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

Chapter 171: Northern Expedition, the Battle between Liu Feng and Zhuge Liang (6K)

now.

The chess player of the Han Dynasty is still Liu Bei.

Liu Feng was also just a chess piece on the chessboard.

The difference is that Liu Feng's autonomy as a chess piece is far greater than that of the other chess pieces.

Ever since Liu Feng awakened his memory in Shangyong, he has been trying to increase his autonomy.

For example, at the beginning, Liu Feng only wanted to save Guan Yu and save his life.

Later, Liu Feng decided that he could save Nanjun while saving Guan Yu's life.

Later, he took Lukou, Xiakou, pacified Nanzhong, seized Xiangfan, occupied Nanxiang, seized Fankou, and broke through Shiyang.
Liu Feng's autonomy became increasingly greater, and he was able to increasingly influence the strategic goals of Liu Bei, the chess player.

Before the Battle of Ruxukou between Cao Pi and Sun Quan, Liu Bei's strategic goal was to cultivate land and store grain!
If we store 30 million hu of grain in the Han River, we can then raise another 100,000 troops from Jing to attack Cao.

After the Battle of Ruxukou between Cao Pi and Sun Quan, Sun Quan, the "fisherman", had become the "meat of the fish". Although he could still stir up trouble in Jiangdong, he was no longer qualified to participate in the fight for the world.

Changes in the situation determine changes in strategy.

Whether it is Donghe Sun Quan or Dongzheng Sun Quan, it doesn’t matter anymore.

Currently, the only one who is qualified to compete with Liu Bei is Cao Pi!

If we don't talk about the stance, what Lu Meng said when he first proposed to destroy Yu: "The reason why Yu has not yet turned east is because of the supreme wisdom and Meng and others are still alive. If we don't plan to destroy him when we are strong, once he is weak and wants to regain his strength, will it be possible?", is also in line with Liu Bei's current situation.

Liu Bei, Guan Yu, Huang Zhong, Zhao Yun, Mi Zhu and others were all over sixty years old.

Zhuge Liang, Fa Zheng, Zhang Fei, Ma Chao, Guan Ping and others were also between 40 and 60 years old.

Not to mention dragging it on for ten or twenty years.

Even if it drags on for five years or so, it may end up like what Zhuge Liang described in his "The Second Letter to the Emperor":
However, Zhao Yun, Yang Qun, Ma Yu, Yan Zhi, Ding Li, Bai Shou, Liu He, Deng Tong, Qu Chang, Tun Jiang, more than 70 people, Tu Jiang, Wu Qian, Xiong Sou, Qing Qiang, Sanqi, Wuqi, more than 1,000 people were lost. These are the elite troops gathered from all over the country in the past few decades, not just one state; if it takes another few years, two-thirds will be lost.

The longer the time drags on, the more disadvantageous it will be for the Han Dynasty's Northern Expedition.

To put it simply: Liu Bei, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun and other older generation people are mostly from the north who drifted to the south. They are familiar with the humanities and geography of the north and are obsessed with returning north. The younger generation are mostly from the south. Not only are they unfamiliar with the humanities and geography of the north, their obsession with the Northern Expedition is not as strong as that of the older generation.

You are living well in the south, why do you have to go to the bitter and cold north?
Isn't it good to be alone and live a peaceful and happy life in Bashu and Jingchu?

This was the case with the Eastern Jin Dynasty when the elite migrated south.

This was the case with the Southern Song Dynasty, which was based in the south of the Yangtze River.

Over time.

When all the older generation passed away, few were willing to support the Northern Expedition.

Until then.

The Han Dynasty established by Liu Bei got rid of the derogatory name of Shu Han, and gained the derogatory name of Southern Han.

Liu Feng did not want the Han Dynasty founded by Liu Bei to eventually become the isolated Southern Han, so he had to actively promote the Northern Expedition.

[The crown prince should have military authority, and the prime minister should be clear about military affairs.]

This was not a decision made by Liu Feng on impulse, but a well-considered one.

"Rongliang thinks carefully."

Zhuge Liang did not give Liu Feng a definite answer.

Decisions like this can't be made in a short period of time.

"It's late at night, Prime Minister, you can rest first."

Liu Feng stood up and said goodbye.

Some things don't need to be said too much.

Even a wise man like Zhuge Liang would not be easily influenced by other people's ideas.

Street.

Liu Feng rode his horse slowly, lowering his head in deep thought.

The sound of horse hooves sounded extremely crisp under the silent night sky.

Reached a fork in the road.

Liu Feng reined in his horse again.

To the left is the Prince of Yan's Palace.

To the right is the Prince’s Palace.

After hesitating for a moment, Liu Feng walked to the right.

Tian Qi, the personal guard, reminded him quietly, "Your Highness, it is almost midnight now. Isn't it too late to go look for the Crown Prince now? Why not go tomorrow?"

"Don't waste two days on one thing. Since I've been disturbed tonight, I might as well solve it all at once. The prince is the crown prince, he has to get used to it." Liu Feng shook the reins lightly and changed his pace to a jog.

Crown Prince Liu Chan is sixteen this year.

According to historical records, Liu Chan would become emperor this year, and then civil strife would break out.

Although Liu Chan had mixed opinions in later generations, in Liu Feng's eyes, Liu Chan was still trustworthy.

In comparison, Liu Chan was not as good as Cao Pi and Sun Quan in terms of strategy, but was far superior in kindness.

However, for the royal family, a benevolent emperor is far more trustworthy than a mean and ungrateful emperor.

The biggest criticism Liu Chan had towards the royal family was that he later believed Huang Hao's slander and alienated Liu Yong, preventing Liu Yong from attending court for more than ten years.

On the way to the Prince's Mansion, Liu Feng met General Huang Zhong.

"General, it's so late, and you still want to patrol the city in person?" Liu Feng was quite surprised.

Huang Zhong chuckled, "You are old and can't sleep well. Young people should stay up late less. Your Highness, are you going to look for the prince?"

Young talents should stay up late less
Liu Feng couldn't help but think of the young people who stayed up late in the company and the elderly who exercised in the square. The memory of the dead suddenly attacked me.
After clearing the thoughts from his mind, Liu Feng nodded: "There are some private matters that I need to discuss with the prince."

After a pause, Liu Feng added: "Although the old general is strong and healthy, he should not stay up too late. The Northern Expedition still needs the old general's help."

Huang Zhong keenly heard the hidden meaning in Liu Feng's words, and when he thought of Liu Feng's late-night visit to Liu Chan, he couldn't help but make a guess.

Then he approached Liu Feng and asked in a low voice: "Your Highness, is His Majesty preparing for a northern expedition? But I heard that it is difficult to march north due to lack of food and grass."

"I can only say that opportunities are reserved for those who are prepared. But seeing the old general staying up late like this, I am afraid that during the Northern Expedition, he will not be able to endure the hardship of marching." Liu Feng said cryptically.

Huang Zhong waved his hand and laughed: "Your Highness, you are joking. I am a military commander, why should I fear the hardship of marching? But your Highness is right. I am indeed a little tired these days and it is not suitable for me to stay up late."

Watching Huang Zhong walk away laughing, Liu Feng instructed Tian Qi, "Captain Tian, tomorrow you will send some old ginseng to the old general, and bring the good doctor from the mansion to diagnose the old general."

Among Liu Bei's civil and military officials.

Huang Zhong was the one Liu Feng was most worried about.

Liu Feng's intervention changed the fate of many people.

Huang Zhong and Fa Zheng, who were supposed to have died of illness in 220, are still alive today.

Fa Zheng is fine, he is only forty-seven years old now.

Neither Huang Zhong nor Liu Feng are suitable to be described by age.

Liu Feng was afraid of hearing the bad news about Huang Zhong during the Northern Expedition.

All the way to the Prince's Mansion.

When the servants saw that it was Liu Feng who came to visit, they did not dare to neglect him and hurried to inform him.

Not long after.

Liu Chan put on his clothes and came out, invited Liu Feng to the elegant pavilion, then brought tea and cakes, and sat down with Liu Feng.

After the ceremony.

Liu Feng stated his purpose directly.

Liu Chan was shocked when he heard this: "Although I am the crown prince, I have never led an army. The book says that an incompetent general can lead to the death of the entire army. How can I take on such an important task?"

As if he felt that this was inappropriate, Liu Chan changed his words and said, "It's not that I don't want to, but I'm afraid that it will hinder my father and brother's plan to seize Yongzhou. It's better for you to be the general of the cavalry, and I can follow the prime minister to gain experience in the army. I will never interfere in any military affairs."

Looking at Liu Chan who wanted to go but was afraid of missing out, Liu Feng couldn't help but think of the time when he was first entrusted with military affairs by Liu Bei, and he was also very nervous.

With both his father and brother being brave and heroic, how could Liu Chan not yearn for the battlefield?

However, because Liu Chan was young and Liu Bei had Liu Feng, his adopted son who was good at fighting, by his side, there was naturally no need for Liu Chan to take risks on the battlefield.

Liu Chan was a well-behaved and sensible person. He would not forget his duties and mission just because he wanted to go to the battlefield, so he always kept this idea deep in his heart.

Hearing Liu Feng's purpose of coming, Liu Chan felt both expectant and nervous.

What they expect is to be as brave and heroic as their fathers and brothers on the battlefield, but they are nervous that how can they take on such an important task when they have never been to the battlefield?

Looking at Liu Chan, who was only a middle school student in later generations, Liu Feng couldn't help but feel a little pity in his eyes: "The reason why I proposed to my father that the prince should be the chief general to capture Yongzhou is because this is what I prepared specifically for the prince.

The prince should have military power! Only when he succeeds to the throne and becomes emperor, he can suppress arrogant soldiers and fierce generals. No one else can be the chief general except my father and the prince!

However, my father is old and the road to Shu is difficult. If something unexpected happens along the way, not only will the attack on Yongzhou fail, but it will also cause turmoil in the court and the country.

As sons and subjects, the Crown Prince and I should shoulder this important responsibility for our father. I will contain the main force of Cao Wei in the north of Jing, and the Crown Prince will seize Yongzhou from the west.

Then we can meet in Chang'an and invite the emperor to come. This will not only show filial piety, but also spread the name of the Han Dynasty. Isn't it wonderful?"

Seeing that Liu Chan still looked nervous, Liu Feng added, "Prince, don't worry too much. The specific military affairs will be planned by the Prime Minister and the General of the Cavalry. You only need to issue orders when you are busy and comfort the soldiers when you are free, just like you did when you were superintendent in Chengdu in the past."

Subsequently.

Liu Feng also briefly explained to Liu Chan the daily duties of the commander-in-chief and the key points of controlling the morale of the army.

Liu Chan is not stupid.

The fact that Liu Chan was able to govern Chengdu without making any major mistakes during Liu Bei's capture of Xiangfan has already proven his ability.

As the main general, Liu Chan was not required to conceive strategies and tactics, nor was he required to be the first to charge into the enemy's ranks. Instead, he focused on issuing orders and comforting the soldiers.

Giving orders is to let the soldiers know who is the commander of Yizhou County.

To appease the soldiers, Liu Chan was asked to win over the morale of the Yizhou army and prevent the soldiers from only recognizing the general and not Liu Chan.

What Liu Feng did not say explicitly was: What if some of the generals in Yizhou felt that there was no future in following Liu Chan and wanted to change camp and take their troops and join Cao?

Then the crisis that Liu Feng contained in Shangyong might occur among the generals in Yizhou.

Cultivating Liu Chan's military prestige in the Yizhou army can effectively curb or reduce the occurrence of such incidents.

With Liu Feng's explanation, Liu Chan gradually suppressed his inner anxiety.

"Will the emperor agree?" Liu Chan asked the key question again.

If Liu Bei agrees, everything will be feasible; if Liu Bei disagrees, everything will be at a standstill.

Seeing that Liu Chan was no longer nervous, Liu Feng smiled confidently: "As long as the prince has the courage to be the commander-in-chief and the determination to march north, the emperor will definitely agree."

Qin Shihuang disliked Fusu because he felt that Fusu's personality was different from his own.

Emperor Wu of Han disliked Liu Ju because he felt that Liu Ju's character was different from his own. Li Shimin disliked Li Chengqian because he felt that Li Chengqian's character was different from his own.

Zhu Yuanzhang liked Zhu Biao because he felt that Zhu Biao's personality was very similar to his own.

If a son is not like his father, the father will despise him.

If the son is like his father, the father will be happy.

Liu Feng, who had followed Liu Bei for many years, knew Liu Bei's personality very well.

Compared with talent, Liu Bei admired courage and determination more, especially the tenacity to bend and stretch, and to fight again and again after repeated failures.

Talent can be cultivated, but nature is difficult to change.

Finished.

Liu Feng bid farewell to Liu Chan.

Everything that needs to be said has been said, and the rest depends on Liu Chan to figure out on his own.

Liu Feng did not disturb General Guan Yu and General Ma Chao again.

Meeting Zhuge Liang and Liu Chan privately was to let them think about whether to go to Yizhou in advance. If they disturbed Guan Yu and Ma Chao again, there would be suspicion of deliberately targeting Fa Zheng and the generals of Dongchuan.

Liu Feng also had to weigh the degree of this.

Return to the mansion.

Sun Yan did not fall asleep, but waited quietly in the room.

Seeing Liu Feng returning, Sun Yan thoughtfully prepared hot water and midnight snacks for Liu Feng.

Looking at Sun Yan, who looked tired, Liu Feng suddenly felt pity for him.

If you have a wife like this, you should repay her with gratitude.

Wake up to dawn.

Liu Feng got up early and guided Liu Lin, Liu Shuang, Liu Zan and Sun Cheng in their morning exercises in the yard.

Since returning to Jingzhou, the brothers Liu Shuang and Liu Zan became stronger and stronger.

In order to bring honor to their mothers and live up to the expectations of Liu Bei and Liu Feng, the two brothers studied literature and martial arts very hard.

Sometimes, when I get really determined, I will insist on attending the next day's classes even if I sprained my ankle the day before.

If Sun Yan hadn't discovered it in time, the person would have been ruined.

Liu Lin's personality is relatively calm. Although he is the youngest, he is the most balanced. He has made balanced progress in both academic and martial arts.

Sun Chengze is different.

Whether it is Liu Lin, Liu Shuang or Liu Zan, their literary and martial arts levels have improved after learning literature and practicing martial arts.

Although Sun Cheng also studied literature, he did not like it and only liked martial arts.

When asked the reason, the answer was: A real man should learn from Wei and Huo, lead a hundred thousand cavalry to gallop across the desert, drive out the Rong and Di peoples, pacify the Hu and Yi peoples, establish meritorious services and build a name, and be literate and understand reason.

Also known as: Xunzi said, "The eyes cannot see in two directions and not be sharp, the ears cannot hear in two directions" and Zhuangzi said, "If you focus your mind without dividing it, you will concentrate it." Since you are determined to learn from Wei and Huo, you should focus all your energy on practicing martial arts.

but.

Since Sun Qian and his wife were both elegant and handsome, Sun Cheng also inherited his parents' elegance and handsomeness. Even when he picked up a spear and pretended to be a ruthless man, he was still a "handsome man with a jade face and a cold spear."

Although Sun Cheng was only eleven years old, there was already a long queue of officials and celebrities in Jiangling City who wanted to marry their daughters to Sun Cheng. When he walked on the street, he would be given silk by little girls who appeared out of nowhere.

This often makes Sun Cheng very distressed.

Sun Cheng hoped that he would be a rough and intimidating general who could scare the enemy with just a glare or a roar, rather than a "handsome guy" who everyone thought was harmless.

Liu Feng came up with an idea for Sun Cheng and asked him to wear a ferocious wooden mask when going out.

It was still able to scare people at first, but in the end, someone leaked the news, causing the little girls in Jiangling City to spread the word that "Whoever can make Sun Cheng take off his mask, Sun Cheng will fall in love with that person", and Sun Cheng was so scared that he dared not to leave the house again!
It was the Si hour.

The attendant Guo Youzhi came again and summoned Liu Feng.

Also summoned at the same time were General Guan Yu, Prime Minister Zhuge Liang, Shangshu Ling Fa Zheng, General Ma Chao and Crown Prince Liu Chan.

Liu Feng was the last to arrive.

It’s not that Liu Feng deliberately shirked his responsibility, but Guan Yu, Zhuge Liang, Fa Zheng, Ma Chao and Liu Chan all attended the morning court and stayed directly in the court meeting place.

Liu Feng had just returned to Jiangling and was still on vacation. If there was no important business, he did not have to attend the morning court.

"My son, I pay my respects to my father!"

After a quick glance at the crowd, Liu Feng stepped forward and saluted Liu Bei.

Liu Bei nodded slightly and motioned Liu Feng to sit down.

Subsequently.

Liu Bei went straight to the point. On the one hand, he presented to everyone the victory report of Li Yan leading the Dongchuan generals to capture Wudu Yinping and repel Guo Huai. On the other hand, he proposed a plan to let Crown Prince Liu Chan go to Yizhou as the chief general to command the Dongchuan generals to capture Yongzhou.

The slight difference is that Liu Bei only mentioned that Liu Chan should go to Yizhou, but did not mention that Zhuge Liang and Ma Chao should go with him.

As soon as the words were spoken, people had different reactions.

Guan Yu, Ma Chao and Fa Zheng were all shocked, Zhuge Liang looked calm, and Liu Chan could hardly contain his excitement.

"Your Majesty, the battlefield is dangerous, and the prince is young and has never led an army. Everything is unpredictable and may cause disasters. I think that the prince can temporarily follow the general to lead the imperial guards and train for four years. He can then go to the battlefield after he comes of age."

Guan Yu carefully considered his words.

It not only pointed out the risks of Liu Chan commanding troops at a young age, but also provided a plan to train Liu Chan.

Following General Huang Zhong to lead the Imperial City Guards, Liu Chan can become familiar with military affairs without encountering the dangers of the battlefield.

A hint of loneliness flashed across Liu Chan's eyes.

Although Guan Yu was concerned about himself, commanding the imperial guards and going to Yizhou to lead the army to attack Yongzhou were completely different in nature!

Especially last night, under the encouragement of Liu Feng, Liu Chan had made up his mind to go to Yizhou. Now that Guan Yu said "no", Liu Chan must feel a sense of disappointment.

Although Ma Chao was surprised, he did not speak.

I just went to see Liu Feng yesterday and asked him if he had any ideas about conquering other places. Today I heard that Liu Bei wanted Liu Chan to go to Yizhou for training.

If Your Majesty wants to attack Yongzhou, how can you not use me, Ma Chao?

However, since it involves Liu Chan's safety, Ma Chao couldn't refute Guan Yu, otherwise it would seem that Ma Chao was only concerned with making achievements and ignored Liu Chan's safety.

Ma Chao looked at Liu Feng with a questioning look in his eyes.

Liu Feng smiled and nodded.

Ma Chao felt more at ease.

Fa Zheng hesitated for a moment and advised, "Your Majesty, the general is right. The prince is the heir to the throne and should assist Your Majesty in handling state affairs. He should not leave Jiangling lightly and go to the bitter cold land of Yongzhou.

Li Yan, the governor of Dongchuan, Zhang Yi, the prefect of Zitong, Meng Da, the prefect of Wenshan, Wei Yan, the prefect of Hanzhong, and Yan Zhi, the prefect of Baxi, were all outstanding talents of the time. It was enough for the generals of Dongchuan to capture Yongzhou.

If Your Majesty is worried about the loss of the generals, I am willing to go to Yizhou to assist the generals in Dongchuan."

Guan Yu was more concerned about Liu Chan's safety, while Fa Zheng was more concerned about whether the Dongchuan generals could capture Yongzhou.

Different stances and positions naturally lead to different emphases.

Liu Bei did not comment, but looked at Zhuge Liang: "Prime Minister, do you think the prince can take on this important task?"

Everyone's eyes turned to Zhuge Liang.

Guan Yu, in particular, had a stern and strong look in his eyes, and was obviously afraid that Zhuge Liang would say "yes".

Zhuge Liang suddenly felt a headache.

Last night, Zhuge Liang thought for a long time. Liu Feng's words "The prince should have military power, and the prime minister should be knowledgeable about military affairs" made Zhuge Liang deeply touched.

Zhuge Liang was a man who took the overall situation into consideration and always considered issues from the perspective of the overall interests.

It is recorded in history that Liu Bei said, "Your talent is ten times that of Cao Pi. You will surely be able to stabilize the country and eventually accomplish major issues. If the heir is capable, assist him; if he is not, you can take it yourself." This was maliciously misinterpreted by many haters as Liu Bei criticizing Zhuge Liang.

In fact, considering that Liu Bei was on the verge of bankruptcy and liquidation at that time, it was good enough that Zhuge Liang did not give up. How dare he threaten him?

Liu Bei knew very well that Zhuge Liang had the overall situation in mind and was dedicated to the public, so he gave Zhuge Liang the power to "depose the emperor" when he was dying.

In other words: From now on, Zhuge Liang can depose anyone he wants as the emperor of the Han Dynasty or enthrone anyone he wants. As long as the Han Dynasty's heritage is not destroyed, Zhuge Liang has the final say in everything. Anyone who does not listen to Zhuge Liang is violating the "last emperor's will."

This is Liu Bei's absolute trust in Zhuge Liang!
Like a fish in water, it is not an exaggeration!

a long time.

Zhuge Liang took a deep breath and said, “I think the prince should have military power!
Li Yan and others captured Wudu Yinping and repelled Guo Huai; Cao Pi had been fighting fiercely with Sun Quan at Ruxukou for half a year, the people were tired and the soldiers were exhausted, it was the right time to seize Yongzhou!

To seize Yongzhou, it is difficult to implement the route through Dongchuan alone, and His Royal Highness the Prince of Yan is required to contain Zhang He in Wuguan and Xu Huang in Wancheng in northern Jing.

however.

There has been discussion among the court and the public, with many people worrying that the Prince of Yan is too famous and the Crown Prince has no military power, and will be difficult to control in the future.

Therefore, I think: Your Majesty should consider it carefully! "

Liu Feng couldn't help but twitching his lips.

Prime Minister, oh Prime Minister, you are too cruel!
Zhuge Liang did not explicitly say whether he wanted Liu Chan to be the chief general in Yizhou, but his words implied that he supported Liu Chan to be the chief general in Yizhou.

They even gave Liu Feng a reputation of being "fierce and difficult to control" to increase his persuasiveness.

As for whether it will cause a dispute with Liu Feng?
Zhuge Liang said: The plan to capture Yongzhou was proposed by you, Your Highness Prince of Yan, and it was also your idea that the Crown Prince should have military power. Then Liang will take the opportunity to express that Your Highness Prince of Yan's achievements are greater than yours to increase the persuasiveness. Your Highness Prince of Yan will be happy with it, right?
Looking at Zhuge Liang's "serious" look, Liu Feng could only cooperate with Zhuge Liang in acting.

Immediately.

Liu Feng slammed the table and stood up, pretending to be angry and said: "Father, your Majesty, I and the Crown Prince have always been brothers and sisters, but I never thought that there would be villains in the court who wanted to alienate the brotherhood between me and the Crown Prince. It is really hateful!

I, your son, am willing to contain Zhang He in Wuguan and Xu Huang in Wancheng in northern Jing, so as to create an opportunity for the prince to seize Yongzhou.

Since the Prime Minister is worried that his son is too strong and difficult to control, and the General is worried that the Crown Prince will be in danger, it would be better for the Prime Minister to serve as the Crown Prince's military advisor, and then the General of Cavalry to go to Yizhou together.

In this case: The prince has military power and the prime minister understands military affairs. Will they still be afraid that their sons and ministers are too strong and difficult to control?

Once I, your son, assist the Crown Prince in conquering Yongzhou and your father ascends to the old capital of Chang'an, all the discussions in the court and the public will be self-defeating.

I’m afraid the Prime Minister doesn’t dare to go!”

Zhuge Liang smiled calmly: "Liang, why not? But since I have gone to Yizhou, who will take charge of the affairs of the court?"

Liu Feng pointed at Fa Zheng and said, "Prime Minister, you are worrying too much! Minister Fa is still in Jiangling, so how could there be no one to take charge of the affairs of the court? Are you underestimating Minister Fa?"

Looking at the confrontation between Liu Feng and Zhuge Liang, Liu Bei felt upset. You two are teaming up to bully Xiaozhi!

Fa Zheng was in a daze at this moment.

what's the situation?
Not only the prince is going to Yizhou, but the prime minister is also going to Yizhou?

and many more.

What does "The Prime Minister underestimates me" mean?
If the Prime Minister leaves, won't I have to do all the official duties that he was responsible for?

(End of this chapter)