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

In the autumn of the sixth year of Zhangwu (226 AD).

A cold north wind is blowing.

Bingzhou is located north of the Xihe River.

Stone City.

Tens of thousands of Xianbei people gathered there.

In the big tent.

Kebineng and Budugen, who should have been bitter enemies, were now drinking together as if they were brothers.

And in the guest seat.

Another young man dressed in Hanfu, with a hint of the aloofness typical of scholars between his brows, was Wu Ying, the son of Wu Zhi, the General of Zhenwei of Cao Wei and Military Governor of You and Bing, and was currently serving as a Gentleman Attendant.

“Wu Sanqi, please forgive my bluntness. I have heard some unpleasant rumors that the General Who Conquers the West is at odds with His Majesty. What if we march south to Chang'an and the General Who Conquers the West remains neutral?”

While sharing a drink, Kebineng's seemingly forthright tone was filled with shrewdness and calculation.

As the most powerful Xianbei leader after Tanshihuai, Kebineng was more intelligent than the other Xianbei people.

In the past, when Yuan Shao occupied Hebei, many defeated rebels and refugees fled to the Xianbei region, where they taught Kebineng about weapons and writing, and also fostered Kebineng's ambition.

Kebineng took advantage of the chaos in the Central Plains to annex tribes, and now he has more than 100,000 followers.

Cao Pi's original strategy towards the Xianbei was to win over Budugen, who had a grudge against Kebineng, so that the Xianbei would be weakened by internal strife. However, as Liu Bei's power continued to grow, Cao Pi had to change his strategy.

After losing Shouchun, General Wu Zhi wrote to Cao Pi, saying, "The Xianbei are a minor threat, but Liu Bei is a major threat. We can promise the Xianbei great benefits to lure them into attacking Chang'an."

Cao Pi adopted Wu Zhi's memorial and ordered Wu Zhi's son, Wu Ying, a Gentleman Attendant at the Palace Gate, to go on a mission to the Xianbei with official seals, gold, and silver. He promised that if the mission was successful, he would grant Kebineng the western part of Xihe Commandery and Taiyuan Commandery in Bingzhou. He also transferred Kebineng's trusted enemies, such as Tian Yu, to other places and promised not to interfere with Kebineng's annexation of various tribes. He also promised to persuade Budugen and Suli to submit to Kebineng.

These regions had been harassed by the Xianbei for many years and were essentially no longer under Cao Pi's control.

However, there is a difference between formal recognition and informal recognition.

Cao Pi granted these regions to Kebineng through a "feudal" system, which was a respectable gesture. Kebineng, in turn, continued to pay tribute to Cao Pi as a "subject," but in reality, he enjoyed the benefits.

The lesser of two evils.

For Cao Pi, defeating Liu Bei's forces was the most urgent task.

As for the Xianbei.

It's not too late to deal with it after we defeat Liu Bei's forces.

Although Kebineng agreed to the joint attack on Chang'an, he was not foolish enough to completely obey Cao Pi's orders and requested that Cao Pi cooperate in sending troops.

Cao Pi agreed to Kebineng's request and ordered General Cao Zhang to cooperate in the attack.

If we disregard military considerations, Cao Pi's move was quite ingenious.

Whether it was Kebineng, Cao Zhang, or Liu Bei, they were all major threats to Cao Pi.

For Cao Pi, it was most advantageous to let his three major threats fight and wear each other down.

Judging from Kebineng's expression and tone at this moment, he did not trust Cao Pi.

Budugen, standing to the side, remained silent.

As the leader of the Western Xianbei who had always been friendly to Cao Wei and had a personal grudge against Kebi Neng, Budugen also hoped that Kebi Neng would be weakened by Liu Bei's forces during the attack on Chang'an.

At this point, one should pretend to be deaf and dumb, and outwardly respect Ke Bi Neng.

No one is stupid.

Those who can form their own power base are basically cunning and resourceful.

The idiot was killed long ago.

Wu Ying thought with disdain: People from beyond the Great Wall are all petty-minded.

Although he thought this in his heart, Wu Ying shouted the slogan loudly: "His Majesty has always been a man of his word and will never break his promise. In order to enable the General Who Conquers the West to cooperate with the Xianbei warriors in attacking Chang'an, His Majesty has already enfeoffed Cao Kai, the son of the General Who Conquers the West, as a marquis."

The General Who Conquers the West also promised His Majesty that as soon as the Xianbei warriors arrived, he would personally lead the warriors of Wei to be the first to attack the city. The General Who Conquers the West added that the Xianbei warriors only needed to shout encouragement from outside the city.

Those who use rhetoric are all dirty.

Wu Ying's words were normal at first, but later they took on a provocative tone.

Why send tens of thousands of Xianbei south to cheer and support them?
Even though he knew Wu Ying was trying to provoke him, Kebineng couldn't stand it.

"Wu Sanqi is joking. Since we have responded to His Majesty's decree, we will naturally do our best. How can the warriors of the Xianbei be inferior to the Han people? I, Kebin, will act in accordance with the principle of fairness."

Kebin laughed loudly.

Upholding fairness was also a major reason why Kebineng dominated the southern desert.

Kebineng always distributed the loot equally in front of everyone, never taking anything for himself. As a result, he had many loyal and capable men under his command.

Wu Ying verbally agreed, but inwardly he felt contempt.

"Winter is approaching, and it is more than a thousand miles from Shicheng to Chang'an. The journey is long. I wonder when Your Majesty will send out troops?" Wu Ying asked again.

Kebineng laughed loudly: "Wu Sanqi is overthinking it. For you Han people, autumn and winter are not a good time to wage war. But for us Xianbei people, autumn and winter are the perfect time to wage war. We will set out in three days!"

Kebineng wasn't lying to Wu Ying about this.

Horses on the grasslands are at their fattest and strongest after being nourished by water and grass in the summer, and they are highly mobile and can adapt to long-distance runs.

In addition, the grasslands are bitterly cold, and supplies are scarce in autumn and winter. Heading south can both escape the cold and plunder resources.

In contrast, the Central Plains region tends to reduce border defense activities during autumn and winter, resulting in relatively lax defenses.

Upon hearing Kebineng's words, "We will send out troops in three days," Wu Ying secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

Simultaneously.

Wu Ying felt a surge of excitement: if this plan succeeded, his father would be able to return to Luoyang.

Three days later.

Kebineng and Budugen gathered more than 60,000 Xianbei in Shiyang, claiming to be "100,000 archers". They marched south from Shicheng, along the Wuding River Valley, through Shangjun, Diaoyin, Luochuan, and Huangling, and headed for the Wei River.

at the same time.

Cao Zhang, who was recuperating in Linjin, also raised the banner of a western expedition.

His subordinates, including Guo Huai, You Chu, Yang Qiu, Fei Yao, Hu Zun, Zhou Tai, and Dai Ling, were also filled with fighting spirit, determined to reclaim Chang'an and avenge their previous humiliation.

The news is out.

The Guanzhong Plain was shaken.

Liu Bei, who was recuperating in Weiyang Palace, was furious upon hearing the news: "How dare a defeated general invade!"

At this time, Liu Bei was unaware that Cao Pi had persuaded the Xianbei to move south, and only thought that Cao Zhang was about to lead troops to invade.

Liu Bei harbored resentment towards Cao Cao's son, who was considered the most valiant and skilled in battle.

Although Cao Cao had been dead for several years, Liu Bei was still quite displeased by his words, "The shoe seller's son, will he ever send a foster son to refuse your lord? Wait until I, Huang Xu, come and have him attack."

How could a mere yellow-bearded dog compare to the might of the King of Yan?

If it weren't for the fact that Liu Feng was exhausted from fighting in Jing and Yang, Liu Bei really wanted to transfer Liu Feng to Chang'an to confront Cao Zhang and severely punish Cao Zhang's arrogance.

Immediately.

Liu Bei summoned Grand Marshal Guan Yu and Prime Minister Zhuge Liang to discuss military strategy.

"Your Majesty, have no worries. Cao Zhang is just a mere child. I will personally go and subdue him." Guan Yu stated without any hesitation, his tone tinged with anger.

Originally, after Liu Feng defeated Hefei, Guan Yu personally went to Weinan to create the impression that he was going to attack Tongguan. Both Cao Zhang of Linjin and Zhang He of Tongguan simply avoided fighting.

Never thought.

Cao Zhang actually took the initiative to attack, and even raised the banner of a western expedition.

This is tantamount to blatantly mocking Guan Yu: "If I don't fight, you can't hit me. You've left? Then I'll fight, come and attack me!"

How can this be tolerated?

Zhuge Liang frowned.

Compared to Liu Bei and Guan Yu, who rose to power through conquest, they focused more on fighting when faced with battle.

Zhuge Liang considered issues more comprehensively.

"What are your thoughts, Prime Minister?"

Liu Bei noticed Zhuge Liang's furrowed brows and softened his tone.

Zhuge Liang cupped his hands and said, "I believe that Cao Zhang's actions are too unusual. With Cao Zhang's troops in Linjin, even with Zhang He at Tongguan, they pose no threat to Chang'an."

If Cao Zhang were to send troops, he should harass the counties in Guanzhong to lure His Majesty into sending troops to their aid, and then ambush them in the open. Only after gradually weakening and depleting the garrison forces of Chang'an would he have a chance to capture the city.

Now, Cao Zhang is going to attack Chang'an directly, which is illogical. Either Cao Zhang is bluffing, or Cao Zhang has reinforcements on the way.

We must be on guard!

Guan Yu sneered: "It's nothing more than Cao Pi mobilizing a large army and appointing Cao Zhang as the vanguard. Prime Minister, you're overthinking it."

Zhuge Liang shook his head: "Now that Cao Pi has lost Shouchun, he has no choice but to deploy heavy troops in the Yuzhou and Xuzhou areas."

Furthermore, there is the concern that the Crown Prince and the Prince of Yan might attack Luyang again, so a large army will also be deployed in Luoyang to prevent Luoyang from being in danger if Luyang is captured.

In the You and Bing regions, Cao Pi also deployed a large number of troops to guard against the Xianbei.

At this point, Cao Pi could neither mobilize a large army to attack Chang'an nor had enough troops to spare.

Guan Yu was slightly taken aback, and lowered his head to consider Zhuge Liang's analysis.

The more Guan Yu thought, the more his brows furrowed.

According to Zhuge Liang's analysis, if Cao Pi wanted to mobilize troops to attack Chang'an, he would either mobilize a large army from the You and Bing regions, a large army from the Yu and Xu regions, or a large army left to guard Luoyang.

However, no matter where the army is deployed, it is still vulnerable to a surprise attack.

Just like when Guan Yu once mobilized troops from Nan Commandery to attack Xiangfan, only to have Nan Commandery attacked by Lü Meng.

This lesson forced Guan Yu to seriously consider Zhuge Liang's concerns.

a long time.

Guan Yu said in a deep voice, "If we follow the Prime Minister's guess, Cao Pi's troops deployed in Yu and Xu cannot be moved, nor can the troops in Luoyang. Therefore, the most likely troops to be moved are those in the You and Bing areas."

If Cao Pi wanted to mobilize troops in the Youbing area, he had to negotiate with the Xianbei first. It seems that Cao Pi had promised the Xianbei some benefits.

Otherwise, given the Xianbei people's habit of raiding southwards in autumn and winter, Cao Pi would absolutely not dare to transfer troops from the You and Bing regions during this season.

Zhuge Liang shook his head: "Cao Pi cannot mobilize the troops in the You and Bing areas. These two troop areas are too far from Chang'an. If they are forcibly conscripted, it will not only be time-consuming and prone to leaks, but it will also exhaust the troops and make them unable to fight."

Guan Yu frowned as well: "If Cao Pi can't even mobilize troops from the You and Bing regions, then Cao Zhang will have no reinforcements. With Cao Zhang's small force, Wang Ping and Li Ping alone are enough to hold him off; there's no need for me to go in person."

Liu Bei looked at Zhuge Liang with surprise: "Does the Prime Minister think that Cao Zhang is bluffing?" Zhuge Liang shook his head again: "Has Your Majesty considered that Cao Zhang's reinforcements are not in Guanzhong or Guandong, but beyond the Great Wall?"

"Beyond the Great Wall?" Liu Bei was taken aback, then asked in surprise, "Does the Prime Minister mean that Cao Pi is luring the Xianbei people south to Chang'an?"

Zhuge Liang nodded: "After Tan Shihuai died, the Xianbei split into three: Budugen in Taiyuan and Yanmen, Kebineng in Daijun and Shanggu, and Suli in Liaoxi and Youbeiping."

Later, Kebineng grew stronger and annexed various tribes. In order to protect themselves, Budugen and Suli chose to seek protection from Cao Pi. As a result, Cao Pi deployed heavy troops in the Youbing area to balance the Xianbei tribes.

In the past, Kebineng would have resented Cao Pi for obstructing his annexation of the Xianbei tribes. Not only would he not obey Cao Pi, but he might have even become an ally of His Majesty.

Now that Cao Pi is suffering repeated defeats on the battlefields of Yong, Liang, Jing, and Yang, he will inevitably change his attitude towards Kebineng, shifting from suppression to appeasement, and it is even possible that he will form an alliance and offer benefits.

Kebineng, wanting to annex the various Xianbei tribes, wouldn't refuse Cao Pi's goodwill. And now, with autumn and winter approaching, if Kebineng can seize Cao Pi, then he can only seize the Emperor.

"Xianbei!" Liu Bei gritted his teeth and sneered repeatedly: "That brat Cao Pi, does he think I'm old and easy to bully? He can mobilize the Xianbei, so why can't I mobilize the Western Qiang? Immediately send an order to Meng Qi to mobilize the Qiang troops to help us."

Due to a sharp decrease in the population of the Central Plains.

It has become commonplace for various factions to conscript barbarians and non-Han peoples as soldiers for profit.

With the current military strength of Chang'an, Liu Bei is not capable of dealing with Cao Zhang while also dealing with the Xianbei who are moving south.

But Liu Bei was no pushover either.

Especially with Ma Chao, known as the "Divine General of Heaven" among the Qiang people, as long as enough money and food are provided, conscripting Qiang people into the army is just a matter of Ma Chao's word.

However, this order was immediately refuted by Zhuge Liang: "Your Majesty, now that Yong and Liang have just been pacified, if we transfer Qiang people to the army, it may cause panic among the people of the counties."

For those in power, conscripting Qiang people into the army was simply a way to send subordinate tribes to fight, thus reducing the number of their own people who died.

However, for the lower-class people, the Qiang people had plagued Yongliang for many years, and there was a lot of hatred between them.

In particular, many families of scholars and commoners in the counties of Longyou were killed by the Qiang people.

Furthermore, the Qiang people have always lacked military discipline and were difficult to control. They might cause trouble in the counties along the way when they were conscripted to Chang'an.

This had a very negative impact on appeasing the people of Yongliang.

Zhuge Liang did not oppose conscripting Qiang soldiers; what he opposed was conscripting them when Yong and Liang were first established.

In Zhuge Liang's plan to pacify the western tribes, even if the Qiang soldiers were to be conscripted, they would have to come in an orderly manner and would not cause fear among the people of the surrounding counties.

And now.

Even with Ma Chao around, it was still impossible to make the Qiang people behave properly.

The hatred of the people in the various counties towards the Qiang people could not be eliminated, and it was even less likely that they would provide money and food along the way.

Liu Bei frowned.

I was so angry that I forgot that public sentiment was not yet stable.

What did Liu Bei rely on to persuade the people of Yong and Liang to abandon their support for Cao Wei?
It relies on benevolence and righteousness.

Without benevolence and righteousness, Liu Bei would be no different from Cao Wei, and naturally would not gain the genuine support of the people of Yong and Liang.

Compared to leading the Qiang troops to attack the Xianbei, the people and officials of Yongliang and other counties were more important.

"If we don't bring in the Qiang troops to help, does the Prime Minister have any other good strategies to repel the enemy?" Liu Bei looked at Zhuge Liang again.

Zhuge Liang's gaze was piercing: "Your Majesty, there will be no more war in Jing and Yang provinces in the short term, and even if there is, there is no need for the Prince of Yan to be stationed there. It is time to summon the Prince of Yan to Chang'an!"

Liu Bei looked troubled: "Prime Minister, why trouble the Prince of Yan again? Although I am old, I can still fight."

Guan Yu also objected, saying, "Prime Minister, although I am old, I can still wield a sword and ride a horse. The Prince of Yan has been fighting for many years and has hardly had a day of rest. It is time to let the Prince of Yan rest for a year or two."

Although Liu Bei and Guan Yu both said they couldn't trouble Liu Feng, how could Zhuge Liang not see through their true intentions?
It all boils down to: refusing to accept getting old!
If Liu Feng comes to Chang'an, what will be the point of Liu Bei and Guan Yu?

what?
Was Liu Bei an emperor? Was Guan Yu a Grand Marshal?

But Liu Feng is a junior!
The simple phrase "Why use a sledgehammer to crack a nut?" was enough to keep Liu Bei and Guan Yu obediently in Chang'an.

Zhuge Liang offered his frank advice: "Forgive my bluntness, but Your Majesty is sixty-six years old this year, and the Grand Marshal is also getting on in years."

"As people age, their strength diminishes, and with the cold of autumn and winter, if Your Majesty or the Grand Marshal were to suffer an accident, it would not only demoralize the army but also jeopardize the grand plan to conquer the Wei and pacify the Central Plains."

Liu Bei disagreed: "Prime Minister, everyone must die. I have lived to sixty-six, which is already a blessing from heaven. Why should I ask for more? If this is my fate, how can I force it?"

Guan Yu also said, "Prime Minister, am I not as good as Han Sheng? To die wrapped in horsehide is the highest honor for a general!"

It is said that people become more stubborn as they get older, and Liu Bei and Guan Yu were no exception.

Zhuge Liang felt a headache coming on and thought to himself: "I'd better secretly send a message to the King of Yan."

The idea had barely formed when Liu Bei said, "Prime Minister, you must not inform the Prince of Yan without my order. Even without the Qiang troops, I can repel the Xianbei."

Guan Yu also said, "Prime Minister, the military response is left to His Majesty and me. You are the Prime Minister, and you are already busy with many things. You don't need to be distracted by military matters."

I've heard that the Prime Minister has recently lost his appetite; it must be due to overwork. The Prime Minister is in the prime of his life, and is the person His Majesty will entrust with important matters in the future. He must not die young like Zhou Yu.

Liu Bei and Guan Yu worked in tandem, leaving Zhuge Liang speechless.

With a sigh, Zhuge Liang stopped offering direct advice.

Zhuge Liang knew very well that Liu Bei and Guan Yu were not going to listen to advice at this moment.

It wasn't something Zhuge Liang alone could do to change the minds of two people who refused to accept their age.

After a moment's thought.

Zhuge Liang then said, "If Your Majesty is unwilling to transfer the Prince of Yan to Chang'an, you can transfer Zhang Sili to Chang'an."

Liu Bei and Guan Yu no longer objected to this proposal.

Even if Zhuge Liang hadn't mentioned it, Liu Bei had planned to bring Zhang Fei to Chang'an.

Seeing Zhuge Liang's worried face, Liu Bei comforted him, saying, "Prime Minister, do not worry. The Prime Minister is in charge of political affairs, and I will take care of military affairs. Not to mention that the Xianbei are not as powerful as before, even if Tan Shihuai were still alive, I would not be afraid!"

"Prime Minister, you mustn't secretly send a letter to the Prince of Yan!"

Liu Bei emphasized the last sentence.

Zhuge Liang could only reply, "Your Majesty, I will obey your command."

After leaving Weiyang Palace, Zhuge Liang returned to the Prime Minister's residence with a worried expression.

Upon arriving at the Prime Minister's residence, the gatekeeper announced that "General Fenwei is waiting in the residence."

General Fenwei is Wang Ping.

After the fall of Chang'an.

Wang Ping and Li Ping were promoted to General Fenwei and General Fenwu respectively due to their military achievements.

Without giving it much thought, Zhuge Liang went straight to see Wang Ping and asked, "General Fenwei, have you come to see me with something important?"

Wang Ping replied, "Before leaving Chang'an, His Highness the Prince of Yan instructed me that if Cao Zhang or Zhang He intended to invade Chang'an, I could consult the Prime Minister for countermeasures."

Zhuge Liang was slightly startled: "General Fenwei, your words are not right. His Majesty and the Grand Marshal are both in Chang'an. If there is any war, His Majesty and the Grand Marshal will make the decisions. Why do you come to ask me?"

Wang Ping spoke frankly: "His Highness the Prince of Yan once said that the Prime Minister is a person who considers the overall situation and is happy to teach others. Seeking advice from the Prime Minister is a humble way of learning."

“General Fenwei, I just met with His Majesty, who only assigned me to manage state affairs. Therefore, I do not understand the strategy you wish to consult. Perhaps you should consult the Prince of Yan.” Zhuge Liang emphasized the words “Prince of Yan.”

Zhuge Liang was already troubled by Liu Bei and Guan Yu's stubbornness, so he naturally had no mind to teach Wang Ping at this moment.

Even if we teach it, what good will it do?
Could Wang Ping possibly change the will of Liu Bei and Guan Yu?

Although Liu Bei liked Wang Ping, he didn't like him to the point of blindly following his advice.

Sensing the impatience in Zhuge Liang's tone, Wang Ping asked again, "Prime Minister, please forgive my impoliteness, but may I ask one more question? I wonder if the Prime Minister believes that Cao Zhang's invasion of Chang'an this time is merely a bluff?"

Zhuge Liang raised an eyebrow.

Wang Ping's arrival is rather suspicious.

After pondering for a moment, Zhuge Liang gradually began to understand the meaning.

"Whether it's a bluff or not is for His Majesty and the Grand Marshal to decide. Why should General Fenwei trouble himself?" Zhuge Liang asked tentatively.

Wang Ping's tone remained unchanged: "Please forgive my ignorance, Prime Minister, I do not understand these principles. I only know that His Highness the Prince of Yan instructed me to ask this question."

Zhuge Liang remained silent for a moment, then slowly uttered six words: "It is not a bluff."

Wang Ping cupped his hands and asked again, "May I ask, Prime Minister, does His Majesty intend to summon the Prince of Yan to Chang'an?"

Zhuge Liang was greatly encouraged.

Why ask such a blunt question?
It seems the Prince of Yan has always been paying attention to Chang'an.

Thinking of this, Zhuge Liang laughed and said, "With the Grand Marshal in Chang'an, why summon the Prince of Yan to Chang'an? Although His Majesty is old, he can still ride a horse and draw a bow. Let alone a mere Cao Zhang, even if the Xianbei army marches south, His Majesty can handle it."

Wang Ping's eyelids twitched.

He keenly discerned the implication in Zhuge Liang's words, especially the emphasized phrase "the Xianbei army marched south."

"Thank you for your guidance, Prime Minister." Wang Ping bowed again.

Zhuge Liang was now relaxed: "General Fenwei, you are too kind. If you have any doubts in the future, you can come to the Prime Minister's residence to find me. If I have time, I will also discuss them with you."

Watching Wang Ping's departing figure, Zhuge Liang muttered to himself, "Your Majesty, I did not secretly send a letter to the Prince of Yan; it was the Prince of Yan himself who sent someone to inquire."

Zhuge Liang was still hesitant about whether to write a letter to Liu Feng in private.

If they sent the letter, it would be disobeying orders and would displease Liu Bei; if they didn't send the letter, they feared something might happen to Liu Bei.

it's good now.

Liu Feng had made arrangements before going to Jingzhou, which saved Zhuge Liang the trouble.

Although Wang Ping's words may not be entirely true, Zhuge Liang did not care how much truth or falsehood Wang Ping spoke.

As long as Liu Feng knows that the Xianbei might move south, that's enough.

leftover.

Liu Feng naturally had a way to deal with it.

Just as Zhuge Liang had predicted.

After returning to his camp, Wang Ping sent his trusted confidants south to Jiangling, arriving only half an hour after the imperial edict summoning Zhang Fei to Chang'an.

"Cao Zhang and the Xianbei are both going to attack Chang'an? This is quite rare. Cao Pi is afraid to confront me in Jing and Yang and is preparing to shift the battlefield."

"Father didn't summon me to Chang'an, but instead summoned my third uncle, saying he missed him. What a lame excuse! Does Father intend to personally lead the army?"

Liu Feng threw away Wang Ping's secret letter, stood up, and laughed.

"Why use a sledgehammer to crack a nut? Why should the Emperor, a mere Xianbei, need to go into battle?"

"It's time for me to return to Chang'an to report on my duties." (End of Chapter)