Chapter 399 Retire after success
After the secret meeting, which was satisfactory to both parties, Liu Feng had to stay in Luoyang City. In the following time, Liu Feng personally acted as guarantee and invited Zhang Yang, Yang Chou, and Sui Gu to come to Luozhong for an alliance.
Zhang Yang and Yang Chou are okay, but Sui Gu is a bit more troublesome.
Zhang Yang himself was very afraid of Yuan Shao. He had always suspected that Yuan Shao wanted to kill him, which was exactly the same as Zhang Miao. Yang Chou was close to Cao Cao in the original time and space, and close to Liu Feng in the current time and space. He was not strong in force, but had good vision, so there was no problem.
Only Sui Gu, in the original time and space, would rather defect to Yuan Shao than rebel against Cao.
This was not the time to be soft-hearted. Liu Feng directly joined forces with Cao Cao to hold a Hongmen Banquet to kill Sui Gu. At the same time, he sent people to take over his troops, disperse them and annex them.
Sui Gu treats Liu Feng fairly well, but no one can guarantee that Sui Gu will not rebel by then. Especially if he is forced to stand in the same camp as Cao Cao, it is even more likely to cause trouble.
For the sake of the overall situation, Liu Feng had to make this move.
In fact, before taking action, Liu Feng tried to save Sui Gu for the last time, expressing the hope that Sui Gu could lead his troops south and go to Jiangdong with him.
But Suigu rejected Liu Feng's request, saying that he was staying well in Hanoi and did not want to go south.
In this case, we can only send him to death.
If he doesn't die, in the future countless of our own warriors will be in dire straits and be massacred by the enemy because of his possible betrayal.
After solving the problem of Suigu, Zhang Yang immediately agreed to give up Heyang City for Cao Cao's defense, and was also willing to provide 4,000 civilians to serve Cao Cao's army.
Yang Chou had always been at odds with Sui Gu, but at this time there was also some sadness.
However, under Liu Feng's comfort, Yang Chou soon forgot about Sui Gu and strengthened his confidence in defending the alliance.
Of course, benefits are indispensable. Liu Feng not only agreed to transfer Sui Gu's part of the goods to Yang Chou and Zhang Yang to share equally, but also promised to provide a new trade product-sesame oil.
In addition, Liu Feng also guaranteed that if the war in Hanoi went unfavorably, Cao Cao must support Zhang Yang, Yang Chou and other troops to retreat across the Yellow River.
After successfully establishing an alliance, Liu Feng could finally leave Luozhong.
On the day Liu Feng left Luoyang, Cao Cao saw him off in person, taking Cao Ang, Cao Pi, Cao Zhi, Cao Zhang and other descendants ten miles away from Luoyang.
Later, Liu Feng boarded a boat in Mengjin and sailed down the Yellow River until the sewer water turned into the Langtang Channel, merged into the Ying River, and finally turned into the Huai River, arriving at Shouchun City.
At this time Liu Bei had planned to leave Shouchun and return to Tancheng.
However, Liu Feng first sent a message back, asking him to wait a little longer in Shouchun.
Liu Bei agreed to all the requests made by the good boy.
"Father."
Seeing his father standing on the dock waiting for him, Liu Feng immediately stepped forward to salute as soon as he got off the boat.
Liu Bei kindly helped Liu Feng straighten his messy bangs, then took his son's hand, patted it, and said with concern: "Feng'er, you have worked hard all the way. I heard that something happened in Luozhong, and I was worried about whether you were okay. I immediately So he sent people northward.”
Liu Bei sighed with emotion: "Fortunately, your letter arrived soon, and my father is relieved."
Liu Feng hurriedly complained: "The child is unfilial and makes his father tired."
Liu Bei waved his hand: "This is nothing, as long as you are safe and sound."
After the father and son talked for a while, Liu Feng began to introduce the new people behind him to Liu Bei.
"Father, this is Yingchuan Zhong Yuanchang, the direct grandson of Ji Minggong, the fourth chief of Yingchuan. The person next to him is his younger brother Zhong Zhongchang, who is also a famous scholar in Yingchuan."
When Liu Bei heard this, he was shocked and hurried forward to salute.
Zhong Yao and Zhong Yan were also shocked. They didn't expect to be respected by Liu Bei, but they actually saluted them when they first met.
Naturally, the two of them did not dare to accept Liu Bei's gift, so they hurriedly moved out of the way, and then respectfully returned the gift.
However, Liu Bei let go of the elder brother and stepped forward to hold the Zhong Yao brothers one by one.
"The name of Xian Kunzhong is as loud as thunder, and I have always admired him. I only hate that I am not lucky enough to meet him."
Liu Bei expressed his sincerity, his tone was sincere and full of emotion, and the Zhong Yao brothers were very moved when they heard this.
"I am fortunate enough to meet you today. I am overestimating my abilities and I sincerely ask Xian Kunzhong to come to my shogunate so that I can have the opportunity to ask for advice day and night."
Sure enough, before he finished three sentences, Liu Bei started poaching.
Liu Feng sneered in his heart. Fortunately, his hands and feet were fast, good and clean, so he didn't leave any gaps for his father.
Sure enough, Zhong Yao and Zhong Yan showed signs of refusal. They first saluted Liu Bei respectfully, and were very moved and said: "Brother Yu, although he has a little reputation, he doesn't want to be so loved by General Hussar. , should have been shattered to pieces, To repay the kindness of the general. However, we have already accepted the request of General Zuo and entered the shogunate of General Zuo. Fortunately, General Zuo is the son of the general. We can continue to contribute to the general and repay the kindness of the general. "
General Zuo?
Isn’t General Zuo Yuan Shu?
When did you become my son?
Liu Bei looked confused, as if there were a few question marks on his forehead, and looked at Hao Daer with confusion on his face.
Liu Feng hurriedly took a step forward and explained: "Father, this time the child entered Luo, he was favored by the emperor and highly regarded by the court. The general recommended the child to be promoted to General Zuo, take over Yangzhou as a pastoralist, be granted the title of Marquis of Wu, and live in a city of 6,500 households. , the commander-in-chief was responsible for Yang Yang and the military affairs of the two states. "
Liu Bei was a little surprised. He didn't expect that the emperor's treatment was much better than what he expected.
At this time, he didn't know that the big boy had already joined forces with Cao Cao in Luozhong to completely oust the emperor.
This reward is not so much a reward from the emperor as a reward from Cao Cao.
"Father, there is also an edict from the emperor."
When Liu Bei heard this, he hurriedly saluted: "Liu Bei, General of the Hussars, respectfully welcomes the imperial edict."
Liu Feng then said: "Liu Bei, the general of the hussars, commanded the military forces in the southeast. He pacified Jianghuai and Jiangdong, captured Yuan Shu and Sun Ce, stabilized the place, and comforted the people. He worked hard and made great achievements. I hereby grant two thousand households food towns to reward his efforts."< br>
When Liu Bei was originally granted the title of Marquis, he had eight thousand households. At this time, two thousand more households were added, reaching 10,000 households, which is quite high. Now in the entire Han Dynasty, he should be second only to Da Sima. Yuan Shao had 12,000 households and General Cao Cao had 11,000 households.
When Huangfu Song put down the Yellow Turban Rebellion, he almost saved the court of the Eastern Han Dynasty and extended the life of the Eastern Han Dynasty. He only granted 8,000 additional food fiefs, which shows how valuable the fiefdoms are.
Although the current feudal towns have been swelled with water, 10,000 households is still a watershed and can be called the highest level.
Today in the world, there are still only three people with a fiefdom of more than 10,000 households, Yuan Shao, Cao Cao, and Liu Bei.
Later, Liu Feng added: "Father, the imperial court still orders you to supervise the military affairs of Xu and Hezhou."
Although Liu Bei was surprised at Liu Feng's harvest, the more rewards his son received, the happier he would naturally be.
He immediately thanked the emperor for his kindness and virtue, and received the title.
"Father, the two Mr. Zhong have joined our shogunate."
Liu Feng brought up old things again, and after seeing that Liu Bei was a little worried, he quickly continued to introduce other people. "Father, this is my newly recruited shogunate chief. He is a direct descendant of the Hongnong Yang family, the grandson of the former hussar general Yang Ci, and the son of the former Taiwei Yang Biao, Yang Xiu."
Yang Ci once served as a Taiwei, but died of illness while serving as Sikong. After his death, he was posthumously awarded the title of General of Hussars.
Liu Feng specially praised: "Yang Dezu is respectful and studious, erudite and talented, especially good at classics. He can be said to be well-spoken and a rising star in Guanzhong."
Although Liu Feng is young, his status is now at the level of a boss.
The dignified General Zuo, the Marquis of Wu, the Mu of Yangzhou, the Commander-in-Chief of Yangzhou, and the military commanders of the two states.
This series of titles alone determines his right to speak.
Being able to ask Liu Feng to comment on the rising star in Guanzhong, Yang Xiu couldn't help but feel surprised.
Liu Bei started to recruit again. This was the legitimate son of the Hongnong Yang family.
As we all know, the Yang family is the third largest family in the world, second only to the Yuan family among the noble families, and the gap between the two families is not big.
If the Yuan family has many thoughts, not only sitting on the fence, but also having ulterior motives, then the Yang family is indeed much more loyal. They are close to the emperor and loyal to the court, and are far more loyal than the Yuan family.
It's just that the ship of Dahan inevitably declined, and the Yang family, who was deeply tied to Dahan and never thought of untying it until the late stage, unsurprisingly sank along with the shipwreck of Dahan.
Originally, Liu Feng wanted to take Yang Biao away with him, but Cao Cao refused Liu Feng's request and had a firm attitude.
There was no way, Liu Feng could only take Yang Xiu southward alone, while leaving Yang Biao in Luoyang.
Liu Bei's heart was filled with confusion, but before he had time to think of a reason to recruit people, he was sternly rejected by the good boy.
Later, Liu Feng also introduced Dong Zhao and others to Liu Bei.
Dong Zhao was not well-known and his family background was not outstanding, but Liu Bei did not underestimate him because of this. Instead, he treated him with greater enthusiasm. It was obvious that he never wanted to poach people, and he trusted the vision of his grown-up son.
Fortunately, the fat man was very loyal to Liu Feng, and he was so loyal that he refused in the end without letting Liu Bei regain any face.
"Uncle Yuanchang and Uncle Zhongchang, thank you for your hard work coming all the way."
Xun You, who was behind Liu Bei, saluted Zhong Yao and Zhong Yan.
According to seniority, Xun Yu, brothers Zhong Yao and Zhong Yan were equals. Even though Xun Yu was not young, he was still a junior in front of Zhong Yao.
Zhong Yao recognized Xun You and showed a smile: "It turns out to be Gongda. It has been a long time since we last met a few years ago."
Xun You respectfully replied: "What my uncle said is true. It has been six years since I left Luoyang in the third year of Chuping (AD 192)."
Immediately afterwards, Xun You showed a sincere smile and said: "Liu Qiaoqi and his son treat others with sincerity and are good at accepting advice. They are indeed wise masters. If my uncle stays with the young master for a long time in the future, he will naturally get the same result."< br>
Zhong Yao nodded thoughtfully, knowing that Xun You was trying to sell himself well.
The four major surnames in Yingchuan can be said to be of the same spirit, and they also intermarry with each other, so they can be regarded as in-laws.
There are very few people from Yuzhou in the top management of Liu Bei and his son, especially those from Yingchuan. So far, there are only a few such as Xun You. Even though Xun You was valued and trusted by Liu Bei and his son, the people of Yingchuan did not have a high say and could not be compared with the people of Xuzhou.
Now that the Zhong Yao brothers have joined, Xun You is naturally overjoyed.
This has nothing to do with character, it's just true love.
Seeing that many talented people were in front of him, but none of them could be included in the scene, Liu Bei obviously refused to give up. He held a banquet in the city that night to welcome Liu Feng and others. Make contact with more people.
Everyone returned home happily that night, including Liu Feng.
After much consideration, Liu Feng still felt that he couldn't rush and there was no need to discuss serious matters with Liu Bei who was drunk.
What happened in Luozhong this time was obviously against Liu Bei's preferences, and Liu Feng had to think more about it.
At noon the next day, Liu Feng met with Liu Bei alone, and only then told what happened in Luozhong.
However, Liu Feng was not stupid enough to be completely honest. Instead, he used the Spring and Autumn style of writing to focus on describing how Cao Cao launched a political attack on Yang Biao, how he seized the emperor's remaining military power, and finally gained monopoly power.
As for his role in it, it is either brushed off or understated.
The key is to reduce your presence as much as possible.
Liu Feng had no choice but to tell Liu Bei directly that I instigated Cao Cao to evade the emperor and that I instigated Cao Cao to arrest Yang Biao.
If he really said that, Liu Bei would most likely turn against him and stage a righteous act of extermination.
While Liu Feng tried his best to blame Cao Cao, he also cleaned up the ground for him: "Father, the general is helpless like this."
"Huh?"
Liu Bei looked over in confusion, with clear dissatisfaction in his eyes. He was obviously displeased with his son's defense of the rebellious ministers and traitors.
Seeing this scene, Liu Feng sighed in his heart. Fortunately, he took precautions, otherwise his father would have killed his family for justice.
"Does father know the situation in Hebei?"
Liu Feng asked instead without answering.
Liu Bei frowned slightly: "Brother Gongsun is still trapped in Yi Jing, but he no longer has the ambition of the past. He just wants to delay the time until he knows what is going on in the world."
What Gongsun Zan meant was that he was waiting for the general trend of the world to become obvious. To put it bluntly, he did not intend to fight for the world, but was waiting for the Ming Dynasty to be born, and then sell his only land at a good price.
This can be said to be the ultimate decadence. If Gongsun Zan didn't hate Yuan Shao so much, he would rather die than fight with him to the end.
If it were another person, I'm afraid he would have surrendered to the opponent long ago.
"Father doesn't know something."
Liu Feng opened his mouth and slowly told the story of the peace negotiations between Yuan Shaoyu and Gongsun Zan.
After hearing this, Liu Bei was extremely shocked and even doubted with some disbelief: "Where did you get this news from?"
The reason why Liu Bei was so surprised was because he couldn't understand how Yuan Shao could still negotiate peace with Gongsun Zan at this time.
"This news comes from Da Sima, father, there is no need to doubt whether the news is true or false."
After Liu Feng prevaricated, he continued: "It is true that Da Sima wants to negotiate peace with Uncle Gongsun this time, but what he thinks in his heart may not be true."
Liu Bei was a little confused and asked: "What does this mean?"
Liu Feng guessed: "My child suspects that Da Sima's peace negotiation is just a ploy."
(End of chapter)