"Congratulations Zhongda, on your beautiful son..." Liu Zongsifang's face was full of envy. He was twenty-seven years old and had been married for nearly ten years. During this period, he also took many concubines. But over the years, he just No one could give birth to a son for him, but he had three daughters.
While congratulating Liu Zong, he presented him with a brocade box containing a jade necklace. The Book of Songs says: "When a man is born, he carries the bed to sleep on. He carries the clothes to carry the clothes, and carries the jade ornament to play with."
Zhang, Guizhang, is a kind of precious jade article. During the Western Zhou Dynasty, ministers had to hold this as a gift when they met the princes. Let the baby boy play with Zhang, naturally in the hope that he will become an official when he grows up. Later generations inherited it, and Liu Zong became Liu Zong. Qi’s elders gave him beautiful jade, which contained beautiful blessings.
"Haha... This kid really cost Brother Cong a lot of money." Liu Jingzhi smiled from ear to ear. After two lives, he finally became a father. He was surrounded by such a huge sense of happiness. Although he had not slept all day and night, he was I am full of energy and don’t feel tired at all.
"Congratulations to brother Cong..." Liu Liang's net worth is far less than that of Liu Zong, so he can't afford a jade as a gift, so he can only give a jade bi to express his feelings.
Liu Jing smiled and said: "Ziming, you are eighteen years old this year. I got married at your age. You should also think about your marriage."
Hearing this, Liu Liang couldn't help but smile bitterly and said: "Brother Cong, don't you know what I mean? Father and mother don't agree. What can I do?" He had liked Deng Yuan's maid Ah Xi since he was a child and wanted to marry her. Both Liu Jing and Deng Yuan knew about this matter and were happy to see it come to fruition.
However, this matter was opposed by Liu Liang's parents. If Liu Liang was still the young boy who fished and sold fish with his father and had no future, they would naturally not have any requirements for their daughter-in-law. However, Liu Liang has long since passed away. Unlike before, she was valued by Liu Jing and her future prospects were limitless. Liu's father and mother inevitably had higher requirements for their daughter-in-law. They believed that only the legitimate daughter of a rich family was worthy of a son.
Liu Jing shook his head. Although he was fully confident in persuading Liu Liang's parents, doing so was just showing favor and using power to pressure others. He was unwilling to do something that would make things difficult for others. Therefore, Liu Liang still needed to resolve the matter himself. Of course, Well, if in a few years, Liu Liang's mind is still so firm, Liu Jing will come forward to persuade his parents for him and make the two of them happy.
"Congratulations to Liu Jun..." Ma Zhou, Wang Qiang, Han Guang and others all congratulated.
Cai Sheng and Liu Xiu were sent to Liling, Zhaoling, and Liandao by Liu Jing a few days ago, and they are probably still on the way. Liu Zhu is still stationed in Hengshan Township as before.
Wang Qiang has been married for many years and has children. Ma Zhou also got married last year. He married the sister of Huang Fu, a stingy man from Zhongshui Township. His wife, Huang, was also pregnant recently.
Among all the people, Han Guang was the only one who was alone. Back then, he followed Yang Ding and was defeated in Nanyang. His wife, concubines, and one daughter were all lost by Liu Biao's army. Now he doesn't even know whether he is alive or dead.
Liu Jing has long been aware of this, so he is planning to choose a well-educated and good wife for him among the Liu family's prominent branches in Longqiu in the near future.
Han Guang was eight feet tall, handsome in appearance, outstanding in talent, and had served as a general in Jianwu. He was worthy of the Liu family's daughter in Longqiu.
"Congratulations Zhongda..." Liu Gao, who is tall and handsome like a woman, walked slowly with her big sleeves fluttering. The gift he brought was five small elm trees, a gift given to newborn children in the Han Dynasty. In addition to jade, there is also the custom of giving "falling trees" as gifts.
It is planted from the day a child is born. By the time he grows up and is about to get married, the small tree has turned into a big tree. The elm tree can be used to make chariot wheels. One tree can make three pairs, and one pair is worth three bolts of silk. An ordinary home can use This is a betrothal gift.
Liu Jing couldn't help laughing. Would his son be reduced to cutting down trees as a gift? To be honest, there were hundreds of people giving gifts, but Liu Yao was the first to give the tree. The reason why he gave the tree was most likely I have no money again.
However, Liu Jing did not dislike the gift from Liu Qi. When Liu Qi grew up, he could point to the five big elm trees and say to his son: "This is a gift from Liu Wenlang, my father's savior." It makes sense when you think about it.
Liu Jing then accepted the congratulations from the Liu clan and the officials in the county and temple respectively. At noon, the crowds gradually dispersed inside and outside the official residence. It is not appropriate to celebrate the birth of a child in a big way. You can not hold a banquet and invite guests until the child is full moon. Celebrate the "full moon" ceremony, and then perform the "full moon" ceremony, that is, the first birthday, and perform the "Zhuzhou" ceremony.
…………
The next day, Liu Jing, who had had a night's rest, had no time to spend more time with his son, so he led the crowd to Chaling, Youxian, Rongling and Ancheng counties in the east according to the original plan.
The road to the four counties in the east is roughly divided into two types: water and land. The water route goes north along the Xiang River to Hengshan Township, and goes eastward via the Laishui River, a tributary of the Xiang River. The land route goes directly east across the mountainous area. However, whether it is If you take the waterway or the land route, you have to pass through Yinshan County in Guiyang County, which is the northernmost county in Guiyang County.
During the Han Dynasty, the road conditions in the Jingnan area were extremely poor. Liu Jing decided to take the waterway without much thought. Liu Liang, Ma Zhou, and Han Guang led his troops to go with him.
When Liu Jing led his warships to cross the border, the county magistrate of Yinshan not only did not dare to complain, but instead sent cattle and wine to comfort Liu Jing's soldiers.
Liu Jing did not embarrass the other party. He held a banquet and invited him to drink together and they left happily.
After leaving Yinshan County, the south bank of Laishui River is Rongling, the north bank is You County, and continuing eastward is Chaling.
Chaling Changwenchun personally led the officials and people of the three counties to welcome Liu Jing at the junction of the three counties, by the Laishui River.
Liu Jing landed ashore under the guard of soldiers. He wore a high crown, leather shoes, and official robes. His face was solemn and majestic. He strode to the officials and people of the three counties and glanced over them. Everyone felt like they were being shocked. He lowered his eyebrows and lowered his hands, not daring to be presumptuous.
Wen Chun is about fifty years old, with a medium build, a slightly longer face, and an air of elegance about him. Most of his one-foot-long beard has turned white, but he does not look obviously old.
"I come down to Chaling Chang Wenchun to pay my respects..." Wen Chun bowed to Liu Jingchang first, and then all the officials and people of the three counties fell to the ground.
Liu Jing was startled, and hurriedly held Wen Chun's arms to prevent him from bowing down, and said: "What are you doing, Wen Jun? I can't bear Wen Jun's worship. If it spreads, the world will laugh." There is no one in my sight."
Wen Chun gave up, stroked his beard and said with a smile: "With both ability and political integrity, he is the best in Jingchu. He is the best in Jingnan. I have heard about him for a long time, and when I saw him today, he is indeed worthy of his reputation."
Liu Jing smiled and said: "Wen Jun praised me highly, but I don't dare to take it seriously."
Although it was the first time that the two met, it was not the first time that they had dealt with each other. As early as last year, a large number of refugees flooded into Liu Jing's territory, and the number of troops under his command increased sharply. He sent people to the four eastern counties for help. At that time, Wenchun He was given 20,000 hu of grain as aid.
To be honest, 20,000 hu of grains was definitely not much, but Liu Jing appreciated Wenchun's affection very much. Since he had not yet established a relationship with Liu Ba at that time, the 20,000 hus of grains solved his urgent need.
Liu Jing then signaled the officials and people of the three counties to stand up and said: "Now that the governor is trapped in Linxiang, it is difficult for the county government's orders to be conveyed to the counties. Therefore, I was ordered to take charge of the nine counties in the south of Changsha."
"I would like to respect Mr. Liu's order." The officials and people of the three counties bowed before bowing.
Liu Jing added: "The three counties of Chaling, Rongling, and You are quite peaceful under the leadership of Wenjun. I will not interfere in the political affairs of the three counties." However, I heard that there are many bandits and bandits in the three counties, and Jingmanzi are everywhere.
To protect the people, I will station a battalion here."
The officials and people of the three counties secretly breathed a sigh of relief when they heard this, with uncontrollable joy on their faces. Liu Jing not only promised not to interfere in political affairs, but also sent troops to protect them. This was the result they most wanted to see.
Liu Jing has his own considerations. Since Wen Chun has the ability to manage the three counties, let him manage it. What he wants can be obtained through Wen Chun. There is no need to jump out personally. This will involve his energy. Moreover,
He may not be able to do better than Wenchun.
Accompanied by Wen Chun, Liu Jing took a tour of Rongling and You counties. Only Chaling made him stop for a moment. The reason is simple. Chaling is the richest and most stable among the three counties.
The most important thing is that iron ore is produced in the territory. Although the Han Dynasty did not set up an iron official here, the iron output is quite considerable. What's more, as long as Liu Jing is willing to invest manpower and material resources, the iron ore can be restored in a very short period of time.
, the iron output of the smelting plant doubled.
After staying in Chaling for one day, Liu Jing led his army out of Chaling County the next day and headed toward Ancheng County in the northeast.
If there are some plain areas in Chaling, then Ancheng County is surrounded by mountainous areas. The only thing worth mentioning is that there is a Lushui River in the county, which is a tributary of the Ganshui River in Yuzhang County. The Ganshui River is in Yuzhang.
Just like the Xiang River to Changsha. It was precisely because of it that Yuzhang County once supported a population of more than 1.6 million, making it one of the few large counties in the south of the Yangtze River.
According to the information obtained from Wenchun, the chief officials of Ancheng County were expelled last year by Pan Sheng, the chief surname in the county. At present, Pan Sheng has gathered 2,000 people and occupied Ancheng County.
Liu Jing led thousands of soldiers to walk more than 200 miles of mountain roads, and finally arrived at the gate of Ancheng. Pan Sheng saw that Liu Jing's army did not defend the city, so he went out of the city to ask for surrender.
Liu Jing also breathed a sigh of relief in his heart. If Pan Sheng made up his mind to defend, it would definitely give him a huge headache. After all, forcing an attack on Ancheng would definitely cost a lot of casualties. The most important thing is that the benefits after taking it are limited. But just retreat.
, and it will damage his prestige, and may even lead to instability in Chaling, Youxian and Rongling counties, which can be described as a dilemma.
Pan Sheng had such thoughts, but he believed that there was little chance of success. If he failed, he might be in danger of death, so he had no choice but to give up the risk.
The reason why he was able to drive away the chief officials of Ancheng last year was because they were incompetent in their governance and were not in the favor of the county sergeants and the people.
But Liu Jing is not the case. He has a very high reputation and prestige. Even the scholars and people in Ancheng who live in the mountainous areas have heard about him, and the scholars and people are unwilling to make enemies of him. It can be said that before Liu Jing has arrived, Ancheng has been reduced to more than half. Under such a situation
, Pan Sheng alone was unable to fight against Liu Jing, and he was in danger of being stabbed in the back. Pan Sheng had no choice but to surrender.
"Pan Sheng, the villain, pays homage to Liu Jun..." Pan Sheng led the officials and people of Ancheng to pay homage.
Liu Jing frowned slightly. This is an unstable factor. The most direct way is to kill him and annex them. However, if the other party takes the initiative to surrender, the killing may dissatisfy the people.
Liu Jing hesitated for a moment, but in the end he did not kill him, but stepped forward to help Pan Sheng up.
When Pan Sheng stood up, his forehead was dripping with sweat.
Liu Jing asked with a smile: "Is it hot under your feet?"
Pan Sheng wiped his sweat and said, "Yes, the weather is a little abnormal this year. It's so hot in March..."
Liu Jing smiled and asked: "Are there many thieves in Yuzhang here in Ancheng?"
"Many," Pan Sheng nodded and replied: "Yuzhang has been experiencing wars in recent years. The mountains and Lushui are full of bandits from Yuzhang. Ancheng has limited cultivated land, and people from all over the country are often harassed by bandits from Yuzhang.
, in desperation, he had to abandon his fields and hide in the city. The former Anseong chief was expelled by the angry Anseong people because he was afraid of the thieves and did nothing."
Liu Jing laughed when he heard this. The chief officials of Ancheng were obviously driven away by Pan Sheng. How come he turned out to be driven away by the common people? However, he did not expose Pan Sheng. The latter was not a crazy person after all.
, if he dared to kill the chief official of Ancheng last year, Liu Jing would never let him go today.
Liu Jing asked Pan Sheng a few more questions, then led his army to Ancheng and completely took over the city defense.
Ancheng had few people and limited resources, so it was not worth Liu Jing's investment. He only stayed for one night and was ready to leave.
Ma Zhou was left behind. His main tasks were to supervise the political affairs of Ancheng County internally, and to resist the Yuzhang bandits in the east and protect Ancheng, Chaling, Youxian and Rongling counties externally.
be disturbed.
Ma Zhou showed his ability to take charge of his own affairs when he was in Zhongshui and Pingyang townships in the past. Zhongshui and Pingyang townships are called townships, but they are actually the same as a county. The scale of either of them is no less than that of Ancheng.
Liu Jing was naturally relieved that Ancheng was handed over to Ma Zhou.
Before leaving, Liu Jing took Ma Zhou and warned him: "If you find Pan Sheng making any unusual moves, you can kill him immediately without reporting it to me."
Ma Zhou raised his messy eyebrows and said confidently: "Don't worry, Mr. Liu, I have seen many rural tycoons like Pan Sheng and killed more than one. As long as I am here, he will never be able to defeat him."
wave."
Liu Jing finally patted Ma Zhou on the shoulder and led everyone away.
After another long journey across rugged mountainous areas, Liu Jing returned to Chaling. This time, he left behind Liu Liang.
Liu Jing was afraid that he was young and arrogant and did not know his superiors, so he specifically warned him: "You only need to wipe out the bandits and Jingmans in the territory. All political affairs are under the control of County Magistrate Wen, and you are not allowed to interfere. If I hear that you dare to make random comments on the political affairs of the three counties,
, I will immediately recall you to Ling County and deprive you of your military power."
Liu Liang smiled dryly and said: "Brother Cong, don't you know me? I've had headaches since I was a child when I read scriptures. How can I be interested in political affairs?"
When Liu Jing heard this, he immediately couldn't laugh or cry. He didn't bother to talk nonsense with him anymore, boarded the ship docked in Lushui, and set off back to Lingxian County.