Chapter 297 Jingzhou Public Disputes
Liu Xian recounted Liu Feng’s many previous achievements one by one, causing everyone in the audience to take a deep breath.
"How can you know so much if you only have a one-time relationship."
Suddenly, a sneer came from the crowd.
Everyone looked at where the sound came from, and the person speaking was none other than Liu Biao's eldest nephew Liu Pan, with a rather unhappy look on his face.
Liu Pan is quite brave and has some strategies. He can be said to be a bankrupt version of both wisdom and courage.
He has always been Liu Biao's number one general. After all, in addition to being wise and brave (bankrupt version), he is also a general of his own family.
Although Zhang Yun is also a general of his family, he is quite greedy for money and has repeatedly broken the law, so he is not liked by Liu Biao.
In the original history, Zhang Yun and Cai Mao came together, and through Mrs. Cai's pillow blowing, Liu Pan died of illness early, and Liu Hu died on the battlefield, which made him become a famous actor. The head of the clan generals.
Right now, Liu Pan is in full swing, and he is also young, less than thirty. He is in his prime, and he has been leading troops on the front line all year round. Naturally, he knows how hard it is to lead troops, let alone those Even if you are a mid- to high-level military officer, even a soldier at the bottom level can make you drink a pot.
Therefore, Liu Pan did not believe in these things and felt that Liu Xian was trying to boost the popularity of others.
Everyone was just praising what Liu Xian said. Liu Pan suddenly spoke like this, which naturally made the atmosphere very tense.
"Okay."
Liu Biao saw that the atmosphere was a little stiff, so he opened his mouth to bring the topic back on track: "Gentlemen, now that Liu Xun has come to vote, he is willing to use Lujiang as a gift to switch to me. Jingzhou. Why do you gentlemen teach me?"
For a while, everyone became quiet again.
When Liu Bei went south to attack Huaihe, Liu Biao was in neighboring Jingzhou. He had long coveted Yuzhang and even tried to implement it, but there was no big progress.
Now Liu Xun suddenly came to invest, and he also brought a county in Lujiang. This was the biggest achievement in Liu Biao's history of external expansion, and of course, it was also the only achievement.
The reason why everyone calmed down was not because Lujiang was not good. If Liu Xun came to vote during Yuan Shu's time, everyone here would have congratulated Liu Biao.
After all, everyone in Jingzhou has a psychological advantage over Yuan Shu. How can he be brave enough to defeat his generals?
But now the person who offends Liu Xun is not Yuan Shu, but Liu Bei.
"Cough."
Suddenly, Kuai Liang coughed, attracting everyone's attention.
As the de facto leader of Jingzhou’s civil servants, Kuai Liang’s status is unquestionable. Correspondingly, they also have responsibilities. Others can remain silent at this time, but Kuai Liang cannot leave Liu Biao alone.
"The virtues of Ming Gong were broadcast in the Jianghu, and Liu Xun came to join us. This should be a great joy."
Kuai Liang started with a clear meaning, Liu Xun came to join us, it means that you are virtuous, boss. It was your kindness that attracted Liu Xun to join you. This must be a good thing.
Sure enough, as soon as Kuai Liang said these words, although Liu Biao's expression did not change much, anyone who looked carefully could see that Liu Biao's face became much more relaxed, and there was a bit of joy between his brows.
“Zi Rou has earned a good reputation.”
Liu Biao shook his head slowly: “Since Biao entered Jingxiang, he has only wished that the people would be safe and have good weather, and that is enough.”
When everyone heard this, they all worshiped and praised at the same time: "We are ashamed of Ming Gong's virtue."
Immediately, Kuai Liang changed the subject and said: "It's just that Liu Xun is cunning and has never been so clever." Trust me, this time Yuan Shu was defeated, and he suddenly came to surrender at this time, he might have the intention of using our state's power to balance Husband and Liu Qi. Naturally, since Liu Qiaoqi went south to Guangling, the trade between the two states has increased. Quite frequent, especially official transactions. In this year, our state's official warehouse has transported millions of stones of grain, and in exchange for frost sugar, snow salt, a large amount of sea salt, salted fish, pearls and other seafood, as well as high-quality Bamboo tubes and other supplies.”
"Last year our state increased taxes on free trade, and we actually got 14 million yuan a year, and there are many goods that are tax-free."
After saying this, Kuai Liang glanced at Liu Biao, The latter knew in his heart that high-value goods such as frosting sugar, snow salt, and pearls that came through his private channel were tax-free.
The trade tax alone collected 14 million yuan, which is quite a high income, not to mention a large amount of tax evasion. And the most interesting thing is that these big tax evaders happen to be sitting in the hall.
Kuai Liang's meaning when he said this was very clear. Once he fell out with Liu Bei, although Liu Bei would have no food input, everyone's losses would be considerable.
For Liu Xun and I don’t know how much Lujiang is left, do you think it’s worth it?
As expected, as soon as Kuai Liang finished speaking, it was like a charge trumpet was blown. Everyone no longer remained silent, but began to speak fiercely.
"Ming Gong, Liu Xun is cunning and cannot be trusted."
The first one to start is Pang Ji. He is a Pang family member and a younger brother of Pang Degong. Pang Tong, Pang Lin, The clan uncle of Pang Hua and others.
When Liu Biaodan rode into Jingzhou, Pang Ji was the second group of people to join after the first group of Kuai Liang, Kuai Yue brothers and Cai Mao.
When Liu Biao first entered Jingzhou, he went to Xuancheng, where he summoned the Kuai brothers and Cai Mao. The reason was that Xiangyang had been occupied.
The people who occupied Xiangyang were Zhang Hu and Chen Sheng, two Jiangxia clan thieves. They were quite powerful and controlled a large population.
At this juncture, Pang Ji followed Kuai Yue to Xiangyang. With just the power of words, he not only persuaded the two men to hand over Xiangyang, but also led the crowd to submit to Liu Biao.
So this person is a hero and has the merit to support him.
"Liu Xun had an ambiguous attitude towards our state before, but now he suddenly figured it out?"
Pang Ji sneered: "Ming Gong, this person is absolutely untrustworthy, maybe he will fight I want to use our state’s power to counter Liu Qiaoqi so that he can continue to dream of having both sides.”
"Yes! What Pang Gong said is very reasonable."
The person who spoke was Han Song, who was from Nanyang and had fled to Xiangyang a few years ago.
At this time, he took up the post of Liu Biao, and later he was promoted higher than Biejia. He served Liu Biao as an envoy to Xuchang and was given the position of attendant.
Han Song is quite talented, and he will take Liu Biao's position into consideration when making decisions and making comments. He can be regarded as a relatively objective candidate among the nobles.
During the Battle of Guandu, Han Song and Liu Xian worked together to persuade Liu Biao, and even elevated Liu Biao to the level of the emperor.
The two heroes in the world are competing, and Liu Biao, as the strongest third party, must actively participate, either to expand his strength so that he can compete with the two heroes, or to simply rely on one of them to the end.
However, Han Song personally strongly supported Cao Cao and even directly advised Liu Biao to raise Jingzhou and surrender to Cao Cao.
This also aroused Liu Biao's fear and suspicion, and finally imprisoned him after he returned from his mission to Xuchang.
What Han Song said was actually not bad. On the contrary, it was very correct. However, Liu Biao not only failed to accept it, but instead was suspicious of the other party. It can only be said that the rift between Liu Biao and the Jingzhou gentry was so great that it was difficult to cover up.
"Ming Gong, if Liu Xun wants to join me in Jingzhou, it is not impossible. Let him hand over Xunyang first."
The Xunyang mentioned by Han Song is at the southern foot of the Dabie Mountains, with a narrow passage along the Yangtze River.
This passage is surrounded by either rivers, swamps or mountain walls, but it can pass large armies and connect Jingzhou and Yangzhou. It is one of the most important land passages between the two states.
Xunyang is the exit of this riverside passage on the Yangzhou side. As long as Xunyang is held, Jingzhou will not be able to enter Yangzhou from here.
In turn, if Yangzhou controls Xunyang, it can enter and exit Jingzhou at will.
Therefore, the importance of Xunyang to Jingzhou and Yangzhou is beyond doubt. Whoever gets Xunyang will take the initiative.
Jingzhou had tentatively asked for Xunyang before, but was rejected by Liu Xun. Moreover, among Liu Xun's more than 10,000 tribesmen, 3,000 of them were stationed in Xunyang, which shows that Yangzhou attaches great importance to this place.
It is indeed a good temptation to ask Xunyang now.
If Liu Xun really wanted to vote for the county, he would naturally not refuse such a reasonable request.
As soon as Han Song made this suggestion, even Liu Pan, Liu Hu and others, who had just been dissatisfied with the opponent's overly conservative approach, all agreed.
"In that case, let me follow your advice."
Liu Biao immediately made a decision and said: "Send an order to Huang Zu to send 3,000 troops and horses to take over Xunyang in the name of Liu Xun." I need to trouble you to make a trip."
Cai Mao immediately bowed and said, "I don't dare to complain about this matter."
Liu Biao. He praised Cai Mao a few words, and then said: "I intend to expand the departments ordered by Liu Pan, Cai Hao, Liu Hu, and Wenpin, and add 2,000 people to each department to respond to changes in the situation."
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Kuai Liang and others had complicated expressions on their faces, and wanted to refuse, but now was really not a good opportunity to remonstrate.
Moreover, Liu Pan and Liu Hu are Liu Biao's nephews, while Cai Mao and Wenpin are powerful local nobles in Jingzhou. Liu Biao seems to be very fair.
"There is one last thing." Liu Biao glanced around the hall and asked: "I would like to send a gentleman to the Hussar Office to tell Liu Xun's surrender to me, so as to avoid misunderstanding between the two states. , I wonder which gentleman is willing to take the trouble?”
The hall became quiet again, but this time it was different from before. At this time, the scribes were weighing this trip in their hearts. It's worth recommending yourself.
After all, Liu Biao didn't name the candidate, so it must be self-recommendation or recommendation first.
To be honest, Liu Bei's power is getting bigger and bigger now, and he is getting closer and closer to Jingzhou. Runan in the north and Yangzhou in the south are all bordering Jingzhou.
The nobles in Jingzhou will naturally intentionally contact each other to see Liu Bei's quality and the internal power structure.
Suddenly, Kuai Yue, who had been silent all this time, suddenly spoke: "Ming Gong, Yue Yue is willing to make a trip to Shouchun to visit the Hussar, so as to avoid misunderstanding between the two states."
Although The intelligence at this time showed that Liu Bei was still in Ruyin, but knowledgeable people knew that it was only a matter of time before Liu Bei went south to Shouchun.
Liu Biao looked at Kuai Yue. His mood towards Kuai Yue was quite complicated.
I was grateful to Kuai Yue, but couldn't help but be wary of Kuai Yue. It was because Kuai Yue's talent was so great that Liu Biao felt that he couldn't control him.
For example, at this time, if someone else had recommended themselves, Liu Biao would have agreed long ago.
But Kuai Yue recommended himself, but Liu Biao couldn't help but think more about it and immediately wanted to veto it.
After hesitating for a moment, Liu Biao finally rejected Kuai Yue's request: "Xidu, you know that I cannot leave you for a day. It will take a month to go to Shouchun and back, plus the talks, I'm afraid I really don’t want to see the alien world again until winter comes.”
When everyone saw Liu Biao rejecting Kuai Yue's self-recommendation, their expressions were a little subtle.
Quai Yue himself looked natural, without any displeasure or embarrassment.
After Liu Biao vetoed his self-recommendation, Kuai Yue actually went on to suggest: "In that case, Pang Youlin is bold, careful, and concise, so he can take on this important task."
Pang Ji , named Youlin.
Pang Ji didn't expect that Kuai Yue actually recommended him, but he didn't care, it was not a loss to make this trip.
The Pang family is one of the four major families in Jingzhou. The family has a large business and maintains more than a dozen caravans.
Nowadays, Xuzhou is rich in products and has many goods in demand. The Pang family is naturally interested in maintaining good relations with Xuzhou and expanding trade. Come and go.
Besides, Kuai Yue and Pang Ji have a very close relationship in private. Pang Ji can even be regarded as Kuai Yue's younger brother. The boss recommends him, so how can the younger brother be timid.
Immediately Pang Ji stood up and left the table, and bowed to Liu Biao: "If Ji goes there tomorrow, Ji will live up to his mission."
Kuai Yue and Pang Ji both said so, Liu Biao Where can I object?
Therefore, Liu Biao immediately expressed his position: "In that case, let's follow the advice of the alien and bother Youlin for a trip."
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Guan Yu in Ping When I was stationed, I suddenly received a letter from Liu Bei.
Afterwards, he immediately summoned his generals.
At this time, Jia Xi had received the order and went to Shouchun under the escort of his retinue.
Guan Yu was left with only Guan Ping, He Yi, Huang Shao, Zhou Cang, Pei Yi, and Liu Pi's brother Liu Jiang, who was left by Liu Pi to guard Pingyu.
At this time, Pingyu still had nearly 30,000 Yellow Turbans, and Guan Yu had 8,000 troops. The troops were quite strong. Moreover, the Yellow Turbans were stationed here and had a large population, and they could easily mobilize a large number of civilians.
However, it is the autumn harvest at this time, and the number of civilians will be greatly reduced for the time being.
Fortunately, Guan Yu still had waterways to rely on when he went south, and although the Yellow Turban Army did not have a navy, there were many fishing boats and merchant ships, so there was no need to worry about the subsequent transshipment of baggage.
Guan Yu stroked his beard and arranged his beautiful mustache neatly, and then said: "Gentlemen, the general ordered our army to go south immediately and enter Liao County. Who among you is willing to be the vanguard?"
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As soon as Guan Yu finished speaking, Guan Ping immediately stood up: "Father, I am willing to take this responsibility!"
Guan Yu's face darkened, and he glared at Guan Ping, scaring away all the latter's words. .
"There were only generals discussing matters in the tent, not father and son."
Guan Ping broke into a cold sweat and hurriedly left the table to apologize.
Guan Yu's face relaxed: "Please take a seat."
After Guan Ping sat down again, he was still a little scared and did not dare to ask for help again.
Guan Yu's eyes swept across the crowd. He actually hoped that the Yellow Turban generals would take the initiative to ask for help this time.
Unlike Zhang Fei, Guan Yu was proud of his superiors but pitiful of his subordinates. He did not attach much importance to his family background. Of course, this was only for his subordinates. It would be different if they were senior generals of the same level.
Zhou Cang straightened up at this time, clasped his fists with both hands and said: "If General does not give up, Cang is willing to be the vanguard!"
Guan Yu was immediately overjoyed, nodded and said: "If Yuan Fu is willing to go first, Of course I feel relieved.”
Immediately afterwards, Guan Yu ordered: "In that case, the generals can return to camp immediately to prepare. Tomorrow, prepare for a day, and early the next morning, the army will march south."
The generals clasped their fists together and replied: "Here!"< br>
So Guan Yu immediately ordered to take Zhou Cang as the vanguard, Huang Shao as the left, and He Yi as the right. He would lead the middle army, Guan Ping would be the rear army, and Liu Jiang would continue to guard Pingyu and launch the attack. A thousand civilians and fishermen transported grain and grass.
The generals immediately took their orders.
The reason why the army was able to set off so quickly was that, in addition to Guan Yu's strict military management, Xincai surrendered with the Yellow Turbans and became owned by Liu Bei.
It is more than 150 miles from Pingyu to Xincai, and it only takes three to four days of marching.
In this way, the army only needs to carry four days of rations and can march easily. After arriving at Xincai, it can replenish food from Xincai and continue southward.
It is only two hundred miles from Xincai to Liao County. Even if we are cautious, five or six days will be enough to complete the journey, and the food we carry with us will be enough to support this stretch of road.
The purpose of transporting food by water is to prevent accidents, such as a sudden rebellion in Liao County, or encountering resistance on the road.
If there is no follow-up food replenishment at this time, the army will be hungry, which is no joke.
Guan Yu's troops marched very quickly. After setting off, they traveled fifty miles a day and arrived at Xincai in just three days.
Xincai's guard He Man followed Liu Pi to Ruyin. At this time, the city was guarded by deputy general He Yang.
This man is He Man's brother, but he is twelve years younger than He Man. He Man can be said to be both his brother and his father.
Although He Yang is not very talented, he is quite dedicated. After receiving the letter from Feiqi, he had already prepared a large amount of dry food as required, and also prepared some pigs and sheep to reward the army.
Guan Yu praised He Yang a few words, and praised He Yang a little lightly.
He Yang knew Guan Yu's status in Liu Bei's army. Now that everyone has joined Liu Bei's army, he naturally had to find out.
Guan Yu not only won Liu Bei's trust and regarded him as a sibling, but he was also a rare high-ranking official. He was usually dignified and rarely praised his subordinates easily.
How could He Yang not be very happy.
Some people and things are so strange.
Some people try their best to praise, but it only makes people feel noisy.
However, a casual compliment from some people will make people remember it and be excited.
Guan Yu's army continued to move south. When leaving, he told He Yang: "Captain He, I will entrust you with the way forward."
He Yang was immediately shocked when he heard this. Encouraged, he quickly promised: "Unless the general dies, Xincai will be safe."
"Okay!"
After Guan Yu left Xincai, he continued southward, and the journey was smooth. Unobstructed.
Liu Xun also knew that he was unable to stop the opponent at all, so he simply wanted to mobilize all the power and resources in the north of Lujiang River.
But at this time, people in the north have already been shaken. Everyone is the emperor's ministers and Yuan Shu's subordinates. Who do you Liu Xun count?
Therefore, Liu Xun's move to mobilize troops and supplies in the north of Lujiang River did not go smoothly. Only the two counties of Hulou and Lu'an, where his trusted confidants served as county magistrates, could still mobilize troops. From these two counties, five troops were mobilized. Hundreds of county soldiers and 1,500 young men escorted the money, grain and silk stored in the two counties to Shucheng.
At this time Liu Bei had led his army southward and arrived in Shouchun.
(End of this chapter)