My father Liu Xuande

Chapter 132 Clouds move in all directions
Liu Bei stood up and said, "I understand everything Bo Ning has said. You can go back and tell Mengde whether to fight or make peace. I will decide based on his sincerity."

Upon hearing this, Man Chong felt relieved.

Liu Bei's words were clearly an implication to Man Chong that if Cao Cao wanted to make peace, he should show sincerity.

What is sincerity?
I understand everything I understand.

After discussing important matters, Liu Bei once again became eager to find talented individuals.

Liu Bei greatly admired Man Chong.

He possesses extraordinary courage, exceptional strategic acumen, unwavering integrity, and a commanding presence.

These four words are not an exaggeration when applied to Man Chong, and there are even a few words missing, such as outwardly tough but inwardly gentle, seemingly straightforward but actually cunning, etc.

However, the latter two words take time to appreciate and are not as intuitive as the former.

Liu Bei immediately ordered a banquet to be prepared to entertain Man Chong.

During the banquet, he even held Man Chong's hand and introduced him to the important officials of Xuzhou one by one, which surprised and delighted Man Boning.

Man Chong was tall, standing at 1.92 meters, a full half a head taller than Liu Bei.

But Liu Bei looked up at him without any surprise; the last person to do so without any reaction was Cao Cao.

“Chong grew up in a powerful family. He was straightforward, violent and unruly. Fortunately, he could distinguish between good and evil, understand right and wrong, and know loyalty and treachery. Therefore, he was recruited by the county and gained some reputation.”

Man Chong was overwhelmed with gratitude and bowed to Liu Bei, saying, "I never expected that you would be so kind to me, my lord. I am ashamed to accept such a favor."

Why is Berning so modest?

Liu Bei helped him up and sighed, "I only regret that I met Bo Ning too late. I cannot have Bo Ning by my side to give me his advice and guidance. This is my greatest regret."

Man Chong felt a little lightheaded; he never expected Liu Bei to speak so highly of him.

Initially, Man Chong did not really value Liu Bei, thinking that Liu Bei was just a northern warrior with some background who had studied under a famous teacher.

Even his curiosity about Liu Bei stemmed from the fact that after the second campaign against Xuzhou, his lord would occasionally rebuke Liu Bei for being ungrateful and having wolfish ambitions.

Later, when Man Chong heard that Liu Bei had overestimated himself and actually went to Xuzhou, he thought it was quite in line with Liu Bei's vision.

Frontier warriors have never had such an opportunity before; it's only natural that they wouldn't know when to advance or retreat.

But after Liu Bei took control of Xuzhou, the news that followed was completely beyond Man Boning's imagination.

When Cao Cao asked him to go on a mission to Xuzhou, Man Chong had completely forgotten how he had previously viewed Liu Bei. He carefully collected information about Liu Bei, studied it day and night, and prepared a plan to persuade him based on Liu Bei's personality traits.

After all, beneath Man Boning's strong exterior lies a soft heart.

Being upright and incorruptible was Man Boning's means, not his goal.

However, this requires some luck.

Take Man Chong's grandson, Man Changwu, for example; his final fate was quite unpleasant.

At that time, Cao Mao, the emperor of Cao Wei, rebelled. He guarded the main gate of the palace and refused Sima Gan and Wang Xian permission to enter.

Sima Gan was alright; he was Man Changwu's uncle-in-law, so he didn't think much of it and truthfully reported the situation to Sima Zhao.

However, Wang Xian was a petty person. Just because he was refused entry into the palace, he harbored deep resentment towards Man Changwu and did not hesitate to bribe Sima Zhao's close attendants to offer slanderous words.

As a result, Man Changwu was framed by a villain and became a prisoner. He was tortured to death, and his father was also implicated and stripped of his title, demoted to a commoner.

This is a classic example of failing to maintain balance, resulting in death and the stripping of family titles.

Because Man Changwu was unaware that he had offended Sima Zhao long ago.

Therefore, Man Chong's abilities are actually quite rare.

Man Chong himself is an extremely arrogant person.

Even so, Man Chong was ultimately moved by Liu Bei's courteous treatment. He also realized why his lord was so devoted to Liu Bei.

Liu Shijun was able to gain people's loyalty even unto death.

While Man Boning was enjoying himself with Liu Bei and neglecting Yan, Cheng Yu arrived in Suiyang County, the capital of Liang.

Guo Gong, the governor of Yuzhou, was working here.

Guo Gong was a member of the Guo family, a prominent clan in Yingchuan, and was related to Guo Tu and Guo Jia.

According to the Three Mutuals Method, Guo Gong was not qualified to serve as the governor of Yuzhou.

However, in order to counterbalance Yuan Shu and expand their influence over Yu Province, Li Jue and Guo Si appointed Guo Gong, a local notable, as the governor of Yu Province.

Guo Gong was indeed no ordinary man. After taking control of Yuzhou alone, he raised a massive army of over ten thousand men in Liang.

Apart from a small number of county soldiers, the rest of these troops consisted of retainers and servants contributed by local powerful clans and gentry.

This alone demonstrates that Guo Gong, at least in terms of reputation, indeed wielded considerable influence in Yuzhou.

When Lü Bu betrayed Cao Cao, Guo Gong also joined in the fun, leading more than 10,000 troops directly to the walls of Juancheng.

From this perspective, it's impossible to say that Guo Gong, Zhang Miao, and Chen Gong weren't on the same side.

It should be noted that Liang State and Juancheng in Dongjun are separated by Chenliu State and Dingtao State.

Both of these locations were under the control of Lü Bu's group.

Chenliu was Zhang Miao's stronghold. How could it be allowed to pass through Guo Gong's army of more than 10,000 men to march north?

This was clearly an alliance, but in the end, Xun Yu seized a weakness in the relationship between Guo Gong and Chen Gong, and took advantage of the time difference to actually persuade the Yuzhou army to retreat.

Otherwise, it would be questionable whether Juancheng could be defended once Chen Gong's army arrived.

After Guo Gong withdrew his troops, he retreated back to the Liang Kingdom.

Although Guo Gong was nominally the governor of Yuzhou, he could only truly govern the Liang Kingdom. Moreover, Guo Gong was merely the governor of Yuzhou, not the prefect of Yuzhou.

After entering Suiyang, Cheng Yu went directly to the government office to request an audience with Guo Gong.

Cheng Yu brought not only Cao Cao's calling card but also Xun Yu's calling card with him.

Therefore, Guo Gong quickly summoned him.

Guo Gong was a somewhat old-fashioned scholar. In his view, the tall, thin envoy in front of him was just an unknown person, and only a descendant of a eunuch like Cao Cao would promote such a person.

I wonder what merits or abilities Cheng Yu possesses to be appointed as the Chancellor of Dongping. Cao Mengde truly doesn't know how to use people.

Even though Guo Gong didn't particularly like Cheng Yu, he still went through the motions of politeness, inquiring about Cheng Yu's health before getting to the point.

"Your Excellency has come from afar; what advice do you have for me?"

Cheng Yu was a shrewd man, and he had already keenly sensed that Guo Gong had a problem with him.

Therefore, he made a quick adjustment, lowering his head and saying humbly, "Governor Guo has been very kind to our Yanzhou, and we will never forget it. Why do you ask for my advice? It's just that my lord has learned some news and is afraid that Governor Guo is unaware of it and that others may take advantage of it, so he specially sent me here."

Sure enough, seeing Cheng Yu bowing and scraping before him, Guo Gong's attitude softened.

"Why do you say that, Your Excellency? The previous incident was caused by the instigation of a villain, which almost led to a serious mistake. Fortunately, Xun Wenruo came to tell me the truth overnight, so my withdrawal was a matter of course and can be considered a favor."

Seeing Guo Gong's softened attitude, Cheng Yu felt contempt. This kind of fame-seeking person could actually gather tens of thousands of people and assume important responsibilities. The Han Dynasty was indeed doomed.

"Your Excellency is humble and kind, and you do not expect anything in return for your kindness. You are naturally of high moral character. Since you are like this, we should learn from your virtue and not let you be the only one who is good enough."

Guo Gong was very pleased to hear this, and stroked his beard and nodded: "Your Excellency is too kind."

Cheng Yu felt he had finally pleased Guo Gong and the time was right, so he got straight to the point: "My lord recently learned that Liu Bei, the governor of Xuzhou, intends to seize the states of Lu and Pei in Guizhou and reinstate Chen Gui, whom Tao Gongzu had previously appointed as the prime minister of Pei. This will obviously be detrimental to you, my lord. Upon learning of this, my lord immediately summoned me to inform you of this matter."

"what?"

Guo Gong was shocked to hear this news. This news was indeed far beyond his expectations. He said with some disbelief, "Liu Xuande is just a local military man. Tao Gongzu was muddle-headed before his death and actually bypassed the court to transfer the power of governorship privately."

"I have not yet reported to the court about his crime of privately exchanging favors, yet he is insatiable and actually wants to seize my Yuzhou territory?"

Cheng Yu affirmed firmly, "That is indeed the case. Your Excellency should send more spies to observe the movement of troops in Xuzhou. If they truly harbor treacherous ambitions, they will surely reveal their true intentions."

Guo Gong was shocked, angry, and afraid. He had only about ten thousand men under his command, and most of them were inexperienced in battle.

Liu Bei conquered Langya in a mere ten days. Compared to Langya, Liang was actually less than two-thirds the size in terms of both households and population.

If Liu Bei really attacks, what should I do?
Guo Gong couldn't help but look at Cheng Yu, whom he hadn't even paid much attention to before, and asked, "I heard Xun Wenruo praise Zhongde for his outstanding talent. What can you teach me today?"

Cheng Yu naturally offered another round of humility, while Guo Gong, in his desperation, urged Cheng Yu on.

Finally, Cheng Yu spoke up: "My lord, Liang and Pei are intertwined and closely connected; this is a matter of life and death for them. If we lose Pei, Liang will lose its shield. If we can preserve Pei, then Liang will be safe."

"Therefore, the problem between Liang and Pei lies in Pei, not in Liang." Guo Gong nodded repeatedly as he listened. Not only were the states of Pei and Liang geographically intertwined, with each penetrating deep into the other's territory, but they also shared several rivers, making their economies and cultures closely connected. In particular, the Sui River directly connected Suiyang, the capital of Liang, with Xiangxian, the capital of Pei.

To some extent, Cheng Yu was telling the truth.

However, this truth does not actually apply to Guo Gong.

"Does Zhongde mean I should send troops directly to Pei State and seize it first?"

Guo Gong asked tentatively.

"That is indeed the case; this is the only feasible strategy at present."

Cheng Yu said passionately, "Your Excellency is the Governor of Yuzhou, appointed by the court and supported by the people. It is only right and proper for Your Excellency to enter Pei State. In my opinion, Your Excellency's entry into Pei State is legitimate and justified, and the counties of Pei State can be pacified by issuing a proclamation."

Guo Gong was very tempted after hearing this, but he also knew that the difference in strength between the two sides was too great: "In Liang, I only have 10,000 men. If I raise an army in Pei, I can only mobilize 10,000 at most. But Liu Bei has 50,000 to 60,000 men at this time. How can our army fight against five against one?"

Cheng Yu inwardly scoffed at Guo Gong's bluster, but still offered him advice: "Pei is part of Yuzhou's territory. Liu Bei's mobilization of troops is an invasion of Yuzhou's borders. People of insight in Pei will not let this go easily. This is the way of the people."

"Moreover, in the State of Chen there is King Liu Chong, who is skilled in battle and has 100,000 troops under his command."

"Since you cannot stop Liu Bei, why not use the prestige of the state to invite Prince Liu Chong of Chen to send troops together to protect the safety of the state?"

Guo Gong was overjoyed upon hearing this and bowed to Cheng Yu to express his gratitude.

Cheng Yu hurriedly stepped aside, repeatedly saying he dared not.

Guo Gong immediately announced that a banquet would be held to entertain Cheng Yu.

Cheng Yu couldn't refuse, so he could only stay and give a perfunctory reply.

The next day, he declined to say that he had other important business to attend to and continued south, heading straight for Yuan Shu's Shouchun.

Guo Gong then began mobilizing his troops and sent envoys to Chen County, the capital of Chen State, to request an audience with King Liu Chong of Chen State and Chancellor Luo Jun of Chen State.

At this time, Liu Bei also saw Man Chong off three miles from Tancheng, bidding him a reluctant farewell.

As they parted, Liu Bei held Man Chong's hand and said, "If you are unhappy under Mengde's command, remember that there will always be a place for you in Tancheng."

Man Chong was moved to tears; even someone as strong as him couldn't help but weep as he left.

In the following days, Chen Deng, Chen Qun, Mi Fang and others took office.

When Chen Qun learned that he had been appointed as the Prefect of Jucheng, he was extremely surprised.

According to convention, given Chen Qun's current prestige and qualifications, being appointed as the magistrate of a large county would already be considered a significant promotion.

Now Liu Bei has directly promoted him to the position of prefect, which can be described as a promotion that goes beyond his rank. Chen Qun's first instinctive reaction was to refuse.

However, Liu Bei remained resolute and would not allow Chen Qun to back down.

This was not only a reward for Chen Qun's hard work in following him all the way from Yuzhou to Xuzhou, but also a reward for Chen Qun's diligent work. Finally, it also included the purpose of showing the talents of Yuzhou the value of buying bones with a thousand pieces of gold.

With all these considerations in mind, Liu Bei certainly wouldn't allow Chen Qun to refuse.

Chen Qun was a smart man and quickly realized what was going on, but Liu Bei's kindness was genuine.

After seeing off Chen Deng and the others, the next step was to arrange for Cao Bao to take office as the Chancellor of Xiapi.

With Liu Bei's personal promise, coupled with Cao Bao's merits in conquering Langya and the sacrifice of his troops, there was no way anything could go wrong.

However, both Liu Bei and Liu Feng were worried that Cao Bao would be taken advantage of after he went to Xiapi.

If something serious happens, will Cao Bao be punished or not?

With so many eyes watching, if no one is punished, then Fang Bo is committing favoritism and corruption.

If he is punished, it would be like Fang Bo discarding a donkey after it has served its purpose. Not only Xu Dan and Zhang Kuang are watching, but even Zang Ba's Taishan Army leaders will be treated the same way.

Liu Bei was bound to find himself in a dilemma, with no right answer.

In that case, the best approach is to warn Cao Bao in advance, making him more cautious and preventing him from falling into the trap.

Therefore, Liu Bei specially sent Liu Feng to visit Cao Bao, secretly to remind him to be more careful.

Upon receiving news of Liu Feng's visit, Cao Bao was overjoyed and immediately ordered a banquet to be prepared to entertain his future son-in-law.

Cao Bao was naturally aware of whether he had made a contribution or a mistake in this battle.

Putting aside everything else, the fact that he was almost stabbed through by Zang Ba at the gates of Kaiyang City is a major offense.

Although Chen Deng later helped him cover it up, Cao Ruyi, that scoundrel, was skinned alive and sent back home.

But Cao Bao knew in his heart that Liu Bei must know the whole story.

Chen Deng could cover for him, but he couldn't help him deceive Liu Bei.

He once thought that his dream of becoming the prime minister of Xiapi had vanished again.

Unexpectedly, Liu Bei kept his word and rewarded his merit by appointing Xiapi as prime minister.

This made Cao Bao extremely grateful.

Today, Liu Feng visited again, and all the promises he had made had come true.

How could Cao Bao not be extremely excited? He wanted to host a banquet to entertain Liu Feng.

Soon, Liu Feng arrived at Cao's residence in a small entourage. Just like the first time he came, Pan Zhang, who had already been appointed as the Commander of a Separate Division, was still by his side.

One side was moved to tears of gratitude, while the other came seeking help.

They were kindred spirits, and the atmosphere was naturally extremely harmonious.

After the banquet, Cao Bao and Liu Feng sat in the hall drinking tea.

Liu Feng suddenly spoke up: "Uncle, your trip to Xiapi this time may not be a blessing in disguise."

Cao Bao was stunned for a moment, then quickly asked, "Nephew, did you say that?"

“There are quite a few people in Xuzhou who want to see my father and you make a fool of yourselves.”

Liu Feng said meaningfully, "Uncle, when you go to Xiapi this time, someone might jump out and do something for you that you can't do in person."

"this?"

Cao Bao was a little stunned; these words sounded so familiar.

“Uncle, you are now the Chancellor of Xiapi, a high-ranking official with a salary of two thousand shi (a unit of grain), and your family has a lot of wealth. The sales of snow salt have already started, and there should be the first dividend in the second half of the year. Your ten percent share should bring you at least several million coins in profit.”

"Millions of dollars?"

Cao Bao gasped; this was more than all his wealth combined.

I knew that snow salt could be profitable, but I never imagined it could be this profitable.

Cao Bao muttered to himself, "If there really are that many, then it is indeed as Qing'er said, there is no need to be swayed by wealth."

"What Qing'er said?"

Liu Feng's ears were quite sharp, and he instantly caught the information in Cao Bao's words.

Could it be that I, a concubine who has not yet married into the family, have such insights?
Cao Bao gave an awkward smile, realizing he had let something slip.

However, he thought again that his daughter would marry Liu Feng sooner or later. Since that was the case, he might as well let Liu Feng see his daughter's talent and intelligence as soon as possible, so that his daughter would not be underestimated by others for hiding her abilities.

Therefore, Cao Bao simply recounted all of Cao Qing's previous warnings to Liu Feng in detail.

Upon hearing this, Liu Feng was slightly surprised, but then a strong sense of curiosity arose within him.

I never expected that my concubine would be so wise; she's a female Zhuge Liang!

It's a pity the two couldn't meet before the marriage, otherwise Liu Feng would have been very interested in chatting with her.

Then Liu Feng thought that even if they couldn't meet, they could still exchange letters. He could try writing a letter later and see how the other party would react.

“Uncle, what Qing’er said is all wise advice. You should follow it all.”

Liu Feng temporarily set aside his curiosity about Cao Qing and returned to the main topic, saying, "Uncle, you can follow Qing'er's advice and govern Xiapi by doing nothing."

“As long as Uncle doesn’t make any major mistakes or get involved in corruption, even if something really happens, I can guarantee that at most Uncle will be transferred to another place as an official.”

Cao Bao was overjoyed to receive Liu Feng's verbal promise.

Just wanted to let you all know in advance that the female protagonist of this book is mainly responsible for medical development and business, essentially replacing the eunuch in a certain sense. This was planned from the beginning, and many readers may have seen the leaked outline; it wasn't added on the spot. Also, the female protagonists will not participate in the war. Thank you all for your support!
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(End of this chapter)