novelSusiti Chapter 72 Liu Bei's White Moonlight
Chapter 72 Liu Bei's White Moonlight
As Yuan Shu's army at the East Gate was completely buried in the tunnel.
There was no evidence left of Yuan Tan's collusion with the rebels.
In fact, Yuan Tan did not originally intend to kill these people, but Qiao Rui analyzed the clues and found evidence of collusion between Yuan Huan and Yuan Tan.
Yuan Tan knew then that these people could not be allowed to live.
Otherwise, once this matter gets out, it will inevitably become an excuse for other feudal lords to attack him.
As for Yuan Huan, he was a renowned scholar with a great reputation.
If I were to kill him, my reputation would likely be ruined, just like when Cao Cao killed Bian Rang.
Moreover, Yuan Huan was a smart man; he knew what he should say and what he shouldn't say.
As for those three thousand soldiers who died, weren't they pitiful?
Yuan Tan couldn't possibly care about all that.
Conquering the world isn't like hosting a dinner party. If you're going to worry about so many people's feelings and be overly cautious, you might as well just stay home and be a wealthy man.
Besides, didn't we give them a full meal before they died?
Compared to Cao Cao's massacre of cities, Yuan Tan was practically a moral exemplar.
Three days later, Cao Jun sheathed his sword, rode back to Xuchang to report to the emperor, and appointed himself to an official position.
As for Shouchun, it has been ravaged by massacre and is now under the temporary control of Yuan Tan, pending the arrival of someone from Xuchang to take over.
Shouchun was a dilapidated city, littered with bones. Even Yuan Tan, who lived there, worried that ghosts would come knocking on his door in the middle of the night.
Fortunately, the ships needed to transport the goods back to Qingzhou first, so he could only wait for the second fleet to come and pick him up. Staying in Shouchun now was a last resort.
On the Huai River, the first batch of ships laden with treasure have already set sail northward.
Yuan Tan stood on the high ground of the dock, gazing at the vast river, pondering when the second fleet would arrive and how to deal with Cao Cao, who was about to come to take over Shouchun.
At that moment, a sentry rode up to report:
"Reporting to my lord! There is a force of about a thousand men outside the camp, carrying banners bearing the character 'Liu'. Their leader claims to be Liu Bei, the governor of Xu Province, and has come to pay their respects, saying they wish to pledge allegiance to you!"
"Liu Bei?"
Upon hearing this, Yuan Tan's brows furrowed instantly.
He turned to Guo Jia, Xin Pi, and the others beside him and said:
"Liu Xuande? This man is coming to join us now? Xiaopei has just fallen, and we have less than a thousand soldiers, practically bandits. Taking him in would only mean one more mouth to feed, but it would also offend Lü Bu for no reason, and put us in the face of Cao Cao's suspicion. It would be more harmful than beneficial."
He flicked his sleeve, his tone indifferent:
"Reply to Liu Bei that I am busy with military affairs and Shouchun has just been pacified, so I am unable to receive him. Please ask him to... seek another job."
"My lord, please wait!"
Guo Jia coughed lightly and smiled.
"Jia believes that Liu Bei is a man who can be won over."
"Oh?"
Yuan Tan raised an eyebrow.
"What brilliant idea does Fengxiao have? Could it be that he really values that empty title of 'Imperial Uncle'?"
Sinpi also expressed his concern:
"Fengxiao, Liu Bei is a hero of his time, and Guan Yu and Zhang Fei are both warriors capable of defeating ten thousand men. Now that he has come to us in dire straits, if we are given time to recover, we fear we may end up raising a tiger that will eventually threaten us!"
Guo Jia smiled slightly:
"It is understandable that Zuo Zhi is worried. However, what is Shouchun to Qingzhou right now?"
He asked himself and answered:
"An enclave! A hot potato!"
His fingers traced the Huai River:
"Our army is based in Qingzhou, which is separated from this place by the territories of Cao Cao and Lü Bu. Supply is difficult and defense is challenging. Cao Cao is powerful, and the imperial court is here in name only. Sooner or later, he will take Shouchun rightfully." If our army forcibly occupies it, it will only waste our troops and become the focus of direct conflict with Cao Cao. It would be a losing proposition.
Then, he pointed to the villages surrounding Shouchun:
"Looking at this place again, after this great battle, the city walls are in ruins, the people are impoverished, and the treasury... well, it's been emptied by me. Moreover, we are surrounded by enemies on all sides: Cao Cao is eyeing us covetously to the north, Yuan Shu's remnants to the south, Liu Biao to the west, and Lü Bu to the east. This is a place of constant warfare, a truly desperate situation!"
His last glance was at Liu Bei in the distance:
"This person has ambition but no foundation. He needs a 'foundation' that seems prestigious but is actually empty inside to settle down and make a living!"
Why doesn't my lord go with the flow, submit a memorial to the court, and recommend Liu Bei as the governor of Yu Province, thus ceding Shouchun and the surrounding devastated lands to him?"
Xinpi suddenly realized:
"Is Fengxiao trying to shift the blame eastward?"
"Indeed!"
Guo Jia clapped his hands.
"This has the effect of killing three birds with one stone: First, it gets rid of a burden: by throwing the hot potato of Shouchun to Liu Bei, our army can concentrate its efforts on managing Qingzhou and avoid an early showdown with Cao Cao in Huainan."
"Secondly, we can plant a seed: Although Liu Bei is in dire straits, he possesses the bravery of Guan Yu and Zhang Fei. Once he has a chance to catch his breath, he will not be content to remain subservient to others for long. By placing the mess in Shouchun right in front of Cao Cao's main route for southward or eastward advance, he can greatly distract Cao Cao and Lü Bu from Qingzhou. This is a strategy of watching the fire from across the river!"
"Thirdly, we can gain a good reputation. Our lord's humility in yielding land and supporting the fallen imperial uncle will earn him a reputation for valuing the Han dynasty and prioritizing the overall situation. When the wise and talented people of the world hear of this, wouldn't they be drawn to him?"
"As for raising a tiger to cause trouble..."
Guo Jia sneered.
"In such a desperate situation, it would be difficult for Liu Bei to even protect himself, let alone grow stronger. At that time, he will have to guard against Cao Cao in the north and Lü Bu in the east. He may even have to ask Qingzhou for help with his food, supplies and military equipment. We only need to control his supply lines to control his rise and fall."
Yes, although Liu Bei was a traitor who served three masters, he was a fairly upright person. Apart from the incident in Yizhou, he didn't seem to have ever betrayed his lord.
And at this time, I also need him; he can be used to resist Cao Cao and Lü Bu.
I can make him my ally.
After listening, Yuan Tan suddenly understood:
"Fengxiao, your plan is brilliant! You turn a passive situation into an active one, transforming a useless piece of land into a useful one! Very well, we will do as you say, Fengxiao! Men, quickly invite Liu Bei to your main tent and treat him with the utmost courtesy!"
……
Accompanied by Sun Qian and Jian Yong, Liu Bei waited quietly in the corridor for Yuan Tan to summon him.
Although he appeared calm, he was heartbroken.
Having fallen from a powerful regional ruler to a subservient position, even with his resolute will, he couldn't help but feel a sense of humiliation at this moment.
Just then, a patrol of cavalry came from the direction of the drill ground, their armor gleaming and their hooves clanging.
The leader, a white-robed general, was dashing and carried a gleaming silver spear; he was none other than Zhao Yun, Zhao Zilong.
He had just finished training and was about to report military affairs to Yuan Tan.
The two groups unexpectedly met at the corner of the corridor.
Zhao Yun's gaze swept across the area and then instantly fixed on Liu Bei!
He was visibly startled, reined in his horse, and a look of surprise flashed across his face.
He quickly dismounted, strode forward, and stopped a few steps in front of Liu Bei, clasping his hands in a fist and bowing.
"But...Lord Xuande? This humble general Zhao Yun greets Lord Xuande!"
Liu Bei was stunned the moment Zhao Yun appeared.
Hearing that familiar voice now, he felt a slight tremor throughout his body.
He carefully examined the imposing general before him, and memories flooded back.
Back when he was with Gongsun Zan, he had a great fondness for this man, knowing that he was loyal, brave, and resourceful, a rare talent for generalship.
There was a time when he considered recruiting them, but at the time he had few soldiers and was constantly on the move, so he ultimately couldn't bring himself to speak up.
Unexpectedly, in just a few short years, everything has changed. The young hero of the White Horse Cavalry has now become a trusted general under Yuan Xiansi. Judging from his demeanor and military power, he is clearly highly valued.
And what about yourself?
Having toiled for half his life, he has now lost even his foothold and has to come to this young man for protection.
An indescribable sorrow welled up in Liu Bei's heart like a tidal wave.
He strode forward, took Zhao Yun's arms with both hands to stop him from bowing, his voice somewhat hoarse:
"General Zilong! Please rise! I... I am utterly unworthy of such a courtesy! I never imagined I would witness your brilliance here once more..."
His gaze swept over the elite cavalry behind Zhao Yun, then fell upon Zhao Yun's exquisite armor and his spirited demeanor, and he sighed sincerely:
"I have heard that General, you have assisted Yuan Qingzhou and achieved numerous merits, making your name known throughout Huainan. Seeing you today, you are indeed even more outstanding than before. It is truly a joyous occasion for a hero to meet a wise ruler! I am deeply gratified!"
These words were sincere and heartfelt, yet carried a hint of undisguised melancholy.
He was happy for Zhao Yun, but also lamenting for himself.
Zhao Yun was incredibly perceptive; how could he not hear the complex emotions in Liu Bei's words?
He remained humble and said in a deep voice:
"Lord Xuande, you flatter me. I am but a wanderer, yet I am fortunate to have been entrusted with this post by Governor Yuan Qingzhou. How could I not serve you with utmost loyalty? Lord Xuande's benevolence is known throughout the land, and your presence in Huainan today is a great honor for Governor Yuan. Governor Yuan Qingzhou is eager to find talented people and will surely give you an important position."
These words not only expressed respect for Liu Bei, but also clarified his current position and comforted Liu Bei, demonstrating a perfect balance.
Upon hearing this, Liu Bei was filled with mixed emotions.
He gripped Zhao Yun's arm tightly, all his unspoken words culminating in a long sigh:
"To encounter a wise ruler is no easy feat. Zilong... you must take good care of yourself, assist Yuan Qingzhou, and restore the Han Dynasty!"
"Yun, I will remember Lord Xuande's teachings!"
Zhao Yun bowed again.
At this moment, a summons from Yuan Tan came from inside the mansion. Liu Bei gave Zhao Yun a deep look, as if trying to etch the image of this tiger general he had missed into his heart, before straightening his clothes and, accompanied by Sun Qian and Jian Yong, walking towards the central command tent.
Zhao Yun stood there, watching Liu Bei leave, his heart filled with a sense of melancholy.
Although he did not have a close relationship with Liu Bei, he knew Liu Bei's character well.
Seeing a hero known for his benevolence and virtue fall into such a state, while he himself is rising to prominence under his new master, this twist of fate made him feel a bit of sympathy for this royal uncle.
A moment later, Liu Bei entered the tent with Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Jian Yong, Sun Qian, and others.
Yuan Tan personally descended the steps to greet Liu Bei, took his hand, and said with heartfelt sincerity:
"Lord Xuande! You've suffered greatly! I was heartbroken when I heard about what happened to you in Xiaopei! Lü Bu's wickedness is known throughout the land! You are a member of the Han imperial family, a model for all under heaven. Today you have condescended to come and serve me. I should have welcomed you with open arms, but..."
As Yuan Tan spoke, he couldn't help but squeeze out a few tears, leaving Liu Bei and his two brothers stunned on the spot.
I thought my elder brother was already very kind, but I never expected that the young hero Yuan Qingzhou would be even more kind than my elder brother...
Thinking of this, Zhang Fei couldn't help but feel regret.
Why did I ever steal that young man's horse? I deserve to die!
Seeing that his performance was effective, Yuan Tan chuckled to himself, but remained outwardly composed.
He changed the subject abruptly, his face showing difficulty:
"However, although Shouchun is under our control, it is a place of constant warfare. Tan's base is in the north, and it is difficult to hold out for long. Cao Cao's army is also on our flank, watching us with predatory eyes. After much deliberation, Tan has something to say from the bottom of his heart, but he is unsure whether he should speak it or not."
Liu Bei bowed and said, "My lord, please speak freely. I am all ears."
Yuan Tan said with emotion:
"You are a descendant of the imperial family, and your integrity is renowned throughout the land. How can you remain a dependent for long? Now that Shouchun has been newly pacified, it cannot be without a ruler. I wish to submit a memorial to the court, recommending you, Xuande, as the Governor of Yuzhou, to guard Shouchun, pacify the people, and serve as a bulwark for the Han dynasty!"
Tan is willing to do everything in his power to help you stabilize the situation; money, provisions, and military equipment are all negotiable. I wonder what Your Excellency, Xuande, thinks?
These words greatly surprised Liu Bei and his subordinates!
They originally came to seek refuge and find a place to settle down, hoping to at most receive the title of Lieutenant General. Unexpectedly, Yuan Tan wanted to "give" him the entire Shouchun and the title of Governor of Yuzhou!
Countless thoughts flashed through Liu Bei's mind in an instant: Was it a genuine offer of support? Or a ploy to frame someone? Shouchun was indeed a dangerous place...
But this is, after all, the position of governor of a state, a legitimate and rightful inheritance! It's better than being at the mercy of others!
Regardless of his motives, Yuan Tan's actions appeared to be an immense act of kindness!
He took a deep breath, stepped back two paces, straightened his clothes, and bowed deeply to the ground before Yuan Tan, his voice choked with emotion.
"Lord Yuan...Young Master Xiansi! Such great kindness...how can I repay it! I have wandered for half my life, and finally met you, my lord! You have treated me as a national hero, and I will repay you as a national hero!"
"I dare not aspire to the position of Governor of Yu Province. I only wish to serve under you, my lord, as a guest general, to guard Huainan, to restrain Lü Bu and Cao Cao, and to do my utmost! From now on, I will serve you faithfully and obey your every command!"
The phrase "guest general" is used with great care and discretion.
They accepted Yuan Tan's appointment and territory, maintaining their independence, while also showing respect for Yuan Tan as their leader, thus giving him ample face.
This person truly has the legacy of his ancestor.
Yuan Tan secretly praised Liu Bei for his good manners and quickly stepped forward to help him up.
"Lord Xuande, you flatter me! That's excellent! From now on, let's coordinate our efforts from the north and south to achieve our great cause!"
(4 chapters today! Begging for monthly votes! One extra chapter for every monthly vote! Please, brothers!)