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

Chapter 231: Lü Bu and Ma Chao: "Your Majesty, please accept our greetings!"

However, there was a heated discussion in Xuzhou about whether to support Li Yi's northern expedition against the Wuhuan.

Even Liu Bei, who had always supported Li Yi, was now hesitant.

It’s not that Old Liu was afraid of the Wuhuan people, but he felt frightened when he looked at the list of supplies handed over by Li Yi.

When the cannon is fired, there is a thousand taels of gold.

War itself is expensive, not to mention an expedition to the Wuhuan, a war with high investment and low returns.

Moreover, attacking the Wuhuan was not in line with the policy of the Han Dynasty, or the princes at the end of the Han Dynasty, towards foreign races.

The Wuhuan had a strong presence in the history of the Han Dynasty.

It was mentioned 186 times in the Book of the Later Han alone.

It originally existed as mercenaries, or thugs, in the Han Dynasty.

Even at the end of the Han Dynasty, all separatist regimes north of the Yellow River had basically established connections with the Wuhuan people.

Therefore, in the eyes of many princes, including Liu Bei, the Wuhuan and other ethnic minorities should be ruled according to the traditional "mercenary" thinking.

There's no need to spend a lot of money on mercenaries.

The current situation in Liu's camp is that Li Yi strongly advocates a northern expedition to the Wuhuan, but the ministers oppose it.

Liu Bei was hesitant. He did not question Li Yi's decision, and believed that if he really led the troops to conquer, he would be successful.

But what happens after success?

Did we spend such a huge amount of money just to defeat the Wuhuan people who can be bought off with money?

In Liu Bei's view, the funds provided by Li Yi for this expedition were more than enough for him to annex the two small princes in the surrounding area.

Moreover, the princes in the late Han Dynasty annexed each other and became stronger and stronger.

Fighting the Wuhuan people would be a completely thankless task.

Couldn't he wait until he completely unified the north before considering foreign affairs?

At this time, Zhuge Liang spoke:

"You are wrong. Now my lord controls five states and is feared by the whole world."

"The people of the desert rely on their remoteness and will not prepare anything."

"If we let the Marquis of Tan take advantage of their unpreparedness and attack them suddenly, we will surely be able to defeat them."

Zhuge Liang was the first to affirm Li Yi's strategic proposal, believing that the northern expedition against the Wuhuan would inevitably lead to victory.

Strategically boosted the morale of one's own camp.

Then, Zhuge Liang analyzed the pros and cons for everyone:
"Yuan Shao was related to Tadun and had built up a favour for the Wuhuan."

"The Wuhuan people were grateful for the Yuan family's kindness and always wanted to repay them."

"But Yuan Shang and Yuan Xi are still alive, so they must be eliminated."

"If the second Yuan'er borrows the troops of Wuhuan, he will invade Hebei again."

"The cost of Jizhou is quite high, so it is better to plan early to avoid future troubles."

In Zhuge Liang's view, fighting the Wuhuan people was not for the sake of the Wuhuan, but to eliminate the remaining forces of the Yuan family.

Prevent the remaining forces of Yuan Shao and have the possibility of recovering Hebei.

The Wuhuan soldiers are not to be feared.

What’s scary is that the Yuan Shang brothers used their father’s reputation to win over the hearts of the people in Hebei, creating more trouble for Li Yi’s work in Jizhou.

So, Boss Liu, we fought the Wuhuan in order to deal with the aftermath of Jizhou.

If you want Jizhou to be converted into your blood-replenishing pack as soon as possible, then attack!

"Moreover, since Emperor Guangwu moved the Wuhuan people to Liaodong, they have been influenced by the king."

"Advance to Wuhuan, if we can move their population to the interior."

"It will also help restore Hebei's post-war production."

After talking about the necessity of attacking the Wuhuan, Zhuge Liang also raised the issue of benefits that everyone scoffed at.

In Zhuge Liang's view, attacking the Wuhuan was not without benefits.

In various Three Kingdoms games, the image of the Wuhuan King Tadun is sometimes portrayed as a barbarian, while others portray him as a Han general.

In fact, the portrait of the Han general is closer to the image of Tadun in real history.

At least for the Wuhuan people who entered Liao territory, they were no longer a simple nomadic people.

Take the Wuhuan people in the three counties now ruled by Tadun, for example; their economic sectors have already developed quite comprehensively.

Animal husbandry, agriculture, textile, metallurgy, forging, pottery making, etc.

Almost everything.

It can be said that the Wuhuan people in the three counties have basically been completely sinicized.

They were completely different from the Wuhuan outside the three counties.

This means that if they can successfully conquer them, they will be able to take possession of the development achievements of the Wuhuan in the three counties over the years.

Although it may not be profitable, it is definitely not a business that will lose all your money as people say.

As for how many people there were in Liao, according to records that there were more than 70,000 Wuhuan tribes in the three counties, a conservative estimate is between 600,000 and 800,000.

Of course, this is the result of counting both Han and Hu people.

Hundreds of thousands of people whose agriculture and handicrafts have already developed maturely are extremely attractive.

Sure enough, after Zhuge Liang finished analyzing the last point, Liu Bei's eyes sank and he was finally moved.

"Mr. Kong Ming's words are very good. Zi Yu always thinks carefully before doing anything and never makes rash decisions because of his impulsiveness."

"Now I insist on conquering Wuhuan in the north because it is profitable."

Liu Bei immediately agreed to Li Yi's letter of request for battle and informed Mi Zhu.

With a big wave,
He first allocated 30 million coins to Jizhou, 200 pigs, cattle and sheep, and 300,000 hu of grain.

After all, the money and food that Li Yi requested was not a small amount, and it would take time for Liu Bei to prepare.

Definitely score batch delivery.

At present, Xuzhou can only offer this much, but it is not a small amount.

"...Yide, you should lead this batch of food and fodder, take the boat north, and travel by water."

"Make sure to hand it over to Mr. Ziyu."

Liu Bei assigned the task of transporting grain and fodder to Zhang Fei.

Zhang Fei immediately understood, and said loudly, "As you command!"

He knew that Liu Bei wanted to send him to assist Li Yi in his northern expedition against the Wuhuan.

Liu Bei had only a few important military officials around him, and he sent Zhang Fei specially to show his determination to launch an expedition to the north against the Wuhuan.

……

On the other hand, after Li Yi submitted his letter of request for battle, he began to prepare for the northern expedition against the Wuhuan early on.

He didn't want to wait until Xuzhou agreed before he started preparing.

The administrative efficiency in ancient times was already low. When there was information asymmetry, people had to wait for news. How much of a delay did that cause?

Therefore, by the time the news came back from Xuzhou that Zhang Fei had led his troops north to transport grain and fodder to Jizhou, Li Yi had already completed most of the preparations.

That day, he returned to the mansion and found the two ladies.

"…you can buy some winter clothes."

Li Yi gave the order.

The two girls looked at each other and asked quickly:
"It's the end of spring and the approach of summer, why are you preparing for the winter?"

Li Yi immediately explained that he was going to go north to launch an expedition against the Wuhuan.

The two girls were shocked when they heard this and said hurriedly:

"Liaodong is a barren land, and your husband is worth thousands of gold. Why do you have to travel all the way here in person?"

"Just send one general."

Li Yi smiled bitterly and shook his head, saying helplessly:
"It is precisely because this is a barren land that I cannot resolve this matter unless I go there in person."

The two girls looked at each other, both expressing that they couldn't understand.

Li Yinai sighed:
"Everyone thinks it is difficult to conquer Wuhuan because of the long journey."

After a slight pause, he couldn't help but sneered:

"When I conquered Hebei before, everyone in the northern counties wanted to go with me."

“But when it comes to the barren land of Liao, many people are unwilling to go.”

Mi Zhen and Yuan Ying finally understood what was said.

It seems that when the soldiers fought in Hebei before, they were all full of fighting spirit and enthusiasm.

Because the climate here is pleasant, if you win the battle, you can also grab some money to spend.

But when they went further north, to the bitter and cold Liao land, the soldiers were less willing to go.

The real hardship of marching and fighting is not fighting, but the marching.

Because soldiers do not have to go to the battlefield to kill enemies every day, but instead spend most of their time on the road.

It’s okay for those who have horses to ride, but for those who don’t, you can imagine how hard the daily marching life is.

There are a series of problems such as bad weather, backward medical and health care, epidemics caused by acclimatization, etc.

It is completely understandable that the soldiers have no fighting spirit.

After all, even if you win a battle, get promoted and make a fortune, you have to be alive to spend it, right?
Therefore, this time Li Yi mainly summoned foreign soldiers such as Ma Chao, Lu Bu, and Zhang Xiu.

In addition to their strong fighting capabilities, what is more important is that these troops originated from border areas and were able to overcome the harsh living environment.

After listening to Li Yi's good intentions, the two girls were impressed.

They each snuggled in Li Yi's arms, and Yuan Ying even wanted to bury her head deep in Li Yi's chest.

After a long period of tenderness, Yuan Ying slowly raised her head and asked in a charming and charming manner:

"...My husband, when will you be back?"

This question stumped Li Yi.

He had never made a long expedition to Liao.

The three counties of Wuhuan are roughly equivalent to today's Liaoning.

However, until the Tang and Song dynasties, the development of the Northeast was extremely difficult.

The three counties of Wuhuan today are really very different from Liaoning in later generations.

Even Li Yi couldn't tell when he would be able to return triumphantly.

"At least one year, at most two years."

This is the only thing Li Yi can guarantee.

"It takes so long?"

Yuan Ying's eyes showed a sense of loss, and she sighed:
"Zhi'er has seldom been with his father since he was born."

"Are you going to leave him for another year?"

Li Yi looked a little ashamed, and said to the two girls:
"Thank you for your consideration, ladies."

"When I'm not around, if you can teach and take care of my son and keep him from getting sick or hurt, I'll be satisfied."

Li Yi's thoughts are in line with those of traditional Chinese parents.

That is, "Old people don't expect their children to make great contributions to the family, they just worry about their children's safety all their lives."

Based on this idea, Li Yi's second son was named "Li Ping".

Li Ping was born out of wedlock to his concubine Taohong.

The flat one,
If it is small, everything will be peaceful and smooth, and the family will be harmonious.

If it is big, the society will be stable and the people will live in peace.

At the same time, it also means fairness and integrity.

The Book of Shangshu says: "Without partiality or partisanship, the kingly way is unfettered."

Naming his second son Li Ping was Li Yi's requirement for the child's personal moral character, and also reflected his hope that the world would be peaceful soon.

"Are the children asleep?"

Li Yi suddenly asked.

Mi Zhen nodded, "Tao Hong took the children to sleep just now."

"So……"

Li Yi spoke.

"So……"

The two girls opened their eyes wide and looked at Li Yi.

"...Ahem, that's enough. If nothing unexpected happens, we'll leave tomorrow."

"...Hmm? The troops of Lu Bu, Ma Chao and others have not arrived yet. Where are you going, my husband?"

Mi Zhen and Yuan Ying are both amazing.

"Our army will meet at Zhangwu, and Yide's food and supplies will be transported directly to Zhangwu."

"Besides, the Quanzhou Canal and the Pinglu Canal have already opened their doors, so I have to go and supervise the construction."

...So...I will leave tomorrow."

"So I beg you to gather us again tonight."

The two girls blushed, understood immediately, and asked again.

But he was interrupted by Li Yi:
"...Okay, I have explained all the matters clearly."

"You two don't need to ask any more questions. Just put your hair up."

The wind is very noisy tonight.

……

Early the next morning, Li Yi packed his bags and set off for Zhangwu.

In a boudoir,

The makeup mirror reflects her beautiful hair.

The woman's eyes moved, like clear and gurgling words——

But it is filled with thousands of thoughts.

A maid stepped forward, carefully took the comb, and called out, "Miss."

"…Marquis Tan has already set out."

Zhen Mi's eyes darkened, then she lowered her eyes, thinking in silence.

She immediately stood up from the dressing table, took a few slow steps, and looked towards the shallow sunlight in the sky.

With lowered eyebrows and gaze, fingertips gently clasped together, silently praying:

"I pray to heaven and earth, and may the gods bless us..."

"May he have a smooth journey and a safe and triumphant return."

Seeing this, the maid couldn't help but chuckled:
"…Miss, you care so much about him, but he didn't even come to say goodbye to you."

"I'm afraid the flowers may have feelings, but the water is merciless."

Zhen Mi shouted in a delicate voice:

"Don't talk nonsense. Without the protection of Marquis Tan, my family would have been in danger."

"The girl is naughty and your Excellency has shown great kindness to you. How dare you plot against her behind her back?"

The maidservant saw that Zhen Mi was angry, so she bowed her head and apologized repeatedly:
"Don't be angry, young lady. Don't be angry, young lady. I was just joking."

Zhen Mi did not pursue the matter. She just pondered for a moment and asked her to bring pen and ink.

The maidservant did as she was told. Zhen Mi picked up her pen and wrote a few lines. Then she said to her:

"...Nanxing, you should give this letter to your brother." "Let him send it to mother."

The maid named Nanxing obeyed and handed the letter to Zhen Yao.

Zhen Yao thought to himself that the relationship between the Zhen family and the Yuan family was very delicate now, and if he was not careful, he would easily give others a chance to criticize him.

So he opened the letter. It turned out that in the letter, Zhen Mi asked her mother who was far away in Zhongshan to raise some food, fodder and iron.

To support Li Yi's northern expedition against the Wuhuan.

Upon seeing this, Zhen Yao found Zhen Mi and asked her the reason.

Zhen Mi explained for her brother:
"When my little sister was ten years old, there was war and the people were starving."

"I have a lot of gold, silver, pearls and jade in my house, and I have plenty of grain."

"So I said to my mother: 'In this chaotic world, if you buy a lot of treasures, you will be guilty of possessing a treasure even if you are innocent.'

"Besides, everyone around us is hungry. It would be better to give the grain to relatives and neighbors and show kindness to them."

"Mother accepted my advice and showed her kindness, so our Zhen family has been able to prosper in Hebei."

"Now that Hebei has changed its master, Li Jizhou is determined to fight a decisive battle with the Wuhuan people."

"The Wuhuan have been trapped on the border for a long time. If you can help them with your whole family, it will be a good deed!"

After hearing this, Zhen Yao was full of respect for his sister.

"Do you have such heroic feelings? After my father passed away, my two elder brothers also passed away one after another."

"Thanks to Li Jizhou's care, I was able to get a job as a Gongcao official in Bohai."

"Since you are going to invade Liao, you will have to conscript a large number of people to transport food."

"My Zhen family has many connections in Hebei and should be able to help."

The Zhen family was wealthy and kind in Jizhou, so they were very popular among the people.

As long as the Zhen family speaks up, many people will definitely participate in the war against Wuhuan.

Immediately, Zhen Yao sent his trusted person to deliver Zhen Mi's letter to Zhongshan State.

At that time, Zhang was the head of the Zhen family. After receiving the letter from her children, she immediately ordered people to prepare livestock, food, fodder, and iron.

He also sent 3,000 servants from his household to transport food and fodder to Zhangwu County.

Zhang spent half of her family's wealth to fund Li Yi's northern expedition against the Wuhuan.

The reason for doing so was, firstly, to thank Li Yi for protecting the Zhen family during the liquidation of the Yuan family.

Second, Zhen Yao is now working in Bohai. As the only male in the family, Zhang naturally puts all her efforts on this son.

Supporting Li Yi is equivalent to making friends with his son's superior.

It should, it should.

The third is of course to pay protection money.

Since ancient times,

From landlords and powerful people to businessmen and capitalists, how can they not pay money to their superiors?
Zhang is the one who runs the household, so she understands this rule.

For a time, Zhangwu County not only received food, fodder and equipment from Xuzhou, but also received assistance from Zhongshan State.

Li Yi was naturally very grateful for the generous donation from Zhongshan Zhen.

He immediately wrote a letter himself to express his gratitude to Mrs. Zhang.

At the same time, he ordered Gao Lan, then Prime Minister of Zhongshan, to visit him in person to express his condolences.

A high-ranking official at the prefecture level came to express his gratitude in person, which was quite a grand occasion.

Li Yi returned the favor by ordering Gao Lan to help Madam Zhang.

Help wherever you can.

If there is anything that cannot be resolved, you can bypass Gao Lan and report it directly to the governor of his state.

After waiting for a few more days, the troops of Ma Chao, Zhang Xiu and Lu Bu arrived one after another.

Li Yi immediately ordered his men to slaughter cattle and sheep as a reward for the soldiers who had come from afar.

The cattle are used in the army not just to fill the stomach.

It also plays a role in boosting military morale and inspiring the spirit.

Therefore, before going to war, or after a victory, or if the battle lasted too long, they would kill cattle as a reward for the soldiers.

Li Yi attended the banquet in person, holding up his cup and walking among the banquet guests, thanking the generals who had come from afar one by one.

"Zhang Poqiang, Yi offers you a toast."

Li Yi held up a wine cup and came in front of Zhang Xiu.

Zhang Xiu hurriedly raised his cup and bowed:

"...I dare not, please, Lord Tan."

Because of Zhang Xiu's outstanding performance in the battles in Hebei and Henan, he was promoted to General Po Qiang.

While Zhang Xiu thanked Jia Xu for showing him the way, he was also very grateful to Li Yi for giving him a chance to fight.

Therefore, during Li Yi's expedition against Wuhuan, Zhang Xiu was the most active.

He immediately led his troops to Zhangwu to respond to Li Yi's call.

Speaking of which, in history, Zhang Xiu actually also participated in the campaign against Wuhuan with Cao Cao.

Unfortunately, Zhang Xiu died on the way before he arrived.

There is a conspiracy theory that Cao Cao deliberately killed Zhang Xiu in revenge.

This is a bit of an underestimation of Cao Cao.

Zhang Xiu followed Cao Cao to fight in the north for seven years, and Cao Cao had many ways to kill Zhang Xiu.

There is absolutely no need to kill a meritorious official at such an important time of pacifying Hebei.

Moreover, Cao Cao had not yet pacified Liang Province at that time, and forcing a Xiliang noble to death was a completely losing deal.

As for what was mentioned in "Wei Lue", Cao Pi accused Zhang Xiu of killing his eldest brother, and Zhang Xiu committed suicide out of shame.

First of all, the timing of this matter is questionable.

Because Cao Pi stayed in Yecheng during this period and did not go to Nanpi with Zhang Xiu.

Moreover, Cao Pi had a very sinister character and was good at forbearance.

Cao Pi was not smart enough to make such a high-profile and public threat to a person who was very useful to Cao Cao.

Therefore, the most widely accepted view among scholars at present is that Zhang Xiu died of an epidemic caused by acclimatization.

Guo Jia's death from acclimatization was just the tip of the iceberg of the northern expedition against Wuhuan.

In fact, many people who followed Cao Cao to conquer the Wuhuan at that time fell ill and died.

Therefore, Li Yi brought Zhang Zhongjing, the best epidemic prevention expert in the late Han Dynasty, with him on this expedition.

In addition to Zhang Zhongjing, there were three hundred students who had just graduated from "Xuzhou Medical University".

This is the first batch of students to graduate since the establishment of the medical school in Xuzhou.

Li Yi also asked for it from Liu Bei, and all of it was taken to the northeast by Li Yi.

It's just the right time to give the young people some intensity and some training.

"...Marquis Wen invited you."

After paying respect to Zhang Xiu, Li Yi came to Lu Bu again.

"Marquis Wen has made outstanding contributions in this Northern Expedition. When old friends heard about it, they were filled with admiration."

"...Hahahaha, no, no, it's all thanks to Marquis Li Tan's recommendation."

"Only Bu can fight against the enemy for the country in this Northern Expedition."

"There will be opportunities to serve the country in the future, so please take good care of me, Lord Tan."

Lu Bu raised his head and laughed, he was so happy.

This was because when the court awarded rewards based on merit, it gave Lu Bu's Marquis Wen an additional fief of one thousand households.

If other rewards are just in name only, then the increase in fiefdom is a real benefit.

Cannibals have short mouths and short hands.

Lu Bu naturally smiled happily when he got the benefit.

"……but."

Lu Bu suddenly changed the subject, frowned, and said in a deep voice:
"During our previous campaign against the Yuan family, Hebei became rich and prosperous, and the officers and men in our army were willing to serve."

"But this time we have to go to the bitter cold land of Northeast China, which is difficult."

Li Yi smiled slightly and pointed to the grain road outside the tent that was constantly transporting grain:
"...Marquis Wen, have you seen the baggage outside the tent?"

"It was filled with food, fodder, gold and silver."

"Marquis Wen is now guarding the border for the country. How could the court mistreat such a meritorious official?"

"How about this, after we defeat the Wuhuan, you can take a hundred carts of these supplies back with you!"

Lu Bu raised his eyebrows, but still looked embarrassed, and sighed:

"It's not that Bu doesn't remember his old friend. Bu was desperate and came to Liu Xuzhou."

"It was Li Tanhou who pointed out the way for Bu and asked him to go to Runan."

"Later, he fought against Yuan Shu in the Huainan Campaign and gained a foothold in Runan."

"If we talk about friendship, Bu should help the Marquis of Tan."

"But the northeast is bitterly cold. Even if I am willing to shed my blood for Marquis Tan, I am afraid my brothers in the camp will complain."

Haha ...

Li Yi smiled and waved his hand.

Another hundred vehicles were transported in.

"...Look carefully."

Lu Bu scratched his head and frowned:
"Isn't this making things difficult for me, Lord Tan?"

"…This is not about money. It's just that my brothers don't want to go."

At this point, Li Yi couldn't help laughing.

But this smile was different from the joy just now, it was a kind of contemptuous ridicule.

"...Fengxian, Fengxian, what can I say to you?"

"General Liu has always loved your talent, so he often speaks well of you in front of me."

Lu Bu was stunned and wondered if Liu Bei often said good things about him?

Why does he feel that Li Yi treats him better, while Liu Bei doesn't like him very much?
"For General Liu's sake, I intend to train and promote you."

"The northern expedition to the Wuhuan is a golden opportunity that will benefit the country and the people and establish the immortal achievements of Wei and Huo."

"Once you succeed, your name will be recorded in history and will live forever."

"Others can't even ask for it, but you're here making excuses."

"… Forget it, if you don't want to go, go back to where you came from right now."

"Don't talk to me anymore!"

Li Yi waved his hand, turned around and left.

Only Lu Bu was left standing there in a daze, wandering in the wind.

His mind was spinning rapidly, and he wondered if he had really wronged Li Yi.

But if you think about it carefully, since you have been doing it according to Li Yi's instructions.

Although the process of attacking Yuan Shu and Yuan Shao was difficult, it did bring a lot of benefits in the end.

This northern expedition against the Wuhuan will be equally arduous, but in the end we may be able to gain a huge amount of wealth.

……Um!

After realizing this, Lu Bu quickly caught up with Li Yi, grabbed his sleeve, lowered his eyebrows and smiled apologetically:

"Marquis Li Tan, calm down!"

"I was drunk just now, and was just joking."

Li Yi turned around, glanced at him nonchalantly, and said half-jokingly:
"...Marquis Wen, you can make jokes when you're drunk at a banquet."

"Don't mess around on the battlefield."

Hahaha!
Hearing this, everyone at the table laughed.

Seeing that Li Yi had given him a way out, Lu Bu quickly seized the opportunity, folded his wrists and said solemnly:

"Bu Ben came from the border areas, and now he can return to the border areas to serve the country."

"This is a blessing for Bu!"

"I am willing to accept the orders of the Marquis of Tan, even if it means sacrificing my life for him!"

Ok……

Children can be taught.

Li Yi patted Lu Bu on the shoulder. It seemed that after sending him to Runan for two years of training, his brain had indeed become much smarter.

Passing Lu Bu, Li Yi came to the last guest of the day.

This one is even more heavyweight.
It was none other than the current governor of Bingzhou, Ma Chao, the Xiliang Jin who was known as the mighty general.

"...Mengqi, are you all right?"

Ma Chao stood up and saluted:

"The Marquis of Tan is so powerful in Heshuo. I admire him so much."

"Mr. Pang Shiyuan is also a rare talent in the world. Chao has benefited a lot from interacting with him."

"Before that, I was young and ignorant, and I offended many people."

"I hope that Lord Tan will forgive me."

After saying this, he knelt down on one knee and bowed.

Li Yi quickly reached out and helped him up, and asked:
"Why is Meng Qi like this?"

Ma Chao explained loudly:
"When I was in Taiyuan, Chao was busy with military affairs and was unable to visit you."

"I am very happy to have been invited by Marquis Tan to come to me!"

Li Yi was stunned, wondering what had happened to Ma Chao during the time he was away?
Why do you suddenly admire yourself so much?
It was not that he suddenly admired Li Yi, but Ma Chao had always admired Li Yi, but he had been secretly competing with Li Yi in the past.

Therefore, his words and expressions are rather harsh.

But since Pang Tong went to Bingzhou to assist Ma Chao, Ma Chao has always been deeply impressed by Pang Tong's ability to govern.

And when he heard Pang Tong say that his ability was not even eleventh that of Tan Hou, and told Ma Chao some of Tan Hou's deeds.

A drastic change took place in Ma Chao's heart.

This change comes from growth.

We all say that independence is the best way for a man to grow.

Since coming to Bingzhou and taking control of an entire state.

Only then did Ma Chao realize that being the boss was not an easy life.

Everyone is scheming and vying for power and profit.

Military force alone is not enough.

But when he met Pang Tong, he easily solved a series of problems that even Ma Chao found difficult with just a stroke of his pen.

Only then did he realize that the world of martial arts is not about fighting and killing, but about human relationships and worldly wisdom.

He was young and ignorant before, and now he just wanted to cling to Li Yi's thigh.

"Your Majesty, I bow to you!"

With a thud, Ma Chao actually knelt down in front of Li Yi in front of everyone.

……

(End of this chapter)