If Cai Mao still has the same strength as before, Liu Cong will have more important bargaining chips as he becomes the Holy Emperor. However, since Cai Mao withdrew from Jingzhou's political arena and then came back again, his influence has become much smaller, and even Cai Mao's influence in the court has been reduced.
There were few comments in the hall, it was just a decoration. If it weren't for Empress Cai bragging in front of Liu Biao, the Cai family would have been annexed by other aristocratic families who were eyeing her.
The Cai family was Empress Cai's natal family in any case. Not long after Liu Biao ascended the throne, Empress Cai re-recommended Cai Mao to Liu Biao to take charge of the navy and military power. No one in the court dared to underestimate him.
"Your Majesty, didn't you say you wanted to take the military power from Liu Bei's hands? Why did you let him go again?" Queen Cai sat next to Liu Biao and gently shook Liu Biao's body and said.
"Liu Bei is a fierce tiger, and Jingzhou is the place of the Four Wars. After a hundred years, I don't want Jingzhou to fall into the enemy's hands overnight. I had a conversation with Liu Bei today and saw that he is loyal to Jingzhou and has no objections, so I let him go.
He left." Liu Biao closed his eyes slightly and continued: "Don't interfere with the affairs in the court. Don't forget that you are the queen, and your mother honors the world. I have also heard about the recent events in the harem."
In the Han Dynasty, there were many taboos. One of the well-known ones was that Empress Lu came to power, which sounded the alarm for many emperors.
Although Liu Biao doted on Empress Cai on weekdays, he did not want to make mistakes on such a big matter.
After Liu Bei left the palace, he did not stay in Xiangyang, but returned to Jiangling and told Zhuge Liang everything that happened in the palace.
"My lord, I have been observing the sky at night, and I have discovered that Liu Biao will die soon. Why don't you make plans in advance and wait for the situation to change? If there is a change in Jingzhou, you should lead your troops and horses to march straight into Xiangyang and stabilize the situation in Jingzhou." Zhuge Liang spoke up.
Diversion.
Liu Bei's face changed slightly. Years of battles, defeats and victories have made him a little numb. To be honest, he really doesn't want to lose Jiangling, and he has no feelings for Liu Biao in Jingzhou, even if Liu Biao dies and takes it.
When I came here, I felt no pressure at all.
"Sir," Liu Bei hesitated, "Jing Sheng is from the same clan as Bei. Even after his death, Bei should do his best to assist the new sage."
"My lord, don't worry. After Liu Jingsheng's death, Jingzhou is bound to fall into turmoil. Liu Biao has two sons, Liu Qi and Liu Cong. As of now, the heir to the throne has not been decided. The ministers under his command are panicked and don't know where to go."
Zhuge Liang talked about it in detail: "After my lord leads the army to Xiangyang, he will not only help the Liu family stabilize Jingzhou, but will also be rewarded with great fame. When the time comes, my lord will assist the Holy Emperor in Xiangyang. Wouldn't it be a happy thing?"
"Okay, just in the opinion of the military advisor." Liu Bei said slowly after thinking for a long time. The path pointed out by Zhuge Liang is essentially different from directly capturing Jingzhou. After taking control of Xiangyang, he said that he was assisting the new emperor, but in fact he was
Grasp the outline of the court, and everything in Jingzhou is also under his control. It can be seen that Jingzhou belongs to the Holy One, but in fact it is his own. With Jingzhou as a support, he can advance to the country of Yizhou and attack the hinterland of the Central Plains, using Jingzhou's heritage
, the strength will definitely skyrocket.
Three days later, Liu Biao died suddenly. Every household in Jingzhou was covered with white cloth, and the palace was filled with mourning.
However, until his death, Liu Biao did not choose his successor. It was true that he liked Liu Cong, but Liu Qi was the eldest son, and the eldest son had been designated as his heir since ancient times.
There were not a few ministers who supported Liu Cong as emperor, mainly because when Liu Biao was in power, many ministers gave some hints and turned to Liu Cong. Cai Mao was Liu Cong's uncle. For a time, the tide also lifted all boats, and there were many
With the support of the minister, the status in Jingzhou instantly surpassed that of the Kuai family.
The Kuai family did not participate in any party in this fight, but just waited and watched. Whether Liu Cong or Liu Qi ascended the throne, the Kuai family would do their best to assist, but such a wallflower would not let the new emperor.
The Holy One loves.
He had military power in his hands, and his eldest son Liu Qi was also named the prefect of Jiangxia by Liu Biao, guarding the land of Jiangxia with Huang Zu. He had not yet come back to see Liu Biao for the last time.
Cai Mao had military power in his hands and the support of officials in the court. On the third day after Liu Biao's death, he assisted Liu Cong in ascending the throne as emperor. At this time, Liu Qi was on his way back to Xiangyang.
After the young Liu Cong ascended the throne and became emperor, he knew nothing and had to rely on Cai Hao to assist in government affairs. Empress Cai also began to listen to politics behind the curtain and interfere in the government affairs.
After Liu Qi returned to Xiangyang, the soldiers guarding the palace gate stopped him. No matter whether he cried or not, he could not enter the palace.
After crying loudly outside the palace, unable to see Liu Biao's body, he left the city and rushed to Jiangling.
When he saw Liu Bei, Liu Qi burst into tears and told him exactly what he had experienced in Xiangyang.
Zhuge Liang nodded slightly, knowing that the time had come. Xiangyang's defenses should be the most relaxed at this time. As long as he got in touch with the general guarding the gate, and with a little effort, he could take over Jingzhou.
Now that he had decided, Liu Bei no longer hesitated. While agreeing to Liu Qi, he began to intensify his efforts to clear Liu Qi's name. In any case, Liu Qi was Liu Biao's eldest son. According to the rules set by his ancestors, he should also be the emperor.
Come and take charge.
When the gatekeeper of Jingzhou saw Liu Bei leading more than a hundred people to express condolences, he immediately let him in. Mainly because these days, too many Jingzhou officials came to express their condolences, and Cai Mao did not have any specific measures to guard the gate.
The generals speak softly and don't offend other officials. If you let them in now, you can become more or less familiar with them, and it will be easier to ask them for help in the future.
As soon as they entered the city, one of Liu Bei's cavalrymen controlled the general guarding the gate. To outsiders, it seemed as if the general guarding the gate was chatting with Liu Bei and reminiscing about old times.
Half an hour later, the rumble of horse hoofbeats was heard, and the banners that blocked out the sun all day surprised the people in the city and returned to their homes one after another. With the cooperation of the gatekeeper generals, Liu Bei's army entered Xiangyang easily.
After taking control of Xiangyang, Liu Bei immediately rectified the name of his eldest son Liu Qi, established Liu Qi as emperor, and led his troops towards the palace in a mighty manner.
At this time, the defenders of Xiangyang were all disarmed by Liu Bei. The guards at the six city gates were also members of Liu Bei's army, and the entire city was under control.
Liu Cong was just a child. How could he face such a situation and stand aside with a pale face?
A sharp look flashed across Cai Mao's eyes. He didn't expect that Liu Bei would be so bold as to openly lead an army into Xiangyang under such a banner. Anyone with a discerning eye would know what Liu Bei's intention was. Even if Liu Qi ascended the throne as emperor, he would not be able to conquer Xiangyang.
If you hand over the military power in your hands, you will rely on Jingzhou to recruit troops and strengthen your own strength.
A moment of negligence allowed a tiger to break into Xiangyang, and Cai Mao's heart was full of mixed emotions.
"Invite Lord Kuai into the palace and go secretly," Cai Mao said.
Liu Bei completely surrounded the entire palace. Even a fly would be discovered, let alone a hurried Xiaohuangmen. After learning that Cai Mao wanted to see Kuai Liang, Liu Bei allowed him to leave.
The overall situation in Xiangyang has been decided, and even Kuai Liang will understand the situation clearly.
Sure enough, Kuai Liang Tuo could not get out of his illness and allowed the situation to develop.
For a moment, countless thoughts flashed through Cai Mao's mind. Looking at his nephew sitting on the emperor's throne, he had a vague feeling that he wanted to lead the army to fight Liu Bei's army outside the city, even if he died on the battlefield.
No matter what.
In the end, reason prevailed over passion, and Cai Mao and others opened the palace door to welcome Liu Bei and others in.
Seeing the layout of the palace, even Zhuge Liang couldn't help but exclaimed. Even the palace in Luoyang was not much different. If Liu Biao had used all the money to build armies and cities, Jingzhou would be so powerful.
The palace's floor space is naturally not comparable to that of Luoyang, but it can be considered a condensed version. It has everything it needs, including palaces and terraces, and countless palace maids coming and going.
Liu Bei did not forget the purpose of entering the palace. Liu Qi became the new emperor of Jingzhou as he wished, and Liu Biao was buried well. Liu Cong was also named a prince and was detained in the city.
At this time, Jia Rong had returned to Chang'an from Jizhou. Through intelligence, it was fully known about Jingzhou that Liu Biao's death was too hasty, and Liu Bei's preparations were so complete that he successfully captured Xiangyang.
"With the land of Jingzhou and Zhuge Liang's help, Liu Bei will become a formidable enemy." Jia Rong sighed.
"My lord, Liu Bei has been defeated in many battles. He is an ominous person. Even if he owns the land of Jingzhou, what can he do? Liu Yan of Yizhou is still there, with a hundred thousand soldiers and horses in his hands, well-equipped soldiers, and the terrain is dangerous. How dare Liu Bei
Sun Quan easily attacked Jiangdong. After three generations, his army was strong and the people were attached to him. He fought many battles with the Jingzhou navy without distinction. It is impossible to attack Jiangdong, let alone Cao Cao." Jia Xu said:
"Liu Bei can only live in a corner. If Liu Bei does not have great talents, he will only be defeated."
Jia Rong nodded slightly and sighed to himself, mainly because of the celebrity effect. Who knows what opportunities these famous figures in history will create in desperate situations. Take this time Liu Biao died and Liu Cong ascended the throne as emperor.
With Cai Mao's assistance, the situation was great, but because of the negligence of the city gate, Liu Bei was able to take control of Xiangyang.
"Pay close attention to the trends in Jingzhou," Jia Rong said.
The one who is least worried now is the Xiliang Army. It controls a vast territory and has abundant troops and food. Not even Cao Cao can compare with it. Once the troops leave Luoyang and compete in the Central Plains, there will be waves of bloodshed.
Ever since Lu Huan came to the craftsman's workshop and became familiar with the rules inside, he seemed to be completely attracted by the things inside. Except during meal time, other craftsmen could see him. At other times, they rarely met him, but Lu Huan
The achievements after coming to the craftsman's workshop are obvious to all. Needless to say, the enhanced version of the repeating ballista. This kind of heavy weapon that can quickly adjust the angle at any time is probably the first in this era.
After seeing the Thunderbolt Car, Lu Huan's eyes lit up. He modified the Thunderbolt Car and doubled its range. Even Jia Rong, a man from the future, had to admit that Lu Huan was indeed capable. The Lu family's status in the craftsman's workshop became
Getting higher and higher.
Many craftsmen who followed the Lu family were not placed in craftsmen's workshops. Instead, they built a separate place outside the city and guarded it heavily.
