ushernet Chapter 314 Liu Yan is Critically Ill
Chapter 314 Liu Yan is Critically Ill
Chapter 314 Liu Yan is Critically Ill
August, the fifth year of Yonghan.
Luoyang, Imperial Palace, Fanglin Garden.
The scorching light was blocked by layers of leaves, but still twinkled on the ground, and the cicadas' chirping told of the scorching summer heat.
Liu Bian paced back and forth, sweating profusely on his forehead. He looked up at the top of his head and said, "According to what you said, the Grand Marshal's Office believes that 'separation of military and political affairs' cannot be completely separated. Local officials should be given certain powers, and the power to mobilize troops belongs to the Grand Marshal's Office?"
Huangfu Jianshou, the Minister of Military Affairs, followed behind Liu Bian, bowed his head, and said carefully, "What the Grand Marshal meant is that the northern states are not peaceful, and in the future, we will need troops to garrison, fight against banditry, and stabilize the situation in order to pacify the south. That's why he made these requests."
Liu Bian nodded slightly, came to the pavilion and sat down, saying: "Sit down, drink some herbal tea, and talk slowly."
Huangfu Jianshou stood opposite Liu Bian and said, "I'd better stand and speak, for I'm afraid I'll forget it if I sit down."
Liu Bian picked up the teacup and was about to drink tea, but when he heard this, he glanced at Huangfu Jianshou.
Huangfu Jianshou seemed to have inherited his father Huangfu Song's cautious character. In the court, he kept a sufficient distance from the "Yingchuan Party" and tried his best to stay out of the open and secret struggles in the court and the country.
Liu Bian drank a sip of the herbal tea, and he felt the cool air spreading from his heart to his whole body. He felt very comfortable, and shook his head and put down the teacup.
"I heard that the Grand Marshal went to the Secretariat?" Liu Bian said casually.
Pan Yin on the side said: "Yes, I am discussing something with the Prime Minister."
Liu Bian stroked the jade pendant in his hand, and his heart was turning slowly.
Unlike Huangfu Song who did not participate in government affairs and was isolated from the court, Liu Yu, the current Grand Marshal, was involved in too many things and had different views on the positioning of the Grand Marshal's Office.
Liu Bian pondered for a moment, and then asked Huangfu Jianshou, "What do you think of this campaign against Dong?"
Huangfu Jianshou quickly raised his eyelids and glanced at Liu Bian, saying, "I deeply agree with your majesty's words of despising strategy and paying attention to tactics."
Liu Bian habitually hummed, and suddenly realized that Huangfu Jianshou had something else in mind. He said with a little curiosity: "Whatever you want to say, just say it directly. There is no need to be cautious."
Huangfu Jianshou bowed further and said, "Your Majesty, I recently recruited an aide, the famous scholar of Jingzhou, Kuai Liang. According to him, the court's arrangements are weak and powerless, which is different from the crisis situation. It is definitely not because the court is cowardly or lacks money and food. There must be other backup plans."
Liu Bian was surprised and asked, "Kuai Liang? Liu Biao's former staff member? What conclusion did he draw?"
Huangfu Jianshou looked a little reserved and said, "Yes, I dare not hide it. According to his inference, the imperial court's backup plan must be able to wipe out Dong Zhuo at some point in time. Among them, three people and one thing are the most critical, one is Cao Cao, the second is Liu Biao, the third is Yuan Shao, and the first thing is the Jingzhou navy in Donglai County, which is ignored by everyone."
Liu Bian narrowed his eyes slightly, smiled calmly and said, "Your family is the Minister of War, what do you think?"
Huangfu Jianshou obviously sensed Liu Bian's attempt to change the subject, and immediately realized that Kuai Liang had deduced something, so he said, "Your Majesty, according to my advice, to destroy Dong, we must use drastic measures. We should mobilize all the troops in Yanzhou and destroy him as soon as possible."
Liu Bian sighed silently. Huangfu Jianshou's ability was still far inferior to Huangfu Song's. Moreover, he was too cautious. He didn't say what he should say, and what he said was empty.
"I have read your memorial on the division of power and responsibility between the Military Department and the Grand Marshal's Office. I will consider it further."
Liu Bian took another sip of herbal tea and said, "I am very satisfied with your family's recruitment, training, deployment, research and development of weapons, and the storage and allocation of food and grass. Many of these require the cooperation of the Secretariat. You should discuss carefully with the Prime Minister and come up with an effective strategy for me."
Huangfu Jianshou raised his hand and said, "I accept your order."
"Your Majesty," Pan Yin stepped forward quietly and whispered, "General Yangwei, Cao Cao wants to see you."
Liu Bian hummed, and just as he was about to speak, another eunuch came hurriedly and handed over an ordinary-looking envelope with a big "Secret" on it, saying, "Your Majesty, the eunuch Beisi Prison has an urgent secret report."
Liu Bian quickly reached out to take it, tore open the letter, and scanned it carefully and quickly.
After just a moment, he opened his eyes and then fell into deep thought.
This is a secret letter from Mianzhu, Yizhou, and it contains a lot of content.
Liu Yan was really in trouble. After careful consultation with his staff and confirming that the court would not release Liu Zhang, he came up with several strategies to "rescue" Liu Zhang.
One is money and grain. He could pay tens of millions of money and grain to the imperial court in exchange for Liu Zhang.
If this is not feasible, then the second option is to give up Liu Yan and let Liu Zhang inherit the post of governor of Yizhou. He will be appointed by the court, but Liu Zhang will be the governor of Mianzhu, and at the same time he will be promoted to general of Yizhou and in charge of Yizhou affairs.
There is also a third strategy, which is also the most ruthless. After the court decides not to release Liu Zhang, Liu Yan will establish himself before his death, and after his death, he will hand over Yizhou to the local aristocratic leader Pang Ji.
Liu Bian had no impression of this Pang Ji at all.
But judging from the news, Liu Yan was really desperate.
At the same time, Liu Bian also clearly realized that this kind of extremely confidential matter should not be spread out so easily and clearly. Since it was spread out, it was for Liu Bian to see!
Liu Bian was thinking and paying attention to the scattered news behind him.
Yizhou was not peaceful either. In addition to the endless local banditry, there were also barbarians who were resisting Liu Yan's rule. They attacked counties and prefectures from time to time, shaking Yizhou.
"Your Majesty, I, Cao Cao, pay my respects to you!"
Cao Cao came 'suddenly' and knelt on one knee to salute.
Liu Bian came to his senses, raised his eyelids, and suddenly handed the letter over, saying calmly: "Take a look and tell me what you think."
Cao Cao responded, took it with both hands, read it carefully, his eyes flashed fiercely, and he said calmly: "Your Majesty, Liu Yan is ambitious and must not be released to Liu Zhang."
"Go on." Liu Bian took a sip of herbal tea and was also thinking in his mind.
Cao Cao stood in front of Cao Cao, glanced at Huangfu Jianshou, and was silent for a while, then said: "Your Majesty, I think we should first deal with the Three Qiang, and then deal with Yizhou. Liu Yan is about to die, perhaps the second strategy is feasible."
Liu Bian looked at him without making any comment.
Cao Cao's strategy was actually a forced compromise, or he was following Liu Yan's plan.
Seeing that Liu Bian was silent, Cao Cao's bearded face hardened and he said in a deep voice: "Your Majesty, Liu Yan's death may be a good time to retake Yizhou. You should order the governor of Hanzhong to send troops to enter Shu!"
Liu Bian shook his head and said, "Attacking Shu is not a good idea."
The most terrifying thing about Yizhou is its natural barrier. If the imperial court sends troops to attack, not to mention that there is not enough money and food to support it, even if there is, it may not be able to succeed in three to five years!
Cao Cao said nothing more and pleaded guilty.
"Give this letter to the Grand Marshal's Mansion and the Shangshutai,"
Liu Bian handed the letter to Pan Yin and said, "Tell them to discuss it and come to see me in the evening. Also, that Liu Zhang."
"Yes." Pan Yin responded.
After Pan Yin left, Liu Bian looked at Cao Cao and said, "Sun Ce has fled back. Yuan Shao and Gongsun Zan are still fighting. Liu Biao has withdrawn his troops to consolidate his territory in Jingzhou. Shi Xie has requested to be the governor of Jiaozhou. Liu Bei has fought with Lu Bu several times but was defeated."
Cao Cao thought Liu Bian would say something, so he waited for a while, but when he saw that Liu Bian had no words, he raised his hand and said, "I will definitely live up to your majesty's grace!"
As for Cao Cao, Liu Bian did not want to restrict him in terms of strategy and tactics. He glanced at Huangfu Jianshou and said, "If you need anything, tell Huangfu Qingjia and he will cooperate with you as much as possible. In addition, you can call on Huang Zhong's troops in Yanzhou without worrying about the Grand Marshal's Mansion."
Huangfu Jianshou raised his eyelids, as if he understood something, and he trusted Kuai Liang's inference more and more.
Cao Cao did not expect that Liu Bian would give him so much power. This shows that the emperor before him intends to quickly wipe out Dong Zhuo and pacify Yuzhou!
"I obey your order!" Cao Cao raised his hand and responded.
After Liu Bian said "hmm", Cao Cao and Huangfu Jianshou left at the same time.
Liu Bian listened to their footsteps and pinched his eyebrows with his left hand.
Things get complicated.
Liu Yan revealed this information obviously as a threat to Liu Bian.
But Liu Bian must be cautious and take it seriously.
Liu Yan was about to die, and his only son Liu Zhang was being held in Luoyang by Liu Bian.
If Liu Zhang does not go back, there will be no one to inherit the foundation that Liu Yan has built up over the years, and who knows what crazy things he will do.
Moreover, if Yizhou fell into chaos after Liu Yan's death, it would be a big trouble for the imperial court no less than Yuan Shu's rebellion!
"There are still three Qiang..."
Liu Bian opened his eyes, hugged the teacup, and muttered to himself in annoyance.
In Liu Bian's plan, the Three Qiang were ahead of Yizhou in the priority sequence, and if he really had to send troops, Liangzhou was a huge potential threat.
"Go to the Shangshutai."
After thinking for a while, Liu Bian stood up and said.
A crowd of people surrounded Liu Bian, left Fanglin Garden and headed towards the Shangshu Terrace.
As soon as he passed through the Chongde Hall, Liu Bian saw Liu Shao holding a large jar not far away, alone, quietly waiting for him under the scorching sun.
Liu Bian was startled, and hurried over and asked in confusion: "What are you doing here?"
Liu Shao was sweating profusely, and his clothes were quite wet. He raised the jar in his hand and said, "Father, I brewed some tea for you to relieve the summer heat."
Liu Bian was a little slow to react. He reached out to take it and felt that the jar was cold. He looked around and saw that there was no eunuch or maid accompanying him. He took him in one hand and brought him to the shade of the eaves. He said, "Just ask someone to bring it over. Why did you run over here? It's so hot, and you're still standing in the sun..."
As Liu Bian spoke, he pulled his sleeve and wiped the sweat off his face.
The little guy had no expression, he looked up and said, "I just got here."
Seeing him talking nonsense in a serious manner, Liu Bian glanced at the jar in his left hand and asked, "Just made?"
The little guy nodded and looked at Liu Bian with clear eyes.
Liu Bian wanted to wait for him to speak, but after a while, he suddenly realized and said, "Do you want Father to drink?"
The little guy nodded, with an expectant look on his face.
Liu Bian blinked his eyes, and saw people coming and going in the Jiade Hall not far away. He had no choice but to reach out, open the lid, pick up the jar and take a sip.
After feeling it carefully for a while, he said to Liu Shao: "Well, it's a little bitter and a little spicy."
After Liu Shao finished speaking, he snatched the jar from Liu Bian's arms and said, "I will take my leave."
Before Liu Bian could react, the little guy picked up the jar and ran away.
"Hey……"
Liu Bian put down his half-stretched hand, sighed helplessly, and said: "I was just going to say that it tastes good and can be drunk."
Xu Yan smiled and said, "Your Majesty, His Highness has changed it after returning. His Highness is so young, and he has such a filial heart. It is really precious."
Liu Bian smiled and nodded.
Although his eldest son is a taciturn person, he is impeccable in terms of filial piety.
"Let's go. The imperial chef can rest at night." Liu Bian waited for Liu Shao's back to disappear, then turned and headed towards the Censorate with a smile.
Xu Yan smiled along, but his mind was quietly changing.
As for the ownership of the 'Eastern Palace', people inside the palace are more anxious than those outside.
The second prince is naughty and playful, and is deeply loved by the emperor. The first prince is the eldest son, and has a strange personality, but he is simple and filial.
Who exactly does this "Eastern Palace" belong to? Even Liu Bian's close ministers don't know Liu Bian's true intentions.
However, the two princes are getting older and older, and they cannot escape the final decision.
Liu Bian didn't expect Xu Yan to think so much. When he arrived at the Secretariat, everyone was already seated.
"Your Majesty, we are here to pay our respects." Xun Yu and Liu Yu led the way, and Zhong Yao and Xun You saluted at the same time.
Liu Bian waved his hand and said, "Everyone, sit down. Now that you have read the letter, tell us what you have to say."
As soon as Xun You sat down, he raised his hand first and said in a deep voice without disguising his anger: "Your Majesty, Liu Yan has evil ambitions and must not be tolerated! I intend to send troops first to deter him. After Liu Yan dies, Your Majesty will order the governors to be trusted, but if there is rebellion, they will all be killed!"
Zhong Yao looked at him expressionlessly and said nothing.
Xun Yu also remained silent.
Liu Yu could not help but said, "Your Majesty, it is not feasible to send troops to Yizhou at this time. I suggest that you release Liu Zhang, but return the military power to the court and send a general to supervise the military affairs of Yizhou."
With Liu Yu's preparation, Zhong Yao continued, "Your Majesty, perhaps we can do both. Liu Zhang will be the governor of Luocheng, and Liu Yan will recommend the governor of Yizhou. The governors of Mianzhu and Chengdu will be appointed by the court, and Jiange and other places will be handed over to the court."
Liu Bian raised his eyebrows. Zhong Yao’s idea was interesting.
Jiange is the main road into Shu. If the imperial court controls this place, it will be able to attack or defend Yizhou.
With Chengdu and Mianzhu in the hands of the imperial court, Yizhou was actually divided into two parts, with half of it in the hands of the imperial court.
Xun You shook his head and said, "Liu Yan has been in Yizhou for many years and is as ambitious as a wolf. He will definitely not agree to it."
Xun Yu saw signs of an argument and said, "Your Majesty, Liu Yan's second plan, the court appoints a governor and Liu Zhang supervises the military, is not necessarily feasible. Liu Zhang has no talent and cannot accomplish anything. The court should take its time and it is only a matter of time before Yizhou surrenders."
Liu Yu was dissatisfied with this appeasement policy and said in a deep voice: "Your Majesty, we must use deterrence, and deterrence should be the main thing. I ask the governor of Hanzhong to send troops to attack first, and then we can discuss it."
Xun You followed up by saying, "Your Majesty, I agree with the Grand Marshal's opinion. If we cannot let Liu Yan make his own decisions on everything, wouldn't that make the court appear incompetent? Now that the destruction of Dong is imminent, the court cannot weaken its momentum!"
A trace of solemnity appeared on Zhong Yao's serious face, and he said quickly: "Your Majesty, the court cannot afford another war, we must make long-term plans!"
"Liu Yan can't hold on for long, so how long should we worry about it?" Xun You retorted.
Liu Bian, who was sitting in the main seat, frowned.
Has the conflict between Xun You, Xun Yu and Zhong Yao become public?