My father Liu Xuande

Chapter 378 Obtaining the Phoenix Chick
It was precisely because Liu Feng had long coveted Jingzhou that Sun Ce was able to survive. Otherwise, the betrayal at Shanyin alone might not have been enough to save his life.

Sun Ce wielded immense influence over Jingzhou, but this influence was not concentrated in the north, but rather in the south.

When Sun Jian served as the governor of Changsha, he used his powerful military force to intimidate Changsha, while also wiping out the Jingman tribes surrounding Changsha.

This greatly shocked the local gentry and powerful families in Changsha. Huan Jie, a famous scholar from Jingnan, was recommended by Sun Jian as a filial and incorruptible official and served as a meritorious official under Sun Jian. He was the second most famous scholar in Sun Ce's camp after Zhu Zhi.

When Sun Jian died in the Battle of Xiangyang, Huan Jie was not by his side.

Just then, his father passed away, and Huan Jie returned to his hometown to attend the funeral.

Upon hearing of Sun Jian's death and that his body had been seized by Liu Biao, Huan Jie resolutely headed north, traveling from Changsha directly to Xiangyang. He entered the city alone and persuaded Liu Biao, who eventually recognized his loyalty and returned Sun Jian's coffin.

Liu Biao greatly admired and liked Huan Jie, and dreamed of keeping Huan Jie to assist him.

To what extent does this affection extend?

Liu Biao actually wanted to become Huan Jie's brother-in-law!
Indeed, Liu Biao wanted to marry his wife Lady Cai's third younger sister, Lady Cai, to Huan Jie, promising her a high position and real power.

It's no exaggeration to say that if Huan Jie had been a little more timid, he might not have been able to become the governor of the three prefectures of Jingbei. After all, there were just too many powerful figures. At the height of the Huang family's power, both father and son served as governors.

But for Huan Jie, the governorships of the three southern commanderies of Jingzhou were truly open to any choice. The exception was Changsha Commandery, Huan Jie's hometown, where, due to the existence of the Three Mutual Relationships Law, Huan Jie naturally had to avoid any appearance of impropriety.

But Huan Jie was stubborn and refused to accept Liu Biao's marriage proposal, even risking his life to do so, and eventually managed to escape.

Although Huan Jie may not still be loyal to Sun Ce at this time, the Sun family must still have a great influence on him.

Moreover, Liu Feng's desire to utilize the Sun family was a matter of going with the flow and taking advantage of the situation, not something fabricated out of thin air.

In the original timeline, Huan Jie, wanting to avenge Sun Jian and also favoring Cao Cao, incited Zhang Xian, the then governor of Changsha, to betray Liu Biao.

It was Zhang Xian's rebellion that caused Liu Biao to miss the best time to participate in the Battle of Guandu.

It's true that Liu Feng wants to swallow Jingzhou whole, but if Jingzhou could be broken in two, it would obviously be much easier for him. If he could launch an attack while the north is attacking the south, he could reap the benefits of the conflict.

It was with this in mind that Liu Feng ultimately chose to let Sun Ce go.

If Sun Ce can persuade Huan Jie to secure such an opportunity for Liu Feng, then it would be worthwhile for Liu Feng to spare his life.

Besides, Liu Feng originally intended to win over powerful families in Jingzhou who were no longer in power, such as the Ma, Xi, and Feng families, but he never really thought about winning over the Pang family.

Regardless, the Pang family was still one of the four major families during Liu Biao's era.

Trying to win over a Ponzi scheme is too sensitive and obvious.

But who could have imagined that Pang Tong would actually come to them himself?

Upon closer examination, the location of the Pang family in Nanjun was actually quite important.

Otherwise, Zhou Yu would not have abandoned Jiangxia and taken Jiangling instead.

Historically, when Liu Biao marched south to attack Zhang Xian, his advance base was Jiangling, not Xiangyang.

The journey from Xiangyang to Changsha was far too long.

Starting from Jiangling not only shortens the journey by more than half, but also allows for unobstructed travel entirely by water.

Changsha was not even defensible, as the Xiang River flowed directly from the Yangtze River to the city walls.

From Jiangling to Changsha, it only takes a thousand miles by water. The Yangtze River and Xiang River along the way are both large rivers with abundant water, which can accommodate large ships.

This made Liu Feng start to daydream.

If, just if, Liu Biao sent a large army south to attack Zhang Xian, and his troops were at the gates of Changsha.

Liu Feng, with his navy as the main force, charged directly through Huang Zu's blockade from the lower reaches of the river, reaching the walls of Jiangling City. With Pang Shi as his co-pilot, he captured the city and then returned to the Xiang River, cutting off the supply lines and return route of Liu Biao's army heading south.

This scene is so beautiful.

It's so beautiful it's almost blinding.

Once this scene appears, it could truly bring Jingxiang under control within a year.

Therefore, Liu Feng's enthusiasm for the Pang brothers is easy to understand.

At this time, Pang Tong was far from the future leader of Nanzhou whom Sima Hui would later appoint, nor the outstanding talent praised by Pang Degong as the "Young Phoenix," nor the Nanjun Gongcao whom Zhou Yu valued and entrusted with important matters.

At this time, Pang Tong had neither fame nor the ability to say to Gu Shao, "I seem to have a slight advantage over you in discussing the secret strategies of emperors and grasping the essentials of reliance and supremacy."

He was merely a small fry in a bag, a mere figurehead.

Despite Liu Feng's enthusiasm and appreciation, Pang Tong's heart pounded.

That evening, Liu Feng hosted a banquet at his residence to entertain Pang Tong and Pang Hua.

The two were so drunk that they were asked to stay overnight.

Pang Hua was taken to a guest room to rest, while Pang Tong was taken to the study in the backyard.

Pang Tong was startled, not knowing what Liu Feng wanted, so he could only pretend to be drunk.

But a moment later, Liu Feng's voice rang out from the doorway: "Is Mr. Shiyuan awake?"

Ling Tong and Lü Meng, who were guarding the door, immediately replied, "The master is still asleep."

"good."

Pang Tong heard Liu Feng enter the room, and then his voice rang out again: "How can you treat your master with such disrespect?"

"Why don't you take off your clothes and boots for the gentleman?"

Liu Feng's voice was full of dissatisfaction as he scolded, "Sleeping like this while drunk, what if you catch a cold?"

Liu Feng's voice drew closer: "A-Tong, go and bring a basin of hot water. The gentleman's face is covered in dust; I need to clean his face."

Ling Tong responded and ran outside.

Pang Tong felt that pretending to be drunk was too agonizing. If he had known that Liu Feng would act this way, he would have endured it even if he was really drunk.

He pretended to be drunk to find out what Liu Feng was up to, but he never expected to put himself in such a predicament.

Soon, Ling Tong brought hot water, and Liu Feng personally wet a towel and wiped Pang Tong's face.

Applying a warm towel to your face should be a very enjoyable experience.

Pang Tong, however, was like someone whose pants were on fire, wanting to wake up but unable to find a suitable time.

Just as Pang Tong was about to grit his teeth and wake up, he suddenly felt a lightness on his feet.

Three or four shouts immediately rang out around them. Xu Chu, Lü Meng, Ling Tong, and others cried out in alarm, "General, you mustn't!" Pang Tong only felt someone remove his boots and then place his legs on the couch. Combined with the shouts from Lü Meng and Ling Tong, how could Pang Tong not realize that it was Liu Feng who had removed his shoes?

Pang Tong, who was immediately covered in a cold sweat, dared not pretend to be asleep any longer. He rolled over on the couch, knelt down, and kowtowed to Liu Feng, saying, "General, are you trying to kill me?"

Liu Feng's lips curled up slightly, and he sneered inwardly, "I thought you were going to pretend to be asleep forever."

"Why did you say this, sir?"

Liu Feng stepped forward, pressed down on Pang Tong's shoulder, patted him a few times, and helped him up: "Did I accidentally wake you, sir?"

Pang Tong, moved to tears, said, "General, how can I possibly accept such a great favor?"

Liu Feng smiled and said, "In my opinion, Mr. Shiyuan's talent is unparalleled in the world, and he is the most outstanding person I have met since I came south."

As he spoke, Liu Feng helped Pang Tong up, grasped his hand, and said, "Sir, you are truly the crown jewel of the Southern State!"

Pang Tong was filled with mixed feelings at this moment. He was unremarkable and had no reputation. Although he was talented, he could only admire his own talent in solitude and remained unknown to others.

He never dreamed that Liu Feng would consider him the number one young scholar in Nanzhou.

This discerning and high regard deeply moved Pang Tong, who almost bowed down to Liu Feng.

Liu Feng chuckled inwardly, thinking that Sima Hui, the Water Mirror Master, might not be as famous as he, Liu Feng, was today.

Liu Zisheng's ability to recognize talent has now earned him a reputation in Southeast China.

This is not surprising, as most of the capable ministers and generals under Liu Bei and his son today, apart from Liu Bei's earliest followers and the core members of Xuzhou, were recommended by Liu Feng.

Liu Bei never tried to hide this fact; on the contrary, he often praised his eldest son at banquets.

Therefore, all the strategists and generals under Liu Feng knew that their true mentor was not Liu Bei alone.

Pang Tong, who accompanied Pang Ji on his visit to Liu Bei and stayed in Shouchun, north of the Yangtze River, for several months, naturally knew about these things. However, knowing them was one thing, but he still couldn't imagine the intense feelings he would have when he personally faced them.

“I am just a commoner, I never expected the general to value me so highly.”

Pang Tong wept bitterly, grasped Liu Feng's hand, and exclaimed, "General, whatever you command, I will obey without question!"

Liu Feng was overjoyed and made a decision in an instant.

"I have now acquired Yangzhou. Jingzhou is located above Yangzhou. It has a strategic location, a wealthy population, a well-trained army, ample food supplies, and a wealth of famous scholars."

Liu Feng lamented, "Liu Jingsheng and Yuan Shao are outwardly respectful but inwardly arrogant, loyal on the outside but rebellious on the inside. The emperor is always worried and fearful. He once said to my father, 'Who is to blame for the decline of the Han dynasty?'"

“My father was loyal and devoted, and he did not shy away from suspicion, but spoke frankly about the mistakes of Emperor Huan and Emperor Ling.”

Liu Feng was lying. Liu Bei might have the right to denounce his father's misdeeds in front of the emperor, but his personality made it impossible for him to do such a thing.

Could Pang Tong possibly go and ask Liu Bei if this matter was true or false?

Therefore, Liu Feng told this lie without any psychological burden.

The Emperor deeply agreed, but although he was young, he was extremely intelligent.

Liu Feng's face showed indignation: "The Emperor once told me that the world is in turmoil, and it is Yuan's fault!"

"Liu Jingsheng, as a member of the imperial clan, did not think of serving the country with loyalty. Instead, he colluded with Yuan Shao in the north and south, forming an alliance. This is a disgrace to the imperial family! My father was powerless and, in order to repay the emperor's kindness, had no choice but to feign compliance and first defeat Yuan Shao."

Liu Feng said bitterly, “My father and I fought fiercely in battle, braving fire and water, to finally defeat Yuan Shu and capture him in Shouchun. But Liu Jing Sheng actually recruited traitors and openly protected Liu Xun, a general under Yuan Shu and the fake governor of Lujiang. His contempt for the court and his disloyalty are obvious.”

After all that buildup, Liu Feng finally revealed his true intentions: "Now that Yangzhou is secured and Jiangdong is at peace, I wish to raise an army of righteous men, march up the Yangtze River, and punish this traitor for the sake of the Emperor and the court, thus severing one of Yuan Shao's arms. It is a pity that I am of limited talent and learning, and I am struggling to find the right method, so I have no plan for a complete victory. Sir, you are a man of exceptional talent, a hero of the world, please teach me!"

Pang Tong thought to himself, "Just as I expected."

Pang Tong wasn't stupid; he was well aware that Liu Feng had ulterior motives for showing him such favor and affection.

As for what he was plotting, a clever man like Pang Tong had already seen through it.

For Pang Tong, there was only one question from beginning to end: whether or not to place his bets on Liu Bei and his son.

"Even though Tong's heart was as hard as iron, he was transformed by the general."

Pang Tong quickly made a decision, got off the bed, knelt down and kowtowed, saying: "I am grateful for your kindness in serving General Meng, and I am willing to serve under you, to help you recover the eight counties of Jing and Xiang, to restore the Han Dynasty and revitalize the country."

Liu Feng was overjoyed and quickly helped Pang Tong up and back to his seat on the couch.

Seeing Liu Feng's beaming face and unrestrained joy, Pang Tong felt some pressure and had to explain, "General, the matter of recovering Jingzhou still needs careful consideration. In haste, I have no good plan."

Liu Feng burst into laughter, then patted Pang Tong's hand and solemnly said, "Shi Yuan is mistaken. My joy is not for gaining Jingzhou, but for gaining Shi Yuan!"

Pang Tong really didn't expect Liu Feng to be so kind.

Regardless of whether Liu Feng's words were sincere or not, even if they were completely unfounded, they would be enough to make Pang Tong remember them forever and be moved to tears.

Pang Tong took a deep breath, his expression solemn, and said meticulously, "To receive such great favor from the general is something I can never regret in this life! I am willing to serve the general with utmost loyalty, even if it means dying a hundred times!"

Thinking of Luofengpo, Liu Feng's brow twitched, and he said with a serious expression, "Shiyuan, why do you say such things? Restoring the Han Dynasty is only the first step. We still need to assist the Emperor, revitalize the court, and revive the Han Dynasty for the third time. How can such a great matter be done without Shiyuan? You must not speak of death casually in the future. You should take care of yourself and save your lives for the future."

Pang Tong only regretted not meeting Liu Feng sooner. Such a caring lord was truly the kind of enlightened ruler everyone dreamed of.

Now that we have such an enlightened ruler, what more could we ask for?
Xu Chu, Ling Tong, and Lü Meng stood behind Liu Feng, their eyes brimming with tears of emotion, wishing they could immediately go into battle for Liu Feng and risk their lives to serve him.

"Congratulations, my lord, on gaining Mr. Pang's service! This is like adding wings to a tiger!"

The three of them bowed together, paying their respects to Liu Feng and Pang Tong.

Pang Tong was also surprised, as Xu Chu and the other two had completely different personalities and were also of vastly different ages.

The eldest, Xu Chu, was calm and steady; Lü Meng was frivolous; and the youngest, Ling Tong, was quite decisive.

All three generals possess remarkable demeanor, and even Ling Tong, who is only ten years old, acts with considerable method.

Now, Lü Meng and Ling Tong have been taken in and trained by Liu Feng, clearly intended to be used as his loyal followers in the future.

As for Xu Chu, he was the top general of Liu Feng's personal guards, a trusted confidant who served Liu Feng day and night.

Pang Tong was secretly amazed. This was just Liu Feng's personal guard, yet he possessed such a talented and beautiful person.

No wonder people say that Xuzhou is full of strategists and fierce generals; seeing it today, I can confirm that they are right.

Afterwards, Liu Feng instructed Xu Chu to lead Lü Meng and Ling Tong to rest, leaving only armored soldiers to guard the outside.

Xu Chu obeyed and withdrew, but left Lü Meng to guard the study door.

Liu Feng himself stayed in the study, where he talked with Pang Tong by candlelight until late into the night, and they slept in the same bed.

(End of this chapter)