My father Liu Xuande

Chapter 396 Yang Xiu Asks for Help
"Please, General Zheng Nan, save my father!"

As soon as Yang Xiu saw Liu Feng, he knelt down with a thud and kowtowed to Liu Feng.

"Why does Emperor Dezu say this?"

Liu Feng looked surprised and quickly got up to help Yang Xiu.

Yang Xiu, however, remained on the ground, refusing to get up, repeatedly banging his head against the ground: "Zhengnan, only you can save my father now. I beg you to set aside past grievances and lend a helping hand."

A sigh flashed across Liu's face. This Yang Dezhu was indeed shrewd in small matters but muddle-headed in big ones.

Is this behavior at this moment an attempt to force me to help?
But do you have that ability?
At this moment, Zhuge Jin, a kind-hearted man, could no longer sit still. He stepped forward to help Liu Feng persuade Yang Xiu: "Lord Dezu, please stand up and speak first. You don't even know what has happened in the Southern Expedition. How can we help you?"

Yang Xiu was persuaded by Zhuge Jin and straightened up.

Yang Xiu then recounted how Yang Biao had been dismissed and imprisoned by Cao Cao, especially since the presiding judge was the cruel official Man Chong.

Yang Xiu was filled with anxiety, fearing that his father would be tortured by Man Chong in prison, and even more so that Man Chong would fabricate evidence to force a confession, thus confirming the crime of colluding with Yuan Shu and plotting rebellion.

Yang Xiu knew that coming to Liu Feng for help was unreasonable and illogical.

The problem is that, among all the big shots in Luoyang, Yang Xiu probably only has the ability to rescue Yang Biao, and Liu Feng is probably the only one.

After recounting the whole story, Yang Xiu immediately knelt down again and kowtowed to Liu Feng, saying, "My father was indeed disrespectful to the General of the South and offended him in many ways, but his heart was for the court and for the Emperor. His actions were certainly wrong, but his heart was worthy of pity. The General of the South has a reputation for benevolence and respect for scholars. I earnestly request that the General of the South be magnanimous, repay evil with kindness, and lend a helping hand. This will surely let all the wise men in the world know the General of the South's love for talent and respect for scholars."

Yang Xiu's words this time were much more palatable. He first admitted his father's wrongdoing, and then described Liu Feng's help as repaying kindness with evil. This made the scene much more appealing.

Liu Feng sighed and helped Yang Xiu up again.

Faced with Yang Xiu's longing eyes, Liu Feng did not agree immediately, but instead asked for the opinions of those around him.

Zhuge Liang cupped his hands in a respectful gesture and said, “The Yang family is a prominent clan in the land, renowned throughout the country. No wise man in the world is unaware of them. The marriage between Yuan and Yang happened more than twenty years ago, and there is nothing wrong with it.”

"When Yuan Shu occupied Nanyang, the Grand Commandant had denounced him for disrespecting the emperor and the court, and for killing a high-ranking official with a salary of two thousand shi. This shows that Wenxian Gong did not have the intention to protect Yuan Shu because of their kinship."

Zhuge Liang's words won Yang Xiu's favor. If the occasion hadn't been inappropriate, Yang Xiu would have really wanted to kowtow to Zhuge Liang a few times.

"It is unreasonable for the General to use this matter as a pretext now, and it may be seen as making an example of someone to warn others."

Zhuge Liang's words drew nods of agreement from everyone present. All of them were intelligent and could easily see this point.

In reality, Cao Cao handled this matter extremely carelessly, but considering the overall situation, this carelessness might not have been unintentional on his part.

After all, at this critical juncture, the rougher the material, the more it proves the advantage in strength.

The saying goes, "One force can overcome ten techniques." When you have enough strength, you don't need wisdom to supplement it. In fact, it can even intimidate others.

Yang Xiu was, after all, a clever man. Apart from his nature, which made him more clever than wise, his quick wit was beyond doubt.

Therefore, his immediate attempt to leave Luoyang and seek Liu Feng's help in Gong County is sufficient proof of his wisdom and ability.

"The General now holds great power, so the life or death of the Grand Commandant is not of much concern to him."

Pang Tong stroked his goatee and said slowly, "But if my lord gets involved, I fear it will arouse the suspicion of the Grand General, and may even put Lord Wen to death."

Upon hearing Pang Tong's words, Yang Xiu's heart sank.

He opened his mouth as if to refute something, but after opening his mouth, he couldn't utter a single word.

The reason is that Pang Tong's words made perfect sense.

Despite Yang Biao's current predicament and interrogation by the cruel official Man Chong, he is still in a state of turmoil.

However, the possibility of Yang Biao actually being executed is extremely small.

Cao Cao wasn't stupid. What was the result of his execution of Bian Rang, a renowned scholar from Yanzhou?
It's only been a few years.

Yang Biao's fame, talent, family background, and influence far surpass Bian Rang's.

If Bian Rang alone could cause the entire Yan Province to rebel, how much negative impact would Yang Biao have? Did Cao Cao really not assess this?

Therefore, Pang Tong judged that Yang Biao would at most suffer some physical pain, but his life would be safe.

However, if Liu Feng gets involved in this matter, and Cao Cao thinks that Liu Feng is colluding with Yang Biao, then Yang Biao's life may not be so safe.

Yang Xiu was in great pain at this moment. He felt that Pang Tong's words made a lot of sense, but he was also too worried about Yang Biao's suffering in prison, and even more worried that Cao Cao might kill him.

For a time, Yang Xiu was like an ant on a hot pan, living in constant anxiety.

Yang Xiu muttered to himself, "What should we do?!"

Liu Feng was also hesitant.

He knew perfectly well that if he didn't intervene, Yang Biao would at most suffer a bit more, but wouldn't ultimately die. In the original timeline, Man Chong withstood Cao Cao's pressure and single-handedly upheld Yang Biao's innocence.

Of course, given Man Chong's obsequiousness towards Cao Cao, it's highly likely that Man Chong guessed Cao Cao's intentions.

Cao Cao never intended to kill Yang Biao; his goal was simply to dismiss Yang Biao. He had no deep-seated hatred for Yang Biao, and besides, he was worried that killing Yang Biao would incite a large-scale rebellion.

Therefore, Cao Cao may have staged a play with Man Chong, not only completely driving Yang Dang out of the central government, but also sparing Yang Biao's life, bringing great positive prestige to himself and Man Chong.

Since Cao Cao had no intention of killing Yang Biao, Liu Feng naturally wanted to do him a favor.

However, he was also worried that his intervention might cause changes. If he really caused Yang Biao's death, Liu Feng was quite concerned about the future developments.

Suddenly, Liu Feng noticed that Zhuge Liang was giving him a meaningful look. Although he didn't know what the other party wanted to say, he still instructed, "De Zu has come from afar and traveled day and night. He must be exhausted by now. Let me think this over carefully. De Zu may stay at the mansion for the time being."

Upon hearing this, Yang Xiu immediately became anxious.

Liu Feng quickly reassured him, "Dezhu, you must be tired after traveling so far. Please rest for a while, and I will give you an answer as soon as possible."

Yang Xiu was indeed at his limit. He had been eating on his horse all the way here, and after finally letting out a sigh of relief, he could barely keep his eyes open, relying entirely on his last breath to keep going.

Upon hearing Liu Feng's arrangement, Yang Xiu realized that he was about to collapse, so he did not object and went to catch up on his sleep.

After Yang Xiu left, Liu Feng asked Zhuge Liang, "Kongming, what was the matter when you looked at me with your eyes just now?"

As soon as Liu Feng said this, everyone's eyes turned to Zhuge Liang.

The latter calmly replied, "I have a question I would like to ask you, my lord, concerning the matter of Lord Wenxian. I wonder if you wish him to live or die."

Liu Feng was surprised, then suddenly understood, and fell into deep thought. His surprise stemmed from the astonishment at Zhuge Liang's question, his sudden understanding from Zhuge Liang's intention, and his final contemplation was naturally about determining his own stance in this matter.

After careful consideration, Liu Feng believed that Yang Biao could be dismissed, but he might not be able to tolerate Yang Biao's existence. Besides, there would be many opportunities to use Yang Biao in the future.

Thinking of this, Liu Feng immediately spoke up: "Yang Wenxian is, after all, a famous scholar in the world. The Yang family has held high office for three generations, and Yang Wenxian himself has also served as one of the Three Dukes. Although I have a personal relationship with him, I am the first to disbelieve that he colluded with Yuan Shu and harbored treacherous intentions."

When Liu Feng said that Yang Biao had served in all three high positions, he meant that Yang Biao had already held all three positions. Unfortunately, his tenure in all three positions was short-lived. After succeeding Dong Zhuo as Minister of Works in September 189, he was transferred to Minister of Education in December of the same year, and was dismissed the following year.

In less than half a year, he became Minister of Works and Minister of Education. Moreover, at this time, Dong Zhuo already held immense power in the court, so Yang Biao really had no foundation or real power in office.

But the fact that Yang Biao was able to hold the position of one of the three highest officials in such a roundabout way is enough to affirm his reputation and ability.

Even someone as unruly as Dong Zhuo had to be brought out to appease the masses, which speaks volumes.

After receiving Liu Feng's affirmative answer, Zhuge Liang immediately suggested, "In that case, why doesn't our lord, in his capacity as the one who recommended you, Yang Dezu, lend a helping hand?"

Liu Feng immediately applauded, almost forgetting that he had just recruited Yang Xiu as the chief clerk of the General of the Southern Expedition's office a few days ago.

Yang Xiu neither agreed nor refused.

Yang Xiu was in the mansion at that moment, so his status as his benefactor could be confirmed at any time.

Even Cao Cao wouldn't have been able to say anything if he went to rescue Yang Biao as his benefactor.

"Kongming's words make sense."

Liu Feng glanced at the expressions on the faces of Dong Zhao, Pang Tong, Zhuge Jin, and others, and seeing that they all agreed, he immediately decided, "In that case, we shall set off within the next two days and return to Luoyang."

After the agreement was reached, Yang Xiu was invited over early the next morning.

Upon hearing that Liu Feng was willing to lend a helping hand, Yang Xiu was moved to tears and developed an even stronger liking for Liu Feng.

It is easy to add flowers to brocade, but difficult to provide charcoal in the snow.

Yang Xiu had considered whether to bring up the matter before he arrived, but ultimately did not. Firstly, he felt ashamed; it was one thing not to respond before, but to bring it up now would really damage the reputation of the Yang family.

Secondly, they were worried that Liu Feng might harbor resentment, and bringing up the matter might backfire. However, they did not expect Liu Feng to be so magnanimous, actually acknowledging the recruitment of Yang Xiu at this moment.

Leaving aside Yang Xiu's gratitude to Liu Feng, Liu Feng went to bid farewell to Yang Feng and Han Xian.

After leaving Gongxian, because of the rescue, it only took him three days to return to Luoyang.

To Yang Xiu's surprise, the matter was resolved easily after Liu Feng took action.

After Liu Feng personally visited General Cao Cao and Commandant Man Chong, the next day, Man Chong reported to the General that Yang Biao had no connection with Yuan Shu.

Subsequently, Cao Cao accepted Man Chong's review opinion and immediately decided to release Yang Biao, but the dismissed Grand Commandant position was not reinstated.

In fact, before Liu Feng made his move, Xun Yu, Zhong Yao, Ding Chong and others had already taken action to persuade Cao Cao to let Yang Biao go.

Cao Cao did indeed have a certain desire to kill Yang Biao. Even though he knew that it was not the right time to take action, he was determined to make Yang Biao suffer a bit, which is why he kept delaying the decision.

Man Chong understood Cao Cao's intentions very well, and made Yang Biao suffer a lot in prison, but without resorting to severe torture.

In the end, however, he reported the results of the interrogation that Yang Biao was innocent to Cao Cao. It was a win-win situation. He not only got the important position of Commandant of the Capital Region, but also pleased Cao Cao. He also gained favors from Liu Feng, Xun Yu, Zhong Yao and even the emperor. He was the biggest winner.

Although Yang Biao had suffered greatly, he had no physical injuries. However, when he was released from prison, he looked much more haggard and appeared to be heartbroken.

After sending his father home, Yang Xiu immediately went to the residence of the General of the Cavalry to express his gratitude and at the same time, expressed his request to take a leave of absence for a period of time.

Now that Yang Biao is no longer the Grand Commandant, he naturally cannot continue to live in the Grand Commandant's residence, and Yang Xiu needs time to move. At the same time, Yang Biao fell seriously ill after returning home, and Yang Xiu, as his son, naturally has to stay by his side to take care of him.

Liu Feng naturally had no objection to this. He not only immediately approved Yang Xiu's leave, but also lent a helping hand by providing the Yang family with the residence bestowed upon him by the emperor for temporary accommodation.

Yang Xiu was deeply moved and agreed on the spot.

As for Yang Xiu, he already owed Liu Feng too much kindness, so he didn't care about anything more.

"Dezhu, go and take good care of Wenxian Gong. After he recovers, come to Yangzhou to find me."

Liu Feng has now completed most of the tasks in Luoyang, with only one last thing remaining.

This matter is not complicated; it simply involves discussing the threat posed by Yuan Shao with Cao Cao.

For Liu Feng, what he wanted most was not for Yuan Shao and Cao Cao to go to war.

Because time was on Liu Feng's side, what he most wanted to see was a standoff between Yuan Shao and Cao Cao.

The longer the standoff lasts, the better, ideally until he has swallowed up Jingzhou.

Yang Xiu readily agreed to Liu Feng's request and said he would definitely go south to Yangzhou to repay Liu Feng for saving his life.

With Yang Biao's release, the turmoil in Luozhong gradually subsided.

Although Yang Biao landed safely, it does not mean that there were no casualties in this incident.

The three men, Tai Chong, Feng Shuo, and Hou Qi, became the sacrifices in this incident. They were beheaded and their heads were displayed at the south gate of Luoyang.

Subsequently, Xun Yu was recommended to be the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, thus strengthening Cao Cao's leadership over the government.

With the positions of Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, Commandant of the Capital Region, and Governor of Henan, Cao Cao held immense power. Furthermore, he seized control of the last thousand or so Imperial Guards under the emperor's command, effectively rendering the emperor powerless and unable to resist.

However, Liu Feng knew that Emperor Liu Xie still had a strong appeal. Not to mention the powerful clans and gentry under Yuan Shao who wanted to restore the Han Dynasty, there were also many people under Cao Cao who thought the same way. Otherwise, during the Battle of Guandu, there might not have been so many people who wrote letters to Yuan Shao to surrender.

While some members of the aristocratic class looked down on Cao Cao's eunuch family background, there were also many who were simply loyal to the Han dynasty and hated Cao Cao's usurpation of power and his usurpation of the emperor's authority.

These people were not supporting Yuan Shao, but rather opposing Cao Cao, hoping to seize power while Cao Cao was defeated.

You can say these people are stupid, that they can't see that Yuan Shao's heart is no different from Cao Cao's, but that doesn't negate their loyalty.

The two aristocratic rebellions that occurred in Ye and Xuchang at the end of the Jian'an period are sufficient proof of this.

These people had almost no chance of winning, yet they were still willing to die. Among them were many noble and prestigious families, and they could be considered a glimmer of hope for the Han Dynasty.

After settling down in Luozhong, Liu Feng visited Cao Cao again.

(End of this chapter)