My father Liu Xuande

Chapter 293 Integrating Forces (Another Bonus Chapter!)

Liu Feng suddenly sighed, "Sir, your words come from the bottom of your heart and are very touching. I also believe that your words are reasonable."

Yuan Huan and Yuan Min felt a wave of frustration. They hadn't expected that despite their risky explanations, Liu Feng would still insist on going his own way.

Ignoring the somber mood of the Yuan brothers, Liu Feng continued, "But time waits for no one. If this matter is not handled now, Jianghuai may become a living hell. At that time, let alone selling children, there may even be the tragic scene of exchanging children for food."

Yuan Huan and Yuan Min were shocked to hear this and looked at Liu Feng with disbelief.

I advised you not to undertake large-scale projects and to reduce taxes and corvée labor, and you said that people in the Jianghuai region were going to exchange children to eat?
What is the logic?

Yuan Huan and Yuan Min almost lost control of their emotions and had a serious talk with Liu Feng about the matter.

The Yuan brothers dared not say much because of Liu Feng's power, but Liu Feng continued to speak on his own.

"Gentlemen, you may not know this, but a celestial being appeared to me in a dream, saying that there will be a severe drought in the Jianghuai region next year, or that not a drop of rain will fall. The two prefectures north of the river will surely have no harvest, and the disaster may even spread to Runan and the southern part of Pei State."

Liu Feng's words left Yuan Huan and Yuan Min feeling as if they were in a dream.
A dream from a celestial being?

Is there a severe drought in the Yangtze-Huai River region?

If it weren't for the fact that the person speaking to them was Liu Feng, Yuan Huan and Yuan Min would have almost stood up and angrily rebuked him for spreading rumors and misleading the public.

But Liu Feng spoke with such conviction that it seemed as if it were true.

The Yuan brothers secretly pinched their thighs hard.

It hurts!

It seems I wasn't dreaming.

Liu Feng noticed the twitching expressions on the faces of the Yuan brothers, but he smiled bitterly and said, "I know that you two gentlemen may not believe me, but I have received a lot of guidance from immortals along the way, so I have no doubt about this."

Liu Feng was determined to take advantage of the severe drought in the Jianghuai region to boost his reputation.

Liu Feng is no longer the naive boy he was two years ago; he is now the General Who Conquers the South for the Imperial Court.

Liu Bei was no longer the governor of Xu Province who had only four generals and six thousand soldiers two years ago, a figurehead with no real power. Now, Liu Bei was a powerful warlord with an army of one hundred thousand and his territory spanned four provinces.

Now that Liu Feng has summoned the immortal, he has no worries about the consequences. If it works, his reputation will truly soar.

Therefore, Liu Feng was determined to take advantage of the severe drought in the Jianghuai region to reap a huge wave of prestige.

Another important reason is Yuan Shu.

Liu Bei and his son attacked Yuan Shu under the banner of "savior the people and punish the guilty" and "honoring the traitors in the name of Heaven".

This would create a huge hidden danger: while Yuan Shu was in power, the weather was favorable, but after Yuan Shu was defeated by Liu Bei and his son, a large-scale drought that lasted for two years and affected such a wide area came.

This undoubtedly caused considerable damage to the reputation of Liu Bei and his son.

Don't doubt this point. Once Cao Cao and Yuan Shao use this as a basis for propaganda, Liu Bei and Liu Feng will really have no choice but to suffer in silence.

But Liu Feng was not one to suffer losses, and his theory of encountering immortals could solve this problem.

This year I claimed to have met a deity who told me that in order to punish Yuan Shu, there would be a severe drought for two years starting next year. I specially prepared water conservancy projects in the Jianghuai region and carried out work relief to save the people of the four counties in the Jianghuai region.

In this situation, anyone who slanders me, Liu Feng, or my father, Liu Bei, is practically going against the immortals.

This was Liu Feng's long-planned scheme to summon the immortals.

"Sir, you may not believe me, but at this time next year, you will know that what I said is true."

Liu Feng continued, seemingly oblivious to the fact that what he was going to do was to repair the Shaopi irrigation project. In any case, this was a way to eliminate the people's suffering. Once the irrigation project was repaired and renewed, the people of Jianghuai would be the first to benefit.

"Besides, in my judgment, there will inevitably be a severe drought and a complete crop failure next year. At this time, if I provide money and grain to hire people from the Jianghuai region to repair Shaopi, wouldn't that be a form of work relief?"

Liu Feng spoke eloquently, and the Yuan brothers pondered carefully what he said and found that what Liu Feng said was indeed correct.

If a drought really occurs next year, and it's so severe that the Yangtze and Huai River basins suffer a complete crop failure, then the imperial court will have to provide disaster relief.

Liu Feng's use of work relief as a substitute for relief, along with the repair and reconstruction of the Shaopi water conservancy project, was not a mistake but rather an extremely clever approach, achieving multiple benefits at once.

"The people are exhausted, and if such a large project is suddenly undertaken, it may be difficult to dredge the roads."

Yuan Min had now changed her approach and was thinking from Liu Feng's perspective.

"Why don't you first persuade the famous scholars and powerful figures in the Jianghuai region, and then carry out this matter? You can achieve twice the result with half the effort."

Liu Feng nodded: "What Mr. Yingqing said is very true. I was prepared for this."

Among the powerful clans of Jiujiang, the Liu family was quite prominent, easily ranking in the top twenty, or at least being an insider.

Liu Feng didn't know what kind of people Jiujiang needed to hire, but Liu Ye certainly did.

As for Lujiang, things are even easier to handle. Zhou Yu and Zhou Dao have already submitted to his command. As long as Liu Xun is willing to surrender, things will proceed smoothly.

“Mr. Yaoqing, I hope you and Mr. Yingqing can work together to plan the renovation of Shaopi.”

Liu Feng said, "Later, Mr. Ziyang will also join us. His family is from Chengde County in Jiujiang Prefecture, and his family is quite prestigious in Jiujiang. He can help you brothers formulate a plan."

Yuan Huan and Yuan Min exchanged a glance. They hadn't expected Liu Feng to entrust them with the operation of the entire water conservancy project. This expectation and burden were far too heavy.

Yuan Huan and Yuan Min misunderstood. Liu Feng's primary person in charge was still Chen Deng, and he would also mobilize a large number of people, including the Zhuge brothers, Bu Zhi, Wei Jing, Chen Jiao, Xu Xuan, Jia Xi, Jia Kui and others, to complete this large-scale task together.

"Gentlemen, please rest assured that our army suffered almost no major losses in capturing Shouchun this time. The treasuries inside and outside Shouchun City have all fallen into our hands. I am willing to open the Shouchun treasury and return the wealth that Yuan Gonglu plundered from the people to the people of Jianghuai."

Liu Feng said with earnest expectation, "I entrust this important matter to you two gentlemen, and I hope that you will be extremely cautious and prudent in your actions."

The Yuan brothers, perhaps with mixed feelings or perhaps brimming with confidence, immediately bowed deeply to Liu Feng to express their gratitude for his trust and appointment.

After seeing the Yuan brothers off, Liu Feng asked Xu Chu, "Has Master Xi Kang not surrendered yet?"

Yan Xiang, courtesy name Xikang.

This man was a trusted confidant of Yuan Shu, and was appointed by Yuan Shu as his chief clerk.

This is one of the most important positions closest to the lord, and the clerk is practically the lord's secretary, knowing most of the lord's affairs.

Therefore, if one were to find someone who had a complete understanding of Yuan Shu's resources, Yan Xiang would be the only suitable candidate.

In addition, Yan Xiang had advised Yuan Shu many times to be considerate of the people and reduce taxes, and also proposed a plan to repair the Shaopi irrigation project.

However, Yan Xiang's plan was naturally incomparable to Liu Feng's.

Yan Xiang's plan was much smaller; he simply hoped to use the Shaopi, Huaihe River, and Feishui River to dredge as many undamaged canals as possible within this triangular area.

In this way, although the project is small, the effect is obviously not bad.

Yan Xiang's main idea is to take things one step at a time. He breaks down a plan into several stages and then chooses one to push forward.

Most importantly, Yan Xiang did indeed have a heart for the people, and he was one of the few people under Yuan Shu whose values ​​were not distorted.

Liu Feng hoped to get help from the other party, after all, Yan Xiang was Yuan Shu's chief clerk, who not only knew about Yuan Shu's shady accounts, but was also the person who knew the most about the grain reserves and taxes in Jianghuai.

"Not yet."

Xu Chu shook his head: "He locked himself in his house, shutting the doors and windows, so that no outsiders could get in."

Liu Feng frowned. Yuan Gonglu was just a skeleton king; how could he be worthy of your loyalty?

Well, that's fine too. Since you, Yan Xiang, are so loyal to Yuan Shu, you wouldn't want to see Gong Lu be torn to pieces, would you?
"Let's go to Yan Xiang's residence!"

********
Yan Xiang's residence was located on the street opposite the Shouchun Palace. It was a residence bestowed upon Yan Xiang by Yuan Shu to facilitate his comings and goings.

Before long, Liu Feng, accompanied by Xu Chu, came to pay a visit.

But no one answered the door after I knocked.

So Liu Feng directly let Xu Chu take over.

After Xu Chu stepped forward, he smashed the mansion gate open with a shoulder charge.

The sound of the collision attracted many members of Yan Xiang's family, but everyone remained silent.

After Xu Chu opened the gate, Liu Feng walked in.

Where is Yan Xikang?

The people in the courtyard looked at each other, none of them answering, but many of them looked toward a particular room.

Liu Feng smirked, then walked towards the room, kicked the door open, and went inside.

This is Yan Xiang's study, but it is currently in a mess.

Yan Xiang himself sat behind his desk, his clothes intact, but he was utterly devoid of energy. Seeing Yan Xiang's appearance, Liu Feng knew that only drastic measures would work.

So he walked up to Yan Xiang and sat down, and immediately said "Royal Flush".

"Yuan Shu is not dead yet, Yan Xikang, what are you doing here?"

Liu Feng looked at Yan Xiang and said, "If you want to mourn for Yuan Shu, it's a bit too early for you."

Yan Xiang couldn't help but look up at Liu Feng, only to see the latter looking at him with a cold smile on his lips.

Yan Xiang frowned and retorted, "General Yuan is of the Left, how could he not know etiquette when he is on his southern expedition?"

Liu Feng immediately sneered, "Yuan Gonglu's title has long been stripped by the Emperor. Yan Xikang, who is this General Zuo you speak of? Moreover, Yuan Gonglu is now a prisoner, and his actions in Nanyang and Jianghuai have aroused the wrath of both gods and men. What makes you think you can protect him?"

Yan Xiang's momentum immediately crumbled.

Liu Feng remained silent and instead stood up again.

"I've come to repair Shaopi. I've heard that you've also had this intention and have been reading many ancient books in preparation. If you don't want Yuan Shu to die a horrible death, then come and report for duty as soon as possible to repair Shaopi."

After saying this, Liu Feng turned and left: "If you are a day late, I will cut off Yuan Shu's honey water for a day. If you do not appear within three days, I will immediately send Yuan Shu to the court and ask the emperor to deal with him."

By the time he finished speaking, Liu Feng was almost at the gate.

Yan Xiang's expression changed drastically as he listened from behind. Why was Liu Zhengnan acting so unpredictably?

But Liu Feng had no time to waste on Yan Xiang. "Aren't you a loyal minister?"
I don't care whether you're a true loyalist or a fake one, I'll just put you on my toes first.

If you are a true loyal subject, you will naturally come and work obediently. If you are a false loyal subject, you will naturally know that I will not be threatened by you, and you will naturally come and work honestly.

Sure enough, that very afternoon after Liu Feng left, Yan Xiang came to the palace, offering to serve Liu Feng.

Liu Feng immediately transferred him to Shaopi Cao, where the brothers Yuan Huan and Yuan Min worked. This was a temporary agency specially set up by Liu Feng to be in charge of the Shaopi water conservancy project system.

At the same time, Liu Feng's request for a document from Liu Bei requesting the release of a person also arrived at Liu Bei's office.

At this point, Ruyin finally surrendered after being persuaded by Zhang Xun.

Qiao Rui took Li Feng and Yue with him and surrendered outside the city.

After Liu Shou surrendered, he sat down in the main hall of the county government office in Ruyin City.

Looking at the respectful generals below, such as Qiao Rui and Zhang Xun, Liu Bei felt quite pleased with himself.

After enjoying the moment, Liu Bei addressed Qiao Rui, saying, "Commander Qiao."

"The general is here!"

Qiao Rui immediately obeyed and stood in the hall.

Liu Bei said with a solemn expression, "News has come from Shouchun that a group of rebel soldiers broke into your residence during the fierce battle in the city a few days ago."

Qiao Rui's face suddenly turned pale. How could Qiao Rui not know the discipline of his own army?

Qiao Rui's own troops could be somewhat educated, but the soldiers in Shouchun City completely disregarded Qiao Rui's reputation and status, only caring about whether there were any benefits.

If the benefits are great enough, it's not impossible for these mutinous soldiers to slaughter the entire Qiao Rui household.

"My lord, what about the humble residence... the manor..."

Seeing that Qiao Rui's forehead was covered in cold sweat from fright, Liu Bei comforted him, saying, "Colonel Qiao, do not worry. My son's soldiers arrived in time and captured the rioting soldiers. Your residence is safe and sound, and no one was injured."

Upon hearing Liu Bei's words, Qiao Rui finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Qiao Rui was also quite conflicted at this moment. He had only just met Liu Bei, but he felt a respect and favor from him that Yuan Shu could never have felt in his entire life.

Liu Bei spoke with a gentle and refined manner, which was soothing and could win your favor without you even realizing it.

Qiao Rui was surprised to find that she had developed admiration and respect for Liu Bei.

Liu Bei suddenly called out again, "Commander Qiao."

Qiao Rui hurriedly replied, "Your subordinate is here!"

Liu Bei smiled and said, "No need to be nervous. I intend for you to return to Shouchun first with Colonel Zhang. The matter of the surrendered soldiers in Ruyin can be entrusted to Generals Li Feng and Yue Jiu."

Li Feng and Yue Jiu quickly bowed and accepted the order: "We will obey the orders of the General of the Cavalry."

Qiao Rui naturally dared not refuse and quickly replied, "This subordinate obeys."

Liu Bei noticed Qiao Rui's unease and offered a word of comfort: "Colonel Qiao, there's no need to worry. My son has an important matter that requires your help. Please, both of you, assist him after you return to Shouchun."

"I understand."

Qiao Rui breathed a sigh of relief and quickly replied, "General, please rest assured, we will do our utmost to help the young master succeed."

The General of the Cavalry is still a general, just as a deputy director is often called a director.

Liu Bei was satisfied and said, "I will host a banquet for you all tonight. You two may set off tomorrow to return to Shouchun."

"Here!"

That evening, Liu Bei hosted a banquet for the surrendered generals and also provided extra food for all the soldiers, including the surrendered soldiers, who all enjoyed a delicious meal.

Subsequently, Qiao Rui and Zhang Xun led their personal guards to Shouchun at breakneck speed.

Both the Qiao and Zhang families were powerful clans in Jiujiang, enjoying prestige and being well-versed in local affairs.

Liu Feng wanted to repair Shaopi, and Qiao Rui and Zhang Xun were obviously very suitable helpers; there was no need to exclude them.

Therefore, they specifically requested Liu Bei to allow them to return to Shouchun first, so that they could participate in the discussions as soon as possible.

Liu Bei then adjusted the city defenses of Ruyin and organized the people of Ruyin to begin the autumn harvest. He then led his army south to Shouchun to join forces with Liu Feng.

However, at this point, there was no need for the army to continue south.

Liu Bei then made adjustments, first promoting Tian Yu to the position of Prefect of Dongguan Commandery and sending him to Dongguan to garrison the city, replacing Chen Deng who went south.

At the same time, Xiahou Bo was ordered to lead a separate force back to Xiapi.

Chen Dao led troops to guard Pei State.

He then ordered Zhuo Ying to continue sweeping through Runan and conquering the counties that refused to submit.

As a result, Liu Bei was left with only his personal guards of six thousand men and the surrendered soldiers of Yuan Shu.

However, the road south had been completely opened, and the counties along the way had all surrendered, so there were no obstacles at all.

Liu Bei could easily reach Shouchun and complete his southern expedition in a high-profile manner. At the same time, he could also take Yuan Shu's surrendered troops to Shouchun for reorganization.

Liu Bei, reminded by Liu Feng, also began to consider this expansion of the army.

Now, with the capture of two more commanderies, including Jiujiang and Lujiang, Liu Bei's army now controls eleven commanderies.

The existing military strength is no longer sufficient to maintain such a large area, and military expansion is imperative.

Yuan Shu could always select 10,000 to 20,000 usable soldiers from his tens of thousands of troops. With the addition of manpower from the Yellow Turban Army, this expansion of the army would hardly delay local farming and the autumn harvest.

Liu Bei captured Ruyin, and Zhang Fei followed suit, capturing Longkang the very next day.

Ji Ling's arrival effectively sealed Long Kang's death sentence.

Ji Ling went directly into the city and told Liang Gang and other generals that Shouchun had fallen, Yuan Shu had been captured, and there was no point in Longkang continuing to hold out; he told them to surrender immediately.

Although Liang Gang was loyal, he had long since given up on fighting.

When Ji Ling arrived, he presented Yuan Shu's personal letter. Liang Gang immediately agreed to obey and then surrendered to Zhang Fei and Zhao Yun's troops outside the city.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Fei was overjoyed and pulled Zhao Yun to the front line to accept the surrender.

After entering Longkang, he immediately severed the connection between Pei and Jiujiang. Coupled with the personal letters from Ji Ling and Yuan Shu, the situation in Pei completely collapsed, and almost all the counties that had not yet surrendered surrendered to Liu Bei.

Therefore, Zhang Fei was quite busy along the way, busy receiving the surrendered counties and mobilizing them to start the autumn harvest and grab the grain.

At the same time, Zhang Fei ordered all six counterweight catapults that had already been built to be destroyed and then burned to the ground to prevent the news from leaking out.

This incident shows that Zhang Fei wasn't actually brainless; he just tended to lose his mind when he acted impulsively.

The last time Uncle Zhang lost his head was essentially because he acted too impulsively, which truly fulfilled Liu Bei's worries.

(End of this chapter)