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

Liu Feng's strategic intention in coming to Jingzhou was originally to seize the opportunity in Jiangdong to destroy Sun Quan's forces.

And now.

Liu Feng not only destroyed Sun Quan's forces, but also gained more than his share of the three passes of Pingchun and Yiyang, as well as the important Huainan region including Shouchun and Hefei. He also captured Yu Jin and killed Man Chong.

This completely eradicated the last remaining power of Cao Wei in the Jingyang region.

at the moment.

Cao Wei has deployed a large number of troops in the Yu-Xu area near the border of Jing and Yang, so Liu Feng will not be able to find an opportunity to break through in the short term.

Although Liu Feng could take advantage of the chaos in Chang'an to cause trouble in the Yu and Xu regions, for Liu Feng, simply causing trouble without making any breakthroughs would be a waste of resources.

Most importantly: Liu Bei was old, and Guan Yu was old too.

Even though Liu Bei used a lame excuse to transfer Zhang Fei to Chang'an, it was still just three old generals in Chang'an.

Liu Feng shared the same concerns as Zhuge Liang.

Liu Bei cannot afford any accidents.

Liu Feng was able to continuously open up the first, second, and even third battlefields, and his greatest reliance was on the stability of the rear.

As long as Liu Bei was alive, Liu Feng could continue to act recklessly without worrying about being suspected or having to deal with the complex court relationships.

Not close to each other.

Liu Bei, this great figure, is in the rear.

Who dares to sow discord?

Who can sow discord between them?
If Liu Feng hadn't planned to use a scheme against Cao Pi, even the rampant rumors in Jiangling City wouldn't have been enough to overcome Liu Bei's imperial edict demanding accountability.

But if something were to happen to Liu Bei, the problem would be serious.

Not only would the four provinces of Yong, Liang, Jing, and Yang be thrown into turmoil by Liu Bei's unexpected turn of events, but the officials of the court and the various prefectures and counties would also sabotage Liu Feng due to their respective factional interests.

With Liu Shan's current prestige, he cannot control this group of people.

Therefore, Liu Feng's intention to advance relentlessly and pacify the world as soon as possible would be greatly hampered.

Cao Pi, despite possessing immense power, suffered repeated defeats at the hands of Liu Feng, which was closely related to the fact that Cao Pi's prestige could not control the court and the public.

Because of insufficient prestige, he was unable to unite the various factions into one force.

For example, when Huan Wen launched his Northern Expedition, the officials were not of one mind. Even though Huan Wen recovered Luoyang and reached Yanzhou, he ultimately failed.

Just like now.

If something were to happen to Liu Bei in Chang'an, Liu Feng would have to wait several years before launching his northern expedition.

Even if they were to seize Luoyang like Huan Wen, the officials who had been staying in Jiangling for a long time might not be willing to move the capital to Luoyang, a frontline location.

Although Liu Feng enjoys gambling, he doesn't gamble recklessly.

On the other hand,

As long as Liu Bei is alive, even if all he can do is listen to songs and watch dances in Weiyang Palace in Chang'an.

When Liu Bei said he wanted to move the capital to Luoyang, who dared to disobey?
Once the officials have settled in Luoyang and secured their interests, few will be willing to move the capital back to Jiangling.

This is also one of the reasons why Liu Feng personally led his troops in a surprise attack on Shouchun, aiming to settle the matter in one battle.

It is unrealistic to expect the civil and military officials of Jiangdong to exert all their efforts to capture Shouchun.

Liu Feng didn't even need to say a word to get the civil and military officials of Jiangdong to do their utmost to defend Shouchun.

The subjective initiative involved in seizing someone else's interests is completely different from that in protecting one's own.

Liu Feng wanted to quickly pacify the world, even if it meant facing suspicion and doubt for taking all the credit.

However, this was something Liu Feng had to do!

Liu Feng is now almost forty years old.

As you get older, your energy levels will decrease.

If you don't make a big move while you're young, you're more likely to make mistakes if you try to do it when you're old.

Liu Feng could not predict whether he would be like Yuan Shao and Cao Cao, feeling that he was old and the world was not yet settled, so he was eager to start a decisive battle and was ultimately defeated by his opponent with fewer troops.

Then, before dying, he might say something like, "Oh, heavens, why have you treated me so cruelly?" or "My plans failed; it is fate." Just thinking about it makes one feel uneasy.

Regarding Liu Feng's decision.

Whether it was his legal wife Sun Yan or his two concubines Shen Shu and Bai Su, they all gave him their full support.

Apart from that.

Liu Feng also ordered his eldest son Liu Lin, his brother-in-law Sun Cheng, his two nephews Liu Zan and Liu Shuang, and Sun Lü, whom he treated like a son, to also make preparations to go to Chang'an.

Young birds will eventually fly high.

Born into a family during a chaotic era, even a young boy had to join the army to hone his skills.

Before leaving.

Liu Feng then went to the palace to see Liu Shan.

Upon learning that Liu Feng was returning to Chang'an, Liu Shan felt reluctant to part with him: "Brother, you have worked hard in battle. Even if you need to go to Chang'an to report on your duties, there is no rush. Why not wait until the end of the year?"

Liu Shan's reluctance to part with his elder brother Liu Feng was genuine.

As the crown prince, Liu Shan's authority over the country and his influence over the officials relied not on his own hard-earned prestige, but on the prestige transferred from Liu Bei and Liu Feng.

Liu Feng, in particular, consistently transferred military merits to Liu Shan and tried every means to help Liu Shan establish military prestige. It was also Liu Feng's suggestion that Empress Wu and Liu Shan visit the families of soldiers.

When Liu Shan inspected Liu Feng's elite troops, there was no instance of them obeying Liu Feng's orders but not Liu Shan's.

When Li Miao, who was reviewing the troops with Liu Shan, deliberately asked the potentially disastrous question, "If the Crown Prince and the Prince of Yan are at odds, will you listen to the Crown Prince or the Prince of Yan?"

Not only did a military officer shout with a look of impending violence, "Who are you? How dare you sow discord between the Crown Prince and the Prince of Yan?"

Even officers shouted:

"The Crown Prince's overseeing of the state and the Prince of Yan's military campaigns are both appointed by the Emperor! If the Crown Prince and the Prince of Yan are at odds, it must be the work of treacherous officials, and we should punish them on behalf of the Emperor. We, the soldiers in armor, only know to be loyal to the Han Dynasty. The Crown Prince and the Prince of Yan are both pillars of the Han Dynasty, so why should there be a choice between them?"

The soldiers behind him shouted "Loyal to the Han Dynasty, punish the treacherous officials!" Their deafening roars and menacing eyes nearly scared Li Miao to death.

The officials who shared similar ideas with Li Miao were also frightened and dared not make things difficult for him anymore.

Recalling his time with Liu Feng, Liu Shan's eyes were filled with even more reluctance.

"Cao Pi has launched an attack on Chang'an, and my third uncle was summoned to Chang'an to assist him." Liu Feng did not hide anything and told Liu Shan the whole story.

Liu Shan was taken aback: "Why didn't Father Emperor say so explicitly?"

Liu Feng chuckled: "It's simple. Father doesn't want me to go to Chang'an. If I go to Chang'an, Father will be stuck in Weiyang Palace."

Liu Shan was even more surprised: "Brother, do you mean that Father wants to personally command the army? Father is old, how can he be exhausted on the battlefield?"

"So, we still need to find a way to prevent my third uncle from going to Chang'an. One of us, my third uncle, has to stay in Jiangling." Liu Feng's lips curled slightly.

Liu Feng and Zhang Fei cannot go to Chang'an at the same time.

Neither Zhao Yun nor Huang Zhong could intimidate the court officials; only Liu Feng and Zhang Fei could.

If both of them go to Chang'an, then trouble is likely to break out in Jiangling.

This is also why Liu Bei initially granted Zhang Fei the power to investigate and punish those above and below him.

Liu Bei had a brilliant plan.

By falsely claiming that he missed Zhang Fei, Liu Feng sent Zhang Fei to Chang'an, forcing Liu Feng to stay in Jiangling to help Liu Shan intimidate the court officials.

This way.

Liu Bei would then be able to happily lead his troops into battle.

There are policies and measures to counter.

Liu Bei had his own plans, and so did Liu Feng.

Having understood Liu Feng's intentions, Liu Shan no longer urged Liu Feng to stay in Jiangling.

Preventing Liu Bei from becoming overworked while commanding troops was the most important thing.

Think of this.

Liu Shan had an idea, so he sent someone to invite Zhang Fei to discuss the matter.

Zhang Fei was already preparing to ask Liu Shan for leave to go to Chang'an, but when he heard that Liu Shan had summoned him, he hurriedly rode over.

Upon seeing Zhang Fei, Liu Shan immediately covered his face and wept.

Zhang Fei was shocked, and his tone became more angry: "Your Highness, who has offended you?"

Liu Shan "cried" and said, "Does Uncle know that Cao Pi is a traitor and his troops have invaded Chang'an?"

Zhang Fei was even more surprised: "His Majesty never mentioned Cao Pi's army attacking Chang'an to me. Where did the Crown Prince get this information?"

The voice just fell.

Zhang Fei suddenly realized what was going on and exclaimed with delight, "Could it be that His Majesty summoned me to deal with Cao Pi, who is attacking Chang'an? Crown Prince, do not worry, I will go to Chang'an to lend a hand right away!"

Liu Shan's tone grew even more sorrowful: "Is Third Uncle also going to abandon me?"

Zhang Fei's smile froze: "Crown Prince, what nonsense are you thinking? How could I abandon you?"

Liu Shan said in a mournful voice, "When Cao Pi's army attacked Chang'an, Father did not send his elder brother to Chang'an, but only sent his third uncle. He must be planning to personally lead the expedition."

Father is old, and even if he defeats Cao Pi, his health will not be able to keep up. If something were to happen to Father, how could I be at peace? My third uncle and Father are like brothers, and if something were to happen to Father, my second and third uncles would surely be filled with grief.

I'm so scared! Waaah—"

Behind the screen, the Crown Princess turned around and came out, holding her two-year-old eldest son Liu Xuan, tears streaming down her face.

Although Liu Xuan was not the Crown Princess's biological son, he was born to her maid, Consort Wang, and is currently being raised under the Crown Princess's care. He is the eldest legitimate son in name only.

Perhaps seeing Liu Shan and the Crown Princess crying, little Liu Xuan also started to wail loudly.

This battle.

This completely baffled Zhang Fei.

I'm just going to Chang'an, not to die.

However, the genuine weeping of Liu Shan, his wife, and Xiao Liu Xuan prevented Zhang Fei from getting angry.

“But His Majesty has summoned me, and I cannot refuse.” Zhang Fei felt a dilemma.

at this time.

It is said that Liu Feng, the Prince of Yan, is going to Chang'an to report on his duties and has come to ask for leave.

Liu Shan then suggested, "Third Uncle, since my elder brother is going to Chang'an to report on his duties, why don't you stay in Jiangling and let him go to assist you?"

Zhang Fei was immediately stumped.

Zhang Fei wasn't stupid.

Liu Bei sent a special letter, clearly indicating that he did not want Liu Feng to go to Chang'an.

However, if Zhang Fei insisted on going to Chang'an, Liu Shan would have difficulty finding an excuse.

Between hesitations.

Liu Feng has arrived.

"Huh? Zhang Sili is here too?" Liu Feng feigned surprise.

Zhang Fei was conflicted and asked, "Is the Prince of Yan going to Chang'an to report on his duties? Have you heard anything about it?"

"What news?" Liu Feng feigned ignorance.

Seeing that Liu Feng was unaware of the situation, Zhang Fei looked at Liu Shan, who had just wiped away his tears, and sighed, "News has just come that Cao Pi's army has invaded Chang'an."

Liu Feng was "greatly shocked," then flew into a rage: "How dare that brat Cao Pi do this! I will go to Chang'an right now and tear his head off. How dare a mere petty thief flaunt his power in Chang'an, the capital of the Han Dynasty!"
"Between Zhang Sili and I, one of us must remain in Jiangling. I'm going to Chang'an, so Jiangling will be entrusted to Zhang Sili." Zhang Fei hesitated, as if he wanted to say something but then stopped.

Liu Feng then feigned an inquiry: "Does Zhang Sili have some kind of difficulty?"

Liu Shan then added, "Father has sent a secret letter to Zhang Sili, requesting that he be summoned to Chang'an for a meeting. Prince of Yan, you may have to travel with your third uncle."

Liu Feng feigned surprise: "When Cao Pi's troops attack Chang'an, he will surely send a feint to contain them in Jing and Yang. How can Zhang Sili and I both leave Jiangling?"

Zhang Sili, please forgive my bluntness. Under normal circumstances, I would have sent you back to Chang'an to meet with my father, but given the urgent military situation, the affairs of the state must take precedence.

When my father summoned Zhang Sili to Chang'an for a gathering, he probably did not know that Cao Pi was going to attack Chang'an with his troops, and that I, as the Grand General, had to go to Chang'an in person.

To avoid wasting time by repeatedly requesting and relaying orders, Zhang Sili, I have no choice but to trouble you for now. How about we wait until I return from Chang'an, then Zhang Sili can go to Chang'an to reunite with my father?"

The two brothers sang in unison, leaving Zhang Fei at a loss for words.

"This"

a long time.

Zhang Fei managed to stammer out, "If I don't go to Chang'an, I fear His Majesty will be displeased."

Liu Feng solemnly replied: "Why did Zhang Sili say such a thing? Publicly, this is a matter of national importance, how could Father Emperor blame you? Privately, the friendship between Father Emperor and Zhang Sili is known throughout the world, so he would certainly not blame you."

It's settled then!

Liu Shan also stood up and took Zhang Fei's arm, whispering, "With Zhang Sili in Jiangling, I can finally feel at ease."

"Sigh!" Zhang Fei sighed, "I'll listen to the Crown Prince. I'll go and reply to His Majesty right now."

Watching Zhang Fei's departing figure, Liu Shan breathed a long sigh of relief.

Although the process was a bit tortuous, they finally managed to persuade Zhang Fei.

"The Crown Prince and Crown Princess work well together." Liu Feng also regained his smile.

Liu Shan sighed softly, "I feel guilty for deceiving my third uncle like this."

The Crown Princess also said, "I hope Father won't blame me."

Little Liu Xuan's eyes widened at this moment, her innocent eyes staring at Liu Feng, her arms outstretched as she shouted "Ya ya ya".

"That's clever of you."

Liu Feng reached out and picked up little Liu Xuan.

Not surprisingly.

After Liu Shan ascends the throne, Liu Xuan will become the new crown prince to inherit the Liu family's legacy.

Historical records state that Xi Zheng, the Secretary of the Imperial Secretariat, praised him for being "devoted and respectful to his parents, working tirelessly day and night, displaying the demeanor of an ancient crown prince; and treating his colleagues with benevolence and compassion in his actions."

This means that Liu Xuan possessed both virtue and talent, and inherited the benevolence and kindness of Liu Bei and Liu Shan.

Furthermore, after the fall of Shu, Liu Xuan participated in and died in Jiang Wei's war to restore the kingdom. As a successor, Liu Xuan was qualified.

However, the situation has changed now.

With Liu Feng around, it's not up to Liu Xuan, the eldest grandson, to participate in the war to restore the kingdom.

Liu Feng's high regard for Liu Shan was partly due to Liu Xuan's influence.

This is a consistent tradition of benevolence and kindness.

To conquer the world, one needs martial prowess; to govern the world, one needs benevolence.

If the successors are all good at fighting but not good at governing, the Han Dynasty will not last long.

Liu Feng was also trying his best to build a situation where the brothers of the imperial clan jointly governed the country, both civil and military.

Liu Feng was more than ten years older than Liu Shan, Liu Shan was nine years older than Liu Feng's eldest son Liu Lin, and Liu Lin was seven years older than Liu Shan's eldest son Liu Xuan.

As long as the virtues of brotherly love and respect are passed down within the royal family and enshrined as a family precept, this relationship can be maintained indefinitely unless there are major upheavals.

Just like Emperor Guangwu's oath at Luoshui, if Sima Yi hadn't broken the oath, it would have become a moral benchmark for the gentry.

Even after the Wei dynasty replaced the Han dynasty, this moral standard still existed and continued.

same.

Liu Feng also had this intention: to set an example for future generations.

For people of status, face is a very important thing.

Even if you don't believe it at all, you still have to put on a show.

If someone were to overturn the table, then everyone would stop pretending and it would immediately become "the emperor is whoever has the strongest army and the most powerful horses."

Seeing Liu Feng amusing Liu Xuan, the Crown Princess suddenly said, "Why doesn't the Prince of Yan give Xuan a nickname?"

Liu Shan also said, "Xuan'er is usually uneasy when he sees strangers, but he feels very close to his elder brother today. Elder brother, you must think of a good name for Xuan'er."

Liu Feng was slightly surprised.

He quickly understood the Crown Princess's intention.

This was to establish an uncle-nephew relationship between Liu Xuan and Liu Feng from a young age.

His nickname was given to him by Liu Feng, the Prince of Yan.

From now on, Liu Xuan will be under Liu Feng's protection.

on the contrary.

Even if Liu Xuan had conflicts with Liu Feng or Liu Feng's lineage after he came to power, he would still take into account his uncle-nephew relationship with Liu Feng.

Liu Feng couldn't help but marvel inwardly: This Crown Princess, who usually seems unassuming, is actually quite astute.

Thinking of the Crown Princess's birth mother, Lady Xiahou, Liu Feng felt relieved.

The biggest advantage of a well-bred lady over a common girl is that she knows how to behave appropriately.

For example, there was a certain Empress Dowager He who, after being slaughtered, only gained face but not brains. She was clearly in a winning situation, but ended up with her whole family suffering a Candy Crush ending.

If it were someone like Empress Dowager He, let alone having Liu Feng give Liu Xuan a nickname, she would probably have whispered in Liu Shan's ear that "the Prince of Yan is too powerful to control and should be eliminated."

Furthermore, since the Crown Princess had just cooperated with Liu Shan in "kindly" deceiving Zhang Fei, Liu Feng had to reciprocate.

Think of this.

Liu Feng did not refuse. After thinking for a moment, he said, "Since ancient times, all men must die, but a man without integrity cannot stand. How about we take 'Integrity' as your nickname?"

The princess was overjoyed.

Liu Bei valued integrity and trustworthiness throughout his life, and this was passed down to Liu Xuan, who was given the nickname "Xin" (meaning "trust" or "faith"). In other words, Liu Feng had implicitly acknowledged Liu Xuan's status as his successor.

Liu Shan, however, thought even further ahead.

Using "Xin" as his nickname was meant to instill in Liu Xuan the concept of mutual trust within the imperial clan from a young age, so that when problems arose, he would find ways to be respectful and loving towards his brothers, rather than being like Cao Pi who only thought about being wary of his own brothers.

"As the Prince of Yan wishes, Xuan'er's nickname will be 'Xin'." The Crown Princess's face was full of smiles, as was Liu Shan's.

When Liu Feng got excited, he lifted Liu Xuan high in the air and laughed heartily.

Liu Xuan, who was being lifted up, was not afraid. Instead, he danced around and laughed along.

Amidst the joyful scene, Liu Feng couldn't help but sigh inwardly: Although he didn't know what the future held, at least for the next three generations, the imperial clan would be safe and sound.

After explaining some details to Liu Shan, Liu Feng left the palace.

As soon as they arrived outside the palace gates, they saw Zhang Fei waiting there with a glare.

As Liu Feng approached, Zhang Fei's tone was somewhat unfriendly: "The Prince of Yan has been here quite a while."

Liu Feng stepped forward and inquired, "The Crown Prince is so sentimental that he has stayed a little longer than expected. Who is Zhang Sili waiting for?"

Zhang Fei glared at him: "Waiting for you."

Liu Feng sensed something was amiss and tentatively asked, "I wonder what important matter Zhang Sili has to discuss?"

Zhang Fei chuckled: "The more I thought about it, the more something seemed off. It was one thing for the Crown Prince to be crying, but my daughter and grandson were also crying. I hadn't even had time to figure out how to comfort them when the Prince of Yan arrived. The timing of the Prince of Yan's arrival was far too coincidental."

Liu Feng feigned surprise: "I don't know about this. Has the Crown Prince suffered some injustice? I'll go back and ask him right away."

"Alright. Stop pretending." Seeing Liu Feng turn to leave, Zhang Fei stopped him. "I'm not an unreasonable person. The Prince of Yan and the Crown Prince were worried that His Majesty might suffer a loss in Chang'an, so they deliberately arranged for me to stay in Jiangling. Although they intended to deceive him, it was out of filial piety. How could I blame them?"

When Liu Feng realized that his intentions had been exposed, he apologized and said, "It is not that I intended to deceive Zhang Sili. It is just that Cao Pi's invasion of Chang'an this time is a bit strange. The Prime Minister also suspects that the Xianbei people are very likely to march south to Chang'an."

"I am truly worried about my father, and having heard that he has summoned Zhang Sili in a letter, I have no choice but to resort to this drastic measure."

The words fell.

Liu Feng felt an even stronger gaze upon him.

But Zhang Fei jumped up and said, "Well! So you were really lying to me! You confessed as soon as I tricked you!"

"..." Liu Feng's lips twitched. So this is a boomerang? "Zhang Sili, this was all my idea. It has nothing to do with the Crown Prince and Crown Princess."

Liu Feng stopped trying to deny it and simply took all the blame upon himself.

"Hmph!" Zhang Fei sneered, "You weren't satisfied with deceiving me last time, so you're trying to deceive me again. Do you brothers really consider me an outsider? Do you think that if you explained things clearly, I would still insist on going to Chang'an?"

Liu Feng remained silent.

Zhang Sili, do you even believe what you're saying?
If I hadn't conspired with the Crown Prince to deceive you, you would have already ridden off to Chang'an.

However, having been caught red-handed by Zhang Fei, Liu Feng couldn't come up with another excuse.

Thinking of the nickname he had just given Liu Xuan, Liu Feng then said, "At the request of the Crown Princess, I gave my nephew Xuan the nickname 'Xin' (信). My father often said: 'Since ancient times, all men have died, but a man without integrity cannot stand.'"

"Are you trying to shut me up?" Zhang Fei's eyes widened even more like bull's. "Since I've promised, I won't go back on my word. I won't stop you from going to Chang'an. But if anything happens to His Majesty, I will never forgive you."

Liu Feng secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Zhang Fei's words meant that the matter could be over. He laughed and said, "Don't worry, Zhang Sili, as long as I go to Chang'an, I will absolutely not let Father Emperor suffer any mishap."

Subsequently.

Liu Feng didn't linger, as if afraid Zhang Fei would change his mind, and immediately took his leave.

With a flick of the whip, the horse galloped off as if flying.

“Death is inevitable, but a person without integrity cannot stand. Although the Prince of Yan is not Your Majesty’s biological son, he is no different from one.” Watching Liu Feng flee as if he were running away, Zhang Fei’s wide eyes returned to normal.

Just a moment later.

Zhang Fei's expression returned to its cold and stern state.

"Many people fueled the rumors beforehand. Although I was not there at the time, I, as the Commandant of the Capital Region, also failed in my duty."

There are always some people who don't want the royal family to be kind to each other, filial to each other, and respectful to each other—how despicable! How to be an emperor, a crown prince, and a Prince of Yan is not something a bunch of petty people can comment on.

"Now that I've stayed behind, I must also discipline some of the petty scoundrels. We can't let the Prince of Yan be fighting on the front lines while rumors fly rampant in the rear."

Liu Feng was unaware that Zhang Fei already had the idea of ​​reforming the conduct of the officials in Jiangling.

Even if they knew, they wouldn't stop it.

Liu Feng has never liked to interfere in government affairs.

Firstly, they didn't want to create trouble for themselves, and secondly, they didn't have the energy to interfere in government affairs.

With that energy, Liu Feng would be better off pacifying the world sooner.

The next day.

Liu Feng, along with Liu Lin, Liu Shuang, Liu Zan, Sun Cheng, and Sun Lü, as well as his personal guards, went to Chang'an first.

He then ordered Deng Ai and Shi Bao to transport the new Zhuge Repeating Crossbow and arrows, which Yu Fan followed.

Due to the expansion of production scale, there are now more than a thousand Zhuge Repeating Crossbows available for use on the battlefield, and more than 100,000 crossbow bolts.

If it really was the Xianbei people who migrated south.

Liu Feng had no intention of engaging the Xianbei in a battle of wits or close combat.

The most effective weapon against the nomadic tribes of the grasslands remains the bow and crossbow! (End of Chapter)