My father Liu Xuande

Chapter 266 Yuan Shu's Countermeasures

Yang Hong frowned, considered for a long time, and then continued, "How about we send someone to have a good talk with Magistrate Liu? We don't have any deep-seated hatred between us. As the saying goes, when the snipe and the clam fight, the fisherman benefits. I suppose Magistrate Liu doesn't want others to benefit either?"

Yang Hong's words drew shocked glances from the surrounding crowd, but unexpectedly, Yuan Shu did not get angry, but instead fell into deep thought.

After a long while, Yuan Shu spoke up: "What do you all think of what Guangwen said?"

Everyone couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for Yang Hong.

They originally thought that Yang Hong's words would surely invite a severe scolding from Yuan Shu, but to their surprise, Yuan Shu was actually moved.

In terms of understanding Yuan Shu's thoughts, Yang Hong was truly second to none.

In fact, Yuan Shu was all bark and no bite, outwardly strong but inwardly weak, and he never minded being humble and subservient.

His background gave him so many resources that there were few things that allowed him to reveal his true colors.

Historically, when he was trapped in Lucheng, he was extremely lenient with Sun Jian, who had sent him to Nanyang Commandery. Later, when he asked Lü Bu to launch a surprise attack on Liu Bei, he was also humble and even praised Lü Bu as his benefactor for three generations.

He was at odds with Yuan Shao from childhood to adulthood, and constantly insulted Yuan Shao as the son of a concubine.

But later he could still shamelessly beg Yuan Shao to accept him, and even boast that the Mandate of Heaven was on Shao's side.

It is clear that Yuan Shu was never a truly powerful person; his power was merely a facade. Yang Hong saw through this, which is why he was able to repeatedly guess Yuan Shu's thoughts.

"What the Chief Secretary says is feasible!"

Yan Xiang was the first to stand up and support Yang Hong, not because he had a particularly good relationship with Yang Hong, but because he genuinely felt that Yang Hong's plan this time was indeed excellent.

Yuan Shu was eager to find talented people, but he could neither find them nor use them effectively.

His subordinates were all mediocre. Even those with some talent, like Yang Hong and Li Ye, were more selfish and often neglected public duty for personal gain, flattering Yuan Shu instead of upholding their own opinions.

Only Yan Xiang was truly talented, insightful, and capable of speaking frankly and impartially.

Yuan Shu was already tempted, and now that he saw Yan Xiang agree, he immediately nodded: "Good, since the chief clerk also agrees with this method, then let's proceed accordingly. Who can take on this important task?"

Yuan Shu's gaze swept across the hall below, seemingly selecting a candidate for the mission.

Yang Hong thought for a moment and then stepped forward, saying, "Yuan Yaoqing is capable of undertaking this important task."

Upon hearing this, Yuan Shu's gaze immediately fell upon a young scholar standing below the hall.

This person is low-key and never speaks up; he simply stays silent in the last position.

In truth, he and Yuan Shu were distant relatives. His surname was Yuan, his given name was Huan, and his courtesy name was Yaoqing. He was the son of Yuan Pang and a direct descendant of the Yuan family of Chen Commandery.

Although the Yuan family of Chenjun was not as prominent as the Yuan family of Runan, it was still a renowned family of scholars in Henan. Their ancestors had also produced three dukes and held official positions with a salary of two thousand shi (a unit of grain).

Yuan Huan's father, Yuan Pang, was an official who rose to the rank of Minister of Works. Moreover, this father and son had a special virtue: they never spoke ill of others.

Yuan Pang's ability to survive between the two periods of persecution of the partisans is inseparable from this point.

Yuan Huan was even more famous. Lü Bu even threatened Yuan Huan with swords to make him write a letter cursing Liu Bei, but Yuan Huan refused to write it even at the cost of his life. Instead, he taught Lü Bu a lesson and actually managed to subdue him.

However, at this time, Yuan Huan was still under Yuan Shu's command. He had taken refuge in the area between the Yangtze and Huai Rivers, which happened to be Yuan Shu's territory, and was forced by Yuan Shu to serve him.

However, Yuan Huan usually did not speak up unless Yuan Shu asked him.

However, whenever Yuan Shu asked, Yuan Huan's opinion was always completely different from his.

Moreover, Yuan Huan's proposals were always righteous and indomitable, and his sharp words left Yuan Shu speechless. Therefore, although Yuan Shu could not employ Yuan Huan, he still respected him and dared not treat him with disrespect.

Yang Hong's recommendation of Yuan Huan to be Liu Bei's envoy this time was not out of any personal motive, but because Yuan Huan was indeed a very suitable candidate.

Because Yuan Huan was a talented scholar recommended by Liu Bei, and the two had a past favor to share, it was easier to discuss many things.

Two years ago, Liu Bei came to the aid of Xuzhou. After Cao Cao withdrew his troops, Liu Bei was settled in Xiaopei by Tao Qian. At the same time, Tao Qian also recommended Liu Bei to be the governor of Yuzhou.

Although Tao Qian privately recommended Liu Bei for the position of Governor of Yu Province, there was indeed no governor in Yu Province at the time, so some areas of Yu Province actually accepted Liu Bei's nominal appointment.

Of course, this only applies to remote command; if you actually conscript soldiers and requisition grain, then you lack self-awareness.

Liu Bei was not that arrogant, but he did use a lot of the authority of the governor of Yuzhou, one of which was to recommend outstanding talents and filial and incorruptible officials.

After careful consideration, Liu Bei ultimately chose to recommend Chen Qun as a candidate for the civil service examination and Yuan Huan as a candidate for the civil service examination. At the same time, he also appointed Chen Qun as his advisor.

Like Chen Qun, Yuan Huan also did not support Liu Bei going to Xuzhou, so he simply fled south.

"The Chief Secretary's recommendation coincides with my own."

Yan Xiang also quickly recommended Yuan Huan: "Yaoqing is learned and erudite, and upright in character. He is the best choice."

"Good! Good!"

Yuan Shu nodded repeatedly, then looked at Yuan Huan and said, "Then I can only trouble you, Yao Qing. I wonder if you would be willing to make this trip for me?"

Yuan Huan calmly returned the greeting and said, "I will certainly not fail your trust."

"it is good!"

Yuan Shu was overjoyed and immediately ordered Yuan Huan to go on a mission to Liu Bei as soon as possible. He also instructed Li Ye to select gifts from the treasury and Qiao Rui to prepare attendants and guards for Yuan Huan.

"Ming Gong."

Yan Xiang suddenly continued, "If Yaoqing can hold back his troops and lay down his arms on this trip, that would be excellent. But if Liu Xuande insists on going his own way, then you should make preparations as soon as possible."

Yuan Shu was greatly moved upon hearing this and nodded, saying, "What the chief clerk said is quite right."

Then Yuan Shu stood up again and started circling around.

After a moment, he stopped and turned to ask Yang Hong and Li Ye, "Chief Secretary, what good strategies does the strategist have for me?"

Li Ye glanced at Yang Hong, and seeing that the other party had not spoken, he replied first: "I think we can send an army to aid Ruyin first. Ruyin is sheltered by Jiujiang and is also a major city in Runan, blocking the Ying River. As long as Ruyin can be defended, Jiujiang can be kept safe."

Yuan Shu nodded, then suddenly asked, "One army will suffice? Who can lead the army?"

At this time, an army typically comprised several colonels, with a strength ranging from four thousand to ten thousand men. However, during the late Eastern Han Dynasty, an army generally referred to two colonels with four thousand men. It was rare for an army as wealthy and powerful as Liu Bei's to expand to three colonels.

Therefore, the "army" Yuan Shu referred to here is four thousand men.

Hearing Yuan Shu's persistent questioning, Li Ye was starting to feel overwhelmed.

As Yuan Shu's most trusted strategist, he knew all too well the quality of Yuan Shu's generals.

Almost all the fighters are from the Sun family system.

Among the remaining men, Qiao Rui, Zhang Xun, and Ji Ling were all decent generals, but they were far inferior to Sun Ce, and even to Sun Ben and Wu Jing.

Moreover, going to Ruyin at this time is not a good job, and recommending someone casually would offend people.

Li Ye hesitated for a moment before replying, "The appointment of people is a matter of the emperor's power and prestige; how could I dare to overstep my bounds?"

Li Ye's blatant excuse actually hit Yuan Shu where it hurt.

"Ah."

Yuan Shu took a few more steps, looked up at the crowd below, and ordered, "Where are Qiao Rui and Li Feng?"

Qiao Rui and Li Feng inwardly groaned, but had no choice but to step forward: "Your subordinates are here!"

Yuan Shu issued the order: "You two will each lead your troops out of the city tomorrow and head to Ruyin. Once you arrive in Ruyin, you will be in charge of the city's defenses. In this battle, Qiao Rui will be the commander-in-chief, and Li Feng and Yue Jiu will be the deputies. Holding Ruyin will be a great achievement. If Liu Bei is ungrateful and attacks with a large army, I will personally lead a large army to his aid. You need not worry!"

"Yes! General!"

Qiao Rui and Li Feng immediately accepted the order.

Yan Xiang then added, "My lord, Longkang is also a strategic location and must be defended."

Li Ye and Yang Hong also chimed in, saying, "What the registrar says is correct. We hope Your Excellency will accept it."

Reminded by Yan Xiang, Yuan Shu suddenly realized what was going on.

Although Longkang is farther from Shouchun than Ruyin, it is still an important location.

Once it falls, Liu Bei's army can immediately take advantage of the river to launch a flanking attack on Shouchun from the east.

Therefore, Yuan Shu immediately ordered: "Liang Gang, your troops will also leave the city tomorrow and rush to Longkang to ensure that Longkang is safe and sound, or else you will be beheaded!"

Liang Gang hurriedly stepped forward to obey the order.

After the assignments were completed, Yuan Shu harbored some concerns. Shouchun City already only had 20,000 infantry and cavalry; now, with 6,000 men dispatched, only 14,000 remained, causing him considerable worry. Therefore, Yuan Shu ultimately ordered: "Quickly send men to Liyang, ordering Sun Ben to lead 10,000 men north, and also to draw 6,000 men from Lujiang back to reinforce. Have Sun Ben and the Lujiang army rendezvous at Hefei, and then all will march north."

In this way, when reinforcements arrive in Shouchun, there will be 30,000 soldiers ready to fight.

Shouchun city was already tall and sturdy, with the Feishui River serving as its moat and enough food to last a year. With the addition of 30,000 soldiers, it could rest easy.

"correct!"

Finally, Yuan Shu remembered something else and instructed, "Send people over to Jiangdong as well, and have Bo Fu select elite troops to cross the river and return to reinforce them as soon as possible. Tell them I'll be waiting for him in Shouchun!"

"and many more!"

After saying that, Yuan Shu added a moment later: "Tell Bo Fu that as long as he returns to defend the city this time, regardless of whether Shouchun is besieged or not, I will recommend him to be the governor of Jiujiang."

This time, Yuan Shu really didn't make empty promises.

He genuinely wanted to recommend Sun Ce for the position of Governor of Jiujiang and keep him by his side.

Previously, he had no enemies around him; his opponents were either rebellious local strongmen or river and land bandits.

Qiao Rui, Zhang Xun, and their ilk were naturally invincible in every battle.

But when Yuan Shu faced Liu Bei's threat head-on, he realized his own weakness, and it was at this moment that he remembered Sun Ce's abilities.

Therefore, he was speaking the truth this time and had no intention of deceiving Sun Ce.

*******
It was August, in a field outside Xiang County, Runan.

Liu Feng was accompanying Liu Bei as he inspected the newly formed artillery unit.

Out of habit from his previous life, Liu Feng named the counterweight catapult the Great Han Cannon and transferred more than a third of the twenty-four newly trained artillery groups to Xiang County.

The reason it was Xiang County is because in June, Liu Ang, the magistrate of Xiang County, sent someone to Suiyang of Liang State to surrender.

Liu Bei was overjoyed. He knew that Xiang County was an important town in Runan, located at a strategic transportation point and at the confluence of the Ying River and the Langtang Canal.

Once Xiang County is captured, logistical supplies can be received via the Ying River and Langtang Canal. At the same time, forward outposts can be established in Xiang County to stockpile grain, fodder, and weapons.

This demonstrates the importance of Xiang County.

This area was also influenced by Yuan Shu, and all the taxes were collected by Yuan Shu.

However, Yuan Shu had always been tyrannical and oppressive, and even though Runan was his hometown, he could no longer control it.

The taxes levied on Xiang County in the past two years have almost doubled compared to previous years.

If it weren't for Yuan Shu's absolute power in Huai and Si, the people of Xiang County would have long since reached their breaking point.

A small number of people in later generations praised Yuan Shu for his strong management skills, calling him a great healer who provided life support to Sun Jian, Sun Ce, and Lü Bu, and even gave him a score of 90 for his economic ability.

This is utterly absurd. How could Yuan Shu, a cruel ruler who doesn't understand business and only knows how to exploit and plunder, possibly be qualified to talk about economic capabilities?

It can be said that Yuan Shu's wealth was almost entirely non-renewable; the places he exploited would only decline further and eventually perish.

Therefore, seeing that Liu Bei was repeatedly mobilizing troops and intending to march south to Runan, the magistrate of Xiang County immediately defected and surrendered to Liu Bei. Moreover, he was not the only one to surrender; from the gentry to the powerful and the common people, not a single person in Xiang County supported Yuan Shu.

County Magistrate Liu Ang discussed with the local gentry and powerful families that, seeing Liu Bei preparing his army, he was likely about to head south.

Once Liu Bei marches south, anyone with a bit of strategic vision knows that Xiang County will be the first to be affected.

At present, there are only a little over a hundred county soldiers in Xiang County, and none of the gentry and powerful families are willing to contribute money or manpower.

Under such circumstances, Liu Ang simply switched sides and surrendered to Liu Bei.

After Xiang County surrendered, the local gentry and powerful families, fearing that Yuan Shu would send troops to attack them, even pleaded with Liu Bei to immediately send troops to take over Xiang County on the very day they surrendered.

To show their sincerity, they even offered to provide food supplies for Liu Bei's four thousand troops.

This not only demonstrates the wealth of Xiang County, but also how bad Yuan Shu's reputation was in his hometown. It's clear that Runan, who were originally close to Yuan Shu, were forced to defect and support Yuan Shao entirely by Yuan Shu's own hand.

Liu Bei immediately ordered Xiahou Bo to garrison Xiang County and simultaneously investigate the situation in Ruyin.

Once Xiang County is captured, Runan will have no further barriers in front of it.

The army set out from Xiang County and could reach the city of Ruyin within seven days.

What surprised Liu Bei even more was that the news of Xiang County's defection to him spread.

As Liu Bei and Xiahou Bo's forces successfully occupied Xiang County, Yuan Shu made no move whatsoever.

The counties and towns in the entire northern part of Runan surrendered without resistance. Within a short month, six cities—Nandun, Yilu, Xinyang, Songguo, Sishan, and Chengfu—successively surrendered.

These cities were almost all located in the northern part of Runan, which Yuan Shu could not reach, leaving him powerless and furious.

If he really dared to send troops to conquer, Liu Bei, who was stationed in Suiyang, would be laughing in his sleep.

The surrender of these counties brought Liu Bei not only tax revenue and grain, but also a huge boost to his prestige.

Especially Chengfu, once it surrendered, not only did Qiao County have a shelter, but Longkang downstream of the Chui River also lost its barrier.

Zhang Fei could directly station himself in Chengfu County and march south from there, reaching the walls of Longkang City within ten days.

It can be said that even before the war began, Yuan Shu's side already showed signs of collapse.

Liu Bei's army already possessed favorable geographical conditions, and the surrender of the southern part of Runan directly gave Liu Bei's army an even better situation.

Liu Bei's army advanced more than 100 miles south from its forward base and gained control of the Ying River waterway in advance, giving them a perfect start.

At this moment, Liu Bei, full of confidence, followed his eldest son to observe the artillery battalion's drills.

In the past few months, Liu Feng trained a total of twenty-four artillery groups. He left six of the best artillery groups in Tancheng as instructors, sent one artillery group to Chen Deng, two artillery groups to Zhang Fei and Guan Yu, prepared three artillery groups in Guangling, and concentrated the remaining ten artillery groups in Xiang County.

These artillery units were mainly composed of artillerymen and craftsmen.

The former was responsible for firing the cannons and would perform simple elevation calculations to improve the accuracy of the catapults. The latter was responsible for building and maintaining the counterweight catapults to ensure that they could maintain full combat effectiveness.

A gun crew consists of thirty people, with the number of artillerymen and craftsmen split evenly.

Meanwhile, five of the craftsmen were specifically responsible for managing the laborers, which meant they were in charge of allocating materials and overseeing construction for the other ten craftsmen.

This time, Liu Feng accompanied Liu Bei out to watch a live-action battle demonstration.

On the outskirts of Xiang County, more than two hundred laborers conscripted by Xiang County, under the command of craftsmen, have built two counterweight catapults.

If there are enough materials, it can be built in one or two weeks, but a lot of manpower is needed to collect the boulders and polish them into round shapes.

"My lord, young master, the artillery crew is ready."

This time, the artillery crew was led by Yan Guang, Xianyu Yin's deputy. The guy was only sixteen years old, but he was already quite experienced. Having dealt with craftsmen all day, Yan Guang himself also had certain woodworking and mechanical skills, and he was especially talented in mathematics.

Therefore, after this trip, Liu Feng appointed him as a separate commander, temporarily in charge of the various artillery groups of the artillery battalion.

Liu Feng had instructed Yan Guang beforehand that Liu Bei would personally observe the test cannon firing.

Therefore, Yan Guang was somewhat obsessed with perfection, even personally inspecting the polishing of the bullets before he could feel at ease.

Liu Feng highly approved of Yan Guang's work, and at the same time, he also saw a satisfied look on Liu Bei's face.

This area had long been ordered to be cleared out, and besides, it was a vast open field with nowhere for anyone to hide, not to mention the cavalry searching and scouting it.

Therefore, there is absolutely no problem with confidentiality, and it will not cause any accidental harm.

"Alright, let them fire."

Liu Bei immediately ordered the cannon test to begin.

At Liu Bei's command, Liu Feng nodded to Yan Guang.

This time, Liu Feng set a target for the artillery crew: a mound of earth about 160 paces away, roughly 20 square meters in size. He also drew circles of different sizes on the mound.

The goal of this exam is accuracy; the more closely you hit the circle in your mind, the higher your score will be.

Yan Guang immediately waved the command flag.

Upon seeing the signal, the artillery crews in the distance simultaneously pulled their hooks.

Two 70-kilogram boulders soared into the air, flying more than 240 meters before crashing heavily to the ground.

(End of this chapter)