Three Kingdoms: I, Liu Feng, do not want to die

Chapter 162 Zhao Yun joins the expedition, Liu Feng aims to swallow up Dongwu (6k)

Outside the land port.

Warships lined up.

This time when he went to "rescue" Sun Quan, Liu Feng brought 10 tower ships, 35 fighting ships, 60 Mengchong ships, 20 sailing boats, and 40 baggage ships, a total of 165 ships, to meet the needs of a three-month expedition of naval forces.

The tower ship is 3-4 stories high, 30-50 meters long, equipped with crossbow windows and spear holes. Each ship is equipped with 250 people for central command, long-range projection, and frontal combat.

The fighting ship has a single deck, is 20-30 meters long, and has shield protection on both sides. Each ship is equipped with 100 people, who are responsible for the main charge and formation maintenance.

Mengchong is a narrow and long ship covered with raw cowhide, 15-20 meters long, with strong maneuverability. Each ship is equipped with 50 people and is used for fire attacks and infiltrating enemy lines.

The boat is less than 10 meters long, has no protection, and each boat is equipped with 10 people, used for reconnaissance and communication.

The baggage ship has a carrying capacity of 50 tons and each ship is equipped with 36 people. It is used to carry staple food, fresh water, arrows, medicine, kerosene, horse fodder, wood, ropes, nails and other supplies.

After a series of victories over Sun Quan, Jingzhou's warships became more abundant than during Guan Yu's time.

Abundant warships also mean better standardized formations.

Although Liu Feng only brought 165 naval forces, these warships were a balanced combination of "tower ships + fighting ships + Mengchong ships + Zou Ge", taking into account both firepower and maneuverability.

From a distance, it looks so majestic that it is enough to make the timid tremble.

Between the lines.

Someone reported that there were Mongols approaching from behind the fleet, with a flag bearing the banner of "General Zhengnan".

"General Zhao?"

Liu Feng was surprised and wondered why Zhao Yun suddenly came.

"Open the formation and let them go."

There must be a reason for Zhao Yun's arrival.

Liu Feng immediately ordered Zhao Yun's Mengchong to enter the battle.

Not long after.

Zhao Yun's Mengchong passed through the gap in the ship formation and arrived at the tower ship where Liu Feng was.

Seeing Zhao Yun boarding the ship, Liu Feng hurriedly stepped forward and said, "General, you are here. Has something happened in the north?"

Zhao Yun blushed slightly and took out the imperial edict: "Your Majesty's secret edict is here."

It turned out that since Zhao Yun followed Liu Bei, he had rarely had the opportunity to kill the enemy and make merit because he had been guarding the central army for a long time, so he was promoted to General of the Southern Expedition at the age of sixty.

This General of the Southern Expedition was promoted by Liu Bei only after Guan Yu privately advised Liu Bei not to always promote new people.

It's not that Liu Bei didn't value Zhao Yun, but Liu Bei didn't want to disrupt the established military merit system just because Zhao Yun had followed him for a long time. If he didn't give priority to promoting generals with military merit, he wouldn't be able to get his soldiers, especially the younger generation, to fight bravely.

Zhao Yun also knew Liu Bei's difficulties and never complained about it.

After becoming the General of the Southern Expedition, Zhao Yun didn't think much about it anymore, except that he would occasionally lament his graying temples when drinking with Guan Yu.

Guan Yu naturally didn't want to see Zhao Yun only be promoted to General of the Southern Expedition.

When Liu Bei was the King of Hanzhong, Guan Yu felt that Huang Zhong was an old soldier and was unwilling to be ranked among the four generals in front, behind, left and right, with the intention of speaking up for Zhao Yun.

Therefore.

After Liu Feng left, Guan Yu privately found Zhao Yun and said, "The generals in Jiangdong may hate King Yan deeply because of the death of Lu Meng, and Zilong should ask for orders to protect him."

It seemed that Zhao Yun was asked to protect Liu Feng, but in fact, he was asked to follow Liu Feng and make achievements.

Guan Yu knew it very well.

Liu Feng must be harboring evil intentions in his heart.

Otherwise, he would not have specially appointed Yue Ju, Yang Xing, Yan Cheng, He Yuan, Luo Yan, Yu Hua, Lu Wen and Niu Xian. These eight people were originally fake captains promoted by Guan Yu when he returned to rescue Nanjun. They had all witnessed Liu Feng's bravery and admired him quite a lot.

If these eight people follow Liu Feng, Liu Feng will be able to use them easily.

Based on this speculation, Guan Yu asked Zhao Yun to ask Liu Bei for orders in the name of guarding.

Zhao Yun was reluctant at first, thinking that it was against moral conduct, but was dragged by Guan Yu to meet Liu Bei.

Liu Bei also couldn't bear to let Zhao Yun continue to be a general in the southern expedition, so he immediately gave Zhao Yun a secret decree, asking Zhao Yun to take a speedboat to find Liu Feng.

Liu Bei trusted Zhao Yun very much.

Even though history records that Zhao Yun opposed Liu Bei's attack on Wu, Liu Bei still kept Zhao Yun as the governor of Jiangzhou.

Ever since.

Zhao Yun brought the secret decree to see Liu Feng.

After glancing at the secret decree, Liu Feng immediately understood the reason: "With the help of the old general, I will be more confident in this trip."

Zhao Yun quickly said, "If His Royal Highness the Prince of Yan has any instructions, I will serve you."

Liu Feng laughed: "The old general is so generous, so I won't be polite."

With a wave of his hand, Liu Feng summoned Liu Lin, Liu Shuang, Liu Zan, Sun Cheng and Sun Lu.

This time when he went to Jiangdong, in addition to Sun Lu, Liu Feng also brought his eldest son, nephew, and brother-in-law with him to gain experience.

Although they are all young, the basic premise of being a general's son is that they should not be spoiled. If they cannot bear a little hardship, then they should not be a general.

Looking at the five young men in front of him, Zhao Yun couldn't help but feel puzzled.

Liu Feng first introduced the five young men to Zhao Yun, and then said, "Since you are here, old general, why don't you serve as his instructor for a few months?"

Liu Lin got the hint from Liu Feng's eyes and was the first to step forward and salute: "Junior Liu Lin, please give me some advice, old general."

Sun Cheng, Liu Shuang and Liu Zan also stepped forward and saluted, asking Zhao Yun for advice.

Sun Lu, on the other hand, was hesitant. He wanted to learn from Liu Lin and the other three, but he was also worried about his current status as a hostage.

Liu Feng gently patted Sun Lu's shoulder and comforted him, "Don't think too much. Although you are a hostage, neither I nor your father will look down on you. Although your aunt has returned to Jiangdong for some reason, the close relationship between your aunt and your father will not disappear.

I will not be partial to one or the other."

The gentle voice sounded in Sun Lu's ears. The boy, who was less than ten years old, had tears in his eyes. He also stepped forward and saluted Zhao Yun: "Junior Sun Lu, please give me some advice, old general."

All the way to Xiakou.

Guan Ping drove a ship to meet him and shared the latest intelligence on the battle between Cao and Sun: "There is news that a large number of warships left Chaisang for Ruxukou three days ago. Sun Quan's battle at Ruxukou should not be going well."

Liu Feng frowned: "Is there any action from Shi Yang's Wen Pin?"

Guan Ping shook his head: "Wen Pin is just reinforcing Shiyang's defenses as usual."

After thinking for a while, Liu Feng ordered: "Go to Shiyang and spread the news. Sun Quan's second son, Sun Lu, cried blood for three days and asked for troops to save Sun Quan. Your Majesty, remembering Sun Lu's filial piety, ordered King Liu Feng of Yan to lead 30,000 naval forces from Lukou, Xiakou, and Fankou to rescue Sun Quan."

"Your Highness Prince of Yan, are you thinking..." Guan Ping was surprised and had a vague guess.

Liu Feng interrupted Guan Ping's speculation: "Just release the news, and the rest is up to God's will."

Guan Ping understood: "I will keep a close eye on it."

Arrived in Echeng.

Liu Feng met Guan Xing again and asked for the geographical map of Jiangxia. He also instructed Guan Xing to spread the news in Jiangbei that "Prince Liu Feng of Yan wanted to lead 30,000 naval forces from Lukou, Xiakou and Fankou to rescue Sun Quan."

Subsequently.

Liu Feng led his warships southward to Chaisang.

Zhao Yun also saw the clues: "Your Highness, Prince of Yan, are you aiming at Shiyang?"

Liu Feng smiled and said, "Old General, you have a keen eye. I do have this intention. Wen Pin is stuck in Shiyang and Lu Xun is in Chaisang. It's like a thorn in my throat."

If there are too few soldiers left in Jiangxia, it will be easy for the two to fight over it; if there are too many soldiers left in Jiangxia, it will increase the pressure on the Prime Minister to raise money and food. In addition to balancing the forces of Jiangdong, I rescued Sun Quan this time and did have the intention of looking for an opportunity to seize Shiyang. "

Liu Feng is not the kind of person who would wander around for no reason.

It is impossible that he made a special trip to Jiangdong just to save Sun Quan.

As for whether they will eventually seize Shiyang, it depends on God's will, as Liu Feng said to Guan Ping.

God's will is opportunity!

And opportunities only come to those who are prepared.

Even though Zhao Yun was a calm person, he couldn't help but feel a little excited at this moment.

If we can really capture Shiyang, we can go one step further!
As a military general, everyone wants to achieve great things.

For Zhao Yun: A real man only worries about not achieving fame and honor. Wouldn't it be a pity if he died of old age on his bed?

When Liu Feng's hundreds of warships were sailing downstream, they did not hide their whereabouts, but instead hoisted flags high, as if they were afraid that no one would know.

After hearing the news, Lu Xun of Chaisang was also shocked: "Liu Feng came to Chaisang at this time. Could it be that he knew that I sent troops to rescue Ruxukou and wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to attack?"

It’s no wonder Lu Xun thought this way.

Sun Quan has broken the alliance three times.

The first time the three counties of Changsha were captured.

The second capture of Nanjun.

The third time he joined forces with Wen Pin to attack Xiakou.

Although Sun Quan knelt down and surrendered in time and withdrew from Echeng, leaving Liu Bei with no reason to attack Sun Quan for a while, but if he really wanted to attack someone, how could he not have a reason?

Just like a certain Zhu Di in later generations, his reason for the Northern Expedition was to avenge Liu Bang's Battle of Baideng.

The reason why Sun Quan seized Nanjun was also because "Guan Yu took the rice from Xiangguan without authorization."

Lu Xun did not dare to be careless.

While ordering all the camps to prepare, he led more than 30 warships across the river to block the way.

Looking at the neatly arrayed tower ships, fighting ships, Mengchong ships and Zou Ge ships in front of him, Lu Xun's face gradually became gloomy.

"The Jingzhou navy is so elite!"

The layman looks at the excitement and the insider looks at the doorway.

As someone who had led troops under Sun Quan for many years, Lu Xun could naturally see the elite strengths of Liu Feng's navy.

The more I look at it, the more frightened I become, and the more fearful I become.

Lu Xun and his left and right.

Ding Feng and Xu Sheng were also very afraid and held down the short knives at their waists.

After a while.

Lu Xun saw the five-colored flags waving on the Jingzhou navy's tower ships, and the tower ships, fighting ships, Mengchong ships, and Zou Ge ships all changed their formations.

Another ship with a large flag bearing the words "King of Yan" emerged from the formation and lined up in front of the formation like an arrow head.

A small boat sailed towards Lu Xun's fleet.

A captain at the bow of the ship came with a document and shouted, "Your Highness the Prince of Yan has a royal decree! Is Governor Lu of Chaisang here?"

Lu Xun frowned. Although Sun Quan was nominally a vassal of Liu Bei, and Lu Xun, the governor of Chaisang, was indeed required to obey Liu Feng's orders, Lu Xun felt upset when he thought that the other party was Liu Feng, who had repeatedly ruined Jiangdong's plans.

The same is true for Ding Feng and Xu Sheng.

In the past, people fought to the death, but now they have to obey orders. Anyone with a bit of spirit would feel ashamed.

however.

Now the situation is stronger than people, even if Lu Xun, Ding Feng and Xu Sheng are resentful, they have to endure it for now.

Lu Xun sighed secretly and ordered the squad leader to enter the fleet to read out Liu Feng's "king's order".

The sergeant was not afraid, even though he was surrounded by Wu troops. He did not show any cowardice and drove his boat to board Lu Xun's ship.

Not long after.

The sergeant boarded the ship and handed the document to Lu Xun.

Looking at the contents of the document, Lu Xun couldn't help but jump his eyelids: "Mr. Lu invited reinforcements, how is this possible?"

Ding Feng and Xu Sheng were also shocked and confused.

"Master Lu is just a hostage. How could Liu Bei agree to Master Lu's request?"

"Captain, don't be careless. This must be Liu Bei's plan to destroy Guo through a false pretext, and he wants to take advantage of the opportunity to harm the Supreme!"

Both Ding Feng and Xu Sheng doubted the intentions of Liu Bei and his son Liu Feng.

Lu Xun could not help but frowned: "That being said, if we forcibly stop him, Liu Feng will definitely use this as an excuse to attack Chaisang. Your Majesty is already at a disadvantage at Ruxukou. If we go to war with Liu Feng again, Jiangdong will no longer belong to Your Majesty!"

Ding Feng was angry: "Let's start the war. Are we afraid of Liu Feng? Liu Feng can only show off his power on land. How can he be our opponent on water?
We are guarding the city walls, facing the river to the north and the mountains to the south. We are well prepared to wait for the enemy to tire out and we can defeat the enemy with our own strength. This is the winning momentum that will ensure us victory in every battle. If we want to defeat Chaisang, we must come in person!"

Xu Sheng also said: "Commander-in-chief, do you still remember the time when Liu Bei came to Sichuan to help Liu Zhang resist Zhang Lu? We must not let Liu Feng pass Chaisang!
Once Liu Feng arrived at Ruxukou, he would openly help the Supreme Emperor to resist Cao Pi, but secretly he would definitely ask for money and food. If the Supreme Emperor was negligent in the slightest, Liu Feng would be able to charge him with disrespect.

Liu Feng is now the King of Yan. Disrespecting Liu Feng is disrespecting Liu Bei. Then Liu Bei will have another reason to send troops to attack the Supreme Being. "

Lu Xun waved his hand to stop Ding Feng and Xu Sheng's advice, looked at the sergeant who was delivering the document, and said, "Please report this to His Royal Highness the Prince of Yan. I want to talk to His Royal Highness the Prince of Yan in person."

After receiving the reply, the captain did not hesitate and drove the boat away directly.

Ding Feng and Xu Sheng looked at Lu Xun in confusion, not understanding what Lu Xun meant.

"Don't be reckless!"

Lu Xun did not explain much, but just ordered the soldiers to move the tower ship closer to Liu Feng's tower ship.

Seeing the flags on the tower ship, Liu Feng also moved his tower ship forward to board Lu Xun's tower ship.

"General Lu, long time no see, you look even more charming and elegant than before!" Liu Feng shouted enthusiastically.

Lu Xun also shouted in response, his enthusiasm was as if he had seen his idol: "Your Highness the Prince of Yan is so graceful and elegant, I have always admired you. It is a great honor to meet you today!"

If one does not know the inside story, just by looking at this scene, one would guess whether Liu Feng and Lu Xun are brothers who have been separated for many years.

After the wooden planks were laid on the bow, Lu Xun calmly came to Liu Feng's ship.

Ding Feng and Xu Sheng looked at each other, and followed Lu Xun onto the ship. They each held the hilt of their swords and stood guard on both sides of Lu Xun, looking around cautiously.

Seeing Ding Feng and Xu Sheng so nervous, Liu Feng chuckled: "General Ding, General Xu, there is no need to be so nervous. If I want to kill you, there is no need to go through so much trouble.

Let me introduce this old general. He is Zhao Yun, the Han Dynasty's General who conquered the south. I'm sure you have heard of the old general's reputation.

I still remember the Battle of Changbanpo, when the old general held the prince in his arms and returned from a bloody battle in Cao Cao's army; when Madam Sun wanted to take the prince back to Jiangdong, fortunately the old general intercepted the river to save her.

If you want to learn the old general's skills, you can learn from him."

Only then did Ding Feng and Xu Sheng see clearly the old general standing behind Liu Feng. Although his temples were gray, his imposing aura and past reputation made Ding Feng and Xu Sheng's hands tremble.

Lu Xun sighed secretly: "General Ding, General Xu, please put down your swords. How can we carry weapons and let others laugh at us when we meet the King of Yan?"

Ding Feng and Xu Sheng looked at each other, gritted their teeth and took off their swords, and Lu Xun also took off his sword.

Seeing that the three men were understanding, Liu Feng invited them into the cabin.

Inside the cabin, the banquet had already been prepared.

Seeing Sun Lu and five young men, Liu Lin, Liu Shuang, Liu Zan and Sun Cheng, at the banquet, Lu Xun secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

In fact, when he risked his life to board the ship, Lu Xun also considered that if Liu Feng turned against him and captured and killed him, the thousands of navy troops in Chaisang would collapse without a fight.

But if we don't take the risk, even if we can rely on the geographical advantage of Chaisang to temporarily stop Liu Feng, it won't last long.

If Sun Quan were to become enemies with Liu Bei and Cao Pi at the same time, he would have no choice but to be defeated!

Surrender to Cao Pi again?

If Cao Pi had any brains left, he would have asked Sun Quan to send his eldest son away as a hostage.

With both of his sons being held hostage, there is no need for Sun Quan, the King of Wu, to exist. The civil and military officials in Jiangdong will also lose their morale. By then, who will care who you, Sun Quan, are?

The aristocratic families in Jiangdong are not fools and they must be loyal to Sun Quan.

Either surrender to Cao Pi or surrender to Liu Bei, and Jiangdong will be divided into two.

As Sun Ce's son-in-law, Lu Xun would inevitably be implicated in the Wujun Lu family's defeat because of Sun Quan's defeat. This was not the result Lu Xun wanted to see.

Fortunately.

Lu Xun made the right bet!

Although Liu Feng wanted to solve the problem of Sun Quan once and for all, he also had to save his face.

Jiangdong is not as good as Nanzhong.

The Eight Surnames of Nanzhong are too small and do not border Cao Wei, so it is enough to just push them away.

The Jiangdong powerful families were too large and bordered Cao Wei. As long as there were signs of a sweep, the remaining powerful families would frantically seek Cao Pi's protection.

This is not the result Liu Feng wants to see.

"Your Highness Prince of Yan, are you really sending troops to rescue the Prince of Wu this time?"

Lu Xun asked bluntly.

At this moment, Sun Quan's son Sun Lu and Liu Feng's son Liu Lin were both at the table. Lu Xun wanted to use this to test Liu Feng's true thoughts.

Since Liu Feng came in the name of "Sun Lu asking for troops", Lu Xun was confident that he could see the clues through Liu Feng's answer and Sun Lu's reaction.

Before Liu Feng could answer, Sun Lu stood up and said, "General Lu, don't be suspicious. His Royal Highness the Prince of Yan really wants to save my father this time. It's not fake."

The corners of Lu Xun's mouth twitched.

Mr. Lu, Mr. Lu, why are you interrupting at this time?
Now that you’ve said this, how can I still test Liu Feng’s true intentions?
Lu Xun gave Ding Feng a look, and Ding Feng understood. He stood up and said, "Master Lu, forgive me for being blunt, but you are just a hostage and don't understand the current situation. If His Royal Highness the Prince of Yan wants to deceive you, how can you tell the truth from the false?"

Hearing the word "proton", Sun Lu felt a surge of anger in his heart, and his face turned red: "Why don't I understand the current situation?

On the surface, Cao Pi wanted to avenge Zhang Liao, but in reality he wanted to test how much military strength Jiangdong still had. Therefore, after his father retreated to Ruxukou, he still sent a large army to attack.

But now, the battle at Ruxukou is becoming increasingly unfavorable to my father, and Chaisang also sent troops to rescue him a few days ago, which shows that Cao Pi's real intention is to take the opportunity to destroy my father.

With the land of Jiangdong, Cao Pi can make up for his disadvantage on the water. In the future, if he wants to attack the Han Dynasty in the south, he can get support from Jiangdong, and there is no need to deploy heavy troops in the Huainan area.

You don’t understand the current situation!”

Ding Feng was horrified.

Is this really the knowledge of a boy who is less than ten years old?

No.

wrong.

How could Master Lu know so much military intelligence?

He's just a proton!
Lu Xun's expression was complicated.

If at first Lu Xun thought that Sun Lu's interruption was due to his youthful ignorance, after listening to Sun Lu's analysis of the military situation, he suddenly realized that his understanding of Liu Feng was still too superficial.

How long had Sun Lu been a hostage?

How could he have such a close relationship with Liu Feng?

"People's prejudices are like a mountain." Liu Feng sighed lightly, "A hostage is not a slave. I asked the King of Wu to send his son as a hostage in the past, with the original intention of promoting reconciliation between the two families. However, the harmony between the two families actually needs a boy who is less than ten years old to maintain it. I feel deeply guilty.

Therefore, after Sun Lu arrived, I petitioned His Majesty to allow Sun Lu to study and practice martial arts together with my eldest son, my wife's younger brother, and my two nephews, and to ensure that they were not deprived of any food, clothing, or other nephews, and that they were not looked down upon because of their hostage status.

Let me introduce them further. Liu Shuang and Liu Zan are the sons of my younger sister and also the illegitimate sons of Cao Chun. However, Cao Chun died early, and the Cao family beat and scolded my nephews. I felt pity for my sister and nephews and took them back to Jingzhou.

Now the two have changed their surnames to Liu and are included in the clan family tree. I will not treat them differently because of their backgrounds.

I feel the same way about Sun Lu. I also hope that Sun Lu can be like his grandfather Sun Jian in the future, fighting against the enemy for the Han Dynasty and living up to his grandfather's reputation.

I am bringing him along with the army this time to increase our knowledge and courage, so I will let him sit in on all military analysis."

While Liu Feng was speaking.

Liu Shuang and Liu Zan held their heads high and chests puffed out, with proud looks on their faces.

The two of them were able to openly acknowledge Cao Chun's identity as a bastard's son, and were also proud to be included in the royal family genealogy.

The same was true for Sun Lu.

When Liu Feng mentioned Sun Jian, Sun Lu's eyes were full of light.

Lu Xun took a deep breath, and his eyes became more complicated.

[What a powerful psychological warfare technique! When it comes to winning people's hearts, this Liu Feng is truly terrifying! ]

Heart to heart.

If Liu Feng's son Liu Lin had been held hostage in Jiangdong, Sun Quan would have certainly placed Liu Lin under house arrest, let alone trained him equally.

Looking at Sun Lu who even admired Liu Feng, Lu Xun couldn't help but sigh and asked, "Your Highness, Prince of Yan, can we talk alone?"

Liu Feng laughed and stood up: "Since Commander Lu has such an intention, how can I not respond? The banquet food cannot be wasted, everyone can help yourselves, Commander Lu and I will leave for a while."

Come to the bow.

Lu Xun asked again in a serious tone: "Your Highness Prince of Yan, are you really going to rescue the Prince of Wu this time?"

Liu Feng pointed at the river and asked instead: "Before answering your question, I would like to ask, if the King of Wu had succeeded in seizing Jingzhou in the past, could he have defeated Cao Pi and established his hegemony over the world?"

Lu Xun was silent for a moment, then shook his head: "The purpose of seizing Jingzhou is just to divide the river with Cao Pi and protect Jiangdong, not to dominate the world."

Liu Feng sighed, "Although we can keep Jiangdong by dividing the river, it is just a lingering survival, the difference is only the difference between dying early and dying late.

I have heard that Commander Lu's great-grandfather, Lord Ji Ning, was a righteous man. He traveled thousands of miles to pay tribute and was awarded the title of General of Loyalty. This is admirable! Commander Lu, why don't you follow suit and restore the reputation of the Lu family for loyalty and righteousness?"

Lu Xun had a complicated expression on his face. "Your Highness, the Prince of Yan, you are too kind. Although my great-grandfather was loyal and righteous to the Han Dynasty, he also caused the death or injury of more than a hundred people in the clan. How can I follow his example when he made his clan members suffer for the sake of his own loyalty?"

Liu Feng laughed and turned to look at Lu Xun: "General Lu, I was right. You are a smart man. You know how to seek benefits and avoid harm, and you also know how to endure and protect yourself.

Since you have answered my question sincerely, I will not hide it from you: whether to rescue the King of Wu or to destroy him is not up to me, but up to you. "

Is it up to me?
Lu Xun was startled and his expression became more complicated.

(End of this chapter)