The Three Kingdoms: Zhaolie, the strategist, and the rise of the Han Dynasty

Chapter 201 Li Ziyu's Five-Way Expedition to Conquer Runan
However, Yuan made a big move and instigated a rebellion in Yuzhou.

Although the counties and prefectures of Yuzhou did not openly rebel against the imperial court, they remained neutral and waited and watched, refusing to send money, grain, and silk to the central government.

In order to appease the people of Yuzhou, Cao Cao adopted Zhao Yan's suggestion and exempted the people of Yuzhou from taxes.

But this also made the already food-shortage situation in Cao's camp even worse.

For this reason, Cao Cao had to ask Liu Bei for help. Liu Bei agreed to deliver a thousand hu of grain to Cao's camp every day.

But there is still an urgent problem that needs to be solved.

That was the Yellow Turban Army of Runan.

It would have been fine if the counties in Yuzhou remained neutral, but this Yellow Turban Army, which was said to have 300,000 soldiers, posed a real threat to Xu County.

During the dinner, Cao Cao again invited Liu Bei to discuss the matter.

"The bandits in Runan are very powerful, and Lu Bu is not doing a good job in suppressing them, so he is lax and lazy."

"I originally wanted to punish him for his crimes, but now is a time of great trouble and I am afraid that it will cause other troubles, so I will not pursue it for the time being."

During the banquet, Cao Cao expounded on his idea of pardoning Lü Bu for his disadvantageous battle in Runan.

The situation on the front line was already chaotic enough, and he was afraid of forcing Lu Bu to rebel, which would make the situation even more chaotic.

"Even so, the bandits from Runan have been harassing our Yingchuan counties."

"We have few soldiers in Yingchuan and cannot divide them to suppress the bandits, so we must dispatch troops from our front line."

"I summoned Xuande here today to discuss this matter."

At that time, the military governor Cao Ren was beside him and volunteered:
"The South, with its large army, is in urgent need of help and cannot come to the rescue."

"The Yuan family has been kind to the people of Yuzhou for four generations, so their rebellion is natural."

"But the enemy troops had just risen up, and we were unable to use them."

"If we attack them quickly with light cavalry, the enemy can be defeated!"

What Cao Ren meant was that the Yuan family’s hometown was in Runan, so the people of Runan were willing to follow the Yuan family, and the people of Runan should not be blamed.

Now we should take advantage of the fact that the enemy's force is not yet strong enough and use light cavalry to quickly move south and defeat them.

Once the Yellow Turbans in Runan grow in power, it will be easy to pacify them.

Cao Cao followed his advice and immediately gave Cao Ren a thousand light cavalry to go to Runan to defeat the bandits.

The purpose of sending out all the cavalry is to pursue speed, but in the long run, we want to stabilize Runan.

A thousand cavalrymen alone were not enough.

At this time, Cao Cao once again turned his gaze to Liu Bei opposite him.

Although he didn't say it, his meaning was evident.

Lord Xuande, please give your brother a hand!
Liu Bei's expression remained unchanged, but he was thinking that if Runan was lost, Pei State would also be affected.

Xuzhou had no strategic location to defend, so under Li Yi's plan, Peitu was added to the west of Xuzhou.

This broadened the depth of Xuzhou's west.

To protect Runan is to protect Pei.

Thinking of this, Liu Bei said:
"I will send my second brother to lead an army to go to Runan with General Cao Zixiao to quell the rebellion."

Liu Bei showed his sincerity by directly sending his best general.

Cao Cao was indeed very happy and asked when they could set off.

Liu Bei said he could leave immediately.

Therefore, before the dinner was over, Cao Ren from Cao's camp and Guan Yu from Liu's camp left the table.

They each returned to their camps, gathered their troops, and went to Runan to quell the rebellion.

"With the combined efforts of Zixiao and Yunchang, I don't think Runan will cause much trouble."

"…But there are so many Yellow Turban bandits in Runan that I am afraid that even if we pacify them for a while, they will rise up again in the future."

What Cao Cao meant was to ask Lao Liu to help him to the end and to see him off to the end.

Since we have joined forces to fight against Yuan Shikai and put down the rebellion, we might as well solve the problem of Runan at once.

Liu Bei couldn't make up his mind for a moment, so he asked Li Yi beside him:

"Sir, do you have any other solution?"

Li Yi then said:

"The bandits in Runan are very powerful and should be suppressed."

"It's just that our Guandu front is facing off against the main force of Yuan's army, so it's not advisable to withdraw too many troops to the south."

"Since the imperial court accepted Zhang Xiu's surrender the day before yesterday, we can order him to send troops to help the imperial court suppress the rebellion."

After a slight pause, he continued, "The counties of Yuzhou rebelled, and Guo Yuzhou cannot escape blame."

"You can order them to send troops from Liang State to Ru'nan to quell the rebellion."

Yuzhou Governor Guo Gong certainly had the obligation to send troops, although the territory he actually controlled was only Liang State.

But since you have been given this title, you have to cooperate with the court in suppressing the bandits, right?

As for the State of Chen, which is adjacent to Runan, it is not taken into consideration.

Liu Chong already has few soldiers and horses, so he should not bother going to Runan. The important thing is to keep enough people to protect the emperor.

With the help of Cao Ren, Guan Yu, Zhang Xiu and Guo Gong, there are already four armies.

But Li Yi also planned to send out a fifth army.

"The rebel Liu Pi of Runan is causing chaos, and the governor of Runan, Lu Bu, has no choice but to take responsibility."

"You can issue another decree to urge them to send troops to cooperate with our imperial troops to suppress the bandits."

Lu Bu was the fifth army that Li Yi planned to dispatch.

The combat effectiveness of his troops was still very strong, especially when fighting against weaklings like the Yellow Turban bandits, it was as easy as chopping melons and vegetables.

Cao Cao pounded the table and said angrily:

"When there was a rebellion in Runan, I ordered Lu Bu to lead the troops to suppress it."

"At first, they were very active in suppressing the bandits, but within a month, they began to slack off!"

"He is a salaried official, so how can he stand by and watch when the court is in trouble?"

Liu Bei still had a dull expression on his face. His eyes turned slightly and he said thoughtfully:
"This must be because Lu Bu has worked hard in the battles and he thinks our court will not reward him."

"So they were dissatisfied and unwilling to do their best to eliminate the bandits."

Since the Lu Bu in this dimension did not launch a sneak attack on Xuzhou, Liu Bei still had a favorable impression of Lu Bu at this time.

Although Lu Bu had some personal flaws, he was still meritorious in eliminating the bandits, and he also made great contributions in the previous expedition against Yuan Shu.

Now that you are defending your land for the country, you really shouldn't be neglected.

However, Cao Cao hated Lu Bu so much. If it weren't for him, he wouldn't have had so many troubles.

"Xuan De has a good heart."

"You must know that without us, he would have no idea where he would be."

"Can we settle down in Runan now?"

When the great powers divided up Yuan Shu's territory and signed the "Treaty of Huainan".

If Liu Bei had not insisted on giving Runan to Lu Bu, Cao Cao would have wanted to take it all for himself.

Now Lu Bu is recuperating in the second largest county in the world, but he doesn't know how to cherish it.

Just thinking about Lu Bu's face, Cao Cao felt hateful and disgusting.

Fortunately, the dinner hasn't started yet, otherwise he would have vomited it all out.

Liu Bei advised kindly:

"The enemy in Runan was very powerful. At that time, Lu Bu was fighting alone, with no reinforcements from above and no relief from below."

“It’s normal to feel lazy.”

Cao Cao rolled his eyes and said coldly:
"Xuan De, you don't have to speak well of this fellow Lu Bu."

"This person has a wicked ambition, and it is difficult to keep him for long."

"If we had not been defending against Yuan Shao's attack, I would have already sent troops to capture and kill him, to avenge my family's destruction."

With a faint smile, he raised his lips and said:
"I thought that Lu Bu was a brave and good fighter."

"In his early years, he defended the border in Bingzhou and fought against the barbarians, which can be regarded as a contribution to the country."

"Although he is a rough and unfriendly person, tough and rude, if he can be persuaded and persuaded, he may be useful to the court."

Although Li Yi had told Liu Bei several years ago that Lu Bu was not a man that should be kept around.

But Liu Bei believed in his own "charm", and he was also really greedy for Lu Bu and his troops.

It would be a pity to leave such a powerful force in Runan unused.

"...Xuan De is so kind, but I'm afraid Lu Bu won't appreciate it."

Cao Cao replied coldly.

Liu Bei turned his head and asked Li Yi:

"...Sir, can the court still provide silk and brocade to reward Lu Bu's army?"

Li Yi shook his head and said:

"Now all the money, grain, and equipment are transported to Guandu."

"All baggage is used for war."

"Where is the extra money to reward Lu Bu?"

Although the State of Chen was rich, it now had an additional imperial center to support, which increased its financial burden.

Not to mention that Liu Chong himself still has to support Jue Zhangshi.

"...That's it."

Liu Bei frowned and asked:
"If Lu Bu doesn't get rewarded, he may not be willing to work hard to suppress the bandits."

Li Yi said:
"This is an easy matter. When Lu Bu came to Xuzhou from a desperate situation, I had some friendship with him."

"Now the country is in urgent need. Wait for a letter from me to invite you to send troops and join forces with the court to suppress the bandits."

Liu Bei nodded and smiled slightly:
"In that case, I'll trouble you, sir."

"Now that we have five armies, even though the Yellow Turbans of Runan are numerous, I don't think they will be able to make a difference."

After the discussion was finalized, Li Yi personally wrote a letter and sent an express rider to deliver it to Runan overnight.

As for the Guandu line, they continued to stalemate with Yuan Shao.

Not stated.

……

The fifth day of March, the beginning of spring in 200 AD.

In Xiangyang, Jingzhou, Liu Biao appointed the former Nanyang prefect and Fanting Hou Kuai Yue as the general to suppress the rebellion.

The navy and the army advanced together, with a total of 70,000 troops.

With an army of 700,000, he marched south to southern Jing to quell the rebellion.

In addition, 50,000 civilians were mobilized to capture more than 400 large and small warships from Jiangxia.

Xiangyang sent out more than 600 grain ships for the army to use.

When the news came out, Jingzhou was shocked.

Since Zhang Xian launched a rebellion in southern Jing, Liu Biao immediately began to mobilize all the resources he could.

During the Central Plains War, he always took shortcuts and stood on both sides.

However, when it came to the internal affairs of Jingzhou, Liu Biao was very decisive and was determined to suppress the rebels at almost all costs.

In addition, Liu Biao's control over Jingnan has never been very strong.

Zhang Xian's rebellion gave Liu Biao an opportunity to conquer southern Jing.

Just like when Liu Bei took over Langya and Guangling.

Liu Biao sent Kuai Yue to attack Zhang Xian. The army marched southward with great momentum and quickly drove Zhang Xian's influence out of northern Jing.

Just when Liu Biao thought that Jingnan was about to be conquered, the army was unable to capture Changsha.

An army of 70,000 went on an expedition to southern Jing, spending huge amounts of money every day.

Liu Biao looked at the "bill" with great anxiety.

But unexpectedly, at this time, another bad news came.

After Sun Ce died, Sun Quan succeeded to the throne. After appeasing his clan brothers, he actually sent troops to attack Lujiang!

Although Lujiang was not Liu Biao's territory, Lujiang Liu Xun was Liu Biao's vassal.

Sun Quan was not attacking Liu Xun, but the face of Liu Biao, the governor of Jingzhou.

Faced with Sun Quan's shameless act of taking advantage of others' misfortune, Liu Biao angrily rebuked:

"You little pig-dog boy, your father and brother are no match for me."

"Your teeth haven't even fully grown yet, how dare you invade my territory?"

Therefore, he planned to order Huang She, the governor of Zhangling, to lead troops to assist Liu Xun and defend against Sun's attack.

At that time, the chief clerk Kuai Liang was beside him. Seeing this, he quickly spoke out to advise:
"Calm down, sir!"

"Now my army is trapped in the war in southern Jing, and my brother Yidu is leading the troops in Changsha and has not returned yet."

"The situation in the south is still unclear. If we rashly raise another large army, it may only hinder the war in southern Jing."

"By then, Jingnan will not be pacified, and Lujiang will be lost, which will not be a good thing."

This statement really worked, and Kuai Liang successfully persuaded Liu Biao to stop sending another army.

snort!
Liu Biao groaned and said with his hands behind his back:
"But we can't let this blue-eyed man take advantage of the chaos to rob us in the west of Yangzhou!"

"Zirou must understand that this was in exchange for Lujiang's independence."

"We, Jingzhou, made a huge compromise with Xuzhou. It was Liu Bei who mediated and advised Cao Cao."

"This makes Nanlujiang mine."

"Now that the Sun family's father and brother have just died, they want to invade our land."

"It's really hateful and infuriating!"

What really made Liu Biao angry was not that Sun attacked his younger brother at this time.

Rather, it was Henan's tolerance and indulgence towards the Sun family!

After all, he and the Sun family had a grudge against each other for killing his father, so the relationship between the two families could never be eased.

If war really breaks out, Liu Biao will accept it.

But according to the information Liu Biao had obtained, the imperial court first appointed Sun Ce as the Marquis of Wu, allowing him to legally occupy the land of Wu.

He also granted the land of Chaisang to the Sun family.

Chaisang connects Jingzhou and Yangzhou. Isn’t it obvious that Henan is inviting the Sun family to attack his Jingzhou?
Liu Biao also realized later that he had been tricked by Xuzhou again.

At the beginning, Li Yi was responsible for the negotiations and agreed to let Lujiang become independent and thus indirectly become a vassal of Jingzhou. However, Li Yi did not make clear demands on the potential threat of the Sun family at that time.

Liu Biao himself also underestimated the power of the Sun family. First, Sun Ce broke through Jiangxia and looted all the property there.

Although he was later killed by an assassin, the Sun family took advantage of this great victory to rapidly grow in strength.

He has become a powerful enemy of Liu Biao in the east.

Liu Biao was then surprised to find that he had been able to get the best of both worlds by going around in circles.

While working hard to create a diplomatic environment for Jingzhou, he unknowingly made more and more enemies.

First is Liu Zhang of Yizhou in the west.

As early as the first year of Xingping, when Liu Yan died, Liu Zhang succeeded to the throne.

Liu Biao took advantage of the fact that the new emperor was not yet stable in his position to instigate Liu Zhang's generals to rebel.

It also accepted a large number of "political fugitives" from Yizhou, including Gan Ning.

This move led to hostility between Jingzhou and Yizhou.

Then there is Jiaozhou in the south,

Considering that there were powerful enemies everywhere, Liu Biao wanted to pick a weak target.

He sent troops to invade the border of Jiaozhou many times to test the attitude of Zhang Jin, the governor of Jiaozhou.

Unexpectedly, Zhang Jin was a tough guy. He immediately sent troops to counterattack and killed the envoy from Jingzhou.

As a result, the relationship between Jingzhou and Jiaozhou deteriorated again.

Both the west and the south have been offended.

As a result, Henan, the most powerful province in the north, had an ambiguous attitude towards Jingzhou.

Although he seemed friendly, he actually secretly instigated the rebellion of Zhang Xiu, the warlord he supported in Nanyang.

He also supported his old enemy, Sun Wu, to the east.

Now, there is a fire in the backyard of Jingzhou, and Jingnan is rebelling.

Looking at this diplomatic situation and the rebellion in the south, Liu Biao felt that every day was a year and he was sitting on pins and needles.

A series of troubles came together and made Liu Biao feel that he had shortened his life by ten years.

"Zirou is a wise man. Now that Jingzhou is in trouble, you must have some good advice for me."

Liu Biao looked at Kuai Liang sincerely and deliberately raised the tone of the word "Jingzhou".

What I meant was that Jingzhou does not belong to me, Liu Jingsheng alone. If Jingzhou is lost, you aristocratic families will also suffer.

Kuai Liang certainly understood this, otherwise how could Liu Biao easily form an army of 70,000 to attack Jingnan?
Because this is Jingzhou's internal affair, no major family dares to stay out of it.

"I think the affairs of Lujiang should still be reported to the court."

"Please ask the court to come and adjudicate this matter and bring justice to us."

The imperial court?

Liu Biao frowned.

Isn't the imperial court now controlled by Cao Cao and Liu Bei?

Looking for the court, that means looking for Cao and Liu?
"If the court had not allowed the Sun family to develop in Wu, how could they threaten our Lujiang?"

"When Xuzhou agreed to Lujiang's independence, it asked Jingzhou to provide a million bushels of grain!"

"Fortunately, only 500,000 hu have been delivered. I will stop the supply and let Henan know."

"I am not someone who can be easily bullied!"

Because the one million hu of grain was supplied in installments, only 500,000 hu of grain has been delivered to Henan so far.

And due to the outbreak of the war in southern Jing, Liu Biao had already stopped it.

"Oh, no!"

Kuai Liang hurriedly spoke out to dissuade him:

"That is why you should deliver the remaining 500,000 hu of grain as promised."

"First, gain the trust of the world."

"Secondly, to help you get rid of the troubles of the Sun family."

Oh?
Liu Biao raised his eyebrows and immediately became interested.

"According to what Zirou said, how can you help me get rid of the Sun family's troubles?"

The hatred between Jingzhou and the Sun family has lasted for ten years.

Liu Biao never took the Sun family seriously until Sun Ce's great victory at Jiangxia, which made him pay attention to the Sun family.

But considering Liu Biao's foreign policy, he never took part in the battle personally.

Therefore, when dealing with the Sun family, we always adopt the strategy of defense as offense.

If I could get some help from outside forces, I would be able to destroy this enemy that has been bothering me.

Liu Biao was willing to spend any amount of money.

"The Yuan family is now at a stalemate with Cao and Liu at Guandu. Judging from the current situation, it will be difficult to determine the winner in a short period of time."

Kuai Liang analyzed the situation for Liu Biao in an orderly manner.

"Hebei has many people, Henan has strong soldiers but little food."

"Now the two places are in a stalemate, and it is difficult to determine the winner. If this continues, food will be scarce."

"We have been supporting the people of Jingzhou for many years, and the grain is piled up like a mountain. This is what is called a rare commodity, and the one who bids the highest will get it."

Liu Biao was startled, held his forehead, and asked again:
"Please tell me in detail. I would like to hear the details!"

"If Sun attacks Lujiang, the imperial court will issue an edict ordering a ceasefire."

"If you refuse to cease fire, then ask the court to send troops."

Liu Biao frowned and slowly raised his eyes:
"The condition is that Jingzhou hands over the remaining 500,000 hu of grain?"

“…Exactly.”

Kuai Liang nodded and smiled gently:

"I heard that the counties of Yuzhou rebelled and refused to pay silk, silk and grain taxes to the imperial court."

"In that case, why can't we raise the price?"

These 500,000 hu of grain were originally intended to be handed over to Henan.

But since such great changes have happened in Henan and Jingzhou, why can't I, Jingzhou, withhold the remaining 500,000 hu of grain and use it as a bargaining chip?

Kuai Liang continued speaking, adding further explanation to this plan:

"But the remaining 500,000 bushels of grain should not be delivered immediately."

"We must wait until the imperial court sends out troops, and then hand them over in turn."

"If the siege of Lujiang is lifted, you can pay 300,000 bushels of grain."

"If the imperial army reaches Wu territory, the remaining 200,000 hu of grain can be delivered as well."

Because launching a war in ancient times was very troublesome and required the mobilization of a lot of resources.

That is why Kuai Liang said that as long as the siege of Lujiang was lifted, he would be able to pay 300,000 hu of grain.

Once Sun retreats, it will be difficult to launch a second war immediately.

After all, war is no joke.

Liu Biao remained silent and quietly pondered the feasibility of this plan.

After a long while, he sighed softly:
"Zirou's plan is very good. If we can destroy Sun Wu without spending a single soldier, we can do so."

"Let alone 500,000 bushels of grain, even if we had to give out another 500,000 bushels, it wouldn't be a pity."

"……only."

Liu Biao changed the subject, with a hint of hesitation on his face.

"Since Cao, Liu, and Yuan were deadlocked at Guandu, how could they divide their forces to destroy Sun Wu?"

"...The public opinion is wrong."

Kuai Liang raised his eyebrows and smiled:
"Yuan Shao mobilized all the troops in Hebei and marched south because there were no strong enemies around him, so there was no need to leave a large number of troops to defend the territory."

"However, in Henan, no matter if it is Cao Cao or Liu Bei, troops must be left to defend each place."

"So in the south, as long as Cao and Liu are willing, they can send troops across the river to destroy Wu."

At this point, Kuai Liang stepped forward and revealed several military details in the south to Liu Biao.

"I heard that Guangling Governor Chen Deng has 20,000 soldiers under his command."

"Cao Cao also left 10,000 people to garrison Lujiang, and ordered Liu Fu to pacify Huai'an and other counties."

"If we can get Liu Fu and Chen Deng to send out troops, they can cooperate with Liu Xun's own troops."

"Will it not help to relieve the siege of Lujiang?"

Liu Biao was overjoyed when he heard this. If Kuai Liang's plan could succeed, it would indeed eliminate a major worry for him.

to be honest,
The reason why troops were not sent to Lujiang and Guangling was simply because Cao and Liu were unable to fight on two fronts.

Henan has used all the resources it can mobilize on the Guandu front, so how could it dare to divide its troops to fight?
But if Liu Biao is willing to bear the cost, he may be able to exchange it for the dispatch of troops from Guangling and Lujiang.

"Good! I'll do it according to Zirou's wishes!"

Liu Biao was overjoyed and immediately sent envoys north to discuss cooperation in destroying Wu.

Liu Biao loved this kind of thing of spending his own money and shedding other people's blood.

After sending the envoys, Liu Biao issued another order, ordering Huang She, the prefect of Zhangling, to lead his troops to Jiangxia immediately.

Kuai Liang was shocked and asked hurriedly:
"Since the lord has decided to report to the court, the matter of Lujiang will be handled."

"Why do we need to mobilize a large army again?"

Liu Biao stroked his beard with a smile and patted Kuai Liang's shoulder gently.

"Not only will I dispatch an army from Zhangling to Jiangxia, I will also order Huang Zu to prepare for war in Jiangxia!"

This……

Kuai Liang couldn't understand even more what Liu Biao was thinking.

"The envoy has just left. Is this action of the lord a conclusion that Cao and Liu will not obey?"

"And you want to prepare in advance?"

"……otherwise."

Liu Biao waved his hand, his eyes darkened:
"I sent troops out to cooperate with Cao and Liu in sending troops south."

This……

Kuai Liang was stunned again, thinking to himself, "My lord, when did you become so righteous?"

If you plan to send troops yourself, why would you drag Henan into this mess?
Cao Cao and Liu Bei both have great ambitions. If they really come to an end, Jingzhou will have to be prepared to make losses.

If it weren't for Liu Biao's foreign policy of protecting Jingzhou at all costs, Kuai Liang would never have offered this strategy.

"Zi Rou, you don't know that if Henan really sends troops south to fight against the Sun family."

"At that time, Cao and Liu were busy with the Battle of Guandu, and the South could not send too many troops."

"If we can hold our own against the Sun family, I will take advantage of the situation and send troops to seize the land of Yangzhou!"

Kuai Liang was shocked when he heard this and said hurriedly:
"My lord, if you do this, won't you offend Cao and Liu?"

Liu Biao's move was equivalent to treating Cao Cao and Liu Bei as employees and tools.

According to Kuai Liang's idea, I should provide the money and you should provide the manpower.

After occupying the land of Yangzhou, the two families will negotiate how to divide it.

But my cousin, you are so unsportsmanlike that you took advantage of the war between Cao, Liu and Sun to seize the land of Yangtu.

How could Cao and Liu be willing to give up?
"…to absolve?"

Liu Biao raised his eyebrows slightly and laughed coldly:
"Now, it has been agreed between our Jingzhou and Henan. I will provide money and food, and Henan will send troops to help me relieve the siege of Lujiang."

"It also doesn't make it clear to whom Yangzhou belongs."

"Besides, Liu Bei promised to give me the right to petition for the western part of Yangzhou, but he kept delaying it."

"As a result, I spent countless money and grain, but only got half of Lujiang."

"Xuzhou is so hateful, why should we show it any mercy?"

"What if I offend Cao and Liu? Lord Yuan has agreed to form an alliance with me."

"As long as the Battle of Guandu is won by Lord Yuan."

"Cao and Liu are too busy taking care of Henan, how can they spare the energy to take care of Jingzhou?"

Kuai Liang was speechless.

In Liu Biao's view, the Battle of Guandu would ultimately be won by the Yuan family.

And he had already formed an alliance with the Yuan family, which meant he had a guarantee.

Now he can use the troops of Cao and Liu to eliminate the threat from the Sun family for him, which is simply the best of both worlds.

As for guilt, Liu Biao certainly didn't feel it.

If Cao and Liu had not condoned the Sun family when they were dividing Yuan Shu's inheritance, Liu Biao would not be in this trouble now.

Now that Liu Biao is plotting against you, Cao Liu, don't complain.

……

Yangzhou, Lujiang.

But when the new emperor Sun Quan ascended the throne, there was clan rebellion at home and powerful forces surrounding him abroad.

For this reason, Sun Quan accepted the advice of his brother Sun Ce.

He treated Zhang Zhao with respect as a teacher and appointed him as the leader of the civil officials.

He treated Zhou Yu as an elder brother and promoted him to be the leader of the military commanders.

With the suppression of these two people, the unrest within the Sun family was temporarily stabilized.

Considering the Sun family's special system of granting troops, Sun Quan was afraid that he was too young to win the support of the people.

Therefore, he discussed with Zhou Yu and others and decided to raise an army to attack Lujiang, not to expand territory but to establish power.

The army quickly reached Lujiang.

Although Liu Xun claimed to have 20,000 soldiers and horses, most of them were bandits from Jianghuai.

Morale is low and combat effectiveness is insufficient.

After several battles with the Sun Wu army, he was unable to win and had to retreat to Lujiang to ask for reinforcements.

Sun Quan led his troops to besiege Lujiang, and at the same time sent people to keep an eye on the war situation in the north.

At this time, someone reported that Zhou Yu wanted to see him for important military matters.

……

(End of this chapter)