My father Liu Xuande

Chapter 288: Strange things to live in
Liu Feng was stationed in the palace, and news kept coming back from all directions.

First, Yuan Shu's cousin, Yuan Yin, was brought over. He escaped from the palace, but it was dark, and he twisted his ankle. He was quickly abandoned by Yuan Shu and his men and became the first prisoner.

Subsequently, various prisoners were continuously brought to Liu Feng, including Shi Mao, Qin Yi, Han Yin, Shu Zheng, Shu Shao, Hui Qu, Zhang Jiong, and others.

Liu Feng recognized Shu Zheng, the Shu Shao brothers, Shi Mao, and Han Yin, but had no recollection of Qin Yi, Hui Qu, Zhang Jiong, and others.

Of these people, Liu Feng was most impressed with Shu Shao, who had been recommended by Yuan Shu to be the chancellor of Pei, in order to compete with Liu Bei and Cao Cao for Pei State in Yu Province.

At that time, Shu Shao also controlled the counties in the southern part of Pei State. Unlike most of Yuan Shu's generals, Shu Shao was upright, honest, and capable. Moreover, there had been a case in the Shu family where brothers fought to the death.

Compared to Kong Rong's family, the Shu brothers were much luckier in their fight to the death.

Shu Shao and his brother Shu Zheng conspired to avenge the murder of their relatives and friends. However, although they succeeded in their mission and avenged their deaths, word got out, leading to their arrest by the authorities.

Therefore, Shu Shao and Shu Zheng both begged to die in order to save their brother, and were eventually moved by the magistrate's words and released.

What Liu Feng admired most about Shu Shao was that, during the severe drought in the Jianghuai region the following year, Shu Shao risked being executed by Yuan Shu to distribute all 100,000 bushels of military rations allocated to him by Yuan Shu to the local disaster victims in Pei State.

When Liu Feng read this passage, he was quite impressed with Shu Shao.

The situation in the Jianghuai region at that time was recorded in eleven characters in historical books.

The people suffered from cold and hunger, and those living along the Yangtze and Huai Rivers resorted to cannibalism until they were almost wiped out.

Yuan Shu provided 100,000 bushels of rice as military rations, but Shu Shao distributed it all to starving people. Given Yuan Shu's tyrannical temper, Shu Shao was actually prepared to be executed.

Liu Feng did not judge Yuan Shu based on his own evil intentions, but could only assume that Yuan Shu still had a sliver of goodness in his heart, which is why he spared Shu Shao's life.

As for Shi Mao, courtesy name Yiguan, he came from a prominent family in Nanyang and was a renowned calligrapher of the Eastern Han Dynasty, comparable to Cai Yong in his time. Although he served as a general under Yuan Shu in historical records, there are no records of him committing any misdeeds.

Therefore, Liu Feng still had a good impression of him.

So Liu Feng pretended to ask, "Are you the Shu brothers from Chenliu County, Yanzhou, who fought to the death for revenge for their relatives and friends after the plot was exposed?"

Liu Feng's question immediately drew the attention of most people in the hall.

Shu Zheng and Shu Shao also looked up at Liu Feng. The two brothers were somewhat surprised, not expecting that Liu Feng actually knew about their deeds.

The two brothers exchanged a glance, and the elder brother, Shu Zheng, spoke up, saying, "I never expected that our past affairs would be known to Zheng Nan."

At this time, both Shu brothers were serving in Yuan Shu's army. During the Eastern Han Dynasty, there were many examples of scholars becoming generals, and at the same time, the gentry never regarded joining the army as a lowly position.

Just like Cao Cao's subordinates, Cheng Yu, Man Chong, and even Xun Yu all had their own troops and were capable of leading troops into battle.

Yuan Shu valued the Shu brothers highly, assigning them to his personal guard. Shu Zheng had even risen to the rank of colonel, while Shu Shao held the rank of military commander.

"The two gentlemen have been wasting their talents, which I have always regretted. Now that Yuan Shu has been defeated by me, I am determined to capture him and send him back to Luozhong for His Majesty to decide."

Liu Feng first paid his respects to the emperor, then invited the Shu brothers, saying, "My father is trusted by the emperor and entrusted with many affairs in the southeast. We are truly short of manpower and lack capable assistants. If you two gentlemen do not mind, I humbly request that you lend my father and me a hand to report to the emperor and bring peace to the people."

Liu Feng's words immediately drew envious glances from the Shu brothers.

Originally, everyone was a prisoner, but with just one sentence from Liu Feng, the Shu brothers instantly rose to prominence.

The Shu brothers were overjoyed, and could clearly feel the intense gazes fixed on them from all around.

Shu Shao hesitated for a moment before saying, "I wonder about General Zuo..."

Liu Feng immediately interrupted, shaking his head and saying, "There is no longer a Left General. Yuan Shu's titles and honors have long been taken away by the Emperor. He has hidden the Imperial Seal, disrespected the Emperor, carved up a territory, and plundered the people. He is the traitor the Emperor has pointed out."

"Mr. Zhongying is an upright man who knows how to repay kindness, which is a great virtue. However, Yuan Gonglu deceives the emperor and harms the common people. His actions are abhorrent to both gods and men."

A cold glint flashed in Liu Feng's eyes: "Sir, please don't make a mistake for yourself. Please don't defend him."

"Please rest assured, sir. Yuan Gonglu is also a hero of his region. If we can capture him alive, I will treat him with courtesy and send him to Luozhong soon for the court to interrogate and deal with."

The Shu brothers breathed a sigh of relief when they heard Liu Feng say that.

They were afraid that Liu Feng was young and impetuous, and if he really captured Yuan Shu, he would humiliate him or even kill him.

Seeing how Liu Feng handled the situation, I am very satisfied.

"In that case, we, the left... former lord, thank you for your magnanimity and generosity."

The Shu brothers immediately bowed deeply to Liu Feng in gratitude, and at the same time changed their form of address, referring to Yuan Shu as their former master.

"We may be of limited talent and learning, but we still have a heart that loves the people."

Shu Zheng, on behalf of the two brothers, responded to Liu Feng's offer: "We are grateful that General Zheng and General Piaoqi have not abandoned us. We two brothers are willing to serve General Zheng and General Piaoqi with utmost loyalty to make up for our past mistakes."

"Why do you two gentlemen say such things? Please rise."

Upon hearing this, Liu Feng was overjoyed and even got up to help the Shu brothers up.

Seeing the two men's disheveled appearance and exhausted and listless expressions, Liu Feng immediately ordered, "Someone, please invite Mr. Boying and Mr. Zhongying to the side hall to wash up, have a meal, and rest well."

The Shu brothers knew their own situation; that night had indeed been thrilling, and they were both exhausted.

At the same time, Liu Feng invited Shi Mao out and comforted him greatly: "Where is Mr. Yi Guan? Please come and rest in the side hall with him."

Shi Mao was initially filled with envy for the Shu brothers, but then he suddenly heard his own name called.

Looking up, he saw Liu Feng smiling and nodding at him, and he was so excited that he was in a daze.

Fortunately, he quickly came to his senses and bowed to Liu Feng, saying, "I am deeply grateful for the General's mercy in not punishing me. I have no way to repay you and am willing to serve the General to atone for my past sins."

"good!"

Although Liu Feng didn't expect anything in return from Shi Mao, the other party's attitude was quite good.

He immediately accepted Shi Mao's gratitude with a smile and offered a few words of comfort.

Qin Yi, Han Yin, Hui Qu, Zhang Jiong, and the others looked at Liu Feng expectantly, hoping that he would also think highly of them so that they could escape their status as prisoners.

Unfortunately, Liu Feng didn't even glance at them; his attention was entirely on the Shu brothers and Shi Mao.

Just as the Shu brothers and Shi Mao were following Liu Feng's instructions and heading to the side hall to rest,

Suddenly a tall, imposing man walked in, carrying a Yuan army general in his hand.

Liu Feng laughed as soon as he saw the burly man, clearly indicating that this man was a favorite of Liu Feng.

"Youping is here?"

This burly man was Zhou Tai. He threw the Yuan army general in his hand on the ground, bowed deeply to Liu Feng, and performed the movements with utmost respect and seriousness, displaying a meticulous demeanor.

This shows how highly Liu Feng was regarded by them.

After raising his head, Zhou Tai said in a low voice, "Young Master, this man has been captured by me for abducting women in the outer city."

"Oh?"

Liu Feng's face darkened, and he couldn't help but ask, "Who is this general?"

Liu Feng was puzzled, wondering why the Yuan army generals didn't flee but instead abducted women in the city.

Is that woman really that beautiful?
"Injustice! I've been wronged!"

Before Zhou Tai could reply, the Yuan army general cried out that he was innocent.

Liu Feng turned his gaze to the general. This man had a square face, thick eyebrows and big eyes, and a very upright demeanor. He was easy to like at first glance.

However, Liu Feng was not the kind of person who judged people by their appearance.

Normally, Liu Feng might have asked him more questions.

If you cry foul in front of your trusted confidant, aren't you implying that your trusted confidant has wronged you?

Liu Feng could not tolerate this.

"Guards, shut him up and slap him twenty more times."

At Liu Feng's command, the armored soldiers behind him stepped forward, frightening the Yuan army general into begging for mercy.

But since Liu Feng didn't speak, the armored soldiers showed no mercy. They gagged him and then whipped him repeatedly with wooden sticks.

When the wooden strip was used, a long swelled up immediately, like a mark.

I was whipped twenty times, alternating between forward and backward strokes. After that, my whole face was swollen like a pig's head.

Liu Feng ignored him completely and instead asked Zhou Tai what had happened.

Zhou Tai was rough on the outside but meticulous on the inside, and also extremely loyal, so Liu Feng never worried that he would lie.

"Young master, I was in the palace searching for Yuan Shu when I came to a hall and found this scoundrel acting suspiciously. So I killed all his personal guards and captured him alive."

Zhou Tai explained, "According to this thief's confession, a few days ago when Yuan Shu ascended the city walls, he saw a commoner girl with unparalleled beauty and grace, and thus he harbored desires for her. He sent him to investigate and abduct her into the palace. This thief found the girl yesterday and will act tonight, abducting her into the palace so that Yuan Shu can have his way with her." "Yuan Shu is truly a ruthless devil on the road."

Upon hearing this, Liu Feng felt contempt. To go to such lengths for a woman, Yuan Shu was not only a ruthless villain but also a lustful glutton.

"Exactly."

Zhou Tai continued, "This thief is a trusted general of Yuan Shu, named Zhang Kai. He currently serves as the Cavalry Commandant under Yuan Shu, commanding six hundred cavalrymen."

"Zhang Kai?"

Liu Feng paused for a moment, feeling that the name sounded familiar.

After thinking for a while, he suddenly realized and asked, "Could this thief have been under Tao Gong's command?"

Zhang Kai, whose head was swollen like a pig's, reacted immediately upon hearing this, nodding frantically at Liu Feng.

In Zhang Kai's view, Liu Bei had succeeded Tao Qian, so there was naturally a connection between them. Since he had acknowledged Tao Qian's old relationship, Liu Feng would naturally give him special treatment.

Zhang Kai had no idea that Liu Feng knew him much more than he had imagined, far more than he thought.

"So they were under Tao Gong's command."

Liu Feng has confirmed that Zhang Kai is the same Zhang Kai who slaughtered Cao Cao's father and brother's entire family and looted all of Cao Cao's property.

Unexpectedly, Zhou Tai caught such a big fish.

Liu Feng almost wanted to laugh out loud.

Zhang Kai cannot die. It's not that Cao Cao would deny his authority if he were dead, but rather that he would be more cost-effective to keep alive.

How much would the widow Cao have to give in exchange for a living Zhang Kai?

This era placed great importance on filial piety. Liu Feng's act of handing over the man who killed Cao's father and wiped out her family to her was an act of kindness greater than the heavens.

To repay this favor would be a real headache for Cao Cao.

He can't refuse to return the money, nor can he be ungrateful; he even has to act extremely happy and grateful.

Liu Feng suppressed his secret joy: "Let's go down and settle in properly. Don't be rude."

Seeing that Liu Feng had changed his tune, Zhang Kai's eyes were filled with joy. He only regretted that he had spoken too late, otherwise he wouldn't have received those twenty slaps.

After the armored soldiers took Zhang Kai away, Liu Feng beckoned Zhou Tai to come closer.

"Youping, you've done another great service."

Zhou Tai's personality was outwardly rough but inwardly meticulous, so he rarely competed for credit, and he was always willing to work hard for Liu Feng without complaint.

Gan Ning may be more capable than Zhou Tai, but his bad temper and his willingness to directly deceive his superiors mean that he can never catch up with Zhou Tai's position in the lord's heart.

Although Zhou Tai didn't know why Liu Feng suddenly said that, since the young master didn't explicitly state his intentions, he wouldn't press the matter.

He simply replied silently, "Tai is a warrior. I have been recommended by the young master and have received your favor. How could I not follow you to the death?"

"good!"

Liu Feng patted Zhou Tai's hand happily, but then noticed a troubled look on the latter's face. So he asked curiously, "Youping, is something wrong? What can't we talk about?"

Zhou Tai looked around awkwardly, so Liu Feng waved his hand, and the armored soldiers beside him stepped forward and dragged Han Yin and the others away.

Zhou Tai then whispered, "Young Master, the woman whom Yuan Shu took a fancy to and whom Zhang Kai abducted into the palace is truly a beauty of unparalleled grace, the most beautiful woman I have ever seen in my life."

Liu Feng was greatly surprised upon hearing this.

How beautiful must this woman be to earn such high praise from Zhou Tai?
Moreover, given Zhou Tai's composure and meticulousness, the fact that he would repeatedly mention that woman to him clearly indicated that he had some ulterior motive.

After all, everyone has the desire to curry favor.

Zhou Youping simply disliked taking credit, not that he didn't like making contributions.

Zhou Tai couldn't possibly refuse such a great achievement that was handed to him.

Zhou Tai's praise of the woman successfully piqued Liu Feng's curiosity, and quite strongly at that, since Liu Feng knew Zhou Tai's personality all too well.

He wouldn't admire an ordinary beauty so much.

Since Zhou Tai has said so, then this woman must be an exceptionally beautiful woman.

However, Liu Feng still had important responsibilities at this time, so he could not leave at will; otherwise, what difference would he make from Yuan Shu?
Therefore, Liu Feng entrusted this task to Zhou Tai: "In that case, you shall take care of this girl for now, and make sure she doesn't run around. Keep her in the inner palace."

Zhou Tai cupped his hands and said, "Yes, please rest assured, young master, I will handle it properly."

Liu Feng nodded and then reminded her, "Remember to inform the woman's family and give them some money."

"Yes, my lord."

Zhou Tai remained calm and composed, showing no sign of impatience.

"good!"

Liu Fenglong was overjoyed: "Youping, you are hereby given my order to take control of all the treasuries inside and outside Shouchun City. Without my order, no one is allowed to take even a penny. At the same time, please ask Mr. Liu Ye to go and seal the accounts and take stock of the proceeds from each treasury."

"Order!"

Zhou Tai immediately accepted the order and turned to leave.

When Chengde was in charge, Liu Feng rewarded the entire army with three million coins and promised to increase the reward tenfold after the mission was accomplished.

There's a reason for that.

At that time, Liu Fengjun's troops, including Zhou Yu and Sun Xiang's retainers who needed to be appeased, numbered over 20,000, approaching 30,000.

In this way, the average reward per person is only one hundred coins, which can hardly be considered an excessive reward.

The fact that Liu Feng intentionally increased the reward tenfold after entering Shouchun was also a deliberate act.

The Xuzhou army was Liu Feng's trusted confidant and direct subordinate, so they were naturally trustworthy. However, the troops and laborers under Zhou Yu's command were all from Lujiang and were under Yuan Shu's command.

Although Yuan Shu's tyrannical rule and extortionate taxes made him unpopular, he couldn't overcome the fact that people's hearts were divided.

This money was actually a peace of mind payment, giving everyone hope of making a contribution, in order to appease the morale of Zhou Yu's Lujiang army.

As for the Xuzhou army, they are our own loyal troops, the backbone of our army. Do we need a reason to reward them?

Now that Shouchun has been successfully captured, it is only natural that we keep our word and that clear rewards and punishments are the way to govern an army.

Rewards are most effective when given out as early as possible.

Therefore, Liu Feng instructed Zhou Tai to seal the granaries and asked Liu Ye to seal the accounts. After the inventory of the granaries in Shouchun City was completed, the troops could be rewarded.

According to Liu Feng's estimation, there must be a considerable amount of wealth in Shouchun City.

The amount of money and grain involved was likely in the hundreds of millions; otherwise, one would truly underestimate Yuan Shu's ability to exploit the land.

Just as Zhou Tai reached the door, he saw a large group of people arriving outside the hall.

Leading the group were Zhang Liao, Xu Chu, and Zhou Yu, and surrounded by them was none other than Yuan Gonglu, the emperor of the Zhong family from the original timeline.
At this moment, Yuan Shu was also in a disheveled state, with his hair disheveled, his robes dirty, and covered with bloodstains and grime.

In the past, Yuan Shu would not have been able to tolerate this filth in the slightest.

Now that he was a prisoner, Yuan Shu was completely bewildered and terrified, and no longer cared about his image.

Behind Zhang Liao and his men, there were many other people being escorted, including Zhang Xun and Ji Ling.

"Young Master, we were fortunate enough to capture Yuan Shu, and we present him to you!"

Zhang Liao immediately knelt down on one knee and performed the grand salute to Liu Feng: "This victory is truly due to your brilliant strategy and uncanny foresight, young lord. You have accurately predicted the reactions and decisions of Yuan Shu and the others. I am deeply impressed!"

Zhang Liao's words were not flattery, but genuine praise.

Zhang Liao was a bold man by nature, so although he felt that Liu Feng's actions were quite risky, the results were quite gratifying.

Therefore, Zhang Liao fully supported Liu Feng's plan.

But he really didn't expect that Liu Feng's plan would win such a great victory.

If it weren't for Liu Feng's secret maneuvering and impersonating the Lujiang army to enter Shouchun...

Given Shouchun's fortifications and reserves, it wouldn't be difficult for the isolated city to hold out for a year or two.

Not to mention that their total number of people is only twenty or thirty thousand, which is not even enough to completely cover the entire Shouchun area.

(End of this chapter)