Chapter 276 Everyone has their own plans
What shocked He Man and Zhang Peng the most was that these soldiers could always remain vigilant and did not relax their vigilance because of their cooperation.
The quality of this kind of soldiers among the Runan Yellow Turbans has already reached the standard of generals' personal guards.
But Liu Bei's army turned out to be just an ordinary unit guarding the city gate. This made He Man and Zhang Peng clearly feel the gap in combat power between the two sides, and they became more supportive of Liu Pi's surrender.
He Man and Zhang Peng naturally had no idea how much effort Liu Feng had put into it.
Liu Feng and his son were not usually lavish. Liu Bei was fond of dogs and horses, and liked fine clothes. However, Liu Feng was really thrifty and had no interest in sensuality, dogs and horses, and he was also very good at making money.
Liu Feng not only persuaded Liu Bei to invest a large amount of money into the construction of the army, improve the food standards of the army and the basic salary of the soldiers, but also paid great attention to spiritual rewards.
These material and spiritual rewards are mixed together to form a good chemical reaction, achieving the effect of spending a small amount of money... no, it should be spending a medium amount of money to do big things.
At the same time, he often provides science education to the soldiers, telling everyone that Liu Bei has allocated fields to everyone, and that everyone's protection of Xuzhou is to protect their own family property and relatives.
The soldiers of the Xuzhou Army became more and more accustomed to not disturbing the people and fighting for the righteousness of the state and county.
Naturally, training will be harder, military discipline will become better, and combat power will become stronger.
Especially the Xuzhou Army won almost consecutive battles along the way without losing a single defeat.
Winning streak not only greatly increases the morale and self-confidence of the army, but also makes it easier to accumulate veterans.
Nowadays, the proportion of veterans in the Xuzhou Army is as high as over 70%. This proportion is probably only comparable to that of Cao Cao's Qingzhou Army. However, in terms of combat power, the Xuzhou Army completely surpassed the Qingzhou Army.
While Liu Pi was thinking wildly, the sound of horse hooves sounded fiercely inside the city gate.
Liu Pi quickly came to his senses and looked inside, only to see an elderly man with arms longer than his knees, big ears hanging from his shoulders, and a stern face galloping out of the city.
The soldiers at the city gate bowed down one after another, shouting: "See the Hussars!"
Liu Pi, He Man, and Zhang Peng perked up and realized that the person coming was none other than the Han Sect. My dear, I am the hussar general of the imperial court, the shepherd of Yuzhou, the governor of the three states of Yu, Xu, and Yang. According to the edict of the emperor, below the state shepherd, I am the Marquis of Qiao, Liu Bei, and Liu Xuande.
Liu Pi and the others did not dare to neglect, and hurriedly stepped forward and saluted Liu Bei: "I'll wait to see Hussar!"
Liu Bei got off his horse and walked directly to Liu Pi to help him. And rise.
Liu Bei's guards knew his temper well and did not dare to stop him. They just followed closely to protect his left and right sides.
"Gong Xiao is here, but he is here to help Xiang prepare for the southern expedition to attack Yuan Shu?"
Liu Bei smiled at Yan Yan, and after helping Liu Pi up, he turned to hold him. He held his hand and spoke kindly and politely, which made Liu Pi and the other three people feel flattered.
People like Liu Pi and Gong Du are actually similar in nature to Xu Chu. They are both from powerful backgrounds, but one joined the Yellow Turbans and the other sided with the Han court.
They all come from rich and powerful backgrounds. Of course, this power is only compared to that of ordinary people, and naturally cannot be compared with the nobles.
Therefore, they are actually all famous, but their status is not high, their achievements are not obvious, record deviations or other reasons, etc., they are not passed down to later generations in the end.
Even if you are from a truly lower-class background, once you get up there, you will ask someone to give you a nickname, and you will even change your name to get a better nickname.
The status of words in the Eastern Han Dynasty is such a high one, and calling someone by their cousin is an extremely intimate act, full of goodwill.
Liu Bei's ability to act like this is naturally because he wants to get close to Liu Pi. How can he not be moved by this?
Liu Bei personally went out of the city to greet him with the dignity of a hussar and a lord of Qiao. Is this attitude of a polite corporal not sincere enough?
Liu Pi was worried and secretly happy, but he was also deeply moved.
Hearing Liu Bei's question, he hurriedly replied: "People from the countryside don't know the heavens, but they only know a few principles of life. I am so kind to you, and I wish I hadn't come here earlier. , I have been waiting for you for a long time."
Afterwards, Liu Pi introduced to Liu Bei: "These two are my important generals, and they are my confidants together with Zhou Cang and Pei Yi. I brought you to meet the envoy, and I am willing to do my best for you!”
“Why did Gongxiao say this?”
Liu Bei nodded and smiled at He Man and Zhang Peng. , which made the two very excited, and then said to Liu Pi: "Now the world is in chaos, the central government is weak, and there is a shortage of talented people like Gong Xiao to serve the country. This is the time for you to use force. If you are not prepared, you are willing to do it. I recommend you to the imperial court, and I am willing to work with you to support the Han Dynasty and correct the direction of the court."
After hearing this, Liu Pi and others couldn't help being happy, and wanted to bow down and thank Liu Bei.
How could Liu Bei make him kneel down? He pulled him hard and entered Xiang County together.
That night, Liu Bei hosted a banquet in honor of Liu Pi, He Man, and Zhang Peng.
During the dinner, Liu Bei was cordial and touching, caring deeply about the three of them. He even carefully asked Liu Pi and others about their ambitions, and used this to seek official positions for them.
Liu Pi and the other three were surprised and somewhat disbelieving.
Faced with Liu Bei's love for him, both He Man and Zhang Peng had already returned to their hearts. Even Liu Pi, who was a little cautious, felt that Liu Bei was a kind-hearted person who treated people with kindness and valued righteousness over profit. He was very different from the people of the world, and he was convinced. .
This surrender is the right move.
The sentiment here is sincere and touching.
Shucheng County, Lujiang County also staged a drama of the king and his ministers getting to know each other, but here the king and his ministers got to know each other with swords and swords, intrigues and intrigues.
Liu Xun, the governor of Lujiang appointed by Yuan Shu, is summoning Zhou Yu.
Seeing Liu Bei in the north eyeing him, various military forces continued to gather in the northern part of Runan, and the bridge was guarded by Ruyin like walking on thin ice, trembling with fear. He sent documents asking for help to Shouchun every day, which made Yuan Shu more and more panicked.
When Yuan Shu panicked, he naturally wanted to tell Liu Xun about the situation. As a result, more and more urging documents were sent to Liu Xun, and the words used became more and more serious.
Liu Xun can't produce food and soldiers. It's useless for him to be anxious alone. He can only pass on his anxiety to the local nobles and powerful people in Lujiang, and the Zhou family, the commander-in-chief of the county, is the most important. one.
"Gong Jin, you are finally here."
As soon as Zhou Yu entered the hall, Liu Xun grabbed his left hand and said: "Gong Jin, your Majesty has repeatedly I'm asking when Lujiang's backup supplies will be able to go north. The Zhou family is the home of Wang Gonghou of Lujiang County. If you don't help me, I really can't withstand the Lord's urging."
Facing Liu Xun's overtures and threats, Zhou Yu replied respectfully: "I'm telling you, my family has gathered 2,000 troops and 1,500 strong men. There are 20 carts, 40 cattle and horses, and 3 grains." Thousands and five hundred stones, as well as twenty jars of wine and ten pigs and sheep, to labor the army."
"Okay, okay!"
After hearing Zhou Yu's words, Liu Xun. He breathed a sigh of relief.
Yuan Shu’s pressure became more and more intense, and his demands also increased.
Among them, food and 15,000 people are relatively easy to solve. After all, the autumn harvest is around the corner. In addition, Lujiang County has a population of more than 300,000 at this time, and there are still a large number of hidden households.
Although it is difficult to mobilize 15,000 civilians, it is not completely impossible.
On the contrary, the eight thousand soldiers were more difficult to deal with.
Liu Xun himself has three thousand parts in his hands, but these three thousand parts are Liu Xun's old foundation. Not only do he have to rely on them to suppress the entire Lujiang River, but they are also the guarantee of his life.
At the same time, Liu Xun is actually not optimistic about Yuan Shu. Liu Bei's previous record in Yingchuan has also been reported back. He swept the Yingchuan Yellow Turbans within half a month. Yuan Shu could not even dream of such a record.
Runan Liu Pi betrayed him the year before last, and he stayed in Gepi Pingyu. Do you think why Yuan Shu, a petty person like him, never went to trouble him?
Isn’t it because I can’t beat him?
Therefore, Liu Xun was absolutely unwilling to throw his old skills into the pit of Shouchun.
He thought that the best way was to ask the powerful nobles in Lujiang to hand over their respective tribes, and then let them reinforce Yuan Shu.
If Yuan Shu wins, it will be due to Liu Xun's neat work. If Yuan Shu loses, his strength will not be lost at all, but the local resistance in Lujiang will become weaker, which is more conducive to his rule.
At that time, whether he surrenders to Liu Bei, Liu Biao, or even Cao Cao in the north, he will have enough bargaining chips to turn things around.
It was precisely for this reason that he was so enthusiastic about Zhou Yu that he was even flattering.
"Gong Jin, you have helped me a lot this time."
Liu Xun looked ashamed, and while introducing Zhou Yu into the banquet, he complained: "There is just one more thing. I need your help. If you are willing to help, Xun will be richly rewarded."
Zhou Yu sneered in his heart, knowing that what Liu Xun was seeking was definitely not a good thing, but his face remained calm and respectful after listening. After Liu Xun's words, he immediately said: "Why are you so polite? Since you came to our county, the government has been harmonious and harmonious, the people live and work in peace and contentment, and the people have enough food and clothing. These are all due to your efforts. Now it is the people of our county who repay your favor." At this time, please don’t worry too much.”
Liu Xun was overjoyed when he heard this, and repeatedly praised Zhou Yu for his general knowledge, understanding of the overall situation, and extraordinary pattern. Then he said: "General Zuo ordered eight thousand reinforcements from our county. At this time, the army has just gathered two thousand people, plus Gong Jin and you two thousand people." , but they are only half of them. The other families are not as bright and knowledgeable as the Gong Jin Ru family. Don’t you know that there will be no eggs left behind?”
Liu Xun’s shamelessness is still beyond Zhou Yu’s imagination. It's just that he has already made up his mind, so it's not like he can't accept it.
It’s just that Zhou Yu didn’t take over everything, but deliberately hesitated and said: “Master Fu, the two thousand songs are the efforts of my Zhou family. I won’t hide it from Mr. Fu. Now my family has , there are only thirty or fifty tribal soldiers to protect us, so there is really nothing we can do."
Liu Xun showed an awkward smile and explained: "Gong Jin misunderstood, it is difficult for your family to destroy your family, and you are generous and righteous. How could you not know? Somehow, he asked Gong Jin to come forward and persuade Zheng, Liang and others to help the Lord. "
It suddenly dawned on Zhou Yu that Liu Xun was. I want him to come forward and persuade other families to shed more blood.
But isn't this ridiculous?
The reason why my Zhou family is so ruined is to make a bet for Liu Bei and to trap Yuan Shu to death.
The other families are not rebelling, so what’s the use of my talking nonsense?
As for wooing other families to do big things together, Zhou Yu is respectful and insensitive.
When people talk a lot, it is easy for rumors to leak out.
The second and most important reason is that the Zhou family can take it all, so why should they share the cake with other families at the risk of leaking the news and exposing the matter?
The reinforcements totaled 8,000 people, and the Zhou family accounted for 2,000 Bubu, a quarter of the force. In addition, the Liu Jun's foreign aid was attracted by the tip-off, and these 6,000 people were not included in the package. Something like a turtle in a urn?
So Zhou Yu immediately wanted to refuse.
But suddenly, he had an idea and thought of another way, so the words came to his lips: "The important responsibility of the prince is unshirkable."
Liu Xun was overjoyed and immediately A banquet was ordered to be held in honor of Zhou Yu.
In the next few days, Zhou Yu worked extremely hard, visiting several big families in Lujiang County to persuade them to hand over their troops.
To be fair, the Zhou family has a very high reputation in Lujiang. It is also the home of the commander-in-chief of Lujiang County. The powerful nobles in Lujiang all look up to the Zhou family.
If Zhou Yu offers some benefits, or uses the Zhou family to force him, then these aristocratic families will more or less definitely give Zhou Yu face.
At least there can always be two or three dozen clan soldiers to deal with.
But Zhou Yu was empty-handed and didn’t promise benefits, let alone use force to force him. Then everyone understood that he was just going around in circles. Although it was not a loss, the last few steps everyone came up with The number of people turned out to be as high as five hundred.
This disappointed Liu Xun, and he couldn't help complaining about Zhou Yu.
Zhou Yu sneered. He had long seen through Liu Xun's character, and he had his own plans. He would not take this complaint to heart at all. Instead, he took the initiative to show concern and said with great concern: "Fu Jun , Now it is less than ten days before the date set by General Zuo, and it will take four or five days to go from Shucheng County to Hefei, but there are only 4,500 soldiers. What should we do?"
After being reminded by Zhou Yu, Liu Xun became anxious and couldn't help but stand up and spin around.
But he has never been a quick-witted person, nor can he even be considered a smart person. Even if he spins around until he dies, it can only help Yuan Shu get a few more carts of rice and noodles.
“What should I do?”
Liu Xun turned around several times and suddenly saw Zhou Yu sitting in the banquet drinking tea and soup. First, his anger rose in his heart. I am restless here, but you have the leisure to drink tea?
But then he suddenly realized that Zhou Yu had a reputation for being very witty. Could it be that he already had a solution?
Liu Xun stopped circling, took two quick steps and came to Zhou Yu: "Gong Jin, do you have a solution?"
Zhou Yu was fishing, and when he saw the fish Taking the bait, he put down the tea soup and said with a wry smile: "It's just a method that is not a solution. I don't know if it can be used."
When Liu Xun heard that the other party really had a solution, he was overjoyed and quickly urged: "Mr. Jin, please tell me quickly and we can discuss it later if it is available.”
Zhou Yu pretended to refuse, but could not resist Liu Xun's urging, so he could only lay out the plan: "Master Fu, there are currently 4,500 people in the city, and the difference is only 3,500. I have gathered 1,500 strong men before. Hundreds of people are all servants of our village, and they are quite familiar with military drills. When the barbarians come down from the mountain, they are often used to surround them. What is missing is military uniforms, armor and weapons."
Liu Xun gradually understood. Zhou Yu realized what he meant. He wanted Li to wear a peach crown and pretend to be a civilian husband.
"Is this feasible?"
Liu Xun asked hesitantly: "We are going to Shouchun, but there is a high probability that we will go into battle."
Zhou Yu He smiled and said, "I dare not say anything else. At least there is no problem for my villagers to get into the battle formation. Moreover, General Zuo holds the fortified city of Shouchun, so he will not be able to hold on. If we can't fight in the field, will there be problems in defending the city?"
Liu Xun thought about it and realized that what Zhou Gongjin said was true. After a moment of happiness, he hesitated and said: "Gongjin, even so, there are only six thousand people. What should we do with the two thousand left?" ?”
Zhou Yu showed a mysterious smile and coughed dryly: “Master Fu, if you don’t do it, you have to do it all.”
Liu Xun suddenly realized that Zhou Yu’s meaning was obviously. All the vacancies were filled by civilians.
"Then there is a big shortage of civilian men."
Liu Xun frowned and complained again: "Now the civilian men have only recruited more than 9,000 people. If we transfer another 3,000 Five hundred people, probably less than six thousand people.”
Zhou Yu advised sternly: "Your Majesty, choose the lesser of the two evils. Even if you don't smoke, the people may not be able to raise the number of fifteen thousand. Moreover, now that the autumn harvest is around the corner, recruiting people will definitely harm the interests of the place. I'm afraid then..."
Liu Xun's expression changed. Although Zhou Yu didn't finish what he said, he understood.
Now that the autumn harvest is coming, a large number of manpower is needed, but he is here to recruit civilians. If this goes too far, the most damaging thing will be the interests of the local nobles and powerful people.
If you really push them too hard, then some of these people will have weapons in their hands.
At that time, these steps will be directed at myself.
Thinking of this, Liu Xun made a decision and readily accepted Zhou Yu's opinion. At the same time, he praised the other party: "If everyone in Lujiang County was as loyal as Gong Jin, I, the prefect, would be able to rule with dignity."
Zhou Yu smiled calmly and reminded: "Master Fu, these people's military uniforms and equipment must be prepared early. Once they are ready, they can go north to Hefei, join Li Yang's reinforcements, and head to Shouchun together."
A trace of physical pain flashed across Liu Xun's face.
It is not a simple figure to prepare military uniforms and equipment for 3,500 people, especially the cost of armor, which is very huge.
Although it is impossible to prepare armor for everyone, with a scale of 3,500 people, if you want to be able to pretend, you will need at least 700 or 800 sets of armor.
If there is only a single piece of simple breastplate, it will require more than 1,500 sets.
This is an expense worth millions.
He couldn't help but look at Zhou Yu, but found that Zhou Yu lowered his head and looked at the tea soup, as if he was studying the taste of the tea soup.
There is no other way, Liu Xun can only pay for it out of his own pocket: "Gong Jin, I will give you a token later. Tomorrow you go to the arsenal and receive 3,500 sets of military uniforms, 5,000 long and short soldiers, plus One thousand sets of full armor and five hundred sets of breastplates."
"I'm going?"
Zhou Yu looked surprised: "Master Fu, why is it me?"
Liu Xun smiled and said: "Gong Jin has done a lot for me in this matter, how can Xun turn a blind eye? I want to worship Gong Jin as the capital of Lujiang Lieutenant, please leave all the reinforcements to the North to Gong Jin.”
(End of this chapter)