With the outbreak of the Civil War in Jingzhou, Lingling and Guiyang counties only followed Zhang Xian's lead and followed in the footsteps of Changsha, expelling county magistrates and assisting with warships, money, grain, and capital reserves.
Especially in the middle of August, the autumn harvest is completed, and rice from Lingling and Guiyang counties is continuously transported to Changsha through the Xiang River and Lei River.
However, when the news of Baqiu's defeat came, Lingling and Guiyang counties were shocked. Now that Jingzhou's army may move south at any time, many grain transport ships in the two counties did not dare to continue northward, so they temporarily stayed at the intersection of the three counties.
Ling County, while observing the situation, waiting for orders from the rear.
The situation in Changsha will only get worse in the future. If nothing goes wrong, these grain transport ships from Lingling and Guiyang counties will most likely return the same way they came.
However, if they want to leave, they must obtain Liu Jing's consent. But obviously, he will not agree. This batch of food has long been regarded as his own.
Liu Jing now has more troops than one county can support. Even with Zhongshui and Pingyang two townships supporting him, it will be quite difficult. When Cai Sheng and Liu Zong arrive with their troops, food problems will arise.
It will inevitably become the top priority in front of him. This batch of food can just meet his urgent need.
Of course, it is definitely not appropriate for Liu Jing to do this in his capacity as the county magistrate. He will act in the name of Zhang Xian and the Changsha County Government. The situation Zhang Xian is facing now is extremely severe, and he certainly has no time to pay attention to these trivial matters.
Just when Liu Jing received news that Jingzhou's army was marching south and was preparing to block waterways and forcibly confiscate grain and grass, Chu Fang came to the official temple alone to ask for an audience.
Liu Jing originally thought he had some official business, but when he saw him coming in with a letter in his hand, Liu Jing couldn't help but feel a thump in his heart. What he was most worried about had happened.
As the saying goes, "It takes a thousand days to be a thief, but a thousand days to guard against thieves." Zhang Xian was determined to recruit Chu Fang and kept sending letters. Liu Jing was able to stop him once or twice, but eventually "fish would slip through the net."
Chu Fang strode to Liu Jing, holding a letter in his hand, bowed down and said solemnly: "When my mother was still alive, Zhang Fujun often sent people to greet my mother and give her gifts. When my mother was dying, she still said to Zhang
I will never forget your kindness, and I will definitely repay it in the future.
At the beginning of this year, Zhang Fujun wrote to invite me to go down to the north to discuss important matters. However, the situation in Changsha was relatively peaceful at that time, and I was deeply trusted by the Ming Dynasty and was granted the title of Ministry. I could not escape temporarily, so I politely declined Zhang Fujun's invitation.
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Today, Jingzhou's 100,000-strong water march takes advantage of Baqiu's great victory and marches south. Changsha is in danger. At this time, Zhang Fujun sent another letter, and the words contained a tragic and decisive meaning.
I used to be greatly favored by Lord Zhang, but now that Lord Zhang is in trouble, I can hardly stay out of it, so I dare to ask the Ming court to allow me to go north."
Liu Jing frowned deeply, helped Chu Fang up, and sighed: "Ziping, do you know that there are a hundred thousand troops in Jingzhou. Going to Linxiang at this time is almost the same as committing suicide. Rather than doing this, it is better to stay in Lingxian
, to provide foreign aid to the government."
Chu Fang shook his head resolutely and said: "I have made up my mind, and there is no need for the Ming court to persuade me." Then he said: "The Ming court has great ambitions and great talents. Although I have only known the Ming court for a short time, I am impressed by it. However, I am impressed by the Ming court.
Mr. Zhang Fu is kind and has to go. If you are lucky enough to survive this trip to Linxiang, I will definitely return to the Ming court and serve you again."
Chu Fang had spoken to this point. What else could Liu Jing say? He could only nod and let go. He held Chu Fang's hand tightly and said, "Ziping, you are so talented that you really shouldn't be buried in Jingnan."
There is no time, so I hope you can take care of your health and return safely. One day, you will have the opportunity to become famous all over the world."
Liu Jing's words were loud and clear, as if by his side, he would become famous all over the world in the future.
This is what attracted Chu Fang's heart. How can a man have no ambitions? When Emperor Gaozu saw Qin Shihuang driving his car, he dared to say, "This is what a man should do." When Shizu saw Zhijinwu traveling, he sighed, "An official should be Zhijinwu."
Although Liu Jing's power was small at this time, he always had the ambition to help the world. Compared with Liu Biao and Liu Zhang, who were members of the clan and held a state, but only knew how to defend themselves, he was more than a thousand times more powerful?
"No." Chu Fang responded solemnly.
Liu Jing asked again: "Ziping, how many troops are you going to take with you on your journey north this time?"
Chu Fang had a battalion of 800 men and horses, mainly composed of people from Lingxian County. It had been established for more than a year. Chu Fang often led them across Hunan, to raise rivers, and to eliminate bandits. They were quite elite.
To be honest, this battalion was not only the hard work of Chu Fang, but also the hard work of Liu Jing. He regarded it as his direct descendant. It was impossible for him to let Chu Fang take away all of them. But if Chu Fang only took away two or three hundred people,
He will never stop it.
Chu Fang said without hesitation: "Zhang Fujun's kindness is only given to me. This time Zhang Fujun summons me, I will naturally go alone."
"How can this be done?" Liu Jing was greatly surprised when he heard this and said: "Ziping, you are certainly brave, but it is too dangerous to go north alone. It is better to bring some people with you."
Chu Fang shook his head and said: "Faced with a hundred thousand Jingzhou army, even if we take all 800 people with us, it will not help. What Zhang Fujun values is certainly not just a few hundred people."
Liu Jing immediately fell silent. What he said was true. Zhang Xian had a hundred thousand soldiers and civilians in Linxiang, and he did not lack a few hundred soldiers. What he lacked was a general who could take charge of his own affairs. After a while, he asked again: "Ziping, when do you plan to leave?"
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"Leave today." Chu Fang replied.
Liu Jing sighed in his heart and asked again: "Are you going to take the land route or the water route?"
Chu Fang replied: "Time is tight and the waterway is too slow, so we should take the land route."
The waterway in the Hengshan section between Lingxian and Linxiang is extremely difficult to walk. It is said that "the sails turn with the Xiang, and you can look at the Hengjiang in nine directions." In fact, it is more than nine turns? It is far less convenient than riding a horse on land.
Liu Jingdao: "Since we have to travel by land, you only have one mount, so it is difficult to travel both ways. Last month, the Deng family of my wife's family came to offer dozens of good horses. You can go and get one later."
"Thank you Ming Ting." This was indeed what Chu Fang needed, so he thanked him immediately.
In Jingnan, a place that does not produce horses, good horses that can be used for riding and fighting are very precious and cannot be measured by money.
Chu Fang did not sit down for long before he stood up and left. He had not yet informed the soldiers, and before leaving, things in the camp must be properly arranged.
He was busy until the afternoon before Chu Fang was able to escape. I don't know who leaked the news. After half a day of fermentation, the rumor that Chu Ziping would go north alone to repay Zhang Changsha's kindness spread to every corner of Ling County.
Going to Hunan, thousands of people were seen off by the Chenghe River.
Liu Jing said with a solemn expression: "Ziping, I've sent you thousands of miles away, but I'll say goodbye eventually. Remember what I said to you before, don't act out of anger, you must take care of yourself and stay useful, so that you can become famous."
Chu Fang laughed loudly and said: "Although there are hundreds of thousands of Jingzhou troops, why should I be afraid of them? The Ming Dynasty should just rest assured, I will return one day."
Standing next to Liu Jing, Ma Zhou, dressed in military uniform, said: "Brother Chu, take care along the way."
Chu Fang nodded and said: "Brother Ma, I will entrust you with the eight hundred pieces under my command."
Ma Zhou said solemnly: "Brother Chu, just don't worry. When Brother Chu comes back in the future, there will definitely be a lot of eight hundred pieces of music, and they will be returned in full."
Chu Fang stopped talking and turned to look at Liu Liang. He was now seven feet and two inches tall, only slightly shorter than Chu Fang. His wrists were as long as his hips. He had a handsome appearance and looked like an adult.
"Ziming, you are a piece of rough jade. It only needs a little polishing to make it shine. Unfortunately, you are too young now. If you were two years older, this battalion could be in your hands.
"Chu Fang's evaluation is already extremely high. You must know that Liu Liang is only seventeen years old this year. In other words, Chu Fang believes that at the age of nineteen, he is capable of commanding a battalion.
Liu Liang had been deeply cared for by Chu Fang since he entered the military camp as his personal companion. Thinking that Chu Fang was going to be alone in danger, he couldn't help himself and burst into tears.
Chu Fang put his hand on his shoulder and said: "A real man must not act like a daughter."
"No." Liu Liang wiped his tears and said.
"Brother Chu, take care of it," Han Guang said, cupping his fists. He was eight feet long and had a majestic weapon. At this time, he had restored his demeanor as a Jianwu general, and it was difficult to find traces of an iron official prisoner on his body.
Chu Fang returned the greeting with a heavy fist, saying nothing.
One is from the north and the other is from the south, but they have similar temperaments and have formed a deep friendship in a short period of time.
Next, seriously, Yu Zheng and others also stepped forward to say goodbye to Chu Fang.
Seeing that it was already getting late, Chu Fang immediately stopped staying. Finally, he bowed deeply to everyone, turned around and mounted his mount, while placing his weapons and armor on another horse, he whipped off in front of everyone's attention.
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Liu Jing looked at Chu Fang's retreating figure and sighed to his left and right: "Ziping is not only 'unparalleled in filial piety and bravery', but also unparalleled in loyalty."
Although Chu Fang did not leave any traces in history, Liu Jing believed that with his ability, if he took refuge with the Ming Dynasty, he would definitely be able to stand out and even leave a name in history.
As one of the top generals under him, Chu Fang's departure was a huge loss to Liu Jing, so he was in a bad mood.
But the next day, he had no time to worry about Chu Fang's departure. The reason was very simple. Cai Sheng, Liu Xiu and Liu Zong arrived hand in hand. Following them were nearly 3,000 troops and more than 40 people.
A large or small ship.
Liu Jing couldn't help but be overjoyed and led everyone to welcome him on the Xiang River.
"Brother Cong..."
"Hongchao..."
Liu Jing could not hide the joy on his face. He and the three of them had not seen each other for more than a year, and he was very concerned about the three of them.
Liu Zong was of average stature but very majestic. He stroked his short mustache and laughed and said, "I heard that my brother-in-law is pregnant. I'm so happy and congratulated."
Liu Xiu also nodded and said, "Zhongda, congratulations."
Liu Jing said: "This is definitely an unexpected surprise. It may be that Emperor Tian also took pity on the misfortune of Shaojun's family and gave him an heir."
Liu Xiu sighed: "Since Emperor Ling, great epidemics have occurred one after another without interruption, causing people to live in dire straits. The people of the Central Plains have suffered greatly. Why did the Yellow Turban Rebellion in Zhongping sweep across eight states? They were all caused by great epidemics.
"His right arm was lost during the crusade against the Yellow Turbans.
Liu Zong nodded and said: "As the saying goes, after a war, a great epidemic will occur. After the Yellow Turban Rebellion, the Central Plains was in chaos, and wars were going on everywhere. It is not surprising that a great epidemic is raging."
Liu Jing sighed: "This scene lasted for ten or eight years, and the severity is probably even worse than that of Wang Mang who usurped the Han Dynasty."
Liu Zong and Liu Xiu were silent for a while.
"No more, this is not something we can solve now." Liu Jing shook his head. "By the way, did you meet Chu Ziping on the way here?"
"No." Liu Zong couldn't help but asked curiously: "Chu Ziping went north?"
Liu Jingjing nodded and said: "Chu Ziping went north alone to repay Lord Zhang's gift in the past."
"Chu Ziping is really a righteous man!" Liu Zong said with emotion. "I have heard of his name for a long time. However, he served his mother with the utmost filial piety. For many years, he never left Lingxian County. After his mother died, he even went to the mountain to marry him.
Lu Shou Tomb. I had been to Ling County in the past, but unfortunately, due to some strange circumstances, I was not able to meet him."
Cai Sheng said: "I often regret not getting to know Chu Ziping. I thought I would meet Chu Ziping when I came to Lingxian this time, but I missed it." He wore a military attaché on his head and a military uniform, and his temperament was chic and heroic.
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"Chu Ziping is by no means a short-lived person. There will always be a chance to meet him in the future." At this point, Liu Jing paused and asked Liu Zongdao: "Brother Cong, you have been to Baqiu in person. From your perspective, how is the Northern Army doing?
Is it really like the rumors that there are hundreds of thousands of soldiers?" To be honest, Liu Jing didn't quite believe this figure. After all, Liu Biao could support an army of 30,000 to 50,000 with only a few counties, but 100,000 was too exaggerated.
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Liu Zong looked solemn and said: "Zhongda, you must not underestimate Liu Jingsheng. Although he is a Confucian and is not trained in military affairs, he cannot be underestimated. I have personally witnessed the Northern Army, which is far more elite than the Southerners like us. As for Liu Jingsheng, he is a Confucian and not a martial artist.
Even if there are not 100,000 Northern troops, there are always 50,000."
Liu Jingjing nodded and said: "I will not look down upon people like Cao Mengde who have repeatedly failed." In fact, Liu Jing valued Liu Biao far more than anyone else, because the initial stage of starting a business has always been the most difficult. If Liu Jing can overcome
Liu Biao is such an obstacle, what can the world say about it?
Liu Jing added: "It is said that the commander-in-chief of the Northern Army this time is Kuai Yidu and Cai Degui. Cai Degui has an average intelligence and is by no means a handsome man. Kuai Yidu, on the other hand, is the most talented man in Jingzhou. The year before last, I went north to welcome him.
At that time, he was the prefect of Zhangling, and his seat was in Xinye. However, he happened to return to Xiangyang at that time, and we never got to see him. I have always felt deeply regretful."
Liu Zong nodded and said: "Kuai Yidu is indeed a great talent. He can command tens of thousands of people and use his fingers like an arm."
Liu Xiudao: "Bo Si, you are not bad at all. When the army was defeated, you collected the defeated troops, forced Wu Ju to retreat, and returned safely."
Liu Jing looked curious and said: "What's going on? Brother Cong, tell me quickly."
Liu Xiu told Liu Zong's deeds. Liu Jing learned that Liu Zong had successfully brought back more than 4,000 soldiers and more than 100 ships when the entire army was defeated. He couldn't help being stunned and sighed for a long time: "Since ancient times, we have controlled defeated armies.
The most difficult thing is that brother Cong is actually so capable. Even though he is a famous general from ancient times, why should he be added to it?"
Liu Zong was quite pleased with himself and waved his hands and said: "I just did something within my ability. Zhongda said it was too much."