My father Liu Xuande

Chapter 208 Intrigue
Guo Tu is a very basic template. In the later Sui and Tang dynasties, there was a hexagonal Guo Tu, namely Pei Ju, a treacherous minister of the Sui dynasty and a famous minister of the Tang dynasty.

The greatest strength of people like Guo Tu has always been their ability to see into people's hearts, especially the thoughts of their rulers, but they lack a firm stance.

They can always align their own interests and desires with their lord's thoughts.

Simply put, they will blindly flatter their lord and then seek their own interests and benefits within the lord's plans.

Yuan Shao's refusal to enthrone Emperor Xian was considered a blunder by many, and Guo Tu, who vehemently opposed it, was seen as a prime example of foolishness.

Few people know that the first person in Yuan Shao's camp to propose welcoming Emperor Xian to the throne was Guo Tu.

It was in the winter of this year (195 AD) that Emperor Xian of Han was pursued by Li Jue, Guo Si and others in Caoyang and fled to Hedong.

Yuan Shao specially appointed Guo Tu as an envoy to go to Hedong to pay homage to Emperor Xian.

After Guo Tu returned, he tried to persuade Yuan Shao to welcome Emperor Xian of Han, but Yuan Shao resolutely refused.

Faced with Yuan Shao's resolute attitude, Guo Tu did not think of how to persuade Yuan Shao to understand the benefits of welcoming Emperor Xian to the throne. Instead, he changed his tune and became a member of the opposition to welcoming Emperor Xian to the throne in order to please Yuan Shao.

Later, Ju Shou and Tian Feng finally persuaded Yuan Shao to support Emperor Xian, but Guo Tu and Chunyu Qiong interfered and ruined the whole thing.

The reason is simply that the person making this suggestion at this point is no longer him, but the Hebei faction.

Since I can't get this benefit, then the Hebei faction shouldn't expect to get it either.

As for whether it would benefit Yuan Shao, that was a matter for another time.

Therefore, Liu Feng resolutely implemented the policy of "better to offend a gentleman than a villain," and heavily bribed Xin Ping and Guo Tu.

I don't ask them to speak on my behalf, I just ask that they don't sow discord and smear me.

However, it seems now that Liu Bei has given too much. Not only Xin Ping, but even Guo Tu felt indebted and took the initiative to speak well of Liu Bei to Yuan Shao.

Guo Tu ignored his nephew, who was rather simple-minded. He half-changes the subject and half-sincerely seeks advice, saying, "Zhongzhi, the people of Hebei are proposing to use Xu to control Yang, and they also want to send a candidate to Runan. Do you think we should oppose it?"

"be opposed to?"

Xin Ping laughed and said merrily, "Why should we object?"

Xin Pi, standing to the side, added with a smile, "This suggestion from the people of Hebei is exactly what they wanted to hear. Do they really think they'd dare to take up their posts in Runan?"

Guo Tu and Guo Yuan suddenly realized that, just as Xin Pi had said, the people of Hebei had no roots in Henan. Even with Yuan Shao's support, they were so far away that even if Liu Bei really helped them rise to power, they would only be figurehead governors, and the real power would probably have been divided up by the gentry of Runan.

If this is the case, then Yuan Shao's biggest worry, namely the risk of Liu Bei usurping his position, will greatly increase.

Therefore, even if the people from Hebei dared to go, Yuan Shao would not agree.

Yuan Shao could only choose scholars from Henan, especially those from Ying and Ru.

If that's the case, Guo Tu is starting to feel a bit eager to try it out.

"Zhongzhi, Zuozhi, do you think it's appropriate for me to volunteer?"

Xin Ping and Xin Pi sneered inwardly. Guo Yuan was truly foolish, but Guo Tu was just pretending.

If we can really go, even if I, Xinping, don't want to go, can't I let my younger brother go?
"Of course you can."

On the surface, however, Xin Ping strongly supported it: "If Gong Ze wants to go, Ping will give his full support."

Upon hearing this, Guo Tu was overjoyed and extremely grateful to Xin Ping.

Xin Pi's eyes flickered, somewhat puzzled as to why his elder brother would support Guo Tu so much.

After Guo Tu and Guo Yuan left, Xin Pi asked the question that had been bothering him.

Xin Ping, however, said calmly, "You can write a letter to the eldest son later. This is a crucial moment in the struggle for the throne. As the eldest son's trusted advisor, how can you go to the south?"

Xin Pi suddenly realized that Guo Tu had long since pledged allegiance to Yuan Tan, the eldest son of Yuan Tan, and was one of Yuan Tan's most active advisors.

Now that the conflict between Yuan Tan and Yuan Shang has begun, with the two factions clashing repeatedly, how could the eldest son Yuan Tan allow Guo Tu to leave?

In that case, it wouldn't be that the Xin family wouldn't support him, but that Guo Tu himself wouldn't be able to leave. Not only would he not become the governor of Runan, but he would also owe the Xin family a favor.

By then, Guo Tu will probably have to turn around and support Xin Pi's trip to Runan.

Xin Pi couldn't help but exclaim in admiration, "Brother, you are truly a master strategist!"

Following that, Xin Pi said with some lack of confidence, "Brother, if I really can go to Runan, what should I do? I'm afraid I'm not up to the task."

Xin Pi was still somewhat self-aware. Although he was considered a famous scholar in Yingchuan, he was still a junior. He couldn't be compared to Xun Wenruo or Zhong Yuanchang, and even Chen Qun and Chen Changwen were more famous than him.

Those people from Runan always considered themselves the best in Henan, so he was really a bit overconfident.

Xin Ping sighed and then prompted his foolish younger brother, "You went to Runan, could it really be for the Yuan family?"

Xin Pi was completely dumbfounded. If it wasn't for the Yuan family, was it for our Xin family?
But we don't have that kind of power.

Seeing Xin Pi's reaction, Xin Ping knew that his younger brother was overthinking things again, so he could only continue to analyze, "If you can go to Runan, I have a plan that can turn your danger into safety."

Xin Pi hurriedly said, "Please give me your guidance, brother."

"This strategy is to simply and decisively submit to Liu Bei. As for the affairs in Hebei, your elder brother will cover for you. You only need to appear loyal to Hebei on the surface. I believe Lord Liu will be happy with this."

Upon hearing Xin Ping's superior strategy, Xin Pi was utterly astonished: "Brother, what are you doing...?"

Clearly, words like betrayal were swallowed by Xin Pi; he didn't want to use such terms to describe his elder brother.

"Alas, we abandoned our homes and businesses to come to Hebei to seek refuge with Yuan Shao, which was truly out of necessity."

Xin Ping sighed, "If our hometown of Yingchuan had not been ravaged by Dong Zhuo's Liangzhou army, leaving it in ruins, how could our entire clan have made it north?"

"We had no choice before, but now we have this opportunity."

Xin Ping stared at Xin Pi and said, "If you can't win the position of Prefect of Runan, that's fine. But if you do win it, you must not underestimate Liu Bei, and you must not compete with him for real power in Runan. Otherwise, not only will you die without a burial place, but my Xin family will also be implicated because of you."

"Brother!?"

Xin Pi was greatly alarmed. He had originally thought that Xin Ping had received preferential treatment from Liu Bei, and therefore admired and was grateful to Liu Bei.

Unexpectedly, Xin Ping also held Liu Bei in such high regard.

Seeing his brother's incredulous expression, Xin Ping revealed some information to him: "You used to admire Fengxiao very much. Do you know that Fengxiao has already joined Liu Shijun's forces?"

Xin Pi was shocked again. He and Guo Jia were also very familiar with each other, as they were relatives. Guo Jia was also on good terms with his elder brother and often came to Xin Pi's house to drink. Naturally, they were not strangers to each other.

Xin Pi also greatly admired Guo Jia's talent and vision.

Unexpectedly, Guo Jia abandoned Yuan Shao and joined Liu Bei.

Thinking of Guo Jia's insight, Xin Pi couldn't help but admire his elder brother, muttering to himself, "So that's how it is."

Xin Ping scoffed, "It's not just that. Chen Qun (Chen Changwen), Zhang Zhao (Zhang Zibu), Zhang Hong (Zhang Zigang), Chen Deng (Chen Yuanlong)—these are all talents of the world, yet without exception, they all fell into Liu Bei's hands. Do you still think Liu Bei is mediocre? Even if Liu Bei says he only wants to protect his territory and people, to live in a corner of the land, the reality is that he helped Lu Xiang repel Guo Gong, helped Liu Yao control Yuan Shu, supported Chen Gui to take control of Pei State, and subdued Guo Gong, leading him to recommend Zang Xuan Gao as the Chancellor of Rencheng State. All of this is in no way inferior to your abilities, my lord."

At this point, Xin Pi clicked his tongue in amazement: "Back in Pingyuan, Liu Bei was slightly defeated by the eldest son. Apart from being highly skilled in martial arts like his brothers, he was nothing special. But after going to Xuzhou, he was like a hidden dragon rising from the abyss, completely transformed."

Xin Ping nodded: "No matter what, Liu Bei's power is already established. With Guo Jia there, we have an old friendship, so we must not lose contact."

Xinpi respectfully replied, "Yes, elder brother."

***************
Cai Yan put down the letter in her hand. It was a letter left by Kong Rong, a close friend of her father Cai Yong.

The letter assured Cai Yan that she could stay there without worry, as Liu Xuande was a virtuous and benevolent ruler.

Kong Rong also stated that if it weren't for the unrest in Qingzhou and the difficult roads, he would have originally intended to take her to Beihai.

The world is in chaos right now, with bandits everywhere, rebel armies rising up, and warlords fighting each other endlessly.

Xuzhou, under Liu Bei's rule, was able to maintain peace and tranquility, so Cai Yan was told not to worry and to stay in Xuzhou.

Cai Yan admired Kong Rong's character and recognized his knowledge. She had already decided to follow his advice and stay in Xuzhou for a while.

After putting down the letter, Cai Yan's gaze turned to the papers on the table.

These papers were pure white with a smooth and even surface, much smoother and more delicate than any other paper Cai Yan had ever seen, which aroused her curiosity.

Cai Yan was only nineteen years old at the time, the most beautiful and radiant time of a woman's life.

Cai Yan was very beautiful, but what was even more outstanding than her appearance was her unique temperament.

Her eyes, clear as water, sparkled with starlight. Beneath her gentle, graceful, quiet, and elegant appearance lay an indomitable and resilient heart.

"Madam, Magistrate Liu and Young Master Liu have arrived." "I know."

Upon hearing this, Cai Yan got up and went outside to personally greet Liu Bei and Liu Feng.

Although the separation of men and women was not as strict in the Eastern Han Dynasty as it was in later times, and widows were not prohibited from remarrying in the slightest.

However, the Eastern Han Dynasty did not support divorce, because marriages between aristocratic families often carried a strong political connotation.

In political marriages, politics takes precedence, and marriage is merely the medium.

Therefore, divorce was extremely difficult in the Eastern Han Dynasty, and it was even more difficult for a woman to initiate a divorce.

Cai Yan had three marriages in her life, yet she was still praised by people and was even included in the biographies of virtuous women by feudal men, which shows how outstanding Cai Yan's talent and learning were.

"This humble servant greets Your Excellency."

Upon seeing Liu Bei, Cai Yan immediately bowed deeply and expressed her gratitude, saying, "I am fortunate to have been rescued by Your Excellency. Otherwise, I would have been robbed by the barbarians."

Not long after Cai Yan was taken away, news spread that the Southern Xiongnu had descended through Yanmen Pass and plundered Hedong. Many refugees with mounts even caught up with Cai Yan and her party.

Fortunately, they had already reached the Yellow River, where boats were waiting. After crossing the Yellow River, they finally escaped the threat of the Xiongnu soldiers.

Liu Bei stepped aside, refusing Cai Yan's grand gesture, and said softly, "Madam Cai, you flatter me. The people of Xuzhou are all delighted to have you here."

Before the Yuan Dynasty, "Niangzi" was not a general term for wife; before the Tang Dynasty, it specifically referred to an unmarried girl.

"娘亦女良切，少女之称"

During the Eastern Han Dynasty, the Three Kingdoms period, the Wei and Jin Dynasties, and even the Northern and Southern Dynasties, the term "Niangzi" generally referred specifically to an unmarried young woman.

Cai Yan was only nineteen years old and a widow who had lost her husband.

It was quite reasonable for Liu Bei to address her as "Lady Cai" in a friendly manner.

After the formalities were completed, both sides entered the guest hall and took their seats as host and guest.

Then, Liu Bei coughed at Liu Feng.

The latter straightened up and said, "Madam Cai, the matter you asked my father to inquire about the other day has been answered."

Upon hearing this, a hint of anxiety flashed across Cai Yan's beautiful face, and she urged him, "Please tell me, young master."

Liu Feng cupped his hands and said, "According to Zhang Miao, the Prefect of Chenliu, Cai Niangzi's sister is Cai Gong's cousin. Cai Niangzi's cousin, Mr. Cai Zhi, took her south to Jingzhou."

"I see."

Cai Yan breathed a sigh of relief. She had not seen her sister in Chenliu, and both her own home and her uncle's home were deserted, which made Cai Yan very worried.

Upon arriving in Xuzhou, from the moment she met Liu Bei, she asked him to help her find out where her sister and uncle were.

I just didn't expect to hear the news so quickly.

Upon hearing that her younger sister was safe, Cai Yan breathed a sigh of relief and felt much more relaxed.

The slight wariness that had been maintained before had also relaxed considerably.

"I originally intended to inform Lady Cai about this matter, and it just so happened that Lady Cai also sent someone to invite my father, so it all happened to happen at the same time."

Liu Feng then asked, "May I ask why Lady Cai invited my father here?"

Cai Yan hesitated for a moment, then made up her mind: "I am deeply grateful for your protection and care, Your Excellency, and I have no way to repay you."

Liu Bei quickly replied politely, "Madam Cai, there's no need for repayment. I'm merely fulfilling a request and doing my duty."

"Your Excellency possesses a noble character and integrity that I, Yan, am ashamed to admit."

Cai Yan continued, "I have over a thousand volumes of books with me, and I wish to lend them all to you, my lord, as a small token of my gratitude."

At this time, Cai Yan had not yet experienced the ravages of the Xiongnu, and the books she brought to Hedong were still intact, which she brought with her to Xuzhou.

Although these books are not all that Cai Yong left her, they still make up at least a third of her collection.

Liu Feng was secretly delighted; he had been eyeing this batch of books for a long time.

Putting everything else aside, the fame that this batch of books can bring is truly equivalent to that of a great Confucian scholar.

Unexpectedly, Liu Bei politely declined the other party's request.

"These books were left to you, Madam Cai, by Mr. Bojie. How can you possibly take what belongs to someone else?"

Liu Bei said righteously and sternly, "Lady Cai, please rest assured. I am keeping you in Xuzhou out of respect for Master Bojie and because of the entrustment from Kong Beihai. In any case, Lady Cai, you can stay in my Xuzhou without worry, and no one will bother you."

Cai Yan was somewhat moved and secretly made up her mind.

Since Liu Bei was unwilling to take what belonged to him, she could make a copy and give it to Liu Bei.

Therefore, Cai Yan stopped arguing and instead expressed her gratitude.

After a brief conversation, Liu Bei and Liu Feng took their leave.

After seeing Liu Bei and his son off, Cai Yan took out the Xuande paper that Liu Feng had given her, pondered for a moment, and began to write it down from memory.

**************
After leaving Zhang Miao's place, Gao Shun went to the prefectural government.

Gao Shun now fully understood Zhang Miao's intentions.

His lord wanted to use him and the Trapped Camp in exchange for Liu Bei's help in rescuing Zhang Chao and the entire Zhang family.

Gao Shun was initially angry, but then calmed down.

Because apart from this, Zhang Miao truly had no other way to rescue his people.

Imagine if they were in each other's shoes; Gao Shun would probably only be able to use this method to save his family.

So Gao Shun headed straight for the prefectural government building next to the guesthouse, hoping to request an audience with Liu Bei.

Just then, Liu Feng returned from the guesthouse and was reporting the details to his father, including how he communicated with Zhang Miao and how he happened to meet Zhang Liao.

Upon hearing that Gao Shun was requesting an audience, Liu Feng immediately laughed: "How swiftly Gao Xiaofu has arrived! Zhang Mengzhuo must have been too anxious."

Liu Bei asked with a smile, "So, should we meet or not?"

"Then of course we must meet."

Liu Feng laughed heartily and said, "But Father, we have an agreement. Gao Xiaofu must be handed over to me. As for the Trapped Camp, if we can't get our hands on it, then forget it. But if we can get our hands on it, we'll divide it up properly then."

"Can!"

Liu Bei pointed at Liu Feng and laughed, scolding him, "Still here wagging your tongue and talking nonsense? Hurry up and invite General Gao in."

Upon receiving the order, Liu Feng went to the gate to greet Gao Shun.

"General Gao, my name is Liu Feng. I greet you, General."

Upon seeing Gao Shun from afar, Liu Feng greeted him, "General, please come in."

When Gao Shun saw Liu Feng, he was very polite, bowing respectfully but somewhat stiffly, before following Liu Feng inside.

As Liu Feng walked, he stole a glance at Gao Shun and tentatively asked, "General Gao, what brings you here today?"

Gao Shun's calm face showed a slight look of bewilderment, but he quickly regained his composure and replied, "I have come to pay my respects to Lord Liu on the orders of Your Majesty."

Liu Feng was secretly delighted; Gao Shun's reaction seemed like good news no matter how you looked at it.

It seems Zhang Miao acted very quickly, but that's understandable, given Cao Cao's reputation for massacring entire cities, and especially his military law that anyone who surrounds another city will not be spared.

In other words, once the entire city was surrounded and besieged by Cao Cao's army, the people inside the city would no longer be pardoned, and even if they surrendered, they would only face death.

Cao Cao originally intended to wage psychological warfare. Being surrounded meant certain death, so everyone would feel afraid and dare not fight against Cao Cao, thus choosing to surrender directly.

Although Cao Cao's rule backfired countless times.

However, one effect did indeed occur as Cao Cao had anticipated: many counties surrendered without a fight before Cao Cao's army could encircle them.

Now that Cao Cao is about to encircle Yongqiu County, Zhang Chao will certainly not surrender, which explains why Zhang Miao is so nervous.

(End of this chapter)