In Nanyang Wan City, Liu Bei was still waiting for Pang Tong's news in the governor's mansion. The situation was getting worse day by day. Liu Bei himself had begun to live frugally because there was not much food left. If this continued, Liu Bei would run out of food within a month. At that time, Liu Bei would really be finished.
Therefore, Liu Bei could be said to be living like a year. Now, he received another piece of bad news. Liu Biao of Jingzhou and Liu Mang of Yangzhou had formed an alliance. This news was simply like a bomb. Liu Bei was fried on the inside and tender on the outside.
It could be said that Liu Bei of Yuzhou and Liu Mang of Yangzhou were a pair of brothers in the same boat. Both of them lacked food. However, Liu Mang needed food for his people while Liu Bei needed food for his army.
"Is there still no news?" Liu Bei anxiously paced back and forth in the governor's mansion. They were all waiting for Pang Tong's news. Pang Tong could be said to be carrying the hope of the people of Yuzhou.
"Reporting to the Lord, there is no news!" Jian Yong on the side cupped his fist and said to Liu Bei. He was in charge of intelligence. Basically, all the intelligence personnel in Jingzhou had been handed over to Pang Tong. Now that Pang Tong had taken them away, there was no news. Even the news of the alliance between Liu Biao of Jingzhou and Liu Mang of Yangzhou was bought by Jian Yong. Otherwise, Liu Bei and the others would have known nothing.
Jian Yong was no longer as casual in front of Liu Bei as before. This was because Liu Bei already had a problem with Jian Yong. Last time, Jian Yong recklessly guessed that Sun Qian was the enemy's spy. This made Liu Bei feel disgusted. Therefore, Jian Yong was now a person of few words in front of Liu Bei.
"No, no, there is no news all day long! Your subordinates are all dead, aren't they? I give you thousands of gold coins every year, and now you give me no news! "Liu Bei is furious. The fire is about to burn his eyebrows, but there is still no information. No information. He is going to be blind.
"This subordinate deserves to die!" Jian Yong lowered his head. He didn't want to argue. He couldn't say that he had given all the intelligence personnel to Pang Tong and Pang Shiyuan, right? This order was given by Liu Bei. Since Jian Yong didn't argue, Liu Bei couldn't vent his anger on Jian Yong.
He could only snort coldly.
"My lord, it seems that this military advisor is no longer reliable!" Looking at the scene before him, Sun Ce smiled in his heart. Pang Tong's efforts were useless. This was what Sun Qian wanted to see the most. Only when Pang Tong was useless would Sun Qian be able to benefit.
"Huh?!" Liu Bei frowned. Jian Yong stood at the side and looked at Sun Qian with fear.
Liu Bei wasn't a fool. He naturally knew that Sun Qian and Pang Tong didn't get along. However, they should be in the same boat instead of burning the bridge after crossing the river.
"My lord, our army is running out of food. It is too late to wait for news from the military advisor. Therefore, my lord, we should make plans as soon as possible!" Sun Qian had learned to be smart. He no longer badmouthed Pang Tong in front of Liu Bei. This would only make Liu Bei hate him and think that he was a petty person who only knew how to snitch on others. Now, Sun Qian was constantly reminding Liu Bei of Sun Qian's usefulness and Pang Tong's uselessness.
The military counselor was unreliable. It really made people think that Pang Tong was unreliable and had defected to the enemy, or something else. One word had many meanings.
"We should make plans as soon as possible!" When Liu Bei heard Sun Ce's words, he realized that Sun Qian wasn't badmouthing Pang Tong. Instead, he wanted him to make plans as soon as possible. He had misunderstood him. Subconsciously, Liu Bei felt resentment towards Pang Tong. Pang Tong had given people and money whenever he wanted. Jingzhou was also the home of the Pang Family. Logically speaking, the provisions should have arrived long ago. However, they were in a pinch now.
"My lord! Our army's provisions are running out. Other than the Xiliang Cavalry who still has sufficient provisions for two meals a day, the rest of the garrison troops have already reduced their food supply. Although this plan can reduce our food consumption, it is not a long-term solution. In another half a month, we will have to borrow provisions from the commoners again! "Sun Qian stood up and explained to Liu Bei.
"We need to borrow provisions again!" When Liu Bei heard this, he felt uncomfortable. Why did Liu Bei have so many people supporting him? It was because of Liu Bei's reputation of being benevolent and righteous. The commoners were singing the praises of Liu Bei. This was why Liu Bei was able to recruit soldiers and gain the support of officials. However, borrowing provisions from the commoners would affect his reputation. How much provisions could the commoners have? They had already borrowed from him once. Previously, the commoners had only borrowed from him because of his reputation. Now, he needed to borrow again.
Wasn't this clearly trying to ruin Liu Bei's reputation?
"My lord understands the commoners. However, if we don't borrow provisions, then we will starve to death!" Sun Qian said to Liu Bei without any trace of politeness.
"My lord's reputation of being benevolent and righteous is important. However, if my lord's subordinates starve to death, then what's the use of my lord's reputation? If the military advisor sends provisions, then my lord naturally wouldn't need to sacrifice his reputation. However, this military advisor, hehe! "Sun Qian didn't finish his sentence and only sneered. This caused Liu Bei's hatred to shift.
If he borrowed provisions from the commoners, then it would affect his reputation of being benevolent and righteous. If he didn't, then it would cause his great cause to fail. All of this was caused by one person, Pang Tong, Pang Shiyuan. Sun Qian's actions had caused Liu Bei's impression of Pang Tong to worsen.
"Sun Qian!" Jian Yong, who was watching from the side, was shocked. Since when was Sun Qian able to use such tactics? Sun Qian had misled Jian Yong time and time again. If Jian Yong hadn't been aware of Sun Qian's misdirection, he might have been influenced by Sun Qian and become displeased with Pang Tong and Pang Shiyuan.
"Borrow!" Liu Bei gritted his teeth and could only spit out this word. How could he not borrow? His subordinates were already starving. If they were defeated, Liu Bei's enemies wouldn't have any sympathy for Liu Bei. Whether it was Liu Mang or Cao Cao, they all wanted to get rid of Liu Bei. Liu Bei had already walked down this path and he couldn't turn back. How many of those vassals had good outcomes when they failed? Gongsun Zan burned his family to death and Yuan Shu didn't even leave behind a corpse. If Liu Bei lost, his death would be even worse than theirs. Therefore, Liu Bei had to borrow provisions.
Hearing Liu Bei's words, Sun Qian felt proud. Smearing Pang Tong and Pang Shiyuan's name was only the first step.
Sun Qian still had some ability. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been recommended by Zheng Xuan to assist Liu Bei for so long. Even after Pang Tong's arrival, Sun Qian wasn't abandoned.
"My Lord, how much provisions can the people have? Even if we borrow them, it's just a drop in the bucket. We can only last for half a month! Unless my Lord wants to force the people to rebel, if the military advisor's provisions can't be delivered, then our Yuzhou will still be destroyed! "Sun Qian spoke again. He wasn't trying to scare people, but it was the truth. Once they ran out of provisions, Liu Bei would play himself to death. The Xiliang Cavalry was the first to make a move. Those Qiang Tribe barbarians didn't understand their principles. In their eyes, being a soldier was a robbery. It was a precarious job to begin with, so they wanted to have a good time robbing others. If they didn't even give them food, then it would naturally be a rebellion.
Liu Bei's face darkened. "We have a plan!" Liu Bei had already played to this extent and could not afford to lose. If he were to borrow food now, he would only be delaying his death. Liu Bei asked the civil and military officials below him. "Alright, alright.
However, these civil and military officials weren't gods. They couldn't possibly conjure provisions out of thin air for Liu Bei! Therefore, they avoided looking at Liu Bei.
Trash, a bunch of trash! Liu Bei roared in his heart. His face was terrifyingly dark. If his third brother was here, he would definitely notice that his eldest brother's face was even darker than Zhang Fei's.
Looking at Liu Bei's frighteningly dark face, Jian Yong knew that Liu Bei wanted to kill someone. If something went wrong, someone would be in trouble. Jian Yong had no choice but to step forward. He didn't speak to Liu Bei, but to Sun Qian. "Sun Qian, since you don't have to say such things, you must have a plan. Why don't you teach us?"
"Gongyou, what can I teach you?" Liu Bei immediately looked at Sun Qian after being reminded by Jian Yong. That's right, since Sun Qian had spoken, he naturally had a plan. Otherwise, why would he say it?
"My lord, this plan is to borrow provisions from Cao Cao of Yan Province!" Sun Qian was still very knowledgeable. He immediately thought of a brilliant plan, which was to borrow provisions from their good neighbor, Cao Cao.
"Cao Cao?" The people below began to discuss. They all knew what kind of person Cao Cao was. He was an ambitious and ruthless person. However, the most important thing was that he and their master Liu Bei were mortal enemies. The hatred between them was not any less than the hatred between Yuzhou and Yangzhou. In fact, it was even more than the hatred between them.
Liu Bei's good mood disappeared again. He had tricked Cao Cao. Cao Cao even wanted to kill him. Cao Cao was so good at lending provisions to him. Cao Cao could not be happier. Wasn't he putting his face forward for Cao Cao to slap?
"My lord, there are three reasons why Cao Cao is borrowing provisions. First of all …" Sun Qian looked at the civil and military officials who were discussing. This was what he wanted. You all thought it was impossible, but I turned it into reality. Didn't this show my value? Moreover, this was under the premise that Pang Tong and Pang Shiyuan could not do it. Just as Sun Qian was about to speak, a messenger suddenly rushed in.
"My lord, the Jingzhou Army has sent a letter!" The messenger said as soon as he came in. Everyone was shocked.
"What? A letter? "Liu Bei stood up on the spot. He really could not sit still.
"The military advisor has sent a letter. This means that the provisions are ready!"
"That's great. With provisions, we can expand the army!" The civil and military officials were also grinning from ear to ear. With provisions, they could expand the army. Once the army was expanded, there would naturally be all kinds of positions. Those military marquises, hundred generals, all these positions with real power were all money. They could be assigned to their own people, couldn't they?
"Quickly, quickly, quickly, bring it up!" Liu Bei was overjoyed. They had been waiting for news from Jingzhou. Now that the news had arrived, they were naturally overjoyed.
"Milord, this, this!" Sun Qian was dumbfounded. He hadn't even spoken yet. He hadn't even spoken of his third point.
"Gongyou, your suggestion is delayed. Let's wait for the military advisor's news first!" Liu Bei stopped Sun Qian with a smile.
"Military advisor, military advisor, it's Pang Tong, Pang Shiyuan again!" Sun Qian roared in his heart. His desire to kill Pang Tong deepened. However, since the lord insisted, Sun Qian could only nod and leave.
A letter was quickly handed over. Liu Bei opened it and read it. The more he read, the faster his expression changed. From the initial excitement to the seriousness, to hesitation, and even a little doubt.
"My lord, what's wrong?" Jian Yong asked Liu Bei curiously. The change in Liu Bei's expression was too bad.
"Xianhe, take a look!" Liu Bei passed the letter to Jian Yong.
Jian Yong skimmed through the information, and his expression also changed.
"This, this! What is the military advisor thinking?! " Jian Yong did not understand. This letter was passed to other people with Liu Bei's permission.
Sun Qian also read the letter. This Pang Tong was really bold. He actually wanted the lord to send troops to attack and take over Fan City.
"Haha, haha!" Sun Qian laughed. Since Pang Tong approved of everything, Sun Qian would oppose it. This was Sun Qian's principle. Moreover, it was supposed to be Sun Qian's time to show off his talent. However, it was abruptly interrupted because of Pang Tong's letter. How could Sun Qian not be angry?
Sun Qian's laughter was too ear-piercing. It made Liu Bei a little uncomfortable. "Gongyou, what do you think?!"
"My lord, it's not that Sun Qian has a problem with the military advisor. The military advisor wants the entire Yuzhou Army and you to die!" Sun Qian stepped forward and bowed to Liu Bei.
"Yes, yes! We can't attack Fan City! " The group of civil officials also hesitated. Pang Tong wanted the Yuzhou Army to attack Fan City. What kind of place was Fan City? It was Liu Biao's territory. It was also Liu Biao's lifeline. If they attacked, they would really fall out with Liu Biao.
"My lord, Fan City is the western barrier of Jingzhou Liu Biao. It is indestructible and is guarded by tens of thousands of elite soldiers. The city walls are dozens of feet high and surrounded by the Yangtze River. It can be considered easy to defend and difficult to attack. If we want to take down Fan City, we won't be able to do it without an army of 80,000 to 100,000!" Sun Qian said as he looked at Liu Bei. Even if Liu Bei expanded his army, he would only have one hundred thousand soldiers. Fan City was a hard bone to chew.
"My lord, even if we painstakingly take down Fan City, the end of our Yuzhou Army is almost here! North of Yuzhou is Cao Cao. Cao Cao's ambition is to conquer the world. He is now trapped in Hebei. The day he escapes will be the day our two armies clash. East of Yuzhou is Liu Mang and Lü Bu. My lord, our army has just fought with Yangzhou. The war between the two sides has not been resolved yet. If we take down Fan City, we will completely offend Liu Biao. If Liu Biao also becomes our enemy, then our army will be surrounded by enemies everywhere! My lord, doesn't this military advisor want our Yuzhou Army to be buried with him? " Their Lord was not Cao Cao. Cao Cao could be considered as the king of the North. He had hundreds of thousands of soldiers and was not afraid of fighting against the whole world. However, their Lord, Liu Bei, only had one province. He only had tens of thousands of soldiers and horses. If he offended the surrounding warlords, he would be besieged. Liu Bei, on the other hand, only had tens of thousands of soldiers and horses. He would be besieged if he offended the surrounding warlords.
"This, this, this!" Liu Bei frowned. He also didn't want to attack Fan City. He also knew what Sun Qian was thinking. Although Liu Biao was a guard dog, if you provoke this old dog, then he would roll up his sleeves and kill you. Even a rabbit would bite when cornered, let alone a warlord like Liu Biao.
"My lord, Jian Yong thinks that your words are a bit exaggerated!" Just as Liu Bei was hesitating, Jian Yong suddenly spoke.
"Jian Yong!" Hearing Jian Yong's words, Sun Qian narrowed his eyes. Originally, Sun Qian didn't believe Jian Yong when he questioned Sun Qian and spoke ill of him in front of the Lord. After all, Sun Qian and Jian Yong had worked together for a long time. But now, it seemed that Jian Yong wasn't simple. Could it be that he and Pang Tong had formed an alliance?
Sun Qian couldn't help but frown. If Jian Yong was really with Pang Tong, then Sun Qian really had to reconsider.
In fact, Sun Qian had misunderstood Jian Yong. Jian Yong wasn't an ally of anyone. He was only loyal to Liu Bei. If someone provoked his suspicion, he would naturally speak ill of that person in front of Liu Bei.
"Xianhe, what do you think?" Liu Bei looked at Jian Yong and asked with an opposing opinion.
"My lord, Fan City is an important place for Liu Biao. Mr. Sun Qian said that if we take Fan City, then we will offend Liu Biao and be surrounded on three sides. However, don't forget that Liu Biao has already formed an alliance with Liu Mang. With our enmity with Liu Mang, what difference does it make whether we offend Jingzhou Liu Biao or not?" Jian Yong said to Liu Bei.
"That's right, that's right! Jingzhou Liu Biao has already formed an alliance with Yangzhou Liu Mang and is already our enemy! "
"This is different. Liu Biao has no ambition. The alliance is just Liu Biao's appeasement!" Sun Qian was right. It was really difficult for Liu Biao to make up his mind to become enemies with Liu Bei in Yuzhou. Liu Biao just wanted to live a peaceful life.
"Haha!" Jian Yong did not refute but changed his perspective. "Milord, Fancheng is an important town in Jingzhou. If we take Fancheng, we can take Fancheng and go to Jingchu and Xiangyang in half a day. The whole of Jingzhou will be in front of Milord. Milord, there's another point. The military advisor mentioned in the letter that Fancheng's provisions are the key. If we take Fancheng, then our army will be completely out of the food crisis! Fancheng is an important town in Jingzhou. With Jingzhou's prosperity, there must be more than ten thousand provisions. This way, Milord can expand the army by a hundred thousand. First, we will destroy Yangzhou and then Jingzhou! "Jian Yong's courage was really big. He actually wanted to take Yangzhou and annex Jingzhou.
"Provisions!" Liu Bei's eyes flashed. What Liu Bei lacked now was provisions.
"Milord, you can't!" Sun Qian still wanted to stop Liu Bei. "Milord, we can borrow provisions from Cao Cao! As long as we … "Before Sun Qian could explain clearly, Liu Bei stopped him.
"Gongyou, there's no need to say anymore!" Liu Bei already had a plan in mind. Provisions were still provisions. As long as they had provisions, they could get through the crisis. Without them, there was no need to talk about anything else. Sun Qian's words about Cao Cao made Liu Bei feel uncomfortable.
"Xianhe, how can we take Fancheng?" Liu Bei asked Jian Yong who was beside him. Jian Yong was in charge of intelligence.
"Milord, although Fancheng is big, it has a shortcoming. That is, its gate is difficult!" Jian Yong said to Liu Bei. Fancheng was big, so its gate was naturally heavy. Once it was closed, it would be difficult to open it. However, such a gate also had a shortcoming. It would take at least a few incense sticks to burn to close it.
"The gate is difficult!" Liu Bei finally had an idea. "Where is Hu Che Er?"
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