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

"Yide."

Zhao Yun was speechless.

I treated you like a brother, but you used me as a tool?
Are you having trouble using your spear?
"Zilong, I'm not lying, this is called strategy."

Zhang Fei remained completely calm and composed.

But this reason only made Zhao Yun feel an even stronger urge to punch someone.

If you use a more sophisticated term, it won't be a lie, right?
Liu Shan was also somewhat bewildered at this moment.

He accidentally let slip that "The Prince of Yan is despicable, daring to steal credit," but Zhang Fei saw through his lie.

瞒？
Can't hide it.

Seeing the gazes fixed on him by Zhang Fei and Zhao Yun, Liu Shan sighed: "My brother said that this matter must not be leaked."

Zhang Fei glared: "I agree that it can't be leaked. But are Zilong and I outsiders? Zilong fought his way out of Cao Cao's army at Changban Slope carrying the Crown Prince. Back then, when Sun Quan's sister wanted to kidnap the Crown Prince to Jiangdong as a hostage, it was Zilong and I who intercepted him."

Liu Shan dared not meet Zhang Fei's gaze and weakly said, "Father doesn't know either."

In other words.

If they could even deceive Liu Bei, isn't it normal for them to deceive the rest of the people?

Zhang Fei and Zhao Yun exchanged a glance, both seeing the surprise in each other's eyes.

The prince has grown up.

Thinking this, Zhang Fei changed his tone: "Since the Crown Prince believes this matter should not be leaked, then Zilong and I will not inquire further. Please, Crown Prince, make a decision on how to deal with the rumors circulating in the camp?"

Judging from Liu Shan's reaction, whether he admitted it or not, it confirmed Zhang Fei's suspicions.

Considering Liu Shan's current status, Zhang Fei did not throw a tantrum and insist that Liu Shan acknowledge and inform him in person.

Liu Shan was, after all, the crown prince, the heir apparent.

Even though Zhang Fei was of extraordinary status, he could not act like a powerful minister.

Seeing that Zhang Fei was no longer pressing for details, Liu Shan breathed a sigh of relief and cupped his hands in a gesture of respect, asking, "Uncle, what do you think I should do?"

"Keep building momentum!"

Zhang Fei immediately presented a feasible solution.

"Cao Rui spread rumors in an attempt to provoke the Crown Prince into seeking war. The more anxious the Crown Prince is, the easier it is for him to fall into the trap. In that case, the Crown Prince can turn the tables and do as Cao Rui wishes."

"The Crown Prince can beat the drums to gather the generals, and then I will impeach the Prince of Yan in front of all the soldiers for 'being arrogant and stealing the Crown Prince's credit.' Zilong can cooperate with me in this impeachment, first arousing the anger of the soldiers, and then we will engage Cao Rui in a decisive battle."

Zhang Fei's intention was simple and clear.

Since Cao Rui wanted Liu Shan to be eager for quick success, he created the illusion that Liu Shan was eager for quick success, so that Cao Rui would act according to Liu Shan's plan.

Cao Rui wanted to use bait to catch fish, so he had Liu Shan pretend to take the bait.

Just when Cao Rui was excitedly thinking that the fish had taken the bait, it thrashed its tail again, leaving Cao Rui staring blankly at the empty hook.

Liu Shan pondered for a moment.

Recalling Liu Feng's instructions and verifying the two, he agreed to Zhang Fei's proposal.

"As Uncle San wishes, I will fully cooperate."

As the war drums sounded, the officers and soldiers of the camp arrived one after another.

Huang Zhong was the first to arrive, and before he even entered, his booming voice rang out.

"Your Highness, do you wish for me to challenge you to battle?"

Huang Zhong may be old, but he is young at heart.

Although he also commanded troops, he mostly delegated the time-consuming miscellaneous tasks to his deputy, Feng Xi.

In his camp, Huang Zhong spent his days eating, sleeping, and riding around on horseback.

With Huang Zhong's physique, as long as he doesn't overwork himself or encounter any accidents, let alone live to seventy, no one would doubt that he could live to ninety.

People are more likely to live long lives when they are in good health and carefree.

On the contrary, those who use their brains are often overwhelmed by various trivial matters, having to do everything themselves, and eventually die young from overwork.

Upon hearing Huang Zhong's request to join the battle, Liu Shan was worried: "General, you made a promise to me before we left Jiangling that you would only accompany the army to protect me and not actually charge into battle."

Huang Zhong slapped his armor, making a loud thud: "Your Highness, my sword is still sharp as ever, and no ordinary soldier can compare to me."

The words have not yet fallen.

Feng Xi's voice rang out: "General, please leave some military merits for us younger generation. If we still need the General to lead the charge, how can we younger generation not feel ashamed?"

Zhang Nan followed closely behind, echoing, "General Feng is right. Why use a sledgehammer to crack a nut? Why should the old general personally take charge of Cao Rui?"

The officers who arrived one after another, upon hearing that Huang Zhong wanted to go into battle, all followed Feng Xi and Zhang Nan in praising Huang Zhong, with the general idea being similar: Huang Zhong is in charge of the central army to deter the villains, and there is no need to use a sledgehammer to crack a nut.

Liu Shan also took the opportunity to persuade Huang Zhong.

In short, it boils down to this: accompanying the army is fine, but not fighting on the front lines.

After all, Huang Zhong was famous for charging into battle, and his high position was earned through his fearless and valiant fighting.

It can be said that Huang Zhong was a role model for lower-ranking officers in Liu Bei's camp.

Although Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Yun were all brave and skilled in battle, they had followed Liu Bei for decades. Even if they made meritorious contributions and were promoted, they could still be criticized for getting promoted through connections.

But Huang Zhong was different.

Huang Zhong officially joined Liu Bei's forces before Liu Bei attacked Xichuan.

Before joining, Huang Zhong was just a surrendered general who surrendered along with Han Xuan, the governor of Changsha.

After the Battle of Chengdu, Huang Zhong was awarded the title of General Who Subdues the Barbarians.

After the Battle of Dingjun Mountain, he was promoted to General Who Conquers the West.

When Liu Bei declared himself King in Hanzhong and discussed the merits of his generals, he promoted Huang Zhong to the rank of General of the Rear, placing him on par with Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Ma Chao.

They earned their current status by fighting their way through battle.

In terms of sheer bravery in battle, if Huang Zhong were to claim second place, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Yun would all have to rank behind.

Seeing the generals and officers in this state.

Huang Zhong had no choice but to give up his idea of ​​leading the charge, and could only say reluctantly, "If you are not up to the task, then I will have to take the lead myself."

After Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun, Guan Ping, Guan Xing, and other key generals arrived, Liu Shan officially began the military council.

Taking advantage of the atmosphere.

Zhang Fei launched into a tirade against Liu Feng, claiming that "the Prince of Yan not only won over the hearts of the people in Jiangling City, but also took advantage of the fact that Guan Ping and Guan Xing led Sima Yi to Luyang to launch a surprise attack on Pingchun."

We've worked so hard here, yet the Prince of Yan has stolen our credit! This is intolerable! How can the Prince of Yan take away the military merit that rightfully belongs to the Crown Prince?

Zhao Yun also chimed in, "The King of Yan is arrogant and has now seized Pingchun. If the Crown Prince cannot win in Luyang, he will surely lose the hearts of the people in the future."

"We follow the Crown Prince but cannot help him achieve any merit; we will surely be looked down upon by the nameless junior officers under the Prince of Yan. How can we accept such humiliation?"

Listening to Zhang Fei and Zhao Yun singing in harmony.

Apart from Guan Ping and Guan Xing, all the officers and soldiers present were filled with righteous indignation.

Just a moment later.

Guan Ping and Guan Xing also joined the condemnation.

One person said, "No wonder the Prince of Yan sent Yu Fan here, falsely claiming that he was ordered by the General to send us to Luyang. I thought the Prince of Yan was here to help the Crown Prince, but I didn't expect him to be here to steal credit."

One of them said, "If we cannot defeat Cao Rui, the King of Yan will surely lead his victorious army to take Luyang. At that time, we will have fought hard in Luyang for several months, but we will have only had hard work and no merit."

Seeing Guan Ping and Guan Xing "righteously denouncing Liu Feng," Zhang Fei immediately realized that the two of them also knew the inside story.

Good guy!
It's one thing for the Crown Prince to lie to me, but these two brats have to lie to me too.

Guan Ping and Guan Xing knew something was wrong when Zhang Fei glared at them.

When the two arrived in Luyang, they only told Liu Shan the real reason, and Liu Shan instructed them not to reveal the secret. When they told Zhang Fei, they only said that they were ordered to come and help.

Today, I was so focused on agreeing with them that I forgot Zhang Fei was unaware of the situation.

The two avoided Zhang Fei's gaze and silently lowered their heads.

Taking advantage of the high morale of the generals and soldiers, Liu Shan issued the battle orders one by one according to Zhang Fei's plan.

After the officers and soldiers had each received their orders and left,

Zhang Fei directly blocked Guan Ping and Guan Xing, glaring at them with his fierce eyes, exuding an imposing aura without anger.

"I wonder why Zhang Sili stopped my brother and me?" Guan Xing asked, feigning ignorance without batting an eye.

Zhang Fei chuckled: "It's been so long since we last met, why are you being so distant with me? You won't even call me 'Uncle' anymore?"

Guan Xing bowed respectfully and said sternly, "There are no uncles or nephews in the army. Please forgive me, Zhang Sili."

Guan Ping also said, "If we return to Jiangling City, my brothers will naturally call him 'Uncle,' but we are still in the army. How can we let personal matters interfere with public duty?"

Zhang Fei's lips twitched, and he felt a sharp pain in his teeth: "Fine! Regardless of whether you're uncle or nephew, I'd like to ask you two, whose orders did you come to Luyang on?"

Guan Ping and Guan Xing replied in unison, "By order of the General."

Zhang Fei feigned anger: "The Prince of Yan and the Crown Prince are at odds, yet you are ordered to obey the Prince of Yan's military commands?"

Guan Xing emphasized, "Zhang Sili, we are not following the orders of the Prince of Yan, but the orders of the Grand General."

Zhang Fei glared: "What's the difference?"

Guan Xing replied without hesitation: "The Grand General is a military position appointed by His Majesty. We are under the Grand General's command, and we dare not disobey his orders. As for the Prince of Yan's military orders, only someone from the Prince of Yan's residence is qualified to obey them."

Zhang Fei raised his voice: "Are you trying to fool me because I don't understand?"

Guan Xing raised his head: "I wouldn't dare! I'm just telling the truth."

Just as the atmosphere between the two sides was tense and strained, Guan Ping suddenly said, "If Zhang Sili doesn't believe it, why doesn't he go and ask the Crown Prince directly instead of making things difficult for us brothers?"

Seeing that his two nephews were completely unmoved by reason, Zhang Fei was at a loss.

Guan Xing, in particular, once peed in Zhang Fei's arms when he was a child, but now he's starting to go against the grain.

"Wait until this battle is over, and I'll see how I deal with you two." Unable to get the message he wanted, Zhang Fei could only leave in a huff.

Although Zhang Fei had already guessed the whole story, he was still frustrated that he couldn't hear what he wanted to hear with his own ears.

After all, unconfirmed speculation is just speculation, and there's no sense of accomplishment in guessing correctly and then revealing your divine intervention to future generations.

As Liu Shan's side "built momentum," Cao Rui and his men also actively began preparations for the decisive battle.

Both sides were holding their breath, determined to make the other kneel down completely.

however.

This time, fate did not favor Cao Rui.

Just as Cao Rui was preparing to deliver a severe blow to Liu Shan, an urgent report from Runan arrived in Luyang.

"Urgent report from Shouchun! Shouchun has fallen, and General Man Chong, who led the Eastern Expedition, has been killed in action!"

Although Yu Jin's official rank was higher than Man Chong's, his position and power were far less than Man Chong's, who was a "false imperial envoy"!
In terms of power, Man Chong could command Yu Jin.

Given Yu Jin's criminal record, people weren't particularly moved by his death.

However, Man Chong was different. As the acting general of Cao Wei's eastern theater, he not only lost Shouchun but also died in battle!

Based on the analysis of the time difference in intelligence, the interval between Yu Jin losing Pingchun and Man Chong losing Shouchun did not exceed ten days!

This means that Liu Feng, who had launched a surprise attack on Pingchun, then turned around and launched a surprise attack on Shouchun, and succeeded!

"How can this be!"

"General Zheng Dong is a fine general of our Great Wei. How could we easily lose Shouchun?"

Upon hearing the military report, Cao Rui was filled with disbelief.

Upon seeing the specific military report, Cao Rui was so shocked that he felt dizzy.

"Liu Feng personally led a fake ship into the city? Isn't he worried about being trapped and dying in Shouchun City?"

Cao Rui, who had never been a frontline soldier in battle, could not understand Liu Feng's code of conduct.

According to Cao Rui's understanding, someone of Liu Feng's status should only stay in the central army or the rear to command the battle, so that he could have the opportunity to retreat and escape in case of emergency.

Exactly.

Liu Feng seemed not to have considered his identity as "King of Yan and Grand General" at all, and like any other fierce general, he charged into battle first and led the charge.

Does this old shoe seller's adopted son really enjoy being a gambling addict?
Cao Rui was so angry that he started cursing.

The news of the fall of Shouchun directly disrupted Cao Rui's military plans against Liu Shan.

Jiangdong already had many naval warships.

The Han army that captured Shouchun could then travel directly up the Ying and Ru rivers to Yingchuan.

Sun Ce had this idea during the Battle of Guandu. He had prepared his troops and warships, waiting for an opportunity to launch a surprise attack.

Ultimately, he was forced to give up due to an assassination attempt.

And now.

Liu Feng also received Shouchun.

Thinking of Liu Feng's military style, Cao Rui couldn't help but shudder.

If Liu Feng were to fight Liu Shan in Luyang, and then go upstream, wouldn't he be caught between two enemies?

Meanwhile, Sima Yi, standing to the side, thought of Sima Shi's guess: Ziyuan had actually guessed correctly.

at the same time.

Sima Yi also felt a sense of fear towards Liu Feng.

Sima Shi's conjecture was in line with military strategy, but its actual implementation was far from something that could be accomplished with just a few words.

And now.

Liu Feng succeeded in implementing it with ease!

Not only did they capture Shouchun, but they also beheaded Man Chong, captured Zou Qi, and forced Wang Ling, Jia Kui, Zang Ba, and others to flee in disarray.

"Your Highness, the plan to fight Liu Shan must be changed. Liu Feng captured Shouchun too quickly. If we don't quickly divide our forces to guard the key locations of the Ru and Ying Rivers, Yingchuan will be in danger," Sima Yi solemnly advised.

Liu Ye, Jiang Ji, and others also echoed Sima Yi's advice.

Although Sima Yi's advice was infuriating, everyone had to consider the risks of Liu Feng going upstream.

"Given Liu Feng's current military achievements, regardless of whether Your Highness defeats Liu Shan, Liu Feng's prestige has already been established, surpassing even the emperor's. There is no need to rush into military confrontation to deal with Liu Feng and Liu Shan."

Chen Qun's son, Chen Tai, spoke in a low voice.

Seeing that Cao Rui remained silent, Chen Tai continued, "At present, the Han traitors are powerful. In order to avoid national turmoil, we will jointly petition His Majesty to formally appoint His Highness as Crown Prince to reassure the people."

Liu Ye quickly echoed, "The inability to defeat Liu Shan is not Your Highness's fault, but rather the loss of Shouchun forced Your Highness to abandon the attempt to defeat Liu Shan and instead defend against Liu Feng. Your Highness is selfless and prioritizes the country. If Your Highness is not the Crown Prince, then who is?"

Everyone said something to me.

He advised Cao Rui to divide his troops for defense while simultaneously making promises to him.

Sima Yi echoed Chen Tai, saying that they would jointly petition Cao Pi to appoint Cao Rui as crown prince.

Obviously.

Everyone agreed that it was no longer appropriate to contend with Liu Shan.

Even if Cao Rui wanted to mobilize troops, Cao Pi, upon learning the news, would hastily summon Cao Rui to divide his forces and defend the area.

As expected.

When the messenger arrived at the Luoyang palace at top speed with the general's report, Cao Pi's eyes nearly popped out of their sockets in astonishment.

"Man Chong is dead? Impossible, absolutely impossible! I sent Jia Kui, Wang Ling, Zang Ba and others to help defend Shouchun. Pingchun and Yiyang, as well as Yu Jin and Sima Yi, are also here. This is a false report, this must be a false report!" Cao Pi shouted angrily, losing his composure.

The intelligence sent back by Wang Ling did not mention the specific situation of Sima Yi and Yu Jin in Pingchun, but only mentioned that Liu Feng had come to Shouchun disguised as a grain transport soldier from Pingchun.

This is one of the reasons why Cao Pi would directly accuse someone of reporting false military intelligence.

If what Wang Ling said in his military report is true, wouldn't that mean that Yu Jin and Sima Yi in Pingchun and Yiyang have also been defeated?

The situation in Luyang was very favorable, but now intelligence has come that Shouchun has been lost and Man Chong is dead. How can Cao Pi believe this?
During the period when the Cao Wei rulers and their ministers were in a state of chaos.

Liu Feng also led his troops to Pingchun City.

Upon learning that Sima Yi had not sent troops to capture Pingchun, Liu Feng secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

If Pingchun hadn't been without troops stationed there, Liu Feng would have also wanted to use the advantage of his navy to sail along the Ying and Ru rivers to Yingchuan and scare Cao Pi.

Then I thought about it.

Cao Pi had been managing Yingchuan for many years, and a hasty attack would not yield many results. If he were to lose Pingchun as a result, it would be a net loss.

Therefore.

Liu Fengcai decided to return directly to Pingchun and first capture the three passes of Yiyang behind Pingchun.

If we capture the three passes of Yiyang, Pingchun can become the granary of the Northern Expedition front.

In terms of military command skills alone, Liu Feng believed he was no less capable than the heroes of his time.

However, throughout history, most Northern Expeditions were forced to retreat due to insufficient supplies.

After learning from his experiences, Zhuge Liang came up with the brilliant plan of establishing military farms at Wuzhangyuan. Unfortunately, he eventually fell ill from overwork, causing the plan to come to nothing.

Liu Feng stood on the shoulders of his predecessors and saw further.

Rather than venturing deep into enemy territory alone, it's better to proceed cautiously step by step.

The most important thing is to securely and firmly take control of strategic locations suitable as granaries.

Now that Shouchun has been captured, if the three passes of Yiyang are also seized, the defense line of the Han Dynasty in the Jianghuai region will be one step closer.

As the classic saying goes: Jiangnan is protected by the Yangtze and Huai Rivers, and there is no better place to defend the Yangtze than to defend the Huai River.

By holding the Jianghuai region, one becomes invincible.

"Since Sima Yi isn't coming, then let's not stand on ceremony. Issue my order: seize the three passes of Yiyang immediately. Whoever captures the passes first will be enfeoffed as a Marquis of Ting! Whoever captures them later will be enfeoffed as a Marquis of Guannei."

Compared to the empty title of Marquis of Guannei, Marquis of Ting is the lowest among the marquises, but he actually has a fiefdom!

With such generous rewards, both Liu Feng's loyal followers and Sun Huan and Zhu Huan became fiercely motivated to fight.

Liu Feng entrusted two of the three passes of Yiyang to Sun Huan and Zhu Huan respectively, and left the last one to Yue Ju.

In terms of conquering cities and seizing passes, Yue Ju was the most ferocious and skilled warrior under Liu Feng, besides Li Ping and Wang Ping.

Liu Feng also intended to cultivate Yue Ju.

As the territory of the Han Dynasty expands and veteran generals gradually fade into the background, new and fierce generals are needed to guard a region or fight alongside them.

Liu Feng had already placed Wang Ping and Li Ping in Guanzhong. Although Lu Xun was in Jiangdong, he came from a powerful family and was more concerned with interests than loyalty to Liu Feng.

Yue Ju was different.

This is a fierce general whom Liu Feng promoted from the bottom ranks of the army. He has no family ties, is loyal to Liu Feng, and is quick-witted and talented. He can be trained to become a general who can stand alone.

Yue Ju did not disappoint Liu Feng's high expectations. He donned his armor and led the charge, fighting for several days and becoming the first to capture the pass.

Sun Huan and Zhu Huan were usually a bit slow, but they still managed to capture the last two checkpoints within ten days.

From Yiyang to Shouchun, most of the area south of the upper and middle reaches of the Huai River was under Liu Feng's control.

The overwhelming momentum terrified the officials and common people of the neighboring cities north of the Huai River, who feared that Liu Feng would head north again.

Cao Rui of Luyang dared not harbor any more illusions. He divided his troops to defend the key locations while sending people to Luoyang to request reinforcements.

By June.

Liu Feng led his light cavalry guards to the territory of Luyang.

Before they even arrived at Liu Shan's camp, Liu Shan was already excited enough to ride out of the camp to greet Liu Feng. They chatted and laughed as they rode back to the camp together.

Where is there even the slightest sign of discord between the brothers?
This scene.

The officers and soldiers, unaware of the truth, looked completely bewildered.

"Brother, can you speak now?" Liu Shan asked, suppressing his excitement.

Originally, after learning that Liu Feng had broken the rumors that Ping Chun had killed Yu Jin, Liu Shan was ready to fight Cao Rui. However, before the battle even began, Cao Rui's side was thrown into chaos.

The scouts discovered that Liu Feng had also captured Shouchun!
This excited Liu Shan so much that he couldn't sleep all night. If he hadn't remembered Liu Feng's instructions, he almost couldn't help but "leak" the secret.

Now that Liu Feng has arrived in Luyang, Liu Shan can no longer hold back.

Keeping a secret is painful and agonizing, especially when rumors are flying everywhere.

Liu Feng was delighted to see Liu Shan gradually growing up.

"You can speak now!"

"Then, should the elder brother or the younger brother say it?"

"You are the Crown Prince, so naturally you should say it!"

Having received Liu Feng's permission, Liu Shan was even more pleased and publicly told his generals and officers that "the discord among the brothers was actually a counter-strategy against the rumors spread by Cao Pi."

Liu Feng then attributed the credit for capturing Pingchun and Shouchun to Liu Shan, claiming, "After I conquered Hefei, I was troubled because I could not conquer Shouchun. Fortunately, the Crown Prince reminded me that we could take Pingchun first, and then disguise our troops as Pingchun to launch a surprise attack on Shouchun. The Crown Prince also endured the rumors and deceived Cao Rui in Luyang for a long time, which was not easy. The Crown Prince should be credited for the success of my conquest of Pingchun and Shouchun."

The division of credit was something Liu Feng and Liu Shan had already discussed long ago.

This was also how Liu Feng helped Liu Shan establish military prestige. Although Liu Shan was initially reluctant, he could not go against Liu Feng's insistence and eventually agreed.

As for the generals and officers who were unaware of the truth: Liu Shan was willing to endure the slander of rumors and pretend to be at odds with Liu Feng. He even went to Luyang to confront Cao Rui without fear of danger, which gave Liu Feng the opportunity to seize Pingchun and Shouchun. In addition, Liu Feng claimed that the plan was Liu Shan's idea. So it would be unreasonable for Liu Shan not to take the credit.

Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun, Guan Ping, and Guan Xing also chimed in to prove that Liu Feng's words were true.

They were all Liu Bei's trusted subordinates. Liu Feng wanted to establish military prestige for Liu Shan, and Zhang Fei and others would naturally cooperate.

All of a sudden.

News such as "Crown Prince Liu Shan of the Han Dynasty, together with Prince Liu Feng of Yan, devised a plan to deceive Cao Pi and his son Cao Rui, achieving astonishing results in capturing Pingchun and beheading Yu Jin, and capturing Shouchun and beheading Man Chong" began to circulate wildly due to the deliberate dissemination of spies.

Cao Rui, who was the first to be affected, was so shocked that he was speechless.

"Liu Shan is actually such a skilled warrior?"

A mouthful of blood surged to his throat, and Cao Rui felt a wave of dizziness. (End of Chapter)