My father Liu Xuande

Chapter 247 Strengthening Allies
"You've worked hard, my dear minister."

The emperor's voice changed slightly, becoming noticeably gentler. Clearly, Liu Feng's gift had touched the emperor's heart, and even the way he addressed Liu Feng had subtly changed from "Liu Qing" to "Ai Qing".

As an emperor and the ruler of the world, Liu Xie couldn't even provide the empress with Shu brocade. If Zhang Yang hadn't sent a batch of cloth, they would still be wearing old clothes.

This was something the emperor, who was determined to restore the Han dynasty, could not tolerate.

"Please take your seat, my dear minister."

The emperor, with great enthusiasm, invited Liu Feng to take a seat and then inquired about the course of the southern expedition.

Liu Feng recounted some stories of the southern expedition in a mix of truth and fiction. He didn't boast about himself, but instead praised his generals and commanders.

When the emperor heard that Pan Zhang had single-handedly blocked the return route of the Yellow Turban reinforcements from Yingyang and Yingyin, he couldn't help but exclaim, "This is a truly valiant warrior!"

Upon hearing that Taishi Ci and his two companions had trampled the Yellow Turbans and driven them into the river, she became even more excited, her face turning red with excitement.

Finally, the emperor sighed with a mixture of admiration and envy, saying, "How many fierce generals you have under your command!"

Liu Feng lowered his head humbly and said, "Your Majesty's subject is my subject, and those under my command are naturally Your Majesty's subjects. To receive such praise from Your Majesty, we will certainly do our utmost to serve the court and live up to Your Majesty's expectations."

"Okay! Okay! Okay!"

Emperor Liu Xie was very excited and shouted "Good!" three times. Compared with Cao Cao and Yang Feng, Liu Feng was simply too loyal and obedient.

After praising him enthusiastically, the emperor fell into a brief silence.

At this time, only the emperor, Zhong Yao, Liu Feng, and two close eunuchs were in the main hall.

Liu Feng understood somewhat; it seemed the emperor wanted to have some "heart-to-heart" conversation with him.

Sure enough, after a moment of silence, the emperor suddenly asked, "My dear minister, you have been serving in the provinces for a long time, and this time you have traveled a thousand miles to Luozhong to serve the emperor. I wonder what your views are on the situation in the court?"

Liu Feng narrowed his eyes. The emperor's temper was too impatient.

Is this an attempt to get himself to take sides, to push himself out and challenge Cao Cao?
That's a bit of a pipe dream, isn't it?

"With a Grand General overseeing all affairs of state and the Three Dukes and Nine Ministers all present, how dare any subject presume to make irresponsible remarks about state affairs?"

Liu Feng replied respectfully, his meaning clear: I am just a General Jianzhong, and I have no position in the Ministry of Personnel. It is neither reasonable nor logical for a general of such a low rank as me to manage state affairs.

A hint of disappointment flashed across Emperor Liu Xie's face. Just as Liu Feng had thought, he wanted to push Liu Feng out to fight Cao Cao, so as to gain more real power and even get more support from Xuzhou.

Liu Feng felt a bit disgusted; bullying the weak and fearing the strong is truly human nature.

He only pretended to be more loyal for his own benefit, and the emperor immediately set his sights on Xuzhou.

Yuan Shao is just north of the Yellow River, and Cao Cao is only separated by the river. The distance from Henan to Luoyang is less than 800 li. If you're so capable, go find him.

Oh, right.

The emperor is still withholding the rewards Yuan Shao is to receive.

Liu Feng secretly thought that although he had framed Cao Cao, dragging it out for too long would easily lead to complications.

Although Yuan Shao delayed his southward advance until Gongsun Zan died, he endured the humiliation and insults from the arrogant widow Cao Feilong.

Widow Cao is truly an exceptionally complex character.

Generally speaking, poets and politicians rarely overlap, especially in feudal times.

In feudal times, politicians were expected to be cold-blooded and rational, adept at fighting within the established rules and creating new ones. Poets, on the other hand, were expected to be romantic and unrestrained, transcending the established norms.

But Cao Cao was not like that. After he took over as Grand General, he became so arrogant that he issued an edict in the name of Emperor Liu Xie to Yuan Shao, humiliating him for "having a large territory and many soldiers, and specializing in building his own private faction; instead of sending troops to defend the emperor, he only sends troops to fight against each other."

In Liu Feng's view, this was simply insane.

It's not that you can't provoke Yuan Shao, but you at least have your own purpose or benefit, right?
But Cao Cao did it recklessly just to have some fun and vent his anger.

Yuan Shao was furious. He felt like he had raised a heartless ingrate.

Yuan Shao directly submitted a memorial to Emperor Xian, saying that he was willing to die to prove his loyalty, hoping that Emperor Xian would not be deceived by villains and force such a loyal minister as himself to his death.

At the same time, he cursed at his confidants, saying, "Cao Cao has almost died several times, and I have saved him from danger time and time again. Now he is ungrateful and is using the emperor as a hostage to order me around!"

Cao Cao's almost brainless arrogance and provocation had only one benefit: it tested that even after Cao Cao's humiliation of Yuan Shao, Yuan Shao still held back and chose to deal with Gongsun Zan first before heading south.

However, Cao Cao suffered enormous losses.

First, he relinquished his position as Grand General to Yuan Shao after only a few months in office, and was reassigned as Minister of Works, losing his legitimate title of regent. It wasn't until twelve years later that he was able to reclaim the position of Chancellor from the dusty archives.

Secondly, it caused Yuan Shao to deeply resent Cao Cao from then on, and the two sides completely broke off relations.

Finally, it also led Yuan Shao to start plotting against Emperor Xian and wanting to interfere in court affairs.

Judging from this result, Cao Cao was incredibly foolish.

Therefore, Liu Feng is not only worried that the changes in Xuzhou will cause Yuan Shao to change his attitude, but he is also very worried about the mental state of the widow Cao.

Cao Cao's romantic nature made him somewhat unpredictable in politics.

Liu Feng's bottom line was to support Yang Feng, Zhang Yang, and Guo Gong as his vassals to restrain Cao Cao and prevent him from monopolizing power. However, he would never stand up and compete with Cao Cao for control of the court.

Simply put, Cao Cao could serve as prime minister, but not as regent.

Seeing Liu Feng's low profile, Emperor Liu Xie couldn't say anything to him.

After calming Liu Feng down, Zhong Yao escorted him away.

After seeing Liu Feng off, Zhong Yao returned to the hall.

“Zhong Qing, Liu Qing’s attitude is probably different from what you said.”

As soon as Zhong Yao returned, Emperor Liu Xie couldn't wait to speak.

After bowing calmly, Zhong Yao replied under the urging gaze of Emperor Liu Xie, "Your Majesty, the burden you have placed on Liu Jianzhong is too heavy, exceeding the weight he is capable of bearing."

Emperor Liu Xie was slightly taken aback, then understood and sighed, "But Yuan Shao has long harbored rebellious intentions. As a mere subject, he has tried to interfere in the deposition and enthronement of emperors time and time again. He commands an army of 100,000, yet he only knows how to scheme and expand his power, completely ignoring me who is so close at hand."

At present, Cao Cao has not yet been brainless enough to issue an edict to humiliate Yuan Shao. In the eyes of Emperor Liu Xie, Zhong Yao and others, Cao Cao is still Yuan Shao's ally, younger brother and vassal.

They instinctively believed that Cao Cao's control over the court was inevitably greatly influenced by Yuan Shao.

Once Liu Feng steps out to confront Cao Cao, he will not only have to face Cao Cao, but also Yuan Shao behind him.

How could Liu Feng possibly shoulder this burden?
Moreover, given Cao Cao's romantic nature, he might just turn around and team up with Yuan Shao again at any time, leaving Liu Bei to face a massive alliance of five entire provinces.

Why did Liu Feng keep fighting Cao Cao without breaking him, and even give Cao Cao opportunities in some places, allowing him to develop his strength? Wasn't it because he was worried about this?

As Emperor Liu Xie spoke, tears streamed down his face: "If even Minister Liu fears Yuan Shao, then who in the world can we rely on?"

Liu Xie was very intelligent, a trait he inherited entirely from his father, Emperor Ling of Han.

At the same time, Liu Xie also inherited his father's kindness, selfishness, and weakness.

Emperor Ling of Han was actually quite intelligent. He seemed muddleheaded, but in reality, he was very shrewd. Unfortunately, he never used his political skills for good, but only cared about accumulating wealth and enjoying himself.

Liu Xie didn't have the opportunity in this regard, but his kindness, selfishness, and weakness have indeed stood the test of history.

His greatest desire is for his subordinates to seize power for him and then return it to him.

What's the difference between this and daydreaming?
But Emperor Xian of Han persisted in this dream his entire life.

Ultimately, it stems from a kind, selfish, and weak character.

"Your Majesty," Zhong Yao solemnly advised, "Xunzi said, 'A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, and a great river is formed from countless small streams.' 'Now that Your Majesty wishes to revive the imperial family and restore the Han Dynasty, you should strive to emulate this. Although Liu Jianzhong is not capable enough to remove the wicked from Your Majesty's court, his loyalty is genuine. Your Majesty only needs to befriend the loyal and righteous, promote upright officials, and the court will naturally punish the wicked and promote the virtuous. In time, with upright officials filling the court, will Your Majesty still fear not regaining power?"

Emperor Liu Xie suddenly realized his mistake and personally rose to take Zhong Yao's hand, saying, "Zhong Qing's words are like the morning bell and evening drum, which are thought-provoking. I beg you, Zhong Qing, not to look down on my virtue and continue to assist me."

Zhong Yao was moved to tears and immediately bowed deeply, saying, "How dare I not do my utmost to follow you to the death?"

Liu Xie held Zhong Yao's hand, and was so moved that he burst into tears.

For a time, the ruler and his ministers got along well.

After leaving the palace, Liu Feng went directly back to the residence bestowed upon him by the emperor.

The renovation of Luoyang is still underway. Although the progress is slow, some usable houses and buildings have been restored.

The houses and residences were bestowed upon the ministers by the emperor.

The best treatment naturally went to General Cao Cao, General Liu Bei, General Yang Feng, and General Zhang Yang.

The highest-ranking officials and the most powerful ministers each received titles and rewards, while lower-ranking officials could only live in tents on open ground.

As Liu Bei's son, it was perfectly reasonable for Liu Feng to live in his father's house.

After returning to the residence, Yang Feng and Zhang Yang unexpectedly came to visit together.

The two brought news that Liu Feng would have found troublesome before, but now was a pleasant surprise.

In just over a month, more than two thousand knights from the Three Rivers region came to join them from the remaining counties of Hedong, Hanoi, and Henan Yin.

This news surprised Liu Feng, but after hearing Yang Feng's explanation, it seemed perfectly reasonable.

"The situation on the east bank of the river is very bad. The drought is getting worse and worse. The main rivers on the east bank are almost dry, and the smaller rivers are almost all dried up."

As Yang Feng spoke, he cursed the heavens.

The White Wave Bandits were originally the Yellow Turban Army, and together with the Gebei Yellow Turban Army and the Qingzhou Yellow Turban Army, they were known as the three main branches of the post-Yellow Turban era, that is, the second Yellow Turban Rebellion.

Unfortunately, none of the three were very successful. On the contrary, the Black Mountain Yellow Turbans, led by Zhang Yan, the remnant of the first Yellow Turban Rebellion, survived to the end and even obtained a title.

However, this also made Yang Feng particularly energetic when cursing the heavens, since he believed in the Yellow Heaven and considered the Azure Heaven to be irreconcilable enemies.

"This damned God is making life increasingly difficult for people."

Yang Feng angrily cursed, which piqued Liu Feng's curiosity.

He even wanted to ask Yang Feng, "Isn't your Yellow Turban slogan 'The Blue Heaven is dead, the Yellow Heaven shall rise'?"

Is it the dead Heaven that is now denying people a way out, or the newly established Yellow Heaven?

However, considering that they had a good relationship, he swallowed his words back.

Zhang Yang chuckled and added, "It's not just Hedong. The heroes of Henan also admire the Xuzhou army and are flocking to join. I couldn't stop them even if I wanted to. By the way, even in this barren land of Henan Yin, more than four hundred people have suddenly appeared who want to join the army."

Most of the area in Henan Province is deserted, but there are a few exceptions.

For example, the two forward strongholds where the eastern and western armies set out this time, Xinzheng of Guan Yu's army and Liang County of Taishi Ci, were spared from disaster because they were not the routes taken by the Xiliang army.

When the Western Liang army marched south to Yingchuan and Runan, their favorite route was Huanyuan Pass, through Yangcheng, down to Yangdi, and then sweeping across Yingchuan. Almost all military operations in Liangzhou followed this route.

Liang County and Xinzheng each had 10,000 to 20,000 survivors. After hearing of the Xuzhou army's reputation, another 300 to 400 came to join them.

Most of these men owned horses and came from good families; they were a regular source of soldiers for the Eastern Han court to recruit cavalry from the Three Rivers region.

Now they've all come to join Liu Feng.

If it were before, Liu Feng might have hesitated, but after the battle to sweep away the Yellow Turbans in Yingchuan, he deeply witnessed the excellent individual abilities and skillful teamwork of the Three Rivers Knights, making him reluctant to turn away these high-quality soldiers.

Moreover, Liu Feng was also somewhat worried that if he missed this opportunity, he might lose it forever.

If it weren't for the severe drought in Hedong, even if Liu Feng had come specifically to recruit people and offered double the current compensation, probably not so many of the Three Rivers Knights would have been willing to leave their homes.

If you do the math, this time, the reinforcements from Hedong were equivalent to recruiting six or seven thousand knights in one go. This would increase the food consumption of at least 20,000 infantrymen, and at least 10,000 infantrymen would also have to pay extra for their expenses.

If it weren't for the large amount of grain seized, Liu Feng wouldn't have dared to say, "I want it all."

Furthermore, during this time in Luozhong, Yang Feng and Zhang Yang not only did not betray Cao Cao and collude with him, but also resolutely sided with Liu Feng, which surprised and moved Liu Feng.

At the same time, the two of them provided food and tents to settle the knights who came to join the Xuzhou army, which was a great help to Liu Feng.

Since the younger brother is so obedient and compliant, the older brother can't be stingy either.

Liu Feng said carefully, "I'm sorry to have troubled you two uncles with the affairs in Luozhong. I also gained some things from this trip south. Xuzhou has also sent a new batch of supplies. I have prepared a small gift for you two uncles, and I hope you will not refuse it."

Liu Feng prepared 15,000 shi of grain, 1,000 shi of salt, two bolts of Shu brocade, three hundred bolts of silk of various colors, five jin of sugar, thirty jin of salt, and a small amount of other supplies for Yang Feng.

The 15,000 shi of grain and 1,000 shi of salt alone would be enough for Yang Feng to support his troops for two years. Even with Han Xian's troops, it would last for more than a year.

The gifts given to Zhang Yang did not include grain, only two thousand shi of salt, two bolts of Shu brocade, silk fabric, and sugar frosting, just like those given to Yang Feng. Only the snow salt was given in full, totaling five shi.

Yang Feng and Zhang Yang were overjoyed to receive the gifts. They had their own reasons for siding with Xuzhou. For example, Yang Feng was at serious wits' end with Dong Cheng, and Cao Cao, who was allied with Dong Cheng, was naturally an enemy.

Zhang Yang had a very good relationship with Lü Bu and Zhang Miao. Cao Cao, who had just fought a fierce battle with Lü Bu and Zhang Miao for control of Yan Province, naturally couldn't get close to them.

As a result, Liu Feng gave so many benefits that Yang Feng felt that Xu Huang's advice was absolutely right, and Zhang Yang also felt that it was no wonder that his trusted confidants Yang Chou and Sui Gu had such a good impression of Liu Feng.

What younger brother wouldn't love a generous and magnanimous older brother who can also help his underlings out?

"This...this gift is far too heavy. I feel ashamed."

The one who could say this was naturally Zhang Yang, and Yang Feng was already grinning from ear to ear.

Hearing Zhang Yang's polite words, Yang Feng quickly suppressed the upturned corners of his mouth and nodded, saying, "General Wei and I both admire General Flying Cavalry's loyalty to the emperor and love for the people, not for these gifts."

"My two uncles are overthinking it."

Liu Feng said sincerely, "These gifts are merely a token of my appreciation from Xuzhou, and also a testament to our friendship."

Zhang Yang and Yang Feng exchanged a glance, both seeing joy in each other's eyes.

Who wouldn't want something good?
Zhang Yang and Yang Fengdu have spent half their lives in the military. Shouldn't they be able to enjoy life at this age?

These frosting sugars, snow salts, and Shu brocades are high-quality goods that money can't buy.

Zhang Yang and Yang Feng, secretly pleased and grateful, replied, "In that case, we would be honored to accept."

In fact, Liu Feng also prepared gifts for Guo Gong, Yang Chou, Sui Gu, Yang Wei, Zhong Yao, Zhong Ji, Han Rong, and others. Among them, Guo Gong, Yang Chou, Sui Gu, and Yang Wei received generous gifts.

Guo Gong received mostly valuables, since he no longer needed to maintain an army and therefore did not require large amounts of grain. Liu Feng instead provided him with sugar, salt, and money.

Yang Chou and Sui Gu provided snow salt, Yang Wei provided grain and salt, and Zhong Yao, Zhong Ji, and Han Rong, all scholars from Yuzhou who were close to Liu Feng, provided money and silk.

These gifts were prepared long ago and will be delivered to each household today.

Liu Feng had originally intended to visit Widow Cao, but now it seems he'll have to postpone it until tomorrow.

That evening, Liu Feng hosted a banquet for Zhang Yang and Yang Feng at the General of the Cavalry's residence, which not only strengthened their friendship and alliance but also provided them with a wealth of the latest intelligence on Luozhong.

A few days after Liu Feng left Luozhong, Dong Cheng took the initiative and submitted a memorial to the emperor, requesting the court to execute Hou Qi, Feng Shuo, and Tai Chong.

These three men were all important ministers in the central government, and all of them were on good terms with Yang Feng and Han Xian.

Han Xian, with his fiery temper, couldn't stand it any longer and immediately wanted to fight Dong Cheng.

(End of this chapter)