My father Liu Xuande

Chapter 602 Undercurrents in Chengdu
After Sima Lang produced Zhang Lu's letter, Liu Zhang's heart completely turned to Cao Cao.

In Liu Zhang's view, Liu Feng was powerful and supported Zhao Wei's rebellion. Moreover, Liu Feng had not sent anyone to contact him. If he surrendered to Liu Feng, not only would his treatment be uncertain, but he would also likely have no hope of making a comeback.

Cao Cao, however, was different. His territory was in the heart of the Central Plains, including Sili and Yanzhou, which was already quite far from Hanzhong, let alone Shu.

If we surrender to Cao Cao at this time, we can not only receive benefits from Cao Cao, but also use Cao Cao's power to counterbalance Liu Feng. If we can force Liu Feng to retreat, that would be even better. If not, even just preserving the Shu Commandery is better than being a prisoner.

These considerations made Liu Zhang very enthusiastic about Cao Cao's offer.

However, Liu Zhang was still worried about Zhang Lu's presence. Zhang Lu's Hanzhong was a crucial passage connecting Guanzhong and Shu. When Cao Cao's army entered Shu, Hanzhong was of paramount importance, and Zhang Lu's status and attitude were self-evident.

At the same time, Liu Zhang was also very interested in Zhang Lu's reaction and wanted to see what choice Cao Cao would make.

To his surprise, Zhang Lu wrote a letter stating that although their past grievances were irreconcilable, for the sake of national righteousness, he would let Liu Zhang off the hook and forgive him for the past, provided Liu Zhang ceased to be Zhang Lu's enemy.

Although he hadn't expected this outcome, Liu Zhang was undoubtedly quite pleased.

If Zhang Lu had not mentioned the old grudges at all, or had expressed a willingness to forgive and forget, Liu Zhang would most likely still have been suspicious. But Zhang Lu's current attitude made Liu Zhang quite believe that the other party had really made a concession.

Therefore, Liu Zhang decided to side with Cao Cao. However, he also played a trick, stating that the local faction in Chengdu was powerful and lacked popular support, and that a hasty confrontation might cause unnecessary chaos.

Therefore, Liu Zhang expressed his hope that Cao Cao could send troops from Fucheng to join forces with Huang Quan's troops to eliminate Zhao Wei first, while Chengdu would help Cao Cao contain the Left Army.

Sima Lang was clearly somewhat dissatisfied with the proposal, but after thinking about it for a long time, he nodded in agreement.

Sima Lang agreed to Liu Zhang's scheming request mainly because of self-interest.

Regardless of whether Liu Zhang was truly willing to submit to Cao Cao, as long as Cao Cao still wanted to seize control of Shu Commandery, Luocheng would always be a huge obstacle.

If Cao Cao could take Luocheng without a fight after eliminating Zhao Wei, then he would definitely not suffer a loss.

Even though Liu Zhang went back on his word and changed his mind later, Luo City was still able to be taken over by Cao Cao, which not only expanded his territory but also provided him with a forward base for advancing into Chengdu.

From both a moral and logical standpoint, it's a sure-fire way to make money.

Meanwhile, Zhao Wei's troops were now in a state of panic. If Liu Feng hadn't captured Wuyang and Guangdu, thus opening up communication channels with Zhao Wei, they would have already collapsed due to running out of food.

Such a weak force of tens of thousands of men was actually a piece of easy prey in Cao Cao's eyes.

If Cao Cao could seize this opportunity, he could instantly gain tens of thousands of troops. Why wouldn't he do it?

Sima Lang clearly agreed because he had taken these factors into account.

However, he also took this opportunity to extort a large sum from Liu Zhang, demanding that Huang Quan hand over Luocheng to Cao Cao's army intact, provide Cao Cao's army with no less than 100,000 shi of military rations, and also provide 80 million coins, military equipment and supplies, and a certain amount of cloth and silk to reward the soldiers of Cao Cao and Zhang Lu's allied forces.

Liu Zhang readily agreed to these conditions.

After the siege of Chengdu was lifted, autumn harvest grains from various regions were transported to Chengdu along several rivers. In addition, Huang Quan directly captured Luocheng, Zhao Wei's army's logistics base, seizing a large amount of Zhao's army's provisions. Furthermore, having previously extracted a significant amount of resources from local powerful clans like Zhang Song, Liu Zhang was now quite well-off in terms of food supplies.

As for wealth, there are also stocks in the government treasury, and military supplies are even more plentiful.

Therefore, the two parties immediately reached an agreement.

In order to save time, Sima Lang politely declined Liu Zhang's offer to stay. Early the next morning, he quietly left Chengdu with his entourage, detoured to the north through Pixian, and headed back towards Guanghan.

While Sima Lang was having a secret meeting with Liu Zhang, a secret plot was also taking place at the residence of Zhang Song, the Prefectural Governor of Chengdu.

There were only five people present. Three of them were influential figures in Yizhou: Zhang Song, Qin Mi, and Yang Hong, the Three Heroes of Shu. Another person was dressed in a brocade robe, with outstanding appearance and talent, and a strong and imposing physique. The last person was handsome and simple, wearing a blue robe. Although he looked somewhat down on his luck, there was an air of arrogance between his brows.

These two men were Meng Da and Fa Zheng, scholars from Guanzhong whom Zhang Song greatly valued and considered close friends.

These people gathered here to discuss Sima Lang's visit.

Originally, Qin Mi and Yang Hong were unwilling to involve Meng Da and Fa Zheng in such an important matter.

However, Zhang Song strongly recommended the two men, claiming that they would be of great use. In addition, although Meng Da and Fa Zheng were from outside the gentry, they were not close to Liu Zhang. Fa Zheng, in particular, was often ostracized and suppressed in the Dongzhou gentry circle. Only then did Qin Mi and Yang Hong agree.

"Gentlemen, the governor intends to surrender to the traitor Cao and bring Zhang Lu into Shu. This is tantamount to cutting himself off from the people of Yizhou! The traitor Mi has always been hostile to the gentry and noble families. All the prominent families in Hanzhong have been eliminated by him. At best, his property is seized; at worst, his entire family is exterminated! If he gains power in Shu, our century-old family fortune will be reduced to dust!"

Zhang Song was the first to speak, and what he said was extremely serious.

Surprisingly, Qin Mi and Yang Hong had no objections whatsoever; instead, they nodded solemnly.

After a moment, Yang Hong continued, his expression somewhat dazed, with an incredulous look on his face: "A letter came from my hometown of Jianwei, detailing the kindness of General Zuo. The Left Army has not committed any offenses, and the people along the way live in peace and prosperity. There has been no requisition of grain or forced labor. Even if there are any needs, they are met with fair trade. What the elders said in their letter is as if it were a time of peace, which is truly unbelievable."

"General Zuo is known throughout the land for his magnanimity, respect for the virtuous and the learned, and his extraordinary conduct is not surprising. On the other hand, the regional governor, instead of thinking about driving out the rice thieves, has knelt down to serve the thieves, which truly makes us indignant."

Upon hearing this, Qin Mi's face turned ashen, and he angrily complained, "A letter came from my hometown of Guanghan. The rice thieves are levying grain everywhere, ravaging the people, especially those of high standing, who are being squeezed dry. The governor turns a blind eye, only to kneel before Cao Cao. How foolish this is! It's no different from asking a tiger for its skin. My Qin family of Guanghan would rather perish than bow down to the rice thieves."

"The governor is weak and lacks wisdom. Now he has been deceived by Cao Cao and has done this to invite a wolf into the house. He will surely suffer a calamity in the future."

Fa Zheng suddenly chuckled and straightened up amidst the various expressions on everyone's faces: "The governor has lost the support of the people, and you gentlemen have suffered greatly because of him. Why can't you find another wise ruler?"

Fa Zheng's words were somewhat harsh. Zhang Song had already harbored these thoughts, but Qin Mi and Yang Hong, though indignant at Liu Zhang's actions, still had not made up their minds to betray him.

They came to this secret meeting hoping to devise a way to persuade Liu Zhang, not to plot his overthrow.

Therefore, upon hearing Fa Zheng's words, the two were immediately displeased and retorted, "As subjects, we should be loyal to our duties. How can we criticize our lord? The governor's actions have been improper, and this is precisely the time for us to offer our advice."

"But what have the people of Sichuan done wrong?"

Facing Qin Mi and Yang Hong, two prominent figures among the gentry of Shu, Fa Zheng showed no fear, retorting sharply, "Guanghan is currently suffering immense devastation. From the highest noble families to the lowest laborers, everyone will pay a heavy price for your weakness and indecisiveness." Although Qin Mi and Yang Hong held high positions, they were both extremely magnanimous and understanding of the bigger picture. While they were displeased by Fa Zheng's apparent betrayal, they also had to admit that what he said was indeed true.

"Please do not blame Xiaozhi, my lords."

Zhang Song spoke up at the right moment, easing the tense atmosphere in the hall: "Xiaozhi is straightforward and proud, and his talent is outstanding. I have recommended him to you, sir, many times, but you have failed to use him, which is a pity. Although what Xiaozhi said was a bit extreme, it is all true. You two are wise men and will not punish anyone for your words."

Qin Mi and Yang Hong glanced at Zhang Song, but they weren't surprised at all. Even for such a secret meeting, Zhang Song had to keep Fa Zheng and Meng Da present, so what did it matter if he spoke up in defense of them? Besides, they secretly agreed with what Fa Zheng said.

"Why don't you gentlemen contact General Zuo first?"

Suddenly, Meng Da, who had been silent all along, spoke up and immediately threw out such a sensational topic.

The other three people in the hall were stunned by Meng Da's words, but Fa Zheng clapped his hands and praised, "Zidu hit the nail on the head."

Zhang Song, Qin Mi, and Yang Hong exchanged glances and then fell silent, remaining quiet for a long time.

After a long while, Fa Zheng became somewhat anxious and volunteered, saying, "Gentlemen, you hold important positions and cannot easily leave Chengdu. Since that is the case, I am willing to do my best for you."

Meng Da glanced at Fa Zheng and then spoke up, "I am not talented, but I am quite brave and strong. I am willing to accompany Xiao Zhi south."

Zhang Song asked at the opportune moment, "What do you think, Second Brother?"

Qin Mi and Yang Hong exchanged a glance, then sighed and said, "We'll do as Ziqiao says."

**
In mid-December, Lu Xun besieged Guangdu and successfully established contact with Zhao Wei's troops. At this time, Zhao Wei's army was in a state of panic and had only avoided collapse because they had nowhere else to turn.

After making contact with the Left Guard Army, Zhao Wei was overjoyed and spread the news throughout the camp that the Left Guard Army had already attacked Guangdu City.

Just as Zhao Wei had expected, the news immediately sparked a huge uproar among the soldiers in the camp.

With such strong reinforcements so close at hand, Zhao Wei's army's morale has indeed rebounded considerably from its low point.

At this moment, Zhao Wei's army had less than ten days' worth of food reserves. The reason they still had food reserves was that, after Huang Quan cut off their retreat, Zhao Wei managed to harvest a batch of rice from outside Chengdu.

On the other hand, the supply of military rations was reduced, with only 70% of the usual amount being distributed.

The soldiers were naturally dissatisfied, but fortunately, most of Zhao Wei's troops were from Ba Commandery, and the Cong soldiers were also suppressed by Cong kings like Du Yue. In addition, although 70% of them were not well-fed, they were still doing alright, which barely kept them in check. It was precisely Zhao Wei's actions that allowed his troops to hold out until the arrival of the Left Guard Army; otherwise, they would have already run out of food.

Before Zuo Mujun arrived, Zhao Wei's army was hoping that Zuo Mujun would come to their rescue.

Now that the Left Army has arrived, Zhao Wei's mind is starting to wander.

With Chengdu within reach, and the prospect of becoming the ruler of Yizhou upon capture, how could Zhao Wei possibly give it up?

Indeed, Zhao Wei's army could not capture Chengdu. His previous attempts had resulted in heavy losses, and in the past month, more than 3,000 wounded soldiers had died in the camp, and the remaining soldiers had lost all will to fight.

However, Zuo Mu's army has arrived in time, and as long as Zhao Wei can get their strong support, he is confident that he can conquer Chengdu.

With this in mind, Zhao Wei gathered Li Yi, Pang Le, Du Yue, and others together to discuss countermeasures in detail.

Ultimately, the group concluded that a large bribe was the answer.

After all, in the eyes of Li Yi, Pang Le, Du Yue, and others, nothing was more important than wealth. And coincidentally, at this time, the Zhao Wei army camp was filled with rare and precious treasures looted from various parts of Shu.

After discussion, Zhao Wei appointed Li Yi as his envoy, who escorted fifty carts of valuables and jewels, to Guangdu via a detour southeast of Chengdu, along the edge of the Longquan Mountains.

At the same time, it will also be convenient to escort the first batch of grain back to camp.

Although this route is a detour, the distance is not far. The straight-line distance is only fifteen li, and after the detour, it is only about twenty li. Light troops can travel it in half a day.

However, Li Yi and his group had to escort a large number of carts. In addition to the fifty carts loaded with valuables and gifts, there were more than four hundred empty carts. On the return trip, these carts would all need to be filled with grain.

Therefore, Li Yi and the others set off early, heading towards Guangdu.

After Lu Xun captured Guangdu, he began transporting grain and fodder towards Guangdu. Although the Fu River was not wide, its water conditions were good. Although large ships could not navigate it, small boats could pass through very smoothly.

Therefore, grain transportation is quite convenient.

In just three to five days, tens of thousands of bushels of grain had been transported.

Under these circumstances, Lu Xun sent an envoy to Zhao Wei, requesting that Zhao Wei move his camp to Guangdu.

From a strategic perspective, Zhao Wei was isolated and surrounded by the Shu army, with no food or supplies to advance and no way to retreat, which could be described as a dead end.

From a tactical perspective, Zhao Wei's forces would be scattered if divided, but would be concentrated if united. Moving the camp south not only avoided being attacked from both sides by the Shu armies in Chengdu and Luocheng, but also allowed him to join forces with the Left Guard Army.

From both a strategic and tactical perspective, this is a very correct suggestion.

However, Zhao Wei and others had their own selfish motives and rejected this reasonable suggestion. Instead, they kept urging Lu Xun to allocate grain and supplies to the army.

This move greatly displeased many generals and officers of the Left Army. Those with quick tempers, such as Gan Ning and Wei Yan, even suggested that Lu Xun cut off the enemy's supplies and force Zhao Wei to move his camp.

On the contrary, the commander-in-chief Lu Xun did not show any obvious anger. When Li Yi arrived, he even went out of the city to greet him personally, which relieved Commander Zhao Wei.

Although their attitude was amiable, they were very insistent on providing food and supplies.

Lu Xun, citing the difficulty of transportation, was only willing to allocate one week's worth of grain, and only once a week.

(End of this chapter)