Silver Fox of the Three Kingdoms

Chapter 172

After arriving in Xiangyang, Liu Biao did not discuss matters with Liu Bei immediately, but arranged accommodation for Liu Bei, and the formal meeting will be held tomorrow.

It was night, when I heard that Liu Bei was coming, Deng Hong, who is now in charge of General Hussar's Mansion, went to visit.

He is now the third person working under Liu Biao's command.

Kuai Liang, the chief of the general's mansion, and Zhang Yun, the general Sima, are extremely important positions. Under them is Deng Hong.

It can also be seen from here how much political relationship Deng Hong gained after marrying Cai and Liu Biao as in-laws.

In the other courtyard of the mansion, there are Liu Bei's personal guards inside and outside the gate, and Deng Hong came to report to the house.

"You Shuo!"

Knowing Deng Hong's arrival, Liu Bei hastily came out to greet him. Seeing Deng Hong, whom he had not seen for six years, he was overjoyed and said, "I haven't seen you for years, so don't come here."

Deng Hong smiled and clasped his hands and said, "Because of the envoy's concern, I can do my daily life. Now I also marry a wife and have children."

"Ha ha ha ha."

Liu Bei said happily: "It seems that Mr. Xiao has another uncle."

"Yes."

Deng Hong also laughed.

Shen Chen complained a lot about his low seniority.

The two entered the house and sat side by side in the hall.

Liu Bei said, "You Shuo, are you working as a Zhonglang for General Liu?"

"Yes."

Deng Hong nodded.

"Then today I will watch General Liu Chengyu."

Liu Bei didn't dare to directly say whether Liu Biao was going to rebel, but asked around.

After all, Shen Chen is Shen Chen, and Deng Hong is Deng Hong. If the two of them are not of the same mind, it will be bad if Deng Hong reports to Liu Biao.

Deng Hong smiled wryly and said, "When I came this time, it was Ah Chen who asked me to give the envoy a message. I hope that the envoy will never offend General Liu, be obedient in everything, and not contact us in private."

"Ah."

Liu Bei took a deep breath and nodded with a serious face.

If it was him in the past, or if he didn't know the situation, he would definitely fly into a rage, dissatisfied with Shen Chen and Deng Hong's ungratefulness.

If it weren't for him, the Deng and Shen clans would all have been wiped out.

But as early as in Yingchuan, Shen Chen reminded Liu Bei that Liu Biao was jealous and there were many heroes in Jingzhou. If a large number of heroes joined him, Liu Biao would be displeased. Therefore, he was asked to keep a low profile and not to contact him privately when he arrived in Jingzhou.

Now that he saw Liu Biao going out to be the son of heaven, he immediately realized the seriousness of the matter, so he understood Shen Chen's painstaking efforts, so naturally he would not be angry.

Deng Hong shook his head and said: "General Liu now has the ambition to seek the world, and we have no choice but to visit him this time because I told him that the envoy was kind to me when he was the shepherd of Xuzhou in the early years. I'm afraid that General Liu will be suspicious."

"I see."

Liu Bei said in a deep voice: "Mr. Xiao told me at the beginning, it seems that Jingzhou is also a place of right and wrong."

Deng Hong said again: "Next year General Liu intends to offer sacrifices to heaven and earth in the suburbs. This matter is likely to be explored in the discussion with the envoy tomorrow, so Ah Chen asked me to inform the general. Don't object."

Sacrifice to heaven and earth?

Liu Bei almost jumped up from his seat.

It doesn't matter if you take the emperor's ride, even the heaven and the earth dare to sacrifice.

What does Liu Biao want to do?
This is planning to proclaim the emperor!
"How can General Liu"

Liu Bei was dumbfounded, but never expected Liu Biao to be so courageous.

Deng Hong said bitterly: "That's why we are also worried. At this time, the court is still in place, but General Liu is determined to be the hegemony. I am afraid that he will not give up easily. The officials in Jingzhou have tried to persuade him, but it is useless."

"Hey, the country is restless, and the world is in trouble."

Liu Bei sighed.

Liu Biao, who he had placed high hopes on, now has the intention of usurping him, and he has to live under someone else's fence.

The two chatted for a while. Deng Hong came here today to tell him the current situation in Xiangyang, and asked him to be careful when he met Liu Biao tomorrow. If Liu Biao became suspicious, the consequences would be disastrous.

In fact, in history, after Liu Biao put down Zhang Xian, his strength reached its peak, and his control over Jingzhou reached a very high level.

The pro-Cao faction Cai Mao Kuaiyue was suppressed, Han Song Liu Guan and others were persecuted, and he sent his confidants to control the state capital and all the counties in Jingzhou. No one dissuades.

Now that his strength has risen to a higher level, his power control will naturally be greater, but he has not yet started to gradually clean up, and is now dismantling Cai Mao Kuaiyue's power, so there are still some voices of opposition.

But Shen Chen knew that this kind of objection would soon be like a stone dropped on a calm lake, at most there would be a little ripple, and there would be no splash.

It won't be long before the entire Jingzhou will be completely controlled by Liu Biao, so at this time he must give Liu Bei 3000 million.

One, be careful.

Two, be obedient.

Three, be humble.

Therefore, this time Deng Hong came to the door and taught the opportunity face to face, it was to point out the way for Liu Bei.

Fortunately, Liu Bei had already learned how to endure and dormant under the power of powerful officials after many years of experience, so he listened carefully to Deng Hong's advice and made preparations in advance.

On the second day, Liu Biao really summoned Liu Bei.

In the mansion of General Hushi, in the small hall in the backyard, Liu Biao sat on the main seat, with only Kuai Liang beside him.

When Liu Bei came in, he quickly showed a respectful attitude, entered the hall and stood in the hall, bowed to Liu Biao and bowed his hands in salute: "Bei, I pay my respects to Duke Jing Sheng!"

"Hahaha, Xuande, sit down."

Liu Biao greeted him very kindly and sat down on the first mat below his right hand side.

"Thank you, Lord Jing Sheng."

After Liu Bei thanked him, he tiptoed over and sat down, looking fearful and cautious.

Liu Biao was very satisfied with his attitude, so he said, "Xuande, you are from the north, originally a shepherd in Yuzhou, but now you come to Jingzhou, what are your plans for the future?"

Liu Bei sighed and said: "Although Bei is a descendant of the Han Dynasty, he was defeated in many battles with Cao Cao. Now he has kidnapped the emperor and occupied Henan. I have nowhere to go. I can only go to Jingzhou with my general Shen Chen."

"Well."

Liu Biao nodded, and then sighed again: "I know Xuande's intentions. Nowadays, the world is in disarray, and there is a picture of the decline of the last Han Dynasty. Cao Cao is like Wang Mang, holding power. I want to imitate Guangwu's crusade and rejuvenate the country. , but I am old and I have fewer talents under my command, so it is difficult to maintain."

Are you planning to emulate Guangwu and proclaim yourself emperor?

Liu Bei was slandering in his heart, but he didn't dare to speak out, so he cupped his hands and said, "Mr. Jing Sheng has great ambitions, and he also has the heart to help the universe. I yearn for it. I am willing to be the leader of the king and do the work of dogs and horses."

"Ha ha ha ha."

Liu Biao laughed and said, "I am very pleased that Xuande has such a heart. Now that the clan is dying, Liu Zhang is rebellious in Yizhou. Only Xuande and I can support each other, and we can destroy Cao Cao and Yuan Shao. Please welcome the Son of Heaven. If Xuande has the heart, how about stationing in Wancheng, recruiting troops and buying horses, and joining me in fighting the Cao bandits?"

"Preparing for the order of respecting Jing Shenggong."

Liu Bei got up and cupped his hands and said.

Things are going well.

Liu Biao and Kuai Liang looked at each other, and Liu Bei wrote to him, hoping to come to Xiangyang to meet him.

At that time, the two discussed how to treat Liu Bei.

The first thing is to find out whether Liu Bei is willing to be subordinated to others, for fear that after he arrives in Jingzhou, he will turn against the guest.

That's why there was yesterday's temptation.

As a result, Liu Bei has been respectful all the time, and he can't see anything.

After the meeting today, Liu Biao began to solicit words, and at the same time, he kept observing Liu Bei to see if he hesitated or looked away.

Unexpectedly, Liu Bei immediately agreed to these things without any hesitation, which seemed very humble.

But people can pretend.

Liu Biao and Kuai Liang are not foolish enough to believe that Liu Bei's performance is from the heart, so there is one last trial.

Seeing Kuai Liang standing up, he said, "Emissary Liu, I'm the commander of the hussars, Shi Kuailiang."

"Kuai Changshi."

Liu Bei just got up and stood, so he bowed his hands to him.

After Kuai Liang returned the gift, he said: "Anyone who wants to send troops must have a famous teacher. Cao Cao held the emperor hostage, and it is often said that following the emperor's name to attack the princes will always be disadvantageous. If we want to attack Cao Cao, we must have a name."

Liu Bei said without hesitation: "Please rest assured, Duke Jing Sheng and Chang Shi. When he was in Xudu, the emperor was unbearable to be bullied by Cao's bandit, so he wrote down the edict and handed it over to Uncle Dong Guo. Uncle Guo wrote the letter of asking for Cao himself, and Bei also signed it, and it was on Bei's body, and I will wait for the thieves in my clothes and belts, this is a great righteousness."

At the time of the Yidaizhao, Liu Xie gave the Yidaizhao to Dong Cheng, and asked Dong Cheng to go back and find reliable people to get rid of Cao Cao together.Dong Cheng found some people, including Liu Bei.But I was afraid that they would inform me, so I wrote a document and everyone signed it, which bound these people together.

As a result, after the incident, all the people on the list were killed by Cao Cao, and Liu Bei ran out by himself. The document happened to be handed over to him by Dong Cheng for safekeeping. key files.

Therefore, as a survivor of the Yidai Zhao incident, Liu Bei has this document, which can prove that the people on the list are all following the Yidai Zhao to seek thieves, but everyone except him is dead.

After hearing this, Liu Biao was overjoyed and said, "It would be great if Xuande has this thing. I plan to open an altar in the spring of next year to offer sacrifices to God and ancestors. I will tell the world and the ancestors of the Han Dynasty about this, and then publish How does Xuande feel about discussing Cao Xiwen and affirming righteousness?"

"Sacrifice to heaven and earth?"

Liu Bei was stunned at that time, his mouth was slightly opened, his pupils shrank, and he didn't speak for a long time.

Of course he knew the news.

But it must not be shown, so be sure to show shock.

So how can you be shocked?
Eyes widen.

Mouth open.

The pupils have to shrink and get smaller.

This is a qualified shocked expression.

Liu Biao was really deceived by his reaction, and his reaction was expected, so he explained: "Sacrificing to heaven and earth is to pray to heaven and pray for the country and the country. We are descendants of the Han Dynasty, and our ancestors are all sons of heaven and descendants. What's wrong with praying to heaven?"

"Forehead"

Liu Bei hesitated and said, "Jing Shenggong's words are reasonable, it's just that."

Liu Biao said, "Could it be that Xuande didn't want to pray to God and tell his ancestors about the thief Cao?"

"Of course not."

Liu Bei hurriedly said: "Since it is for the sake of the country and the country, it is a duty to do so. However, Bei is just a branch of the clan. Such a big sacrifice is afraid that the ancestors and clans will blame them, so they dare not show up. Therefore, I would like to present the document and hand it over to you. Duke Jing Sheng, for sacrifice."

What he means is that if you want to sacrifice to heaven and earth, you can do it yourself, and I won't get involved.Similar to the big D in "The Underworld" who wants to engage in new and joint victories, other people are afraid to avoid it, and naturally don't want to cause trouble.

Liu Biao's expression was slightly displeased, but he also knew that haste makes waste. Liu Bei might have been frightened, so he calmed down his tone and said lightly, "Xuande doesn't want to sacrifice to heaven with me, and I don't force it. That being the case, after Xuande has gone to Wancheng, he still needs to practice military affairs and fight against Cao Cao with me."

"Yes Yes."

Liu Bei was obedient, with sweat protruding from his forehead, and said sincerely and fearfully: "Bei is willing to follow the tail of the king, and go through fire and water for the great Han Dynasty, and he will not hesitate to do so."

"good."

Liu Biao nodded and said, "It's getting late, and I'm a little tired, Xuande can go on his own. I will send someone to take you to Wancheng, so that the county magistrates of all places will obey your orders."

"Thank you, Lord Jing Sheng."

Liu Bei bowed down and bowed again, and said, "Bei bids farewell."

"Ah."

Liu Biao responded and watched Liu Bei go out.

After he left, Liu Biao looked at Kuai Liang again and said, "Zi Rou, what do you think?"

Kuai Liang murmured: "Liu Bei gladly accepted when he talked about begging Cao, and he was sweating profusely when he talked about offering sacrifices. It can be seen that he has no ambitions. Don't worry about him having a different heart. It's just that this person is loyal to the emperor and wants to subdue him. , I'm afraid it won't be easy."

"It's okay."

Liu Biao sneered, waved his hands and said, "If you succeed in defeating Cao, and the emperor dies in the rebellion, even if he doesn't want to be loyal to me, he has to be loyal to me. I heard that this younger generation of the clan has a strong personality, so he must be a general. , being able to get this person is also considered a help."

These two days, Liu Bei's respectful attitude still made Liu Biao very fond of it. After all, although Liu Bei's status was a little lower than his, it was not much lower. Liu Biao was very pleased with his attitude.

So although Liu Bei was unwilling to sacrifice with him, he didn't mean to murder Liu Bei. As long as he didn't have ambitions, he still needed a group of talents.

And after Liu Bei went out here, he was indeed sweating profusely, so he quickly wiped his sweat, found Guan Zhang and left Xiangyang immediately.

Liu Biao was so ambitious that he was also very surprised, so he didn't dare to stay in Xiangyang for a long time.

Leaving Xiangyang City by boat, arrived at Fancheng, and rode northward on horseback.

After running for more than ten miles, Liu Bei turned his head and looked at Fancheng, which had disappeared on the horizon, with lingering fear.

"Brother, why are you in such a hurry?"

Guan Yu was very surprised.

Everyone didn't talk much along the way, and hurried on their way, only taking a short rest at this time.

Liu Bei smiled wryly and said, "Although You Shuo told me yesterday, I am still astonished by Liu Biao's ambition. I think he may be aiming to become emperor, so he must leave as soon as possible."

"Liu Biao, the old thief, actually turned against usurpers."

Guan Yu was furious.

When Xu Tian was hunting, Cao Cao was disrespectful to the emperor, so he wanted to kill Cao Cao.

But at that time, it was controlled by others, and there was no way to do it.

The current situation is very similar to that at that time. Although Liu Biao did not bully the emperor, he is almost proclaiming himself emperor. This is to directly usurp the country.

Liu Bei sighed and said: "Jingzhou is a place of right and wrong, and I dare not say too much. Now that I have resigned from office and returned to my hometown to teach, we must also go to Wancheng as soon as possible to govern the place and rectify military affairs, so that we can wait for the right time in the future."

"Okay, let's go."

Zhang Fei yelled: "If you can have a foundation, it's better than wandering around."

"go!"

Liu Bei turned his head and looked at Xiangyang again.

That place made him feel like Xudu back then, surrounded by such a depressing atmosphere, it seemed that a storm would come at any time.

But just leave such a place.

It's like a fish entering the ocean or a bird climbing into the blue sky, unfettered by cages and nets!

(End of this chapter)