of the past would become Liu Qi of today, and he couldn't help but sneer.
"Of course, my nephew has also seriously thought about whether there are rumors in this matter. But considering that the emperor's uncle and Lu Lin also had old quarrels, but they still received the award, it must be His Majesty's holy will, right?" Liu Qi did not forget to mention it. Liu Bei's situation is also included in it to increase the credibility of his words.
Liu Bei let out a long sigh, with a look of sorrow on his face, and said, "So, Master, you invited me here today, but do you want to surrender to Lu Lin?"
"This is, that is, I want to hear the emperor's intention." Faced with Liu Bei's question, Liu Qi smiled uglier than crying.
After saying this, the banquet hall in the general's palace fell into a deathly silence. Liu Bei stared at Liu Qi, feeling heartbroken, sad, and desperate. What had happened to him? Liu Bei really didn't understand what kind of mysterious soup Wei Yan had poured into him to make him. Have such thoughts.
"Uncle Emperor, I have my own difficulties."
Liu Qi slowly lowered his head and said in a low voice: "As you said, joining forces with Cao Cao to resist Lu Lin will do me no good. The success is Cao Cao's victory, and Liu Cong is in Xiangyang at this time, being beaten by Cao Cao As the governor of Jingzhou, will he still remember me as an ally by then?
If you lose"
Liu Qi smiled bitterly and did not continue. He just looked up at Liu Bei and said, "Uncle Emperor, I have no choice."
"Master"
Liu Bei raised his head and let out a long sigh. When he lowered his head to look at Liu Qi again, his eyes were like a falcon, "Although the decision of the three princes and nine ministers is related to the country, it is not the foundation of the country. If Lu Lin is truly loyal, he should hand over the military power." Your Majesty has decided, but have they handed it over? With military power in hand, it is in front of others. How can your Majesty be able to rule with peace of mind if you pay tribute to your Majesty?
I suggest that the young master join forces with Cao to fight against Lu Lin. This is because Zuo, the great Han Dynasty's four-hundred-year-old emperor, planned to disrupt the unification of Lu and Lin in order to revitalize the Han Dynasty in the future. It was a last resort.
On days when the family and country are in trouble, when the sun and the moon are dim, all those who cherish the Han Dynasty have a hatred for Lu Lin and are determined to get rid of the thieves, but what about the young master? "
Liu Bei's eyes were solemn, he pointed his halberd at Liu Qi and said sternly: "You have red lips and white teeth, but today you said such unfaithful and unfilial words about being without a king, a father! Brother Jing Sheng always had a heart of loyalty to the king and a desire to serve the country when he was alive, because he has always been Understand that everything today is under the shadow of our ancestors and supported by the blood of the great ancestor dragon.
As the eldest son of brother Jingsheng, you cannot inherit your father's ambition to serve the country, but you have turned to the thieves because of your own illegitimate life. You are not worthy to be the son of brother Jingsheng, nor do you deserve to be named Liu. After your death, you will not be able to see the Twenty-Third Emperor of the Han Dynasty. ! "
In General Linxiang's Mansion, Liu Bei came with a key and returned to the realm of land immortals. He was impassioned, sonorous and powerful, and his words were like swords and arrows. At this moment, Liu Bei, looking at the world today, is probably the only one in Qingzhou in Xuchang The governor can compete with him.
Liu Qi was originally a cowardly person. He lost his loved ones first and was persecuted by Cai Mao. He spent a lot of time in fear and uneasiness. Today, under Liu Bei's accusation, he seemed to be shameless in the world, as if he didn't care about him. Whatever I did was wrong, I couldn't help but feel sad and confused.
Bang~
Liu Qi, whose anger and blood surged after being scolded, unconsciously lost his strength because of the shame and anger in his heart. He smashed the wine glass in his hand, and blood flowed from his fingers.
The sound of the broken wine glass after it fell to the ground was the signal for the ambush on both sides. With a "bang", the doors and windows of the two sides were smashed, and countless soldiers rushed out with swords.
This sudden but expected scene made Guan Yu and Zhang Fei immediately raise their weapons, one on the left and the other on the right to seize Liu Qi's retreat.
In the small banquet room, hundreds of people crowded in at once, and countless people stood in the hatchback and outside the door of the banquet room, ready to go.
The bright ring-headed sword gleamed with cold light, but no one dared to step forward rashly, because the person who did not expect this scene to come was the mastermind of the whole thing.
At this time, he was slumped on the main seat. Liu Qi, who had not yet reacted to Liu Bei's stern questioning, looked at this scene dumbfounded and was at a loss for a moment.
According to the agreement in advance, Liu Qi should run away as soon as possible after throwing the cup as a sign of honor, but the current situation is that Guan Yu and Zhang Fei are only three steps away from Liu Qi. If he rushes forward rashly, it is very likely that Liu Qi will be dead in the next breath. .
Therefore, they could only hold up their swords and wait for Liu Qi's next order.
But now Liu Qi had just experienced the thought of doubting his life, and was coerced by Guan Yu and Zhang Fei. His heart almost jumped out of his throat. How could he give any instructions? He was breathing heavily, and his face was sometimes as bright as red. The blood is sometimes as white as paper.
He really didn't know how to clean up this mess, so he looked at Liu Bei reflexively.
Liu Bei looked around and saw that he was a man who had experienced a bloody battle of life and death. His eyes were indifferent with a hint of complicated sadness. He sighed softly and walked slowly to Liu Qi.
In the next breath, his right hand gently placed on Liu Qi's shoulder, and he shook it slightly, "Xiannephew, if Brother Jing Sheng sees this scene in the sky, do you think he can rest in peace?
You and I are both descendants of the empress of the Han Dynasty, with the same blood flowing in our bones, but today we are at war with each other because of the plot of national thieves. This move will cause pain to our relatives and joy to our enemies.
I don't blame you for doing such a ridiculous thing. It's me who can't make you feel at ease. I have a responsibility. If you firmly believe that taking my head will protect you from wealth and honor for the rest of your life. Brother Jing Sheng can rest in peace. If you want to make our ancestors happy, then do it."
Liu Bei had tears streaming down his face at this time. He slowly pulled out his sword and put it in Liu Qi's hand. The sword hung between his neck and he slowly closed his eyes.
"Brother!" Guan Yu and Zhang Fei were stunned by this scene. As long as Liu Qi exerted a little force, Liu Bei would be killed immediately. Even at this distance, they could not stop him.
Liu Qi looked at Liu Bei blankly. The height of what he just said was beyond his ability to digest. If he took action, he would become Liu's eternal sinner.
At this time, his eyes were filled with tears, and he seemed to hear Liu Biao's instructions again. How could he attack someone whose father was kind to him? He was from the same ancestry as him.
If he really takes action, Liu Qi believes that he will be awakened from his sleep for countless days and nights in the future, and even in the future he will be nailed on the pillar of shame as an unworthy descendant of the Liu family, and will be unable to hold his head up for the rest of his life.
What's more, with Guan Yu and Zhang Fei's eyes on them, he didn't dare to attack even if he had the guts to do so.
Facing the huge pressure, this weak body finally couldn't support it.
Bang~
The sword fell to the ground, and Liu Qi collapsed on his knees, lowered his head and covered his face with sobs. A whimpering sound came from between his fingers, "No matter what you do, it's wrong. No matter what you do, it's wrong."
Seeing that his nephew was on the verge of collapse, Liu Bei leaned down, put his hands on his shoulders and pulled Liu Qi up. Their eyes met with firm eyes, "Good nephew, those who have great ambitions will have great pain. I know you are just Fortunately, it was not a big mistake. It was still too late.
Believe me, if the three-party coalition of Cao, Sun, and Liu wins, I will also have a way to protect you and return to the position of Lord of Jingzhou! "
"Uncle Emperor." Liu Qi was moved, from the bottom of his heart.
Just now, he planned to kill the other party, but now, he is still willing to support him, and he feels guilty in his heart, "Uncle, my nephew is wrong."
"If you can rein in your horse from the brink, Brother Jing Sheng, who knows well under the spring, will smile happily for you."
It's hard to say whether Liu Biao was pleased or not, but Liu Bei was very pleased at the moment.
If Liu Qi could return from his lost ways under his heart-wrenching persuasion, he would still be a good descendant of the Liu family and his good nephew.
The awe-inspiring words of righteousness eliminated a sword fight invisible, and Guan Yu's inner admiration for Liu Bei increased even more. In the future, if his eldest brother succeeds, it will definitely be passed down as a good story in future generations, and Guan Yu will even be proud of it.
He leaned the Qinglong Yanyue Knife on the floor, but the habitual stroking of his beard with his right hand was empty. The joy in his heart dimmed at the speed of light. No amount of light could illuminate it. Damn Yan Liangwen Chou, I have to sacrifice your heads to the flag. No!
"Since my nephew is willing to listen to me, then go to the back hall and tell the truth. I also have a lot of things on my mind to tell you." Although things went smoothly, Liu Qi's temperament was not guaranteed to change his mind after two days.
In order to eliminate this possibility, Liu Bei not only had to give up his idea this time, but also had to find a way to move back to Linxiang City. In order to achieve this goal, it was not enough to be moved for a moment. He had to be honest and sincere. Of course, he had to do it now. Strike while the iron is hot.
Seeing Liu Bei's fiery gaze, Liu Qi waved to Zhang Hu and others. After everyone retreated, the uncle and nephew led each other toward the backyard.
This time, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei didn't keep up.
As soldiers and horses from all over the place were assembled in the camp outside Xuchang City, a piece of silk cloth was placed on the desk of Sikong Mansion. On it was the number of soldiers and horses reported by Zhao Yun.
There are 28,000 cavalry, 165,000 sword and axemen, 20,000 spearmen, 80,000 crossbowmen, plus other chariots, heavy armor, etc., for a total of 340,000 troops.
This is just the garrison in Xuchang City, not counting Jiangxia's navy. The total number of troops and horses that can finally join forces in Jingzhou is no less than 400,000.
"Wen He has already chosen an auspicious day in Taichang Temple. On the 16th day of this month, he will invite His Majesty to worship his ancestors at the Taimiao Temple. Then he will take the oath at the school grounds and then head straight to Jingzhou!"
At the court, Lu Bu's request for war would certainly not be rejected by Liu Xie, and Liu Xie was also very cooperative and made the decision clear that day. Lu Bu was naturally in a good mood at this time.
Today is already the thirteenth day, and there are still three days left. In three days, the ancestor worship and swearing-in will end, and the final battle to regain the world will officially begin.
"Yes, in this battle we not only have more than 400,000 troops, but also nearly 2 million shi of military rations. It can be said that we have well-equipped soldiers and sufficient food. We hope to end this war in the next spring." Lin Mo also had his own thoughts. Said feeling.
"Oh, it's good now. I remember when I was in Xuzhou, if I wanted to fight a war, I had to mobilize troops and horses, fortify border towns, and go to the houses of major aristocratic families to prepare food, grass, and weapons. It took less than two months. Don't even think about leaving.
You see, how good it is now. The grain reserves in the granary alone are worth millions of stones, and the ordnance in the arsenal can enable our people to wear more than 50% of their armor. Thinking about the past, it was really not easy. "Those who have experienced hardship are always prone to recall the hardships and miss the sweetness. When he said this, Lu Bu still showed a bit of bitterness on his face.
Of course, Lin Mo knew very well how he got here, but his background was different, which he still couldn't empathize with Lu Bu.
Now everything that should be prepared is in place, and they are waiting to set off. When Lin Mo was thinking about whether to invite Emperor Jianzhuang to show off his reputation, Zhao Yun ran in quickly.
"Lieutenant, Yunwen, something happened!"
"What happened?" Lu Bu frowned, Cao Cao, Liu Bei or Sun Ce? In this situation, they won't be able to cause any trouble.
Zhao Yun was always steady, and he was rarely so abrupt. Lin Mo couldn't help but sit upright and look at Zhao Yun.
"His Majesty has been assassinated!"
Seeing the two people's expressions suddenly changed after looking at each other, Zhao Yun quickly added: "Don't worry, it's just a skin injury. The medical officer checked it and it's not serious."
Hearing this, Lu Bu's hanging heart finally calmed down, and then he stood up suddenly, "Where is the assassin? What is his origin? Have you cleared up the cross-examination?"
Zhao Yun sighed and said regretfully: "There are three assassins in total. They should have been lurking in the rockery of the Imperial Garden for a long time. Your Majesty is used to walking around the Imperial Garden in the afternoon. They suddenly attacked. Fortunately, the Imperial Army took action in time. After the three assassinations failed, He committed suicide on the spot.”
It's not surprising that they are dead soldiers. The question is, how could they attack the emperor? This is so unreasonable. Lu Bu looked at Lin Mo out of habit, but the latter sneered.
"why are you laughing?"
"Our Majesty is so thoughtful that he would even dare to hurt himself if he gets too anxious." Lin Mo said calmly, shaking the teacup in his hand.
"You said His Majesty did this himself?"
Lu Bu sat down again and asked suspiciously: "How can you see it?"
"Isn't this obvious? After we re-defended Xuchang City, the nine gates have a permanent garrison of 12,000 troops. The patrol battalion was led by Uncle Gao himself, plus 3,000 imperial guards."
Lin Mo sneered, looked at the two of them and asked: "Master Yue Zhang, Zilong, ask yourself, can you get through these heavy defenses and run into the palace to assassinate?"
Yes, this is almost unrealistic. There are people guarding every pass. Even if the assassin can get the household registration card and sneak into Xuchang City, he can only go to the outer city at most. The palace is in the inner city, and those who enter the inner city If you are not rich or noble, even the local people in Xuchang City will not be able to enter, let alone assassins with unknown origins who also carry weapons.
Lu Bu and Zhao Yun asked themselves that they couldn't do it. How could assassins be so capable?
"But why did he do this?" Zhao Yun said that he couldn't understand it at all.
"What else could be the reason? There is going to be a war. He is afraid that we will force him to fight in person. Now that he is injured, he will naturally be unable to leave the capital."
Lin Mo took a sip of tea and continued: "Besides, we will go on an expedition in three days. After we leave, he can use this matter to replace more imperial guards. When we come back and he takes action, The odds of winning are better, aren’t they?”
A look of surprise appeared on Lu Bu's face, and he couldn't help but sigh: "Your Majesty's mind is really not simple."
"It's more than just mental skills. He was able to pass through the heavy defenses and bring the assassin into the palace. This proves that he has controlled the Imperial Guard to a certain extent. In addition to having their people in the Nine Gates, he also completely understood the rules of the patrol camp. , it’s not simple.” Lin Mo expressed admiration for this.
"Yunwen, if we really get to this point, should we capture the guard before leaving the city?" After listening to Lin Mo's analysis, Lu Bu felt a sense of crisis.
After pondering for a moment, Lin Mo finally shook his head, "Forget it, let him make a fuss, it's not a big deal. Yan Liang Wenchou has now begun to take over the patrol camp. As long as they don't move, nothing big will happen in the imperial city. "
Lu Bu nodded slowly. This was true. All the people in the patrol camp were originally trapped in the camp. Their combat effectiveness was no joke. Three thousand imperial guards could be dealt with at the same time.
"Why are you going?" Lu Bu asked curiously as Lin Mo stood up.
"Your Majesty is injured. Why don't the current captains and Sikong go take a look?" Lin Mo said with a smile.
"That's right, let's go then." Lu Bu shook his head helplessly, and I turned a blind eye as I was supposed to cooperate with your performance.
(End of chapter)
