On the second day of their wedding, Old Liu sent off Liu Yan, Guo Sheng, and the others. He promised them that he would arrive in Luoyang within a month. Only then did these people return happily with the gifts Old Liu had given them.
Even though they were newlyweds, Old Liu had to leave for Luoyang in half a month, so he couldn't care less about the lingering feelings of the newlyweds. He began to discuss with Yuwen Kang and his adopted brother Tadun how to let Qiu Liju's Wuhuan tribe in western Liaoning unify the other three tribes of the Wuhuan as soon as possible.
Tian Feng and Jian Yong, the advisors under Old Liu, participated in the discussion.
Old Liu said," Only by knowing yourself and your enemy can you win a hundred battles. To unify the Wuhuan, first of all, we need to understand the current situation of the four tribes of the Wuhuan. I think we can ask Mr. Yuwen Kang to tell us about this. What do you think?"”
"Young Master is helping my Wuhuan Tribe, so I will do my best.”Yuwen Kang replied.
Yuwen Kang then explained the current situation of the four tribes of the Wuhuan in detail.
Among the four Wuhuan tribes, the Nanlou tribe in the upper valley had the largest population, about 200,000 people. Next was the Qiuli tribe in western Liaoning, with a population of 150,000. Then there was the Supuyan tribe in Liaodong, with a population of more than 100,000. The smallest tribe was the Wuyan tribe in Youbei, with a population of about 80,000.
Although Qiu Liju's men were not as many as the House of Disaster's men, they had more cavalrymen. Thus, Qiu Liju was the strongest among the four Wuhuan tribes.
After listening to Yuwen Kang's introduction, Old Liu looked at Tian Feng. He knew that Old Liu wanted to hear his opinion, so Tian Feng said,""Judging from the current situation, the Ancient Tower of Disaster is relatively strong and will not be easy to deal with. Yi Feng's intention is to start with the weakest and closest Wu Yan tribe in Youbei. If we attack forcefully, do you think you can take them down?”
"Yes, but their cavalry is also very strong. Even if we defeat them, we will have to use up half or more of our strength.”
"If that's the case, then we shouldn't use this method. We can start from two aspects. First, you can take advantage of the fact that they don't have any food for the winter this year. You can send some spies over to persuade some small tribes to break away from his control and come to your Liaoxi tribe. The second is to control the merchants who do business with them and prevent them from getting food, especially weapons. This way, their strength will gradually be weakened. You can find an appropriate time to launch a thunderous attack and try to annex the Wu Yan Tribe with as few casualties as possible. Of course, you can also send a lobbyist to recruit them when their tribe is in the most difficult time. The best way is to subdue them without fighting.”
As expected of his current number one strategist. He immediately saw through the situation and proposed a solution.
" Mister Tian's plan is indeed very good," Yuwen Kang said." It's just that it might take some time to realize."”
" It's okay," Old Liu said," I'm going to Luoyang to buy a high official position from Spirit Emperor. My uncle Liu Yan told me that he was transferred back to the imperial court due to his meritorious deed in expelling Wuhuan. Additionally, the new provincial governor of Youzhou Province has not been appointed yet. I've made a great contribution this time. As a member of the Han royal family, I've been confirmed by Mr. Liu Yan. If possible, I want to spend more money to buy a high official position from Spirit Emperor..."
After buying the provincial governor of Youzhou Province, it would be much easier for us to implement these methods.”
Yuwen Kang and Tadun were both surprised and happy when they heard that Old Liu was going to be the Youzhou Provincial Governor. After their recent contact, they had already accepted Old Liu because Old Liu had never treated them as outsiders. The Wuhuan people also knew that no matter how powerful they were, they were still no match for the Great Han Dynasty. Therefore, Qiu Liju's ultimate goal was to have a good place to live so that the people of his tribe would not have to worry about their survival. Now that they had Old Liu's help, they believed, That day was not far away.
Yuwen Kang and Tadun exchanged opinions, and then Tadun said to Old Liu,""If that's the case, we'll do as Mister Tian says. I just hope that Liu Bei can become the Youzhou Provincial Governor as soon as possible. In that case, I don't have to worry so much.”
"Big brother Tadun, don't think that it's so easy. We won't be able to do without you when the war starts.”
"That's right. I can do without other things, but if I'm missing in drinking and fighting, I won't do it.”
After saying that, Tadun waved his fist at Old Liu, but he quickly retracted his fist when he remembered that he had lost to Old Liu.
Old Liu continued," As for controlling the merchants from doing business with the Wu Yan Tribe, I'll make the arrangements. I'll tell Zhen Yan in a while to ask him to withdraw all the merchants from the Zhen family and the Wu Yan Tribe. As for the other merchants, we can discuss with them and try not to let them do business there. If we really can't persuade them, then you'll have to come out and rob them a few times. I reckon that by then, no one will dare to do business with them anymore."”
"Alright, then it's settled. I'll go back with Advisor Jun tomorrow and bring back the grain. I'll send someone to send you the warhorses when I get back.”
"You don't have to give the warhorses. The Zhen family's stables currently have more than six thousand horses, and there's no place to put them anymore.”
In fact, Old Liu wanted to wait until he had a territory and could form a cavalry before asking them to send it over. During this period of time, he could let them raise it for him and save on feed.
After a busy day, Old Liu could return home at night to eat and chat with Zhen Jiang and continue his honeymoon. Zhen Jiang was very sensible and knew that Old Liu was running around for her career, so she did not blame Old Liu for neglecting her. Instead, she told Old Liu not to worry about her and that she would always support her husband.
What more could a husband ask for when he had such a wife? Just as he was about to speak, Old Liu hurriedly swallowed his words because he still had many requests. He could not block his way out first. Old Liu quickly changed to other methods to satisfy Zhen Jiang.
The next day, Tadun and Yuwen Kang led the Wuhuan people to load the second batch of grain and other daily necessities that the Zhen family had prepared for them into the carriages. For the convenience of the journey, Zhen Yan sent the Zhen family's transport team to travel with them, lest the government troops misunderstand them and think that they were Wuhuan people who came to rob.
"Xuande, we'll be waiting for your good news. When you become the provincial governor, don't forget to treat your brother to a drink.”
"Okay, big brother, it's a deal!”
……
After sending off Tadun and the others, Old Liu sent Jian Yong to Luoyang with 20 personal guards to settle down in his residence. Two days ago, the Zhen family's business in Luoyang had already sent word that Old Liu had bought the mansion he was looking for. This time, he asked Jian Yong to take care of it first and bring some money and gifts, including some crystal ornaments from the Jetta and two rearview mirrors that Old Liu broke off from the Jetta. He asked Jian Yong to use his connections first. It was also convenient to do things.
Last time, he had killed Zhang Jiao's second brother, Zhang Bao, and had become enemies with the Road of Peace. In order to prevent them from taking revenge, Old Liu had strengthened the security work of the Zhen Family's courtyard and let Hu Kui return to the Zhen Family's courtyard and continue to be the chief of the guards. At the same time, he used the training methods he had learned in the personal guards to train the guards of the Zhen Family. Of course, the intensity could be reduced so that everyone could bear it. He also equipped some crossbows for these guards and let Hu Kui teach them how to use them. At the same time, he recruited some new guards. By splitting them into several teams and taking turns on duty, it could be said that the Zhen family's security work was foolproof.
At this moment, in a secret room in Zhang Jiao's home in Julu, Zhang Jiao and Zhang Liang were listening to a spy reporting about Liu Bei. They heard that Liu Bei had defeated the Wuhuan army of 20,000 with only 100 people in such a short time. Liu Yan, the governor of Youzhou, had reported his contribution to Emperor Ming. Now, the Emperor had issued an imperial edict to ask him to go to Luoyang to receive the reward and to recognize Liu Bei's status as a relative of the Han clan.
After sending the scout out, the two brothers pondered for a long time.
Finally, Zhang Jiao broke the silence and said," Third brother, what do you think we should do this time? My opinion is that we must not let Liu Bei come to Luoyang. He actually knows a secret that only the three of us know. If we don't get rid of him, he will become a big problem for me sooner or later."”
Zhang Liang said," Liu Bei killed my second brother and has an irreconcilable hatred with us brothers. He has the Zhen family backing him up in Wuji, so it's not easy for us to attack him. Then, we'll take advantage of this opportunity when he goes to Luoyang to ambush a few troops along the way and send a few experts from our sect. We must kill this person at all costs and avenge my second brother."”
"Alright, I'll leave this to you, Third Brother. Call Zhang Mancheng, Bo Cai, Peng Tuo, and the others. Also, find some fugitives and give them more money. We can't let Liu Bei go.”
"Yes, I'll go arrange the manpower now. Big brother, don't worry, I'll make sure Liu Bei doesn't return the favor.”
Seeing Zhang Liang leave, Zhang Jiao clapped his hands. A man walked out from the dark and bowed to Zhang Jiao,""Greetings, Cult Master."
"Junior brother, you don't have to be so polite. Did you hear what I said to my third brother just now?”
" Yes," the man replied.
"Do you think my third brother can succeed?”
"It's hard to say. Last time, that Liu Bei duo was able to calmly counterattack under the pursuit of the Second General. Moreover, the Second General's whereabouts are still unknown. I estimate that he must have been killed by him. If that's the case, this Liu Bei will be very difficult to deal with, and it will be very difficult for the Third General to succeed.”
"Then what do you think we should do?”
"Let the Third General continue to make arrangements. Their troops still have to go. I'll get my senior brother and junior sister here. My senior brother's martial arts are peerless, and my junior sister is an expert in poison.
If the three of us attack in secret, Liu Bei will definitely die.”
"Then I'll have to trouble you, junior apprentice-brother. If you need me to do anything, just tell me. No matter the price, I'll get rid of Liu Bei.”
"Cult Master, when the time comes, just send someone to tell me the route and time that Liu Bei is going to take. As for the rest, I'll arrange it.”
Not to mention how Zhang Jiao plotted against Old Liu, Old Liu in Wuji also knew that he would pass by Julu on his way to Luoyang. Zhang Jiao and his brother wouldn't let him pass so easily, so he had to be fully prepared.
From Wuji to Luoyang, there were two roads to choose from. One was from the Zhao State in Jizhou, Handan, Wei County, Chaoge, and Hanoi. Then, they would cross the Yellow River and enter Luoyang from Hulao Pass. This was an official road, so it was easier to walk, but they had to pass by Julu. The second was to walk from Bingzhou, along the Taihang Mountains, through Shangdang, through Jiguan, across the Yellow River, and into Luoyang. This road was basically a mountain road, not very easy to walk, and it was longer than the previous road, but it could avoid the sphere of influence of Julu Zhang Jiao.
Looking at the two paths in front of them, Old Liu and Tian Feng thought for a long time. They both knew that no matter which path they took, Zhang Jiao would send people to ambush them. It would be much easier to set up an ambush in the mountains than on the main road. Besides, if they were to walk from Bingzhou, other than Shangdang, there were almost no people in the middle. They could only camp in the wild. Old Liu couldn't bring too many people to Luoyang. In Bingzhou, Zhang Jiao could send many followers to kill Old Liu. Walking in the Jizhou Province was filled with towns and cities. During the day, they would travel in the wild and rest in the big cities at night. Zhang Jiao couldn't send a large army to kill him. He could only send a small group of assassins to deal with him. Compared to traveling in the Bingzhou Province, it was easier.
After thinking about all this, Old Liu and Tian Feng chose the first option at the same time, which was to go to Jizhou.
As for the manpower, Old Liu decided to bring Yan Liang, Wen Chou, and Lu Xiang, as well as fifty personal guards. Chu Yan and Tian Feng would stay in the manor and be in charge of the training and management of the remaining personal guards. Lu Kuang would go to the Zhen family's courtyard and be in charge of the Zhen family's security with Hu Kui. Considering the risks on the road, Lou Ban would stay in Wuji and continue to train with the personal guards. At the same time, he instructed Tian Feng to instill more benefits of the Han culture in him so that he could gradually adapt to the Han life. It would be very beneficial for him to assimilate the Wuhuan people in the future.
Zhen Jiang also wanted to go to Luoyang with Old Liu, but Old Liu didn't want her to take risks with him. At the same time, he also wanted to bring Zhen Jiang along. If he encountered danger, he would have to be distracted to take care of her. Moreover, he wouldn't be staying in Luoyang for a long time. He would probably be back in a month or so, so Old Liu thought of a way to persuade Zhen Jiang not to pester him to go to Luoyang with him.
In order to prevent Zhang Jiao from having enough time to prepare, two days after the 15th day of the first lunar month, Old Liu bid farewell to his newlywed wife, his father-in-law, Tian Feng, Lu Kuang, Chu Yan, Hu Kui, and the others. Together with three generals and fifty personal guards, they set off for Luoyang.
The imperial edict required Old Liu to rush to Luoyang within a month of receiving the edict, which was before the tenth of February. Today…
It was the 17th day of the first lunar month, and there were still 23 days left. The distance from Wuji to Luoyang was about 600 kilometers, which was more than 1,300 miles. At a speed of 200 miles per day, they would probably arrive in seven or eight days.
Old Liu was riding Jueying, a gift from Qiu Liju. Yan Liang, Wen Chou, and Lu Xiang had also picked out their favorite horses from the horses sent by Tadun. Yan Liang was riding a yellow horse, Wen Chou was riding a green horse, and Lu Xiang was riding a white horse. The other personal guards were also riding good horses from the Wuhuan. In addition, everyone's horses were now equipped with saddles, stirrels, and horseshoes, so everyone moved very fast.
At noon, everyone had lunch in the State of Zhao. After lunch, Old Liu let the people and horses rest for a while before continuing their journey in the afternoon. Now, they were very close to Julu, so Old Liu told everyone to be vigilant.
After an afternoon of trekking, Old Liu and the others arrived at Handan in the evening. Handan was a big city at that time. He brought them to the Zhen family's inn in Handan. Knowing that the son-in-law had arrived, the innkeeper quickly welcomed Old Liu and the others in. At the same time, he put up a sign that the inn was closed and gave the entire inn to Old Liu and the others.
In the evening, Old Liu divided the fifty team members into three groups, led by Yan Liang, Wen Chou, and Lu Xiang. They were on night duty in the inn, and each group was responsible for four hours.
At night, the guards on the roof saw someone peeping outside the inn, but they saw that the security inside was tight and it was not easy to attack, so they did not come in. The sentries did not alarm Old Liu and the others.
The next morning, after breakfast, Old Liu and the others continued on their way. As soon as they left Handan, Old Liu noticed that there were many people riding horses behind them. They were following his team at a moderate distance. There were no less than 300 people, and they were all carrying bows and arrows and holding long and short weapons in their hands.
After instructing everyone to be careful and prepare for battle, Old Liu and the others continued to move forward.
After walking for about 30 miles, there was a huge forest in front of them. At the edge of the forest, there were thousands of soldiers holding weapons, quietly waiting for Old Liu and the others.
What should have come had come. However, he didn't expect Zhang Jiao to send so many people. He wasn't afraid of alerting the government. It seemed that he and Tian Feng had underestimated him.
When they got closer, Old Liu and the others saw that in front of the group of people at the edge of the forest, there were three generals riding horses. One of the three held a large saber, and two held long spears. Behind them were two men who looked like generals, both holding large sabers.
Gradually, the people on both sides squeezed Old Liu and the other fifty people into the middle.
#Review: 18575283303 Time:11 July 2019 5: 45PM #Release:18575283303 Time:11 July 2019 5: 45PM #
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