Three Kingdoms: I, Liu Feng, do not want to die

Chapter 135 Returning to Chengdu, Liu Bei praised Liu Feng (6K)

Zhuge Liang had a deep understanding of the people's sentiments, and Liu Bei had a deep understanding of the military situation.

Whether in terms of public sentiment or military situation, the Northern Expedition through Hanzhong is more than ten times more difficult than through Xiangyang.

In the Battle of Hanzhong, Liu Bei was almost forced to "use men to fight and women to transport goods", but Cao Cao successfully completed the plan to relocate the people.

It seems like a win, but in fact it is a lose-lose situation.

Liu Bei lost people and Cao Cao lost land.

The Battle of Hanzhong was so difficult, so how great would the logistical pressure be to leave Qinchuan from Hanzhong? Neither Zhuge Liang nor Liu Bei dared to underestimate it.

And most importantly: time.

It will take at least ten years to restore Hanzhong's vitality.

Even if they could successfully capture Longxi through Hanzhong, it would take another ten years to pacify the barbarians, govern the people, store grain, raise horses and train the soldiers.

It would take an unknown amount of time to break through Chang'an, Tongguan, Hanguguan and finally reach Luoyang from Longxi.

Spending more than 20 years fighting with Cao Wei in governing the people, storing grain, raising horses and training soldiers would only make the gap between the two sides grow wider.

This is still considering the situation that Cao Wei has been on the passive defensive and there are no natural disasters or epidemics.

however.

It is impossible for Cao Wei to always be on the defensive, and natural disasters and epidemics are even more unpredictable.

Now that Sun Quan is crippled, Cao Wei's military focus has shifted to Liu Bei.

Jingzhou not only had to guard against Sun Quan's attempt to seize Jingzhou again, but also had to face Cao Wei's heavy troops north of the Han River alone.

The most important point in "Longzhong Strategy" - "allying with Sun Quan in the east" - can almost be said to be in name only in light of the current situation.

When Liu Bei was weak, Sun Quan was thinking about stealing Jingzhou and suppressing Liu Bei.

When Liu Bei was powerful, it was even less likely that Sun Quan would be sincere towards Liu Bei.

No strategy is static.

Just like after the Battle of Chibi, Pang Tong believed that "Jingzhou is desolate and ruined, and all its people have left. There is Sun Quan in the east and Cao Cao in the north. It is difficult to develop in Jingzhou. Yizhou has a population of one million, fertile land, and abundant products. Seizing Yizhou can achieve great success."

After taking over Xichuan, Fa Zheng believed that "Cao Cao conquered Hanzhong in one fell swoop, but did not take advantage of the situation to attack Bashu. Instead, he only left Xiahou Yuan and Zhang He to garrison. It was not that Cao Cao did not understand strategy, but that he was willing but not strong enough. He had internal troubles that forced Cao Cao to return." Therefore, he proposed "to mobilize the people to attack Hanzhong, so as to capture Chang'an, nibble at Yong and Liang in the middle, and hold on to the bottom as a long-term plan."

There is nothing wrong with Zhuge Liang's Longzhong Plan, there is nothing wrong with Pang Tong's strategy, and there is nothing wrong with Fa Zheng's strategy.

They are all timely strategies proposed based on the situations Liu Bei faced in different periods.

The former allowed Liu Bei to have a foothold, and the latter two allowed Liu Bei to obtain Yizhou.

And now.

Liu Feng "recruited soldiers from Xichuan to enter Jingzhou, concentrated superior forces to first capture Xiangyang and Fancheng, and then established farmland by the Han River to store grain for six or seven years and wait for the right time." This is also an appropriate strategy for the current situation.

Liu Bei suddenly felt relieved and happy.

When Liu Feng was adopted as his son, apart from the fact that he had no children, the most important thing he valued was Liu Feng's bravery and virtue.

Although Liu Feng's character gradually became arrogant and tough a few years after entering Sichuan, Liu Bei did not think this was a bad thing.

Only capable people are qualified to be arrogant and aggressive!
As long as you have the capacity and determination to do so, you can be independent.

later.

Liu Feng's entry into Shangyong and protection of Jingzhou allowed Liu Bei to see Liu Feng's magnanimity and tenacity.

after that.

Liu Feng served as the prefect of Xincheng. He gradually changed from a military man who was incapable of governing a place to someone who knew how to use people, respected the virtuous and valued scholars, and loved the people.

Liu Bei’s sense of accomplishment grows day by day!

Whether it was letting Mi Zhu go to Xincheng to help Liu Feng, or letting Dong Hui go to Xincheng to cast Zhibai Wuzhu coins, it was all because Liu Bei wanted Liu Feng to continue to grow.

And today.

Liu Feng once again made Liu Bei feel an indescribable sense of accomplishment.

strategy!

Liu Feng will formulate appropriate strategies based on the current situation!

Formulating timely strategies based on the current situation is the most important ability to become a general.

Those who cannot formulate strategies according to the circumstances can be brave, wise, benevolent and fierce generals, but they cannot be great generals!
When Liu Bei discovered that Liu Feng's growth was increasingly in line with his expectations, the sense of accomplishment he felt was difficult for outsiders to understand.

It is estimated that only Emperor Wu of Han, Liu Che, who trained Huo Qubing, could empathize with Liu Bei.

"Military Advisor, can what my son said be considered a remarkable strategy?"

Liu Bei stroked his short beard with his left hand, his face filled with smiles, but the corners of his mouth that wanted to laugh but were trying hard to hold it back were about to burst out.

If it weren't for maintaining his image, Liu Bei really wanted to stand at the highest point and shout and laugh to the entire Jiangling City: Cao Pi is not brave, Cao Zhang is not strategic, Sun Quan is not courageous, only my son Liu Feng is both civil and military, and has extraordinary courage. How lucky I am to have such a son!

Zhuge Liang was also surprised.

Zhuge Liang could see clearly the pros and cons of Liu Feng's strategy without much thought.

What surprised Zhuge Liang was that Liu Feng had grown to such a height in just a few years.

The good news is that Liu Feng knows how to be grateful and knows how to advance and retreat, and is only concerned about Liu Bei's great cause.

Liu Feng's views on the friendship between father and son and brothers also reached Zhuge Liang's ears to a greater or lesser extent.

When Liu Chan was appointed as the crown prince, Zhuge Liang did not participate in the discussion.

Zhuge Liang also knew why Liu Bei adopted Liu Feng as his son.

For more than ten years, Liu Feng had been trained by Liu Bei as his successor.

It was very inappropriate to abolish Liu Feng's status as heir just after he became king.

However, in order to reassure the people, Liu Bei had to make Liu Chan the crown prince when he became king.

If Liu Chan was not enthroned, everyone would have to guess whether Liu Bei was going to enthronize Liu Feng.

As long as there is speculation, people will inevitably polarize for their own interests, either supporting Liu Chan, or supporting Liu Feng, or even supporting Liu Yong and Liu Li.

after all.

Liu Bei had no legitimate son.

Liu Feng was an adopted son, Liu Chan was a bastard's son, Liu Yong and Liu Li were also bastards' sons. In essence, all four of them had the right of succession.

Who to appoint as the crown prince depends fundamentally on the balance of interests.

However, whether Liu Feng or Liu Chan was enthroned, it would be disheartening.

Guan Yu and others would definitely not be happy about Liu Feng being made the heir. Why not make his own son the heir?
When Liu Chan was enthroned, the mentality of Liu Feng and those who supported Liu Feng collapsed. They should have known not to come to Yizhou. They would get nothing by fighting to the death.

And now.

Instead of losing his temper, Liu Feng actively defended Liu Bei's decision and would not allow anyone to alienate the friendship between father and son and brothers.

Zhuge Liang didn't believe that Liu Feng had no idea about the position of crown prince.

however.

The reason why we are human beings is that we can control our inner desires and not act on instinct like wild animals.

The better the control, the more humane it is.

All the wise men in ancient times were people who were able to control their desires.

The more virtuous a person is, the more respected he will be.

Liu Bei did this.

The same is true for Liu Feng today.

"What Master Feng said can be called a unique strategy. If Your Majesty wants to launch a northern expedition in the future, you can also use the unique strategy proposed by Master Feng as a basis." Zhuge Liang first affirmed the value of Liu Feng's unique strategy, and then changed the subject:
"However, if Your Majesty does not return to Chengdu, how can the soldiers of Xichuan be recruited to Jingzhou? Who should be left to guard Chengdu, who should be left to guard Langzhong, who should be left to guard Nanzhong, how should Hanzhong respond, and so on, all these matters can only be decided after Your Majesty returns to Chengdu.

The sooner Your Majesty returns to Chengdu, the sooner the troops from Xichuan can be mobilized to enter Jingzhou, and Your Majesty can return to Jingzhou sooner. If Cao Pi usurps the Han Dynasty and establishes himself as the emperor this year, how can Your Majesty capture Xiangfan with only the troops from Jingzhou?
It is not easy for all the ministers to go to Jingzhou and back, and it will take a long time to discuss important matters. I hope the king will understand this."

Liu Bei's eyes widened.

Liu Feng silently took a step back and gave Liu Bei a helpless look.

Father, I tried my best!
The military advisor has a keen eye and unparalleled eloquence. I can't argue with him!
a long time.

Liu Bei sighed: "Forget it. I will go back to Chengdu first."

Zhuge Liang smiled, but he cleverly concealed it while bowing: "Your Majesty is wise! I will not disturb you and your son from reminiscing about the past."

Looking at Zhuge Liang's elegant and brisk steps as he left, Liu Bei's face was suddenly filled with worry.

Seeing Liu Feng walking backwards, Liu Bei's worry turned into anger: "My son, where do you want to go?"

Liu Feng smiled awkwardly: "When I came here, I came across a wine shop. The aroma of wine was everywhere. There must be good wine. Father, please wait here for a while and let me go get it."

Liu Bei glared at him and said, "If you want to make up an excuse, at least make one that's decent. We have good wine in our mansion, why do you need to go to the winery to get it?"

Liu Feng said without hesitation: "I will go and get it myself, only then can I show my filial piety."

"Alright, come closer and talk!" Liu Bei interrupted Liu Feng's idea of finding an excuse to leave, and asked Liu Feng to come closer and sit down: "You haven't been back to Chengdu for many years, you can come back with me."

Liu Feng shuddered slightly, then stood up and said solemnly, "Father, Xincheng County borders Nanxiang County. Nanxiang Governor Xiahou Shang is very wise and will definitely attack if he hears that I am not here. Xincheng is an important place, so don't be careless."

Back to Chengdu?
Liu Feng doesn't want to go back!
When they were in Hanzhong, Liu Bei's ministers argued fiercely over who should be the crown prince, and many of them slandered Liu Feng maliciously.

Now Liu Feng is living well in Jingzhou. His reputation is second only to Liu Bei and Guan Yu. Wherever he goes, people admire and cheer him.

Why should I go back to Chengdu and suffer again?

This is just like many people in later generations who are despised by their relatives in their hometowns, and who are reluctant to return to their hometowns after becoming successful abroad.

what?
Go back and slap your face?

Are they worthy?

How many keys can you make?

therefore.

When Liu Bei suggested that Liu Feng return to Chengdu with him, Liu Feng immediately thought of an excuse.

Liu Bei had a very sharp vision.

As soon as Liu Feng opened his mouth, Liu Bei saw through Liu Feng's thoughts.

Liu Bei did not point it out, and followed Liu Feng's words and said: "I will let Tan Zhi go to Fangling to temporarily replace you. Before you took over Xincheng County, Tan Zhi was able to repel Xiahou Shang. Now that you have managed Xincheng County like an iron road, with Tan Zhi guarding Xincheng, it will be safe."

Liu Feng said sternly, "Your Majesty intends to let Brother Tanzhi marry General Zhao's daughter. Father, you can't delay Brother Tanzhi's important event in life. Brother Tanzhi is already forty years old and still has no children."

Liu Bei also said seriously: "I think so too. Yunchang and I have a brotherly relationship, and you and Tanzhi should also have a brotherly relationship. Yunchang has to guard Jingzhou and cannot get away, and I can't force Zilong to marry his daughter, so you can act as a matchmaker for Tanzhi to go to Sichuan."

Liu Feng was stunned.

Am I getting myself into trouble?
Should I go and act as a matchmaker for Brother Tanzhi?

Although matchmakers are usually elders, they can sometimes be peers. Liu Bei's reasons were also very sufficient: Guan Yu could not leave Jingzhou, Liu Bei could not force Zhao Yun to marry his daughter, and Liu Feng's status and position also qualified him to act as a matchmaker, which was reasonable.

Liu Bei was secretly happy.

Still want to pretend to be alone?
You were raised by an orphan, how could I not know what you are thinking?

Liu Feng was discouraged: "Father, do I really want to go back to Chengdu?"

Liu Bei emphasized: "We must return to Chengdu!"

Seeing Liu Feng's sad face, Liu Bei said, "Gong Zhong, I know why you don't want to go back to Chengdu. You are afraid that if you go back, you will cause the people in Chengdu to be jealous. If some villains take the opportunity to do something bad, it may cause a quarrel between you and Adou.

however.

In my life, I have met many heroes in the world.

Anyone who has discord among the royal family members will find it difficult to accomplish great things.

The late emperor had two sons, who competed for the throne and were taken advantage of by villains. One was poisoned by the thief Dong, and the other was held hostage by the thief Cao. Yuan Shao had three sons, who only had the land in Hebei, but they fought against each other and were defeated by Cao Cao. Liu Biao's two sons sat on the rich land of Jingzhou, but they were hostile to each other and were defeated by Cao Cao. On the other hand, Sun Ce's brothers in Jiangdong were able to defend Jiangdong even after the elder brother died.

I want everyone in Chengdu to understand that I have a good son, a good son who is both civil and military, and has extraordinary courage, a good son who lives up to the friendship between father and son and brother.

I want to let everyone in Chengdu understand what it means to "brothers should not doubt brothers, and brothers should not doubt brothers".

I want everyone in Chengdu to understand that even if I am gone one day, my legacy will still be there, and no one can bully my son!"

The sonorous and powerful words came out of Liu Bei's mouth in a sharp voice.

Liu Feng's initial sad face gradually turned into a complex expression of emotions such as surprise, touching and solemnity.

Sincerity is the greatest nirvana.

Liu Feng's sincerity made Liu Bei proud.

Liu Bei's sincerity made Liu Feng feel comfortable.

A father does not need to doubt his son, and a son does not need to be wary of his father. This is the correct way for fathers and sons to get along.

Even Liu Feng's rationality was overcome by emotion when Liu Bei called him "good son" and he blurted out: "I am willing to follow my father back to Sichuan!"

When Liu Feng's rationality overcame his emotions again, Liu Bei was already laughing heartily: "I am very relieved to have my son by my side!"

Liu Feng couldn't help but twitch his lips.

Great!
No flash!
The next day.

When Zhuge Liang saw Liu Feng, who was riding a horse and following Liu Bei like a bodyguard, carrying a bow and a spear on his back, the right hand that was waving the fan could not help but pause.

Liu Bei was in high spirits and said with a smile: "My son has made great contributions in Jingzhou, so how can he not return to Chengdu to receive his reward?"

Liu Feng said proudly: "The journey from Jiangling to Chengdu is long. As a son, I should protect you!"

Zhuge Liang saw through it but didn't say it out loud.

Liu Bei was going to take Liu Feng back to Chengdu to warn everyone.

This is also a good thing for Zhuge Liang.

It is also necessary to warn the people in Chengdu.

Since ancient times, wise ministers should not interfere in the selection of successors. It should be decided by Liu Bei who he wants to appoint as successor and who he does not want to appoint as successor.

Zhuge Liang also felt fortunate.

If Liu Feng gave up in Shangyong because he was jealous of Liu Chan becoming the crown prince, Jingzhou would surely fall.

Fortunately, Liu Feng did not sacrifice public interests for personal reasons, and did not neglect important matters even though he was dissatisfied.

Guan Yu personally escorted Liu Bei to Jiangjinkou to board the ship.

Guan Yu was relieved that Liu Bei was willing to return to Chengdu.

During this period, Guan Yu had to deal with Jingzhou and protect Liu Bei, for fear that Liu Bei would go outside Xiangyang to investigate military intelligence again.

After this trip, even if Liu Bei wanted to return to Jingzhou, it would take two or three months or even longer.

"Yunchang, you seem to be looking forward to my return to Chengdu." Liu Bei pretended to be angry when he saw Guan Yu's relieved expression.

Zhuge Liang and Liu Feng turned their faces away.

Why are you like this, my lord? My king (father), are you really unaware of this?
Guan Yu was no longer a fool, and said solemnly: "Your Majesty is an important figure for the country. It is my wish that you return to Chengdu as soon as possible to stabilize the officials and people."

Liu Bei laughed loudly: "Yunchang, Yunchang, you make me at a loss for words. Well, guard Jingzhou well. When I finish dealing with all the affairs in the capital, I will lead the troops into Jingzhou and help you take Xiangfan again."

Guan Yu bowed, and the officials around him stood up and shouted, "Farewell, Your Majesty!"

Looking at Liu Bei's back as he sailed away, Guan Yu's eyes became sharp.

Liu Bei also told Guan Yu what Liu Feng said yesterday, and asked Guan Yu to send more spies to investigate the developments in the north.

Guan Yu knew it well.

If Cao Pi really made a move to usurp the throne, Liu Bei would have to capture Xiangyang and Fancheng as a counterattack against Cao Pi's usurpation of the throne.

This is not only related to the future Northern Expedition strategy, but also to the reputation of the Han Dynasty.

If Cao Pi usurped the Han Dynasty and established himself as emperor, and Liu Bei's side did not take any military action or took action but failed, Cao Pi's reputation would grow day by day.

By then.

The scholars and people in the north would think: Even Liu Bei was powerless to stop Cao Pi from becoming emperor, so it seems that the destiny has belonged to Wei.

Once this idea grows day by day and is passed on to the second or third generation, the north will regard Wei as the orthodox and will no longer care about the Han Dynasty.

There are many similar cases in history.

For example: When Sima Zhao usurped the throne, many people in the north believed that Wei was the Mandate of Heaven and were unwilling to submit to Jin.

For example: After Yuan Shao's death, many people cried bitterly, and they did not become loyal to the Han Dynasty just because Cao Cao represented the Han Dynasty.

therefore.

Liu Bei must capture Xiangyang and Fancheng!
Only by capturing Xiangyang and Fancheng could Liu Bei declare to the world that the Han Dynasty still existed.

Liu Bei declared that the Han Dynasty still existed, and only those in the north who were unwilling to submit to Cao Wei could secretly support him.

History has also proved that a court that does not strive for progress will be abandoned by the people.

For example, the Song Dynasty did not strive for progress, so many people in the north believed that the Liao Dynasty was the orthodox one.

For example, a certain Wu, even though he was posthumously named the Great Emperor in an attempt to show his power and dominance, was still regarded as the Jerry of Jiangdong.

As long as one is enterprising, even Kublai Khan can become Liu Bilie.

Subsequently.

Guan Yu gave orders one by one according to Liu Bei's instructions.

For example: Send Guan Ping to Xincheng County temporarily to replace Liu Feng, to prevent Xiahou Shang from finding an opportunity to take advantage of Liu Feng after he leaves Xincheng County.

For example: sending people to Jianye to make friends with Sun Quan to show the intention of harmony between the two families.

For example: training the navy at Jiangjinkou, Gong'anjinkou, Lukou, Xiakou, Miankou, and Yangkou to prepare for battle.

For example, they built many strongholds, beacon towers, roads and bridges south of Yicheng, one to alleviate the difficulty of transporting grain, and the other to prevent Cao Ren in Xiangyang from planning to go south first.

For example: purchasing grain, livestock, cloth and other supplies from the wealthy families in various counties, storing food and supplies, and sewing clothes, armor and flags.

and many more.

And during this period.

Rumors about Liu Feng appeared like mushrooms after rain in various places in Yizhou, especially in Shu County.

For example: Liu Feng entered Shangyong and persuaded Shen Dan to surrender without bloodshed, and conquered three cities in half a month.

For example: Liu Feng entered Jingshan and persuaded the various tribes in Jingshan to submit to the Han Dynasty.

For example: Liu Feng saw through Sun Quan's plot to attack Jingzhou and led his army to attack Jiangling.

For example: Liu Feng defeated Wu generals Xu Sheng, Ding Feng, Ma Zhong, Quan Cong, and Pan Zhang, and fought in the snow and killed Han Dang.

For example: Liu Feng attacked Jiangjinkou four times and fought a bloody battle in Jiangling.

For example: When Liu Feng governed Xincheng, scholars and people from Nanxiang County rushed to join him, and the 100-and-five-zhu coins were circulated in Nanxiang County.

Almost all of Liu Feng’s achievements after he entered Shangyong have been reported.

As well as the two sentences that Liu Feng shouted in front of Yu Jin, "Since ancient times, the world has been governed with culture, and the world has been won with military force. The way of culture and martial arts, with alternating relaxation and tension, can make the world peaceful and the people's livelihood stable." "Adou and I are both sons of King Hanzhong. Adou studies literature and I study martial arts. Although we are not blood brothers, we are better than blood brothers. The King of Hanzhong appointed Adou as the crown prince, which was also decided privately by my father, my son and my brothers." were also highlighted.

Needless to say.

This was something Liu Bei deliberately sent people to spread.

Liu Bei wanted to tell everyone in Yizhou: Be more pragmatic, and stop making blind assumptions and alienating the friendship between me, his father and his two sons!
Other boat.

Meng Da looked indignant.

Liu Feng also made great contributions in defending Jingzhou, so why did he receive such treatment?

"Xiaozhi, what is the king's intention in praising Liu Feng so loudly?" Meng Da's eyes were red, and jealousy was almost written on his face.

Fa Zheng sighed, "Zi Jing, you still don't understand the king. Although Liu Feng is the king's adopted son, he has been with the king longer than the crown prince. Liu Feng was taught by the king himself!
Don't use the competition for succession among the sons of the royal family to speculate on the king's thoughts. Just think from the perspective of an ordinary father. When his son has done a great deed, how can a father contain his joy?

Moreover, when the Crown Prince was appointed, many people felt that Liu Feng would be a threat to the Crown Prince, and some even suggested that the King abolish Liu Feng's title of 'Deputy General'.

The people's worries may seem reasonable, but in fact they will make the king unhappy. Questioning Liu Feng is to question the king's ability to judge people and raise a tiger to cause trouble.

But now, Liu Feng has proved with his actions that he will not pose a threat to the Crown Prince, but will instead become the Crown Prince's most solid shield. How can the king not praise Liu Feng in a high-profile manner?

The king is warning us not to try to alienate the friendship between the king, his father and his two sons."

Meng Da snorted and hesitated to speak.

Although Fa Zheng's words made sense, Meng Da was still resentful.

And in the main ship.

Liu Feng's mood was like the wind on the river, light and brisk.

Liu Bei not only praised Liu Feng verbally, but also praised Liu Feng with actual actions.

Even though Zhuge Liang expressed his concerns, Liu Bei still sent the Bai Li soldiers to spread rumors, and even said, "I am not Cao Cao, I don't doubt you, and you don't doubt me."

Conspiracy theory?
Damn conspiracy theories!
Liu Feng only knew that Liu Bei was truly kind to him.

A scholar dies for a confidant.

All power struggles will be put aside in the face of sincerity.

If we say that after the battle of Jingzhou, Liu Feng was only rationally convinced that he would not die because of the dispute over succession.

After Liu Bei praised him with actual actions, Liu Feng also emotionally believed that he would not die because of the dispute over the heir.

Being free from worries makes you feel light.

Liu Feng's mood at this moment is just like the famous line in Li Bai's poem "The Hard Road":
There will be times when the wind and waves break, and the sails will be hung upright.

(End of this chapter)