The two coaches of the Jingzhou Army had serious disagreements over whether to surrender Liu Jing.
Kuai Yue is urging surrender. Judging from the intelligence he has received so far, Liu Jing's strength has expanded rapidly in recent years and is no longer much weaker than Zhang Xian. Unless Liu Biao significantly increases his troops, with the current strength of the Jingzhou Army, he may be
It was a protracted war.
In comparison, recruiting Liu Jing to surrender is undoubtedly the least expensive way to unify Jingnan, and even giving his high-ranking official a generous salary is very cost-effective.
Cai Mao firmly opposed Liu Jing's surrender. In the battle last year, he was defeated miserably at the hands of Liu Jing. Not only did he lose nearly half of his warships, but six of his clan brothers died. He has always felt deeply ashamed in his heart.
If Liu Jing is recruited to surrender, where will he be placed? He will surely be ridiculed by the people of Xiangyang. Only by killing Liu Jing can he re-establish his prestige and comfort his brothers in the clan...
Liu Jing must die! This is the only thought in Cai Mao's heart.
However, as Liu Biao's order was issued, the dispute between the two ended.
Cai Mao was so angry that he couldn't get angry, so he could only walk away to show his dissatisfaction.
Kuai Yue ignored Cai Mao's rudeness and immediately wrote a letter and handed it to Lai Gong together with Liu Biao's letter, ordering him to go south immediately.
Lai Gong immediately packed his bags and took a boat to Lingxian County. After last year's battle, the Jingzhou navy was severely damaged and could only huddle in Linxiang. To this day, it has not fully recovered its vitality. Since Linxiang,
South China has completely become the domain of Liu Jingshui's army.
Lai Gong's ship had only gone a hundred miles out of Linxiang when it encountered Chimazhou, a scout of Liu Jingshui's army.
In order to avoid causing misunderstanding and being attacked by the opponent, Lai Gong hurriedly explained the intention of his trip. Afterwards, with Chi Ma Zhou in front to guide him, the journey was finally uneventful.
The further the ship went south, the more people fled. The whole family and even the entire clan migrated south, which made Lai Gong sigh in his heart.
He really didn't want such a scene to happen again in his hometown Lingling.
Liu Jing is now the only force in Jingnan that can fight against the Jingzhou Army. Lingling and Guiyang counties are both waiting and watching. As long as Liu Jing can be persuaded, peace will return to Jingnan in an instant.
Regarding this trip, Lai Gong was quite optimistic. In order to recruit Liu Jing to surrender, Liu Biao did not hesitate to pay for it with Zhang Ling, which can be said to be full of sincerity. It should be noted that Liu Jing is only twenty-two years old this year. From ancient times to the present, people in their early twenties can
There are very few people who can become the governor of a county.
As for the title of Lingling Prefect that Liu Jing currently holds on his head, Lai Gong doesn't take it seriously at all. Zhang Xian himself is only the Prefect of Changsha, so what qualifications does he have to appoint others as the Prefect?
In Jingzhou, only Liu Biao, the shepherd of Jingzhou, had the qualifications to appoint or remove the prefect.
Just when Lai Gong was full of confidence and headed south, Liu Jing, in order to prepare for the Jingzhou army with all his strength, transferred all the generals stationed outside back to Ling County.
Among the generals, Liu Xiu, the clan brother, has the strongest military strength. In addition to his own troops, he was also in charge of more than 900 people from Wu Ju's old tribe. In addition, he recruited some from Zhaoling and Liandao in the past year. Now he has a strong army.
Breaking through the 2,000-person mark in one fell swoop.
Followed by Liu Liang, he was stationed in Chaling, Youxian and Rongling counties, which were relatively stable and prosperous, and his military strength was expanded to 1,600.
Next is Cai Sheng. His base in Liling is close to Linxiang, so he received Liu Jing's instructions and expanded his troops to more than 1,300 men. Ma Zhou guarded An City, with powerful internal defenses and Yuzhang bandits externally, with a military strength of one
Thousands and two hundred people.
The trio of Liu Zong, Ma Zhou and Han Guang also reached the scale of 1,000 people.
Including the 700 Ling County soldiers in Zhen Zhen's hands, the total number of infantry under Liu Jing's command reached nearly 10,000. Although it was less than one-third of the Jingzhou army, it was more than enough to defend the city.
In addition, when Chu Fang returned, his original songs were now in the hands of Liu Liang. Liu Liang had served Chu Fang in the past and was greatly favored by him. He wanted to return his songs, but Liu Jing stopped him and handed over the Wu Ju tribe that Liu Xiu was in charge of.
Give it to Chu Fang.
Chu Fang did not show any dissatisfaction with this and accepted it readily.
In order to repay Zhang Xian's favor in the past, Chu Fang insisted on going north. Although he had a good reason, he had failed Liu Jing after all. Therefore, no matter what Liu Jing did, Chu Fang had no complaints.
Upon receiving the news that Lai Gong had come to Ling County, Liu Jing immediately informed his sister-in-law Lai Ci.
Lai Ci couldn't help but be overjoyed. She and her brother had not seen each other for a long time. The most recent time was when her husband passed away five years ago. At that time, she was silent in the deep sorrow of losing her husband, and there was no joy at all in the reunion between brother and sister. This time
This time we finally had the opportunity to have a good gathering to show how much we miss our brother.
On the day Lai Gong arrived, Liu Jing and Deng Yuan accompanied their sister-in-law Lai Ci and nephew Liu Qun to welcome him at the Xiangshui Ferry outside Ling County.
Deng Yuan was still in the mourning period, so if it were anyone else, there would be no need to come in person, but Lai Gong was Liu Jing, the recipient of Deng Yuan's wedding favor, so Deng Yuan made an exception and came.
As soon as Lai Gong, who was wearing a ceremonial coat and wearing leather shoes, landed ashore, he saw his sister Lai Ci holding his nephew Liu Qun and looking at him with tears in his eyes.
Lai Gong couldn't help but have sore eyes. He quickened his pace and came to Lai Ci, looking at her carefully from top to bottom. Seeing her beautiful face with high bun and fine clothes, she knew that her sister had gradually recovered from the pain of losing her husband, and felt very sorry for her.
She felt happy and couldn't help but sigh: "Brother, I am already in my forties, and my temples have turned gray recently, but Li Ji is still as beautiful as before."
Lai Ci wiped away her tears and said slightly embarrassed: "Brother, why do you tease me the moment we meet?"
"These are my brother's words from the bottom of his heart, why are you saying it jokingly?" Lai Gong smiled and shook his head, then looked at his nephew Liu Qun. The eleven-year-old Liu Qun has perfectly inherited the excellent genes from his parents, with a handsome appearance and bright eyes.
Langxing was a gentleman. Lai Gong was very satisfied with his nephew and asked: "Hutou, do you still recognize my uncle?"
"How could you not recognize your uncle?" Liu Qun immediately bowed and said, "My nephew Liu Qun, please pay homage to your uncle."
"Haha, you don't need to be polite with a tiger head." Lai Gong helped Liu Qun up.
Only then did Liu Jing and Deng Yuan step forward to greet Lai Gong: "Lai Jun..."
Lai Gong looked at Liu Jing, who was tall, handsome and majestic, and felt very complicated. When Liu Jing was a young man, he studied in Xiangyang and stayed in his house for two years. Lai Gong asked himself that he had completely seen through Liu Jing and concluded that he
The future will definitely be mediocre and difficult to achieve.
However, who knew that when the two met again, Liu Jing had become the crown prince of Jingzhou scholars, famous for his virtues and talents in Jingchu. But this time when they met, Liu Jing became the person who could influence the trend of Jingnan. Jingzhou Shepherd Liu Biao had to come up with something
One county to win over them. How could Lai Gong not be filled with emotion for this?
Lai Gong calmed down and looked at Liu Jing and Deng Yuan standing together, as straight as a jade man, and sighed: "Time flies so fast. It still seems like yesterday that Zhong Da joined the Deng family. I heard that you
Have you given birth to an heir?"
Liu Jing smiled and replied: "Yes, my son's name is Liu Qi, and he has just passed his birthday."
"Very good, very good..." Lai Gong couldn't help but nodded.
"Lai Jun, there are so many people here, it's not the place to talk," Liu Jing raised his hand and pointed to the carriage and horse behind him, and said, "I have prepared the carriage and horse for Lai Jun. Please get in."
Lai Gong nodded lightly and got on the carriage. Except for a few followers, the rest of the people stayed on the boat, as there might be people with ulterior motives lurking inside. Liu Jing sent people to monitor closely outside.
As the carriage got closer and closer to Lingxian County, Lai Gong's expression became more and more serious. He had heard before that although Lingxian County was small, it was built like a copper and iron wall by Liu Jing. Now that he saw it, it was even more than the rumors.
With this fortified city, I am afraid that with only 5,000 troops, it is enough to defeat ten times the enemy, causing the Jingzhou army to suffer a bloody blow.
Lai Gong was suddenly no longer as confident as before about the purpose of his trip. This city could not be built in a short time. Liu Jing had been preparing for the Jingzhou Army's march south a few years ago. How deep are the plans of man!
When Liu Jing returned home, he immediately held a banquet in honor of Lai Gong, who was tired from traveling and traveling.
At the banquet, Lai Gong once wanted to talk about the purpose of his trip, but Liu Jing stopped him on the grounds that "Lai Jun is here for the first time, and he will only talk about personal matters today, not official matters. If there is anything else, we will talk about it tomorrow."
Lai Gong couldn't figure out Liu Jing's attitude for a while, so he could only give up temporarily.
The next day, Lai Gong was about to go find Liu Jing, but was told that Liu Jing suddenly encountered something urgent and went south to Zhongshui and Pingyang Township.
After inquiring, Lai Gong learned that Zhongshui and Pingyang Townships are located a hundred miles south of Lingxian County, and it would take at least several days for Liu Jing to come back and forth. Lai Gong couldn't help but feel a "thump" in his heart. Liu Jing's move was obviously a delay. Time, this attitude, doesn't seem like you want to surrender.
Lai Gong knew that it was useless to be anxious, so he reluctantly suppressed his worries and stayed with his sister Lai Ci all day long, teaching his nephew Liu Qun to read.
After five days in a row, Liu Jing finally returned. Lai Gong suppressed the anger in his heart and snorted: "Why did Zhongda leave without saying goodbye? Isn't it rude to leave a guest at home?"
Liu Jing looked calm and calm, smiled and saluted, "I didn't mean to neglect Mr. Lai. I actually encountered something quite difficult, so I left without saying goodbye. Please forgive Mr. Lai."
Lai Gong didn't believe a word of Liu Jing's words and went straight to the point: "I came here this time on the order of the general to worship Zhongda as the prefect of Zhangling." After saying this, he took out Liu Biao and Kuai from his arms. Yue's handwritten letter was delivered to Liu Jing.
"Oh?" Liu Jing raised his eyebrows slightly when he heard this. He had to admit that Liu Biao did show enough sincerity in order to recruit him. After all, under Liu Biao's rule, there were only Nanjun, Zhangling, Jiangxia, Wuling, and part of Nanyang. There are only four and a half counties in total, although Zhangling is the smallest among them.
Liu Jing unhurriedly opened Liu Biao's letter and read it roughly.
Liu Biao's letter was nothing more than talking about how he appreciated his talent back then, and how he regretted that he could not accept Mao Cai.
Then the conversation changed and he talked about the tragic situation of the people in Jingnan. He showed a compassionate attitude and claimed that he did not want to see the people in Jingnan continue to suffer from the war.
Finally, he praised Liu Jing fiercely. Not only did he praise him for his ability and political integrity, but he also won the hearts of the people in Jingnan and wanted to worship him as the governor of Zhangling.
Liu Jing burst out laughing. Did Liu Biao want to use the people of Jingnan to force him up?
Liu Jing opened Kuai Yue's letter again. Since the two of them had never met each other, most of the letters contained empty praises and words of praise. Liu Jing read almost ten lines at a glance.
Putting down Kuai Yue's letter, Liu Jing raised his head again, smiled at Lai Gong and said, "I am fully aware of the general's appreciation for me and his compassion for the people in Jingnan."
Lai Gong asked: "Should Zhongda do it?"
Liu Jing shook his head slightly and said: "The general wants to worship me as the governor of Zhang Ling. I am very grateful. However, Zhang Ling's new field is where my wife's family is. This move may violate the laws of the country."
Lai Gong said: "During the time of Emperor Huan, the imperial court was afraid that 'the states and counties would be in conflict with each other, and people would be incompatible with each other', so they established the 'Three Mutual Laws'. However, the taboos of the 'Three Mutual Laws' were too strict, and often 'the taboos were turned into secrets, making the selection difficult,' leading to confusion."
, I hope that the officials of the two governors of Hebei will be 'short and unable to make up for it'. The general knew the shortcomings of the three mutual laws and could not stop them."
"Lai Jun's words are wrong." Liu Jing said in a calm tone: "The country has established laws. No matter whether there are shortcomings or not, we must strictly abide by them. Even General Liu is no exception. Otherwise, where will the dignity of the country be?"
?”
When Lai Gong heard what Liu Jing said, he immediately knew that he was not satisfied with the position of Zhang Ling Prefect. He was secretly surprised, but this was somewhat beyond his expectation. He frowned and asked: "Is Zhongda unwilling to serve Zhang Ling?"
Ling Taishou?"
Liu Jing smiled and said: "It's not that I don't want to, but I really don't dare. I don't dare to violate the laws of the country."
Lai Gong asked: "What do you mean by Yi Zhongda?"
Liu Jingdao: "I was born and raised here, and I don't want to leave my hometown in Jingnan. Previously, Zhang Changsha promoted me to be the prefect of Lingling. General Liu might as well follow his lead. With me guarding Jingnan, General Liu can sit back and relax."
Lai Gong looked at Liu Jing and was speechless for a long time. If Liu Biao really did this, it would be like killing a wolf and raising a tiger. Liu Biao would not agree to this condition at all.
After a long while, Lai Gong sighed: "Zhongda, this is difficult for someone to do."
Liu Jing said calmly: "Lai Jun, this is my condition."
Lai Gong persuaded him bitterly: "Zhongda, do you know that once you reject the general, the war in Jingnan will immediately resume. Don't think that just because you defeated the Jingzhou navy last year, you think the general can be bullied. Now the navy not only
After all, we will be even better than before. When the general gives an order, Jingzhou's 100,000 water infantry troops will arrive at the city in an instant. By then, it will be too late for Zhongda to regret it."
Liu Jingshi smiled and said: "Lai Jun's words can only deceive ignorant men and women, but they cannot deceive me. If the strength of the Northern Army's naval division is restored, why dare not take a step out of Linxiang? Besides, the general's name is Jingzhou.
Mu, he only controls a few counties in the north of the Yangtze River. There are Cao Mengde in the north, Liu Jiyu in the west, and Sun family in the east. Heavy troops are needed to guard the three sides. How can there be a hundred thousand soldiers going south? In my opinion, there may not be fifty thousand.
.”
Lai Gong said: "Even if there is only fifty thousand, it is beyond Zhongda's ability."
"Otherwise." Liu Jing retorted: "The soldiers of the Northern Army have been away from home for a long time, and they will be seriously homesick. After years of continuous fighting, they will be seriously tired of fighting. In addition, the people in the north of the Yangtze River are not accustomed to the soil and water of the south, and the army will surely win the epidemic. As the saying goes, 'at the end of a strong crossbow, strength will
Can't enter Lujin.' The Northern Army looks strong, but in fact it is vulnerable. When Lai Jun came, he saw the defense of Lingxian County. If the Northern Army dares to come, they will definitely be defeated."