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

Changan.

The cold wind blows.

Looking at Liu Feng, who claimed to have come to "report on his duties," Liu Bei felt extremely frustrated.

"So, Yide didn't come?"

“Zhang Sili holds the important position of inspecting all officials, so we dare not act rashly.”

Hearing Liu Feng's "fluent" reply, Liu Bei couldn't help but facepalm.

I don't believe you for a second!
"Prime Minister?"

Liu Bei turned his gaze to Zhuge Liang, his slightly raised tone as if asking: "Did you, Prime Minister, summon the Prince of Yan?"

Zhuge Liang, with a clear conscience, said, "Your Majesty, General Fenwei once asked me how to repel Cao Pi's army, but I did not say much."

Upon hearing this, Liu Bei immediately understood.

Wang Ping sent a message to Liu Feng.

Although Zhuge Liang did not send a message to Liu Feng, he subtly hinted at it to Wang Ping.

Given Liu Feng's keen understanding of military affairs, it wouldn't be difficult for him to guess Chang'an's response.

"Prime Minister, you may go ahead with your work. I will have a word with the Prince of Yan."

Liu Bei waved his hand, signaling Zhuge Liang to step back, leaving only Liu Feng with a "gentle" expression.

"Speak, why did you come to Chang'an?" Liu Bei glared at him.

Feeling guilty, Liu Feng lowered his head to avoid meeting Liu Bei's gaze: "Your Majesty, I have come to report on my duties."

"Heh." Liu Bei's face hardened. "Do you think I'd believe that?"

Liu Feng sensed the dissatisfaction in Liu Bei's words, so he changed his tone and said, "The Crown Prince was worried that Father Emperor might be in danger, so he specially ordered me to enter Chang'an to help Father Emperor repel the enemy."

Liu Bei raised his voice: "In military affairs, the Crown Prince has always listened to you, his elder brother, and yet you turn around and say it's the Crown Prince's idea? And you dare to argue!"

Liu Feng remained calm and composed: "The Crown Prince is the heir apparent and is also acting as regent on the orders of the Emperor. Even if it is I who offer advice in private, it is the Crown Prince who issues the orders in public. I have no excuse."

Liu Bei slammed his hands on the table.

Doesn't that mean the same thing?

Seeing Liu Feng's "unrepentant" expression, Liu Bei sighed helplessly again: "I have spent half my life on the battlefield, how could I not deal with a mere Cao Zhang?"

Liu Feng replied without hesitation: "Cao Zhang is just a junior. It is not honorable for Father to bully the younger one. If anything goes wrong, Cao Zhang will laugh at us."

Therefore, I believe that it is unnecessary to use a sledgehammer to crack a nut. Neither Father nor I need to go personally; Generals Wang Ping and Li Ping are sufficient to handle the situation.

Liu Bei's lips twitched.

I knew it would turn out this way!

Once the Prince of Yan arrives, I will have no chance to wage war.

Liu Feng didn't want Liu Bei to get upset and sick because of this, so he changed the subject: "I've heard that the Xianbei are moving south. Is that true?"

Liu Bei nodded: "Since the Prime Minister determined that the Xianbei might move south, I have sent a large number of scouts to Beidi Commandery. Just as the Prime Minister said, the Xianbei army is heading towards Chang'an, and the leader is Kebineng. I have summoned Wei Yan, the Prefect of Fufeng, to lead troops into Beidi Commandery to defend against the enemy."

There was a pause.

Liu Bei added, "The Xianbei are nothing but a small fry; I need not personally go to deal with them. I only need to send a valiant general to defend against them. The Prince of Yan need not worry."

Liu Feng laughed and said, "Your Majesty, I believe that although Prefect Wei is brave and skilled in battle, he has no advantage in dealing with the Xianbei. To repel the Xianbei army, Your Majesty must go in person."

Ok?
Liu Bei was taken aback, as if he hadn't heard Liu Feng's words clearly: "I want to go in person?"

Liu Feng's tone turned serious: "Since the death of Tan Shihuai, there have been many people in the Xianbei who have been vying for power and profit, among whom Kebineng is the most ambitious."

Although I don't know why Kebineng would cease hostilities with Cao Pi and turn to take Chang'an, I believe that Kebineng is like a wild wolf on the grassland.

You can't feed wolves; you have to beat them severely to make them submit.

Therefore, this time I have brought 1,500 sets of Zhuge Repeating Crossbows and 100,000 crossbow bolts, hoping to assist Father Emperor in intimidating the Xianbei.”

Liu Bei's tone brightened, and he completely ignored the Zhuge Repeating Crossbow and the 100,000 crossbow bolts, turning instead to ask the most crucial question: "Does the Prince of Yan intend to support me in leading the troops into battle?"

Liu Feng blinked and feigned grievance: "Father, you are still vigorous in your old age and your ambition remains unchanged. How could I possibly object? It's just that I believe that Father is the Son of Heaven of the Han Dynasty and should not lower himself to such a position."

If Your Majesty wishes to confront Cao Zhang, I would rather displease Your Majesty than fail to advise you. But Your Majesty wishes to confront the Xianbei; that would be to uphold the might of the Han Dynasty. How could I possibly overstep my bounds?

A few words down.

Liu Feng successfully resolved the knot in Liu Bei's heart.

This also shifted Liu Bei's focus to "intimidating the Xianbei".

Cao Zhang is not worth Liu Bei's attention.

The Xianbei needed Liu Bei to demonstrate their power.

After this series of twists and turns, Liu Bei's frustration disappeared.

As for Liu Feng's trickery in changing the subject, Liu Bei didn't take it to heart.

Thinking of the 1,500 Zhuge Repeating Crossbows and 100,000 crossbow bolts that Liu Feng had brought, Liu Bei was filled with joy.

For dealing with cavalry, bows and crossbows are the most effective.

The White Horse Cavalry, who once roamed Youzhou rampantly, were crippled by crossbow bolts.

Before Liu Feng arrived in Chang'an, Liu Bei and Guan Yu had discussed using crossbows to fight the enemy.

Therefore, sending Wei Yan to Beidi Commandery ahead of time served two purposes: firstly, to delay the Xianbei's southward advance, and secondly, to temporarily relocate the people of Beidi Commandery to Chang'an to avoid disaster.

This was also to buy time to gather bows and arrows from various counties.

And now.

Liu Feng brought Liu Bei a powerful crossbow—the Zhuge Repeating Crossbow—as well as 100,000 urgently needed crossbow bolts!

What else could Liu Bei say besides praise?
With his worries and frustrations gone, Liu Bei's tone became cheerful: "Your Majesty, you have recovered Jiangdong and Huainan, captured Yu Jin and beheaded Man Chong. Such great achievements, have you decided what reward you want?"

Liu Feng replied without hesitation: "Father should reward the Crown Prince; the Crown Prince deserves the most credit."

Liu Bei glared at Liu Feng: "There are no outsiders here, what are you bragging about in front of me? If the Crown Prince has such ability, I will abdicate right now."

I know that you two are brothers with a deep bond, and I also know that you want the Crown Prince to gain military merit in order to establish his prestige in the army and to intimidate the officials and the people.

But that was official business, a matter of state; now I'm discussing private matters with you, family matters!

"Really?" Liu Feng asked cautiously.

Seeing Liu Feng's expression, Liu Bei felt an urge to punch him: "Really!"

Liu Feng clapped his hands: "That's wonderful! Since you want to abdicate and pass the throne to the Crown Prince, then you can live out your days in peace as the Retired Emperor in Weiyang Palace."

"A life free from anxiety and worry leads to longevity. If Father Emperor lives to be a hundred, he might even witness the unification of the world, the submission of all nations, and a glorious return to his homeland."

Liu Bei could no longer hold back.

He grabbed the bamboo slips on the table and threw them at Liu Feng.

"Father, did I say something wrong?" Liu Feng dodged the bamboo slip, looking aggrieved.

Liu Bei, too lazy to explain, grabbed the bamboo slips again and threw them at Liu Feng.

After a while.

Liu Feng emerged from Weiyang Palace.

There was also a bruise on his forehead.

"Your Highness, what is this?"

Zhuge Liang did not leave, but waited outside the palace.

Liu Feng rubbed the bruise, coughed twice, and said, "It's nothing. I was just playing with Father and accidentally tripped and fell."

Zhuge Liang had a smile on his face.

You, a dignified military general, tripped and fell?
Liu Feng looked up at the sky: "Father Emperor can't take a joke. He can't even hit me, yet he still orders me to stand still."

"Prime Minister, I have a suggestion."

"Your Highness, I think this suggestion is inappropriate."

"Prime Minister, I didn't make any suggestions."

“Your Highness, I think it’s perfectly fine not to mention this suggestion.”

"."

Seeing Zhuge Liang's shrewdness, Liu Feng had no choice but to abandon the idea of ​​having Zhuge Liang "share the hardship" as well, and asked with a composed expression, "Prime Minister, are you waiting for me on purpose?"

Zhuge Liang nodded and invited Liu Feng to accompany him.

"Does the Prince of Yan have a plan to repel the Xianbei this time he comes to Chang'an?" After a brief reminiscing, Zhuge Liang asked directly.

Without hesitation, Liu Feng said, "When soldiers come, we'll block them; when water comes, we'll dam it. Since the Xianbei dare to invade from the south, let's give them a good beating until they're terrified. Let's restore the might of the Han Dynasty, where one Han man could take on five barbarian tribes."

Liu Feng's strategy towards the Hu people and barbarians has always been the same.

Those who follow me will prosper, and those who go against me will perish.

If they are willing to submit to the Han Dynasty and become righteous followers, Liu Feng will treat the barbarians well, allowing them to change their surnames to Han, learn Han culture, and observe Han etiquette. From then on, they will be Han people and no longer barbarians.

If they refuse to submit, then there is only one word: kill.

Zhuge Liang thought to himself, "Just as I thought," and added, "We can fight the Xianbei, but we can't kill Kebi. Otherwise, Cao Pi can forcibly relocate the various Xianbei tribes into the country. Given Cao Pi's policies on governing the Hu people, they will inevitably become a problem in the long run."

The Cao Wei regime's policy of governing the Hu people was basically based on "forced migration and oppression and control," with the aim of filling the population gap in the Central Plains. Therefore, it forcibly relocated tribes such as the Xiongnu, Jie, and Xianbei into the interior.

Moreover, the Hu people were forcibly incorporated into "military households" and "retainers," becoming military dependents or tenant farmers, while being exploited by Han powerful families.

This hierarchical system of "using Han people to govern Hu people" would breed a lot of hatred, and would cause trouble once the Cao Wei regime weakened.

When the regime's oppression becomes too great, even the Han people themselves will resist, let alone the non-Han people.

Zhuge Liang's philosophy was different.

When dealing with the Hu people and other uncivilized peoples, Zhuge Liang generally adopted the strategy of "governing according to their customs," promoting agriculture and water conservancy on the one hand, and preserving their religion and customs on the other.

Although the weakening of the regime would also cause trouble, the hatred between the Han and the non-Han peoples would be less, and the non-Han peoples who had learned to farm would also reduce their plundering habits due to the increase in their own resources.

According to Zhuge Liang's idea.

The goal is to convince Kebi and gradually Sinicize him.

Liu Feng was also aware of the advantages and disadvantages of these two different methods of dealing with the Hu people.

In dealing with the Hu people and other barbarian tribes, Liu Feng also leaned towards Zhuge Liang's approach, using both kindness and severity to gradually assimilate them into Han culture.

Just like the Hu people and barbarians who migrated to Xincheng County, this was generally the case.

After several years of governance, Xincheng County no longer had any barbarian or uncivilized people. At most, they would refer to themselves as "a certain ethnic group of the Great Han," implying that the Great Han came first and the ethnic group came later.

Liu Feng, after all, had a sense of the future.

Extreme ethnic antagonism is not something Liu Feng wants to see either.

Harmony at the border and the exchange of goods are in the best interests of the people.

Therefore.

After careful consideration, Liu Feng responded to Zhuge Liang's suggestion not to kill Kebineng: "If Kebineng is sensible, I will naturally spare his life; if Kebineng is ignorant, I will not be merciful."

Yes, yes.

"Powerful indeed." Zhuge Liang didn't offer any further advice after receiving this reply.

The purpose of this visit to remind Liu Feng is simply to ascertain Liu Feng's specific considerations regarding the Xianbei's southward invasion.

If the world were unified, Zhuge Liang wouldn't have had this problem: killing anyone who disobeyed. Zhuge Liang wasn't even studying orthodox Confucianism.

This consideration is only to avoid an even greater disaster that might occur after killing Kebineng.

a few days later.

Yu Fan, Deng Ai, and Shi Bao also escorted the Zhuge Repeating Crossbow and 100,000 crossbow bolts to Chang'an.

Looking at the exquisitely crafted Zhuge Repeating Crossbows, Liu Bei's confidence grew.

"Now that most of the people of Beidi Commandery have moved back to Chang'an, we can first have Prefect Wei withdraw to Chang'an, and then Father Emperor can personally go to the Wei River to lure the Xianbei troops deep into the south of the Wei River, and then ambush them." Liu Feng presented a detailed plan to deal with the enemy.

Liu Feng's original plan did not include Liu Bei.

Taking Liu Bei's ideas into consideration, Liu Feng added Liu Bei to the plan.

Even if Liu Bei wins against the Xianbei, he won't be happy if his feelings aren't taken into account.

With the powerful bows and crossbows that Liu Bei had requisitioned from various counties in Yong and Liang, and the Zhuge repeating crossbows brought by Liu Feng, Liu Feng boldly included Liu Bei in his strategy against the enemy.

In this regard.

Liu Bei was also very satisfied.

Although Liu Feng came to Chang'an, Liu Bei was officially the main general. Liu Feng's current status was more like that of Liu Bei's military advisor and personal general, responsible for advising Liu Bei and protecting him.

As Wei Yan retreated from Beidi Commandery, the Xianbei troops advanced all the way to the north bank of the Wei River.

"Liu Bei was nothing special."

Kebineng marched south and, apart from being blocked by Wei Yan in Beidi County, suffered virtually no losses.

After Wei Yan withdrew to Chang'an, he became even more complacent and completely disregarded Liu Bei.

Wu Ying, who accompanied Kebineng south, was not as arrogant as Kebineng. He reminded him, "Liu Bei has fought for many years and is quite skilled in military tactics."

Along the way, we saw almost no one other than Liu Bei's troops, which must be because Liu Bei sent people to relocate the people back to Chang'an in advance.

Liu Bei's withdrawal of troops back to Chang'an at this moment is not out of fear, but because his objective of relocating the people has been achieved. Your Majesty must not be careless.

Kebineng scoffed: "Fear is fear, why make up excuses? If Liu Bei wasn't afraid, why would he have moved the people back to Chang'an?"

I think you're all terrified of Liu Bei, so you boast about his strength to cover up your fear of him. You Han people are just not honest at all.

"Once I conquer Chang'an, your emperor mustn't go back on his word!"

Wu Ying cursed inwardly: If Liu Bei wasn't strong, would you have had the chance to attack Chang'an? Since you want to attack, then go ahead and attack. Anyway, it's not the soldiers of Wei who will die.

"Your Majesty is truly valiant; perhaps my understanding is too limited." Wu Ying flattered him while simultaneously belittling himself to diminish his own importance.

Kebineng was even more pleased!
Between laughs.

Reports indicate that a large imperial banner has appeared on the opposite bank of the Wei River.

"It must be Liu Bei!"

Kebineng was overjoyed and immediately ordered his army to head straight for the Wei River, with Wu Ying following suit.

Upon arriving at the Wei River, they indeed saw Liu Bei's imperial banner fluttering in the wind on the opposite bank.

Another group of soldiers and strongmen shouted from the opposite bank: "Kebineng, do you have the courage to cross the river and fight the Emperor?"

Although Wu Ying wanted to let Kebineng fight and wear down Liu Bei, he did not want Kebineng to be defeated too quickly, so he advised, "Your Majesty, do not fall into the trap. Beware of Liu Bei's trick of attacking while the enemy is crossing the river."

Kebineng looked at the Han army arrayed on the opposite bank and sneered, "I have tens of thousands of elite troops. Even if it's a trap, what does it matter? Budugen, lead your troops across the river."

Bu Du was trying to keep a low profile, but when Ke Bineng gave him a shout, his face immediately turned ugly: "Your Majesty, most of my warriors are cowardly and I'm afraid they are not up to the task."

Kebineng coldly shouted: "On the battlefield, military orders are absolute. Do you dare disobey my orders?"

Budugen clenched his fists in anger.

If you want me to die and deplete my military strength, just say so. Don't give me that nonsense about military orders being absolute.
Budugen looked at Wu Ying, seeking help.

This time, Wu Ying secretly promised Budugen benefits in order to submit to Kebineng. Otherwise, given the hatred between the two, it would have been impossible for them to go south together.

Wu Ying was also in a dilemma.

Kebin may look rugged, but he has a big mind.

On the one hand, he claimed he was not afraid of Liu Bei's tricks, but on the other hand, he allowed Dugen to cross the river first.

If he wins, it means that Kebineng's domineering aura is completely exposed, and he overpowers Liu Bei.

If we lose, it will be Budugen's people who die, which will be perfect for us to go back and annex Budugen's tribe.

Budugen isn't stupid.

For nomadic tribes on the grasslands, if too many young and strong men die, the tribe will inevitably be annexed.

There aren't many rules among the grassland tribes; it's survival of the fittest, the law of the jungle.

Before Wu Ying could speak, Kebineng continued, "Wu Sanqi, you promised Budugen that you would fully cooperate with me in capturing Chang'an; since Budugen is unwilling, I have no choice but to return to Mobei. How do I know if you are deliberately plotting against me in collusion with Liu Bei and Budugen?"

Wu Ying cursed inwardly: This Hu Bi is really cunning.

Seeing that Kebineng was acting like a rogue, Wu Ying had no choice but to pull Budugen aside and make a promise.

Although Budugen was unwilling, under Wu Ying's promises of benefits and threats, Budugen had no choice but to agree to lead his troops across the river first.

To Wu Ying's surprise, Liu Bei on the other side did not use the tactic of attacking while the enemy was crossing, and actually allowed Budugen to cross the river safely!

"Wu Sanqi, it seems your predictions were inaccurate," Kebineng said with disdain.

Wu Ying was alarmed, not understanding why Liu Bei didn't launch an attack while Budugen was still setting up his formation after crossing the river.

Should we emulate Duke Xiang of Song?
Kebineng didn't have as many ideas as Wu Ying. After seeing that Budugen had safely crossed the river, he also called for the army to cross.

Having crossed the river, Budugen secretly breathed a sigh of relief, but a sense of resentment towards Wu Ying also arose in his heart.

If Liu Bei's side had launched an attack just now, Budugen's troops would have been either killed or crippled.

"Strange, what is Liu Bei thinking?"

Wu Ying, who crossed the river with Kebineng, was filled with doubt.

The number of Xianbei soldiers crossing the river had already exceeded 20,000, yet Liu Bei still stood his ground in formation.

Do we really have to follow the example of Duke Xiang of Song?
But Liu Bei wasn't Duke Xiang of Song!

Just now.

A fast horse suddenly arrived in front of Liu Bei's formation and said something.

Subsequently.

Liu Bei hurriedly returned to his camp, and even had his strongmen shout, "Kebineng, you have no martial virtue, you actually divided your troops to launch a sneak attack!"

Kebineng was stunned by what he heard.

what's the situation?
How am I not practicing martial ethics?

How could I have divided my forces for a surprise attack?
I've only just crossed the river.
Wu Ying couldn't help but wonder, "Could it be that the General Who Conquers the West launched a surprise attack on Chang'an?"

Upon hearing this conjecture, Kebineng immediately became dissatisfied: "Wu Sanqi, what you meant earlier was that I held back Liu Bei while Cao Zhang went to launch a surprise attack on Chang'an? If Cao Zhang takes Chang'an, whose credit will it be?"

Seeing that Kebineng's tone was displeased, Wu Ying quickly said, "Your Majesty, rest assured, the credit will definitely belong to Your Majesty."

But deep down, Wu Ying wasn't entirely confident about his earlier guess.

This is too much of a coincidence!

Thinking of this, Wu Ying advised again: "Although I suspect that General Zhengxi launched a surprise attack on Chang'an, he may not be able to take Chang'an. Your Majesty can temporarily set up camp here and wait for the army to cross the river before heading to Chang'an."

Kebineng stared at Wu Ying suspiciously: "Wu Sanqi, please explain more clearly."

Wu Ying glanced around and leaned closer to whisper, "If the General of the West's military strength is too great, it may be detrimental to the King. Moreover, His Majesty is quite wary of the General of the West."

Upon hearing Wu Ying's words, Kebineng understood and couldn't help but sneer, "I never thought that the emperor of Great Wei would be so intolerant of his own brothers."

Wu Ying hesitated, then did not return to the camp to speak to Kebineng.

Kebineng's doubts also largely disappeared. He set up camp near the Wei River while sending orders to the army in the rear to cross the river.

More than ten miles away.

The scouts relayed the intelligence that the Xianbei people had set up camp on the banks of the Wei River.

Liu Bei couldn't help but sneer: "These Xianbei people are really bold, they actually dared to cross the Wei River with their entire army."

Luring the Xianbei people deep into the area south of the Wei River was a crucial part of Liu Feng's plan.

to this end.

Liu Feng devised more than ten luring tactics.

Unexpectedly, the Xianbei people crossed the river after only using the first tactic.

This "courage" is truly astonishing.

Liu Feng also laughed: "The bolder the Xianbei are, the more advantageous it is for us. Since they've come all this way, let's finish them off in one battle."

As the Xianbei people set up camp on the south bank of the Wei River, opportunities for war also emerged.

At night.

Teams of archers crept up to the outside of the Xianbei camp and lay in ambush under the cover of night.

Subsequently.

A cavalry unit charged straight into the Xianbei camp, setting fires and shouting. The leader even shot an arrow into the commander's tent, scaring Kebineng half to death.

"Those Han dogs are despicable!"

Kebineng, who had narrowly escaped death, wiped the cold sweat from his back, his heart filled with nothing but rage.

"Chase! Chase!"

Kebineng refused to let the group of cavalrymen who came to raid the camp go, and immediately ordered the Xianbei elite cavalry in the army to assemble.

Upon hearing the news, Wu Ying rushed over and hurriedly advised, "Your Majesty, you must not pursue! This must be a trick by Liu Bei; there must be an ambush outside the camp!"

Kebineng shoved Wu Ying aside and scolded, "If you hadn't said that Cao Zhang had gone to attack Chang'an, would I have been on guard tonight? If I had listened to you, Liu Bei would have laughed at me tomorrow! If you dare to say another word, I'll kill you first!"

Seeing Kebineng personally leading his troops in pursuit, Wu Ying felt a chill creep up from the soles of his feet.

"Oh no! This must be Liu Bei's trick, deliberately luring the Xianbei across the river. If Kebineng falls into the ambush and is defeated, and with the Wei River blocking their way, wouldn't that be disastrous?"

The chill under Wu Ying's feet intensified.

A desperate battle with no way out?
Besides Han Xin, who else truly succeeded in a battle with their backs to the river?

Wu Ying was right this time.

When the enraged Kebineng led his Xianbei cavalry out of the camp, they were already trapped in Liu Feng's ambush of archers and crossbowmen.

"A piece of trash who can't even beat Tian Yu, what's he trying to emulate Sun Quan? 100,000 troops? They're nothing but 100,000 worthless chickens and dogs."

With Liu Feng's command.

Bows and crossbows fired in unison, their sharp arrows mercilessly piercing the oncoming Xianbei cavalry.

The darkness already made it extremely difficult to see, and now, with the ambush, the Xianbei cavalry were thrown into complete chaos.

Hearing the wails of agony around him, Kebineng's face turned deathly pale. (End of Chapter)