My father Liu Xuande

Chapter 359 Sleeping with enough rest
Zhou Yu was still wondering when Liu Feng mentioned several names, but his name wasn't among them.

Given his current status and position, he was more than qualified for the position of deputy general, so he began to wonder if he was not part of this detached force.

It must be said that Zhou Yu was quite quick-witted and intelligent, and he quickly realized the situation in Yuzhang.

There are two best routes to enter Yuzhang. One is the Yangtze River waterway, which then turns into Pengli Lake (the predecessor of Poyang Lake), and then flows out to the Gan River from the south. The remaining water can reach most of the important towns in Yuzhang, including the prefectural capital Nanchang, as well as important towns such as Poyang, Yichun, Luling, and Nancheng. It can be said to be a well-connected route.

The second route is by land, starting from Danyang, passing through Yixian County into Yuzhang County, then going through Poyang, and finally reaching Poyang Lake. Alternatively, one can switch to waterways or travel around Poyang Lake to reach Nanchang.

Although this road is passable, it is not easy to travel. More than 90% of the route is mountainous. While it may be barely passable for a large army, the logistical pressure will be enormous.

Zhou Yu trembled with excitement. Although his uncle Zhou Shang had been transferred away from Danyang County, he was still there. Moreover, his uncle had a considerable network of connections in Danyang County, having served as the prefect for three years.

Danyang is right next to Yuzhang. How could I possibly become the commander-in-chief?
Just as Zhou Yu was feeling a mix of excitement, anticipation, and trepidation, Liu Feng spoke to him.

"Gongjin, I intend to appoint you as the commander-in-chief to conquer Yuzhang. What do you think?"

It actually came true!
Overwhelmed with joy, Zhou Yu immediately declared to Liu Feng, "I am willing to serve you like a dog or a horse, even unto death!"

"Why does Gongjin speak of death?"

Liu Feng feigned displeasure and said, “The world is in turmoil, the court is corrupt, and the emperor is in danger. This is the time for loyal ministers and generals like us to do our utmost to serve him. Gongjin is a man of both literary and military talent, resourceful and wise. He comes from a prestigious family that has served our Han Dynasty for generations. This is the time for us to put our lives to the test, to display our talents and strategies. We must not belittle ourselves or curse ourselves.”

Zhou Yu was deeply moved, feeling that Liu Feng had won him over.

Zhou Yu's greatest ambition in life was to display his talent, command the country, and make the world know the name Zhou Yu.

“Gongjin, I have always had a nine-character ambition.”

Liu Feng suddenly changed the subject and asked about Zhou Yu.

Zhou Yu was slightly startled, then pondered for a moment and shook his head.

If we're talking about ambition, Zhou Yu could probably rattle off most of Liu Feng's aspirations, but Liu Feng limited it to nine characters, which makes it much more difficult.

When Gongjin and Kongming joined forces to devise a plan, it was only two words.

Liu Feng straightened his expression and slowly said, "A true man should strive to achieve fame, establish a kingdom, and bring peace to the world!"

To achieve fame and merit?
To achieve imperial power?
Jingtianxia! ?

Zhou Yu felt as if those nine words were a ball of fire, burning his chest and making his breathing rapid.

He immediately stood up and bowed deeply to Liu Feng, saying, "I am unworthy, but I am willing to follow your lead, General, even at the cost of my life!"

Zhao Yun, who was standing to the side, was also shocked. After seeing Zhou Yu bow, he immediately stood up and followed Zhou Yu in bowing down: "I am just as you are, General. I am willing to serve you with the utmost loyalty!"

Liu Feng laughed and stepped forward, helping the two up with one hand each: "With the help of my uncle and Gongjin, even if this wish is difficult, what else do I have to worry about?"

After escorting the two back to their seats, Liu Feng turned to the table and tested them, saying, "Gongjin, do you know why I appointed you as the commander-in-chief? How should we proceed with the conquest of Yuzhang?"

Zhou Yu's spirits lifted, knowing this was a test before Liu Feng issued his order. He pondered for a moment before replying, "In Yuzhang, the imperial edict should be the primary measure, supplemented by military force!"

"good!"

Liu Feng was quite satisfied, as Yuzhang was, on the surface, the territory of the imperial court.

Zhu Hao, the prefect of Yuzhang, was supposed to have died at the hands of Ze Rong at the end of last year.

Because of Liu Feng's interference and influence on the Jiangdong situation, Liu Yao persisted in Niuzhu until the end of last year, and the Sun family could do nothing about it.

Zuo Rong remained entrenched in Jurong and never fled, which allowed Zhu Hao to survive.

Zhu Hao was a prefect appointed by the imperial court, and his position was legitimate. As long as he did not plot a rebellion, even if Liu Yao wanted to dismiss him, he would have to ask about the troops under his command.

Therefore, Liu Feng's plan was to use the imperial court's order to mobilize Zhu Hao. Zhu Hao would just have to obey, and then he would be given another position, but he couldn't be given any territory.

If you disobey orders, that is to oppose the imperial court, oppose the General of the Cavalry, and oppose the General Who Conquers the South!

Then, naturally, military force would come in handy.

You know what, even though Yuzhang is full of mountain tribes and southern barbarians, some counties and towns near the Yangtze River in the Nanchang area are actually pro-Han Dynasty.

Historically, Zhu Hao was able to take office and kill Zhuge Xuan because the local gentry and powerful families supported him and betrayed Zhuge Xuan. These gentry and powerful families supported Zhu Hao primarily for two reasons: firstly, they were pro-court; Zhu Hao was the officially appointed Prefect of Yuzhang, while Zhuge Xuan was merely a self-appointed prefect by the warlords Yuan Shu and Liu Biao.

The second reason is Zhu Hao's father, Zhu Jun.

Zhu Jun's reputation was too great, and half of it came from suppressing various rebellions in the south. The Yue people were very afraid of him and were defeated and subdued.

Hearing that it was Zhu Hao's son who had come, they naturally treated him with special regard.

Zhuge Xuan had no prestige in Yuzhang and no famous father, so he was naturally treated terribly.

Liu Feng's plan was to transfer Zhu Hao away peacefully. To this end, he was willing to offer the position of governor of a large prefecture in Yuzhou. After all, once transferred, Zhu Hao would just be a figurehead. Even if Zhu Hao was given real power, as long as he was not allowed to become a warlord, Liu Feng would still be making a huge profit.

The bottom line is to conquer Zhu Hao by force in the name of the imperial court, but Zhu Hao's survival must be guaranteed.

Zhu Hao's brother, Zhu Fu, is currently serving as the governor of Jiaozhi. Southern Kuaiji is adjacent to Jiaozhi and far from Northern Kuaiji, so Liu Feng does not want to confront Zhu Fu for the time being.

Since Zhou Yu's strategy suited his tastes, Liu Feng immediately ordered: "Gongjin, I intend to appoint you as the commander-in-chief, leading 10,000 troops. You will also be assigned the naval forces of Zhou Tai and Jiang Qin, as well as the troops of Zhao Fan, Yu Zi, and Zhou Bin. I will further assign you 1,000 cavalry, commanded by Xu Huang, for a total of 20,000 combat troops. In addition, I will transfer 10,000 troops from the surrendered soldiers of Sun Quan's army to you as auxiliary troops to replenish the main force. Your troops should rely on the navy and sail along the Yangtze River directly to Nanchang."

Then, Liu Feng said earnestly, "This time when you enter Yuzhang, your main task should be persuasion. I will also send Yu Fan to accompany the army to assist you. In addition, you must do your best to ensure the safety of Prefect Zhu."

"Here!"

Zhou Yu respectfully accepted the order.

There are now as many as 70,000 soldiers on both sides of the Qiantang River, and 50,000 of them are close confidants and loyal followers. That's just too many.

Since that's the case, it would be better to send 25,000 main force soldiers and 15,000 Sun army prisoners to Nanhui and Yuzhang, and take care of these two tough places at once.

Once Yuzhang is acquired, along with Jiujiang and northern Lujiang, it will be enough to curb Liu Biao's eastward expansion.

Furthermore, Liu Feng could also conveniently transfer Yu Fan and He Qi away to avoid affecting his plans.

Liu Feng is really planning a major purge in Northern Kuaiji this time.

The powerful clans and gentry here are no good at all; they are fond of rebellion. Even after the fall of Eastern Wu, these people are still causing trouble in the Jin Dynasty, which supposedly governs the country with filial piety.

Clearly, if this place isn't thoroughly investigated, there will be trouble later. After Zhao Yun and Zhou Yu left, Liu Feng summoned Yu Fan and He Qi and informed them of the matter.

Yu Fan and He Qi were both a little confused. Both of them were smart and realized that Liu Feng wanted to get rid of them.

But Liu Feng's reasons were very valid, and they were all opportunities to make meritorious contributions.

He Qi, in particular, didn't even need to leave Kuaiji. Strictly speaking, he couldn't be considered transferred away. Moreover, the reason was perfectly legitimate and urgent.

How can one pacify Kuaiji without ignoring Nanhui?

Yu Fan and He Qi both hesitated, unable to find a reason to refuse, and deep down they didn't really want to refuse.

Liu Zisheng's intentions are clear to everyone.

Moreover, Yu Fan and He Qi even sensed that this might be Liu Feng's way of putting them in a difficult position, observing which side they would choose.

Obeying orders to leave means siding with Liu Feng's Southern Expeditionary Army, which naturally leads to meritorious service and rewards.

To disobey orders and stay would mean siding with the locals of Kuaiji, inevitably leading to a breakdown in relations.

Out of his appreciation for Yu Fan and He Qi, Liu Feng added a special remark: "Zhong Xiang and Gong Miao, both of you are men of great talent. You should put the people first and bring peace to the world; that is the true nature of a man."

After hearing this, Yu Fan and He Qi lowered their heads and remained silent.

Liu Feng then waved his hand, signaling Yu Fan and He Qi, "If you find it difficult to decide for the time being, you can go back and think it over carefully. If you have made a decision, come back to me. Just be careful not to let the news leak out."

Yu Fan and He Qi silently got up and slowly backed away.

Liu Feng sighed. He could let He Qi go, but Yu Fan was a talent Liu Feng greatly admired. He had already given him the opportunity; whether they would ultimately be on the same path depended on Yu Fan's choice.

Just as Liu Feng was about to continue reviewing the official documents on his desk, he suddenly heard two footsteps.

Looking up, I saw Yu Fan and He Qi.

After the two entered, they immediately bowed down to Liu Feng.

Before Liu Feng could ask any questions, they spoke first: "We are unworthy of the great wealth bestowed upon you by General Zheng Nan. We are willing to do our best to help you, so that you can pacify the world and achieve hegemony as soon as possible."

Good grief, are they not even going to mention my offering of the Emperor's baby anymore?

Liu Feng was overjoyed and, without caring how Yu Fan and He Qi came to their senses, got up and helped them up, holding their hands and comforting them.

Liu Feng's words were a genuine expression of his feelings. After all, he admired Yu Fan and didn't dislike He Qi. He was naturally overjoyed to have them on his side.

Subsequently, Liu Feng immediately suggested that Yu Fan and He Qi each recruit two thousand men from among the prisoners of Sun Jun's army to serve as temporary troops, with the Southern Expeditionary Army supplying them with weapons and logistics.

Yu Fan still has three or four hundred followers who came with him across the sea; they are all trusted and reliable confidants.

He Qi, on the other hand, came out alone, and his family had been wiped out, leaving him with no backbone to rely on.

Just as He Qi was filled with worry, Liu Feng waved his hand and then transferred a hundred key men to He Qi to serve as his henchmen and command his troops.

He Qi was overjoyed and extremely grateful to Liu Feng.

That evening, Liu Feng held onto the two men, not letting them leave, and specially hosted a banquet for them, also inviting Zhao Yun and Zhou Yu to accompany them. Clearly, he wanted to take this opportunity to let them get to know each other, deepen their friendship, and make it easier to cooperate later.

It's not surprising that Yu Fan and He Qi made such a decision.

Yu Fan's family is in Yuhang. He has already written to them, telling them to be obedient and even sacrifice some of the family's economic and military interests. No matter who tries to persuade them, they must not be the first to stand up for themselves.

As for He Qi, now that his entire clan has been wiped out, he feels no pressure whatsoever.

People from Kuaiji rarely entered the central government. Even the Zhou family, the most prestigious clan in Kuaiji, had to serve as lackeys for the Yuan family in order to repeatedly obtain the rank of two thousand shi (a unit of grain measure).

Therefore, when an opportunity to enter the central government, and even with the added benefit of following the emperor, was presented to him, Liu Feng greatly underestimated the allure of such a reward.

Despite being prominent figures in Kuaiji, Yu Fan and He Qi came from powerful and influential families.

But if you look at their resumes, you'll understand how desperate they were.

Yu Fan had such a great reputation in Kuaiji, and his father was a prefect of many places with a salary of two thousand shi (a unit of grain), yet he was over thirty years old before Wang Lang noticed him and appointed him as a clerk.

Even if he performs exceptionally well in his position as Gongcao, he will most likely only be given a county magistrate post outside the capital before Wang Lang leaves.

As for He Qi, his situation was even more dire.

Now nearly forty years old, He Qi has served as the magistrate of four counties and quelled four rebellions, one of which had been raging for many years.

With such seniority, being a local gentry and powerful figure in Kuaiji, and having military merits in suppressing rebellions, the only thing He Qi lacked was a discerning patron. Therefore, He Qi remained stuck as a county magistrate, never able to rise further.

But now Liu Feng has given Yu Fan and He Qi the opportunity to enter the central government, which is simply a crushing defeat. What makes Yu Fan and He Qi even more terrified is that behind this opportunity, there is even a hint of merit in serving the emperor.

People from Kuaiji like Yu Fan and He Qi had very limited loyalty to the Eastern Han court. Truly loyal and devoted officials like Zhu Jun, who were willing to dedicate everything to the Han Dynasty, were quite rare.

Putting aside other matters, Zhu Jun's two sons were not very loyal, treating their own districts as their own territories. Zhu Fu was even killed by the powerful local lords of Jiaozhi because of his excessive taxation.

It is evident that Zhu Jun himself was a rare breed in Kuaiji, while most people were rough and unruly.

The rebellion in Kuaiji was not aimed at changing the dynasty; it was purely for immediate gains.

So you can't call him a traitor, after all, he was just resisting taxes with armed force.

Comparing the two options, one would only result in the deaths of some fellow villagers, while the other would be a meritorious act of supporting the emperor. Yu Fan and He Qi knew which option to choose even with their eyes closed.

In particular, Liu Feng valued them so much, and patiently persuaded them, showing his deep affection and loyalty.

Both Yu Fan and He Qi would vote with their feet and choose Liu Feng.

That night, Yu Fan and He Qi were both very drunk and were kept in the back room by Liu Feng to rest. The four of them slept side by side.

That's right, Xu Chu didn't trust Liu Feng, so he refused to leave.

So in the end, four people slept in the bedroom.

(End of this chapter)