My father Liu Xuande

Chapter 424 Zhang Xian Raises an Army
Time flies, and several months have passed in the blink of an eye.

Not long after Liu Feng returned to Wu County, he finished dealing with the backlog of official business and then took Xu Chu and others to travel out of the county.

Over the course of several months, Liu Feng traveled to almost every county in Wu County, Danyang, Lujiang, Jiujiang, and northern Kuaiji, dealing with many lawless powerful clans and gentry before finally returning to Wu County, where he had always been loyal.

"General."

Feng Fangnu, accompanied by the two Qiao sisters, was waiting in the mansion. As soon as she saw Liu Feng enter, she hurriedly came to greet him.

For a moment, Liu Feng felt as if he were surrounded by flowers, his nostrils filled with fragrance, and soft hands were washing away the dust of his journey.

Xiao Qiao wrung out the silk handkerchief from the basin of water in the maid's hand, and then gently wiped Liu Feng's face. At the same time, Da Qiao served him a cup of cool tea, a beverage from the Eastern Han Dynasty, which was sweet and very delicious.

As for Feng Fangnu, she stood beside Liu Feng and asked in a low voice, "The bath supplies are all prepared. Would you like to have dinner first, or take a bath first, General?"

Liu Feng couldn't help but recall that famous saying from later generations. Looking at the beautiful and shy Feng Fangnu, he quietly swallowed and then said, "Let's take a bath first. We've had a long and tiring journey, and we feel really uncomfortable."

He was talking about his body, but actually, the most uncomfortable part was his head.

Since ancient times, people have believed that one's body and hair are gifts from one's parents and should not be damaged lightly, especially hair. There were even laws that involved shaving one's head.

However, this is the most foolish thing to do, because long hair is extremely easy to breed bacteria and fleas, which are among the most terrible mediums for the spread of disease.

Liu Feng was well aware of these circumstances, but he was powerless to change them. He was far from being qualified to change them, and he himself had to endure this torment.

Although Liu Feng had bathed and washed his hair frequently along the way, he was still covered in dust, and his black hair had been stained with a layer of dirt, turning it brown.

Now that Liu Feng had made his decision, Feng Fangnu immediately took action. She first led Liu Feng to the bathhouse, where a large wooden tub in the center was already filled with clear, warm water.

Immediately, Feng Fangnu and the two Qiao sisters dismissed the other maids and stepped forward to help Liu Feng undress.

Before long, Liu Feng's clothes were all removed, but he wasn't cold at all.

The walls of this bathhouse are hollow, and a boiler continuously pumps hot water in through copper pipes, making the entire bathhouse warm and cozy.

This is not because Liu Feng was indulging in pleasure and extravagance. This is not the future, where you can go to the hospital if you have a cold or fever.

In this era where even a fever can be fatal, although Liu Feng is in good physical condition, he still takes great care of his health and is willing to spend money on it.

Of course, Liu Feng wasn't just thinking about enjoying it himself. He had already compiled all the construction techniques and skills of the earth dragon into a book and presented it to Liu Bei.

However, Liu Feng had no intention of promoting this design in the short term. Although it could increase coal sales, there was still a shortage of manpower in iron ore, copper ore and other mines, and Liu Feng did not want to divert manpower to coal mining.

After Liu Feng finished taking off his clothes, Feng Fangnu and Da Qiao were still thinking of helping him into the bathtub.

Liu Feng chuckled to himself, realizing he was far too weak. But then he became secretly wary, realizing that being surrounded by beautiful women and receiving such tender care was truly an irresistible temptation.

Gently pushing Feng Fangnu and Da Qiao aside, Liu Feng strode forward and easily jumped into the bathtub.

The warm, slightly scalding water completely enveloped Liu Feng, causing him to groan comfortably.

Liu Feng's groans caused Feng Fangnu and the two Qiao sisters to blush slightly, their beauty radiant with shyness.

The three women exchanged a glance, then stepped forward together to take the loofah and began to wash Liu Feng's body.

Liu closed his eyes and let the three women do as they pleased.

With such beautiful women serving him so attentively, Liu Feng, being a normal man, naturally couldn't remain unmoved. This didn't escape the notice of Feng Fangnu and the two Qiao sisters, who immediately blushed and their eyes became watery with spring.

Liu Feng was gone for several months, and they naturally missed him very much.

In this chaotic era, Liu Feng has fulfilled almost all the desires of Feng Fangnu and the Qiao sisters.

Young and handsome, with exceptional talent, he ruled over the southeast, surrounded by thousands of followers, and commanded a fierce army of more than 100,000. Not to mention, Liu Feng possessed many ingenious ideas that could bring him both immense wealth and various forms of luxurious comfort.

Although they had been by Liu Feng's side for less than half a year, and spent most of that time traveling, Feng Fangnu and the two Qiao sisters developed considerable affection for Liu Feng.

However, in Liu Feng's view, this love was not pure. This was not because Liu Feng had any kind of mental fastidiousness, but because he felt that the love that the three women had for him was likely mixed with many Stockholm elements.

Realizing this, Liu Feng did make an effort, but the three women's symptoms only worsened, leaving Liu Feng with no choice but to give up.

Liu Feng admitted that both Feng Fangnu and the two Qiao sisters were exceptionally beautiful and charming.

However, he was only fourteen years old. It wasn't that he had any moral obstacles; it was purely for his own health that Liu Feng didn't want to get involved in matters of love and sex so early.

However, this did not affect his enjoyment of the three women's service, although the service was a bit excessive, especially Xiao Qiao, who was the boldest. Her fair and slender hands kept sliding down, forcing Liu Feng to reach out and hold her down.

After washing up and changing his clothes, Liu Feng was about to have his meal.

Just then, there was a knock on the bathroom door, and Xu Chu called out from outside, "My lord, an urgent report has arrived."

Liu Feng immediately fastened his robes and said to Feng Fangnu and the two Qiao sisters, "You two go and have your meal first, you don't need to wait for me."

He then quickly walked to the door and opened it.

Upon seeing him, Xu Chu immediately handed over the silk scroll in his hand.

Liu Feng took the document, opened it, and his pupils dilated in shock.

Zhang Xian has rebelled!

Liu Feng quickly regained his composure and asked Xu Chu, "Has any news come from Jingnan?"

Xu Chu shook his head: "This is the only message that has been sent to the manor. I have already ordered someone to wait for it."

Liu Feng nodded, then led Xu Chu straight outside, while instructing, "Have someone invite the relevant gentlemen and generals to come for a meeting."

Xu Chu immediately accepted the order, and then Lü Meng, Quan Cong, Ling Tong, and others went to inform everyone.

Shortly after Liu Feng arrived at the hall, Feng Fangnu and the two Qiao sisters brought him dinner.

Liu Feng was confused in his haste, and it won't be quick to gather the people.

So Liu Feng pulled Xu Chu to sit down and have a meal.

After the meal, the three chief and deputy chief secretaries, Zhong Yao, Dong Zhao, and Chen Qun, along with Zhao Yan (Ministry of War), Du Ji (Ministry of Justice), Du Xi (Ministry of Agriculture), Jia Xi (Ministry of Internal Security), Zhuge Liang (Cabinet Secretary), Pang Tong, Lu Xun, Taishi Ci (Commander of the Vanguard Army), Zhao Yun, Jia Kui, Sun Ce, and other generals, arrived at the prefectural capital and gathered in one hall. As soon as Liu Feng entered the hall, everyone rose from their seats and knelt to respectfully welcome him to the main seat.

"Please take your seats, everyone."

After taking their seats, Liu Feng waved his hand and said to Xu Chu, "Zhongkang, present the intelligence to everyone for a look."

Xu Chu strode down and handed several silk scrolls to Zhong Yao, Dong Zhao, Taishi Ci, Zhao Yun, and others.

These are all photocopies, made during the time when everyone was gathered together. As for the copyists, they were naturally the cabinet secretaries Zhuge Liang, Pang Tong, and Lu Xun.

Therefore, the three of them were the first to find out about this matter.

The message was significant, but the number of words was very short.

Soon, everyone had finished reading.

Liu Feng looked around and saw that everyone below the hall was shocked. Even the quick-witted Zhong Yao, Dong Zhao, Du Ji, Du Xi, Yang Xiu, and others looked shocked and puzzled.

Almost no one expected Zhang Xian to rebel, let alone that once he started, he would not only succeed easily, but also affect the other three Jingnan prefectures and kingdoms around Changsha.

Liu Biao's influence in Jingnan collapsed instantly, leaving him with almost no power to resist. He could only watch helplessly as Zhang Xian raised his voice and won over the masses.

For a moment, the hall was silent.

The main problem is that most people don't know much about Zhang Xian, let alone why he rebelled or why he was able to rebel.

Liu Feng turned his attention to Zhao Yan, Du Ji, Du Xi and others. They had lived in Xiangyang and had close ties with the high-ranking officials of Jingzhou. They had also been recruited and invited by Liu Biao on several occasions.

Du Ji was honest and kind. Although he was determined to return to the north, he politely declined Liu Biao's offer of service and never agreed to serve him.

As for Zhao Yan and Du Xi, they went far too far. The two of them, along with their mutual friend Fan Qin, fled south to Jingzhou and settled in Xiangyang due to the war in the Central Plains.

Because the three of them were very famous, they alarmed Liu Biao.

Liu Biao truly admired them, so he treated them with the utmost respect and invited them to banquets on numerous occasions. He was extremely attentive, courteous, and considerate.

However, Zhao Yan and Du Xi looked down on Liu Biao from the bottom of their hearts, thinking that he was short-sighted, ambitious but incompetent, and that although he was prominent and in charge of Jingzhou, he would eventually be unable to achieve great things.

Not only did they look down on Liu Biao, but they also tried to persuade their friend Fan Qin after he became interested in Liu Biao.

Zhao Yan was a little better; he simply presented the facts and reasoned with Fan Qin, persuading him not to waste his talents and to follow him north to seek refuge with the heroes.

As for Du Xi, he was even more unethical, directly threatening Fan Qin: "If you dare to serve Liu Biao, then you are no longer my friend, and don't blame me for breaking off our friendship immediately."

Fan Qin had always admired Zhao Yan and Du Xi, so upon hearing this, he was no longer willing to serve Liu Biao and immediately expressed his willingness to accept the order.

Afterwards, Zhao Yan returned to the Central Plains first, while Du Xi took Fan Qin and ran off to Changsha.

Therefore, Du Xi and Fan Qin's understanding of Zhang Xian was probably the most extensive among all those present who were unaware of Liu Feng's intention to seize Jingzhou.

As expected, Du Xi immediately stood up and left his seat, bowing down to Liu Feng.

Congratulations, Your Excellency!

Liu Feng looked surprised and asked curiously, "Mr. Zixu, please get up. May I ask what brings you this joy?"

"Liu Jingsheng is a guard dog; Zhang Shihong is a filthy pig in the latrine."

Upon hearing this, Du Xi rose and sat back down, then replied, "Now dogs and pigs are fighting, while Your Excellency sits outside the latrine; it is a blessing bestowed upon you by Heaven!"

Then, Du Xi spoke eloquently: "Before I joined you in the east, I was living in Changsha. Zhang Shihong was stubborn and unyielding, simple-minded and ignorant. Although he was loved by the gentry of Jingnan, he was also deeply controlled by them. He was never liked by Liu Biao, and the two harbored deep resentment. Therefore, I dare to assert that this conflict between Liu and Zhang must have been instigated by many powerful clans and gentry in Jingnan. Zhang Shihong was merely a victim of their machinations."

Liu Feng looked at Du Xi, quite surprised.

Although they knew the other party was exceptionally talented and shrewd, they never expected that the other party could deduce so much information based solely on the news of Zhang Xian's rebellion.

Seemingly encouraged by Liu Feng's gaze, Du Xi continued loudly, "In my opinion, Liu Jingsheng will never tolerate Zhang Shihong's ceding of territory and self-defense. He will surely raise a large army to march south and quell the rebellion. Zhang Shihong has received the support of the four counties of Jingnan to raise an army, and Liu Biao has always been too exploitative of Jingnan. I predict that the two sides will definitely reach a stalemate, and Liu Biao will inevitably be stuck at Changsha."

“Zixu’s words make a lot of sense.”

Zhao Yan bowed to Liu Feng and then said, "My lord, Zixu is wise and insightful, and his strategies are extraordinary. I believe that his deductions may be true."

Liu Feng turned his gaze to Zhong Yao, Dong Zhao, Chen Qun, Zhao Yun, and Taishi Ci.

They are important civil and military officials in the current Left General's staff and the Governor's Office of Yangzhou, so naturally we should listen to their advice.

However, all five of them are intelligent people.

Zhong Yao was able to switch freely between the Han and Wei dynasties. His two sons were both outstanding individuals. One wanted to establish a regional power in the later period of the Three Kingdoms, while the other was able to protect the family even when his younger brother rebelled.

Not to mention the fat, dark-skinned Dong Zhao, who was cunning and scheming.

Chen Qun and Zhao Yun are somewhat similar; both are kind-hearted but lack emotional intelligence, yet they excel in matters of principle.

Taishi Ci was skilled in both literature and martial arts, and was exceptionally quick-witted; naturally, he was also very thoughtful.

For a moment, none of the five people wanted to speak; they were all lost in thought, whether genuinely or feigning it.

"Does Bo Fu have something to say?"

Seeing that Sun Ce seemed hesitant to speak, Liu Feng took the initiative to ask, "There are no taboos in the hall, Bo Fu, please speak freely."

At this time, Sun Ce was unaware of Liu Feng's strategy for Jingzhou. Because of his previous decision, Liu Feng had not yet sent anyone to contact Huan Jie and Zhang Xian, so there was no need for him to tell Sun Ce about it beforehand.

If the Jingzhou strategy had truly been discussed with Sun Ce, given Sun Ce's shrewdness, he wouldn't have wanted to speak at this moment.

"Your Excellency may not know this, but my family has a long-standing relationship with Huan Boxu, the clerk of Changsha. My father once recommended Huan Boxu as a candidate for the civil service examination and recommended him for the position of Gentleman of the Palace. Later, my father was killed by bandits. Huan Boxu risked his life to go to Xiangyang and persuaded Liu Jingsheng to return my father's body. He is truly a man of integrity and righteousness."

Upon receiving Liu Feng's invitation, Sun Ce immediately stood up and said, "I have heard that he is currently serving in Changsha Commandery and is a trusted minister of Prefect Zhang. Perhaps we can contact him to find out the specific situation in Jingnan."

(End of this chapter)