Can I get to the other side?.

Chapter 144 If I encounter any misfortune, my uncle can take my place

Yizhou is a place of dangerous passes, fertile fields stretching for thousands of miles, and a land of abundance.

It is one of the three largest states in the world.

Its scope includes Sichuan, Chongqing, Yunnan, Guizhou, most of Hanzhong, northern Myanmar, Hubei and a small part of Henan in later generations.

In addition to its vast territory, Yizhou also has a population of up to six million.

It can be said that it is a big state with both food and population.

Historically, Liu Bei occupied this place, established the Shu Han regime, and divided the world into three parts with Cao Cao and Sun Quan.

If he could capture Yizhou, Liu Xie would have a stable rear.

Even if his plan in Yecheng was exposed, he could make a comeback if he had Yizhou as his base.

In Tai'an Hall, under everyone's eager gaze, Liu Zhang angrily spoke out all of Zhang Lu's evil deeds.

At the same time, he was also secretly observing the emperor to confirm whether the emperor sitting on the main seat was of Liu's bloodline.

After Liu Zhang finished speaking, before Liu Xie could speak, Yuan Shao slammed the table and stood up.

"Zhang Lu successively attacked and killed Hanzhong governor Su Gu and other military commander Zhang Xiu. Now he has taken over Hanzhong and does not respect or obey Yizhou governor. He is spreading the Five Pecks of Rice Sect in Bashu. He does not take the imperial court seriously and deserves to be killed!"

As soon as Yuan Shao finished speaking, his nephew, Gao Gan, the governor of Bingzhou, got a hint from his eyes and immediately stood up and said, "Your servant, Gao Gan, grew up in Shu County since childhood, and I don't want to see Yizhou being divided and harassed by thieves. I request your permission to go to Hanzhong, defeat Zhang Lu, and restore peace to Yizhou!"

Gao Gan, the son of Gao Gong, the former governor of Shu County in Yizhou, was famous for his "great talent and ambition, and outstanding literary and military talents."

In his early years, he joined forces with Xun Chen to persuade Han Fu to give up the post of Governor of Jizhou, and made great contributions to Yuan Shao's pacification of Jizhou, Bingzhou and Qingzhou.

He was one of Yuan Shao's most trusted people.

Now that he asked for orders to conquer Hanzhong, his purpose was self-evident.

Guo Jia and Jia Xu looked at each other and could see the anxiety in each other's eyes.

If Gao Gan entered Yizhou, wouldn't this thousand miles of fertile land become Yuan Shao's territory?

Even if Emperor Guangwu were still alive by then, he would be unable to do anything to Yuan Shao!

"I second the proposal! If the governor of Bingzhou leads the army to attack, a mere Zhang Lu will naturally be no problem." Ju Su spoke at the right time.

Under his leadership, a group of advisers under Yuan Shao also agreed.

Liu Xie opened his mouth and wanted to refuse in his heart, but he didn't dare to say it out loud.

After all, on the surface, he was just a puppet of Yuan Shao.

If Gao Gan's request is rejected at this moment, Yuan Shao will definitely notice that something is wrong.

Fortunately, just when he didn't know how to respond, Liu Bei stepped forward.

"Your servant Liu Bei, please attack Hanzhong."

"I am a relative of the Han dynasty and share the same clan as the governor of Yizhou. It is neither reasonable nor proper for me to sit by and watch the governor of Yizhou being bullied by Zhang Lu."

As soon as Liu Bei stepped forward, Guo Jia and Jia Xu breathed a sigh of relief.

At the same time, it also solved the difficult choice faced by Liu Xie.

Only Yuan Shao had a gloomy expression, cursing in his heart: "You big-eared thief, you're ruining my plans!"
Although Liu Xie really didn't want to ask Yuan Shao's opinion on this matter at the moment, he still had to ask because of Yuan Shao's constant glances at him.

"General, who do you think should be sent to Hanzhong to attack Zhang Lu?"

Yuan Shao smiled and replied, "Ten thousand elite soldiers are enough to defeat Zhang Lu. I think the governors of Bingzhou and Jingzhou can both take on this important task. It all depends on your majesty's decision."

What he said sounded very reasonable and no one could find fault with it.

But anyone with a discerning eye knows that the emperor is his puppet, and he will definitely choose to send a senior official to attack Hanzhong.

Just when Yuan Shao thought that Gao Gan's expedition to Hanzhong was about to be confirmed, Liu Zhang spoke again:
"Today is the New Year's Eve banquet. The matter of Yizhou has disturbed your Majesty's leisure. Can we discuss the selection of the expeditionary force after the New Year?"

"Good!" Liu Bei quickly continued, "Today is New Year's Eve, we shouldn't talk about state affairs."

Since both Liu Zhang and Liu Bei said so, Yuan Shao was not in a hurry, otherwise his ambition would be exposed and Liu Zhang would be on guard, which would be counterproductive.

"It is as it should be. Your Majesty is hosting a banquet for all the ministers today. We, the ministers, would like to offer a toast to Your Majesty."

Yuan Shao raised his wine jar and saluted Liu Xie from a distance.

The others also raised their glasses and stood up.

Thus, the New Year's Eve dinner began with toasts and chatter.

While eating, Liu Xie talked with Zhen Mi and Lu Lingqi on his left and right.

From time to time, enjoy the graceful dance of Hu Ji in the palace.

At this year's New Year's Eve banquet, because Lu Bu was present, Yuan Shao did not drive him away on the grounds of his poor health.

He no longer sits like a minion, which is a small improvement.

"Father."

During the banquet, Yuan Tan, the governor of Qingzhou, who was sitting behind Yuan Shao, walked forward and poured wine for Yuan Shao.

"Xiansi, what's going on with Cao Aman recently?"

Yuan Shao asked while drinking and eating meat.

"My father, after Cao Cao withdrew his troops from Yangzhou, he remained on hold and did not take any action," Yuan Tan replied.

Yuan Shao nodded slightly.

Cao Cao used to be his best friend, but now he is his archenemy.

Of course, if Cao Cao did not have a real emperor in his hands, he would not be in his eyes at all, let alone be called his sworn enemy.

"Once I pacify Youzhou, it will be the end of Cao Aman." Yuan Shao said, looking at Yuan Xi who also came over, and said: "After Youzhou is pacified, your father decided to let you serve as the governor of Youzhou. Take this time to learn more from your elder brother how to govern a state."

"Yes, father. I will definitely learn from my elder brother." Yuan Xi was overjoyed when he heard that.

He thought that Yuan Shao took a fancy to him!

Yuan Shang, who was sitting in the back and had not yet had time to stand up, had a very ugly expression on his face.

There are three brothers and a cousin who is a high-ranking official. Each of them governs a state, but he is the only one who has nothing.

There was only resentment and anger in his heart, and he lowered his head and drank in silence.

The dancers' graceful and enchanting looks could not arouse his interest.

Like Yuan Shang, Xu You was also drinking alone.

Ever since his wife and children were executed by Shen Pei, he has been in a bad mood.

In addition, Jia Xu often came to "comfort" him, which made him more and more resentful towards Yuan Shao.

"Ziyuan, why are you drinking alone?" Jia Xu found the right time and came to Xu You holding a wine jar.

Xu You glanced at Yuan Shao's location, shook his head bitterly, and said, "New Year's Eve is a night for family reunion, but my wife and children have all been beheaded. What else can I do but drink to keep quiet?"

He was filled with grief and indignation but had no way to express it, so he kept it inside.

Seeing Yuan Shao's family reunited today, I feel even more depressed.

"Alas..." Jia Xu sighed in a pretentious manner, as if he felt sad for Xu You.

Looking around, he lowered his voice and said, "Ziyuan, I heard that you were excluded by Shen Pei and others because of your good relationship with Cao Cao. I didn't believe it at first, but they have never accepted me for so long. Now I believe it a little." Upon hearing this, Xu You became furious.

But he still had his sanity, and he also lowered his voice and growled:

"I have a good relationship with Cao Cao, but does that mean that my lord has a bad relationship with Cao Cao? The villain Shen Pei framed my wife and children for embezzling food and money, all because I am not from Jizhou! Wenhe was not accepted for the same reason!"

Upon hearing this, Jia Xu said in disbelief: "It actually happened!"

"Humph!" Xu You secretly glanced at Shen Pei and other Jizhou counselors, then pulled Jia Xu to a secluded corner of Tai'an Palace and whispered, "Shen Pei, Ju Shou, Tian Feng, which one of them is not from Jizhou? They exclude and suppress us, just for the sake of family interests!"

Jia Xu seemed to be extremely shocked. "The general actually allowed his advisers to fight against each other? How can we achieve great things like this?"

Xu You said sadly: "My lord has taken root in Jizhou now, so he is naturally loyal to the Jizhou faction. If not, how could I refuse my proposal of paying the fine in exchange for the life of my wife and children?"

"This, this, this..." Jia Xu widened his eyes, seemingly unable to speak.

After a long while, he sighed: "If I had known this would happen, I would have joined Cao Cao. Why would I have come to Yecheng?"

Xu You was shocked. He didn't expect Jia Xu to say such words in front of him.

His eyes flickered as he looked at Jia Xu, as if he was hesitating about something. Finally, he gritted his teeth and said, "Wenhe, come closer."

Jia Xu listened with a puzzled look on his face.

"As you know, I have a good relationship with Cao Cao. I plan to go to Cao Cao after the war in Youzhou starts in the spring."

"My lord has always trusted Ju Shou, Tian Feng, Shen Pei and others. Although Wen He has good ideas, he cannot use them here. Why don't you go with me to Xu County so that I can take care of you in the future?"

This time, the shocked expression on Jia Xu's face was finally not fake.

He originally wanted to gradually win Xu You over to the emperor's camp, but he never expected that Xu You would have the idea of ​​defecting to Cao Cao.

Even drag him along!
"Ziyuan, you told me this, aren't you afraid that I will tell the general?" Jia Xu said with a complicated expression.

Xu You looked at Jia Xu sincerely, "During this period, I have been enlightened and advised by Wenhe. I know Wenhe's character and he will never do anything to inform on others. Besides, now that I have said this, I am willing to put my life and property in Wenhe's hands."

Jia Xu's expression kept changing, as if he was considering it, until Xu You's heart was hanging in his throat, he said: "After the banquet, I will go to Ziyuan's house."

"good."

Xu You smiled and returned to his desk.

……

"Xuan De, why do you have such a sad face? Come on, have a drink!"

Lu Bu, with a happy face, pulled Liu Bei to drink.

He looked at Liu Xie sitting in the main seat, whispering frequently with his daughter Lu Lingqi, his mouth smiling so much that the corners of his mouth were almost reaching his ears.

But Liu Bei's mind was full of the affairs of Yizhou at this time, so how could he be as heartless as Lu Bu.

Fortunately, Liu Zhang still had some rationality just now. If he had really allowed Gao Gan to lead the troops to attack Hanzhong, it would have been very bad.

He shuddered at the thought of Yizhou falling into Yuan Shao's hands.

After clinking glasses with Lü Bu, Liu Bei said, "Fengxian, please don't leave after the banquet. Let's go and see His Majesty in private."

Lu Bu glanced at Lu Lingqi again and chuckled, "Of course, it's not convenient to talk here. After the banquet, I still have to have a good talk with my daughter."

Liu Bei shook his head. Lu Bu really didn't understand how dangerous the Han Dynasty had become.

In the main seat, Liu Xie used all kinds of means to make Lu Bu see the loving scene between him and Lu Lingqi.

During this period, Zhen Mi must not be made jealous!

The difficulty is almost as difficult as hell, if not quite.

An hour later, the New Year's Eve banquet finally ended.

Yuan Shao took his three sons and nephew back home to reunite with his family, and the rest of the people also left one by one.

……

Xuanshi.

Liu Bei went to see Liu Xie privately, while Lu Bu went to Ziyun Palace to see Lu Lingqi.

"Your Majesty, you must not allow Gao Gan to follow the imperial edict and attack Hanzhong!"

As soon as he saw Liu Xie, Liu Bei said anxiously.

"I know that too!" Liu Xie sighed heavily, his face full of bitterness and unwillingness, "But I am just a puppet! Yuan Shao forced me to go to the battlefield, and I couldn't refuse, let alone this matter?"

After hearing this, Liu Bei clenched his fists in anger, his eyes burning with rage.

If Liu Zhang had not suddenly come to Yecheng to ask the court for help, how could Yuan Shao have found an opportunity to legitimately send his army into Yizhou?

"As long as the traitor Yuan is not dead, how can the Han Dynasty be restored to power?"

"I've long heard that Liu Zhang is not a man of talent, but I never thought that this guy would be so incapable of achieving anything and would only cause trouble!"

"He came to Yecheng to ask for help, which is tantamount to inviting a wolf into the house!"

Looking at the angry Liu Bei, Liu Xie said worriedly: "Liu Zhang is far away in Yizhou. I am afraid he didn't expect that I actually have no power at all and have become a complete puppet. He must have seen this just now, so he used the New Year's Eve banquet as an excuse not to discuss state affairs. But you can avoid it today, but you can't avoid it tomorrow."

There is no doubt that Yuan Shao will bring up this topic again tomorrow morning.

Finally, Liu Xie issued an edict ordering Gao Gan to attack Zhang Lu.

Take advantage of this godsend opportunity to get involved in Yizhou.

"hateful!"

Liu Bei cursed with gnashing teeth.

Liu Xie tried to appease Liu Bei a little, and said, "After today, Yuan Shao will definitely force me to issue an edict ordering Gao Gan to attack Zhang Lu."

"I want my uncle to secretly lead several thousand elite soldiers to Yizhou to prevent Gao Gan from using Hanzhong as a base to occupy the entire Yizhou after defeating Zhang Lu."

Liu Bei solemnly promised: "I obey your command! I will defend Yizhou for your majesty and will not let Yuan Shikai get his hands on it."

Liu Xie nodded slightly, but he was also worried.

Although he hoped that Liu Bei could take Yizhou as in history, expand his territory and seize an excellent base.

However, he was also worried that after he seized Yizhou, he would have some inappropriate thoughts, so he decided to give him a strong dose of medicine.

So he grasped Liu Bei's hands and said with sincerity:
"Although Liu Zhang is a relative of the Han Dynasty, he is weak and incompetent, and is not capable of protecting the Han Dynasty. After the emperor's uncle arrives in Yizhou, he may as well take his place."

Liu Bei hurriedly shook his head, "Your Majesty, how can this be done? Liu Zhang inherited the title of governor of Yizhou from his father Liu Yan. How can I seize the position of a fellow clan member!"

Liu Xie sighed, as if he was filled with infinite emotion: "I have been reduced to a puppet of Dong Zhuo and Yuan Shao, and my life is like walking on thin ice. I can't even decide my own life. If my uncle can replace Liu Zhang and take charge of Yizhou, I can rest assured. In this way, even if I encounter an unexpected event one day, the Han Dynasty will still have the support of my uncle."

When Liu Bei heard this, his eyes instantly turned red, and he felt that a surge of anger and hatred was about to burn him to death.

He wished he could call Guan Yu and Zhang Fei immediately to go to Yuan Shao's mansion and kill all the members of the Yuan family.

Seeing that Liu Bei was in high spirits, Liu Xie quickly stepped up his efforts: "My own safety is a minor issue, but the safety of the Han Dynasty is a major issue. The Han Dynasty must not be destroyed by traitors! Not to mention Liu Zhang's position as governor of Yizhou, even if I encounter an unexpected event one day, my uncle can take my place."

"I am terrified!" Liu Bei's eyes were filled with tears as he bowed his head and kowtowed. "How dare I not do my utmost! Continue your loyalty! Continue with your death!"

"I have been away from Yizhou for an unknown number of years. I only hope Your Majesty will take care of your health and stop saying such things."

(End of this chapter)