Hanzhong Assembly Hall
"I am Zhuge Ke. I am here on the orders of His Majesty to congratulate Prime Minister Zhuge on his return to his original position after taking over the two prefectures of Wudu and Yinping.”
A young man with a slightly arrogant look on his face stood in the middle and said to Zhuge Liang.
This person was Zhuge Ke of the Wu Kingdom. He was born in Yangdu, Langye. He was a powerful official of the Wu Kingdom during the Three Kingdoms period. He was the nephew of Zhuge Liang, the prime minister of the Shu Han Dynasty, and the eldest son of Zhuge Jin, the general.
"Dai Liang would like to express his gratitude to your country.”Zhuge Liang smiled faintly.
Looking at Zhuge Ke in front of him, Tian Yang's eyes flashed with some seriousness." Is he the Prime Minister's nephew? Although he looked a little arrogant, he did have an imposing appearance and an extraordinary way of speaking. It seemed that Dong Wu was also full of talents.”
"In addition, there is something that the Prime Minister might already know.”Zhuge Ke said lightly.
"Of course, didn't you just say 'His Holiness' just now?”
In fact, Zhuge Liang had long expected that Sun Quan would one day become emperor. After all, the three forces had already formed a balance of power. Cao Rui in the north and Liu Chan in the southwest were both emperors. Only Sun Quan had not yet become emperor. If Sun Quan wanted to not fall behind in the negotiations with the Shu Kingdom, this position was very important.
"That's right. There is an auspicious sign of Huanglong in Wuchang. I think this destiny is difficult to violate, so I complied with the wishes of all the ministers to correct the title and ascend the throne. Now His Majesty has proposed to respect the two emperors together with Your Majesty. I hope that Prime Minister Zhuge can report to Your Majesty for approval.”
Zhuge Ke was secretly pleased with himself as he spoke," Ha…Such a smooth speech, even I am satisfied with myself. It seemed that his uncle was also very appreciative.”
"Then can you please take a break and give an answer after Liang and everyone has discussed it?”
Zhuge Liang didn't answer immediately. He planned to discuss with everyone before giving an answer.
"Of course. How can such an important matter be decided without careful discussion? Then I'll be looking forward to your response, Prime Minister.”Zhuge Ke had a look of " I guessed it long ago " and then retreated.
As soon as Zhuge Ke left, Yang Yi immediately said to Zhuge Liang," Sun Quan's title as Emperor is not in line with his name and body. It is a hindrance to the orthodoxy of the Great Han Dynasty. We should show justice and break off our friendship with them.”
Zhuge Liang looked at Yang Yi and felt disappointed." Duke Wei is a man of great virtue and is quick and capable in handling matters. However, this false order still broke my heart."”
"Please forgive Tianyang for overstepping his authority. Although I am not good at government affairs, I still want to give some suggestions.”
Tian Yang immediately stood out. Although he didn't understand politics, he knew that the current Shu Kingdom was weak. Only by joining forces with the Eastern Wu Kingdom could they defeat the Wei Kingdom. If they broke off their friendship with Sun Quan, they would only be pushing Sun Quan towards the enemy.
"What is Tianyang's opinion? I'm all ears.”Zhuge Liang looked at Tian Yang with anticipation in his eyes.
"Although Sun Quan's position is unreasonable, it's an act of overstepping one's authority. However, our enemy is Cao Cao, not Sun Wu. Cao Cao directly usurped the Han Dynasty, and his crimes were more than a thousand times worse than Sun Quan's. We should not persist in small righteousness and forget greater justice. Therefore, I think we should send an envoy to congratulate Dongwu and let Sun Quan maintain our friendly relationship with us.”
Even though Tian Yang felt disdain for his words, he still had to say it.
Tian Yang felt that the winner was king and the loser was a bandit. Orthodoxy was nothing.
"Very good, then we will do as Tianyang says. It's not surprising that Sun Quan has the intention of usurping the throne. We are working together with Sun Quan to seek a corner of support. If we break off relations with Sun Quan now, we will have to fight with him in the east. Even if Wu doesn't send troops, it's enough to reduce the burden of our defense. Therefore, I have decided to send an envoy to congratulate you."
Hearing Zhuge Liang's words, Yang Yi was instantly annoyed. She secretly glared at Tian Yang and thought," Last time I asked you to go to Kobineng to die, but you actually escaped. Let's see how I'll deal with you next time."”
Zhuge Liang looked at Tian Yang in front of him and couldn't help but nod in his heart." Zi Long had said this to the former Emperor. Tian Yang reiterated this, which made me feel even more emotional. Tian Yang's knowledge and experience had increased so quickly in a short period of time. It should be due to his youth.”
Suddenly, Zhuge Liang thought of Zhuge Ke from before, and his brows were mixed with some worry. He thought to himself," Although this Ke 'er is quick-witted, his character is slightly frivolous and careless. I must quickly remind my brother to pay more attention, or else it will cause a disaster."”
Luoyang Palace
"Zhuge Liang has invaded our borders many times and has seriously troubled our borders. Your Majesty, please allow Cao Zhen to lead his troops to counterattack.”
Cao Zhen bowed at the foot of the steps and said to Cao Rui.
"I truly admire the Great Sima's heroic deed. Then what was Da Sima's plan?”
"Sima Yi will go up the Han River from Jingzhou and attack Hanzhong from the west. Zhang He entered Hanzhong from Xiegu. And I will lead the army from Ziwu Valley straight into Hanzhong.”Cao Zhen replied slowly. It was obvious that Cao Zhen had thought of a strategy for this invasion.
"Hmm…no matter how capable the bandit chief Zhuge is, he won't be able to defend himself from multiple attacks.”
Cao Rui's eyes flashed with a bright light. It was obvious that he supported Cao Zhen's actions.
However, not all the officials of Wei supported Cao Zhen's expedition against Shu.
"Although Da Sima's words are reasonable, the plan doesn't seem to be very thorough. The Ziwu Valley was steep and difficult to traverse. As long as they could not join forces, the other armies would be isolated.”Chen Qun, an old official of the Cao clan, stood out and objected.
"I also think that with the current strength of Great Wei, we only need to work hard on internal affairs and widen the gap in strength. When the Shu people are tired of fighting, they can break Shu without sending troops.”Hua Xin, an old official of the Cao family, also raised an objection.
"Da Sima, I also think that we might need to prepare for a period of time before we act. Our army has a large number of people, and with the long journey, the need for rations will be unprecedented.”This time, even Cao Ling, the princess of Dong Xiang, also raised an objection.
"Princess, you have a point, but if we delay any longer, Zhuge Liang will be on guard and we will delay the opportunity. The key to this battle was in Hanzhong. If they took Hanzhong, they would be able to obtain Shu.”This time, Cao Zhen wanted to go to war no matter what because the heavens did not have much time left for her. He hoped to defeat Zhuge Liang before he left.
"Yang Fu originally also had something to say, but since Da Sima's mind has been set, I don't want to say anything more. I only ask the commander to bring me along.”At this moment, an old official of the Cao clan, Yang Fu, stood out and requested for orders.
Yang Fu had to be explained in detail. Yang Fu, Ziyishan, was from Ji County, Tianshui. He was a famous official of Cao Wei during the Three Kingdoms period. In the early years of Emperor Xian's Jian 'an, he was engaged in Liangzhou and soon worshiped as the long history of stability. Wei Kang was appointed governor and later recruited as another driver and changed to the state army. He was given the title of Lord of the Pass. When Cao Cao conquered Hanzhong, Yang Fu served as the governor of Yizhou and then as the prefect of Wudu after returning. Cao Pi, Emperor Wen of Wei, and Cao Rui, Emperor Ming, served in the court. They were both virtuous and upright.
This Yang Fu had once participated in Ma Chao's crusade. It could be said that he was the mortal enemy of the Ma Family of Western Liang.
"Why did the young master want to go out with me?”Cao Zhen asked, puzzled.
At this time, Yang Fu was in charge of the Shao Fu in the court. The Shao Fu was in charge of the income of the mountains, seas, and marshes, as well as the royal family's handicraft industry. It was the emperor's private residence. In the Tang Dynasty, it became a general term for county officers.
"Da Sima should know me very well. I don't like to be a magpie that brings good news, but a crow that brings bad news. Da Sima should have such a person by his side.”Yang Fu said half-jokingly.
"It's just that this battle is dangerous and I'm afraid I can't protect the young manor.”Cao Zhen couldn't help but worry.
"Da Sima, have you forgotten how I got the title of Marquis of the Inner Pass? Back then, when I fought with the leader of the bandits, Ma Chao, I was wounded in more than ten places and recovered Tianshui. As a result, I was praised by the Imperial Emperor and was given the title. Da Sima really did not need to worry about Yang Fu.”Yang Fu said seriously.
"Then we'll have to rely on the power of the Shao Mansion.”Cao Zhen said with a faint smile.
"This battle is extremely dangerous for our army. Although the Great General has made preparations for the transportation of rations, he will definitely send troops to defend the rations, which will weaken the battle strength of the army. At that time, if he mobilized a large number of troops and got nothing, wouldn't it be no different from the way Zhuge did it?”Chen Qun wanted to continue persuading Cao Zhen, but unfortunately, Cao Zhen would not be convinced by his words.
"Since the Great General has such ambition, Sikong need not say anything more. This expedition was also my idea. If we can pacify Shu, it will also be a contribution to the establishment of ten thousand generations.”It was obvious that Cao Rui was the strongest shield behind Cao Zhen.
Sima Yi felt a wave of regret as he thought to himself," Sigh…I've given Cao Zhen the upper hand again. Although I've also been promoted to Great General, I'm still a little short compared to Cao Zhen's Great Sima. My General has always been after Cao Zhen. This time, I will prove that my ability is not inferior to his!”
Looking at Cao Rui in front of him, Chen Qun was puzzled," Strange, why is His Majesty so insistent on this matter?”
Liu Ye looked at Chen Qun and shook his head secretly." Chen Qun, you still don't know why the Emperor is so insistent?”
Cao Ling sighed in her heart," Royal Brother, I can understand your thoughts, but it's not easy to succeed in sending troops in such a hurry. Uncle Zidan, have you considered all these things? Or is there a reason why you have to do this?”
It seemed that Cao Ling did not know Cao Zhen's current physical condition.
In June 230 AD, Cao Zhen led his army from Ziwu Valley (Jingzhao). Sima Yi led his army up the Han River and joined forces with Cao Zhen. Guo Huai from Baoxie Road, Longyou into the army, straight to Hanzhong.
Hanzhong Assembly Hall
"According to our scouts, the Cao army has started to set out from Ziwu Valley and other places to attack Hanzhong from three directions. The situation in Hanzhong is very critical now. Liang had already mobilized all the available troops to set up defenses in various parts of Hanzhong, but he still felt that it was insufficient. Therefore, he had already sent Bo Miao to Jiang Prefecture to seek reinforcements.”As he spoke, Zhuge Liang was also quite distressed. He did not expect Cao Zhen to play so big this time.
However, it was also because Cao Zhen had played so big that Zhuge Liang was able to seize the opportunity to achieve great results. However, the number of troops in Hanzhong was still a problem, so Zhuge Liang specially went to Jiangzhou to ask for reinforcements.
Jiang Zhou was under the charge of Li Yan, who was also a trusted minister. Moreover, there was also the elite of Shu Han, the White Pao Army, which was led by Chen Dao.
"Although the former general of Jiang Prefecture was talented, he had evil intentions. Previously, he had repeatedly wanted to challenge the Prime Minister's authority. Was it good to let such a person come to Hanzhong to support him?”Yang Yi was a little worried.
"Zhengfang and Liang are ministers entrusted by the First Lord. Zhengfang's actions are for the country.”Zhuge Liang understood in his heart, but he couldn't tell the truth. After all, he was also a trusted minister.
" Yes..." Yang Yi replied obediently, but she was secretly saying in her heart," Li Yan wanted to persuade the Prime Minister to add nine tin. He wants power. On the surface, he respects the Prime Minister, but in fact, he just wants to help himself gain a higher position."”
"Prime Minister, when I was defending Hanzhong in the past, I paid special attention to blocking the enemy outside. This is in line with the meaning of the so-called" heavy gate "in the Book of Changes.”Wei Yan immediately said.
"Prime Minister, I also think that Wen Chang's words are very reasonable. We will use the newly built Han and Le cities as our strongholds and build a defense line in Chenggu. We must not let the enemy enter Hanzhong.”Ping Wang also echoed.
"Hmm…I agree with Wen Chang and Zi Jun. As for the defense line at the slanting valley, Liang had a good candidate.”
As he spoke, Zhuge Liang looked at Tian Yang.
"Tianyang, you and Yuan Xiong (Wu Ban) will fight against the troops from Xiegu Road.”
"Yes, sir!" Tian Yang was secretly happy, he was willing to hand over the defense of a battle line to us, it seemed like the Chang Bai Army's strength had already obtained the Prime Minister's approval.
"Yes, sir!" Wu Ban replied indifferently, but he thought to himself,'Tian Yang doesn't know his situation? A unit that had combat power but could be sacrificed as a pawn. So the Prime Minister was such a cold-blooded person. I don't have the right to criticize you, Prime Minister. Didn't I do the same thing during the Battle of Yiling…"
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