Can I get to the other side?.

Chapter 260 I, Liu Xuande, also want to split the land and become king
Yizhou, Shu County.

There was singing and dancing, music and the like in the governor's mansion, and the guests were toasting each other, creating a lively scene.

The three brothers Liu Bei, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei were also at the table.

They are the protagonists of today's banquet.

Liu Zhang, the governor of Yizhou, sat high in the main seat, raised his wine jar and said to Liu Bei with a smile: "The southern barbarians have been harassing Yizhou for a long time. Xuande has put down the rebellion this time, which can be regarded as a great achievement!"

"Come on, come on, I'll toast you a glass!"

Liu Bei raised his glass and said modestly: "You are overpraising me, Governor of Yizhou. I have only done my bit."

"Bei is not good at leading troops in battle. It is all thanks to my two brothers that we were able to defeat the Nanman."

Liu Bei took the initiative to mention Zhang Fei and Guan Yu.

Liu Zhang smiled and said, "Don't worry, Xuande. I will certainly not forget the contributions of the two generals. I will present a memorial to the emperor to commend them for their contributions."

"But Xuande, you don't have to be so modest. I also see your contribution, which is no less than that of the two generals."

Liu Zhang admired Liu Bei very much.

He is a relative of the Han royal family, is a good person and speaks well, and most importantly, he is decisive in getting things done, which makes him very satisfied.

"Lord."

At this time, Zhang Song, an advisor under Liu Zhang, suddenly stood up and said, "Since Lord Xuande arrived in Yizhou, he has defeated Zhang Lu, driven back the southern barbarians, and greatly weakened the influence of the Five Pecks of Rice Sect among the people of Yizhou. He has made outstanding contributions.

"In addition, Lord Xuande has been managing Ba County for General Yan, and has managed the county in an orderly manner. The people all praise him. I think it would be better to let Lord Xuande concurrently serve as the governor of Ba County to show his merits."

As soon as these words were spoken, several other advisers under Liu Zhang, such as Liu Ba, Wang Lian, and Huang Quan, immediately changed their expressions.

Ba County is one of the few large counties in Yizhou.

It is as famous as Shu County and Hanzhong.

The original prefect of Ba County was Yan Yan, a general under Liu Zhang. However, since Zhang Lu rebelled, Yan Yan was transferred to fight against Zhang Lu.

However, Ba County could not be left without anyone to govern it, so after Liu Bei entered Yizhou, Liu Zhang arranged for him to go to Ba County. Over a long period of time, he governed Ba County quite well, and the county was prosperous.

"My Lord, this is inappropriate!"

Before Liu Zhang could express his opinion, Huang Quan stood up and objected, "General Yan was only away to suppress the rebellion of Zhang Lu, so he had no time to govern Ba County."

"Although Lord Xuande has made great contributions, it is not appropriate for him to directly replace General Yan and concurrently serve as the governor of Ba County."

As he spoke, he winked at Liu Ba and Wang Lian.

The two immediately understood and stood up and said, "My lord, what Huang Zhubu said is very true. This matter needs to be carefully considered."

Liu Bei remained expressionless when he heard this.

But Zhang Fei and Guan Yu were not happy.

Zhang Fei slammed the table and glared at Huang Quan, "Why is it inappropriate for my elder brother to concurrently serve as the governor of Ba County? Is it because of his lack of ability or lack of merit? Tell me!"

"If you can't give me a 14, 15, or 16-minute explanation, I won't let you off!"

Huang Quan said calmly: "Lord Xuande's contributions are obvious to all, and his ability is certainly sufficient, but the governor of Ba County is General Yan, how can we let Lord Xuande take on the position?"

"General Yan is also a veteran general under the lord. He was dismissed from his post just because he led troops to suppress the rebellion and had no time to govern the subordinate counties. It is inevitable that people will feel disheartened."

"Besides, Lord Xuande is the governor of Jingzhou. Wouldn't it be a lowering of status if he also serves as the governor of Ba County?"

Huang Quan's conversation was flawless.

There is nothing to fault with it.

But Zhang Fei didn't buy it. He snorted coldly, "Everyone has left. Why do you still want to occupy the toilet? My elder brother is the governor of Jingzhou. Why can't he also serve as the governor of Ba County?"

"If Yan Yan has any objections, let him come to me!"

Zhang Fei was very unhappy with Huang Quan.

In his opinion, his elder brother Liu Bei is the governor of Jingzhou. He came all the way here to help you quell the rebellion. After enduring for so long, he can't even serve as a prefect?

How can there be such a truth in the world?

"Yide, don't talk nonsense."

Liu Bei frowned slightly, stopped Zhang Fei from arguing with Huang Quan, and then bowed to Liu Zhang and said, "My third brother just said what he said when he was drunk, so please don't take it to heart, Governor of Yizhou."

"Although Zhang Biejia is kind to me, I think I am not talented enough to serve as the governor of Ba County. I will just continue to manage the county under General Yan's supervision."

"Big brother..."

Zhang Fei and Guan Yu became anxious upon hearing this.

How can I give up the position of prefect?
However, Liu Bei looked indifferent, as if he did not care about this position at all, and he turned a blind eye to the anxiety of the two people.

This attitude was something Huang Quan had not expected.

He thought Liu Bei would ask for it.

After hearing Liu Bei's words, Liu Zhang held the wine jar and pondered for a long time before finally speaking: "Xuan De has spent a lot of effort to govern Ba County. If I don't allow him to serve as the governor of a county concurrently, it would seem that I am mean."

"How about this, let General Yan be appointed as the governor of Baxi County, and let Xuande be the governor of Ba County concurrently."

Liu Zhang thought what Zhang Song said made sense.

Liu Bei's contribution is indeed great.

The most important thing is that even though Liu Bei was not the governor of Ba County, he was willing to make such efforts, which showed his sincerity. Therefore, he felt that it was okay to let Liu Bei serve as the governor of Ba County concurrently.

Moreover, Liu Bei and he were both from the Liu clan, so there was nothing wrong with nepotism, especially for capable people from the same clan, who should be given more important positions.

"Thank you, Yizhou Mu."

Liu Bei's eyes flickered slightly, and he did not refuse. He said solemnly: "I will definitely live up to your expectations and govern Ba County well."

Liu Zhang laughed and said, "Alright, alright, the banquet isn't over yet, everyone please take your seats."

"Keep playing music, keep dancing!"

Then the music started and the dancers began to dance again.

The banquet returned to its lively atmosphere.

Zhang Song glanced at Huang Quan proudly, then looked away, raised the wine jar with a smile on his face and toasted Liu Bei to congratulate him.

Huang Quan's face didn't look good.

Only then did he realize that Liu Bei was clearly certain that Liu Zhang would agree, and he was just retreating to advance.

If he really didn't want to accept the position of Prefect of Ba County, then why did he not refuse at all and agreed directly when Liu Zhang appointed him?

"What a deep and scheming mind..."

Huang Quan looked at Liu Bei, who was accepting everyone's congratulations with a humble smile on his face, and a trace of deep fear flashed in his eyes.

When Liu Bei noticed Huang Quan's gaze, he smiled at him and raised his wine jar to show his respect.

……

The banquet did not end until late at night.

Liu Zhang returned to the study drunkenly, took the sobering soup from the maid beside him to rinse his mouth, his face full of comfort and joy.

"Liu Bei is such a loyal and honest man."

"With these three brothers here, I don't have to worry about Gao Gan and Zhang Lu anymore. Even the southern barbarians who have been invading the border are nothing to worry about."

Liu Zhang said with emotion.

At the beginning, Liu Bei only brought 3,000 soldiers to Yizhou, and he thought it was useless, so he let Liu Bei manage Ba County. Who knew that Liu Bei showed extraordinary talents.

Not only did he use various means to clear out the Five Pecks of Rice Sect rebels in Ba County and several surrounding areas, he also managed Ba County very well, collecting twice as much taxes as in previous years, and the people lived and worked in peace and contentment.

Liu Zhang felt that he must report to the emperor and commend Liu Bei's achievements so as not to let this meritorious official feel disheartened.

However, at this moment, Huang Quan, Liu Ba, and Wang Lian walked into the study together. Seeing this, Liu Zhang couldn't help but asked, "Why are you here?"

Huang Quan dismissed the maids on both sides, and then said to Liu Zhang with a serious face: "My lord, we are here because you want Liu Bei to concurrently serve as the governor of Ba County."

"What happened?"

Liu Zhang frowned and said in confusion: "Liu Bei is a loyal and honest man, humble and capable, and he has made such great contributions. Why not let him serve as the governor of Ba County?"

"As for General Yan, didn't I appoint him as the prefect of Baxi County? Is there any problem?" He wondered why Huang Quan was so obsessed with this matter.

This is too much targeting Liu Bei.

Wang Lian sighed, "My lord, the key is not whether General Yan will be dissatisfied, but that you should not let Liu Bei concurrently serve as the governor of Ba County."

"Since Liu Bei took over the management of Ba County, he has won the hearts of the people because of his benevolent policies. The people all praise his benevolence and wisdom. In addition, he also visited the wise men in various counties and treated them with courtesy."

"Now Liu Xuande's name is known to everyone in Yizhou. Whether it is the common people or the wise men, they all praise him."

He had also heard of Liu Bei's reputation. The famous scholars he knew all praised Liu Bei highly, and even the common people were singing the praises of Liu Bei's virtue.

"Is there such a thing?"

Liu Zhang was a little surprised when he heard this. He didn't expect Liu Bei's reputation to be so high, but he didn't take it to heart.

"It's nothing. I admire Liu Xuande's character and abilities. It's normal for him to have such a high reputation."

Seeing that he still didn't understand, Liu Ba had to say, "The key is not his high reputation, but his popularity among the people! The lord also made him the governor of Ba County, so he has taken root there."

"And as far as I know, Liu Bei has 20,000 soldiers in Ba County. They are fully equipped with armor and have amazing combat effectiveness."

"With this group of troops, he defeated the invading southern barbarians and repelled all the invading enemies in less than half a month!"

"You have such a powerful army, are deeply loved by the people, and have made friends with many wise men... My lord, don't you know what this means?"

"Liu Bei has become too powerful to be eliminated! Now most people in Yizhou only know Liu Xuande but not the lord!"

Liu Zhang was so drunk that he was shocked by these words. He asked in shock, "How many? Twenty thousand soldiers?!"

"Where did he get so many troops?"

When Liu Bei first entered Yizhou, he only brought 3,000 soldiers and horses. How long has it been since then? How is it possible that he has grown to 20,000 soldiers and horses!

What was he planning to do with so many soldiers? It wouldn't take so many troops to defeat Zhang Lu! And Zhang Lu had been fighting against the high officials all along. Liu Bei was only dealing with some small forces. Why would he need 20,000 troops?
Liu Zhang felt inexplicably panicked.

He had never regarded Liu Bei as a threat. He never expected that Liu Bei had unknowingly built up such a powerful force!
And it’s on his territory!

"Then, then I will go and take back my order. I will transfer General Yan back tomorrow and have him take over Ba County and Liu Bei's troops!"

Liu Zhang said with a pale face.

It was not until this time that he realized what a wrong decision he had made, handing over the entire Ba County to Liu Bei!

Twenty thousand soldiers and horses, that’s twenty thousand soldiers and horses!

There are more people than those of high-ranking officials!
"It's too late."

Huang Quan sighed and shook his head, saying, "My Lord, you have already said what you want to say. How can you take it back? If you go back on your words, it will surely cause dissatisfaction among Liu Bei's two sworn brothers."

"It will be a bad ending then."

"As the saying goes, if the army is not strong, changes will occur when it is strong. Liu Bei's army is now strong and has become a force of his own. We can no longer treat him casually."

Liu Bei might not say anything if the position was taken back, but Zhang Fei and Guan Yu would definitely have objections and might even come to him with knives in hand.

Liu Zhang said with a sad face: "But...if this continues, won't I have to rely on Liu Bei to survive? Then is this Yizhou mine or his?"

"What can I do? What can I do?"

With a strong army and the support of the people, Liu Bei's threat far exceeded that of Zhang Lu and Gao Gan, and was beyond his control.

He really let a wolf into the house!
"That hateful Zhang Song must have secretly surrendered to Liu Bei. Otherwise, why would he suddenly propose today that Liu Bei concurrently serve as the governor of Ba County?"

"What a shameless villain!"

Wang Lian couldn't help but curse, looking quite angry.

But Liu Zhang didn't care about Zhang Song at this time, and urged anxiously: "You should think about how to deal with Liu Bei."

"How can I drive him out of Yizhou?"

This problem made all three of them feel troubled.

It was obvious that Liu Bei intended to take root in Yizhou and continue to develop his power. With so many soldiers and the support of the people, how could he be driven out?

It’s easy to ask God but hard to send God away!

Huang Quan thought about it again and again, and suggested to Liu Zhang: "My lord, Liu Bei's reason for recruiting soldiers is to deal with Zhang Lu and Gao Gan."

"In that case, my lord, why don't you go to Zhang Lu and the other high officials to negotiate peace, and ask them to put aside their fighting and drive Liu Bei out of Yizhou first?"

"Compared to Zhang Lu and Gao Gan, Liu Bei is the biggest threat. I think they will be happy to see Liu Bei leave."

Huang Quan came up with an idea.

It would cut off Liu Bei's reason to continue staying in Yizhou. After all, both sides were no longer fighting, so why would Liu Bei stay in Yizhou?
"Is this... okay?"

Liu Zhang was a little hesitant, always feeling that this method was somewhat unreliable because Liu Bei had already been appointed by him as the prefect of Ba County.

Huang Quan sighed and said, “Let’s give it a try first.”

There is no other way now.

Upon hearing this, Liu Zhang had no choice but to nod in agreement.

……

On the other side, Liu Bei and his two companions also returned to their mansion.

Even though they drank a lot of wine tonight, the three of them had good alcohol tolerance. There was no sign of drunkenness on their faces and they were very sober.

Zhang Fei said happily: "Brother, you will concurrently serve as the governor of Ba County. From now on, we will be able to take root in Yizhou and recruit more soldiers!"

The post of prefect is quite important.

With this position, they could legitimately take root in Ba County, otherwise Liu Zhang could drive them away at any time.

Guan Yu also smiled and said, "That's right. When we have 30,000 soldiers, I will lead the army with Yide to destroy Gao Gan and Zhang Lu, and let you be the lord of Yizhou."

Upon hearing this, Liu Bei smiled, a rare smile.

Although Liu Zhang treated him well, he had no choice but to occupy Yizhou as he was carrying out the emperor's orders. He must not let it fall into the hands of high-ranking officials.

"How can the Lord of Yizhou be enough!"

Zhang Fei shook his head and said proudly: "Brother is the governor of Jingzhou, so we must take Jingzhou as well!"

"That fellow Lu Bu was even named Duke Wen for capturing the false emperor Yuan Shu. Big brother, you have conquered two states in a row. This achievement is much greater than Lu Bu's!"

"Besides, big brother is a member of the royal family. In my opinion, the emperor will definitely grant big brother a kingdom when the time comes!"

According to the ancestral precepts of the Liu family, no one other than the Liu surname could be crowned king.

This is the rule set by Emperor Taizu Gao.

But Liu Bei was a real relative of the Han royal family and a descendant of King Jing of Zhongshan, not a person from another family.

As long as the merits are sufficient, it will be no problem to divide the land and become a king.

"Splitting the Earth to Become King..."

When Liu Bei heard the four words Zhang Fei said, a hint of eagerness flashed in his eyes and his heart was beating slightly.

He has always been proud of his status as a descendant of the Liu family, but there are so many Liu descendants in the world, and he wants to achieve something different.

For example, to recreate the glory of our ancestors.

If given the chance, how could he not want to divide the land and become king?

However, Liu Bei quickly suppressed his enthusiasm and shook his head at Zhang Fei, saying, "It's too early. We haven't even taken control of Yizhou yet, so how can we take Jingzhou?"

"I heard that Your Majesty has already taken Qingzhou and opened up the three states of Xuzhou, Qingzhou, and Jizhou. We cannot slack off."

"Second brother, third brother, we will set off to return to Ba County tomorrow. There are still many matters to be dealt with there. It is not good to leave them all to Shi Yuan and Yuan Zhi."

The people Liu Bei was talking about were Pang Tong and Xu Shu.

These two people were talented people he recruited after arriving in Yizhou. Thanks to their help, he was able to make Ba County more prosperous.

"it is good!"

Guan Yu and Zhang Fei nodded in agreement.

……

(PS: Big update today!!!)
(End of this chapter)