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

Now, they have suffered three defeats in three battles.

In terms of troop strength, the elite cavalry was defeated.

He was captured alive after a contest of individual martial prowess.

In terms of strategy, Wu Ying died.

Those who know the current affairs are handsome.

This is the sentence that impressed Kebineng the most during his learning of the Chinese language and script.

Looking at Kebineng, who was bowing his head, Liu Bei's smile was as gentle as a spring breeze: "I am not a man who likes to kill. If you sincerely submit, I will not treat you unfairly."

In contrast to Liu Bei's "benevolence," Liu Feng remained "ruthless": "He was forced to surrender, so he must not have been sincere. Father, you are too kind. It would be better to kill him and appoint a new Xianbei king."

Liu Bei lightly rebuked, "I have treated you with sincerity, how could Kebineng betray me? King of Yan, do not be suspicious!"

Kebineng's gaze lingered between Liu Bei and Liu Feng, and he hurriedly said, "Your Majesty is wise. Your subject Kebineng sincerely submits and has absolutely no disloyal intentions!"

"Hmph!" Liu Feng sneered, "Anyone can say nice things, but how can you prove that you are sincerely surrendering?"

In the past, Kebineng would have definitely launched an attack.

But now the situation is beyond his control, and Kebineng has no choice but to bow his head and submit.

After a moment's thought, Kebineng suggested, "Your Majesty, I can help you repel Cao Zhang's troops to show your sincere intention to submit."

Liu Feng suddenly burst into laughter, his laughter laced with sarcasm.

Kebineng asked in bewilderment, "Why is the King of Yan laughing?"

Liu Feng stopped laughing, glanced sideways at Kebineng, and said with disdain, "Cao Zhang is Cao Cao's most ferocious and skilled son, and he is no less than me."

In a single day and night, I defeated you three times. With your abilities, you could barely manage to become king in the southern desert, how dare you presume to repel Cao Zhang's army?

Don't you know shame?

Kebineng remained silent, a bitter feeling rising within him.

In one day and one night, he suffered three defeats, all at the hands of the same person. This completely shattered Kebineng's arrogance when he first marched south.

Liu Bei spoke up again to "save the situation": "King of Yan, you must not be rude! Since Kebineng is willing to submit, how can you mock him with your words? Although Cao Zhang is fierce and good at fighting, if Kebineng can take him by surprise, he may have a chance to defeat Cao Zhang."

Kebineng was overjoyed and immediately asked, "Your Majesty, please give me your guidance. I am willing to listen attentively."

Liu Bei stroked his short beard slightly and said, "In that case, I will give you a plan. Cao Zhang is currently confronting my Grand Marshal in Weinan. You can select elite troops to enter Cao Zhang's camp, wait for an opportunity to instigate internal strife, and coordinate with the Grand Marshal from within and without. We will surely be able to defeat Cao Zhang."

The voice just fell.

Liu Feng urgently objected: "No! If Ke Bi Neng joins forces with Cao Zhang, the Grand Marshal will be in danger. The Grand Marshal is already old and has many old injuries. If he is defeated by Cao Zhang, he will be depressed and his life will be in danger."

Kebineng, however, exclaimed, "Your Majesty, I will follow your plan. Why does the King of Yan doubt me?"

Liu Feng sneered and pointed at Yu Zhujian: "Leave Yu Zhujian as a hostage! If you follow the plan, Yu Zhujian can live; if you break your promise, I will kill Yu Zhujian as a sacrifice to the flag!"

Yu Zhujian was greatly alarmed: "King Yan, why are you keeping me as a hostage? Budugen can also be a hostage."

Bu Dugen's veins bulged: "Yu Zhujian, are you looking for death?"

Yu Zhujian glared back: "If I can be a hostage, why can't you? Are you unwilling?"

Budugen was both angry and anxious: "How do I know you won't use this for personal revenge? Your Highness, I request to go with Kebineng to keep an eye on him."

Kebineng was furious: "You think you're qualified to monitor me?"

Budugen snorted coldly: "That's still better than making me a hostage."

Watching the three argue, Liu Feng's laughter grew even colder: "Stop arguing. Yu Zhujian, you come back to camp with me. Kebineng and Budugen will discuss how to select elite troops to join Cao Zhang's camp."

Yu Zhujian suddenly felt that his life had lost its future.

However, Liu Feng's will could not be defied.

Although Liu Bei showed "trust" in Kebineng, he also agreed to Liu Feng's proposal.

Kebineng thought for a moment and assured Yu Zhujian, "Yu Zhujian, don't worry, you are my son-in-law, how could I harm you? You can stay in His Majesty's camp. Once I help His Majesty repel Cao Zhang's troops, I will definitely give you more gold and silver."

Seeing that Kebineng had said so.

Yu Zhujian had no choice but to obey.

Liu Bei then said, "I will give orders to the Grand Marshal to cooperate with you. Kebineng, I trust you. You must not betray me."

Kebineng quickly replied, "Your subject swears to serve Your Majesty to the death."

Budugen echoed, "Your Majesty, I am willing to die for you."

Liu Bei laughed loudly: "King of Yan, you are really overthinking it."

Liu Feng sneered: "Cao Zhang has not yet retired; Father Emperor is speaking too soon."

After a while.

Liu Bei and his son left the Xianbei camp with Yu Zhujian.

With the crisis resolved, both Kebineng and Budugen breathed a sigh of relief.

However, the two men were not as subservient to Liu Bei as they appeared; each had their own thoughts.

Inside the Han army camp.

Yu Zhujian looked dejected; he was clearly not feeling well.

"Yu Zhujian, don't worry. As long as Kebineng has no disloyal intentions, I will not kill you." Liu Feng ordered someone to bring wine and food and share them with Yu Zhujian.

Yu Zhujian said dejectedly, "Your Majesty, I do not trust Budugen. This man is on good terms with Cao Pi. If Budugen informs Cao Zhang, Your Majesty's plan may be exposed by Cao Zhang."

Upon hearing this, Liu Bei reassured him, "Yuzhujian, don't worry. If Budugen had informed Cao Zhang, would I have blamed you?"

Yu Zhujian was not pleased by Liu Bei's words; on the contrary, his sorrow deepened.

Liu Feng noticed something amiss: "Yu Zhujian, judging from your expression, are you perhaps worried that Kebineng might also change his mind?"

Yu Zhujian hesitated, as if he wanted to say something but then stopped.

Kebineng was not a loyal and righteous person.

Yu Zhujian, as the son-in-law, was well aware of this.

In order to become the new ruler of the grasslands and roam freely in the southern desert like Tan Shihuai in the past, Kebineng can submit to anyone, but he will not have any loyalty to anyone.

In other words, Kebin only cares about himself.

Although Yu Zhujian didn't say it explicitly, Liu Feng could guess most of it from his reaction.

"Yu Zhujian, do you know why I'm making you a hostage?" Liu Feng's tone softened.

Yu Zhujian looked puzzled: "I don't know."

Liu Feng came to Yu Zhujian's seat, poured him a bowl of wine, and said, "Both Budugen and Kebineng are getting old."

As people age, their obsessions deepen, and they are unlikely to change the status quo easily. I do not trust Budugen or Kebineng, and I do not believe that the two of them will sincerely follow Father's plan.

But you, Yu Zhujian, are different. You are still young, and I admire your boldness. I keep you as a hostage not to kill you, but to build a future together with you for the Han and the Xianbei.

Yu Zhujian was alarmed: "Forgive my ignorance, but I do not understand what the Prince of Yan means by these words?"

Liu Feng sighed, "When will this cycle of revenge end? Too many people have died since the end of the Former Han Dynasty. I only wish to end this chaotic world as soon as possible, so that the people can live a peaceful and prosperous life."

As a magnanimous man of the Xianbei people, you must share the same thoughts as me, hoping that all Xianbei people can live a peaceful and prosperous life.

To live a stable and prosperous life, one must create it with one's own hands rather than by plundering others. The Han and Xianbei could actually exchange goods and live in harmony.

"

Liu Feng patiently guided Yu Zhujian, painting a beautiful picture of a harmonious future for them.

In Liu Feng's vision of a bright future, the Xianbei people would be able to sing and dance, farm and herd livestock, and accept the reforms of Han culture while preserving their original customs. They would transform from the ferocious jackals in the eyes of the Han people into friends on the grasslands, and eventually become subjects of the Han Dynasty.

Liu Feng's storytelling was vivid and interesting, which amazed and impressed Yu Zhujian.

With the added stimulation of alcohol, Yu Zhujian's dejected spirit gradually began to stir again.

On scheming.

Yu Zhujian was considered quite good among the Xianbei people.

But compared to Liu Feng, they are worlds apart.

Although Zhuge Liang advised Liu Feng that he could defeat Kebineng but not kill him, after capturing and releasing Kebineng three times, Liu Feng realized that Kebineng was not someone who would willingly submit.

It just so happened.

Liu Feng also discovered that Kebineng's son-in-law, Yu Zhujian, was a talented individual.

Thus, the idea arose to have Yu Zhujian replace Kebineng.

The Han's agents in the Xianbei needed to be in line with the interests of the Han, but Kebineng did not.

Liu Bei, on the other hand, understood Liu Feng's intentions and, from the moment he entered Kebineng's tent, consistently played the role of a "good guy," forming a stark contrast with Liu Feng.

This was actually a deliberate attempt to give Kebineng an excuse to surrender and then rebel again, such as "It is not that I, Kebineng, have failed His Majesty of the Han Dynasty, but that His Majesty of the Han Dynasty is old and that the King of Yan has many grievances against me. I am only trying to protect myself," and so on.

Once people have an excuse, they dare to take risks.

Liu Feng kept urging him to drink, and Yu Zhujian got completely drunk.

Under Liu Feng's deliberate guidance, Yu Zhujian even revealed how many women and sons Kebineng had in Mo Nan.

Liu Feng then ordered that Yu Zhujian be taken good care of before meeting with Liu Bei to discuss the matter.

“Although Yu Zhujian is not as brave or capable as Kebineng and Budugen, he is easier to control. As long as Kebineng and Budugen die in a reasonable way, and then Yu Zhujian is helped to seize power, Father can use the Xianbei people to raise the flag of the Han Dynasty in Bingzhou.” Liu Feng slowly revealed the plan.

Liu Bei's tone was worried: "The Xianbei people have different customs from the Han people. Raising tigers can easily lead to trouble. We cannot underestimate them."

Liu Feng dismissed the issue, saying, "Since ancient times, the root cause of border troubles has been the corruption and misbehavior of the court. Although raising tigers can easily lead to trouble, as long as the person raising the tigers is powerful enough and uses both kindness and severity appropriately, there is no need to fear the tiger threat."

If it's just about killing, the Xianbei people can't be wiped out.

There are too many ethnic groups on the grassland.

For example, after the Xiongnu were wiped out, the Xianbei people replaced them as the new border threat.

If the Xianbei people are all killed, other nomadic groups from the grasslands will replace them and become a new threat to the borders.

Given the current level of productivity and technology of the Han Dynasty, it is not yet possible to bring the entire northern grassland under its control. Relying on killing to eliminate border troubles is unrealistic.

Throughout history, many dynasties have used similar methods, such as setting up "protective captains," to control the people. Even Li Shimin, who was known as the Heavenly Khan, used both kindness and power to subdue the barbarians.

The same applies to Liu Feng.

As for raising a tiger to cause trouble?

Liu Feng believed more in Gu Yanwu's saying: "Those who protect the country are the rulers and ministers who eat the meat (the people who enjoy the fruits of power) who plan for it. If they cannot plan for it, then the change of regime and being replaced is the will of Heaven, so there is no point in complaining about being wronged."

For example, a regime that directly caused the Five Barbarian Invasions was cursed for thousands of years, which is its own fault.

Since the saying "Are kings and nobles born with a special destiny?" became popular, the possibility of a dynasty lasting for ten thousand generations has basically disappeared. If you don't have the ability, don't hold a position without doing anything.

If a country cannot be saved, its rulers and ministers, who hold positions of power, should reflect on their own problems rather than blame the people.

For ordinary people, what they are protecting is the prosperity or extinction of the nation's culture and its people, not a corrupt regime.

Liu Bei actually disliked the Xianbei people.

Born in Youzhou, Liu Bei was influenced by border troubles from a young age, so his ideas naturally differed slightly from Liu Feng's.

but.

Liu Bei did not interfere with Liu Feng's decision.

Liu Bei was already over sixty years old.

Cao Cao also entered his coffin at this age.

The future must eventually be handed over to Liu Feng and Liu Shan's generation.

Liu Bei was initially worried that Liu Feng's support of Yu Zhujian was like raising a tiger to cause trouble, but after listening to Liu Feng's analysis of the root causes of the border troubles, Liu Bei put his worries aside.

With Liu Feng in charge, the Xianbei were under his control.

As for whether the Xianbei could be brought under control after Liu Feng's death, Liu Bei couldn't worry about that for too long.

After careful discussion with Liu Feng, the messenger took the secret letter to Weinan.

Whether it was Kebineng or Budugen, they were just two pieces sacrificed on Liu Feng's chessboard.

However, neither of them knew Liu Feng's true intentions and were still harboring their own ulterior motives.

Although Budugen outwardly submitted to Liu Bei, he inwardly feared Cao Pi.

Ever since.

Before heading to make things difficult for Cao Zhang's camp, Budugen sent a secret letter to Cao Zhang in advance, claiming that "Kebineng has surrendered to Liu Bei and killed Wu Ying, the Attendant Gentleman of the Palace."

Upon seeing Budugen's secret letter, Cao Zhang's reaction did not change much; instead, it became more sarcastic: "Wu Zhi, a commoner, became a Zhenwei General by currying favor with the powerful, and even the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat looks down on him; now he sends his incompetent son to advise Kebineng, and he really thinks he is a talent fit to be a king's advisor."

about.

Guo Huai, You Chu, Yang Qiu, Fei Yao, Hu Zun, Zhou Tai, Dai Ling, Hao Zhao, and other civil and military officials stood solemnly.

These were the backbone of Cao Wei's civil and military forces in Yong and Liang.

They gathered under Cao Zhang's command after losing Yongliang, hoping to avenge their previous defeat.

Among these people, some were loyal to Cao Zhang, while others were only loyal to the Cao Wei emperor.

Cao Zhang did not deliberately try to win over or divide the faction.

For Cao Zhang, winning over and dividing others was a cunning tactic that only Cao Pi would employ.

As Cao Cao's most capable son, Cao Zhang preferred to use victories to subdue Guo Huai and other civil and military officials.

As long as he can win battles, Cao Zhang will earn the respect of Guo Huai and others.

“Budugen has always been friendly to the Great Wei. General Zhengxi can use kind words to appease Budugen’s envoy and put his mind at ease.”

As for Kebineng.

snort!
Taking advantage of the conflict between the Great Wei and the pseudo-Han, this person recklessly annexed large and small tribes in the southern desert, and even attacked Budugen, Suli and others without cause, attempting to emulate the former Tanshihuai.

Now he has betrayed the Great Wei, secretly defected to Liu Bei, and even plotted to help Liu Bei harm us. This traitor must not be allowed to live!

You Chu was the first to express his opinion.

For such a fickle Xianbei king, killing him is the best solution.

The civil and military officials also echoed this sentiment.

Guo Huai then added, "Liu Bei thinks he has succeeded in his plan and will surely send Guan Yu from Weinan to provide support. Although Guan Yu is brave, he is now old."

If we could seize the opportunity to capture and kill Guan Yu, we could not only avenge the capture of the former general, but also cause Liu Bei to fall ill from grief.

If Liu Bei also dies, the puppet Han dynasty will surely be in turmoil, and that will be the time for the General Who Conquers the West to recover Yong and Liang.

Cao Zhang toyed with the short dagger in his hand, his eyes filled with disdain: "Guan Yu is just an old scoundrel. I've wanted to take his head for a long time. Liu Bei dared to use Kebineng to trick me; Guan Yu deserves to die."

immediately.

Cao Zhang comforted Budugen's envoy and instructed him to report back to Budugen, saying: As long as Budugen is loyal to the Great Wei, the death of Wu Ying is not enough to convict Budugen.

Budugen was secretly delighted to receive Cao Zhang's promise, but on the surface he pretended to be worried and even advised Kebineng: "Now that Han and Wei are fighting, we are caught in the middle. We may be coerced by Wei or Han. It would be better to return to the south of the desert."

Seeing Budugen's cowardly and timid appearance, Kebineng couldn't help but sneer: "Budugen, are you regretting it? Don't forget, you swore an oath before Liu Bei."

Upon hearing Kebineng address Liu Bei by his given name, Budugen was surprised and asked, "Kebineng, didn't you say you would swear allegiance to His Majesty? How can you be so disrespectful?"

Kebineng said disdainfully, "Budugen, what I despise most about you is your cowardly appearance; you submitted to Cao Pi, you submitted to Liu Bei, and now you don't even dare to call Liu Bei by his name?"

Budugen tentatively asked, "Since you are not truly submitting to the emperor, why did you go to see Cao Zhang?"

Kebineng sneered: "Without going to see Cao Zhang, how can you and I possibly conquer Chang'an with our combined strength?"

Budugen harbored doubts and dared not fully believe Kebineng's words.

Just as Budugen suspected, Kebineng was also testing whether Budugen was truly loyal to Liu Bei.

Whether he submitted to Cao Pi or Liu Bei, it was not something Kebineng did willingly.

They are lying low now, only waiting for an opportunity to retaliate.

Kebineng's favorite story to hear from the Han people was that of King Goujian of Yue enduring hardship and humiliation to conquer Wu.

As long as we ultimately succeed, it doesn't matter who we submit to along the way.

fickle?

I, Kebineng, am not a Han Chinese, so why should I follow the rules of the Han Chinese?
Each with their own thoughts, the two led their troops to the outside of Cao Zhang's camp.

Cao Zhang personally went out of the camp to greet Kebineng, feigning a welcome to his arrival.

Kebineng remained silent about the defeat, only claiming that the Xianbei people were not good at attacking cities and that he was willing to follow Cao Zhang's command.

In this regard.

Cao Zhang feigned compliance and even held a grand banquet in the camp to welcome Kebineng's arrival.

Simultaneously.

Cao Zhang then ordered Guo Huai to find Budugen while he was using the restroom and question him in detail.

Budugen then told Guo Huai in detail about Kebineng's three defeats in three battles, while omitting Kebineng's disrespectful words to Liu Bei on the way there, only saying that Kebineng's son-in-law Yuzhujian was now a hostage in Liu Bei's camp.

Kebineng killed Fuluohan when he made an oath with Budugen's brother Fuluohan. Whether it was for revenge or for his own immediate interests, Budugen only wanted to kick him while he was down.

It's best to strike first, otherwise Budugen doesn't know when Kebineng might turn on him.

really.

Upon hearing that Kebineng had suffered three defeats in three battles and that Yu Zhujian had been taken hostage, Guo Huai harbored murderous intent towards Kebineng.

Liu Bei captured and released Ke Bi Neng three times, clearly indicating his intention to recruit him for his own use.

Kebineng has always been ambitious, and this time he was only lured south by the promise of profit.

Furthermore, with most of Kebineng's elite troops wiped out, supporting Budugen, who was pro-Wei, was clearly more beneficial to Cao Wei.

After weighing all factors, a dead Kebineng was more in line with the interests of Cao Wei.

Subsequently.

Guo Huai entered the tent again and made a gesture to Cao Zhang.

Cao Zhang pretended to get up and offer Ke Bineng a toast, then, to Ke Bineng's astonishment, he pressed Ke Bineng down onto the table.

"You bastard Kebineng, how dare you secretly defect to Liu Bei and plot to harm me!" Cao Zhang was already incredibly strong, and this sudden attack left Kebineng with no chance to struggle.

Kebineng was shocked. When he saw Guo Huai and Budugen enter the tent together, he immediately understood what had happened: "General Zhengxi, Budugen must be settling a personal score and deliberately trying to harm me!"

Guo Huai sneered: "You're saying Bu Dugen deliberately harmed you? Then I'd like to ask you, how were you captured and released three times by Liu Feng, and how did you manage to make your son-in-law Yu Zhujian a hostage?"

Kebineng was furious: "Budugen, you shameless! Don't forget, you killed Wu Ying! Do you think Wu Zhi will let you off the hook?"

Budugen said bitterly, "That was Liu Feng pretending to dance with me with his sword, taking the opportunity to use me to kill Wu Ying."

Kebineng sneered: "Do you think Wu Zhi would believe that?"

No sooner had he finished speaking than Cao Zhang made a promise to Budugen: "What difference does it make whether Wu Zhi believes me or not? Budugen, you have done a great job! From now on, the Xianbei will no longer have Kebineng. The people and land in southern Gobi under Kebineng's rule are all yours!"

Budugen was overjoyed: "Thank you for your protection, General Zhengxi! Kebineng killed my elder brother Fuluohan. May I kill Kebineng myself?"

Cao Zhang laughed loudly: "Of course! You deserve it!"

Kebineng was horrified: "Budugen, if you dare kill me, Yuzhujian will avenge me!"

Budugen sneered: "Yu Zhujian? Heh, after I kill you, I'll impersonate you and help General Zhengxi capture and kill Guan Yu. Do you think Yu Zhujian will still have a chance to live?"

Kebineng was even more horrified.

At this moment, Budugen was no longer willing to listen to Kebineng's nonsense and killed Kebineng with a single stroke.

Poor Kebineng, thinking he had outsmarted the Han and Wei dynasties, didn't realize that neither Han nor Wei took him seriously.

Seeing that Budugen had killed Kebineng, Cao Zhang's suspicions about Budugen disappeared.

"Budugen, you did a great job!" Cao Zhang praised without reservation.

Budugen, on the other hand, was humble and grateful to Cao Zhang for giving him the opportunity to take revenge himself.

Cao Zhang then asked Budugen for information related to Liu Feng.

Budugen's tone was noticeably more fearful: "General Zhengxi, although I hate Kebineng, I also admit that Kebineng is brave and skilled in battle among the Xianbei people."

However, facing Liu Feng, Kebineng suffered three consecutive defeats in a single day and night. Not only were several thousand elite cavalrymen killed by arrows, but Kebineng himself was also captured alive by Liu Feng after his camp was raided, and even his feigned surrender was easily seen through.

Hearing Budugen's fear of Liu Feng, Cao Zhang's expression turned cold: "That's because Liu Feng hasn't met me yet. Once I've dealt with Guan Yu, I'll go and meet Liu Feng. I will definitely kill Liu Feng to avenge my father's death."

Yang Qiu and Fei Yao, listen to my command: you two must immediately go and assist Budugen in taking control of Kebineng's troops. Budugen, send someone to find Guan Yu and tell him that "Kebineng is currently engaged in a great battle with me, luring Guan Yu's army out of the city."

Zhou Tai and Hao Zhao, listen to my command: you two will lead an army to ambush the west side of Weinan City. After Guan Yu leaves, seize the city.

"

Cao Zhang swiftly issued orders, each one executed with practiced ease, and the unwavering confidence in his eyes stirred the hearts of all the civil and military officials. (End of Chapter)