My father Liu Xuande

Chapter 341 Lu Yixiong's Words
Sun Ce's massacre in Shanyin shocked the entire Kuaiji region, and even the surrounding Wu Commandery, Danyang, and Yuzhang were thrown into chaos.

The Yu family still had a main branch in Cixi, but the Zhou and He families were local powerful families in Shanyin. In this disaster, apart from a few who were not in the city and escaped unharmed, almost everyone else was wiped out.

The county of Shangyu, located near Shanyin, was terrified by Sun Ce's ruthlessness and the influence of his own family members, and immediately surrendered.

Meanwhile, Yuyao, Gouzhang, Maoxian, Yinxian, and Shanxian successively opened their gates, and for a time, the northern Kuaiji region was utterly defeated, with no one daring to stop Sun Ce's army.

There are three main reasons for this outcome. The second is naturally Sun Ce's massacre in Shanyin, which completely terrified the powerful clans and gentry in other counties and towns.

Secondly, the reason was that they had invested too much in siding with Wang Lang, leaving the counties somewhat depleted. Although they had no shortage of manpower, with several thousand able-bodied men available, they had exhausted their retainers who could serve as mid- to low-ranking officers. Without these men as the backbone, even a large number of able-bodied men were just cattle and sheep.

In this way, Sun Ce's army was undoubtedly stabilized again. Although only seven or eight counties in Kuaiji surrendered to Sun Ce, these counties were the most important places in northern Kuaiji.

Take Mao County and Yin County as examples. Although these two counties have uncommon names, together they form the city of Ningbo.

If we add Juzhang, these three counties occupy the entire Ningbo Plain. Moreover, the history of development here is quite long, dating back to the Hemudu Culture. Later, during the Wu-Yue rivalry, this was the foundation of the Yue Kingdom and has always been an important grain-producing base in the south before the large-scale development of Huguang.

More importantly, over 60% of the population of Kuaiji Commandery was concentrated in these seven or eight counties, meaning Sun Ce had essentially acquired most of Kuaiji's best resources.

But this does not mean that Sun Ce is out of danger. Sun Ce himself is well aware that he is still in a precarious situation.

These counties surrendered without a fight, simply because they were internally vulnerable and because of Sun Ce's bloody massacres.

Therefore, Sun Ce had to send troops to these counties to station in order to continuously draw resources from them to supply his army.

Sun Ce still has more than 22,000 men under his command, more than 2,000 wounded soldiers, more than 6,000 surrendered soldiers from Shanyin, and more than 3,000 surrendered soldiers from Shangyu after the city was opened.

Given enough time, these surrendered soldiers could be absorbed and integrated, but that's not possible now.

A large portion of these people were locals from Shanyin. Sun Ce had just ravaged Shanyin City, and these people were too busy hating him to willingly serve him.

Therefore, Sun Ce was also quite troubled at this time.

Therefore, he had to allocate many reliable troops to various places for defense, while also taking on the responsibility of guarding and assimilating the surrendered soldiers.

If it weren't for the fear of triggering unnecessary riots, Sun Ce would have even wanted to massacre all the surrendered soldiers from Shanyin in the Kuaiji Army.

In the end, Sun Ce dispatched 3,000 men to be stationed in Shangyu, Yuyao, Gouzhang, Mao County, Yin County, and Shan County, and also dispersed more than 2,000 surrendered soldiers from Shanyin to these areas.

In this way, including the surrendered soldiers, Sun Ce's forces have recovered to nearly 30,000. With Wu Jing's remaining 6,000 men, they can even rely on the three cities north of the Yangtze River and seek an opportunity to fight the Southern Expeditionary Army.

Even if they are outmatched, they can retreat across the Qiantang River and defend themselves using the Guling defense line built by Wang Lang.

At this time, Sun Ce was unaware that two of the three cities north of the Yangtze River were about to fall, and that his uncle Wu Jing's nearly seven thousand troops would be reduced to less than two thousand. Otherwise, he would have immediately ordered Wu Jing to abandon the three cities north of the Yangtze River, burn the stored grain in the cities, and withdraw all his troops to the south of the Qiantang River, without even considering a decisive battle north of the Yangtze River.

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"Did Liu Zhengnan really say that?"

Zhu Huan's face showed a rare look of fear. He hadn't expected Liu Feng to know so much about the situation in Wu County, and even seemed to know Gu Yong's movements perfectly.

How many secrets can the prominent families of Wu County still keep?

Zhu Xiang's face naturally turned even uglier, but he had no choice but to truthfully report to his nephew: "In my opinion, Liu Zhengnan probably knows much more about us than we realize."

Zhu Huan noticed that Zhu Xiang seemed to have more to say and asked somewhat impatiently, "Uncle, is there something you can't say?"

Zhu Xiang shook his head with a wry smile and continued, "I just think this might not be a bad thing."

Zhu Huan frowned: "What does Father mean by this?"

Zhu Xiang continued with a wry smile, "Only those who buy goods are picky. Liu Zhengnan knows so much about the prominent families of Wu County; we must be of great help to him..."

After hearing Zhu Xiang's words, Zhu Huan fell silent. He had already understood what his father had said.

Any talk of helping is just hypocritical self-aggrandizement; the real meaning is simply that we still have value.

Combined with Zhu Xiang's previous words, it is clear that his father was advising him to take advantage of his remaining value and pledge allegiance to Liu Zhengnan. Otherwise, whether the Zhu family's value diminishes or even disappears, or the other party finds a better replacement, the outcome for the Zhu family will definitely not be a pleasant one.

“I have fully understood the Father’s will.”

After a long while, Zhu Huan slowly exhaled a breath of turbid air: "I will go see them. This matter is not just a matter for my Zhu family. The four major clans are of the same blood and have been allied for a hundred years. Our Zhu family will not be the kind of people who break the alliance."

In fact, Zhu Huan's words implied that he was already planning to listen to Zhu Xiang's opinion, but Zhu Huan did not want to abandon the other three families and wanted to persuade them to increase their bets together.

Zhu Xiang naturally agreed wholeheartedly, nodding repeatedly to show his support, while reminding them, "If the other three families have other ideas, then our family absolutely cannot hesitate."

Zhu Huan nodded: "That's how it should be."

Immediately, Zhu Huan instructed his servants to prepare a carriage, and then proceeded to the Zhang family's residence.

Although the four major surnames in Wu County have a good relationship, there are always changes in each generation.

In this generation, the Gu and Lu families are related by marriage, and Gu Yong has received much care from Lu Kang, so the relationship between the two families is naturally better. Zhu Huan and Zhang Yun are like-minded, both valuing loyalty and generosity, so they will naturally be closer.

Therefore, the first person Zhu Huan sought out was Zhang Yun.

As soon as Zhu Huan arrived, Zhang Yun came out to greet him.

"What brings you here today, Hugh Mu?"

After Zhu Huan got out of the carriage, he looked around and gave Zhang Yun a wink.

At this time, Wu County was besieged, and Xu Kun imposed control over the city, strictly prohibiting residents from moving around without permission.

This law naturally had no effect on renowned scholars like Zhu Huan and Zhang Yun, but at this time, they would always be somewhat worried about being monitored by Sun Jun.

Moreover, since this visit was to discuss sensitive matters, Zhu Huan naturally had to be even more careful.

Zhang Yun immediately led Zhu Huan into the mansion. After entering a secret room, Zhu Huan recounted the situation, which greatly surprised Zhang Yun. "Isn't Liu Zhengnan's appetite a bit too great?"

Zhu Huan, however, was quite rational. He shook his head and said, "Brother, you are mistaken. Liu Zhengnan's army is now numbering over 50,000. There are already more than 20,000 outside the city. In the south, Youquan and Wucheng have also been liberated by Zhengnan. With such a large-scale war, the daily expenditure on military provisions and weapons must be astronomical. Even considering the 20,000 outside the city, the grain we offer will probably only be enough for them for one month. Not to mention that Liu Zhengnan obtained one shi of grain in Wu County, which is better than transporting two or three shi from Xuzhou."

At this point, Zhu Huan sighed: "I was worried before that the offerings were too stingy."

When the four major clans discussed the matter, Zhu Huan felt that 30,000 shi of grain was too little. Since everyone was not short of grain, why only give 30,000 shi?

The fluctuations in grain prices were quite dramatic in ancient times and even in modern times.

Its pricing is not static; it varies drastically depending on whether there is an abundance of food or a shortage.

When food is scarce, its minimum price is a little more than the sum of the money of the person who offered the highest price but could not buy the food.

However, due to the poor transportation environment, huge risks in trade, exorbitant taxes levied by officials, strong regional exclusionary mechanisms, and massive transportation losses in ancient times, it was difficult for grain to be sold at exorbitant prices in other places.

Wu County had grain, but it was virtually impossible to sell it to Hedong. Grain was extremely difficult to preserve, and even if it didn't spoil, it would become stale grain after a year.

Let alone the current warlord conflicts, even during the reigns of Emperor Huan and Emperor Ling, such a thing could not be accomplished.

In recent years, Jiangdong has enjoyed favorable weather and abundant grain production. The prominent families in Wuzhong have no shortage of grain, so this grain is far less valuable than that of the Central Plains or even the border regions.

But the Gu family had a stingy streak, feeling that 30,000 units of grain was enough. They weren't trying to side with Liu Feng; they just wanted to show neutrality.

Gu Yong believed that as long as they did not give Liu Feng any leverage over them, Liu Feng would not dare to pressure them too much, and all matters in Jiangdong would still depend on them.

Zhu Huan and Zhang Yun also agreed with this point. They were willing to provide more grain and assistance simply to make things more successful, not because they were afraid of Liu Feng.

But now the situation is different. Liu Feng has learned that Gu Yong is secretly working for Sun Ce, and Liu Feng must already have something on the Gu family.

You could naturally strike a pose on the shore, but now that you're wet, trying to strike a pose is just asking for trouble.

After discussing it, Zhu Huan and Zhang Yun immediately found an opportunity for the four families to gather together again to discuss matters.

Upon hearing Zhu Huan's words, even Gu Yong, with his calm, composed, and shrewd nature, was terrified by the news. If Liu Feng were to truly kill him and send Gu Yong to Sun Ce's group, then wiping out the entire Gu family would be perfectly justified.

Therefore, Gu Yong quickly compromised and decided to follow Zhu Huan and Zhang Yun's advice. The four families joined forces to provide 200,000 shi of grain first, and at the same time, they could pass on as much intelligence from the city as possible to Liu Feng.

"Uncle, I think this is inappropriate."

Just when Gu Yong, Zhu Huan, and Zhang Yun thought the four families had reached an agreement, Lu Yi, who was usually quiet, suddenly spoke up, and his words immediately contradicted them.

Gu Yong, Zhu Huan, and Zhang Yun all turned their gazes to Lu Yi. Although they did not show any obvious displeasure, they still put considerable pressure on Lu Yi.

However, Lu Yi remained calm and composed, seemingly unaffected by the pressure.

Gu Yong frowned slightly, then asked in a gentle voice, "What insightful opinion do you have, Boyan? Please share it fully so that we can fill in any gaps in our understanding."

Gu Yong's words were quite polite, which was related to his gentle personality.

Zhu Huan and Zhang Yun, who were standing to the side, had already shown obvious displeasure. This was because Lu Yi was a bit too young, only turning sixteen after the New Year, and he was also a junior to the other three.

Lu Yi usually rarely speaks and always follows Gu Yong's lead. His sudden speech and dissenting opinions make others doubt his abilities and intentions.

After receiving Gu Yong's response, Lu Yi said, "Uncle, to protect the people of Wuzhong, you endured humiliation and hardship to clear up the doubts of the traitor Sun. This matter was originally confidential, but it was discovered by Liu Zhengnan. Thus, this is a very serious matter."

Lu Yi first emphasized that Gu Yong's initial intention in serving Sun Ce was good, and it was for the sake of everyone. He, Lu Yi, was not an ungrateful person, and he acknowledged Gu Yong's grievances and kindness.

He then reminded everyone of two points: first, this matter was confidential, but Liu Zhengnan knew about it.

Secondly, once Liu Zhengnan learned of this matter, it was no longer a trivial matter, but a matter of life and death. Otherwise, why would Zhu Huan be in such a hurry to come and discuss it with us?

Actually, there's another subtle point, which stems from the second point: these are all life-threatening matters, do you really think they can be resolved with petty gains?
Those present were all intelligent people. Zhang Yun's reputation for generosity and righteousness was known throughout Jiangdong, Gu Yong had the talent of a prime minister, and Zhu Huan was both a scholar and a warrior.

The three of them were quite clear about whether Lu Yi's words were good or bad, and whether they made sense or not.

Gu Yong, in particular, had a look of approval in his eyes; Lu Yi was speaking up for him.

In this critical matter, isn't Gu Yong and his family the first to be affected?

"What Boyan said makes a lot of sense."

Gu Yong acted decisively, supporting Lu Yi and putting on a show of strength by saying, "In Boyan's opinion, what should we do?"

"I must perform meritorious service to atone for my sins!"

Lu Yi's answer was resolute: "The credit lies with Wu County."

Lu Yi's answer was quite bold; it was a plot to surrender the city.

The reactions of Gu Yong and the other two were quite interesting.

Gu Yong remained silent in deep thought, Zhang Yun was filled with anxiety and uncertainty, while Zhu Huan's eyes lit up, eager to try.

“Uncle, my two uncles, what you have done is a serious matter. Since it is a serious matter, you must redeem yourself with great merit.”

Lu Yi said solemnly, "Moreover, Xu Kun is holding out in the city to the death, and has no plan to repel the enemy. He is merely trying to prolong his life and delay the inevitable. Now that even the enemy leader is so weak and demoralized, it is clear that the enemy Sun's power has declined to this extent. This is precisely the time for us to rise up and make contributions."

At this point, Lu Yi paused for a moment, and then said, "If it succeeds, then my uncle will have nothing to worry about. If it fails, he can still leave his name in history, which is better than being killed by the Southern Expedition."

"nice!"

After Lu Yi finished speaking, Zhu Huan was the first to jump up and exclaimed, "Boyan has such lofty ambitions; there is a worthy successor to Duke Ji Ning!"

(End of this chapter)