Xiaoqi

This move may seem ordinary, but it has far-reaching significance, and its impact is far beyond many people's expectations.

It has been five or six years since Dong Zhuo took control of the government. The little emperor Liu Xie has long since faded out of people's sight, and the world seldom hears the emperor's voice.Although the edicts of the Son of Heaven are still spreading to various places, everyone in the world knows that these imperial edicts are not from the emperor's original intention, because the emperor is still a child and has no ability to govern the world at all.

However, after the story of worshiping heaven on the altar at the North Gate spread, the Son of Heaven, who had faded out of people's sight, finally reappeared. , The Han army is still capable of resisting barbarian invasions.

Correspondingly, with the wide spread of the call to action, the name of Hushi General Li Li once again entered the hearts of countless people who were in dire straits, and was highly respected and admired.

At this time when the world is in turmoil, when the princes of various towns are fighting for territory, Li Li, the new hussar general, not only did not take the opportunity to send troops to the Central Plains, but instead mobilized [-] cavalry to fight against the barbarian bandits.For those with lofty ideals, no matter what their impression of Li Li was before, their impression of Li Li has changed a lot this time, and they are quite respected.Regardless of whether Li Li was loyal to the Han Dynasty or not, as a Han Chinese, he did not hesitate to defend the great Han territory against barbarian invasion.It is an undisputed objective fact.

Based on this point, it is enough to make the world's scholars have a good impression of Li Lidun.Even many powerful gentry who regard Li Li as an enemy have to admit that compared to most princes who only care about strengthening their own strength, Li Li is undoubtedly more responsible than these people. He knows the general situation and takes the overall situation into consideration. General.

Compared with the ordinary people and the gentry, the princes of all walks of life have no interest in the call to arms, and they even sneer at and dismiss the emperor's sacrifice to heaven.What shocked them was that.The Xiliang army, which had been recuperating for two years, once again showed its front. It was a move of [-] iron cavalry.

Right now, when the states and counties in the Central Plains are in the most chaos, Yuan Shao of Jizhou is always on guard against Gongsun Zan of Youzhou.Zhang Miao, the prefect of Chenliu, together with his younger brothers Zhang Chao, Wang Kai and others, took advantage of Cao Cao's expedition to Xuzhou to welcome Lü Bu as the shepherd of Yanzhou.Sneak attack on Cao Cao's lair.Tao Qian in Xuzhou has been sick since Cao Cao withdrew his troops and returned to Yanzhou; Yuan Shu in Nanyang sent troops to attack Runan.Then Yangzhou was separated, and the war was raging.In addition, the Heishan bandits heard that after the Baibo bandits attacked Liangzhou, Zhang Yan, the leader of the bandits, led troops to attack and harass the counties of Bingzhou.The flames are everywhere.

Just as the princes of the world were fighting fiercely, the Xiliang army, which had been silent until now, finally moved, and it still mobilized its troops.Please send out the emperor to sacrifice to the kings and relatives of heaven and earth, and then dispatch one hundred thousand cavalry to command the Northern Expedition.

One hundred thousand iron cavalry is not only an astronomical figure that frightens many princes, but also a powerful military force that makes them have to look at it.Looking at the princes from all walks of life in the world, there are only a handful of princes who dispatched [-] cavalry to participate in the battle, and it can even be said to be unique. Only Xiliang Li Li has this strength.

When the news that Li Li personally led [-] cavalry to set off for the expedition spread all over the world, many princes did not doubt the authenticity of this matter at all.Although many princes still have doubts about secret reports and rumors, they all know that the Xiliang Army does have such a powerful force.For many princes, one hundred thousand iron cavalry is a powerful force that is beyond the reach of the princes, but for the Xiliang army, which is known for its brave warriors, one hundred thousand iron cavalry is nothing to worry about.

As early as two years ago when Li Liping conquered the two prefectures of Xiliang, the Xiliang army claimed to have 40 soldiers, including more than 10,000 cavalry.Although the princes of the towns didn't think this number was real, it can be inferred from it that the Xiliang Army has at least [-]+ cavalry, many of whom are well-equipped elite cavalry.Because all the armaments in the Luoyang treasury accumulated by the big man for hundreds of years fell into the hands of the Xiliang army, which was enough to form tens of thousands of war cavalry, or even more.

In addition, all parts of Xiliang are rich in high-quality war horses, and the folk customs are sturdy. Most men are skilled in bowing and horses when they grow up, and their combat prowess is not impressive.Therefore, for hundreds of years, the Xiliang army has always been the most powerful army of the Han Dynasty. It resisted the barbarians and expanded the territory. Every war cannot do without the Xiliang army.

Because of this, the princes from all walks of life in the Central Plains have always placed their hopes on the civil strife in the Xiliang army, but they dare not lead their troops to attack the territory under Li Li's rule.As long as the Xiliang army fights among themselves, the once mighty Xiliang army is nothing to fear, and sooner or later it will be wiped out and annexed by the princes of the Central Plains.It's a pity that the Xiliang Army has never had any civil strife since Dong Zhuo's death and the Chang'an Rebellion, and they were quickly unified, and then they died down and recuperated.

In this way, after the initial fear and precaution, the princes gradually let go of their hands and feet, wantonly expanded their territory, recruited troops, and strengthened their strength.However, the powerful Xiliang Army has always been a big stone on the hearts of the princes, like a giant sword hanging above their heads, once it falls, it is very likely that they will be smashed to pieces.Fortunately, the Xiliang army has been completely silent for the past two years, and there has been no movement. This has deeply relieved the princes of the Central Plains, especially those bordering Xiliang.

However, now the Xiliang Army is dispatched again, and one hundred thousand cavalry sent troops to the Northern Expedition.

For the princes of the Central Plains, this move was tantamount to shocking and terrified. Some princes and forces bordering Xiliang were even more panic-stricken and lived in fear all day long.

Prior to this, they thought by chance that Xiliang was poor and lacked food and grass, so they were unable to send troops to attack the Central Plains.However, at this moment, the [-] troops attacked Yu Fuluo's army, which undoubtedly told them that the Xiliang army had solved the plight of food shortage and was able to send troops to conquer the Quartet.

This is really unfortunate news, and it is also the bad news that the princes of the Central Plains least want to hear.

Therefore, when Li Lili's army set off, the states and counties in the Central Plains fell silent, and many princes who were fighting each other unanimously stopped their troops to truce and waited and watched the changes in the current situation.Followed.The land of the Central Plains fell into a strange calm. The place where the flames of war were originally rife suddenly died down, and the fighting disappeared without a sound. The states and counties ushered in the most peaceful period in more than ten years.

Jingzhou, State Shepherd's Mansion.

In the main hall, Liu Biao, who was nearly sixty years old, frowned slightly and looked at the emperor's edict sent by the sentry cavalry. On the side were the call for thieves and the Xiliang army's scouting report sent by flying pigeons from Chang'an.

After carefully reading the imperial edict, Liu Biao picked up the secret report again and looked through it, with complicated expressions in his eyes from time to time.After reading the information, he rested his forehead with one hand.His eyes were slightly closed, and he fell asleep and meditated.

On both sides of the hall, there are still several civil servants and military generals at this time. The civil servants are headed by the Kuai brothers, and the military generals are headed by Cai Mao and Huang Zu.

Seeing the lord Liu Biao close his eyes and think.Everyone in the hall fell silent, or looked around.Or bow your head and think.No one dared to disturb Liu Biao's thoughts.

Four years ago, Liu Biao entered Jingzhou by himself, and in less than a year, he had a good time, wooing a group of people and attacking a group, and then he sat firmly in the position of Jingzhou shepherd.In recent years, Liu Biao has rectified the army.Drill the sailors, clean up the officials, and repeatedly send troops to exterminate water thieves and rogues.Although I dare not say that Jingzhou is a great rule, compared with other states and counties in the world.But it is a rare place of prosperity and stability in the world.

Because of this, even though Liu Biao is nearly [-] years old, he is still in good health, without bending his back or hunchback, his ears are not behind his eyes, and he is full of energy.Years ago, Na married Cai Mao's older sister, Cai Shi, which made Cai shine all day long, so that Cai was tired of Liu Biao's side all day long, seemingly very affectionate.If this situation continues, Liu Biao may still be able to sprout new shoots at the age of nearly [-], and the Cai family can still have a son and a half.

Therefore, despite Liu Biao's twilight years, his current control over Jingzhou is at its peak, and all the civil and military personnel under his command obey his orders, and no one dares to disobey his orders.In addition, after two years of rectification and training, Jingzhou has 10,000+ cavalry, nearly 15 sailors, and a total force of about 26 horses. Yuan Shao, Cao Cao and others, the princes of the Central Plains, did not give up too much.

Therefore, Yuan Shu had been coveting the land of Jingxiang two years ago, occupying Nanyang, and planned to seize the opportunity to attack Jingxiang.As a result, they watched Liu Biao's strength increase day by day, his soldiers were strong and his horse was strong, and his strength was still higher than him.As a result, Yuan Shu had to find another plan, decisively withdrew from Nanyang County, went to Runan, and then separated Yangzhou.

At the same time, Cao Cao dared to raise troops to attack Xuzhou before, but he did not dare to attack Liu Biao in Jingzhou.

Looking at the world, Jingzhou Liu Biao is now ranked third in terms of strength. If he is ambitious and in his prime, he may be able to rank second in the world.The two princes in front of him are: Xiliang Li Li and Jizhou Yuan Shao.

In addition, although the world is big and there are many princes, no one can compare with the strength in Liu Biao's hands.Even Liu Zhang of Yizhou cannot compare with him, because most of the territory in the southwest of Yizhou is now occupied by Nanman, which greatly reduces the huge territory of Yizhou.

"The emperor issued an edict that the imperial army went out to suppress the Yufu Luoman army. The food and grass were not enough. He ordered the old man to raise [-] shi of food and grass and send it to Sili. General Xu Rong of Pingnan took over. In addition, General Hushi also wrote a letter in person. , I want to form an alliance with the old man to put an end to the troubled times. For this reason, the general recommended the old man to be the general who conquers the South, the Marquis of Xiangyang, and the son of heaven conferred the title of Mrs. Shude to the Cai family, a rank higher than that of the township. But these rewards will have to wait until our food and grass are delivered. Only by rewarding meritorious deeds can it be realized." After pondering for a while, Liu Biao spoke out the edict and the content of the letter sent together with the edict in a gentle and authentic manner.

Then he paused for a while, and asked softly: "Everyone, tell me, should the old man obey the edict? Everyone express their own opinions, the speaker is innocent, just feel free to speak out boldly."

In fact, everyone in the hall could roughly guess what was said in the edict, because every time the emperor's edict was passed to Jingzhou, almost without exception, they urged for food, grass and taxes.However, Liu Biao always accepted the imperial edict, but he had to cut half of the amount of money and food stated in the imperial edict, and he had to cry poorly on the table, speaking sincerely, as if paying half of the food and grass had already made him work hard and do his best.

Of course, most of the memorials for replying to the imperial edict were written by the Kuai brothers, and Liu Biao never personally replied, so there is no need for him to bother.

"My lord, I think this time is different from the past, and we need to think carefully about it, and we must not act hastily." Kuai Yue got up to speak, deliberately observing Liu Biao's expression while speaking.

After seeing Liu Biao's normal expression, he continued: "In recent years, the imperial court has urged the lord for food and grass every six months, and the lord has never refused. It has always been carried out immediately after receiving the edict. But this edict is somewhat difficult. We just sent [-] stones of grain and [-] gold, which can be regarded as paying taxes for the first half of the year.

What's more, this time the general sent troops to exterminate the barbarians, this is his matter in Xiliang territory, what does it have to do with me in Jingzhou?Now he asks the lord for food and grass in the name of the emperor, which is simply an act of greed. But today, which princes still pay food and tax to the court, I am afraid that only my lord is loyal to the Han Dynasty, and will pay the food and grass regularly again and again .Therefore, the subordinates thought that the lord should not obey the edict this time, and it would not be too late to make a decision after the situation in the world became clear at the end of the year.My lord, please think twice! "

After Kuai Yue finished speaking, he returned to his original position and looked at his brother Kuai Liang as he turned around. The two brothers nodded tacitly.

Listening to Kuai Yue's words, Liu Biao gently took out a letter from his sleeve, which was a secret letter delivered to him by the Kuai brothers three days ago.Part of the content is exactly the same as what Kuai Yue said, but this letter was not written by the Kuai brothers, but a personal letter by Yuan Shao in Jizhou.

The Kuai brothers had always advanced and retreated together, what Kuai Yue said was equivalent to what Kuai Liang said, and both of them were Liu Biao's confidants and advisers.

Compared with the Kuai brothers, Cai Mao and Zhang Yun's weight in Liu Biao's mind is not enough, and they are temporarily under the Kuai brothers.

Because of this, whenever the Kuai brothers support something, Cai Mao will generally oppose it, or he will obedience and disobey it. Anyway, he has been secretly competing with the Kuai brothers.

This time is naturally no exception, not to mention that the letter also involves the status of Cai Mao's sister Cai Shi, which makes him unable to stay out of the matter anyway.Liu Biao lost his wife last winter, and then he helped Mrs. Cai to be the main wife. However, although Mrs. Cai was very favored, she still had no children and was often criticized in private.

Now Li Li, General of the Hussars, has promised to confer the title of Mrs. Shude to the Cai family.When encountering such a good thing, how could Cai Mao sit idly by, how could he let the Kuai brothers mess up the good thing.

Chapter 563 Liu Jingsheng is very ambitious

"My lord, the general thinks that what you said is inappropriate, it is really short-sighted, too short-sighted!"

Cai Mao's words were rude from the first moment he opened his mouth, and he didn't care about the face of the Kuai brothers at all.

When his tone paused, Cai Mao glanced coldly at the Kuai brothers, and continued, "Although Yufu Luo's barbarian army invaded the territory of Xiliang, it is still our territory after all. Build an altar at the door, and invite Your Majesty to go to the altar to worship the heavens and swear to the master. This is the first time since His Majesty ascended the throne to offer sacrifices to the ancestors of heaven and earth, and to set up an altar to worship the commander. If this time the general is unfavorable, he will be defeated by the barbarian army due to insufficient food and grass. , that will not only damage the reputation of the Great General, but also lose face to His Majesty, and lose the dignity of the Son of Heaven!"

Speaking of this, Cai Mao said in a respectful voice: "My lord is a clan member of the Han family, of royal blood, and even the uncle of the emperor. The princes of all towns can not obey the edict of the emperor, but my lord cannot ignore the existence of the emperor, because To underestimate the Son of Heaven is to disregard the orthodoxy of the royal family. Therefore, the last general thinks that the lord should obey the edict, and he still pays the grain and grass in full, so as to help the general successfully suppress the thieves and establish a reputation for the Son of Heaven!"

"Huh?" Upon hearing Cai Mao's last words, Liu Biao's expression was startled, and he murmured in a low voice, a gleam of light flashed in his eyes.

Of Cai Mao's remarks, only the last sentence touched Liu Biao's heart, and this was the key to his hesitation.

According to Liu Biao's past habits, he always adhered to the principle of non-participation and non-interference when he was caught in this kind of fight between the princes.Others can fight as they like, anyway, it has nothing to do with him, as long as they guard the nine counties of Jingzhou, what does other things have to do with him?

That's exactly what happened this time.Yuan Shao of Jizhou wrote a letter saying that he would form an alliance with Liu Biao to fight against Li Li in Xiliang.The letter also stated that as long as he no longer provided food and grass to Li Li.Even if it is an alliance with Yuan Shao.And in Li Li's handwriting, he also wants to form an alliance with Liu Biao, and also promises a bunch of benefits, which is full of sincerity.

If Liu Biao received such letters normally, if it was difficult for Liu Biao to make a decision for a while, he would put it aside and make a decision after the situation became clear.But this time is different.This was the first time his imperial nephew Liu Xie made an appearance on the altar. Li Li was made a general of the world's soldiers and horses in public, and he swore to go to war.

As Cai Mao said, other princes can not give face to the emperor, but Liu Biao cannot ignore the face of the royal family.In this world of great controversy.If even he, the emperor's uncle, doesn't protect the face of the orthodox son of the royal family, who else in the world would put the son of heaven in their eyes?If this is the case, the 400-year-old Liu family will really be completely wiped out!

However, once Liu Biao was ordered to escort 20 shi of grain and grass to Sili, it would be tantamount to offending Yuan Shao and the princes who regarded Li Li as their enemy.In the future, Jingzhou's situation may not be as stable as it is now.But Liu Biao is not afraid of this, after all, his army of more than [-] troops is not vegetarian.And he Liu Biao is not a kind person who is slaughtered by others.

Although Yuan Shao in Jizhou is becoming stronger and stronger.But it is far away from Jingzhou, beyond reach.Cao Cao in Yanzhou couldn't protect himself. He was beaten by Lu Bu and lost cities and lands one after another.As for Yuan Shu in Yangzhou, Liu Biao was not afraid.Because he trained the navy in the early years to deal with Jiangdong Sun Jian.Now it is to guard against Yuan Shu's invasion of Jingzhou, not to mention that Yuan Shu has no navy and has not yet captured the entire territory of Yangzhou.

After careful calculation, Liu Biao suddenly found that his current strength is not weak.He is only slightly inferior to Xiliang Li Li, but he is not to be feared by other princes.