My father Liu Xuande

Chapter 220 A Minor Change During the Banquet
"Nephew, why did you come so quickly?"

Cao Cao said with a smile, "I originally intended to take this opportunity to rest here for a few days, but I did not expect my nephew to arrive so quickly."

Liu Feng replied with a smile, "If Lord Cao is tired, he may stay in Chenliu for a few days to rest. I am not very capable, but I can be your vanguard."

Cao Cao's expression changed almost imperceptibly. This young fellow's words were laced with barbs, and he was not an easy person to deal with. He then said, "Nephew, you have come from afar. I have prepared a banquet in the city to welcome you and wash away the dust of your journey. You may come into the city with me."

Liu Feng expressed his gratitude: "Thank you for your kindness, Lord Cao. I will come to bother you later."

Cao Cao asked with some doubt, "Is there anything else, my dear nephew? Is there anything I can help you with?"

Liu Feng respectfully replied, "Lord Cao, please don't be offended. I have heard that when Wu Zixu led his troops, he shared the same clothes and food with the lowest-ranking soldiers. He did not sleep on a mat, nor did he ride a horse. He personally carried his own provisions and shared the hardships with his soldiers. If a soldier had a boil, he would get up and suck the pus from it."

"Although I cannot do the things of sleeping without a mat, traveling without riding a horse, personally carrying provisions, and getting up to feed them."

Liu Feng replied earnestly, "But at the very least, I can try my best to ensure that the soldiers eat and sleep first. After I have settled the soldiers and the entire army has eaten, I will go to Cao Cao's place to bother him for a while."

After speaking, Liu Feng bowed to Cao Cao, then mounted his horse and galloped away towards his own ranks.

The generals behind Cao Cao were all somewhat shocked and looked at Cao Cao in unison.

Cao Cao, however, seemed unaffected, merely looking at Liu Feng's retreating figure with admiration, praising, "Liu Bei is well-versed in military strategy and can lead by example; his future is limitless."

"Generals, you must remember what happened today."

Cao Cao turned to look at his subordinates behind him and said, "Even a ten-year-old child knows this principle. Aren't you all ashamed?"

Cao Cao brought his elite troops with him this time, including the vanguard Yue Jin, the general Yu Jin, and his relatives Cao Ren and Cao Hong, leaving only generals such as Xiahou Dun, Xiahou Yuan, and Han Hao in Juancheng.

These generals had distinguished themselves in battle under Cao Cao, with Yue Jin leading the charge several times, capturing enemy generals and flags.

Yu Jin was a trusted confidant who was the first among non-family members to be appointed as a general in a region. In the past battle of Xuzhou, he led an army alone and captured Guangwei County, keeping Tao Qian busy.

During the civil war in Yanzhou, he also successfully launched an attack from the west, defeating Gao Ya alone in Xuchang and occupying Xuchang County. This effectively shielded the flank of Cao Cao's main force, relieving him of the threat to his flank.

As for Cao Ren and Cao Hong, they were the pillars of the Cao family.

Especially Cao Hong, although he was indeed not as capable as Cao Ren, he was definitely not a useless person.

In fact, Cao Hong's record in battles involving tens of thousands of troops was quite remarkable, and he even single-handedly supported a battlefront.

In a decisive battle like the Battle of Guandu, he not only did not falter but also had his moments of brilliance, which is actually quite outstanding.

These generals were somewhat surprised by Cao Cao's sudden praise of Liu Feng, but they didn't take it to heart.

Even Cao Cao, who praised Liu Feng, didn't actually have any profound thoughts; it was more like he was taking the opportunity to give a shout-out to his own loyal followers.

After all, the other party is only an eleven-year-old child.

Liu Feng was not lying. Whenever he was leading troops, he would wait until most of the soldiers had eaten before eating himself. Before going to bed, he would often patrol part of the camp to give the soldiers a chance to see him frequently.

Previously, it was because he was too young and lacked prestige.

Although he no longer needed to use these methods to increase his personal prestige, he had already developed the habit and found that this tactic was quite effective; at least the soldiers' goodwill towards Liu Feng was increasing day by day.

By the time the army entered the camp outside the city, lit fires to cook, and the soldiers were eating millet, the sun was already setting in the west.

The luncheon that was supposed to be held was changed to a dinner.

Liu Feng invited his second uncle Guan Yu to oversee the main camp, and led generals such as Taishi Ci, Zhang Liao, Gao Shun, and Pan Zhang to a banquet in Chenliu City.

Although Chenliu was the seat of Chenliu Commandery, many traces of war remain on its walls.

However, these marks were not left by Cao Cao's army, but by the Xiliang army.

Chenliu Commandery was originally a large commandery. Although it could not compare to Nanyang Commandery, which was the number one commandery in the country, nor to Yingchuan Commandery next door, Chenliu Commandery was still a large commandery with a population of 860,000.

Dong Zhuo naturally had to take the initiative and launch a sweep.

Later, there was the Battle of Kuangting between Yuan Shu and Cao Cao for control of Yan Province. All of these battles took place within Chenliu Commandery.

At this time, there were not many people left in Chenliu City. The whole city was lifeless, just like a microcosm of Yanzhou at present.

No wonder Zhang Chao fled to Yongqiu, southeast of Chenliu City, and did not hold out in Chenliu.

After Liu Feng led Taishi Ci and other generals inside, Cao Cao immediately began a banquet.

This banquet was not a trap, but rather a welcoming feast to express Cao Cao's goodwill.

Although Liu Feng had a good capacity for alcohol, he was not a big drinker.

He still showed Cao Cao respect in terms of courtesy and took the initiative to pay respects to generals such as Cao Ren and Cao Hong.

The atmosphere at the banquet was quite pleasant, but whether Cao Hong had drunk too much or not, he suddenly asked Liu Feng, "Young Master, there is something I don't understand and would like to ask you about."

Liu Feng looked at Cao Hong, a man who was stout and strong.

His eyes, like Cao Cao's, were somewhat small, and he looked at Liu Feng with bleary, drunken eyes.

Liu Feng put down his wine cup and said, "General Zilian, what is it that you don't understand? Please feel free to ask."

Upon hearing Liu Feng's words, Cao Hong immediately said, "Lü Bu is a villain, and Zhang Miao is a traitor. How could Liu Xuzhou accept these two villains and even force my brother to release Zhang Chao? Do you know that these two have wreaked havoc on Yanzhou, betrayed my brother, and almost put him to death? Liu Xuzhou, a dignified governor of a province, how can he harbor such filth and evil? Such recklessness will only make him a laughingstock to the world."

As soon as Cao Hong said this, the Xuzhou army generals immediately turned cold. Pan Zhang glared fiercely at Cao Hong, ready to pounce on him and teach him a lesson if Liu Feng gave him a nod.

Liu Feng remained expressionless and turned to look at Cao Cao.

Cao Cao lowered his head, pouring wine with his right hand, as if he hadn't heard anything.

Seeing this, Liu Feng couldn't help but feel a little smirk.

It seems that Cao Hong took the initiative to initiate this matter, and Cao Cao was happy to see it succeed.

It seems someone is trying to test me, Liu Feng. I'll have to give them a proper response.

Liu Feng then straightened his back, raised his hand and pointed at Cao Ren, saying, "Cao Zixiao is a beast."

Then, pointing at Yu Jin, he continued, "Yu Wenze is a beast."

The commander of Cao Cao's camp was momentarily stunned and could not believe that Liu Feng would so insult a senior general of Cao Cao's camp at the banquet.

Liu Feng seized the opportunity to continue, saying, "These two men once ravaged my Xuzhou. Cao Zixiao conquered Fei County, Hua County, Jimo County and other counties along the way, and slaughtered people in every city. This is the behavior of a beast."

“Yu Wen attacked Guangwei, and after the city was captured, not a blade of grass was left. This is the behavior of a beast.”

"Cao Cao is the ruler of Yan Province, yet he allows his subordinates and generals to commit acts of bestiality. Could this be Cao Cao's wish to restore the Han Dynasty and save the people?"

"In Cao Cao's mind, is it only by killing everyone in the world that he can save the common people?"

“If that’s the case, then my father would rather be laughed at by the world than dare to save the common people.”

"Nothing special, my father is just a human being."

"Be bold!"

"shut up!"

"How dare you insult my lord, you brat!"

Liu Feng's words instantly shocked everyone present.

The generals of Cao's army were both shocked and furious. Even Cao Hong, who had been drowsy from drinking, widened his eyes and jumped up, shouting and cursing at Liu Feng.

The generals behind Liu Feng could not tolerate this and immediately jumped up, shouting and cursing back at the other side.

"An dare, thief!"

"If a scoundrel dares to do it, why is he afraid of what people will say?"

"You think you can take advantage of my young master's youth? You're all blind!"

Taishi Ci and Gao Shun immediately shielded Liu Feng behind them, while Zhang Liao stood beside Liu Feng with narrowed eyes, like a sharp blade drawn from its sheath, waiting for an opportunity to strike. However, his target was not the Cao army generals opposite him, but Cao Cao himself.

Only Pan Zhang was extremely excited.

Seeing that Liu Feng was being protected by Taishi Ci and his two generals, he even wanted to rush over and teach the other party a lesson, but Liu Feng stopped him.

Liu Feng turned to look at Cao Cao, only to find that the other man was also looking at him.

Liu Feng slowly rose, bowed to Cao Cao, and said, "Thank you for your hospitality, Lord Cao. The night is now deep."

Liu Feng paused here, looked around at the people opposite him, and continued, "The generals at the banquet have all had too much to drink, and we still have to travel tomorrow, so let's call it a day."

After saying this, he didn't wait for Cao Cao's reply and turned to leave on his own.

Cao Cao's generals tried to stop him, but then they heard Cao Cao, sitting on the throne, suddenly shout, "Generals, you must not be rude. Let the young master go back and rest."

After saying that, he called out to the side, "Xianding, go and see Liu Feng off. Don't be impolite." Wang Bi, courtesy name Xianding.

He was a trusted veteran under Cao Cao, temporarily serving as an official in Yanzhou.

This time, Cao Cao also brought out the task of supporting the emperor. Just now, at the banquet, when he heard Cao Hong's question, he felt that something bad was going to happen.

As expected, despite his young age, Liu Feng was completely unafraid of Cao Hong, who was known for his ruthless killings. He even ignored Cao Hong and instead turned his head to point at Cao Ren and Yu Jin, cursing them.

The reactions of the generals in Cao Cao's camp were also varied.

Cao Ren's fierce gaze had just left Liu Feng when it fell on Cao Hong.

Others may not know, but Cao Ren could guess a bit. Cao Hong, that greedy fellow, must have started his troubles against Liu Feng because Zhang Chao had run away with the Zhang family's property.

But that little brat Liu Feng actually turned around and cursed him and Yu Wenze.

This realization really infuriated Cao Ren.

On the other hand, Yue Jin was secretly delighted.

His relationship with Yu Jin was not good, or rather, there were very few people in Cao Cao's camp who could get along well with Yu Jin.

Yu Jin was an extremely rigid person, and he was also prone to making false accusations, making him difficult to guard against.

Seeing Yu Jin being called a beast by Liu Feng, Le Jin's face was full of anger, but he was secretly overjoyed.

Looking at Yu Jin's stern face, Yue Jin felt only regret that Liu Feng hadn't managed to anger Yu Jin.

Cao Cao slowly stood up, and all the generals immediately looked over. He merely glanced at them, and the atmosphere in the room instantly became tense.

Cao Hong's forehead was covered in cold sweat, but even Cao Ren, Yu Jin, who had been scolded, and even Yue Jin, who was watching the spectacle, became nervous.

Fortunately, Cao Cao didn't say anything. He just pointed at Cao Hong with his finger and then turned and left.

On the other side, after receiving the order, Wang Bi hurriedly caught up with Liu Feng and expressed his apologies on behalf of Cao Cao.

Liu Feng's face had returned to a smile, and there seemed to be no trace of his earlier mockery.

"Wang Congshi, could it be Wang Bi or Wang Xianding, who went to pay homage to the emperor in the third year of the Chuping era?"

Wang Bi was stunned, not expecting that Liu Feng even knew about him.

"My humble name is not worth mentioning, but I did not expect that you would know my name."

After hearing Wang Bi's modest words, Liu Feng smiled politely and said, "Then I'll have to trouble you, Wang Bi."

Wang Bi was a staunch loyalist of Cao Cao, and in the end, he sacrificed his life for the Cao family.

Wang Bi escorted Liu Feng and the others out of Chenliu, smiling and saying many kind words along the way.

Judging from Wang Bi's reaction alone, Cao Cao clearly did not want things to escalate.

However, as an elder, he couldn't directly apologize to Liu Feng, while Wang Bi astutely discerned Cao Cao's intentions and accomplished the task of Cao Cao's implied meaning.

Before leaving the city, Liu Feng turned to Wang Bi and said, "Starting tomorrow, our army will rest in Chenliu for a few days while waiting for supplies. Once the supplies arrive, we will continue north to Huai County to cross the river. Please make preparations in advance, Lord Cao."

The biggest advantage of the Xuzhou army's northward march was the smooth waterways, which allowed them to reliably transport food, fodder, and military supplies by water.

Given the supply efficiency during the Eastern Han Dynasty, the loss rate for waterway supply was approximately 3% to 5% per 100 li (approximately 50 kilometers), while the loss rate for land supply increased dramatically, with the loss rate becoming more alarming the longer the route.

Within 300 li, the losses can be controlled to within 100%, but once it exceeds 300 li, the losses increase several times over.

As long as the journey is long enough, a loss rate of over a thousand is quite normal.

This is the advantage of waterway transportation.

Besides the loss ratio, waterways have another huge advantage: the transport of manpower.

Transporting 100 shi of grain by land would require 100 strong laborers, or 10 oxen, a matching cart, and 10 drivers.

But cows eat much more than humans.

But waterways are different; a hundred bushels of grain only require one boat and three or four boatmen.

Without having to draw on able-bodied laborers, it would be equivalent to the harvest and taxes for the coming year.

The route carefully chosen by Liu Bei and Liu Feng was entirely supported by waterways.

This meant that Liu Feng's army did not need to carry large amounts of food. Soldiers only needed to carry one or two days' worth of dry rations, plus a week's worth of food for the supply wagons, which could be replenished at any time.

For example, it would take seven days to reach Liang State, where the first batch of food could be replenished in Suiyang. After that, the journey north would only require carrying food for another ten days or so to reach Chenliu.

The Sui River flows just outside Chenliu City, and Liu Bei's navy will arrive in Chenliu tomorrow to resupply the army.

Distribute food, repair equipment,

The army can set off again in as little as two days.

The naval vessels that had been emptied could then return to Pengcheng via the same route to reload new grain.

In this way, although Xuzhou appears to have mobilized 40,000 troops, the actual increase in food consumption is not significant.

The actual loss of grain is only the loss caused by water transport.

After all, the army needs to eat no matter where it is, and as long as there is no war, there will be no extra food.

After being reassured by Liu Feng, Wang Bi felt relieved and quickly bowed deeply in gratitude: "Don't worry, sir, I will definitely convey your words to my lord."

Liu Feng nodded and led his generals away from Chenliu City, heading towards the military camp outside the city.

After leaving the city, Taishi Ci approached and, while still on horseback, clasped his hands in a fist and said, "Young Master, you must never do such dangerous things again. There were only four of us in the hall just now, and we were not confident that we could protect you and help you escape Chenliu."

Liu Feng laughed: "Teacher, you are overthinking it. Cao Mengde is cunning and treacherous, and he puts profit first. As long as he can benefit, he won't care if you scold him. But if you make him suffer a loss, even if you greet him with a smile, it won't help."

In later generations, Cao Cao would be seen as a typical pragmatist.

The duel between Xu You and Xu Chu is the best example of this.
The same phrase, "Aman," earned Cao Cao's smile at Guandu, but in Xuchang, it earned Xu Chu's fist the size of a sandbag.

Taishi Ci and Pan Zhang had followed Liu Feng for a long time and already had great faith in him.

Zhang Liao and Gao Shun, however, were not like that.

Zhang Liao was emotionally intelligent and knew how to get along with people. He was very close to Liu Feng, Liu Bei's son, and the two quickly became close.

Gao Shun, on the other hand, was straightforward and loyal, and abstinent from wine and women, making him seem very difficult to get along with to others.

However, Liu Bei and his son did not distance themselves from Gao Shun because of this; on the contrary, they respected him greatly and entrusted him with important responsibilities.

Gao Shun didn't say it outwardly, but in his heart he already regarded Liu Bei and his son as wise rulers.

His former lord, Zhang Miao, valued him, but he valued the Gao family's lineage more and never listened to his advice.

After the Yanzhou Incident, Zhang Miao assigned Gao Shun to Lü Bu, ordering him to fight alongside Lü Bu.

He also offered many loyal suggestions, but who was Lü Bu?

Can you listen to Gao Shun?

Besides, Gao Shun neither drinks nor is he a womanizer; he's clearly not one of our own.

Lü Bu never trusted Gao Shun at all, and his generals Zhang Liao and Chen Gong also had a distant relationship with Gao Shun.

Now that Zhang Liao and Gao Shun have been brought under Liu Bei's command, as two former colleagues, they should naturally stick together for mutual support in Xuzhou.

However, Zhang Liao couldn't get along with Gao Shun.

Gao Shun was simply too honest and straightforward, and his mouth was too unrestrained.

“Young Master, General Taishi is right. I have heard that a son of a wealthy family should not sit under a dangerous roof. As the eldest son of the Duke and the commander of the army, you must not put yourself in danger.”

Even though Taishi Ci, who had spoken first, had fallen silent, Gao Shun spoke up instead, simply because he felt that Taishi Ci's advice was correct, while Liu Feng's rebuttal showed that he was not heeding good advice.

Gao Xiaofu naturally could not tolerate this situation and had to speak out.

Zhang Liao blinked and sighed silently.

Pan Zhang glared fiercely at Gao Shun, finding him rather annoying. Was he trying to force the young master to bow down?
Taishi Ci's gaze towards Gao Shun also held a hint of hostility.

He was concerned for Liu Feng's safety, which is why he spoke up to persuade him. Now that Liu Feng has answered and resolved his inner conflict, why is Gao Shun jumping out at this time?
Moreover, he always puts himself in the front line. If the young master humbly accepts advice, it will be thanks to his perseverance. If the young master gets angry, he will be the first to suffer.

This guy is incredibly cunning.

(End of this chapter)