"Big-eared Liu?" Liu Mang was stunned for a moment. He never thought that the person who killed his envoy would be Liu Bei.
Listening to Xu Shu's tireless explanation, Liu Mang found out that just like Liu Mang, Liu Bei's envoy was also sent to Jingzhou. Liu Mang lacked provisions. Similarly, Liu Bei's provisions in Nanyang Prefecture had been burned by Jia Xu. Therefore, the two surnamed Lius could be said to be connected by fate. Liu Mang's army and Liu Bei's army were originally in a state of war. In addition, after Liu Bei found out that Jia Xu had sought refuge with Liu Mang in Yangzhou after burning the provisions in Nanyang Wancheng City, it was truly a case of enmity. The envoy that Liu Mang sent this time was only an ordinary scholar. However, Liu Bei sent his only advisor, Pang Tong. The Pang Family was originally from Jingzhou and was also a large family. When Pang Tong returned to Jingzhou, he was like a fish back in water, shuttling between the various noble families in Jingzhou. When Liu Mang's envoy arrived at this time, Pang Tong naturally thought of his intentions.
How could he not know that Liu Mang also came to ask for provisions? However, Pang Tong would never allow Jingzhou's provisions to be sold to Yangzhou. This was because once Yangzhou had enough provisions and stabilized, it would be impossible for Pang Shiyuan to help Liu Bei take down Yangzhou and strive for the Central Plains.
In Jingzhou, there were many people who hated Liu Mang in Yangzhou. For example, the Huang Clan and the Cai Clan. The Huang Clan hated Liu Mang because if it wasn't for Liu Mang, they wouldn't have lost Jiang Xia. Jiang Xia was a treasure trove for the Huang Clan. The Huang Clan's land was located on the Yangtze River. The land was fertile and easy to irrigate. In addition, every year, Liu Biao would give a large amount of provisions and military equipment to Jiang Xia. It could be said that the Huang Clan had already eaten to their heart's content with Jiang Xia. However, with the Lvbu's Army stirring up trouble and the loss of Huang Zu, the defenders of Jiang Xia were defeated. Because of Huang Zu's defeat, Liu Biao transferred Huang Zu back to Jingzhou. How could the Huang Clan give up after losing such a rich and rich Jiang Xia?
There was also the Cai Clan in Jingzhou. Was it because of the recruitment order that Liu Mang offended the Cai Clan? Was it because of the recruitment order? He was completely challenging the dignity of the landowning households. The privileges that landowning households had over the commoners were the filial piety and the recommendation system. This allowed any descendant of a landowning household to become an official. Talent was secondary. As long as one was not an idiot, as long as one was a landowning household, it would be very easy for them to become an official.
But now, Liu Mang was doing this because of the merit system. If one was talented, they could become an official. This basically cut off the privileges of the nobles. Secondly, it allowed the commoners to rise above them. The Cai Clan originally felt that they were superior and looked down on the commoners. But now, the commoners were able to climb above them. They heard that Xu Shu, Xu Yuanzhi, who was studying in Jingzhou, was now Yangzhou's Military Advisor. How could Cai Mao be comfortable with this? Because of this, the Cai Clan was also offended by Liu Mang.
But at the same time, there were people in Jingzhou who had a good attitude towards Liu Mang. For example, Kuai Liang from the Kuai Clan. When Kuai Liang went to Lujiang, he cooperated with Yang Hong and cheated Lujiang. The two of them started to call each other brothers. Naturally, their relationship was very good. When Liu Biao wanted to sit on the mountain and watch the tigers fight, Kuai Liang stood up for Lujiang. This showed the sincerity of the Kuai Clan.
Pang Tong wasn't sure if Liu Biao would sell the provisions to Liu Mang. In order to make sure, he directly killed the messengers of Yangzhou and let them die in Jingzhou's post house. This way, he could cut off the possibility of Yangzhou borrowing provisions.
"Hmph, that little fire chicken also wants to learn from Ban Zhongsheng!" The Ban Zhongsheng that Liu Mang was talking about was Ban Chao. Back then, Ban Chao gave up his pen and joined the army. On the way, he passed by King Shanshan. At first, King Shanshan was cold and gentle. It could be said that he was extremely concerned. However, later on, his expression suddenly changed. When Ban Chao asked for the reason, it was because the messengers of the Northern Xiongnu had come. King Shanshan was afraid that King Shanshan was in danger of joining the Northern Xiongnu. Ban Chao was calm and collected. After finding out where the messengers of the Northern Xiongnu were, he brought people to sneak into the post house and killed the messengers of the Northern Xiongnu. By the time King Shanshan found out, it was already too late. Killing the messengers of the Northern Xiongnu meant offending the Northern Xiongnu. In order not to offend another big shot, King Shanshan could only submit to the Great Han.
And now, Pang Tong wanted to imitate Ban Chao's actions. He killed Liu Mang's messengers in order to force Liu Biao to submit.
However, Liu Biao was not a barbarian like King Shanshan. When Liu Mang's messengers were killed, Liu Biao even sent ten thousand dan of provisions as an apology. On the surface, it looked like an apology, but in reality, it was a form of coercion. For killing one of your messengers, I'll compensate you with ten thousand dan of provisions. Isn't that generous enough?! Indeed, a messenger's life might not be worth ten thousand dan of provisions. However, what made Liu Mang uncomfortable was that killing the messenger was equivalent to slapping Liu Mang's face.
Liu Biao himself did not want to become enemies with the Lvbu's Army. However, if Liu Mang sent out troops, he would not be in a difficult position like before. This was because Liu Bei of Yuzhou had promised Liu Biao that once Liu Mang or Lü Bu sent out troops, the Yuzhou Army and Jingzhou Army would be enemies. Look, Liu Bei would guard the northern gate of Jingzhou for Liu Biao.
Once Liu Mang sent out troops, he would fall into Liu Bei's trap. He would not be able to get Jingzhou's provisions. Liu Bei could also use the excuse of resisting Liu Mang to obtain large amounts of provisions from Jingzhou.
"What did Liu Biao say?" Liu Mang narrowed his eyes. There was still room for negotiation. If Liu Biao really wanted to become enemies with the Lvbu's Army and collude with Liu Bei of Yuzhou, then there was no need to send out ten thousand dan of provisions. He could just start a war directly. With his lackey Liu Bei blocking outside, he could really stop Liu Mang. However, now that he sent back the messenger's corpse and the ten thousand dan of provisions as an apology, it meant that Liu Biao and Liu Bei's relationship was not good enough for them to form an alliance. There must be something going on between the two.
"Jing Province's Liu Biao's condition is that Milord must personally go to Jing Province to discuss the matter of grain and provisions." Xu Shu finally spoke out his dilemma.
"I have to personally go?" Liu Mang's gaze turned cold. The killing intent on his body could not be concealed.
"My Lord, you can't!" The first to object was Liu Mang beside Xu Shu. Liu Ye had always opposed Liu Mang personally going to battle. Liu Mang was the Lord of a province. Although his father-in-law Lü Bu was above him in name, Yangzhou had its own system. It could be said that Yangzhou did not listen to Lü Bu's message but had to listen to Liu Mang's orders. Liu Ye was most opposed to Liu Mang charging and breaking through the enemy lines. Generals and soldiers should charge and break through the enemy lines. As for commanders and kings, they should treat it as if they were in the palace and decide victory thousands of miles away. They should not put their lives on the line and risk their lives on the battlefield. What's more, Liu Biao of Jingzhou was the Lord of a province. Similarly, Liu Mang was the Lord of Yangzhou. Their statuses were not much different. What qualifications did Liu Biao have to make Liu Mang personally go as an envoy? Although Liu Biao did not have the heart to make progress, it was hard to guarantee that there would not be villains who would want to harm Liu Mang. In Yangzhou, he could still ensure his safety under the protection of the army. However, in Jingzhou, there would be no army following him. At that time, he would become a fish on the chopping board.
Therefore, Liu Mang firmly opposed Liu Mang personally going there.
"My Lord, your body is precious. How can you take such a risk? Liu Biao of Jingzhou is just a dog guarding the city. How can you lower yourself to go to Jingzhou to see him?"
"My Lord, you can't go to Jingzhou. The main thing is that if you want food, you can just send the army to get it. Jingzhou is rich. Xinye alone is enough to solve the problem of Yangzhou!" Some generals were furious. They wanted to directly send the army to attack Jingzhou. This Jingzhou was too infuriating. They actually wanted the Lord of Yangzhou to go see him?
"Yes, yes. My Lord, Liu Biao wants my Lord to go because he has bad intentions. He wants to use my Lord as a hostage to restrict our Yangzhou!" In the main hall of Shouchun, all the generals and strategists did not agree with Liu Mang going to Jingzhou. Once he went to Jingzhou, there was no guarantee of his safety.
Just when everyone was not allowing Liu Mang to go, Jia Xu opened his mouth again. "My Lord, although the trip to Jingzhou is dangerous, there is still a chance of survival. However, if my Lord does not go to Jingzhou, then Yangzhou will be in danger, my Lord will be in danger, and our great cause will be in danger!"
The moment Jia Xu opened his mouth, there was a wave of curses.
"Jia Xu, Jia Wenhe, what are your intentions! What good will it do you if my Lord is harmed! " Liu Ye almost pointed at Jia Xu's nose and scolded. Once Liu Mang went to Jingzhou, then his life and death would be in the hands of Liu Biao. He would definitely not agree to take such a risk.
"I already knew that Jia Xu is not a good person! Jia Xu is right. My Lord definitely cannot go to Jingzhou. Jia Xu, you don't need to be an alarmist anymore! "Most people supported Liu Ye's words.
"Jia Xu, are you a spy sent by Liu Bei? You actually want my Lord to take such a risk to obtain Yangzhou's great cause?" This was a person who thought too much and could be considered a cautious person. He actually thought that Jia Xu was pretending to subdue Liu Mang in order to let Liu Mang go to Jingzhou and take such a risk.
Jia Xu did not respond to Liu Ye. Instead, he looked at Liu Mang and said, "Everything will be decided by my Lord!"
"En?" Liu Mang also looked at Jia Xu. He was also hesitating and could not make a decision. His eyes were filled with doubt and confusion. There was even a kind of killing intent. Yes, killing intent towards Jia Xu.
Jia Xu was right. If Liu Mang did not go to Jingzhou, then Yangzhou's provisions would be cut off. They would not be able to eat their fill and their lives would be lost. How would they be able to rebuild Yangzhou? Once the people were in chaos, Liu Mang's Yangzhou would be lost. There would be no need for the enemy to come. Liu Mang himself could not even afford to raise an army.
However, although going to Jingzhou would also be dangerous and his life would be in the hands of Liu Biao, Liu Biao might not dare to kill Liu Mang. This was because once he killed Liu Mang, he would completely break off his relationship with the Lvbu's Army. With Liu Biao's timid attitude, he would definitely not dare to do so. Therefore, Liu Mang's safety was still somewhat guaranteed. However, Liu Mang was also worried. This Jia Xu had really surrendered to him!
Liu Mang really did not dare to relax when it came to Jia Xu. This person was like a poisonous snake, a poisonous snake that could bite you to death if you were not careful. The Poison Warrior would either not make a move or make you pay the price. If it was really like what he said before and this Jia Xu was pretending to surrender, then Liu Mang would really fall into a situation of death. With Liu Bei's courage, Liu Mang would definitely die. Moreover, with Jia Xu's character, such a situation would really happen! Using the world as a plan, scheming against the people of the world.
Liu Mang was uncertain. He had deep concerns. Since he already had doubts about Jia Xu, then Liu Mang subconsciously looked at Liu Mang's left and right arms, Xu Shu and Xu Yuanzhi. With Xu Shu's strategy, although compared to Jia Xu's, if Jia Xu really wanted to scheme against him, there would definitely be some clues that would be noticed by Xu Shu.
Xu Shu also felt Liu Mang's gaze. Xu Shu's whole body was restless. He was tangled, struggling, and biting the corner of his mouth. Suddenly, Xu Shu knelt in front of Liu Mang and said, "Xu Shu is incompetent. I can't solve the problem of Yangzhou. If Milord dies, Xu Shu will definitely follow!" As soon as Xu Shu finished speaking, he immediately kowtowed to Liu Mang. The sound of his kowtows hitting the white marble floor in the hall quickly dyed it red.
"Military Advisor, Military Advisor!" The people at the side turned pale with fright and rushed forward to help Xu Shu up. Xu Shu still wanted to struggle, but he was pressed down by Huang Zhong. Huang Zhong's arms were like a thousand catties pressing down on Xu Shu's body, making him unable to move.
Liu Mang closed his eyes and took a deep breath. After a long time, he opened his eyes and sighed. There was no point in saying more. Liu Mang opened his eyes and there was a look of determination in his eyes. "Yangzhou's siege, the food shortage, it's all because of me! What did Yuanzhi do wrong? " If it wasn't for Liu Mang's conscription order, Yangzhou's predicament wouldn't have happened. Although Liu Mang wasn't schemed against, if there wasn't a conscription order, he wouldn't have been schemed against! Therefore, half of the responsibility was on Liu Mang's shoulders.
"I will die ten thousand deaths!" When Liu Mang said this, no one in the main hall dared to stand. Their master was already guilty, so they didn't have any other reason to stand. Since ancient times, when the master was humiliated, the servants would die. Liu Mang went to Jingzhou. Although Liu Biao said that it was a kind invitation, in reality, it was a kind of humiliation! You and I are both masters of a province, but you have to come to Jingzhou to visit me because you have a favor to ask of me!
"I will die ten thousand deaths. Haha, you can't die. If you die, who will guard the city for me, Liu Mang? Who will expand my territory and conquer the world for me, Liu Mang? I, Liu Mang, will go to Jingzhou. I want to see what kind of people the Eight Generals of Jingzhou are! "
Since Liu Mang said this, no one objected. This was because they had worked with Liu Mang for a long time. Naturally, they knew of Liu Mang's character. Once he made up his mind, no one could stop him.
"If Milord wants to go to Jingzhou, please bring Ye along! Although Ye can't solve Yangzhou's predicament, Ye can help Milord in Jingzhou! " Liu Ye knew that he couldn't stop Liu Mang from going to Jingzhou. Now, he could only hope that Liu Mang would bring him along. He could help Liu Mang along the way to avoid danger. If he really couldn't avoid danger, then he would go with Liu Mang! The trip to Jingzhou was full of danger.
Liu Mang was also very moved. When they were in Guangzhou, Liu Ye's plan made Liu Mang take the risk. That was because Liu Ye was forced to take the risk with him. Now that Liu Ye wanted to go with him on the trip to Jingzhou, he was very moved. "Ziyang, if you leave, what will happen to Shouchun's industrial zone?" Liu Mang said to Liu Ye with a smile. Liu Ye could be considered as Liu Mang's engineer master in the army. He was also a man of science. If he left, then Shouchun's industrial zone would be completely blind. No one would be able to understand the books that Liu Mang left behind.
"Then, Milord!" Liu Ye still didn't give up and wanted Liu Mang to bring Xu Shu along. This was because Xu Shu and Liu Ye were both outstanding people and first-rate strategists.
Who knew that Liu Mang would still shake his head. Xu Shu also couldn't leave because Xu Shu was Yangzhou's military strategist. He needed to command everything in Yangzhou. With Xu Shu in Yangzhou, Liu Mang could rest assured.
"Haha, since Mr. Wen He said so, of course, I will bring Mr. Wen He along!" Liu Mang said with a smile as he looked at Jia Xu and Jia Wenhe.
Jia Xu felt Liu Mang's gaze and could only smile bitterly in his heart. He stepped forward and cupped his fist, "Milord, I am already old and can't travel long distances. Mr. Ziyang is younger and more vigorous than I am. He should accompany Milord!" The trip to Jingzhou was full of danger. If things went wrong, Liu Mang would be kept in Jingzhou as a hostage. Jia Xu still wanted to live for a few more years. How could he send himself there?
"Is that so?" Liu Mang walked down from his seat with a smile. He stared at Jia Xu and said, "Mr. Wen He, you don't have to be so modest! Mr. Wen He is originally from the frontier. He travels from Wuyi, to Luoyang, to Chang 'an, and then to Nanyang all year round. Mr. Wen He doesn't show any signs of old age! This trip to Jingzhou was proposed by Mr. Wen He. If Mr. Wen He doesn't follow me, I will be sad! "Liu Mang looked at Jia Xu with a teasing expression.
What kind of person was Jia Xu? He was definitely a selfish person who would harm others for his own benefit. This trip to Jingzhou was full of danger. With Jia Xu's nature, he wouldn't go on such a dangerous trip. If Jia Xu straightforwardly agreed, then Liu Mang wouldn't hesitate to refuse the trip to Jingzhou and take Jia Xu down for interrogation. When a person became abnormal, unless it was a last resort, then there was only a conspiracy. Nanyang was obtained by Liu Bei and Jia Xu came from Nanyang. Liu Mang had to be careful. It was the same as being solicitous for no reason.
However, Jia Xu's nature couldn't be changed. This nature of seeking benefits and avoiding harm told him that he couldn't go to Jingzhou. Jia Xu's reaction made Liu Mang feel relieved! At least there was no sign of Liu Bei. No matter how much Jia Xu schemed against him, he wouldn't include himself.
"My lord, it's not that Jia Xu is a villain. It's just that Jia Xu came to Nanyang. Now that Nanyang is obtained by Liu Bei, you have to be careful. My lord, if you bring Jia Xu along, it's fine if he doesn't have any ulterior motives. He can solve your problems. But if Jia Xu has ulterior motives, then my lord's action is no less than letting a tiger return to the mountain. My lord, you will also put yourself in a dangerous situation. Please think twice! "Xu Shu wasn't a villain. He was standing in the role of the lord, Liu Mang, and giving advice to Liu Mang.
If Jia Xu had ulterior motives, then if Liu Mang brought Jia Xu along, wouldn't it be the same as sending a sheep to the tiger's mouth? Moreover, it would allow Jia Xu to escape! If he left Jia Xu in Shouchun, if Jia Xu had ulterior motives, he could directly take down Jia Xu.
"I already know about Yuanzhi's intentions, but I believe in Mr. Wen He!"
Believe in me? Jia Xu didn't show any reaction on the surface, but only he knew the depression in his heart. If he believed in Xu Shu, then why would there be killing intent in his eyes? Fortunately, Jia Xu also knew that it was impossible for Liu Mang to completely trust him.
As Liu Mang spoke, he directly stepped forward and patted Jia Xu's shoulder. At a place where Jia Xu couldn't see, he looked at Xu Shu and explained. Jia Xu staying in Shouchun made Liu Mang feel uneasy. This kind of poisonous snake was good at scheming. Although Xu Shu and Liu Mang were intelligent, they weren't necessarily Jia Xu's opponent in scheming. If Jia Xu stayed by Liu Mang's side, firstly, he could give advice. Secondly, if Jia Xu had any ulterior motives, hehe. Although Liu Mang couldn't guarantee his own safety, he could guarantee that he would be able to send the saber in his hand into Jia Xu's body. Jia Xu wouldn't be unaware of this. Even if Jia Xu really schemed against him, he was afraid that Jia Xu would consider his own life and protect his own safety.
Xu Shu saw Liu Mang's expression and could only nod. "My lord, Yuanzhi understands!" “
"Zilong's army hasn't been mobilized, right?" Liu Mang suddenly asked a question that didn't make sense.
"General Xu Sheng's Black Flag Army has just left. General Zilong's White Horse Cavalry is fast. Therefore, he can only set off a few days after General Xu Sheng left!" Xu Shu replied to Liu Mang. Zhao Yun's White Horse Cavalry was still stationed outside Shouchun. The Black Flag Army had just left today. The Black Flag Army was a heavy cavalry and their speed wasn't fast. In order to maintain the distance between them and the Central Army, the White Horse Cavalry needed to set off a few days after the Black Flag Army left.
"Since they're still here, there's no need to go to Linhuai!" Liu Mang directly told Zhao Yun not to leave.
"Three days later, Wen He and I will go to Jingzhou together. Zilong will lead the army and travel with us!" Liu Mang issued an order.
It was understandable that Jia Xu and Liu Mang would travel together. However, why did Zhao Yun want to bring the White Horse Cavalry with him? Didn't Milord want to attack Jingzhou?
"I still want to go to Jingzhou to buy food! How do we attack? " “
"Then Milord's meaning is?" “
"Yu Province's Liu Bei entered my Jingzhou, occupied my land, killed my sons, and drove him out of Yangzhou. Today, he even killed my envoy. Does he really think that my Yangzhou is a soft persimmon? That Liu Bei can do whatever he wants? " Liu Mang originally didn't have a good impression of Liu Bei. He wanted to take Xuzhou and obtain the estuary before settling the score with him. However, this Liu Bei killed Liu Mang's envoy. Liu Mang wasn't the kind of person who wouldn't fight back after being slapped in the face.
"We accept your order!" The civil and military officials in the hall cupped their fists and accepted Liu Mang's order. Jia Xu could only withdraw with a sad face and go back to prepare.
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