My father Liu Xuande

Chapter 304 Zhao Fan's Night Crossing (Continuing with extra chapters!)

Zhuge Jin knew very well that if Zhuge Liang really became Liu Feng's son-in-law, given Liu Feng's appreciation and affection for Zhuge Liang, the Zhuge family's future would definitely see a great leap forward.

The Yuan family of Runan dared not dream of such a thing, but they could at least try to improve the status of the Chen, Zhong, Xun, and Han families of Yingchuan.

Just as Liu Feng was about to rest, Xu Chu suddenly knocked on the door.

Liu Feng raised an eyebrow and personally went over to open the door.

As soon as the door opened, Xu Chu, who looked like a small mountain, was standing at the entrance.

Upon seeing Liu Feng, Xu Chu whispered, "My lord, someone from Jiangdong has arrived."

Liu Feng raised an eyebrow, a smile flashing across his lips.

These people from Jiangdong coming in the middle of the night are really something.

Then, Liu Feng asked, "Where is he?"

Xu Chu replied, "General Dong of the water fortress dared not delay and immediately sent men to escort him into the city. He is already in his residence."

Liu Feng immediately decided, "Quickly invite him here, and I will meet him in the room."

"Here!"

Xu Chu acknowledged the order and then turned to leave.

Liu Feng did not go back inside, but stood at the door waiting.

The guard beside him said with concern, "General, why don't you go back inside and wait?"

Liu Feng smiled and shook his head.

Then the guard said, "It's windy at night, General, please don't catch a cold. Perhaps you could put on another cloak?"

Seeing his concern, Liu Feng readily agreed and nodded.

Seeing that Liu Feng agreed, the guard hurriedly went into the room and brought out a cloak, which he then draped over Liu Feng's shoulders.

Just as he finished fastening his cloak, Xu Chu appeared at the courtyard gate.

A handsome young man, about 1.8 meters tall, followed behind Xu Chu. He looked somewhat nervous, but his eyes were filled with hope.

Upon seeing Liu Feng, Zhao Fan immediately bowed deeply and said, "This humble servant is Zhao Fan, the military commander of Jiangdong. I pay my respects to General Zheng Nan."

"Zhao Fan?"

Liu Feng felt the name sounded familiar. After thinking about it carefully, he remembered and tentatively asked, "Are you Zhao Fan from Qu'a, who single-handedly defended the isolated city of Qu'a last year and held off Sun Ce for half a month?"

Zhao Fan's eyes lit up immediately: "I didn't expect that the Southern Expeditionary Army would know my name."

Zhao Fan was overjoyed. Who would have thought that Liu Feng would know the name of such a lowly military commander as him, let alone his military exploits in Qu'a?

"So it was Zhao Sima."

Liu Feng was somewhat surprised. Although Zhao Fan was able to hold out for half a month, it was also due to Sun Ce's desire to capture Liu Yao alive, and his prudent decision-making.

The fact that the enemy was able to hold out for a full half month, and even after their defeat, they were still able to break through the encirclement, shows that Zhao Fan's skills and abilities are also outstanding.

When Sun Ce besieged Qu'a, he used his own troops, which had only been expanded once north of the Yangtze River. The core and backbone were all veteran soldiers who had followed Sun Jian in battles across half of the Central Plains. The generals in charge of the troops were also veterans such as Wu Jing, Xu Kun, Cheng Pu, and Huang Gai.

Their combat power far surpasses that of Liu Yao's army, further highlighting Zhao Fan's extraordinary abilities.

Looking at Zhao Fan's handsome face, Liu Feng felt a surge of affection. He immediately took a few steps forward and walked to Zhao Fan's side. Seeing that Zhao Fan's clothes were already soaked by the river water, he immediately loosened the sash, took off his cloak, and draped it over Zhao Fan's shoulders.

“Zhao Sima defended the isolated city alone, showing utmost loyalty to his lord, which greatly pleased Feng.”

As Liu Feng helped the other man to his feet, he praised him, "To see you today, you are indeed outstanding."

Zhao Fan felt his heart pounding incredibly hard, like a loud drumbeat. He lowered his head, not daring to look at Liu Feng, but felt an unusual warmth from the cloak, a warmth that made him feel warm all over.

"Zheng, Zheng Nan, you flatter me... I, Fan, am unworthy of such praise."

Zhao Fan tried hard to calm himself down, but his words still came out in a jumbled mess.

Zhao Fan was filled with frustration. He wondered if his poor performance would disappoint Liu Feng.

He glanced up at Liu Feng, only to find the other man looking at him with a smile, their eyes meeting.

Zhao Fan's face flushed red instantly. He wanted to explain, but couldn't think of a way to do so.

Liu Feng, however, took the other man's hand and instructed the guards, "Prepare some food and a pot of good wine. Also, find a set of clothes that fit Zhao Sima's build."

Zhao Fan felt dizzy and was pulled into the room by Liu Feng.

Afterwards, the two sat down. Seeing that Zhao Fan was very nervous, Liu Feng signaled Xu Chu to have someone bring him a cup of hot soup.

Hot soup during the Eastern Han Dynasty was actually very simple; it was just hot water.

After all, productivity was low at that time, and there was no insulation equipment, so hot water was a very valuable commodity.

Even someone like Liu Feng, who wanted to keep the soup hot, could only do so by constantly adding firewood and water.

Soon, the hot soup was served, and Liu Feng personally handed it to Zhao Fan, patting him on the shoulder reassuringly.

Although Liu Feng didn't look very old, Zhao Fan felt that he was an elder.

Zhao Fan suppressed his wild thoughts and drank the hot soup in his hand.

The warm soup entered his stomach, and its substantial temperature soothed his hands and feet, finally calming his somewhat flustered expression.

Seeing that Zhao Fan had calmed down, Liu Feng began to inquire, "What brings Commander Zhao across the river at night?"

Liu Feng specifically pointed out the words "at night," implying that it was impossible for someone to row over in the middle of the night unless there was an urgent matter.

Zhao Fan dared not delay and quickly answered Liu Feng's question.

"This humble servant has come on the orders of the three colonels Zhang, Fan, and Yu. It seems that Governor Liu has some reservations about the southern expedition and does not want it to cross the river."

Zhao Fan pondered the information Zhang Ying had given him and slowly said, "According to Zhang Xiaowei, Governor Liu hopes to block the Southern Expedition in Jiangxi and wants the Southern Expedition to provide troops, food, and military equipment to cross the river."

Even though Liu Feng and Xu Chu were both quite shrewd and calculating, they were still taken aback by Liu Yao's wild imagination.

However, Liu Feng quickly realized that it wasn't that Liu Yao had acted stupidly, but rather that Liu Yao had completely panicked.

He neither wanted Liu Feng to cross the river, nor could he provide a reasonable reason to stop Liu Feng, and he could not bear the consequences of Liu Feng not crossing the river.

Sun Ce is currently expanding his territory in Jiangdong.

Liu Yao was clearly panicked.

Liu Feng continued, "What was the attitude of those three captains?"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Fan immediately stood up excitedly: "The three captains have long admired your reputation, General, and have been eagerly awaiting your crossing of the river to drive out Sun Ce and restore Jiangdong."

Liu Feng nodded in satisfaction: "Good, that's good."

Just then, the clothes and food were brought up. It was the middle of the night, and there wasn't much to eat except a simple bowl of millet rice, a dish of pickled vegetables, a pickled fish, a plate of seasonal fruits and vegetables, and a small pot of wine.

"Go change your clothes first, then have dinner. We'll talk about other things later."

Liu Feng told Zhao Fan to change his clothes and eat first, while he himself began to think.

Zhang Ying and the others have no reason to lie to themselves.

Liu Yao couldn't restrain Sun Ce with his men. If he continued to allow Sun Ce to expand his power, he would eventually attack Danyang.

From Liu Yao's perspective, at most he would not want him to cross the river, as Zhao Fan said, and it is impossible for him to plot against him.

Therefore, what Zhao Fan said is most likely true. If he crosses the river now, Liu Yao will probably only be able to surrender and be captured.

After considering his options, Liu Feng did not speak immediately. Instead, he waited until Zhao Fan finished his meal before saying, "Zhao Sima."

"The humble position is here!"

Zhao Fan immediately stood up, cupped his hands, and waited quietly for Liu Feng's instructions.

Liu Feng said, "I need to trouble you again. When you return, tell the three captains that I will be sending troops across the river early tomorrow morning. Tell them to guard the gates carefully and not to let any officers or soldiers leave the camp. Can you do that?"

Zhao Fan immediately responded, "Please rest assured, General Zheng Nan, I will certainly do my best!"

"it is good!"

Liu Feng praised, "The three captains have abandoned their allegiance to the court and are loyal to the imperial court. Your Majesty, they will surely be rewarded for their success. Furthermore, I am quite fond of Commander Zhao. If Commander Zhao is willing, how about he works for me after we cross the river?"

Zhao Fan suddenly looked up, almost wondering if he had misheard.

But then he saw Liu Feng nodding and smiling at him, and he was overjoyed.

"Your subordinate is willing!" "Excellent!"

Liu Feng then instructed Xu Chu: "Zhongkang, send someone to take Zhao Sima to the water camp and trouble him to return tonight."

"Here!"

Xu Chu nodded, then turned and left with a delighted Zhao Fan.

Zhao Fan had only taken a few steps when he suddenly remembered something and turned back to Liu Feng, saying, "General, I almost forgot there's something else."

"Oh?"

Liu Feng reassured him, "Is there anything else?"

Zhao Fan cupped his hands and said, "Commander Zhang asked me to pass on a message to the general: Sun Bofu has captured Youquan County, and his vanguard continues south, with his troops reaching as far as Qiantang territory. It's possible that they have already clashed with the Kuaiji Army."

Liu Feng's expression changed slightly; he hadn't expected Sun Ce to be so determined to continue expanding.

"Alright, I understand."

Liu Feng nodded and instructed, "Be careful on your way back."

Zhao Fan was deeply moved and repeatedly expressed his gratitude: "Thank you, General!"

Afterwards, Liu Feng personally escorted them to the door. After they left, Liu Feng still did not go back into the house, but stood there thinking.

This incident involving Liu Yao greatly shocked Liu Feng.

He had originally planned how to divide and weaken the enemy after crossing the river, and then sideline Liu Yao.

Who could have imagined that Liu Yao's men would collapse so quickly after he had just deployed his troops in Liyang, and they would all rush to fawn over him?

Ultimately, it was because Liu Yao was out of touch with reality. Although he had been in Jiangdong for three years, he never extended his influence and control to the local areas, not even reaching the counties.

He has only been able to survive until now thanks to the imperial court's titles and the local powerful clans of Jiangdong's need for a common leader.

Now that the powerful figures of Jiangdong have such a newer and better option, they naturally leave Liu Yao without any burden or pressure and turn to him.

This also served as a wake-up call for him. If he were to become weak, these powerful figures would have better options and would abandon him just like Liu Yao.

Therefore, during this crossing of the river, I must not let the support of the powerful clans cloud my judgment. I still need to sow discord among them, divide and win them over, and support local forces close to me. In addition, replacing county-level officials should temporarily ensure local stability and the collection of taxes.

Before dawn, Zhao Fan rushed back to Niuzhu and immediately went to find Zhang Ying. He told her everything Liu Feng had told him, especially Liu Feng's words about being rewarded, which made Zhang Ying overjoyed.

However, Zhao Fan kept his own part of the story hidden. He also had very complicated feelings about Zhang Ying and the others.

On the one hand, he was grateful to Zhang Ying for helping him when he was down on his luck and for giving him the opportunity to cross the river and meet the General of the Southern Expedition.

However, he also felt disgusted by Zhang Ying and others' easy betrayal of Liu Yao.

What's even more troubling is that when it came to him, he harbored a lot of resentment towards Liu Yao.

He covered for Liu Yao's rear, defending the isolated city and buying him a lot of time, but Liu Yao showed no intention of rewarding him.

Zhao Fan was both angry and confused. In the end, Zhang Ying explained it to him. It was simply because he came from a poor family, was not from a noble family, and was from Jiangdong.

Seeing Zhang Ying's ecstatic expression, Zhao Fan couldn't help but recall his own behavior in front of Liu Feng, and felt a little ashamed.

What right do you, Zhao Fan, have to look down on Zhang Ying? Just now, you also betrayed Liu Yao completely.

Zhang Ying, oblivious to Zhao Fan's complex emotions, remained immersed in her joy: "Nephew, you should go and rest. There may be another time tomorrow when we need your help."

Zhang Ying was quite certain of Zhao Fan's bravery.

With such a brave warrior by his side, he felt much more at ease.

Not having a partner, Liu Yao did not fall asleep that night, but stood in the courtyard lost in thought.

The weather had turned cold by then. Although it was better in the south, Liu Yao's own health was not very good.

A short while later, he began to cough softly.

Upon seeing this, his son Liu Ji quickly retrieved a cloak from inside the house, intending to drape it over his father.

Liu Ji was the eldest son of Liu Yao, and his mother was a beautiful woman from a prominent family in Taishan.

Liu Yao himself was quite handsome, so Liu Ji, even at a young age, was born with exquisite features and was very cute. Moreover, this child was also very intelligent, starting his education at the age of five, and was filial from a young age. He was always Liu Yao's darling and a source of pride for him.

But tonight, he suddenly felt that his affection for his son had faded.

No matter how I look at it, I feel unhappy.

The reason is quite simple: Liu Ji was only one year younger than Liu Feng, who was stationed in Liyang and preparing for war.

Seeing Liu Yao suddenly throw off the cloak he had offered, Liu Ji was clearly startled by his father.

In fact, Liu Ji was quite good. He was later favored by the King of Wu of Wei and rose through the ranks, starting as the Eastern Cao Yuan of the General of Chariots and Cavalry, and then as the Colonel of Fuyi and the General of Jianzhong.

After Sun Quan was enfeoffed as the King of Wu by Cao Wei, Liu Ji was appointed as the Grand Minister of Agriculture and later promoted to the position of Gentleman of the Palace.

Finally, after the King of Wu of Wei became the Great Emperor, Liu Ji even shared the affairs of the Secretariat with Chancellor Gu Yong.

This is equivalent to half a phase.

Unfortunately, he is still a twelve-year-old child and doesn't understand anything.

Looking at Liu Ji, who was so aggrieved that he was shedding tears, Liu Yao sighed inwardly.

If Liu Feng were my son, what would be the point of pacifying Jiangdong?
After a moment of reflection, Liu Yao turned around, took Liu Ji's small hand, and led him back into the house.

After all, Liu Feng was not his son; Liu Ji was.

The next morning, Liu Feng personally appeared at Liyang Water Fortress and ordered the army to cross the river.

Liu Feng's army was in high spirits. Jia Kui's troops served as the vanguard. With the help of Dong Xi, Gan Ning, and small boats from Li Yang's water fortress, the first wave of 5,000 men (excluding the cavalry battalion) boarded boats and crossed the river.

The distance from Liu Feng Liyang Water Village to Niuzhu is in one of the narrower sections of the lower reaches of the Yangtze River. Moreover, the river is calm and the waves are small, making it one of the three most suitable sections for crossing the river.

Downstream is Jiangdu to Dantu, and upstream is Wankou to Hulin.

These three locations are crucial battlegrounds where the north and south clashed in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River.

The section of the river near Liyang is about twelve miles wide, but boats can travel much faster than walking.

Even the fully loaded small boat could see the opposite shore after more than an hour.

At this time, all the soldiers in the Niuzhu military camp stayed in the camp and were being comforted by officers of all ranks.

Otherwise, it would have been impossible for such a large fleet of hundreds of ships crossing the river not to arouse the defenses of the Niuzhu garrison.

When Li Yang's fleet approached Niuzhu, the enemy's water fortress opened, but only three or five small boats came out, waving flags at Li Yang's fleet, and then guiding the fleet into the water fortress one by one.

After the ships docked, Liu Feng's troops disembarked and, under the leadership of Zhang Ying's generals, began to take over the defense in an orderly manner.

The news only spread within the Jiangdong army after Liu Fengjun landed.

It turned out that General Liu Feng, who was leading the southern expedition, had crossed the river to support them.

Upon learning this news, the garrison at Niuzhu not only did not mutini, but their morale was immediately boosted.

Before Liu Feng arrived, the morale of the garrison at Niuzhu was already quite low.

Confined to a corner, surrounded by enemies to the east and west, with allied forces outwardly united but inwardly divided, everyone from Zhang Ying, Fan Neng, and Yu Mi down to the lowest soldiers felt utterly helpless and alone.

Therefore, the first reaction of everyone when they saw Liu Fengjun crossing the river was not to be on guard, but to be overjoyed.

The Niuzhu defense line consists of two layers.

The first line of defense was the river defense, built on Niuzhu Mountain. Niuzhu Rock was located on the east bank of the Yangtze River, while Hengjiangjin and Danglikou were on the west bank across the river.

Niuzhu Mountain is the most important location, not only because it is a river defense site with terrain advantages, but also because it has a large stockpile of grain, military equipment and supplies, making it a logistics depot.

Sun Ce was unable to break through the Yangtze River defense line because he was unable to capture Niuzhuji for a long time.

In the original timeline, Sun Ce later relied on a sneak attack by Zhou Yu and Zhou Shang to capture Niuzhuji from both sides. Once Niuzhuji fell, Hengjiangjin and Danglikou could no longer hold out, and their armies collapsed in disarray.

Because Niuzhuji was the first line of defense along the river, Liu Yao's army's naval stronghold was built here.

After Liu Fengjun landed, he took over the defense of the entire Niuzhuji, controlling not only the river defense but also various warehouses such as the gold treasury, armory, and granary on Niuzhuji.

By this point, even if Liu Yao had realized the situation and had troops available, it would already be too late.

Liu Yao's army at the Niuzhu defense line numbered nearly 20,000, of which more than half, over 13,000, were elite troops, while the remaining 6,000 were new recruits who were added after the Battle of Xiangcao River.

These troops were deployed at Niuzhuji, Hengjiangjin, and Danglikou.

(End of this chapter)