Chapter 273 The east wind is gradually rising
Liu Ye and Lu Su were even more excited, and the reason was naturally clear.
Chengde is Liu Ye’s hometown, and Lu Su’s hometown is Dongcheng.
Liu Feng's adjustment of the strategic plan has invisibly increased the importance of Dongcheng Road, which also brought greater opportunities for Lu Su and Liu Ye to make meritorious deeds.
Liu Bei's respect and trust in Lu Su and Liu Ye made them loyal and sincere, and they could not suppress their desire to make meritorious deeds.
Lu Su, in particular, was determined to write letters to urge Zhou Yu after he returned.
How can you be so hesitant about doing big things?
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On this day, Zhou Yu from Shu County was summoned by the clan leader Zhou Chong.
Zhou Chongnai is the eldest son of Zhou Jing, the eldest brother of Zhou Yu's father's generation, the biological brother of Zhou Zhong, the cousin of Zhou Shang and Zhou Yi, and once served as the prime minister of Ganling.
After Zhou Jing's death, he inherited Zhou Jing's title of Anyang Marquis.
After the disaster of the party's imprisonment intensified, he resigned and went into seclusion and lived in the countryside.
Yuan Shu made several conquests, but was rejected.
For the Zhou family, Zhou Chong has considerable say.
Zhou Yu was suddenly called by Zhou Chong. He was also a little confused. He didn't know what his uncle, the patriarch, would do if he came to him.
Zhou Chong is very old, over seventy, with gray hair and half of his teeth lost. He can no longer eat meat and can only rely on gruel and human milk for food.
When Zhou Yu arrived in the room, he found that his uncle had nodded his head and dozed off.
Maybe it’s because I’m older and get sleepy easily, and I fall asleep from time to time.
Facing the sleeping Zhou Chong, Zhou Yu could only stand aside honestly, not daring to disturb the other person's rest. He didn't even dare to sit down, and kept standing quietly, waiting for Zhou Chong to wake up.
Fortunately, Zhou Chong did not fall asleep for a long time this time, and he woke up after just a cup of tea.
"Gong Jin is here."
After seeing Zhou Yu, Zhou Chong showed his uneven gums, smiled at Zhou Yu and waved his hand: "Sit down first, sit down and talk."
“Yes, uncle.”
Zhou Yu thanked Zhou Chong and sat down honestly.
If Zhou Yu dared to argue in front of his uncle Zhou Shang, he would be much more honest when in front of Zhou Chong.
Zhou Chong is not only the highest-ranking Zhou family elder, but also the clan leader. He himself has held the title of Two Thousand Stones, and he also inherited the title of Anyang Marquis from Zhou Jing.
Whether in terms of authority or filial piety, Zhou Yu can be called the leader among the third generation of the Zhou family, but he really has no say in front of Zhou Chong.
Not to mention Zhou Yu, even Zhou Zhong, Zhou Shang and Zhou Yu's father Zhou Yi had to be honest when meeting Zhou Chong and did not dare to be rude at all.
Seeing Zhou Chong nod his head again, Zhou Yu hurriedly asked: "Uncle, why did you call Yu here?"
"Oh."
Zhou Chong suddenly woke up and said with a wry smile: "I am always very sleepy as I get older."
After finishing speaking, Zhou Chong looked at the letter table beside him and said: "There is a letter sent by your loyal uncle there. , you can check it out first."
Zhou Yu was surprised: "Is there any news about Uncle Zhong?"
Since Dong Zhuo moved the capital to Chang'an, most of the princes in Guandong have raised their flags and committed bloodshed. Since the alliance and the unanimous defeat of Dong, the connection between Guandong and Guanzhong has been severed.
The Zhou family knew nothing about the safety of Zhou Zhong, who was an official in the court. After the chaos in the world, the successive waves of servants they sent also disappeared, and no news came back.
At this moment, the Zhou family suddenly received a letter from Zhou Zhong, which was obviously good news.
Zhou Zhong has been an official in the court. Previously, he even worshiped the great minister Nong and showed his duties for the nine ministers. At this time, the emperor successfully returned eastward, and he must have been promoted.
In fact, Zhou Zhong had already become a Taiwei in the third year of Chuping, but Zhou Yu and the others didn't know it.
Zhou Yu got Zhou Chong's permission and went aside to find Zhou Zhong's letters.
This letter is quite easy to find. It was almost placed in the center of the case by Zhou Chong.
After Zhou Yu opened the silk book, he read it carefully.
In the letter, he learned about Zhou Zhong's experiences in the past few years, including his official worship of the Three Lords, and later his dismissal due to the disaster of the Huashan Mountain collapse. He then escorted the emperor's chariot back east, and after the death of Sun Rui in battle , took over the position of guard.
Seeing this, Zhou Yu breathed a sigh of relief.
But when he looked down, his face suddenly changed.
It turns out that Zhou Zhong highly praised Liu Feng in the second half of the letter, and at the same time praised Liu Bei as a benevolent and righteous gentleman who was trusted by the emperor. At the same time, he expressed the hope that the family could cooperate with Liu Bei to attack Yuan Shu.
After reading the letter, Zhou Yu went to see Zhou Chong, only to find that his uncle was much more energetic and no longer as drowsy as before.
"Uncle, the risk of uncle's move is quite high."
Zhou Yu said realistically: "Once Liu Qiaoqi is blocked by General Zuo, my Zhou family is in Shu County and has no one to rely on. . Once General Zuo returns to the army, he may be in trouble."
To be fair, Zhou Yu's original plan to rebel against Liu Yao in Jiangdong and help Sun Ce break through the Niuzhu defense line is indeed less risky than his current betrayal. Yuan Shu came big.
Most of the real estate accumulated by the Zhou family, such as mines, fields, shops, forest farms, fish ponds and other assets, cannot be taken away.
Once Yuan Shu blocks Liu Bei and then frees up his hands to deal with the Zhou family, the best outcome for the Zhou family is to escape Jiangdong and go to Zhou Shang in Wanling.
If it really ends up like this, the Zhou family's vitality will be severely damaged, and even the southern part of Danyang may not be able to defend it.
Zhou Yu is not opposed to this plan, but wants to know more about the situation to make a decision.
For Zhou Yu's caution, Zhou Chong not only did not blame him, but was also very pleased: "Gongjin, you can be calm in the face of big events and keep your heart when you see great benefits. My uncle is very happy."
"In Under your uncle's letter, there is another letter from your friend Lu Su in Guangling."
Zhou Chong continued: "He is currently serving as a military advisor under Liu Shijun. During this expedition, he will follow Liu Shijun."
Zhou Yu was a little strange and didn't understand why Lu Su's letter came first Give it to Zhou Chong instead of yourself.
But when he opened Lu Su's letter, he suddenly realized.
It turns out that Lu Su not only revealed in his letter the total strength mobilized by Liu Bei's army - 120,000, but also confidently stated that Yuan Shu would be defeated because Liu Bei's side also used weapons to break the city.
Yuan Shu's fortified city could not stop Liu Bei's offensive at all.
At the end of the letter, Lu Su expressed his deep friendship with Zhou Yu, and also revealed that he had recommended Zhou Yu to Liu Qiaoqi and Liu Zhengnan and his son several times. Liu Bei and his son also admired Zhou Yu and looked forward to his assistance.
Finally, Lu Su made a condition on behalf of Liu Bei. If Zhou Shang wanted to continue to serve as a local official in the future, he could choose one of Runan and Lu as a county governor.
If you intend to go to Luozhong Center, then Liu Bei is willing to guarantee a position as a Jiuqing.
At the same time, Liu Bei and his son also have another appointment for Zhou Yu himself. As for whether to join the army or politics, they will consider Zhou Yu's own ideas.
I have to say that this sincerity is quite generous. Even Zhou Yu himself felt flattered.
After reading the letter, Zhou Yu hesitated for a moment, then turned around and asked, "Uncle, do you think what Zijing said is true?"
Zhou Yu asked whether the intelligence on troop deployment given by Lu Su was correct. Really, but also asking whether the reward offered by the other party is real.
"It must be true."
Zhou Chong lowered his eyelids and said: "It can only be true."
Zhou Yu was stunned for a moment, but he heard that Chong continued: "Your loyal uncle served as a guard in Luozhong and was almost replaced by the general. Only Liu Shijun spoke uprightly and was able to keep your loyal uncle's position."
After Zhou Yu heard these words, he suddenly understood. For a moment, he admired Zhou Chong.
Just as my uncle said, Liu Shijun's conditions must be true and will only be true.
Because Liu Bei and his son were the ones who took the initiative, not to mention that they had placed a deposit.
Zhou Yu immediately replied: "Uncle, don't worry, Yu knows what to do."
Zhou Chong showed a satisfied smile and nodded tiredly: "You are cautious and thoughtful in doing things, uncle." I’m very relieved. My uncle is old and has limited energy, so I will leave everything to you this time.”
Zhou Yu's heart trembled, and he responded: "Yes, uncle!"
Zhou Chong smiled, then waved his hand: "Gong Jin will leave, and my uncle will be at home to watch your achievements."
“Yes, uncle!”
Zhou Yu responded again, then turned and left.
Now that you have made up your mind, there are many things to do.
"Gong Jin..."
When Zhou Yu was about to go out, Zhou Chong called from behind again.
Zhou Yu turned around strangely and looked at Zhou Chong, only to see the latter squinting his eyes and saying as if he was dreaming: "If things are not harmonious, you don't have to come back and just cross the river to join your uncle Shang."
"Uncle!?"
Zhou Yu was shocked. What Zhou Chong meant by this was that once the incident failed, Zhou Yu should not worry about his safety and quickly cross the river to join Zhou Shang. .
In this era, being unfilial is a serious crime. The purpose of Zhou Chong's words was to relieve Zhou Yu's worries. Zhou Yu wanted to speak to persuade, but saw Zhou Chong raised his hand and waved: "Uncle is old, the Zhou family can only count on you in the future. Uncle can only help you for a while, but he cannot take care of you for the rest of your life. You should work hard. The Zhou family depends on you."
Zhou Yu's eyes turned red and he bowed to Zhou Chong: "I will never forget my uncle's wishes."
>
"Okay, okay, you go."
Zhou Chong then laughed with satisfaction, and after approving, he closed his eyes and stopped talking.
Zhou Yu quietly retreated.
At this time, Zhou Yu, who had received full authorization from Zhou Chong, almost had the authority of the head of the Zhou family, which shows how high Zhou Chong's expectations were for him.
But there is nothing we can do about it.
Zhou Yu’s father, Zhou Yi, was Zhou Jing’s cousin and nephew.
Starting from Zhou Yu's grandfather, his lineage is no longer a direct lineage of the Zhou family.
Therefore, theoretically, Zhou Yu's value is actually not high, because the Zhou family has many direct descendants. Not only is his ancestor Zhou Jing ranked among the three princes, Zhou Jing's son Zhou Zhong is also ranked among the three princes, and Zhou Zhong's son Zhou Hui is young. At a young age, he had already become the order of Luoyang.
Don't underestimate Luoyang Ling. Zhou Hui's father Zhou Zhong and grandfather Zhou Jing both made their fortunes from the official position of Luoyang Ling.
In other words, Zhou Hui followed the majestic road paved by Zhou Zhong.
In history, the brothers Yuan Shao and Yuan Shu gained power and became famous in history. The reason for this is that Dong Zhuo did not kill him.
If Dong Zhuo had killed Yuan Shao directly when he yelled at him, "My sword is not a disadvantage."
Then Yuan Shao is just on the same level as Zhou Hui. Even if he is stronger than Zhou Hui, his strength is limited.
Historical records record that brothers Zhou Hui and Yuan Shao were the same brothers. They were good guests and enjoyed leisurely travels across the Yangtze River and Huaihe River. They often took more than a hundred cars in and out.
This is almost the style of brothers Yuan Shao and Yuan Shu in the Jianghuai version.
The only difference is that Zhou Hui entered Luohou Zhong when Dong Zhuo entered the capital and the capital was uneasy. As a result, Dong Zhuo heard rumors about him and sent troops to kill the Zhou Hui brothers.
Several of Zhou Jing's grandsons also died together, causing all of Zhou Jing's direct lineage to wither, and Zhou Shang's son to be ineffective as well.
Zhou Chong and Zhou Shang could only place their hopes on Zhou Yu, and then they began to increase investment in him.
This is also one of the fundamental reasons why Yuan Shu does not pay attention to Zhou Yu. Because of his own reasons and Yuan Shao's, Yuan Shu is particularly disgusted with the concubine turning into a regular official.
At this time, the younger generation of the Zhou family still has Zhou Yu himself, Zhou Yu's bastard brother Zhou Dao, and Zhou Dao's son Zhou Jun.
Zhou Yu immediately summoned them.
Zhou Yi is tall. Zhou Yu and Zhou Dao both inherited their father's frame. However, in addition to being tall, Zhou Yu is also very handsome in appearance. He is also proficient in music and can read regulations.
Zhou Dao then developed into the military and was now in charge of the remaining tribes at home.
“Gong Jin, I am looking for you.”
Zhou Daoyao is more than ten years older than Zhou Yu. His eldest son Zhou Jun is already over sixteen and is younger than Zhou Yu. Not a few years old.
Zhou Yu was sitting on the side of the case. Hearing this, he turned around and asked, "Brother, what's the matter?"
"Liu Fujun sent an edict, ordering my Zhou family to send out 800 people to raise funds. Three thousand stones of grain, twenty carts, forty oxen and horses, and an additional fifteen hundred young men must be recruited within a time limit of half a month."
Zhou Dao sat down, slammed his fist on the table, and said angrily: "Does he treat my Zhou family like a belly?"
Zhou Jun stood silently behind his father, as As a junior, he is not qualified to speak freely.
“Oh!?”
Zhou Yu’s eyes suddenly lit up: “When did the news come?”
“Just now.”
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Zhou Dao didn't notice the strangeness of his brother, and complained to himself: "The demands made a month ago were already quite heavy, and now we have to increase the demands. Is this forcing people to death?"
Yue Not long ago, Liu Xun sent a mission to raise food and fodder for soldiers.
The arrangements for the Zhou family at that time were five hundred people, two thousand dan of food, ten chariots and horses, and eight hundred young men.
The Zhou family had just collected most of it, but they came to increase the amount again, increasing it by more than 50% in one go.
It’s not that the Zhou family can’t get it together, but if they come according to Liu Xun’s time requirements, they will definitely be strained.
But the Zhou family is in Shu County, which is the seat of Lujiang County, and Liu Xun is watching from the city.
The Zhou family is the first to bear the brunt and cannot avoid it.
Perhaps Liu Xun is just waiting for your Zhou family to disobey and kill the chicken to scare the monkey.
Zhou Dao was so worried that he could only look for his usually resourceful brother. Unexpectedly, Zhou Yu happened to be looking for him too, so he hurriedly looked for him.
“Brother, don’t worry.”
Zhou Yu felt a faint movement in his heart and thought of an idea.
After the maid served tea, Zhou Yu drove all the servants out, leaving only his brother Zhou Dao and his nephew Zhou Jun.
Then, Zhou Yu lowered his voice and asked: "Brother, how many other people are there in the family and how many people are available?"
Zhou Daoxiao was surprised and didn't understand the purpose of Zhou Yu's question. .
But after thinking about it carefully, he answered honestly: "Uncle Shang took away two thousand Buqu before, and there are only twelve or three hundred people left in the clan. The family village Ding Keke has more than a thousand people, but these villagers can't move at the moment. Seeing that the autumn harvest is coming, the family's harvest depends entirely on them. In addition, there are some country boys and rangers who are attached to my family within half a month. , from among them, at least four to five hundred more people can be recruited.”
Zhou Yu's eyes sparkled as he watched Zhou Dao take stock of the Zhou family's military background for Zhou Yu.
Zhou Yu silently calculated in his heart that the family could mobilize 1,300 people, more than 1,000 villagers, plus the country boys and knights, a total of 3,000 people could be mobilized.
This number is already scary, you can do it!
Zhou Yu immediately took out the two silk books that Zhou Chong had just given him and handed them to Zhou Dao and Zhou Jun.
“Brother, Ajun, please read this book first.”
Zhou Dao and Zhou Jun looked suspicious, opened the silk books and started reading.
It didn’t take long for the two people’s expressions to change.
This is a rebellion at home.
Zhou Dao and Zhou Jun suppressed the questions in their throats and continued reading.
After that, the expressions of the two people gradually changed.
The original apprehension turned into eagerness to try.
After the father and son finished reading, they raised their heads and stared at Zhou Yu with burning eyes.
Zhou Yu secretly breathed a sigh of relief. He was previously worried that Zhou Dao and his son would be hesitant or afraid of difficulties.
But now the reactions of Zhou Dao and his son made him even more confident.
"Gong Jin, tell me what to do. My father and son will all listen to you!"
Zhou Dao said fiercely: "That Liu Zitai is really not a thing. He ignored the past feelings and relied on Yuan Gonglu's power to persecute my family in every possible way. I have long wanted to kill this piece of shit."
" Good!"
Zhou Yu sneered and said: "The sage said: If you want to take it, you must give it first."
"Since we want to take the head of Liu Zitai, let's give it first. He is a great gift."
Zhou Yu made arrangements directly: "Brother, you immediately gather the Ding soldiers from the village and the young men and knights from the village, organize them into a group, and give them wine and meat to make them return home."
"Here!"
Zhou Dao immediately stood up and accepted the order. He understood that the person giving orders at this time was no longer his younger brother, but the head of the Zhou family.
Zhou Yu nodded towards Zhou Dao, then turned to his nephew and shouted: "Ajun!"
"My nephew is here!"
Zhou Jun stood up immediately Obey.
Zhou Yu ordered: "You recruit Ding Zhuang in Shu County and secretly spread the news that Liu Taishou is ruthless in killing people and forcing everyone to die. You must make Ding Zhuang attach themselves to my family."
Zhou Jun responded generously: " "Here!"
Zhou Yu sneered and said, "The traitor Liu Zitai is pushing so hard this time. It must be Liu Zhijun from the north who is about to attack. Since my family has decided to join Liu Zhijun, we can take advantage of Liu Zitai. Present his head in front of Liu Shijun's throne."
Zhou Dao and his son agreed in unison: "That's right!"
Zhou Yu smiled with satisfaction: "Okay, you two. Go and do it immediately. I will write a letter and inform Liu Shijun of the actual situation in Lujiang, so that he can make preparations in advance."
"Here!"
Zhou Dao and his son responded in unison, resigned, and went separately to complete the tasks assigned by Zhou Yu.
(End of this chapter)