In the first month of the first month, the cavalry general Dong Cheng, the partial general Wang Fu, the Yue cavalry captain Zhong Ji, Yi Lang Wu Shuo and others received a secret edict from the emperor's belt and plotted to kill Cao Cao. The matter was leaked, Dong Cheng, Wang Fu, Zhong Ji, Wu Shuo They were all executed by Cao Cao.
In the late first month of the first month, after several days of waiting, Liu Jing received a reply from Liu Ba and learned that he had successfully persuaded the county officials to support him as the prefect of Lingling.
After Liu Ba sent the letter, he immediately led the county officials to take a boat to the border of Lingling County to wait for Liu Jing. He is expected to arrive tomorrow.
Liu Jing couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief. With his current strength, he was indeed enough to annex Lingling, but there were many things that could not be solved by strength alone. In today's current situation, using force is tantamount to destroying others. .
Liu Jing had already made preparations to go south, so as soon as there was a reply from Lingling, he led his army south without any delay that day.
Because this time they wanted to show off their military power to the people of Lingling, hundreds of warships under Liu Zong and Wang Qiang followed Liu Jing southward. On the Xiangjiang River, there were boats and boats connected with each other, and they entered the river. The scene was extremely grand, and the viewers were astonished. Look sideways.
Three days later, Liu Jing's fleet sailed into the Lingling territory in a mighty manner. The more than ten Lingling County officials, from Liu Ba down, who were waiting on the shore, were all shocked. They thought that Liu Jing could defeat the Jingzhou navy, but now It seems that it is no fluke.
Not many Lingling officials have seen Liu Jing, only Jiang Wan and two or three others. When they met today, they found that he was much younger than everyone thought. This is not surprising. Liu Jing became famous at a young age. Before he reached the age of weak crown, he was already famous in Jingzhou and was known as "the crown of Nanzhou scholars." He is only twenty-two years old this year. At this age, he should be the youngest among the people present.
However, although Liu Jing was young, he was dignified in appearance and well-dressed. Coupled with his reputation and achievements, no one dared to despise him at all, and everyone respected him in their hearts.
Liu Jing came slowly, guarded by soldiers and cavalry. Liu Ba was about to lead the officials in Lingling to salute, when he saw Liu Jing speaking first and asking: "Is this Liu Junzichu?"
Liu Ba, who had a thin face and refined temperament, nodded slightly and bowed his head and said: "Reporting to the Lord, I am none other than Liu Zichu."
Liu Jing immediately took Liu Ba's hand enthusiastically and said: "My Majesty and I have been writing and writing for more than a year. We have similar interests and similar views. We have been close friends for a long time. Today we finally have the opportunity to meet. I am very happy. joy."
Liu Ba said humbly: "The Lord Fu praised me very much. Compared with the Lord Fu, I am just a mediocre person."
Liu Jing shook his head and said: "If Zichu was a mediocre person, there would be no wise man in the world." Then he sighed: "In the past, Zichu tried his best to overcome the opinions of everyone and repeatedly provided grain and grain, so that the soldiers and exiles in Lingxian County were protected from starvation. This time, when everyone in Lingling was doubtful, it was Zichu who stepped forward to persuade the officials to accept me as their master... Zichu's affection made me wonder how to repay him."
Liu Ba said sternly: "I'm helping the prince for public service, not for personal reasons. How can I ask for repayment?"
Although the two of them had a lot to say, this was not the place for an open conversation. The two of them stopped talking for the time being, and Liu Ba introduced the colleagues around him to Liu Jing in turn.
The three major officials in Lingling County, Cao Cao Tao Zhang, Wu Guan Li Da, and Supervisor Huang Cheng, all came from the Lingling family. Among them, Tao Zhang and Li Da were both former officials of Zhang Xian, and Huang Cheng was a A young man who is not yet full-grown. Of course, this young man is much older than Liu Jing.
When Liu Jing heard that his surname was Huang, he asked curiously: "Do you know Huang Gai and Huang Gongfu?" Huang Gai, the general who served the Sun family for three generations, was from Lingling County.
He surrendered and then attacked with fire ships, severely defeating Cao's army and shattering Cao Cao's ambition to dominate the world in one fell swoop.
Huang Cheng slowly shook his head and said: "I was born in the Huang family of Chong'an, and I don't know Huang Gongfu."
Tao Zhang, a meritorious Cao Cao, happened to have worked with Huang Gai and was quite familiar with him. He said: "Huang Gongfu's family lived in Nanyang until his grandfather moved to Lingling. Huang Gongfu Shaogu's life was difficult, but
He had great ambitions in his heart. Although he was poor, he was not ordinary. He often spent his spare time reading scriptures and practicing military art. He gradually became famous. After becoming a county official, he was soon promoted to be filial and honest, and then became a public official.
Mansion, and finally followed Marquis Wucheng in the northern expedition to Dong Zhuo. Now I heard that Sun Bofu, the eldest son of Marquis Wucheng, was traveling east of the Yangtze River. I wonder if Huang Gongfu is serving under his command."
Liu Jing nodded lightly. In this way, Huang Gai's experience was more similar to his, and he could be considered a low-end version of him. At least Liu Jing's family was not so poor that he cut firewood to make ends meet.
Although Huang Gai was young and lonely and poor, his family had scriptures and art of war. In this era when books were extremely precious, as long as he did not surrender, he would definitely be able to stand out.
Next, Liu Jing's eyes fell on Jiang Wan, who had a handsome appearance and a deep demeanor, and said with a smile: "We have been apart for more than half a year. Is Gong Yan okay after seeing you?"
Jiang Wan bowed his head and said, "Everything is well with you. I have you, Mr. Laofu, thinking about you."
Liu Jing smiled and nodded. In the past six months, he had also written several letters to Jiang Wan, but because the latter was currently only an assistant, he was not considered a core member of Lingling. Therefore, Liu Jing and him were missing.
There are many common topics, and most of them are private matters. Unlike Liu Ba, who can talk about both public and private matters, there is endless talk. And when it comes to the degree of intimacy, it is naturally not as good as Liu Ba.
At this time, the sun had just risen to high in the sky. After greetings, Liu Jing invited Liu Ba and others to board his long-awaited ship, and set off again to Zhiquanling, Lingling County.
Two days later, when the fleet entered the boundary of Quanling, the population on both sides of the Xiang River gradually began to become denser. It was now the second half of the first lunar month, and spring plowing was about to begin in Jingnan. Liu Jing, Liu Ba, and Jiang Wan were sitting on the third seat of the building boat.
In the noble room on the first floor, Liu Jing looked at the scenery outside the window and asked Jiang Wan beside him: "Gong Yan, how is the situation of Quyuli this year?"
When Jiang Wan met with Liu Jing last spring, he proposed to bring the Quyu plow back to Lingling and teach it to the people. However, spring plowing had already begun in the Lingling area at that time. Although Jiang Wan rushed to work on a batch of Quyu plows after returning,
But in the end it was too late and it didn't have much impact.
Jiang Wan said: "Gang Ji is specifically responsible for this matter, so let's let Gang Ji do the talking."
"The Quyu plow is really a tool that benefits the people." Liu Ba couldn't remember how many times he had said this sentence, and said: "According to the previous suggestion of the emperor, we made a batch of Quyu plows early and distributed them free of charge.
The households in Quanling were assigned to all households. This aroused great discussion among the people of Quanling."
Liu Dingding nodded, relying on the county government to distribute it for free is not a long-term solution. This is just to achieve an eye-catching effect. By then, as long as the people see the wonders of the Quyuan Li, they will definitely imitate it.
Liu Jing's fleet filled the river, with no beginning or end visible. It was so huge that it was shocking. The people in Quanling who were watching could not help but marvel. Since they could remember, they had never seen such a spectacular fleet.
The fleet docked at the north ferry of Quanling City. At this time, the area between the Xiang and Shen Rivers was already filled with ladies and common people. People were all looking up. Compared to the officials of Guiyang County, the people of Quanling were more enthusiastic towards Liu Jing.
Lingling is close to Changsha and only a few hundred miles away from Ling County. Everyone knows more or less some rumors about Liu Jing. It is said that he was a benevolent and righteous gentleman who loved the people like a son and governed well. Such a person became the prefect of Lingling.
, of course they are welcoming.
Liu Jing, surrounded by Liu Ba and other Lingling officials, and welcomed by the people of Quanling, entered Quanling.
On the outside of the Quanling moat, there is a circle of wooden palisades that serve as a city wall. As the outside world says, "weaving wood into a city."
…………
Guiyang, Leiyang, County Temple.
Sixteen-year-old Liu He has grown to nearly 6 feet 8 inches, which is almost the average height for men in Jingnan area. He wears a turban on his head, an official robe, a long sword on his waist, and holds a lot of documents in his arms.
Knock on the door of the sitting room.
After he became a disciple of Huan Yi last year, he did not want to be a Confucian scholar who only knew about studying, so he invited himself to be a disciple. Huan Yi was not a pure Confucian, so he admired his pragmatic character and agreed to him.
requirements.
From then on, Liu He worked during the day and studied at night, while Xiu Mu studied "Zuo Zhuan" from Huan Yi. For more than half a year, he lived a very fulfilling life.
"Come in..." Huan Yi's voice came from the toilet seat.
Liu He pushed the door open and said to Huan Yi calmly: "Ming Ting, this is today's official document."
Huan Yi smiled and said: "Put it on the case." Huan Yi was very satisfied with Liu He, his disciple. Although he did not have the amazing talent of Liu Jing, he was by no means mediocre. Huan Yi thought that he was
A piece of unpretentious jade, as long as it is carefully polished, will eventually shine with dazzling brilliance.
Huan Yi said again: "By the way, Wenyi, how have you considered the previous matter?"
A few days ago, he and Liu Jing were appointed as the Grand Administrator of Guiyang and the Grand Administrator of Lingling respectively by Zhang Xian.
In troubled times, the prefect of a county already had the power to appoint the county magistrate at will. As the saying goes, "brothers fight tigers, and father and son fight in battle." Huan Yi asked Liu He if he intended to return to Ling County.
Of course Liu He was more inclined to go back, but he couldn't make the decision himself, so he replied: "I haven't decided yet. Recently, I wrote a letter to my brother asking for his opinion."
Huan Yi naturally heard his disciple's thoughts and nodded: "You, like Zhongda, like to read. You don't ask for a detailed explanation, just know the general meaning. If you continue to stay here, you won't learn anything. It's better to go back to Zhongda."
It is said that Sun Zhongmou, the second son of Marquis Wucheng, was promoted as a filial and honest man at the age of fifteen and became the head of a county.
Liu He's expression changed, but Huan Yi's words hit exactly what was on his mind.
While the two were talking, a veteran official appeared outside. When Huan Yi saw him, he immediately stopped talking, stood up and asked, "What's the reply from Guiyang County?" This man was from his tribe.
He was ordered to go to Guiyang County to govern Chen County and test the attitude of the county officials towards him.
Liu He pushed aside calmly.
"They refused." The Huan Yi people said angrily. Then they took out a reply letter from Guiyang County Government and handed it to Huan Yi.
Although Huan Yi was a little disappointed, this was expected. He had neither Liu Jing's reputation nor Liu Jing's army, so it was strange that the officials in Guiyang County would accept him.
Huan Yi opened the letter and read it word for word. The words in the letter were very polite.
After all, in the eyes of the officials in Guiyang County, Huan Yi and Liu Jing have a close relationship. Liu Jing supported Huan Yi and sent troops to expel the Leiyang order. Who knows whether Liu Jing will send troops to Guiyang for him again, so even if
The rejection was also very carefully worded, and the reason was that the people were unwilling, not that they were unwilling.
Huan Yi put the letter aside. It seemed that it would be difficult for him to change the status quo on his own, and Liu Jing would have to help.
…………
Linxiang, the county government.
"Cough...cough..." Liu Pan leaned on the bedside sluggishly, his face pale, but his lips were extremely red, and every time he coughed, there was a trace of blood.
Huan Yi hurried to Liu Pan's residence and happened to see the dazzling bright red on his handkerchief. He was shocked and said: "Yuanlong..."
Liu Pan hurriedly stuffed the handkerchief under his pillow and said: "Bo Xu, Linxiang is in critical condition now, why did you come to see me again? Ahem..." This time, because there was no handkerchief to cover it, blood sprayed directly on his clothes.
.
Huan Jie couldn't help but feel cold in his heart. He immediately knew that Liu Pan was probably running out of time. He came to the bedside and said with a sad face: "Yuanlong, the former monarch has just left, and the new monarch has not yet established his kindness and power. Linxiang
Being besieged by the Northern Army all night long and in danger, you are the only hope in Linxiang. At this time, you must not make any mistakes."
Liu Pan twitched the corner of his mouth and said: "I had Dr. Zhang Zhongjing, a medical doctor, take a look at it before, and I also took some decoctions, but unfortunately they had no effect. Time is running out. Dr. Zhang Zhongjing later provided several more prescriptions.
, but there is a shortage of medicine in Linxiang. If I continue to take it, it will be just a waste. It is better to leave it to those who need it."
Huan Jie said: "Why didn't Zhang Zhongjing tell me?"
"Ahem..." Liu Pan said, "I asked him not to tell others."
Huan Jie lamented: "Yuanlong, if you have three strengths and two weaknesses, how can I support you alone?"
Liu Pan sighed and said while coughing: "Actually, you also know that after Zhang Fujun's death, Linxiang can no longer be defended."
Huan Jie suddenly fell into silence. Zhang Xian was the backbone of Linxiang. With his death, everyone in Linxiang, from the soldiers to the people, felt uneasy and could not be at ease. Even though Zhang Yi had performed well since he took over as the governor of Changsha, it was of little use.
No, he lacks the prestige of his father and cannot suppress the current situation at all.
There are only two endings for Linxiang in the future. One is that it is captured by the Jingzhou Army, and the other is that Linxiang soldiers open the city gate and surrender. There is no third ending.
However, there are some things that you do even if you know you can't do them. Huan Jie was like this, so why not Liu Pan?
If he had listened to Liu Jing's persuasion and left Linxiang, he might not have been as miserable as he was today, but Liu Pan refused without hesitation.
To this day, Liu Pan still has no regrets. A real man does something and doesn't do something. In his heart, honor and integrity are more important than life and death. It's just a mere death. What's the point?
A few days later, Liu Pan vomited blood and died in the official residence.