My father Liu Xuande

Chapter 645 The king and his ministers get along well with each other
"Takashino is here!?"

Shocked, Liu Feng stood up abruptly, threw down his chopsticks and dagger, rushed around the table and grabbed Fa Zheng's hand: "When we parted earlier, I was extremely reluctant to see him go. After Xiao Zhi left, I felt even more resentful and regretted letting him return to this dangerous place. Now that we meet again, Xiao Zhi should stay in Guangdu and not return to Chengdu."

Liu Feng's expression was sincere and his tone was earnest. Fa Zheng's arm ached from being gripped so tightly, but he showed no intention of breaking free.

He stood there stunned for a moment, then his usually sharp eyes widened suddenly, and were immediately enveloped in a layer of moisture.

He moved his throat, but couldn't speak for a long time. He just gripped Liu Feng's wrist tightly with his other hand, his knuckles turning white from the force.

"General..."

Fa Zheng's voice trembled slightly, but his heart was burning with excitement. He felt that all the risks he had taken to leave Chengdu and come to Guangdu to deliver the message were worthwhile.

However, Fa Zheng was a man of strong character. Remembering the heavy responsibility he bore, he immediately suppressed the emotion in his heart and replied with a forced smile, "I'm afraid I still cannot obey your orders this time. Although there are reasons for this, I am still willing to accept the general's punishment."

Liu Feng was surprised and glanced at Lu Xun, only to see that the latter had a smile on his face, clearly indicating that Fa Zheng had brought good news.

Fa Zheng was feigning humor, and Liu Feng naturally wouldn't be disappointed. He didn't ask any more questions, but simply pulled Fa Zheng into the hall, saying, "If you want me to punish you, it's simple. Punish Xiaozhi by having him serve by my side and not leave without permission."

"Ah, this... hahaha!"

Upon hearing this, Fazheng, Lu Xun, and Liu Feng exchanged a glance and burst into laughter.

After entering the hall, the host and guests sat down separately. Liu Feng called his servants to serve hot water, and then personally brewed two bowls of tea for Fa Zheng and Lu Xun.

"Xiaozhi, Boyan, this is a new method of brewing tea that I have invented, which I call the 'stir-frying method'. This method of drinking tea does not require any seasonings. It is brewed with spring water and is sweet and refreshing. It is bitter at first and then sweet, with an endless aftertaste."

As Liu Feng spoke, he boasted with a touch of pride, "This method is unique; it is my own creation. You two are welcome to try it."

Fazheng and Lu Xun were both somewhat flattered, and began to sip the tea after it had cooled slightly.

Upon tasting it, it was indeed as Liu Feng had said—bitterness turned to sweetness, with a lingering aftertaste, prompting him to praise it.

Then, the three of them started chatting over tea.

After a cup of tea, Fazheng finally got down to business and recounted what he knew about the situation and trends in Chengdu.

Upon hearing that Cao Ang and Liu Zhang were about to flee, Liu Feng and Lu Xun were not surprised at all. They had already suspected this before, and Fa Zheng was merely confirming this idea and providing more solid evidence.

Hearing that Sima Yi planned to set fire to the city and destroy supplies after the allied forces withdrew made Liu Feng quite anxious. Liu Feng realized that he had truly underestimated Sima Yi. He originally thought that emptying the city of supplies was already a vicious plan, but he didn't expect Sima Yi to be able to do something even more ruthless.

Next, Fa Zheng explained his plan to surrender the city in detail, which made Liu Feng and Lu Xun very excited and overjoyed.

It must be admitted that Zhang Song and Fa Zheng's coup was quite well-planned. Their efforts to win over Yang Lu and Ma Qiu, in particular, were brilliant. If they could truly gain their support and prevent leaks during the preparatory work, the probability of success was quite high.

Of course, Liu Feng's support was also essential. Without the support of the Left Guard Army, even if they captured the East Gate, they would not have been able to hold it.

Lu Xun looked at Liu Feng, clearly already very interested.

Taking Chengdu through a coordinated attack from within and without is entirely different from sitting idly by and accepting an empty shell of Chengdu, or even a Chengdu ravaged by fire, after the allied forces have withdrawn. Moreover, if they could catch Cao Cao's army off guard, they could achieve even greater results.

Having led troops for many years, Liu Feng couldn't possibly be unaware of these things. Moreover, Lu Xun also had to consider the consequences of his actions. While this was undoubtedly a great advantage for the Left Guard Army, it was a dangerous undertaking that put Zhang Song and his men at risk of losing their lives.

Therefore, Lu Xun could not directly persuade him, and could only frequently look at Liu Feng.

Unexpectedly, Liu Feng refused.

"Absolutely not!"

Upon hearing this, Liu Feng abruptly stood up, waving his hands to create a gust of wind from his sleeves, and repeatedly denied it, saying, "A mutiny is extremely dangerous! If anything goes wrong, not only will your lives be in danger, but your families and relatives will also be implicated. Although I have only known you for a short time, I have long known that you are all pillars of society. If we wish to stabilize Xichuan, support the Han Dynasty, and pacify the world in the future, we will certainly need your strong support. How can I sit idly by and watch you engage in such a dangerous and risky undertaking?"

Finally, Liu Feng declared decisively, "This matter is absolutely unacceptable!"

Fa Zheng felt a surge of heat rising within him, and even with his strong and proud character, he couldn't help but feel a lump in his throat.

If it were anyone else, upon hearing that they could take over such an important city as Chengdu so easily, they would not only agree immediately, but they might even worry that they would back down.

If it could increase the chances of success by even the slightest bit, they probably wouldn't hesitate for a second, even at the cost of their lives.

But now, Liu Feng had actually rejected him outright. How could Fa Zheng not feel deeply moved and emotionally agitated?

However, Fazheng was Fazheng after all. After a moment, he had composed himself, got up from his seat, and walked to Liu Fengping to pay his respects.

“General, we surrendered the city not for wealth and glory. Zhang Ziqiao is from a prominent family in Shu Commandery. He owns thousands of acres of fertile land outside the city and hundreds of shops within its walls. His family’s wealth is so vast that even if they were to live off it for a hundred years, it would be difficult to exhaust it. Qin Zichi and Yang Jixiu are similar to Zhang.”

Fa Zheng first boasted about the wealthy and powerful families of Zhang Song, Qin Mi, and Yang Hong, then changed the subject and asked, "Why are they willing to risk their lives and endure such dangers?"

"Firstly, it is to express our gratitude to the general for his ambition to pacify the world and restore the Han Dynasty."

Fa Zheng continued, "Secondly, to save the people of Chengdu from suffering."

"Thirdly, I have some selfish motives."

He spoke of his selfish motives, yet his face showed no shame whatsoever: "We, a few of us, have always harbored lofty ambitions and possessed great strategic talents. We do not wish to spend our lives in seclusion, but rather hope to display our talents in this world! However, Liu Jiyu is weak and incompetent, unable to recognize talent, and favors sycophants, causing us to be buried in the dust."

Now, I am fortunate to have received the General's favor and the great kindness of being recognized and trusted. I will devote myself wholeheartedly to serving you with utmost loyalty and wisdom. In the face of adversity, I will be utterly fearless; in making decisions, I will exhaust all my efforts. Even if it means going through fire and water, I will not flinch. My only wish is to assist my lord in quelling the chaos, stabilizing the nation, and, upon success, to ensure that our names are recorded in history, thus fulfilling our life's learning and the sincere trust of our wise lord!

"General!"

Fa Zheng shouted again, "Although this matter is risky, we are willing to do it. If it is for the sake of the people of Chengdu, we are willing to die and have our clans wiped out. Please, General, do not refuse and disappoint our loyal and devoted hearts."

Fa Xiaozhi's words were comprehensive, without exaggerating the virtues of his own side or revealing his own self-interest. However, he also expressed his side's determination to risk everything for the people of Chengdu. Most cleverly, this made it impossible for Liu Feng to refuse them purely on a moral grounds, because doing so would make Liu Feng appear to disregard the people of Chengdu.

Liu Feng realized this as well, and sighed deeply, though he was overjoyed. No wonder his father in the original timeline valued Fa Zheng so much; from Fa Zheng's words just now, Liu Feng's goodwill towards him had increased even more. "For the sake of the people of Chengdu, even if I am unwilling, I have no choice but to concede."

Liu Feng pretended to be conflicted, then added, "Although I have agreed to this matter, Xiaozhi must tell Ziqiao and the others to be careful, cherish their own lives, and not to sacrifice themselves lightly."

Fa Zheng was overjoyed and readily agreed.

Next, Liu Feng, Lu Xun, Fa Zheng, and others discussed the matter in detail for two whole hours, finalizing many details. Finally, they set the date for the mutiny three days later, giving them three more days to prepare.

While Liu Feng was secretly discussing matters with Lu Xun and Fa Zheng, a messenger was galloping from Fucheng towards Chengdu, bringing news of the siege of Fucheng.

After the discussion, Fazheng quietly left under the cover of night and returned to Chengdu.

Soon, Zhang Song and the others learned about Liu Feng's whereabouts from Fa Zheng, which greatly moved them and boosted their confidence.

"With the reinforcements from the Left Guard Army, all we need to do is open the East Gate on time, and the matter will be settled!"

Yang Hong was the first to breathe a sigh of relief. The past two days of contact had brought only good news. Not only did Yang Lu and Ma Qiu accept the invitation to join on the spot, but the wealth they brought far exceeded Zhang Song and the others' expectations.

Meanwhile, the Dongzhou troops in the city had begun to be transferred north, and Cao Cao's army in Chengdu had also begun to quietly withdraw. Although these actions were very secretive, they still could not escape the eyes of these local strongmen.

Although the reasons for Cao Cao's troop movements are unclear, it is still a major boon for Zhang Song and his men, who are preparing for a mutiny. The fewer Cao Cao's troops there are, the weaker their control over Chengdu will be, and the less likely they will face a counterattack after capturing the east gate.

In this way, the probability of success will naturally be greater.

Three days later, on the night before Sima Yi was about to set fire to the house, Zhang Song and others gathered at Zhang's residence. The courtyard was filled with four hundred armored soldiers, all wearing leather armor and holding steel swords and spears, standing in formation.

"Zidu, everything is in your hands!"

Zhang Song, holding Meng Da's hand, solemnly instructed him: "If things are possible, kill Sima Zhongda first. This man is Cao Zixiu's literary advisor. If we can eliminate him, we will have cut off one of Cao Zixiu's arms. If things are not possible, retreat quickly to the polo field in the east of the city and join forces with him to defend it to the death. As long as we wait for the Left Army to arrive, the great cause will be accomplished!"

Meng Da, clad in iron armor, exuded confidence: "Sima Zhongda's strategies are acceptable, but how can his military formations be a match for mine? Today, I will surely slay him! This will also allow me to present a great gift to you all before the Left General."

"Zidu has great ambitions; we should encourage him!"

Zhang Song was short in stature but possessed a bold and unrestrained spirit. He immediately poured wine for Meng Da and then personally presented it to him, saying, "Zidu, drink this wine to your heart's content. I wish you a resounding victory and swift success!"

Meng Da didn't mince words; he took the wine bowl and drank it all in one gulp, and the many armored soldiers behind him also drank the wine in their bowls.

With a slight smile, Meng Da immediately clasped his hands in a fist and said, "I'm leaving now. Gentlemen, please take good care of yourselves and wait for our wise ruler to enter the city!"

After saying this, Meng Da waved his hand, signaling the armored soldiers behind him to follow, and then he was the first to rush out of the mansion.

More than four hundred armored soldiers in the mansion immediately followed, closely trailing behind him, their target clearly the Chengdu prefecture.

At this moment, Cao Ang had already escorted Liu Zhang away from Chengdu, leaving only Sima Yi's troops in the city to cover the rear.

After tomorrow, they will also retreat north, leaving an empty city for Liu Feng.

That evening, it was already midnight, but Sima Yi was still awake, working at his desk.

Sima Yi was also aware of the drawbacks of burning Chengdu, and his purpose was only to burn supplies, not to actually burn the city. Therefore, he continued to calculate meticulously, artificially creating firebreaks and then filling them with sand.

This inadvertently increased Sima Yi's workload, but he had no choice but to do it. At this moment, Sima Yi was conducting a final review, after all, the time to act was tomorrow evening.

Just as Sima Yi was engrossed in his work, a commotion suddenly arose in the distance.

Sima Yi raised his head, his brows furrowed.

Sima Yi was always very strict, even somewhat harsh, in governing his army and administration. Chengdu had already implemented a curfew, and now such a commotion had occurred; how could Sima Yi not be furious?

Sima Yi listened intently for a while and found that the noise not only did not subside but was getting louder and louder. His face immediately darkened, and he called out to the outside of the study, "Someone come here."

Soon followers will appear.

"grown ups?"

Sima Yi frowned and asked, "What happened outside the mansion? Why is it so noisy?"

The attendant was unaware of this and had clearly not received any information.

Sima Yi's heart sank, and he had a bad feeling. He was about to send someone out to investigate immediately when he heard the sound of armor clashing outside the courtyard.

The next moment, a group of armored soldiers rushed in, led by Cao Xiong, the military commander whom Cao Ang had left behind to protect Sima Yi.

"Your Excellency, there is a rebellion in the city!"

Cao Xiong remained relatively calm. He immediately noticed the abnormality and ordered his soldiers to put on their armor, while he himself led his personal guards to protect Sima Yi.

"Rebellion!?"

Sima Yi was taken aback, feeling both angry and frustrated.

Unexpectedly, nothing happened for so long. Cao Ang had just left Chengdu and was about to complete his mission tomorrow, but then this happened tonight.

However, Sima Yi remained calm and immediately ordered Cao Xiong: "Sima Cao, you must do three things first. First, send someone to scout the situation in the city. I need to know who started the rebellion and how large it is. Second, immediately send someone to contact the other garrisons in the city and have them assemble in the prefectural city. Also, notify the guards at each city gate to strictly guard the gates and not to let the rebels take advantage of the situation. Third, quickly ask General Shi Huan to go to the north gate to take charge. He doesn't need to worry about anything else in the city. Just protect the north gate, and we will have a clear plan of advance and retreat."

Upon hearing Sima Yi's instructions, Cao Xiong immediately obeyed and turned to assign tasks.

Soon, several messengers rode out of the prefectural capital, carrying orders to other Cao army garrisons.

(End of this chapter)