My father Liu Xuande

Chapter 516 Decision in Hanoi
Zhuge Liang's words were a wake-up call. Not only was Liu Feng moved by them, but even the radicals Chen Deng, Taishi Ci, Zhang Liao and others showed visible wavering and doubt.

What Zhuge Liang said was absolutely right.

Time is now on Liu Feng's side. If he only has the three provinces of Yang, Jing, and Jiao, he naturally cannot compete with the Central Plains. The Central Plains' recovery speed and potential are far greater than those of the South.

After all, at the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty, the combined population of Jing, Yang and Jiao provinces only accounted for 18% of the total population. If we consider the area south of the Yangtze River, the proportion would undoubtedly be even lower, perhaps just over 10%.

This is the fundamental reason why even when Eastern Wu allied with Shu Han, it was still outnumbered by Cao Wei.

But Liu Feng is different. He not only owns the entire Yangzhou and the two counties north of the Yangtze River in Jingzhou, but also the entire Xuzhou, most of Yuzhou, and the Yanzhou prefecture.

In this situation, Liu Fengzhen didn't need to rush. If it came down to internal strength, even if Yuan Shao and Cao Cao joined forces, Liu Bei and his son could hold their own and not be at a disadvantage.

Liu Feng was mainly bound by his memories of his past life. He always felt that time was of the essence and was eager to expand his territory and preserve his population.

In reality, he has reached a bottleneck. Managing the economy and reforming domestic affairs will be far more effective in enhancing his strength than waging war.

For example, Liu Feng's economy is currently only 30 points, but the upper limit is 100 points, leaving a full 70 points of room for improvement. While the military score is 80 points, the upper limit for military gains is only 20 points, but the risk is as high as 100 points. If things go wrong, all the past gains, including principal and interest, will be lost.

In comparison, it is naturally safer and more worthwhile to focus on developing domestic affairs first.

Liu Feng was persuaded by Zhuge Liang to re-examine his situation and finally realized the truth.

Although Liu Feng had already made up his mind, he was still somewhat unwilling.

Liu Feng wasn't the only one unwilling to accept this; Chen Deng felt the same way.

Chen Deng stood up, cupped his hands in a respectful gesture, and said, "General Zuo, I have something to say, and I humbly request a conversation."

Liu Feng naturally wouldn't refuse; on the contrary, he solemnly returned the greeting, saying, "Uncle, please speak freely."

Having received Liu Feng's approval, Chen Deng cupped his hands in greeting to the others and said, "The land of Henan is bordered by the Taihang Mountains to the left, the Yellow River to the right, the Three Rivers region to the front, and Jinyang to the rear. In the past, Duke Wen of Jin marched east out of Zhiguan Pass, first taking Henan to establish the Xia alliance; during the Chu-Han Contention, Han Xin sent Cao Can to govern Henan, transporting grain from Taiyuan to supply Chenggao; and during the restoration of the Han dynasty under Emperor Guangwu, Kou Xun governed this prefecture, collecting four million bushels of rent and producing over a million arrows. These are all examples of those who established their rule in the Central Plains by controlling Henan. If we take it now, we can control Qing and Yan in the east and conquer Guanzhong in the west. This is truly the resource of Tang and Wu!"

At this point, Chen Deng glanced at Zhuge Liang and saw that he was dressed in a plain robe, sitting upright at the table. His eyebrows and eyes exuded a heroic spirit, and his demeanor was as calm as bamboo welcoming a gentle breeze. He was truly as gentle and refined as jade, making people forget the mundane world upon seeing him.

"What my nephew Zhuge just said makes a lot of sense."

Chen Deng suddenly changed the subject, not attacking Zhuge Liang who held opposing views, but instead praising him highly.

"However, the general trend of the world is such that if we do not advance, we will fall behind. Hanoi is related to the overall situation of the world. We must be cautious in taking risks for it, but we should not throw the baby out with the bathwater."

After laying the groundwork, Chen Deng finally revealed his true intentions: "The Cui Feng and Wan Lan armies are the Left General's elite forces and should not be underestimated. However, I also have several thousand brave warriors under my command who are willing to lead the Left General to take Hanoi."

Chen Deng's sudden self-recommendation aroused envy and jealousy among Taishi Ci, Zhao Yun, and others. They felt he was taking advantage of their lack of education. It was clearly an attempt to steal credit, yet he spoke as if he were praising them.

However, just as everyone was discussing this, Zhuge Liang suddenly spoke up in agreement: "My lord, Mr. Yuanlong's opinion may be feasible."

Liu Feng blinked. "You, the stern-browed and big-eyed Zhuge Liang, can actually be so good at smoothing things over?"
However, upon closer reflection, Chen Yuanlong was a renowned scholar and a top-tier figure in Xuzhou. Although not from Langya, he was indeed a fellow townsman of Zhuge Liang. More importantly, Zhuge Liang probably sensed the complex emotions of inner turmoil and reluctance in Zhuge Liang's heart, and may even have considered using Chen Deng's troops to preserve his elite forces.

Thinking of this, Liu Feng suddenly laughed.

Liu Feng smiled, and the argument immediately stopped, with everyone's attention focused on him.

After thinking for a moment, Liu Feng made a decision.

He first invited Chen Denggui to take his seat, and then said, “I am fully aware of what you have said. In the past, Duke Huan of Qi was able to achieve hegemony only after he obtained Guan Zhong; King Zhao of Yan was able to wipe away the national humiliation only after he met Yue Yi. Now, I am fortunate to meet you wise men, which is truly a gift from heaven. The Han Dynasty can be revived and the world can be at peace.”

Upon hearing Liu Feng's words, even Chen Deng, one of the subordinates, could not remain seated and bowed humbly, saying, "My lord (general) is too kind."

"But Hanoi is a matter of global importance, and I find it difficult to let go of it."

Liu Feng feigned hesitation, but in reality, he had already let go of Hanoi. His current demeanor was more to test the opinions of the people in the hall.

"Do any of you gentlemen have any other good ideas to offer me?"

The people in the hall fell silent. They knew how much Liu Feng favored Zhuge Liang and how much Liu Feng respected Chen Deng. Everyone in the hall was an old man, and even the newcomer Lu Xun had served as a secretary in the cabinet and was a trusted confidant. Naturally, they were very familiar with these situations.

It seems that Liu Feng doesn't even want to take these two people's opinions into consideration. So how should they offer their advice?

Because of Zhuge Liang's eloquent argument, even the radicals like Chen Deng, Taishi Ci, and Zhang Liao realized that their eagerness to make merit had led them to act too hastily and recklessly with their large army in Hanoi.

Just as everyone was lost in their own thoughts, Lu Xun stepped forward and said, “My lord, although Hanoi is rich in salt and iron and has strategic advantages, it is ultimately just a small prefecture with a small population. Even if it produces some resources, it will be difficult to sustain a large army. In that case, why not select a few thousand brave men, under the guise of assisting General Wei, to actually seize a strategic pass? In my opinion, Heyang should be the first choice, followed by Wen County.”

Hanoi was a very wealthy region, with fertile land, vast plains, and access to salt ponds in Hedong. It had been a fertile land since the Qin and Han dynasties.

Among the cities of Hanoi Commandery, the three most strategically valuable are On Hun County, Ha Duong, and Chao Ge. On the other hand, although Hoai County, where the commandery seat is located, is also a transportation hub, it is not as important as the other three cities in terms of either economic or military value.

Wen County is not only close to Zhi County, the entrance and exit of Zhiguan Pass, and Heyang, the Yellow River ferry crossing, but it is also an extremely important center for iron smelting in the north since the Western Han Dynasty, as well as a distribution center for Hedong salt.

Therefore, the economy here is extremely developed. The Records of the Grand Historian, Biographies of Merchants, states: "Wen and Zhi trade with Shangdang in the west and Zhao and Zhongshan in the north," which shows the prosperity of Wen County's economy.

Corresponding to Wen County is Chaoge, which is most famous for its artisans and handicraft workshops. The Records of the Grand Historian, Biographies of Merchants, states that Chaoge's machinery and handicraft industry was extremely prosperous, although some of it was later relocated to Huai County.

Only Heyang has extremely high military value, but in terms of economy and industry, it is far inferior to Wenxian and Chaoge, and even Huaixian is much worse.

Currently, Chaoge is occupied by Yuan Shao because it is close to Ye City, and Huai County is Zhang Yang's stronghold. Only Heyang and Wen County are available.

After deliberately pausing for a moment, Liu Feng asked, "In your opinion, Boyan, is Heyang better, or is Wenxian better?"

Lu Xun pondered for a moment and replied, "I believe we should take them all."

Before Liu Feng could ask further, Lu Xun added, "Heyang and Wenxian are only forty li apart, and Zhixian is only twenty li away. There is also the branch city of Zhancheng in between. If we can take Heyang, Wenxian, and Zhixian, these three counties, backed by Wangwu Mountain and relying on the Yellow River, can support each other from afar. Only ten thousand men are needed to defend them."

Listening to Lu Xun's opinion, Liu Feng couldn't help but start making calculations in his mind. If there were only a little over ten thousand people, there wouldn't be much pressure on logistics and supplies. Moreover, Hanoi could provide some food supplements, and Wen County had the advantage of iron smelting, and the Ironworks could also produce its own military equipment.

This couldn't help but tempt Liu Feng, and it not only made Chen Deng and the others' eyes light up, but even Zhuge Liang couldn't help but start to deduce it in his mind.

"If we were to station them in three cities... including Zhan City, we would need at least ten thousand people."

Liu Feng's heart stirred slightly, and he couldn't help but stand up and slowly walk around the hall.

A moment later, his gaze couldn't help but fall on Zhuge Liang.

It seemed that the other person also sensed Liu Feng's gaze at the same time, and immediately looked up, just in time to meet Liu Feng's eyes.

Too dangerous.

Liu Feng clearly understood what Zhuge Liang wanted to express.

After pondering for about half an incense stick's time, Liu Feng finally made a decision.

"Too dangerous, it cannot be done."

Amidst the expectant, worried, and apprehensive gazes of the crowd, Liu Feng still rejected Lu Xun's suggestion.

Disappointment and regret flashed in the eyes of Chen Deng, Taishi Ci, Zhang Liao and others, while Zhuge Liang, Zhao Yun and Xu Huang seemed to breathe a sigh of relief.

Only Lu Xun surprised Liu Feng. He remained calm and composed, showing no sadness or joy, as if he were not the one who had just made the suggestion.

Ignoring Lu Xun's strange reaction for the moment, Liu Feng continued, "The General sent an envoy to request reinforcements, which I have already agreed to. However, the number of reinforcements and their location have been a matter of deliberation for days. Fortunately, with your excellent advice, we can see the clear sky after the clouds have parted!" He then slammed his hand on the table and made a decision: "Let Zhu Zhi be the vanguard general, and select four thousand elite troops to march to Henan immediately and temporarily garrison Heyang County."

Everyone then realized that Liu Feng still favored Heyang. If it were only a force of four thousand elite troops, it would indeed be much easier to advance and retreat, and there would be no risk of serious injury.

However, Liu Feng added, "If a favorable opportunity arises in the future, it will not be too late to reinforce the troops."

Taishi Ci immediately suggested, "My lord is wise. However, if we arrange it this way, could we increase the equipment of Zhu Zhi's troops?"

"What the teacher said is very true."

Reminded by Taishi Ci, Liu Feng realized: "At that time, we should take three hundred sets of fine armor and a thousand crossbows from the treasury to boost the army's morale and strengthen its weaponry."

Taishi Ci was immediately satisfied and withdrew.

Then Lu Xun spoke up, "My lord, Heyang is located near the Yellow River and has a port outside the county. Could we transfer some naval troops to Zhu Gong's forces?"

"good."

Lu Xun's suggestion was quite reasonable, and Liu Feng agreed after a moment's thought, only making a slight change: "Zhu Gong's troops are originally from Jiangdong and are skilled in boat handling, so there is no need to transfer personnel. Just add some warships for Zhu Gong and his men, such as Zaoge."

In this way, Zhu Zhi's troops could retreat on their own if necessary, and as long as Cao Cao did not rebel, they would not have to worry about being surrounded in Hanoi.

**
After discussing the affairs of Hanoi, Liu Feng set off again without waiting for Zhu Zhi to arrive in Shouchun. He left Shouchun and traveled north along the Huai River system. In late November, he arrived in Tancheng, Donghai, Xuzhou, with various gifts, treasures, and wealth.

Upon learning of his son's arrival, Liu Bei originally planned to travel ten miles outside the city to personally greet him at the dock. Fortunately, he was persuaded by Xun You, Guo Jia, and others, thus avoiding the dramatic scene of a father welcoming his son.

Even so, Liu Bei waited outside the west gate of Tancheng for Liu Feng to arrive.

Even from a great distance, the scouts sent back a message saying that Liu Bei was already waiting outside the city gate.

Upon hearing this, Liu Feng dared not remain composed any longer. He hurriedly led his personal attendants, including Xu Chu, Zhou Jun, Zhou Shao, Zhou Cheng, Sun Yi, and Sun Jiao, and rode out into the fray, abandoning the caravan, and galloped straight toward the city gate.

Upon arriving at the city gate and seeing Liu Bei from afar, Liu Feng immediately dismounted (saddles existed in the Eastern Han Dynasty, but there were no high-bridged saddles; the saddle in the true "Three Treasures of Horses" refers to the high-bridged saddle), and ran towards Liu Bei.

When Liu Bei saw his grown son running towards him, he couldn't contain his excitement and quickly went to meet him.

In an instant, the two groups of people followed their lord and rushed forward, like two giant dragons converging in the middle of the road.

"Your son is unfilial, causing your father to have to come from afar to greet you."

The moment Liu Feng met Liu Bei, he knelt down without hesitation and kowtowed to Liu Bei, saying, "Your son is ashamed."

With tears welling in his eyes, Liu Bei, feeling sorry for Liu Feng, quickly pulled him up.

Counting the days, it's been almost a year since I've seen my eldest son. Not only has he consolidated Yangzhou, but he even took advantage of the internal strife in Jingzhou to send troops to intervene and seize six counties in Jingzhou in one fell swoop. If it weren't for Cao Mengde taking advantage of the situation, Nanyang County would have been nothing more than a ripe fruit, easily obtained.

Liu Bei held Liu Feng's hand and looked him up and down for a while before finally managing to say, "My son has grown taller."

Compared to the last time they parted, Liu Feng had indeed grown much taller and was now a proper adult. Moreover, due to his long years in charge and holding a high position, the youthful innocence on his face had almost completely faded.

If it weren't for the few baby hairs still on his face, who would believe that this was a fifteen-year-old child?

It is even more unbelievable that this child, at such a young age, has already become famous throughout the world, accomplished great feats that many adults cannot achieve, and become a powerful warlord who conquers cities and territories, dominates the southeast, and almost entirely controls the natural barrier of the Yangtze River.

"My father, however, remains as dashing as ever."

Liu Feng responded with tears in his eyes: "Since ancient times, loyalty and filial piety cannot be fulfilled at the same time. I am loyal to the king and cannot be by my father's side to enjoy his happiness and fulfill my filial duties. I hope my father will take good care of himself and eat more."

The Eastern Han Dynasty governed the country with loyalty and filial piety as its guiding principles, with filial piety being of paramount importance.

Liu Feng's filial piety towards Liu Bei was evident to all. He not only frequently sent people to inquire about Liu Bei's well-being, but also sent gifts to Lady Wu and Lady Tian during festivals and holidays, never missing a single one.

Now that the father and son have reunited, their genuine emotions are on full display, and everyone present naturally showers them with praise.

(End of this chapter)