Han officials

Chapter 326 The Younger Generation is Truly Formidable [4K]

"What? A marriage alliance?"

Wan County, the prefectural seat of Nanyang.

Cao Zhang looked utterly shocked, and interestingly, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and the others were also completely astonished.

The two sides, who were just about to fight each other, now seemed to be on the same side.

Unfortunately, this was just an illusion.

Cao Zhang, Xiahou Heng, Xiahou Chong, and the others quickly looked at the old man Liu Bei with disdain.

That's right, that's how they viewed Liu Bei.

It should be noted that the marriage partner mentioned by Shi Sunrui is Cao Cao's eldest daughter, Cao Zhen, who is only thirteen years old this year.

Compared to him, Liu Bei, at thirty-five, could indeed be considered an old fool.

But when Cao Zhang and the others looked at Cao Ang, he nodded expressionlessly.

Seeing this, no matter how unbelievable it was, they had no choice but to accept the reality.

It should be noted that Cao Zhen was Cao Ang's younger sister. Due to the early death of their mother, Liu, the two siblings had always had a deep bond.

Even Cao Ang has given his approval to this marriage, so it's a done deal.

Thinking of this, Cao Zhang, Xiahou Chong, and the others fell silent, their feelings a mixture of emotions.

On the other side, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and the others were in no better shape, their brows furrowed.

After all, they had fought many battles with Cao Cao's army back in Yanzhou, and even nearly died in the end when Cao Cao was chasing them. They barely escaped to Jingzhou and took refuge under Liu Biao's command.

Having had such a conflict, Liu Bei's generals and officers naturally wouldn't have any goodwill towards Cao Cao's army.

In an instant, the once bustling lobby fell silent, with everyone drinking alone in silence.

Seeing this, Liu Bei and Shi Sunrui, who were at the head of the table, also had mixed feelings.

But in any case, the tense atmosphere had finally dissipated, which relieved them. Cao Ang felt the same way.

Indeed, he looked down on Liu Bei, but Cao Ang was even less willing to fight Liu Bei at this time.

It wasn't that they were afraid of Liu Bei and others, but rather that the timing was wrong.

If the two families were to fight in this city today, they would likely only end up dying together.

It was precisely because he realized this that Shi Sunrui immediately agreed when Guo Jia proposed the idea of ​​a marriage alliance.

There was nothing they could do; their situations were too complicated, and the surrounding environment was too harsh!
Therefore, Shi Sunrui had no choice but to agree.

Otherwise, it will be a bloody battle, resulting in mutual destruction and the loss of families.

If they don't want to die together, then they must establish a foundation of trust.

Therefore, marriage became the only option.

Because apart from this plan, there is no other way for the two armies to coexist peacefully.

Honestly, if any one of them had arrived late today, the situation wouldn't be this complicated.

Unfortunately, both sides arrived at Wancheng at the same time and breached the city almost simultaneously.

All of these factors combined have pushed the situation into an extremely dangerous predicament.

Fortunately, Guo Jia was able to come up with this solution in the blink of an eye; otherwise, things would have been very difficult to handle today.

Of course, Liu Bei didn't initially intend to marry a young woman, especially the daughter of Cao Cao, his former nemesis.

The problem is that Liu Bei has been on the battlefield for many years and still has no children.

In this way, Shi Sunmeng would naturally be unable to marry Liu Bei's daughter.

Shi Sunrui had no daughter, and not even a woman from his clan, so he naturally could not arrange a marriage between himself and Liu Bei.

Lü Bu did have a daughter, but she married Cao Zhang recently.

However, even though Lü Bu's daughter was still unmarried, she was not actually qualified.

In comparison, Cao's daughter naturally became the only option.

Although the two families have a long history of grudges, they are not blood feuds, so it would be reasonable for them to arrange a marriage.

Furthermore, the marriage alliance between Cao Cao and Liu Bei would also eliminate the biggest destabilizing factor in the alliance.

After all, even the Cao family recognized Liu Bei as an ally, so what could anyone else say?

Cao Ang didn't understand the reasoning at first, but after Shi Sunrui explained it to him in detail, Cao Ang gritted his teeth and agreed, even though the person he was to marry was his own sister.

It's a helpless situation, but there are many helpless things in chaotic times.

Now that they don't want to die together, they have no choice but to join forces against the enemy.

And so, Liu Bei and the Shi and Sun families spent a sleepless night in Wancheng.

……

The next morning.

With the help of Guo Jia, Zao Di, and others, a hasty wedding began.

The unprepared young girl, Cao Zhen, was thus bewildered into marrying a man old enough to be her father.

Liu Bei felt no excitement about marrying his beautiful wife; all he felt was helplessness.

Fortunately, Liu Bei's acting skills were quite good. On the surface, he seemed quite happy, even putting his arm around Cao Ang's shoulder, exchanging toasts, and seemingly letting bygones be bygones.

Finally, seeing Liu Bei passed out drunk at the banquet, the Cao family generals felt much better.

Seeing this, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei were naturally not satisfied and immediately stepped forward to take their elder brother's place and drink with Cao Cao's men, which finally made the wedding banquet atmosphere a bit more proper.

Seeing this, Shi Sunrui did not stop him, and even stroked his beard and laughed.

After all, drinking contests are better than risking your life; once you're having a good time at the table, everything else is easier to discuss.

Meanwhile, Liu Bei, who had been helped to the backyard, suddenly opened his eyes, which showed no signs of drunkenness.

He didn't even bother with the bride in the room, and hurried to the neighboring courtyard.

At the same time, Cao Ang had just stepped into this place.

……

Before Zhang Liao crossed the river, the distinction between the primary and secondary forces of the Han army in Luoyang was actually quite clear.

The early Han army in Luoyang, controlled by Shi Sunrui, maintained a dominant position, both militarily and in domestic affairs, because the value of the Governor of Henan was far greater than that of Yingchuan Commandery.

However, after Zhang Liao broke through the pass in half a month and entered Luoyang, Shi Sunrui's faction suffered a great loss of strength.

Conversely, the Cao family, who used Yingchuan Commandery as their retreat route, preserved more of their strength.

Therefore, the balance of power between the two sides has quietly shifted within the Han army in Luoyang.

Although it was never explicitly stated, the situation was in fact one where Cao Cao was the main figure and Shi Sunrui was the secondary figure.

This has nothing to do with people's hearts; it's purely due to strength.

Similarly, Cao Ang and Liu Bei were able to sit down and negotiate because of their respective strengths.

After all, the marriage alliance between Liu and Cao is only the first step; the specifics of their cooperation still need further discussion between the two.

For example, the ownership of Wancheng.

Another example is who should be the leader of the alliance.

In other words, who should be the nominal master of Nanyang Prefecture?

In fact, they only discuss these kinds of issues because they already have a foundation for cooperation.

Otherwise, even if the other party had been willing to promise various conditions, neither Cao Ang nor Liu Bei would have believed it.

Even so, the negotiations between the two were still very difficult.

Other cities are easier to deal with; the decision can be based on the actual territory occupied.

Only Wancheng is divided in half between the two sides, making it difficult to choose which to give up.

Therefore, Cao Ang proposed to give half of Wancheng as dowry to his younger sister Cao Zhen. In this way, Wancheng was officially transferred to Liu Bei.

But before Liu Bei could be happy, Cao Ang asked Liu Bei to let him stay in Wancheng.

Under Cao Ang's combination of persuasion and pressure, Liu Bei was truly at a loss for how to respond.

But Liu Bei didn't waste these years.

After silently marveling at how formidable the younger generation was, Liu Bei quickly devised a plan.

He didn't dwell on the topic of Wancheng, but instead turned to the question of the ownership of Nanyang Prefecture.

For example, who should be the nominal "Lord of Nanyang"?
Instead of discussing his own situation, Liu Bei first helped Cao Ang analyze the problems they would face.

First of all, the Han army in Luoyang was new to the area, and everything needed to be started from scratch.

Putting aside everything else, how to gain Liu Biao's trust was a problem for Cao Ang and others.

Even if Cao Ang and the others could do it, it would probably take them some time.

In contrast, he had been in Jingzhou for several years and had established a strong foothold there.

Whether it was Liu Biao or the civil and military officials of Jingzhou, they all had at least some understanding of Liu Bei.

In this situation, it would obviously be more convenient to deal with Xiangyang by putting Liu Bei in the open.

It must be admitted that Liu Bei was quite eloquent.

After listening to his analysis, Cao Ang thought for a moment and actually nodded.

After much deliberation, Cao Ang chose to prioritize tangible benefits over empty fame.

He borrowed Wancheng, and in return, the title of Prefect of Nanyang was given to Liu Bei.

Faced with this outcome, Liu Bei, though somewhat disappointed, still nodded in agreement.

Compared to yesterday's mutual slaughter and eventual mutual destruction, this result is already quite good for him.

……

Regardless of how the two companies internally feel about this outcome.

It was several days later when Liu Biao in Xiangyang received Liu Bei's letter.

In the main hall, the officials and military officers of Jingzhou were greatly surprised when they learned that Liu Bei had actually recovered Nanyang.

Just ten days ago, they were worried about the invasion of Yuan's army in Nanyang, and even felt fortunate to have Liu Bei as a shield.

Now the situation has suddenly reversed, and many people even think that Liu Bei is lying about military intelligence.

Only after confirming numerous details with the messenger did they have to admit the reality.

For a moment, everyone's feelings were incredibly complicated.

Some were happy, some were envious, and some were jealous.

Even Liu Biao, who sat at the head of the table, did not look particularly happy.

Although Liu Bei stated in his letter that he had reclaimed Nanyang Commandery from Yuan Shu on Liu Biao's behalf, and that the people of Nanyang would still obey his orders as the Duke of Chu, Liu Biao knew in his heart that this was nothing more than a facade.

Liu Bei had been the governor of Yan Province before, and once he took control of Nanyang Commandery, he certainly wouldn't give it up easily.

Thinking of this, Liu Biao did not express his opinion, but simply said:

"Now that things have come to this, what do you think should be done?"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Yun immediately frowned and said:
"Your Majesty, I believe that Liu Bei is a wolf with ambitions. We should recall him immediately and find a better general to guard Nanyang. Otherwise, once he gains power, he will surely become a great threat to Xiangyang!"

These words drew cheers and applause, with many nodding in agreement.

However, the senior officials of Jingzhou who were ranked higher all frowned and shook their heads slightly.

The logic is simple—you can't call them back, you can't take them away!

As long as Liu Bei is unwilling, there is no way that Xiangyang can easily take Nanyang County from him.

If Zhang Yun's plan is followed, then in the end, war will be inevitable.

This was a situation that none of them wanted to see, not even Liu Biao.

Because no one could guarantee that Liu Bei wouldn't defect to Wei and bring war to Jingzhou.

Liu Biao neither wanted to gamble nor dared to gamble.

After all, Liu Bei and Wei Zhe met when they were both in humble circumstances, so if Wei Zhe were willing to surrender, he would certainly be treated well.

Therefore, Liu Biao did not comment on Zhang Yun's words.

Seeing this, Kuai Liang slowly stepped forward and solemnly said:

"Your Highness, this is a cause for great joy, and I should congratulate you. With such assistance, Xiangyang will have no worries to the north!"

"Your Highness should immediately bestow upon him the seal and appoint Liu Xuande as the Prefect of Nanyang. In this way, Jingzhou will be at peace."

It can be said that Kuai Liang's ideas and Zhang Yun's suggestions were completely opposite.

Even Liu Biao was somewhat displeased upon hearing this.

However, Liu Biao suppressed his emotions and patiently asked, "What do you mean by that?"

Upon hearing this, Kuai Liang smiled slightly and immediately explained in detail:

"Although Yuan's army has left, the ferocity of Wei's army is even greater than that of Yuan's army."

"Now that the provinces of Henan and Yingchuan have been occupied by the Wei army, we will inevitably have to deal with them in the future."

"With Liu Bei around, our army will have some room to maneuver in the future."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Yun immediately objected:
"Zirou's words are far too naive. Don't you know the principle of raising a tiger to cause trouble?"

Upon hearing this, Kuai Liang calmly stroked his beard and smiled, saying:
"Liu Xuande came here at the end of his rope, and it was only because of Your Highness that his life was spared. This is a great favor."

"Furthermore, without the support of the government, how could Liu Xuande have gained a foothold in Xinye, let alone prepared his troops to defeat Yuan's army and seize Nanyang?"

"Now that this person is willing to submit, let's accept him. He can serve as a bulwark for the north."

"If Liu Xuande dares to plot against Your Highness in the future, it would be repaying kindness with enmity."

"How can such a disloyal and unjust person have the face to stand in the world in the future?"

Upon hearing Kuai Liang's words, Liu Biao, who was sitting at the head of the table, finally showed a hint of satisfaction.

In fact, he knew that Liu Bei was no ordinary person, so he was always on guard.

He just didn't expect that despite all his precautions, Liu Bei would still find an opportunity to rise again.

Although Nanyang Commandery has been ravaged by Yuan Shu and is no longer what it used to be, as the hometown of Emperor Guangwu, its title of "Number One Commandery in the World" is not just for show.

The population of Nanyang County once reached 2.43 million. Even though the people have been scattered and more than half of the population has been lost, there are still more than 1 million people.

With this prefecture in hand, Liu Bei would have the resources to re-enter the game.

Faced with such an outcome, Liu Biao was naturally worried.

However, Kuai Liang's words enlightened Liu Biao, and he began to re-evaluate the pros and cons.

Admittedly, Liu Bei is indeed a potential threat, but the risk of him turning against him doesn't seem to be that great.

At least while Liu Biao was alive, there was absolutely no possibility that Liu Bei would turn against Xiangyang.

This is related to Liu Bei's style of doing things.

Whether he is a hypocrite or not, his reputation is the foundation of his standing.

If Liu Bei repays Liu Biao's kindness with enmity, the backlash he will suffer will be unprecedented.

After figuring out the key to the matter, Liu Biao's worries finally disappeared.

Without further hesitation, he smiled and said:
"In that case, let Xuande be appointed as the Prefect of Nanyang."

"As fellow members of the Han imperial family, we should support each other. I am older, so I will lend him a hand!"

It can only be said that Liu Biao truly lived up to his reputation; no matter what he did, he was unwilling to give up even a little bit of empty fame.

(End of this chapter)