My father Liu Xuande

Chapter 196 Sun Qian's Visit
Actually, Liu Feng didn't really deceive Zhou Yu. Historically, the Zhou family was indeed discarded after their usefulness was over.

After Sun Ce swept through Jiangdong, Zhou Shang was removed from his position as governor of Danyang and summoned back to Lujiang. At the same time, his cousin Yuan Yin was appointed governor.

This drastic measure destroyed the Zhou family's years of business in Danyang.

It is unknown whether the Zhou family regretted abandoning Liu Yao and aiding Sun Ce at that time.

Of course, Liu Feng wasn't stupid. Although he didn't deceive Zhou Yu and all the information he provided was true, the problem was that he didn't tell Zhou Yu everything.

Liu Feng didn't say a word about things like Xuzhou purchasing grain from Yuzhou and Jingzhou, or that Qu County had received hundreds of thousands of shi of grain.

If Zhou Yu were to use the information in Liu Feng's letter to do something detrimental to Liu Feng, he would likely suffer a major setback.

"Lets see."

After much deliberation, Zhou Yu decided to wait and see for a while longer.

In any case, the Xuzhou army had indeed reached the Yangtze River, and Liu Yao's Yangzhou army did indeed have a close relationship with the other side.

The Zhou family's spies had already sent back news that Xu Shao and Teng Zhou's trip to Xuzhou to seek help could not be kept secret for long.

Zhou Yu ultimately decided to wait and see.

At least for now, Zhou Shang is still the nominal governor of Danyang, and the Zhou family actually holds real power in lower Danyang.

Zhou Yu was genuinely tempted by Liu Feng's invitation to travel to Xuzhou.

However, while it may be tempting, going there rashly still carries considerable risk.

So Zhou Yu put the letter away, then took out a piece of Saeki paper and began to write.

This letter was sent to Lu Su in Xuzhou. Zhou Yu and Lu Su had a very good relationship. They hit it off immediately, and Zhou Yu also highly regarded Lu Su's abilities, vision, and character.

Therefore, Zhou Yu wanted to obtain some intelligence from Lu Su.

Even if this intelligence is only what Lu Su can reveal, it may still be valuable.

***********
After more than twenty days of trekking, Sun Qian finally arrived at the coast of Kuaiji Commandery. He landed in Qiantang County and, without resting, rushed to Shanyin County, the seat of Kuaiji Commandery.

Shanyin County is the same as Shaoxing in later times.

Don't be fooled by the fact that Shaoxing lived in constant fear of being divided up by Ningbo and Hangzhou.

However, during the Eastern Han Dynasty, Shanyin was the seat of Kuaiji Commandery, and in terms of economy and population, it undoubtedly surpassed Hangzhou and Ningbo.

At this time, Wang Lang was also shocked and furious by Sun Ce's fierce attack on Wu County.

Although Yuan Shu was nominally the Left General, he was actually a traitor to the Han Dynasty. No local official who was loyal to the Han Dynasty was convinced of Yuan Shu's loyalty.

From Chen Wen to Lu Kang, then to Chen Gui, and finally to Wang Lang.

They had all seen through Yuan Shu's cruelty and disloyalty long ago.

Sun Ce is currently on a fierce and powerful advance, having captured four counties in Wu Commandery and inflicted a major defeat on Liu Yao at Xiangcao River. Wu Jing's army has also besieged Wu County, the capital of Wu Commandery, and launched a fierce attack for days, nearly breaching the city several times.

If it weren't for the fact that at this critical moment, the gentry of Wu, through the mediation of Xu Jing, a renowned scholar from Yuzhou, temporarily set aside their conflict with Xu Gong, the governor of Wu Commandery, and fully supported Xu Gong in defending the city, Wu County would probably have been captured by Wu Jing long ago.

In fact, the Sun family's reputation in the entire Wu region was quite complex, with a considerable number of people supporting and opposing them.

Many people only know that Sun Ce attacked Lujiang, which led to Lu Kang's eventual death from illness and more than half of the Lu family's descendants being killed or wounded.

However, not many people knew that the Sun family had done a favor for the Lu family.

When Sun Jian was serving as the governor of Changsha, Yichun County in the neighboring Lingling Commandery was besieged by rebels, and the situation was extremely precarious.

According to the system of the Eastern Han Dynasty, the authority of the prefect was limited to the territory of his own prefecture. Without an imperial edict from the central government, the prefect could not lead troops outside the territory.

At the time, Sun Jian's subordinates and confidants strongly advised him against it, but Sun Jian said: "To launch a campaign beyond the border is to protect the prefectures and kingdoms. Even if I am punished for it, I will have no shame before the world."

After Sun Jian arrived, the rebels in Lingling were so intimidated by his name that they scattered in all directions.

At that time, the magistrate of Yichun County was Lu Kang's nephew.

Sun Jian remained a loyal subject of the Han Dynasty until his death; his words and deeds reflected his unwavering loyalty to the Han.

However, the gentry at the end of the Han Dynasty never trusted or liked Sun Jian.

Therefore, in a relatively simple sense, in the Wu region, the gentry were the staunch opposition, the common people mostly supported the Sun family, and the powerful clans were evenly divided.

This outcome became fully apparent after Sun Ce entered Wu territory.

Sun Ce currently controls only four cities in northern Wu Commandery, all of which he conquered with his troops; none of them surrendered directly.

From this perspective, it can be seen that the ruling class in Wu did not actually welcome Sun Ce.

However, after Sun Ce occupied Qu'a, thousands of people came to join him in just a few dozen days. From this point of view, the Sun family had a very high reputation in Wu.

It is clear that most of the people who support the Sun family are ordinary citizens.

Meanwhile, the powerful clans were likely still observing the situation or inclined to join forces with the aristocratic families, making it difficult for Sun Ce to advance in Jiangdong.

Upon hearing Sun Qian state his name and purpose, Wang Lang immediately ordered his men to greet him.

Wang Lang was originally from Tancheng, Donghai Commandery, Xuzhou, and Liu Bei's current administrative center is Wang Lang's hometown.

Liu Bei was known for his benevolence and virtue, and now he was the governor of Xu Province, so Wang Lang instinctively felt a favorable impression of him. In addition, he had been away from his hometown for three years and wanted to learn about the current situation of his wife, children, and relatives back home through Sun Qian.

After meeting Sun Qian, the two sides sat down as host and guest, respectively.

Sun Qian took out two letters from his bosom and had his attendant hand them to Wang Lang.

“Lord Wang, one of these two letters is a letter from your family. Before my lord sent me here, he informed your family and asked them to write a letter, which I brought with me.”

Sun Qian leisurely introduced to Wang Lang: "The other letter was written by my lord himself. At present, Sun Ce is rampaging through Wu and attacking Wu County. Once he takes Wu County, his next step will inevitably be Kuaiji. Lord Wang should make preparations as soon as possible."

Upon hearing that it was a letter from home, Wang Lang became quite excited.

Although Xu and Yang are adjacent, they are not close at all. After all, Wang Lang's hometown is Tancheng in the north of Xuzhou, while Kuaiji is in the lower right of Jiangdong.

However, Wang Lang was a renowned scholar and capable official. After suppressing his excitement, he first opened Liu Bei's letter.

In his letter, Liu Bei first expressed his admiration for Wang Lang and praised Yu Fan, the chief clerk of Kuaiji Commandery. Then he began to analyze for Wang Lang that after Sun Ce occupied Wu territory, he would inevitably turn his troops to Kuaiji and predict the direction of Sun Ce's attack.

In addition, Liu Bei recommended Zhou Xin, a renowned scholar from Kuaiji, to Wang Lang in his letter, and detailed Zhou Xin's long-standing feud with Yuan Shu.

The three Zhou brothers were staunch supporters of Yuan Shao. When Cao Cao and Liu Bei came to Danyang to recruit soldiers, Zhou Xin generously provided them with four thousand men in one go.

Later, he fought a major battle with Sun Jian in Yuzhou for Yuan Shao. After being defeated, he retreated to Yangzhou. However, less than two years later, he encountered Yuan Shu fleeing to Yangzhou, and the two sides fought again.

Although the three Zhou brothers are only mentioned briefly in historical records, they have actually appeared quite frequently in recent years.

Wang Lang was greatly shocked after reading it.

Because Liu Bei's thoughts and predictions coincided perfectly with his own. In particular, Liu Bei's prediction that Sun Ce would definitely cross the Qiantang River at Guling to attack the old city of Guling greatly impressed Wang Lang.

As for the last part of the letter, it reminded Wang Lang not to be careless, as there was a small path called Chadu to the southwest of Guling, which led directly to Gaoqiantun after crossing the river.

At the same time, the letter also told Wang Lang an important piece of information: Sun Ce's uncle, Sun Jing, was living in Fuchun County, across the Qiantang River at this time.

If Sun Ce were to halt his troops at the gates of Guling, Sun Jing would certainly send him soldiers, provisions, and strategies.

Sun Jing had lived in Fuchun County for many years, so he couldn't possibly be unaware of the intelligence about the Chadu Trail. This Gaoqian Village was located between Guling and Yuji Counties, making it a strategically important military location ideal for storing grain.

If Wang Lang adopts the suggestion to defend Guling, then Gaoqiantun will inevitably become an important frontline grain depot for Wang Lang's army.

If Sun Ce were to send a surprise force out of the Chadu Trail and directly attack Gaoqian Village, it would not only cut off the connection between the Guling front and Yuji County, but also risk running out of food.

Sun Ce's army occupied Gaoqiantun, which provided them with a stable food supply, and the balance of power shifted instantly.

After reading this passage, Wang Lang was terrified and broke out in a cold sweat. He truly had no idea that Chadu Xiaodao existed.

If Wang Lang's army only learned of this news after Sun Ce had crossed the Qiantang River and was at the city gates, the impact on his army would have been almost devastating.

"Your Excellency, Governor Liu has a far-sighted vision and exceptional military strategy. I am truly impressed." Wang Lang put down the letter, slowly exhaling the breath he had been holding in his tension, and said gratefully, "I will remember the golden words in this letter."

Sun Qian cupped his hands in greeting: "I will certainly report the praise from Lord Wang to my lord upon my return. Lord Wang, Mr. Zhou Xin is a renowned scholar of Kuaiji. My lord advises you not to underestimate him. With Mr. Zhou Xin's assistance, the chances of Kuaiji County escaping disaster will greatly increase."

Wang Lang nodded. He had heard a lot today and needed to discuss it with his trusted confidants.

"Your Excellency has come from afar and must be tired. Please rest for the night, and I will host a banquet for you tomorrow."

Sun Qian readily agreed.

After Sun Qian left, Wang Lang immediately invited Gong Cao Yu Fan over.

Yu Fan, courtesy name Zhongxiang, was from Yuyao County, Kuaiji Commandery. He was straightforward and honest, and assisted Wang Lang in protecting Kuaiji. Although he ultimately failed, he successfully saved Wang Lang's life.

Yu Fan was not only highly regarded by Sun Ce, but even Cao Cao wanted to recruit him, and his talent was also outstanding.

Upon hearing Wang Lang's words, Yu Fan's expression immediately changed, and he exclaimed in surprise, "Could it be that Lord Liu has been to Kuaiji before?"

Wang Lang shook his head and denied it, saying, "Lord Liu has been in the north for most of the year and has never been to Kuaiji."

Yu Fan's astonishment remained undiminished: "Just look at how well Lord Liu knows the terrain of Kuaiji. He even knows about the Chadu Ancient Road, which I, a local, don't know about. It's not that I don't believe what you say, Lord, but such a thing is just too unbelievable."

Wang Lang nodded in agreement, then asked, "Zhong Xiang, what's your opinion on this?"

“Just as Lord Liu predicted, Sun will seize Guling, stealthily inspect the river, and launch a surprise attack on Gaoqiantun.”

Yu Fan said decisively, "Your Excellency can follow Lord Liu's plan and ask Mr. Zhou Xin for assistance. At the critical moment, we can also set up an ambush at the exit of Chadu. If we can capture and kill the traitor Sun in one fell swoop, then Kuaiji will be safe."

Since even Yu Fan, Liu Bei's right-hand man, was so optimistic about Liu Bei's plan, Wang Lang could only accept it gladly.

After seeing Yu Fan off, Wang Lang opened the family letter and read it carefully.

The letter was written by Wang Lang's wife, detailing how Wang Lang's eldest son, Wang Su, had fallen seriously ill a year earlier, and how the governor, Liu, invited the renowned physician Hua Tuo to treat him, thus saving his life.

In addition, it is said that Prefect Liu often gave gifts and sent people to inquire about the emperor's health during festivals, showing him great favor.

After reading the letter, Wang Lang was impressed by Liu Bei's benevolence and respect for talent. He wrote a letter of gratitude in his own hand and planned to give it to Sun Qian the next day, entrusting him to take it back to Xuzhou and present it to Liu Bei in person.

The next day, Wang Lang hosted a banquet for Sun Qian, with Yu Fan in attendance.

During the banquet, Wang Lang expressed his gratitude to Liu Bei and his willingness to follow Liu Bei's advice to recruit Zhou Xin as a colonel to oversee the military affairs of the prefecture.

At this moment, Sun Qian timely delivered the third letter: "My lord, this letter was written by Chen Yi, the prime minister of Lu. His father was the former Grand Tutor Chen Fan, and Zhou Xin's teacher back then was Chen Fan. Although this letter may not be of much use, it can still be considered a little help to my lord."

Wang Lang and Yu Fan were overjoyed upon hearing this.

Sun Qian saw that things were going well; Kuaiji County had enjoyed favorable weather and abundant harvests in recent years.

So Sun Qian tentatively suggested that he could buy some grain.

After discussing it with Yu Fan, Wang Lang politely declined Sun Qian's request.

The reason why Wang Lang and Yu Fan chose to refuse was because Sun Ce's army was under too much pressure. Warfare depends on food, and conscription also requires food.

Kuaiji Commandery is currently quite well-fed, but if the grain supply becomes tight after the war starts, Wang Lang will have nowhere to buy grain.

However, after discussing it, Wang Lang and Yu Fan agreed to donate 20,000 shi of grain to Xuzhou to help Xuzhou gather refugees.

Wang Lang himself was from Xuzhou. Seeing his fellow villagers starving due to lack of food, he naturally wanted to help them.

Since even the clerk Yu Fan agreed, Wang Lang was naturally happy to comply.

Sun Qian immediately bowed deeply in gratitude. Although he couldn't buy any grain, he was still satisfied to receive 20,000 shi of grain for free.

In other words, Kuaiji Commandery had not been ravaged by war, and Wang Lang had governed it effectively. In recent years, the weather had been favorable, which allowed it to accumulate a considerable amount of grain reserves.

Historically, after Sun Ce conquered Kuaiji Commandery, his gains were no less than those of Wu Commandery.

After only two or three months of rest, they began to invade Yuzhang.

At this point, Yuan Shu had already stopped supplying food to Sun Ce's army; the distance was too great, and he could no longer afford to supply them.

Wang Lang and Yu Fan's intention to send grain was very sincere. They directly allocated grain from the prefectural granary and even prepared boats for Sun Qian.

Wang Lang, accompanied by Yu Fan, personally went to the dock to see Sun Qian off, for which Sun Qian was extremely grateful.

Of course, Wang Lang wasn't a pushover; he did this to strengthen his relationship with Liu Bei.

I heard that Liu Bei has already captured Guangling, and is now only separated from Sun Ce by a river.

If the pressure on Kuaiji Commandery becomes too great, Liu Bei seems to be more reliable than Liu Yao. Once Liu Bei launches an attack on Sun Ce from the rear, Sun Ce, facing attacks from both sides, will probably only have the option of returning to his aid.

Since Liu Bei showed interest in getting closer to him, Wang Lang was naturally willing to reciprocate and strengthen their relationship.

In the days that followed, good news kept reaching the ears of Liu Bei and his son in Tancheng.

Since August, Xuzhou has been recruiting refugees from all directions. Whether it is Qingzhou in the north, Yanzhou and Yuzhou in the west, or Yangzhou in the south, refugees and disaster victims have been coming to Xuzhou.

Xuzhou prepared a large amount of supplies for these refugees and transferred many officials from various places, promising them promotions. This delighted the officials, who worked hard and devoted themselves to the task of gathering the refugees.

According to Liu Feng's idea, when gathering refugees, able-bodied men with families could be arranged to help with the autumn harvest in various places.

Spring planting and autumn harvest are the times when manpower is most scarce, and the state government also bears half of the grain, so these refugee families are not available for ordinary people to hire, and are directly taken care of by the local gentry and powerful families.

Meanwhile, the women, who were often isolated and alone, were brought into the city and placed in experimental textile workshops to expand production capacity.

The men were gathered together and sent in batches to iron and coal mines in various places, where they enjoyed high wages.

These strong men, who were content with just a bite to eat to survive, not only didn't complain, but were also extremely grateful.

After entering September, the number of refugees began to increase gradually. After all, as time went on and the weather turned cold, if they wanted to migrate after the winter snow, they would most likely freeze to death on the way.

In August, Xuzhou received only a dozen or so migrant households each day.

After entering September, the number of people began to surge, doubling in one go.

By the end of September, more than one hundred households of migrants were moving into Xuzhou every day.

It's important to know that many small counties only have two or three thousand households, and the county seat may only have a thousand households.

This means that every ten days, the population of one county-level city moves into Xuzhou.

The manpower that had been prepared was once again insufficient, so Liu Feng had to send out almost all of the men from Liu'er Camp. Even the children who had just entered the camp at the beginning of the year, those who were over twelve years old, were all sent out to help out.

In contrast, grain was being sent out continuously.

In mid-September, more than 10,000 shi of grain were needed every day, not including the food expenses of the miners.

Moreover, due to the autumn harvest, grain consumption has actually been halved. However, once the autumn harvest is completely finished at the end of November, grain expenditures will double.

However, the refugees brought far more than just burdens; in fact, the benefits were far greater.

Production from iron ore and coal mines alone has more than doubled, far exceeding the planned growth target of 150%, and it continues to grow.

At the same time, those who migrated to Xuzhou were not just ordinary farmers, but also many craftsmen with skills, including blacksmiths, carpenters, tailors, and even shipbuilders who came from Yangzhou.

Liu Feng selected these valuable talents and assigned them to various workshops. In particular, the shipbuilders were directly escorted to the port of Qu County. Xuzhou was now flush with cash and needed a large number of warships and merchant ships.

The other prefectures are quite upset about Xuzhou's recruitment efforts.

However, the area north of Xuzhou mainly consisted of Beihai Kingdom and Donglai Commandery. Kong Rong had a good relationship with Liu Bei and was not the type to let the people starve rather than allow them to leave the country, so he naturally turned a blind eye to it.

Cao Cao of Yanzhou is still locked in a fierce battle with Lü Bu. Both sides are exhausted, and the decisive battle is likely to take place in the next month or two. He has no time to concern himself with Xuzhou.

Guo Gong of Yuzhou was already an ally of Liu Bei, and the one who fled was not from Liang, so naturally he was happy to watch the joke.

Besides Cao Cao, Yuan Shu was the one who suffered the most.

But what can Yuan Shu do about Liu Bei?
If he could really do anything to Liu Bei, he would have already launched another attack on Guangling.

(End of this chapter)