Northern Prefecture Rivers and Mountains

Chapter 266 Fate

"Qinghe Cui family?"

The Cui clan of Qinghe and the Lu clan of Fanyang are both among the most prominent clans in Hebei, producing many talented individuals.

However, his integrity was also shattered. He first followed Liu Kun to resist the Xiongnu, but was later defeated by Shi Le. He reluctantly surrendered to the Jie Zhao. After the Jie Zhao was destroyed, he served in the Former Yan. After the Former Yan was destroyed, he went to the Former Qin, Zhai Liao, and Murong Chui.

Now he has transformed himself and is following Tuoba Gui again.

Compared to Xin Gongjing, the Cui family of Qinghe is truly a complicated case.

When the Cui family of Qinghe was mentioned, a trace of shame flashed across Cui Hong's eyes. He was also self-aware, saying, "In this chaotic world, we drift like duckweed, barely surviving. Our ancestors have been disgraced."

"I have already recovered Huatai. Given time, I will surely be able to launch a northern expedition and restore the Central Plains. The barbarians are killing each other, and the rise and fall of dynasties can happen in an instant. You might as well stay and work with me to recover the Central Plains."

Liu Daogui extended a sincere invitation.

We are currently lacking in capable administrators. Although the gentry may have compromised their integrity, their talents are undeniable.

On the other hand, Liu Daogui also wanted the support of the Cui family of Qinghe.

Regardless of whether it is in the North or the South, it cannot be separated from the gentry.

The same applies to Liu Yuan, Shi Le, Shi Hu, Murong Hui, Murong Huang, and Fu Jian in those days.

Cui Hong's gaze softened considerably as he stared at Liu Daogui, his eyes filled with a sense of desolation. "Since the Yongjia era, the Southern Dynasties have launched numerous northern expeditions, but which one has ever succeeded? Our ancestors placed great hopes on the court, but unfortunately, the Sima clan had no intention of restoring the Central Plains. Although you, General, possess great talent and ambition, it is a pity that you come from humble origins, are weak and isolated, and have a shallow foundation. With powerful states like Wei, Qin, and Yan in front and the Jin dynasty behind, you are powerless. In my opinion, General, it would be better to manage Pengcheng and establish a foothold in the Huai and Si regions. If there is any change in Jiangzuo, you could achieve what Huan Wen did. If not, then carefully manage the situation. After three generations, the Liu family of Pengcheng can become a prominent family. This is destiny."

What he said was not wrong.

With Liu Daogui's current power, his attempt to restore the Central Plains is nothing short of a pipe dream.

Once the north is stabilized, the central plains south of the Yellow River will be the first to be hit.

Neither the rulers of Wei nor Qin were ordinary men. One was blessed with divine mandate and overthrew the once-powerful Wei state within two or three years; the other diligently governed Guanzhong.

This is the typical mindset and perspective of the aristocratic class; at best, Liu Daogui would only become another Huan Wen.

Liu Daogui laughed, "I thought you had some brilliant insights, but I didn't expect you to spout such pedantic nonsense. You keep talking about fate, but do you know that I, a humble man, have managed to traverse two states in just a few years? That is the greatest fortune of all. Heaven is unpredictable, and human effort is the key. Didn't the Hu people grovel at the feet of the Han and Wei dynasties back then? They are only in power for a short time now. Let's see who will ultimately rule the land in the future!"

Restoring China was not the wish of any one person, but the common aspiration of millions of people under his command.

Liu Daogui always believed that the men of China on this land still had blood in their veins and were willing to launch a northern expedition to reclaim their former land and homeland.

To some extent, both the northern and southern gentry were equally weak.

In the south, people live a life of decadence and debauchery; in the north, they wag their tails and beg for mercy.

But the dramatic changes of the times have given rise to a new force, and Liu Daogui is one of the representatives of this force!

Cui Hong was dumbfounded.

The soldiers and officers around them were all excited.

“Those who walk different paths cannot make plans together. You may return now. I agree to the alliance between our two families.” Liu Daogui was disappointed in this man.

The two countries are at war without cutting off the envoys.

Now that Liu Daogui needs to maintain stability in the north, it is even more impossible for him to detain this person.

It wouldn't hurt to let him go back.

Cui Hongdao said, "Everyone in the world is concerned with their own interests, so why does the general go against the will of Heaven? Are you not afraid of being crushed to pieces?"

"A true man has things he will do and things he will not do; though there be thousands of people against him, I will go!"

Liu Daogui started his career with the Northern Expedition and has come this far. He cannot give up halfway. The Northern Expedition is the greatest destiny he has been born for!

Huan Wen understood this point back then, rising from a minor aristocratic family to become a prominent clan in Jiangzuo. However, he was, after all, an aristocratic family and could not escape his own limitations, ultimately choosing his own lineage...

Cui Hong paused for a moment, then lowered his head, avoiding eye contact, bowed deeply, and said, "Farewell, I must go to Jiankang to deliver my credentials..."

"I won't see you off any further!" Liu Daogui waved his hand.

Cui Hong slowly withdrew from the hall.

Liu Zun said, "Are we just going to let him go like that?"

"Otherwise what? His family is all in Hebei. Even if we force him to stay, he won't work for us."

The State of Wei will not weaken because of the loss of Cui Hong.

Tuoba Gui sent him to establish good relations with him and to build diplomatic ties with the Jin dynasty. His ability to govern the country and his vision were far superior to Murong Chui's.

The Wei Kingdom does indeed need to recuperate right now, and their current enemy is not Liu Daogui, nor is Liu Daogui's enemy them. It's a win-win situation for both sides...

Jiankang.

Although Liu Laozhi remained inactive in Shanyin, Liu Yu stepped forward and repeatedly defeated Sun En, turning the tide for Jiangzuo.

In the current situation, Liu Laozhi guards the three Wu regions and eight counties, and the evil bandits dare not invade.

Liu Yu fought across Jiangdong, winning battle after battle and capturing tens of thousands of rebels, greatly weakening their power. All of this made Sima Yuanxian restless again. Although Liu Laozhi was disloyal to him, he gradually won over the Northern Army generals such as Gao Su, Zhuge Kan, Liu Gui, and Zhu Qianzhi.

The Northern Army, numbering nearly 30,000, had gathered around Jiankang. Sima Yuanxian had also recruited many new soldiers in the past two years. As his strength increased, he became increasingly displeased with Huan Xuan in the west.

"Huan Xuan appointed Diao Chang to guard Xiangyang, and established Wuning County and Suian County to settle barbarian people and refugees. He also stationed Huangfu Fu, Feng Gai and others at Pengkou and Gushu to block the Yangtze River canal. Under the pretext of punishing the rebels, he wanted to send troops to Jiangzuo. His disloyal intentions were known to all the women and children in Jiangzuo."

Sima Yuanxian had long been dissatisfied with Huan Xuan.

Previously, there were demonic bandits causing trouble, so we had to endure it. Now that the demonic bandits have lost their power, we can no longer hold back.

The situation is also very clear: if Sima Yuanxian does not attack Huan Xuan, Huan Xuan will attack him sooner or later; going to either side will lead to irreconcilable conflict.

In the past two years, Huan Xuan has been preparing for war, stockpiling grain and fodder, manufacturing weapons, and blockading the Yangtze River, which has posed a huge threat to Jiankang downstream.

If Sima Yuanxian could defeat him, it would not only alleviate the court's predicament but also allow him to advance further in his career, so this battle was inevitable.

However, the gentry such as Wang Kai, Wang Mi, Xie Zhong, and Yu Kai were not as enthusiastic as usual.

Wang Mi cupped his hands and said, "Now that the demons and bandits have subsided, we should recuperate, implement benevolent policies to win back the hearts of the people, reorganize the Subei Prefecture, promote meritorious generals and soldiers, consolidate the army's morale, and demonstrate Your Highness's benevolence. After that, we should select a good general to go up the river and be invincible!"

Huan Xuan controlled the upper reaches of the Yangtze River and had a well-trained army and ample supplies, but Sima Yuanxian was not without his advantages as well.

He held the reins of justice and legitimacy.

Huan Xuan tried several times to probe, but dared not take the initiative to break the ice.

After these major upheavals, although the Sima family had won over the generals of the Northern Army, they were in a weakened state. At this time, they should not have provoked Huan Xuan.

Dragging it out would actually be more advantageous for Sima Yuanxian.

"Then when do you think we should wait? Until Huan's power is fully grown? Until Huan's army is at the gates of Jiankang?" Sima Yuanxian's face was flushed.

In the past two years, Jingzhou and Xiangyang have grown stronger under Huan Xuan's rule, and many gentry have come to join him, making him restless and unable to eat or sleep.

If this drags on, Huan Xuan will seize power in the court without bloodshed, just like Huan Wen did back then.

Everyone present, including Emperor Sima Dewen, will be safe and sound, only to be placed under a new master. Sima Yuanxian, on the other hand, will die without a proper burial!
Having witnessed so many internal power struggles, Sima Yuanxian understood the stakes best.

"That's not what I meant, it's just that the timing isn't right right now." Wang Mi was somewhat embarrassed after being retorted a few times.

At this moment, Xie Zhong cupped his hands and said, "Your Highness intends to attack the Western Prefecture. The key to victory lies with Liu Laozhi. It would be better to promote him and give him a higher rank to reassure him."

After all, they were members of the Xie family and understood Liu Laozhi's thoughts best.

Liu Laozhi had no great ambitions; giving him a piece of meat to fill his stomach was enough to keep him in check.

Unexpectedly, Zhang Fashun said, "Liu Laozhi is hesitant to advance in Shanyin, harboring ulterior motives. Now that he is the Governor of the Northern Army, how can he be promoted further? Don't forget, no matter how brave and skilled he is in battle, he is still just a commoner. Does he expect to stand shoulder to shoulder with you all?"

These words struck at the heart of the matter.

To treat a martial artist from a humble background as an equal is more disgusting than to make them eat a fly.

This custom did not exist for eighty years after the southward migration.

Moreover, Liu Laozhi's performance was indeed disappointing. If Liu Yu had not won the Battle of Suanshan, the rebels would probably have already surrounded Jiankang.

Of course, the main reason is that Jiangzuo is only so big. Huan Xuan has already eaten a large piece of fat meat, and now Liu Laozhi has to share a piece as well. This is even more unacceptable to the noble families present.

"Does Chief Secretary Zhang have a brilliant plan?" Sima Yuanxian placed all his hopes on his strategist.

Zhang Fashun said, "In my opinion, we can have Liu Laozhi kill Huan Qian to prove his loyalty, and then use him as the vanguard. Your Highness can lead the generals of the Northern Army as the rearguard. We can also send a proclamation to the Western Army to summon loyal and righteous men to rise up and coordinate an attack from within and without. Huan Xuan will surely perish!"

Huan Qian is now the Prefect of Wu, next to Liu Laozhi.

After Liu Laozhi killed Huan Qian, he turned against Huan Xuan and had no choice but to go down a dark path and fight Huan Xuan to the death.

Although those present looked down on Liu Laozhi's background, they had to admit his military strategy and could not deny his importance.

After Murong Chui's death, Liu Laozhi's reputation grew even more.

However, Sima Yuanxian hesitated to adopt this plan that would eliminate any potential heirs. Huan Qian was Huan Chong's son, and they had always had a good relationship, often playing together.

"This plan is too...inhumane. Is there another way?"

Huan Chong's reputation was no less than Xie An's, and he had a great influence among the gentry. By killing his son, Sima Yuanxian broke the established rules among the gentry.

Without the support of the aristocratic families, Sima Yuanxian's position as the Prince of Langya would be unstable.

Zhang Fashun had long guessed that Sima Yuanxian would not accept his suggestion. "Since Your Highness is unwilling to do so, you should lure Liu Laozhi into Jiankang with high-ranking official positions and generous rewards, seize his military power, and eliminate the Liu family of Pengcheng!"

"What?" Sima Yuanxian took a deep breath.

However, Wang Mi, Xie Zhong, Yu Kai, and others remained calm, as if they had known this outcome all along.

If Liu Laozhi could betray Wang Gong back then, then he can betray Sima Yuanxian now. Liu Laozhi has become the most unstable factor, without exception.

The times have once again thrust Liu Laozhi into the eye of the storm.

(End of this chapter)