My father Liu Xuande

Chapter 493 Two Generals Gained
Wen Ping and Huang Zhong were both from prominent families in Jingzhou. The Wen family was considered a third-class aristocratic family in Nanyang County, but its advantage lay in its large population and flourishing clan.

In this way, the Wen family also had the qualifications of a gentry family, and could often obtain many mid- to low-level official positions in the prefectures and counties.

Hoping that these official positions will enhance the family's prestige is wishful thinking, but they are quite effective in protecting the family's interests in the local area.

Although Huang Zhong was a member of the Huang family of Jingzhou and shared the same clan as Huang Zu and Huang Chengyan, his lineage had declined and not only left little legacy, but also dwindled in number, leaving only Huang Zhong as the sole heir.

If it weren't for Huang Zhong's exceptional bravery, which earned him the favor of Huang Zu and Huang Chengyan, who provided him with resources and recommended him to Liu Biao, he probably wouldn't even be a military commander by now.

Right now, Huang Zhong is actually in a more relaxed situation than Wen Ping. After all, Huang Zu has already surrendered and even persuaded Liu Feng to accept the Jiangxia prefecture. Moreover, it is rumored that Huang Chengyan is highly respected by Liu Feng. So whether Huang Zhong surrenders or not will not have much impact on his family.

But Wen Ping was different. The Wen family had never produced such a high-ranking and powerful official as Wen Ping, who could be said to have the entire family fortune tied to him.

Given Wen Ping's position and personality, if it were just a battle between two armies and Wen Ping was defeated, he would most likely die on the spot. Even if he were captured, he would never surrender.

After all, Wen Ping's personality was conservative and his character was loyal. More importantly, the Wen family was still under Liu Biao's rule, and it was impossible for them to be subdued, whether for the sake of integrity or for the sake of the family.

However, Xiangyang has now been taken by Liu Feng, and the Wen family, originally from Wancheng, had already fled to Yicheng in Xiangyang due to the war. Now, most of their family and clan members are under Liu Feng's rule. Although Liu Feng rarely implicates others, the Wen family simply cannot afford to gamble with Liu Feng's decisions.

It was precisely because his heart had wavered and he was no longer as resolute as before that Wen Ping paid more attention to Liu Feng's expression and reaction.

Liu Feng was comforting Liu Pan at this moment, saying, "General Zhennan has already entered the court and assumed the position of Grand Master of the Palace. He is deeply trusted by the Emperor and it is very likely that he will be promoted to one of the Three Dukes in the future. This war between the two provinces was not my original intention. Zhennan is my paternal uncle and an elder of mine. However, I really don't understand why Zhennan would so easily abandon the friendship between the two provinces, harbor evildoers, and protect serious criminals of the court. This is something I can no longer tolerate."

Although Liu Feng's words were not true, they were at least superficially impeccable.

Liu Biao's actions of taking in Liu Xun and allowing Huang Zu to send troops to Lujiang could not be concealed.

Now that Liu Feng has used this as an excuse, even relatives like Liu Pan and Liu Hu cannot clear Liu Biao's name.

Seeing Liu Pan and Liu Hu's somewhat panicked state, Liu Feng smiled and reassured them, "My two cousins, there's no need to panic. This is Zhennan's fault, and it has little to do with you. But I wonder what your plans are next?"

Liu Pan and Liu Hu exchanged a glance, both noticing the unease in each other's eyes. They hesitated for a long time without offering an answer.

Fortunately, Liu Feng hadn't expected their reply anyway, and continued, "If my two cousins ​​wish to go north to Luoyang and seek refuge in Zhennan, I will do my best to help them."

When Liu Feng said this, not only were Liu Pan and Liu Hu shocked, but Wen Ping, Huang Zhong and the others standing to the side were also taken aback.

Liu Hu couldn't control himself and exclaimed, "General, are you sure you mean it?"

"Of course I take it seriously."

Liu Feng smiled and nodded, confirming, "Not only can my two cousins ​​return north, but if Brother Gongyu wants to leave, I will personally see him off. Although you were once my enemies, I will not kill you outright because you are all relatives of the Han imperial family. I only hope that you will behave yourselves in the future and not make the same mistake again."

Liu Qi, courtesy name Gongyu.

Upon hearing that Liu Feng was even willing to send Liu Qi away, Liu Hu couldn't stop smiling.

Liu Pan was smarter and more cautious. He opened his mouth to say something, but found that he really had nothing to say at the moment, so he could only close his mouth again.

Liu Feng was delighted by the shock and skepticism of the crowd.

This is the effect he wants.

Liu Qi, Liu Pan, and Liu Hu were all of average appearance. Liu Pan and Liu Hu were quite strong, but Liu Qi had no outstanding qualities other than being close to his father in history, and his health was not good either.

Rather than keeping him in our hands, we should let him return north.

As long as the Pang, Kuai, and Huang families, along with their subordinate Ma, Feng, Xi, and Wen families, continue to support them, Liu Qi and his two companions are essentially of little use. In fact, Zhang Xian and his son are far more valuable than them at this moment.

Since that's the case, Liu Feng was happy to do a favor, which was also a way to curry favor with the major families in Jingzhou and reassure the people.

If Liu Feng could pardon even Liu Qi, Liu Pan, and Liu Hu, who were relatives of Liu Biao, what reason would he have to spare generals of other surnames like Wen Pin, Huang Zhong, and Kuai Qi?

As expected, after Liu Feng made his statement, everyone's expressions changed again. Wen Ping and Huang Zhong visibly relaxed. Kuai Yue, meanwhile, stroked his beard and smiled, clearly understanding Liu Feng's purpose and expressing his deep approval.

"I'm waiting to go!"

Seemingly realizing that Liu Feng was not fooling them, Liu Pan was overjoyed. He immediately knelt down before Liu Feng and exclaimed, "General Zuo is benevolent and magnanimous. He does not hold our offense against us and instead treats us with leniency. I will never forget such kindness! Today, I am spared and will never dare to have the slightest disobedience."

Liu Feng laughed heartily, then stepped forward to help Liu Pan up: "Brother, why are you in this state?"

After calming Liu Pan and the others down, Liu Feng's gaze fell on Huang Zhong and Wen Ping: "I have long heard of the two generals' fame throughout Jingzhou. Today, I have finally met them, and they are indeed valiant warriors."

Liu Feng stepped forward and, seeing the somewhat ashamed expressions on Huang Zhong and Wen Ping's faces, reached out and pulled them aside: "This battle is not the general's fault. Zhennan acted willfully, refused to listen to loyal advice, and was stubborn and self-willed, which is why we suffered this defeat. Even if Han Xin and Bai Qi were to be reborn, or Wei Qing and Huo Qubing were to be reborn, I'm afraid they would have little chance of achieving anything."

Upon hearing that Liu Feng was safe, Huang Zhong and Wen Ping's expressions of shame deepened.

Both men were typical loyal and cautious generals. Although Liu Feng's words were largely correct, they personally could not accept the outcome of shifting the blame to their lord.

Liu Feng nodded inwardly, then looked at Kuai Yue.

Kuai Yue nodded slightly and stepped forward, saying, "Hansheng and Zhongye, you two should thank General Zuo for his great kindness."

Kuai Yue's words successfully drew the attention of Huang Zhong and Wen Ping.

Huang Zhong and Wen Ping looked at Kuai Yue with some confusion. Although they couldn't guess what kind of great favor Kuai Yue was talking about, they were both certain that it was definitely not the lenient treatment of prisoners.

Kuai Yue's expression turned serious, and he continued, "Han Sheng's son fell ill in Xiangyang the day before yesterday. Fortunately, the divine physician Fan A, who was by the Left General's side, saved his life."

"What!?"

Huang Zhong was immediately shocked. His family had only one son for three generations, and he had no brothers or sisters. His only son was injured in the womb and had been in poor health since birth, a condition that had persisted for fifteen years.

Before setting off on this campaign, he had carefully instructed his wife to take good care of him, but unexpectedly, she fell seriously ill and nearly died. Huang Zhong's gaze was fixed on Kuai Yue, but he saw the latter nod to him solemnly.

Overwhelmed with emotion, Huang Zhong immediately turned around, knelt down before Liu Feng, and wept uncontrollably, saying, "I have only one son, whom I cherish like a precious jewel, always protecting him and fearing for his life. Yet now he has nearly lost his life. Your kindness in saving my son surpasses even my own life-saving grace. I have lived a mediocre life, achieving nothing, except for my strength. If you do not despise me, I am willing to go through fire and water for you! If I break this oath, may Heaven and Earth condemn me!"

"Why must Hansheng do this!"

Liu Feng was overjoyed and secretly praised Kuai Yue.

It was indeed a coincidence that after Liu Feng took control of Xiangyang, his first order was to protect the families and wives of Kuai Yue, Huang Zhong, Wen Pin, and others. Even the families of Lü Jie and Han Xi were protected by troops, and harassment was strictly prohibited.

The purpose was to stabilize Jingzhou and win over the hearts of the people.

Perhaps because Xiangyang had changed hands, or perhaps it was Huang Xu's destiny to suffer this calamity, that very night, the soldiers returned to report that Huang Xu had fallen ill and his condition was extremely serious.

Liu Feng immediately sent Fan A to treat Huang Xu. Upon arrival, Fan A discovered that Huang Xu was suffering from a congenital lung disease, which is what we now call asthma.

Fortunately, with Liu Feng's support, Hua Tuo, Fan A, and others had already figured out how to use ginkgo leaves.

Therefore, Fan Acai was able to stabilize Huang Xu's condition and save him.

Liu Feng was also somewhat fearful at this moment. If Huang Xu had really died of illness, Huang Zhong would probably have had a hard time accepting this fact. Even if he didn't blame himself for his son's death, he would most likely no longer be willing to serve him.

But now that Fan A has intervened and rescued Huang Xu, Huang Xu is even more grateful than if Huang Zhong himself had been saved. And Huang Zhong's current reaction completely proves this point.

I had heard of Hansheng long ago, but I wished I could get close to him.

Liu Feng helped Huang Zhong up and gently comforted him, saying, "Now that Han Sheng is willing to follow me in restoring the Han Dynasty, I am overjoyed. I had intended to keep you by my side to get closer to you, but this is not the right time, and you also have other things on your mind."

"That's it."

Liu Feng took out a document from his bosom and handed it to Huang Zhong: "This document is a list of checkpoints along the way. Han Sheng can use this to request horses, use the post stations along the way, and call for boats. I know that Han Sheng is in a state of great turmoil right now. You can go to Xiangyang first, and we can meet again after your son has recovered."

Liu Feng's words caused Huang Zhong's eyes to redden. Not only Huang Zhong himself, but also Kuai Yue, Wen Ping and others standing nearby were all shocked.

They couldn't help but feel moved. Huang Zhong was just a warrior, yet Liu Feng was willing to go to such lengths for him. If it were me, what could I do?

Huang Zhong was truly concerned about Huang Xu, so he did not refuse. He simply knelt down, bowed three times to Liu Feng, said no more, and hurriedly left.

Liu Feng selected a squad of personal guards, along with provisions and weapons, to accompany Huang Zhong as his bodyguards, since the road was far from peaceful these days.

The security situation in Jingzhou had been gradually improving, but once the war broke out between Jingzhou and Yangzhou, defeated soldiers, mountain bandits, river bandits, and even barbarians began to become active again.

After Huang Zhong left, there was a brief silence in the arena.

It was Kuai Yue again, who smiled and pointed at Wen Ping: "I see that Zhongye is very envious of Hansheng, but you don't know that the Left General's kindness to you is even greater than that to Hansheng."

Wen Ping was greatly alarmed and quickly cupped his hands in greeting, asking, "I am completely ignorant and unaware that I have received such a great favor from General Zuo. Please enlighten me, sir."

Kuai Yue slowly said, "In the battle of Yicheng a month ago, after the city fell, the Wen family was ranked first among the stubborn bandits. It was General Zuo who specially ordered a lenient punishment, temporarily detaining the entire Wen family in the mansion, and providing them with food and vegetables, and meat, fish and eggs every ten days. If it weren't for General Zuo's mercy, the Wen family would have been reduced to dust long ago."

Wen Ping's expression changed drastically. Since Liu Feng entered Jingzhou, those who surrendered and opened the city gates were spared punishment, and those with virtue and talent were given important positions. On the contrary, those who stubbornly resisted were either confiscated of their property or exiled along with their entire clan.

This news had already spread throughout Jingzhou. Although Wen Ping was trapped in Chanling, he had also heard about it.

Wen Ping never expected that his family would stand firmly on Liu Biao's side. If Liu Feng hadn't shown mercy, the entire Wen family would probably be mining in Xuzhou right now.

“Hiring family members is ignorant; it’s like a mantis trying to stop a chariot—they’re courting their own destruction.”

Wen Ping immediately bowed: "I am fortunate to have been merciful to the general and have been spared, thus saving my entire clan. However, I have overestimated my abilities and defied the royal army. I have no face to face the general."

Why does Zhongye say this?

Liu Feng helped Wen Ping up and comforted him, saying, "In my opinion, Zhongye's entire clan are loyal and righteous men, but their talents have been wasted on the wrong people. Although Liu Zhennan is a member of the Han imperial family, he does not think about restoring the Han dynasty. He first followed the orders of Dong Zhuo to seize the seven counties of Jingzhou and Xiangyang, and later colluded with Li Jue and Guo Si to oppress the emperor. This is not the behavior of a subject."

“I have always known that Zhongye is loyal and steadfast, and is proficient in military strategy. I have always admired the many talented people in Jingzhou, but they cannot be used by me.”

Liu Feng looked at Wen Ping with hopeful eyes and asked, "I wonder if my wish will be fulfilled today?"

"The general did not despise me because of my marriage, but showed me leniency beyond the law, protecting my clan. His kindness is like giving me a second life. I will never forget this kindness and virtue!"

Wen Ping broke free from Liu Feng's grasp, knelt down again, and sincerely thanked him, saying, "Heaven above, I will serve as your loyal dog for life. If I harbor even the slightest thought of betrayal, may Heaven and Earth punish me!"

“I already know Zhongye’s intentions, so why bother?”

Liu Feng was extremely satisfied, but he put on a reproachful expression and helped Wen Ping up, saying, "Don't mention this matter again."

"Here."

Upon hearing this, Wen Ping immediately obeyed respectfully, and his compliant attitude pleased Liu Feng even more.

Then, Liu Feng's gaze swept over the crowd, seeing that they either admired, revered, feared, or obeyed him, and no one dared to meet his eyes. He felt a sense of satisfaction.

"Today we are delighted to have Mr. Yidu, and now we have Hansheng and Zhongye serving us. I am overjoyed."

Immediately afterwards, Liu Feng said, "Men, prepare a banquet! Tonight I will entertain all the worthy men; we shall not leave until we are drunk!"

That evening, the host and guests were all in high spirits and drank until dawn before parting ways.

At this point, the situation in Jingzhou was settled, and there would be no further setbacks.

(End of this chapter)