My younger brother Zhuge Liang

Chapter 423 Liu Qi: Yuan Tan, you are surnamed Yuan, why do you call Xuande uncle?
As Cao's army was hit by Guan Yu's sudden counterattack, it had to give up its harassing attack on Pei County.

At this critical juncture, Liu Zhang's envoy Zhang Song also came to Pei County with Sun Shao.

With the arrival of Zhang Song, as well as Liu Qi and Yi Ji who arrived earlier, the grand alliance ceremony planned by Zhuge Jin for Liu Bei could finally proceed smoothly.

I have to say, the timing was very well chosen.

On the last two days of the journey, Zhang Song and his companions heard that messengers were constantly coming back with urgent military information, reporting that General Guan led Gao Shun and Zhang Liao to beat Le Jin and pursue Cao's army in Lu.

This kind of atmosphere made Zhang Song, who was originally still considering making an investigation, even more determined, and he secretly thought that Liu Bei was indeed a hero worthy of serving.

They did not just rely on "taking advantage of Cao Cao's main force in Hebei to launch a surprise attack and capture three and a half counties", but they actually achieved "even if Cao Cao's main force returned and Cao Cao personally came to Liang and Qiao to take charge, Liu Bei's army was still able to repel Cao Cao head-on and win some small victories."

Although no new territory was occupied, Gao Shun and Zhang Liao stopped after their small victory and relocated the people of Xue County and Zou County before withdrawing, but the propaganda symbolic significance of this battle was still strong enough.

Since ancient times, there has been no rule that wars must occupy enemy territory to have propaganda value. In many self-defense counterattacks in later generations, the troops were quickly withdrawn after inflicting pain on the enemy to prevent themselves from getting bogged down. Even if they did not occupy territory, they could still inspire people.

After seeing all this, Zhang Song couldn't help thinking, "I thought that the world was in such chaos that the strongest and most powerful would have the final say in the future. I didn't expect that the Han Dynasty could be revived in this way.

When I was in Shu, I heard that in the first year of Jian'an, Zhuge Jin rode alone into Xudu and was summoned by the emperor to talk about the affairs of Emperor Gaozu and Xiang Yu. He discussed the virtue and destiny of the Han Dynasty, which lay in avenging Emperor Yi and restoring peace to the world.

Although Qin was unjust, it eventually unified the world. To let the world go from order to chaos in order to punish the unjust is ultimately a loss of morality. Emperor Gaozu took action after the world was already in chaos. He was not the first to cause chaos. He just wanted to bring order to the world. He also had the merit of avenging Emperor Yi. The virtues of Qin and Chu were combined in one person. The first mover must be punished, and the emperor will be blessed. In the end, he ruled the world for 400 years.

Now Liu Xuande also did not start a rebellion in the world. He spent his life only punishing rebellion. Before the emperor was held hostage by the thieves, he did not attack the princes or expand his territory out of selfish desire. Before the emperor was held hostage, the conquests were made by the emperor. After the emperor was held hostage, the conquests were made to suppress the rebellion.

He is so virtuous, has great vision and courage, is a combination of civil and military, and has Zhuge Liang, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei and Zhao Yun as his assistants. Isn't this destiny? The Han Dynasty can be revived, but the previous lineage cannot be revived. Isn't it because of Lord Xuande!
Zhuge Jin and Zhuge Liang were both men who knew the will of heaven. Such wise men had joined Lord Xuande so early on, it must be because they had seen through the secrets of heaven. I, a junior student, have not yet been able to fully understand these accounts, and have only calculated the rough edges. It would be better for me to directly copy Brother Zhuge's answer, that would be a chance to leave my name in history!"

Through what he had seen and heard in the past few days, as well as the works of Zhuge Jin that he had read in places such as the Wuchang Academy along the way, Zhang Song learned about the series of "official academic ideologies of the Han Dynasty" that Zhuge Jin had formed in his discussions with the emperor. Inspired by Liu Bei's camp's successive small victories over Cao, he finally came to this conclusion on his own.

Another person who had similar academic ideas to him and also completed the self-brainwashing was Yi Ji, who was sent by Liu Biao.

Yi Ji not only studied by himself, but also occasionally shared some of his experiences with fellow student Liu Qi.

Of course, considering Liu Qi's identity, Yi Ji could not say some things too clearly, but he always hinted subtly that "Liu Bei must be the person who helps revive the Han Dynasty, and only by following him can one leave a name in history." Liu Qi gradually formed a similar idea.

……

On the ninth day of the second lunar month, all the guests arrived, and Liu Bei finally held a formal banquet to grandly entertain all the envoys from the princes who came to watch the ceremony.

Of course, before this, Liu Bei must have treated the envoys who arrived in Pei County first with good courtesy and hospitality, but it was not so formal. They all made their own arrangements in private. He would not gather people together, nor would he talk about formal or important matters. At most, he would just maintain personal relationships first.

This kind of ceremony also requires a sense of ritual. Before the right day and when everyone is not present, other people cannot meet each other casually.

Liu Qi, Yi Ji and Zhang Song were all a little excited. They dressed up in their best clothes early in the morning and went to the prefect's residence for the banquet. The prefect's residence of Pei County was located in Pei County, and of course it was temporarily used by Liu Bei as his shogunate.

On the way, everyone could see the traffic jam outside the Pei County Governor's Mansion. It was obvious that everyone had arrived early, fearing delays, which resulted in the "morning rush hour" coming earlier and still jamming the road outside the mansion.

Liu Qi and others were afraid of wasting time. Seeing that the government office was within sight, they were too lazy to take the car for the last few hundred steps. They got off the car and walked, fearing that they would be late.

Fortunately, Liu Bei was well prepared and very careful. He had people pave the road in front of the government office in advance with loess, and sprinkled some water on it to prevent dust, but at the same time it was not too wet to turn into yellow mud.

Liu Qi and others were wearing new boots, so they wouldn't get their shoes too dirty when walking on this loess road. As they walked, Liu Qi and Yi Ji saw Sun Shao and Zhang Song, and took the initiative to greet them.

Sun Shao was quite familiar with these visitors from Jingzhou, but it was the first time he met Zhang Song. In addition, Zhang Song was short, so he inevitably felt inferior and cautious, so he was very careful about his manners.

Sun Shao introduced the two parties. Zhang Song was quite surprised to hear that Liu Qi was among the visitors. He quickly saluted and said, "I am Zhang Song, the deputy governor of Yizhou. I am honored to meet Lord Liu and Deputy Governor Yi."

The two were not familiar with each other yet, so Zhang Song addressed him by his official title. This "Lord Liu" was also a recognition that Liu Qi was the governor of Jiangxia.

In Liu Bei's territory, after Gu Yong, the governor of Jiangxia, was transferred to Runan, the envoys of other foreign princes believed that Liu Qi was the real governor of Jiangxia. This statement was enough to make Liu Qi happy.

What does this mean? It means that Uncle Xuande's support for me has been known to other allied princes!

Liu Bei's fiefdom was in Wuchang County, and Jiangxia County was a very important territory for Liu Bei. Although the actual control of Jiangxia was now divided by the Yangtze River, with the south and north of the Yangtze River divided, Liu Qi only controlled Hanyang City, which was built only four years ago. But Uncle Xuande's willingness to publicly recognize his title was enough to show friendship.

"It turns out to be Zhang Biejia. Yizhou is indeed a place of outstanding people and beautiful scenery. The envoy must be a man of eloquence and good debate." Liu Qi responded politely. His impression of Zhang Song suddenly improved a lot. He felt that this guy who looked very short at first glance was not so unpleasant after all.

Zhang Song was also quite emotional: "As a person from a remote place, I really didn't expect that Jing Shenggong of Jingzhou is indeed more courageous than my master... He actually sent the eldest son to be the envoy to join in the great event. As a Shu native, I shouldn't be a minister to discuss the master, but the young master is a role model of high righteousness."

Zhang Song's sentiments were indeed sincere and not just polite.

It is true that Liu Zhang and Liu Biao were hostile to each other and had fought against each other.

But Zhang Song now subconsciously feels that he should contribute to Liu Bei. After making a fair comparison in his heart, he has to admit that Liu Biao dared to let his own son come to Liu Bei to watch the ceremony, which was much more generous than Liu Zhang who only sent a personal chariot.

This also further proves that Liu Bei's appeal is extraordinary.

As for the internal conflict between Liu Qi and Liu Cong in Jingzhou, which gradually intensified last year... Zhang Song was in Yizhou, and because he was in a blocked area and had no access to the news, he still didn't know about these things.

He did not understand the real reason why Liu Qi came, and just thought that he was inspired by Liu Bei's morality.

Every family has its own problems, but outsiders don’t know why other families have their own problems.

Zhuge Jin deliberately arranged for these people to have brief contact with each other in advance, also to create an opportunity, a chance.

This is to make these envoys of the princes feel a sense of crisis, thinking that "other princes are clinging to the General of Chariots and Cavalry more diligently and actively than we are. If we don't rush to show our goodwill, even if we cling to him in the future, we won't be treated as well as we are now."

The first person to rise up in rebellion receives the heaviest reward. This has been the case since ancient times.

Just on the short road of a few hundred steps in front of the gate of Pei County government office, the seeds of competition for favor among the envoys of the princes were subtly sown.

Liu Qi, Yi Ji and Zhang Song entered the palace chatting and laughing.

Given their status, Liu Bei certainly couldn't let them wait, so the attendants led them directly inside. As soon as they reached the second gate, Liu Bei came out to greet them in person, chatting and laughing.

Liu Qi and Yi Ji had both met Liu Bei, so they immediately went up to greet him. Although Zhang Song had just arrived and had not met him yet, he knew what to do by looking at Liu Qi and Yi Ji's reactions, and he did not dare to neglect the etiquette at all.

Liu Bei also politely led everyone inside to sit down, and greeted Zhang Song casually:

"This must be Zhang Biejia from Yizhou, right? You have come a thousand miles, and it was not easy to travel by boat and carriage. You just arrived yesterday, and today you are being entertained. It's all very tiring. I'm tired of you."

Zhang Song was flattered and quickly declined: "Today, there are many distinguished guests. I am just a remote person. General Chariot and Cavalry should greet the distinguished guests first and not neglect the others because of me." Liu Bei did not neglect Liu Qi either. He just patted Liu Qi's shoulder with his other hand and said: "Qi'er is like my nephew. They arrived early. I have entertained them for many days and they have rested. It's not like the deputy driver who has to work right after arriving, which is naturally tiring."

Zhang Song was modest again and again, saying that he was not tired at all.

He really wasn't tired, as Liu Bei didn't ask him to do anything stressful. Even though he had just arrived yesterday, the social activities he had been attending over the past few days were just eating, drinking and watching the fun. How could it be hard?

Just after Liu Qi, Zhang Song and others had exchanged greetings, they noticed that there was a young man in his thirties standing behind Liu Bei. He was also dressed in gorgeous clothes, with a gold seal and purple ribbon, wearing the uniform of a provincial governor.

No one had ever seen it before, so they were subconsciously a little surprised and confused.

I thought, among the civil officials under Liu Bei, the one who could wear such clothes, could it be Zhuge Jin? Guan Yu, the governor of Xuzhou, certainly did not look like this, he was much more majestic. As for Zhuge Liang, it was even more impossible. Yi Ji and Liu Qi had met him many times, and they were old acquaintances.

With Liu Bei's emotional intelligence, how could he make such a low-level mistake? After exchanging a few pleasantries with the visitor, he hesitated to introduce the people around him?

So naturally there is a reason.

At this moment, Liu Bei waited for the three people's doubts to ferment for a few seconds before pretending to remember: "Oh, look at my memory, I am rude again, I forgot to introduce you--

This is the Qingzhou governor Yuan Gong, who has come to join in the ceremony of worshipping the tomb of King Xiao of Liang and condemning Cao Cao. Yuan Gong had just arrived the day before, and brought with him Mr. Chen Kongzhang, a famous writer, who wrote a follow-up article to condemn Cao Cao.

When they heard the words "Mr. Yuan, the governor of Qingzhou", Liu Qi, Yi Ji and Zhang Song were obviously stunned for a moment and did not react. Especially when they heard "Mr. Yuan", they subconsciously thought of Yuan Shao, thinking that Yuan Shao had been dead for two years.

Later I realized that this was Liu Bei giving face to Yuan Tan by giving him the honorific title of "Duke". Theoretically, he was also a governor of the Han Dynasty and they were all on the same level, so there was nothing wrong with giving him a higher honor.

As expected, Yuan Tan was also very tactful and bowed his hands repeatedly to thank him: "Uncle Xuande, I am honored to be a prefect, how dare I be called a duke? If it weren't for your generosity and support and the reinforcements that helped me defend Bohai, I would have ended up like my unfilial and rebellious brother. Uncle, please don't embarrass me, just call me by my name."

Liu Bei had already achieved his goal of showing off his muscles by beating up the princes of Jing and Yi, so he took advantage of the situation and patted the back of Yuan Tan's hand: "Xian Si, my dear nephew, is still so modest. Well, I will take the lead."

The envoys from Jing and Yi in the south gradually came to their senses from their shock: Did Yuan Tan, the eldest son of the Yuan family, come to watch the ceremony in person? This level of importance was even more grand than if Liu Biao had sent his eldest son.

Moreover, as the governor of a state and a local lord, Yuan Tan was not afraid of being detained by Liu Bei?

Thinking of this, Liu Qi and Yi Ji's faces were a little hot. They both recalled that when they were in Xiangyang, Cai Mao and Kuai Liang pretended to be good for him, saying that they were afraid that Liu Bei would detain Liu Qi and threaten Liu Biao.

Now that I think about it, it is really too much of a petty measure to judge others by one's own standards.

They are not afraid of the state leader coming in person, but we are afraid of the state leader's son. He is still an outsider, and we are our own family. Aren't we ashamed?
Liu Qi and Yi Ji were so ashamed, and Zhang Song was even more ashamed and didn't know what to say.

Jingzhou at least sent a young master, but what about Yizhou? After all the fuss, they even sent a special envoy, and they were still worried about this and that, fearing that the special envoy would be coerced into expressing his views and destroying the friendly relationship between Liu Zhang and Cao Cao.

What a short-sighted person, a frog in a well!

While Liu Qi, Yi Ji and Zhang Song were lost in thought, Liu Bei had already pulled everyone into the inner hall and had them sit down in order of their official rank.

Yuan Tan had the highest status, being the governor of a state, so of course he had to sit closest to Liu Bei. Liu Qi was next, followed by Yi Ji and Zhang Song.

On the other side, Liu Bei also called Zhuge Jin and Guan Yu to accompany him, and also invited Chen Lin, Wang Xiu, Xin Pi and others brought by Yuan Tan to accompany him.

After everyone was seated and the liquor had been poured, Liu Bei raised a heavy bronze wine cup and began his toast:
"Since the Yidaizhao, the fact that Cao Cao was deceiving the emperor and the government was weakening has gradually been known to loyal and righteous people throughout the world. It has been four years now.

When General Gao, a subordinate of Marquis Wen, came to surrender after crossing the mountains and rivers, he brought a copy of the imperial edict, and was considered one of the first prefects in the country to obey the imperial edict. He only regretted that he was restrained by Sun Ce, a member of Cao's gang, and could not go to Guandu with the general to attack Cao.

After I have wiped out Sun Ce and eliminated the threat of being attacked from both sides, I really want to go north to attack and save the country and the people. However, General Yuan was betrayed by the two thieves Zhang He and Gao Lan, so that he failed at the last moment. It is really a pity.

However, in the following two or three years, Bei never slackened his determination to punish the bandits in accordance with the imperial edict. Although his brother Benchu was no longer around, Bei still supported his nephew Xiansi. On the one hand, he attacked the Cao bandits from the south and cut off their wings, and on the other hand, he directly provided military assistance to Qingyou to prevent the army from collapsing.

I only regret that every generation of the Yuan family has rebellious sons and disloyal people who have no idea what filial piety, brotherhood, loyalty and righteousness are. They only seek their own selfishness and split the alliance. As a result, the righteous cause of suppressing the rebellion has different orders and each fights on its own. Except for Bei, most of the other righteous armies were defeated by Cao.

Although Cao Cao has captured Yecheng and occupied most of You and Ji, he still believes that the cause of suppressing the rebellion has not failed, but is about to usher in a new opportunity! Because Yuan Shang, the rebellious man, finally brought disaster upon himself and was killed by Cao.

The numerous loyal and righteous governors who have the ambition to suppress rebellion will finally no longer be troubled by the long-standing problems of inconsistent orders and infighting. From now on, they can focus their efforts together and work together to deal with the thief Cao!
So this time, while we are all worshipping the new tomb of King Xiao of Liang and condemning the new crime of Cao robbing the tombs of the previous kings of the Han Dynasty and bullying the royal family, we should also discuss a pact of common advancement and mutual assistance, just like the righteous ministers of Guandong who fought against Dong Zhuo back then.

It is agreed that if a prefect of a certain clan is attacked by Cao, the other clans will also provide support and assistance. I am not educated, so I cannot explain more profound principles. So let it be. What do you think? "

After he finished speaking, he also raised the bronze wine cup high, clasped it with both hands, raised it half a circle towards the audience, and then drank it all.

Liu Bei's lines were also thought of by Zhuge Jin and Zhuge Liang. Before today, he actually memorized them for a long time and spent a lot of time.

Liu Bei didn't like reading, nor did he like long, flowery speeches. But today, he was really motivated to memorize and practice his words repeatedly in private. He knew this matter was very important.

Yi Ji, Zhang Song and others were also smart people, and they certainly understood the subtext behind this initiative.

The General of Chariots and Cavalry wanted to take advantage of the opportunity that "all the princes in the world were defeated by Cao Cao, except him, who won consecutive victories over Cao Cao, destroyed his army and seized land", so that the princes in the world who were fighting against Cao would regard him as their leader.

However, in today's world, as long as the princes who are fighting against Cao can form an alliance, there is really no other person to choose as the leader of the alliance.

Yi Ji and Zhang Song did not think this was excessive.

Just as everyone was digesting this news, Yuan Tan's eldest nephew was the first to stand up and also picked up the bronze wine cup: "Uncle, what you said is of course good advice for the country and the people. In this world, if we want to save the Han Dynasty, is there any other way besides relying on uncle?

The thief Cao deceived the emperor and corrupted the court. His crime is unforgivable! But the thief Cao was ruthless, and many of the loyal ministers who fought against the rebellion were defeated by him. Dong Cheng, Lu Bu, and even my father were not spared. I am incompetent, but I am not spared! So far, the only one who can suppress Cao Cao is my uncle! I am willing to be the first to regard my uncle as the leader of the loyal ministers who fought against the rebellion! "

After Yuan Tan finished speaking, he gulped down the strong liquor in the bronze wine cup. However, it was also his first time to drink this kind of distilled liquor, and he almost couldn't hold back the relatively strong alcohol.

Liu Bei's camp has been studying distillation methods and making relatively strong liquor for three or four years. It started with Zhuge Liang setting up a "microbial laboratory" in Guangling and studying the koji strains used as wine yeast.

However, the Zhuge brothers never used this distilled liquor for drinking. At most, they used it for disinfection tests to cure diseases and save lives and prevent wasting too much food.

By this time the technology had matured, and since it was such a grand ceremony, they reluctantly took out some for people to drink to show solemnity.

Even Yuan Tan had spoken and drank the liquor so solemnly in one breath. How else could the envoys of other princes prevaricate?

Liu Qi suddenly felt a little impulsive: You are a Yuan, but you keep calling me Uncle Xuande. How can you be so shameless? If anyone wants to call someone, I should be the one to call him!

-

PS: That’s all for today, I won’t open the chapters anymore.

(End of this chapter)