Super Cultivation System of the Three Kingdoms

Chapter 674 Han Sui Blackmail
Huang Quan's eyes widened when he heard this: "You...you are clearly taking advantage of the situation!"

Han Sui was immediately displeased: "I don't like what you said. I risked my life to surrender to Chengdu. Now that the disaster is coming, Your Majesty will abandon me? Liu He's military power is well known to the world. The number I mentioned has been taken into consideration by Your Majesty. I am afraid that even if we gather 130,000 or 140,000 troops, we may not be able to defeat the enemy."

Huang Quan's face was as gloomy as water. "That being said, as far as I know, you and Ma Teng each had 50,000 soldiers, and after Ma Teng's death, there were only a few thousand people who refused to surrender, so the number of soldiers under your command should be close to 100,000. Moreover, you have close ties with many Qiang tribes, and you can mobilize at least 30,000 or 40,000 Qiang soldiers, or even more."

Han Sui was stunned, then laughed and said: "The chief clerk has investigated very clearly. Alas, it's all because of my greed for wine. I feel dizzy after drinking this wine. Yes, yes, I have 100,000 soldiers. But these Qiang soldiers, hehe, are difficult to recruit. The Qiang people are greedy for money. If you want them to fight for me, you have to give them enough benefits. Salt, iron, money and silk are indispensable. This humble official is also in a dilemma..."

"Okay, okay." Huang Quan interrupted him impatiently.

"The army in Shuzhong only has over 100,000 soldiers, and the journey out of Sichuan is difficult. At most, we can mobilize 40,000 soldiers to Xiliang. Just tell me, how much supplies are needed to recruit 50,000 Qiang soldiers?"

A smile of success appeared on Han Sui's face.

He stretched out three fingers and waved them in front of Huang Quan.

Huang Quan said uncertainly: "Three hundred million?"

Han Sui shook his head and said, "No. In addition to the 300 million coins, we also need 3,000 kilograms of refined salt, 300,000 kilograms of iron, 30,000 pieces of cloth, 30,000 sets of armor, and 300,000 dan of rice harvested last year. With these supplies, I can guarantee that if Liu He dares to attack, 50,000 Qiang soldiers will launch a surprise attack from the mountains and deserts to kill him by surprise."

"What?" Huang Quan stood up suddenly.

"What do you think I am? What do you think these supplies you are asking for are? Even if everyone in Yizhou tightens their belts, it will take nearly a year to collect enough of these things."

Han Sui shrugged his shoulders and said, "Then there is nothing I can do. These things are not what I want, but Your Majesty cannot send enough troops to meet the enemy, so you have no choice but to use these supplies and ask the Qiang people for help. If Your Majesty does not want to send people or money, then do you want to occupy Xiliang for nothing with the empty title of General Zhengdong? There is no such good thing in the world."

Huang Quan was filled with rage, but looking at Han Sui's fearless expression, he finally sat back.

"General, you are right. However, it is really difficult to raise such a huge amount of supplies in such a short time. In my opinion, it would be better to allocate half of it first and recruit a group of Qiang soldiers. After the court has raised the funds, we can send the second batch."

Han Sui's eyes flickered, and then he nodded helplessly.

"Since Your Majesty is in trouble, I will understand. When can the supplies be delivered?"

Huang Quan calculated and said, "I will leave for Chengdu tomorrow and deliver it to you as soon as I have finished counting and loading. However, the road to Shu is difficult to travel, so it will probably take at least two months to deliver it here."

"Two months? That's too long. It's already spring, and Liu He has a habit of sending troops in spring. With Ma Chao and the other kids instigating, I'm afraid the army is ready to go now."

Han Sui was somewhat dissatisfied.

"Huang is sure that he will not attack within two months. Liu He's army is short of food. I have calculated that with the grain he harvested last autumn, it is simply not enough to support an army of more than 100,000 to fight in Xiliang. We have to wait at least three months until the first wave of this year's harvest is stored before we can use the troops."

Han Sui glanced at Huang Quan. He didn't expect that this seemingly weak scholar was actually so thoughtful. He was speechless at the moment.

"In that case, it's okay for me to wait for two months." As soon as this was settled, Han Sui's expression changed immediately. He was a little unhappy just now, but now he quickly put on a smile.

"Come on, it's rare for the chief secretary to come to Xiliang, we must drink a few more bottles..."

"Thank you for your hospitality, General..."

Huang Quan picked up the wine jar, thinking bitterly in his heart: "If it weren't for the fact that Xiliang is the gateway to Yizhou, how could His Majesty allow you to be so presumptuous? After you and the Luoyang troops are both defeated, Yizhou will sweep Liangzhou with a large army and annex your forces, so that we can march into Guanzhong. After all, this city and territory will only be safest when it is truly under our control..."

The two of them, each with their own ulterior motives, drank and feasted for a long time until late at night.

In Jingzhou, since Liu Yu arrived more than half a month ago, Liu Biao has accompanied him every day to travel around.

Liu Biao originally thought that Liu Yu's visit must be to lobby for the court in Luoyang. Even if he was not asked to hand over the power of Jingzhou, at least he would take away a few counties and have people sent by the court to govern them, or he could arrange a few trusted people of the emperor around him to monitor Jingzhou's every move.

But what was unexpected was that for more than half a month, Liu Yu did not mention a word about any government affairs. Every day he just asked Liu Biao to accompany him to travel, eat, drink and have fun. Gradually, Liu Biao completely let down his guard.

Early that morning, Liu Biao was about to go out, but was stopped by Cai Mao who was guarding the door.

"Degui, what do you want to talk to me about? Tell me quickly. Today, I have an appointment with the Emperor's uncle to visit several famous scholars in Jingzhou to discuss academic matters. We cannot delay."

Cai Mao said anxiously, "My lord, you must not see this old man Liu Yu again. He is an important official of Liu He in Luoyang. His visit to Jingzhou this time clearly has ulterior motives and is definitely not a good thing."

Liu Biao was immediately furious: "Shut up! How dare you speak so rudely to the emperor's uncle? Are you planning a rebellion?"

Cai Mao was scolded by him, but he refused to retreat: "My lord, I am considering the overall situation of Jingzhou. Liu He is ambitious and wants to annex all the princes and dominate the world. He even refused to let go of the noble families such as Chen Ji who once supported him in Luoyang. It shows that he looks kind but has a cruel heart. He must have some evil plan by sending Liu Yu here this time. My lord, don't be fooled."

Liu Biao was furious: "You spoke rudely to the emperor's uncle before, and now you insult His Majesty. This is simply unforgivable! The emperor's uncle has been in Jingzhou for half a month, and he has never mentioned a word about court affairs. He just came here to have fun and relax. You are judging a gentleman by your own mean heart. Why don't you leave!"

"My lord, your subordinate..."

"Shut up and stop talking nonsense, or I'll have someone beat you out with sticks!"

Liu Biao threw up his sleeves and walked out angrily.

Cai Mao looked at his back, his eyes gradually becoming very gloomy.

"Liu He... Liu Yu... I will never let you succeed! If Jingzhou falls into your hands, my family will have no place to stay!"

(End of this chapter)