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

After giving instructions to Kou Anguo, Liu Feng sent someone to deliver a message to Yue Ju and other officers who were on leave.

To plan something big, secrecy is essential.

The surprise attack on Pingchun was a crucial part of the plan, and Liu Feng, a non-direct subordinate officer, was not trusted.

Because Liu Feng had been winning over the hearts of the people in Jiangling City, he had even angered the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, Fa Zheng, so much so that he went home and berated Liu Feng for an hour.

This fueled the rumors circulating in Jiangling City.

in the palace.

Wu Yi was summoned by Empress Wu again.

"Now that the Crown Prince is personally leading the expedition, and the Prince of Yan is also extensively winning over the hearts of the people in Jiangling City, Your Majesty not only does not dissuade him but also indulges the two sons in their struggle. I am deeply worried and do not know what good strategy can be taken to avoid disaster."

Empress Wu's sorrowful expression had hardly faded during this period.

Especially after Liu Shan's slip of the tongue at the banquet and his rivalry with Liu Feng were leaked, Empress Wu felt even more guilty, believing that she had failed to properly control the talents in the palace, which allowed the rumors to spread uncontrollably.

Wu Yi was also feeling bad.

His back-and-forth efforts not only failed to reconcile the situation, but also aroused suspicion among the public, making him a driving force behind the escalating rumors.

Throughout the entire Jiangling Rumor Incident, both Empress Wu and Wu Yi became pawns used by Liu Feng to advance his plan.

When one's true feelings are revealed, it is most likely to arouse suspicion.

"Your Majesty, why don't you summon Prince Yan to the palace again?" Wu Yi didn't really have any better ideas, so he could only offer this suggestion to Empress Wu, albeit reluctantly.

Now that even Liu Bei has entered the fray, Wu Yi is actually quite uneasy.

If she didn't offer a suggestion, Empress Wu wouldn't feel at ease; but if she did, wouldn't it be like shooting herself in the foot if she ruined Liu Bei's plan?
"If I could summon Prince Yan to the palace, I would have done so long ago. But since that banquet, he has ignored my summons," Empress Wu sighed.

How did things turn out like this?
a long time.

Wu Yi then came up with another idea, saying, "The Empress can write a secret letter, and I will send it to the Prince of Yan's residence tonight."

There was a pause.

Wu Yi then said, "The Empress can pretend to be ill again and ask the Prince of Yan to lend the Crown Prince a hand out of kindness. If you appeal to his emotions and reason with him, there may be a chance to turn things around."

Empress Wu thought for a moment.

Although Wu Yi's method wasn't the best, it was still worth a try.

Immediately.

Empress Wu then wrote a letter in her own hand and had Wu Yi deliver it to the Prince of Yan's residence overnight. At the same time, she pretended to fall ill in the palace, creating the impression that Empress Wu was worried and sick because of the conflict between her two sons.

Wu Yi dared not delay and came to see Liu Feng that very night, explaining that Empress Wu had fallen ill and presenting Empress Wu's secret letter.

Seeing Liu Feng's furrowed brows, Wu Yi whispered his advice: "The Crown Prince is young and does not know the dangers of military life. If something goes wrong during the campaign, it would be terrible."

The Empress is worried every day, and today she caught a cold and is now bedridden. The imperial physician said that if her heart ailment is not cured, the Empress Dowager's cold ailment will also be difficult to cure.

I know that His Highness Prince Yan is a magnanimous and broad-minded person. I implore His Highness to lend the Crown Prince a hand. In this way, repaying evil with kindness, the Crown Prince will surely not contend with His Highness Prince Yan again after his triumphant return.”

While listening to Wu Yi's advice, Liu Feng glanced at Empress Wu's secret letter.

The secret letter contained little content; it was mostly Empress Wu discussing affection and loyalty with Liu Feng.

Empress Wu hoped that Liu Feng would not harbor resentment because of Liu Shan's "sullenness," and assured Liu Feng that she would advise Liu Shan well in the future and would never allow Liu Shan to do anything to resent his brother again.

"I am well aware of the Empress's intentions. I will express my opinion at the court meeting tomorrow." Liu Feng gave an ambiguous answer and dismissed Wu Yi.

Looking at Empress Wu's secret letter, a hint of apology flashed in Liu Feng's eyes.

Subsequently.

Liu Feng then summoned his brother-in-law, Sun Cheng, and instructed him to enter the palace under the pretense of delivering medicine to Empress Wu, and to deliver a message to her: "The Empress may feign illness, but she must not be genuinely ill; everything else is permissible."

Liu Feng breathed a sigh of relief after Sun Cheng returned and informed the Empress that she had not actually contracted the disease.

Empress Wu was of good character. If it weren't for deceiving Cao Pi and his ministers, Liu Feng would not have regarded Empress Wu as a pawn.

However, if this causes Empress Wu to worry and fall ill, even if the plan is ultimately achieved, there will be adverse effects that are difficult to eliminate.

And the following day.

When Wu Yi was full of expectations, thinking that Liu Feng would express his support for Liu Shan and stop fighting with him, he was surprised to find that Liu Feng openly accused Wu Yi in the main hall of using Empress Wu's name to engage in opportunistic behavior, which even caused Empress Wu to fall ill.

Wu Yi was so angry she almost fainted on the spot.

Liu Feng even declared: Unless Liu Shan is defeated, he will never leave Jiangling for the front line.

Liu Feng's subsequent actions confirmed what was said in the main hall.

Every day he would take his wife and children out of the city to play, leaving early and returning late, completely ignoring military and political affairs.

It was as if he was really "sulking" against Liu Shan and wanted to see Liu Shan's army defeated.

The dignified general's direct "retirement" pushed the atmosphere of the "struggle between the Crown Prince and the Prince of Yan" to a climax.

"The atmosphere is right, it's time for me to leave."

After instructing his wife and children, Liu Feng, under the pretense of going on a trip, staged a chance encounter with the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, Fa Zheng, in the suburbs.

Looking at Liu Feng, who had a full beard and a fierce scar on his forehead, and Kou Anguo, who was dressed like Liu Feng in his usual attire, standing next to Liu Feng, Fa Zheng immediately guessed Liu Feng's intention.

"Is the Prince of Yan about to leave Jiangling City?" Fa Zheng's tone was not very friendly.

Whether it was Empress Wu's sudden illness or Liu Feng's public accusation against Wu Yi in the main hall and his claim that "unless Liu Shan is defeated, he will never leave Jiangling for the front line," Fa Zheng sensed something unusual.

What's most frustrating is that Fa Zheng knew Liu Feng had ulterior motives, but Liu Feng refused to tell him the truth. This made Fa Zheng very angry: after all, they had fought side by side to take Chang'an!
"I have always admired Lord Faling's wisdom." Liu Feng's tone was kind, but then he changed the subject: "It is only because Lord Faling allowed the rumors to spread in Jiangling City that I feel very sad. After all, we fought side by side to take Chang'an!"

What Fazheng wanted to say left him speechless.

"As for the rumors, it is true that I had my own selfish motives." Fa Zheng did not argue, but said frankly, "The Prince of Yan's achievements overshadow the emperor, and as the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, there are some things I have to do."

"If I were the Lord of Law, I would have done the same," Liu Feng said without hesitation. "I have no intention of arguing with the Lord of Law about right and wrong. I am only asking the Lord of Law to cover for me today."

Fa Zheng frowned: "Where is the Prince of Yan going?"

"Shi Yang!" Liu Feng didn't hide it this time.

Upon hearing the place name "Shiyang," Fa Zheng's eyelids twitched: "Is the Prince of Yan planning a surprise attack on Pingchun?"

Liu Feng chuckled: "It's so convenient to discuss matters with Lord Faling; I don't even need to spell it out. Now that Lord Faling understands my intentions, please bear with me in Jiangling City."

Subsequently.

Liu Feng gave his eldest son, Liu Lin, a wink.

Liu Lin approached carrying a wooden box and presented it as a gift: "I have heard that Your Excellency is very busy with official duties and often stays up late. I once obtained a good prescription that can soothe the liver, regulate qi, and harmonize the liver and spleen. I also have top-quality Bupleurum, Scutellaria baicalensis, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, and Paeonia lactiflora. Please accept this gift, Your Excellency."

If it were Liu Feng who presented the gift, Fa Zheng would not accept it because he was resentful.

But when Liu Lin presented the gift, Fa Zheng's resentment lessened considerably.

“You are much more sincere than your father.” Fa Zheng snorted, accepted the wooden box, and added another sarcastic remark.

Liu Feng didn't take it to heart and laughed loudly, "Sincerity is a virtue, but I am of meager virtue and not as good as him. I'll leave all the affairs of Jiangling to Lord Faling."

Stance is stance.

Both Liu Feng and Fa Zheng were sensible in important matters.

As promised, Fa Zheng would go to the Prince of Yan's residence every few days to have a big argument with "Liu Feng" before leaving in a huff.

All the officials in Jiangling City knew that Fa Zheng was someone who couldn't stand being slighted.

Compared to the gentle and refined Zhuge Liang, Fa Zheng was truly capable of arguing with anyone he wanted to argue with.

With Fa Zheng's cover, Kou Anguo didn't need to show his face in public. Whenever someone asked, he would simply say that he was so angry with Fa Zheng that he didn't want to attend the banquet or see anyone.

Taking this opportunity, Liu Feng disguised himself and went to Shiyang.

And during this period.

Yu Fan and Sun Lü also arrived at Pingguanxing's village outside Pingchun.

Upon learning that the visitors were Yu Fan and Sun Lü, Guan Ping and Guan Xing quickly invited them into the commander's tent and assigned guards to watch over the area around the tent to prevent anyone from overhearing secrets.

"Chief Secretary Yu, what is the current situation with the Crown Prince and the Prince of Yan?" Guan Ping asked directly, voicing his doubts.

Clearly, the rumors and disturbances in Jiangling City have already reached the front-line stronghold of Pingchun and have had a certain impact.

"Just as the two generals heard, the Crown Prince and the Prince of Yan are at odds." Yu Fan said with a smile and a gentle tone.

Hearing Yu Fan say in his usual tone that "the Crown Prince and the Prince of Yan are at odds," Guan Ping felt as if his intelligence had been trampled on: "Chief Secretary Yu, how could the Prince of Yan be at odds with the Crown Prince? This must be the work of a villain trying to sow discord."

Without hesitation, Yu Fan countered, "What if the people stirring things up also include the Prince of Yan and the Crown Prince?"

Guan Ping's eyes widened instantly, and he almost choked on his breath. Then, his tone rose three points: "Including the Prince of Yan and the Crown Prince as well?"

Guan Xing realized what was going on: "So, this was just a show put on by the Prince of Yan and the Crown Prince for others to see. Since Chief Secretary Yu has come, it must be because the Prince of Yan has a military order to deliver?"

Yu Fan glanced approvingly at Guan Xing, thinking to himself: Just as the Prince of Yan said, in terms of martial prowess and experience in commanding troops, Guan Xing is inferior to Guan Ping, but in terms of strategy and reaction, Guan Xing is superior to Guan Ping.

"The King of Yan has ordered that you two set up flags in this camp immediately, and secretly lead the main force to assist the Crown Prince of Luyang." Yu Fan conveyed Liu Feng's military order.

He added, "Make it as secret as possible, so that I can easily collude with the enemy and leak secrets."

Guan Ping was even more alarmed: "Is Chief Secretary Yu going to collude with the enemy and leak secrets?"

Yu Fan smiled and said, "If I hadn't colluded with the enemy and leaked secrets, how could I have confirmed the Prince of Yan's intention not to let the Crown Prince achieve merit?"

Guan Xing frowned: "Yu Jin is a veteran general of the puppet Wei regime and has always been cautious; Sima Yi is also very intelligent and resourceful, so he may not be willing to believe him."

"It's alright." Yu Fan said confidently, "I will personally go to Pingchun. The two generals only need to leave a small number of troops at the main camp and proceed cautiously to Luyang. Even if Shiyang is attacked, you must not return!"

Guan Xing was also taken aback: "Why should Chief Secretary Yu go personally for such a dangerous matter? I can send a loyal soldier."

Yu Fan shook his head: "General, there is no need to worry. Although I am old, my wisdom is still intact. Besides, how can one catch tiger cubs without entering the tiger's den? If I don't go, how can I keep it a secret from Yu Jin and Sima Yi?"

Guan Xing sincerely admired him: "Chief Clerk Yu's bravery is truly admirable." Sun Lü, not to be outdone, chimed in: "Me too! I want to go with Lord Zhongxiang!"

Guan Ping and Guan Xing both looked puzzled.

It's understandable that Yu Fan went there, but what's the point of Sun Lü going?

Before Sun Lü could speak in defense, Yu Fan said, "Sun Lü has the courage of Gan Luo. The King of Yan admires his courage, so he let Sun Lü travel with me and temporarily serve as my guard."

Guan Xing was a man of good manners and did not mind Sun Lu's youth. He cupped his hands and said respectfully, "Guardian Sun's bravery and courage should be a model for young people."

Although Sun Lu was intelligent, he was still mostly young at heart.

When Guan Xing praised him, Sun Lü felt a little embarrassed. His face turned red, and he returned the compliment, saying, "I am just a young man, far inferior to Guan Xing's son."

Everyone laughed.

Subsequently.

After discussing it, Guan Xing and Guan Ping decided to have Captain Guan Xiong lead 500 soldiers to guard the main camp and set up a false banner.

Then, under the guise of helping Liu Shan, they secretly transferred the main force of the army to Luyang.

Everything proceeded according to Liu Feng's pre-arranged plan.

On the morning of the second day after Guan Xing and Guan Ping left, Yu Fan brought Sun Lü directly to the city of Pingchun and summoned Yu Jin.

When the Wei soldiers on the city wall saw an old man and a young man arrive, neither of them carrying weapons, they were suspicious but dared not be negligent and quickly reported to Yu Jin.

"An old man and a young man?"

Yu Jin was also somewhat confused.

When did the elderly and children become able to serve as messengers?

Yu Jin dared not be careless, so he ordered his men to hoist Yu Fan and Sun Lü onto the city wall in baskets and bring them into the commander's tent.

Upon seeing Yu Jin, Yu Fan greeted him warmly: "General Yu, do you still remember Yu Zhongxiang from Kuaiji? Back when you were imprisoned in Jiangling, I even delivered meals to you."

Yu Jin's face instantly darkened.

Why bring up something you shouldn't bring up? It's been seven years, and you still can't get over the fact that I was imprisoned in Jiangling?

"Yu Fan, what are you doing here!" Yu Jin said irritably.

Yu glanced around and asked, "General Yu, could you please dismiss everyone else?"

Yu Jin sneered: "Although you are old, you are still strong. I am not Xiahou Dun."

Yu Fan feigned great alarm: "General Yu, aren't you afraid that talking about the deceased Xiahou Dun behind his back will bring trouble if it gets out?"

Yu Jin sneered: "Everyone in the tent is my trusted confidant. I only need to kill the two of you, and who will know?"

Yu Fan shuddered and cried out, "Please spare my life, General Yu, remembering the kindness of a meal I once shared."

Yu Jin felt his anger simmering in his lungs. He slammed his fist on the table and roared, "Yu Fan, do you really think I wouldn't dare kill you? If you dare utter another word, I'll boil you alive today!"

"General, please calm down. I was just joking." Yu Fan ignored Yu Jin's angry shout and said with a composed expression, "To be honest, I want to give General Yu a great achievement."

"Heh." Yu Jinrui's eyes were like knives: "Do you think I'd fall for that?"

Yu Fan nodded: "Using the word 'being fooled' is inappropriate. This is 'mutually beneficial,' from which both the general and the Prince of Yan can benefit."

Ok?
Upon hearing the word "mutual benefit," Yu Jin's doubts deepened.

"Yu Fan, I hate it when someone only listens halfway." Yu Jin drew his short sword, clearly having lost his patience.

"Don't rush, don't rush." ​​Yu Fan remained calm and composed, stepping on Yu Jin's anger threshold to begin his attack: "General Yu must have heard about the discord between the Prince of Yan and the Crown Prince. Now, in order to prove that his abilities are no less than those of the Prince of Yan and to establish his prestige in the army, the Crown Prince has led generals such as Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun, and Huang Zhong to attack Luyang."

The King of Yan did not want the Crown Prince to achieve merit, so he sent me to persuade Guan Ping and Guan Xing to remain inactive in Pingchun. Unexpectedly, Guan Ping and Guan Xing not only refused to listen, but also went to Luyang to assist the Crown Prince, and even banished me.”

Yu Jin discerned something amiss and said coldly, "Since you've been expelled, why don't you go back to Jiangling directly instead of coming to see me?"

Yu Fan laughed and said, "Who is the Prince of Yan? How could he not have foreseen Guan Ping and Guan Xing's thoughts? Since the two generals refuse to listen to advice, the Prince of Yan will have no choice but to resort to extraordinary measures."

The Prince of Yan had given instructions that if Guan Ping and Guan Xing were to go to assist the Crown Prince, he should send me to Pingchun to leak the secret, thus luring General Yu to take this opportunity to first break through the main camp outside the city and then send troops into Shiyang.

This would force Guan Ping and Guan Xing to withdraw their troops.

Yu Jin felt humiliated: "You mean I have to do things according to Liu Feng's ideas? I am the former general of the Great Wei!"

Yu Fan said confidently, "General Yu, I believe you will act according to the King of Yan's wishes."

Although you were a former general of Wei, you were not promoted for your merits, but because Cao Pi was worried that your repeated defeats would make you fearful and defect to the Han Dynasty.

In other words, few people will believe in you as a former general.

If Guan Ping and Guan Xing were to go to Luyang because of you, and Luyang were to fall, General Yu, do you think Cao Pi would continue to reward you or punish you for all your crimes?
I've also heard that Cao Rui has gone to Luyang. If Cao Pi dies in the future, Cao Rui will surely succeed him. Aren't you worried that Cao Rui will resent you for not being able to hold back Guan Ping and Guan Xing?
Or perhaps it's saying: "You're unwilling to hold off Guan Ping and Guan Xing; could it be that you've already surrendered to the Han?"

Yu Jin chuckled: "If I wanted to surrender to the Han, I would have done so long ago. Why would I wait until today? Do you think anyone will believe your speculation?"

Yu Fan was emboldened: "Before I arrived, perhaps no one would have believed me; but now that I'm here, General Yu, can you still explain yourself?"

Yu Jin's expression changed drastically.

On its own, none of the following events would implicate Yu Jin: meeting Yu Fan in private, ignoring Guan Ping and Guan Xing's trip to Luyang, the fall of Luyang and Cao Rui's escape.

However, if we consider them all together, then there is more than one hidden intention behind this.

"You dare to trick me!" Yu Jin gripped the hilt of his knife tightly.

Yu Fan remained calm and composed: "Even if you kill me, can General Yu change the fact that Guan Ping and Guan Xing went to Luyang? For a monarch, attitude is more important than result."

Yu Fan's bluff directly hit Yu Jin's weak spot.

If Luyang falls and Cao Rui's army is defeated, then Yu Jin, who ignored Guan Ping and Guan Xing's secret journey to Luyang, will inevitably be held accountable.

Yu Jin remained silent.

Yu Fan added insult to injury: "I've heard that Sima Yi is very intelligent. Why doesn't General Yu send someone out of the city to invite Sima Yi into the city for discussions?"

Yu Jin clenched his fist involuntarily.

Yu Fan's arrogance and self-confidence fueled Yu Jin's uncontrollable anger.

Although Yu Jin was facing Yu Fan, he seemed to see Liu Feng saying: "Hey, come and eat!"

What appears to be a mutually beneficial arrangement, as Yu Fan puts it, seems more like Liu Feng taking pity on Yu Jin and deciding to reward him with a great achievement, albeit in a casual manner.

Suppressing his anger, Yu Jin did not let his rage cloud his judgment and immediately sent someone out of the city to invite Sima Yi.

After Guan Ping and Guan Xing attacked Luyang, Sima Yi led the Yiyang troops to set up camp outside Pingchun City, forming a pincer movement with Yu Jin, and chose the most cautious and least likely to fail tactic of only defending and not attacking.

Upon hearing that Yu Jin was in a hurry, Sima Yi immediately prepared to leave the camp, but before he even reached the gate, he was stopped by Sima Shi, who had come after hearing the news.

"Yu Jin's invitation to the general to enter the city at this time is suspicious and we must be wary." Sima Shi did not want Sima Yi to take any risks.

Sima Yi pondered for a moment and said, "My son, do not worry, the former general will not betray Your Majesty."

Sima Shi then said, "Why don't I lead armored soldiers to protect him? If Yu Jin has any ill intentions, I will kill Yu Jin and seize Pingchun City."

Sima Yi frowned and lightly reprimanded, "How many times have I told you? You must address him as General Former, how can you call him by his given name? I know what I'm doing. You just guard the main camp. If the Han traitors attack, do not go out to fight!"

Just as Sima Shi was about to speak again, he was glared at fiercely by Sima Yi.

Subsequently.

Sima Yi led more than ten riders into Pingchun City.

"The former general invited me into the city. What is the matter that requires such urgency?" As he asked, Sima Yi glanced at Yu Fan and Sun Lü, who were smiling calmly to the side, and had a guess in his mind.

Yu Jin did not hide anything and told Sima Yi the purpose of Yu Fan's visit. He added, "That brat Liu Feng is too arrogant. He actually wants us to restrain Guan Ping and Guan Xing for him. He is truly despicable!"

Sima Yi's gaze was sharp as he stared coldly at Yu Fan and said, "Such tricks cannot fool me. They are nothing more than trying to lure us out of the city because they see that it is difficult to break through."

Yu Fan didn't answer, but instead gave Sun Lü a look.

But then Sun Lü burst into laughter: "Sima Yi of Hanoi is nothing special!"

Even Sima Yi, with his calm and composed nature, was startled by Sun Lü's mockery.

If Yu Fan laughed and mocked, Sima Yi would only assume that Yu Fan was feeling guilty. But to be laughed and mocked by a child of about ten years old would make him take it seriously.

"And who are you?" Sima Yi asked coldly.

Sun Lü bowed respectfully and said, "I am Sun Lü, son of the King of Wu."

Sima Yi sneered: "A mere defeated bandit from Jiangdong dares to spout nonsense in front of me. Liu Feng has no capable men under his command."

Sun Lu chuckled: "Those who understand the times are heroes. The revival of the Han Dynasty is an inevitable trend. There is nothing shameful about submitting to the Han Dynasty."

Pingchun is just a small city. If the King of Yan is willing to mobilize troops from Huainan, the city can be captured in a matter of days. Why would he need to lure you out of the city?
The Prince of Yan simply didn't want to give this credit to the Crown Prince. It's strange that the Prince of Yan sees you as a great enemy when you possess such talent.

Seeing that Sun Lü answered fluently and eloquently, Sima Yi couldn't help but be secretly alarmed.

Sima Yi then asked, "Aren't you afraid that by speaking like this, I will spread rumors and frame Liu Feng for wrongdoing?"

Sun Lu chuckled: "Rumors? Aren't there enough rumors that are detrimental to the Prince of Yan these days? I wonder which idiot came up with this rumor scheme."

The Prince of Yan conquered most of the prefectures and counties of the Han Dynasty. Even after hearing the rumors, His Majesty still wanted to promote the Prince of Yan to the rank of Grand General. What use are these rumors to the Prince of Yan?

If the Crown Prince suffers a defeat at Luyang this time, future expeditions to the Central Plains will have to rely solely on the Prince of Yan.

Sima Yi's brows gradually furrowed.

Both Yu Fan and Sun Lü are far too arrogant and fearless.

"If that's the case, why should I help Liu Feng?" Sima Yi sneered.

Sun Lu did not speak this time, but retreated behind Yu Fan.

Yu Fan spoke calmly: "The world is bustling with activity, all for fame and fortune. Helping the Prince of Yan is helping Cao Rui."

Sima Yi, you should understand that only if Cao Rui holds Luyang will it be in the best interest of both of us! (End of Chapter)