The Duke of Shu Han began guarding Jingzhou in place of Guan Yu.

Chapter 256 Gai Zhui's Special Treatment of the Late Emperor

Nanyang, Wancheng.

Yang Xili, a clerk in the chief secretary's office, stood in front of Mi Wei's desk, helping to organize military intelligence reports.

"On the first day of the winter month, General Guan's troops successfully captured Xiangcheng."

"Some say that Zhu Ling's troops from Huainan came west to reinforce Xuchang."

"General Guan was afraid that the Wei army might be trying to lure us deeper into the territory, so he did not cross the Ying River lightly for the time being. Instead, he divided his troops to besiege several key towns along the Ying River, waiting for the enemy's situation to become clearer."

Seeing Mi Wei nod, Yang Xi immediately made a mark on the paper for later filing.

Then he changed to another one and continued:
"The day before yesterday, Sun Lang's troops attempted to launch a surprise attack on Yiyang from the mountain, but were unsuccessful."

"Scouts have discovered that the Wei army has deployed a tight defense between the Luo and Yi rivers, with numerous sentry posts, making it difficult for our troops to find any gaps to pass through."

"Sun Lang asserted that there was no possibility of a surprise attack on Yiyang, and asked whether to retreat south?"

After hearing this, Miwei thought for a moment and said:
"Although this road is blocked, the fact that the Wei army is so heavily armed and on guard indicates that they must be carrying out a large-scale military operation."

"Let Sun Lang's troops break up into smaller groups and continue to explore northwards."

Yang Xi immediately noted it down, and later wrote it into a military order, which he then handed over to Li Hong, who was in charge of contacting Sun Lang.

Then he picked up the third briefing:
“A letter came from Lord Zhang of Nanjun (Zhang Yi), saying that although the ‘city-capturing cannon’ has been initially completed, it still has defects.”

"Only one or two out of ten crosses will be usable."

"Even if it's usable, it will require major repairs after two or three launches."

"In addition, the 'city-capturing cannon' is very large and difficult to transport, so it can only be fired on the spot by felling trees."

"However, the terrain around Wuguan Pass is narrow and rugged, making it difficult to deploy artillery formations."

The classic image of a counterweight catapult immediately came to Mi Wei's mind.

Although the "city-capturing cannon" that Zhang Yi finally came up with differed from the "Xiangyang cannon" in his memory.

But the basic structure and leverage principle are the same.

Their size and weight are naturally similar.

sidewalk:

"Let Master Zhang work a little harder and gather skilled craftsmen to make improvements as soon as possible."

"Even if Wuguan Pass isn't needed, there will be plenty of battles to capture cities and defend them when we enter Luoyang... it will always come in handy."

Yang Xi quickly wrote it down.

Mi Wei looked up: "Is there anything else important?"

Yang Xi put down the military report and said:

"There is one more thing, but it came from Sichuan."

Upon hearing this, Mi Wei's heart skipped a beat.

Then Yang Xi's face showed a sorrowful expression:

"The message from the Hanshou Imperial Court states that His Majesty unfortunately slipped and fell into the river while inspecting it. Although the soldiers rescued him in time, he unfortunately caught a cold due to the cold winter water."

"Some say that His Majesty's vital energy has been severely damaged by the frostbite, and he may not survive the winter..."

Upon hearing this, Mi Wei surprisingly felt a touch of bewilderment.

It's not that he didn't anticipate this day.

In fact, as early as the spring and summer of the third year of Zhangwu, he had thought it over and over and had already considered that Liu Bei would eventually leave.

They also prepared themselves mentally for the post-Liu Bei era.

The conversation between Ye Gong Temple and Xu Miao earlier was definitely not a pretense of composure.

but.

When that day was really close at hand.

He still felt a sense of bewilderment for no apparent reason.

Whether from the original owner's memories or from the perspective of a fan of the Ji Han dynasty in later generations.

Liu Bei was always a strong spiritual pillar in Mi Wei's heart.

This feeling even surpasses the authority of the monarch in the feudal imperial era.

He respected Liu Bei, relied on Liu Bei, and even imitated Liu Bei.

It wasn't because the other party was the founding emperor of the Shu Han dynasty.

It wasn't even entirely because they were the original owner's close elders.

It would be somewhat laughable for someone from a later era to develop an instinctive sense of awe because of this.

The reason he has such a deep emotional dependence is...

only because.

that person.

It was Liu Bei.

He was Emperor Zhaolie of Han, who dedicated his life to his ideals.

As a monarch.

He may not be perfect.

It has this or that shortcoming.

But as a human being.

The light of ideals is always romantic and captivating. Even after a thousand years, it can still shine brightly in the dust of history.

He believes he is definitely not the only one who thinks this way.

Throughout the Shu Han dynasty, there were countless individuals who, like him, used the name of the "former emperor" to motivate themselves.

This would certainly include the "Prime Minister".

This is because I cherish the special favor shown to me by the late Emperor and wish to repay it to Your Majesty.

What is special treatment?

This is what is meant by special treatment.

At this moment, Yang Xi noticed that his expression was strange, so he said:
"Would the magistrate like to submit a memorial to pay his respects?"

Miwei nodded.

This is necessary.

The act of paying respects and presenting memorials was not merely a matter of superficial pleasantries.

As a high-ranking official in charge of a region.

They had an obligation to be concerned about the emperor's safety at all times.

So that we can be prepared before turmoil occurs.

"By the way, what's the talk about this in Sichuan?"

"There are quite a few dissenting opinions."

Seeing that Mi Wei had regained his composure, Yang Xi quickly composed himself and faced him solemnly.

"Some suggested that the emperor should return to Chengdu immediately to prepare for the funeral. In case of any unforeseen circumstances, this would ensure a smooth succession for the crown prince and prevent any major problems."

Mi Wei nodded slightly:

"These are the words of a wise and prudent elder... Is this the Prime Minister's intention?"

Yang Xi shook his head and said, "The Prime Minister has not commented on this matter."

"However, many high-ranking officials who remained in Chengdu did hold this view, such as the Minister of Works (Mi Zhu), Ma Lingjun (Ma Liang), and Pan Tingwei (Pan Jun)."

Zhuge Liang did not express his opinion.
Mi Wei narrowed his eyes slightly.

Yang Xi continued:
"Another argument is that if His Majesty were to return to the capital due to illness at this juncture, the morale of the troops at the front would be severely damaged, and if anything were to happen, this Northern Expedition would be a complete failure."

"In that case, we should take advantage of the fact that the emperor is still able to attend to affairs and intensify our offensive so that we can conquer Chang'an as soon as possible and return to the old capital."

Those who hold this view are mostly high-ranking generals stationed on the front lines.

"Among them, Zhang Cheqi was the most vehement, submitting twelve memorials in succession to earnestly request the emperor to enter the pass and supervise the army."

"Although the generals Wei and Zhao did not make such risky remarks, they both submitted memorials, earnestly requesting that the emperor continue to sit firmly in Hanshou."

"The attitudes of the generals in Hexi are currently unknown because they are too far away. But it is likely that they are inclined to be more aggressive."

"After all, this Northern Expedition is a rare and opportune time."

Miwei nodded.

It's understandable that the veterans on the front lines are thinking this way.

After struggling for most of his life, he finally had the opportunity to conquer the Central Plains.

Even if he misses out, Ji Han might have another chance.

But the veterans might not be so.

How can I not be anxious?
Maybe even Lao Liu himself thinks so.

From this perspective, Zhuge Liang's attitude becomes quite intriguing.

After thinking it over, Miwei decided to simply offer his greetings this time without making any statement.

Jingzhou is his main battlefield right now.

Let's not cause any more trouble for Lao Liu.

After finishing the memorial and affixing his official seal, Mi Wei seemed to have temporarily relieved himself of a worry.

He stretched and planned to go to the inn in the city to chat with Yang Biao and improve their relationship.

In fact, if Liu Bei hadn't been in poor health, and if Yang Biao hadn't been two cycles older than Liu Bei and even more physically vulnerable, it would have been best to send him to Chengdu as soon as possible.

Then it was enshrined as a mascot.

Just like Situ Xu Jing back then.

Just after Xu Jing passed away, the position of Situ became vacant.

While pondering, Mi Wei walked to the outside of the prefectural government office.

Just as he boarded the car, Li Hong suddenly returned in a hurry, his face beaming with joy.

Mi Wei's heart stirred, and he asked:

"But has Sun Lang made a new discovery?"

“No, it’s not Sun Lang.” Li Hong said, slightly out of breath.

"It's that 'gentleman' from Luoyang!"

"His letter said that the Wei army in Luoyang suddenly marched west through the Xiaohan Pass, not to directly reinforce Guanzhong, but to go north to Yanmen Pass to suppress a group of Xianbei people who were not obeying orders!"

So they went there to suppress the Xianbei people?
Mi Wei was quite surprised and asked urgently, "Which Xianbei tribe is it?"

Li Hong: "Bu Dugen, grandson of Tan Shihuai!"

(End of this chapter)