Three Kingdoms: I, Liu Feng, do not want to die

Chapter 136 Brothers ask each other about their consciences, Liu Bei and his son go to the palace together (6k)

Chengdu.

Hanzhong Palace.

The sound of reading aloud can be heard in the elegant house.

Grand Tutor Xu Jing held the letter in his hand, put his hands behind his back, paced back and forth, closed his eyes and listened quietly.

When he heard a mistake, he would sometimes point with his hands and sometimes correct it out loud.

There were three young men in the elegant house.

The older one was about twelve or thirteen years old, and the two younger ones were about five or six years old. They were Liu Bei’s three sons, Liu Chan, Liu Yong, and Liu Li.

After Liu Bei became king, he appointed Xu Jing, a famous official who was over 70 years old, as his Grand Tutor and asked Xu Jing to teach his three sons.

Outside the elegant house.

A young man cautiously poked his head in the doorway.

When he saw Xu Jing, he quickly retracted his neck and clenched his hands, obviously quite afraid of Xu Jing.

But the next moment.

The young man heard Xu Jing's call and walked in obediently with his head lowered.

Seeing that Xu Jing had no intention of blaming him, the young man quickly sat down on Liu Chan's right seat, and while stealing a glance at Xu Jing, he whispered, "Prince, your brother has entered the city."

The voice just fell.

But Xu Jing's eyes suddenly widened, and he lightly rebuked: "Huo Yi, don't disturb the prince."

The young man was Huo Yi, the orphan of Huo Jun, Liu Bei's favorite general.

Liu Bei was deeply saddened when Huo Jun died of illness.

Not only did he lead his colleagues to pay tribute, he also stayed overnight at the tomb. Seeing that his son Huo Yi was lonely and poor, he raised Huo Yi in his mansion and let him study with Liu Chan.

Rumors about Liu Feng have been spreading recently, and many people in Shu County are discussing Liu Feng.

As Liu Chan's childhood friend, Huo Yi paid close attention to him and often sneaked out to gather information for Liu Chan.

Today I learned that Liu Feng had entered the city, so I hurried here to report.

Liu Chan put down the letter in his hand and sighed secretly.

Since becoming the crown prince, Liu Chan has been under pressure that he had never experienced in the previous twelve years.

Not only should one learn literature and martial arts, but also learn how to behave in society and manage people, and other "skills that a prince should master."

One of them includes "controlling brothers as ministers."

This subject is taught by the knowledgeable Princess Wu.

The Princess of Wu was the legal wife of Liu Mao, the third son of Liu Yan, and Liu Mao was the elder brother of Liu Zhang.

Princess Wu had personally experienced how to “control her brothers as subjects”.

Of course, the experience is of being “controlled”.

The Princess of Wu's uncle was Wu Kuang, a subordinate of the former general He Jin.

The Princess of Wu experienced major events such as the Rebellion of the Ten Eunuchs, the Dong Zhuo Rebellion, and the Li-Guo Rebellion since she was young, and she knew well the cruelty of power struggles.

He would always use his own experiences to warn Liu Chan.

However, Liu Chan was not very interested in learning this lesson.

Liu Chan did not grow up in an environment where aristocratic families were competing for succession, nor did he experience the same experience as the Princess of Wu in her childhood.

He was influenced by Liu Bei's benevolence and righteousness since childhood, and he met "not like a real brother but better than a real brother", while the style of the Princess of Wu was "preventing fire, theft and brothers".

Liu Chan found it difficult to empathize with the Princess of Wu.

Liu Chan also asked Zhuge Liang, but Zhuge Liang always said, "The prince should have his own opinions," and let Liu Chan figure it out on his own.

Seeing that Liu Chan was no longer studying, Xu Jing frowned slightly and said, "My Lord, if you want to improve your studies, you must be diligent every day. How can you neglect your studies when you are disturbed by external things?"

While scolding, Xu Jing also stared at Huo Yi with a stern look.

When Xu Jing stared at him, Huo Yi shrank his neck and lowered his head, not daring to look directly at him.

"I have always heard that the Grand Tutor has the ability to judge people. I would like to ask the Grand Tutor to comment on someone." Liu Chan bowed respectfully and asked in a gentle voice.

"Who does the prince want me to comment on?" Xu Jing already had a guess in his mind.

Liu Chan took a deep breath, his eyes showing a maturity that was not in line with his age: "My brother, Deputy Army General."

It was indeed Liu Feng.

Xu Jing sighed.

As the Grand Tutor, Xu Jing had also heard about the recent rumors about Liu Feng.

Xu Jing doesn't like to get involved in trouble.

Besides, I am old and don't want to cause any more trouble besides teaching.

However, Liu Chan was affected, and Xu Jing could not ignore it.

As the Grand Tutor, Xu Jing also had the obligation to teach and answer questions for Liu Chan.

"I don't want to make any comments, but since you asked, I'll just say this: The deputy general is brave and good at fighting. He has the capacity of Yue Yi and the ability of Shu Dan. You should respect him."

Liu Chan couldn't help but be shocked.

Xu Jing's evaluation of Liu Feng far exceeded Liu Chan's estimation.

Whether it is Yue Yi or Shu Dan, they are people who can influence the destiny of a country!
This means that in Xu Jing's eyes, Liu Feng's existence can affect the fortune of the Han Dynasty!

Huo Yi, who was standing by, was also shocked and asked, "Grandmaster, Le Yi was the general of Yan State and was able to capture more than 70 cities of Qi State. If it weren't for King Hui of Yan's suspicion, Qi State could have been destroyed by Le Yi.

Shudan first assisted King Wu in destroying the Shang Dynasty, and later assisted King Cheng in governing the country, suppressing rebellions and guarding the border, and establishing rituals to protect the people. Jia Yi commented that he was "a man of great virtue, great achievements, and great governance."

It is a bit too much for the Grand Tutor to use these two people as examples to comment on the Deputy Army General."

Xu Jing glared at Huo Yi and scolded him, "How can you, a child, judge people?

Le Yi was not able to annex Qi because of the suspicion of King Hui of Yan, and Shu Dan was able to destroy Yin and establish Zhou because of the trust of King Wu and King Cheng. I use these two as examples to comment on the deputy generals, in order to persuade the prince to be diligent and vigilant, and to use the past as a mirror. "

Liu Chan lowered his head and pondered.

Liu Chan understood what Xu Jing meant.

This was to prevent Liu Chan from being suspicious of Liu Feng and causing regret for Yue Yi. A ruler should also have the virtue of trusting his brothers and closest relatives.

Xu Jing snorted again: "Sir, why do you listen to a woman's words when you don't take the king as your teacher?"

Obviously.

Xu Jing also knew about Princess Wu's theory of "controlling brothers as ministers" and was quite disdainful of it.

Given Princess Wu's current status and position, only Xu Jing would dare to make such a sarcastic remark.

Liu Chan's body shook violently, and he suddenly came to his senses.

Thinking that he had ignored Liu Bei's benevolence and righteousness and was confused by the Princess Wu's own experience, he felt ashamed and stood up and bowed to Xu Jing again: "Taifu's warning, I am enlightened. I have learned a lot!"

Xu Jing stroked his beautiful beard and nodded with satisfaction.

Liu Chan is at the age when he should establish his worldview, values and outlook on life, so it’s okay to have some deviations.

Knowing mistakes can be corrected, and doing good things is great.

Xu Jing's stern eyes swept over Huo Yi and the brothers Liu Yong and Liu Li again and said, "What I said today will rot in your stomachs. If I hear any rumors, I will chase you away.

Especially you, Huo Yi, as the prince's companion, you should cultivate your character and be able to distinguish right from wrong."

Huo Yi and the other two nodded rapidly.

Liu Yong and Liu Li didn't understand and didn't dare to speak nonsense, while Huo Yi understood and didn't dare to speak nonsense.

Judging from the reactions of the three people, they obviously respect and fear Xu Jing.

Just as Liu Chan was about to continue reading, Huo Yi exclaimed again: "I almost forgot, the king has also returned to the city."

The next moment, the scroll in Xu Jing's hand hit Huo Yi's head directly, and Xu Jing's scolding voice also rang out: "Huo Yi, get out of this old man's house!"

Half an hour later.

Huo Yi covered his head and followed behind Liu Chan, saying angrily: "The Grand Tutor is too cruel. It's even swollen."

Liu Chan burst out laughing: "The Grand Master hates people disturbing his class the most, but you disturbed him twice in a row. I only hit you once, which shows that the Grand Master is showing mercy."

Huo Yi was dejected.

After Xu Jing's warning, Huo Yi had to give in no matter how unwilling he was to accept it.

Ordinary people were not qualified to ask Xu Jing for teaching, and Huo Yiruo still despised him. There were a large number of people vying to be Liu Chan's study companions.

Talking room.

Huo Yi mentioned Liu Feng again: "Just now I didn't dare to ask more questions, are you really not afraid that your brother will compete for the succession?"

Liu Chan stopped and sighed, "My father adopted you as his son, intending to make you his successor. I stole the throne that should have belonged to you. If you want it, I am willing to give it to you."

Huo Yi was stunned: "Sir, do you really think so?"

Liu Chan nodded: "Big brother has followed our father in battles for more than ten years and has made many outstanding achievements. I am only studying in the rear and have not made any achievements. What qualifications do I have to compete with big brother?"

Huo Yi sighed: "But others wouldn't think so."

Liu Chan looked up at the sky, a look of sadness that did not match his age on his face again: "I understand, and so does the Grand Tutor. That is why the Grand Tutor used Yue Yi and Shu Dan as examples to comment on my elder brother, hoping that I can be diligent and vigilant, and learn from the past."

Seeing Liu Chan's worried look, Huo Yi asked in a low voice, "My Lord, are you worried about how to get along with your brother after you meet him?"

Liu Chan said, "When I was four years old, my elder brother went to Sichuan. After that, he helped my father to pacify West Sichuan and patrol various counties. A few years later, he followed my father to conquer Hanzhong, and then went to Shangyong to fight in Jingzhou.

My elder brother and I have been seeing each other for a long time. Before I became the crown prince, we got along well. Now that I am the crown prince, my elder brother must be resentful.

I don’t know what to say or do when I meet my elder brother so as not to cause him to misunderstand me.”

Huo Yi was silent.

Huo Yi had never experienced the troubles that Liu Chan was experiencing, and could not come up with any useful solutions.

At this time.

A person in front turned out.

The person who came was wearing a purple gold crown on his head, a red brocade robe from Xichuan, an exquisite lion belt around his waist, white tiger-skin shoes on his feet, and a sword on his body. He looked very majestic. It was Liu Feng who had just returned home.

Seeing Liu Chan, Liu Feng strode over and reached out to touch Liu Chan's head.

"Adou, you are here! I haven't seen you for a long time. You have grown a lot taller, but you still haven't gotten rid of your sentimental habit. Don't be so sad all the time, kid. Come on, smile for your brother!"

Hearing Liu Feng's familiar words, Liu Chan's eyes widened in shock.

Mrs. Gan died early, and Liu Bei was away from home for most of the year.

As a result, Liu Chan matured more precociously than his peers, was more sensitive and delicate, and often showed sentimentality.

For this reason, Liu Feng had urged Liu Chan to practice martial arts many times, hoping that Liu Chan could strengthen his character through martial arts, and that killing by patting the head had become a habit for him.

This is what Liu Chan said, "Before I became the crown prince, we got along well with each other."

Liu Chan blurted out subconsciously: "Brother, don't you blame me?"

"Blame you?" Liu Feng held his chin with his right hand: "That's right, you should be blamed. When I went to Shangyong, you didn't come to see me off! I was really disappointed."

Liu Chan blushed: "I, I, I didn't know you were going to Shangyong, ah, that's not right! When you went to Shangyong, I was not in Hanzhong."

Liu Feng laughed: "Then I remembered it wrongly. To express my apology to you, Adou, I will give you this sword."

Liu Chan took the sword and gritted his teeth: "Brother is right, it is my fault. This prince should be yours. I will go to my father and ask him to make you the prince instead."

The smile on Liu Feng's face disappeared, replaced by a serious look: "The position of the crown prince cannot be easily abolished. Since my father has chosen you as the crown prince, I will help you to secure the position of the crown prince.

As the crown prince, you should maintain your position, be close to virtuous officials, and stay away from villains. Don't listen to the slander of villains and make my brothers suspicious of each other. "

Seeing that Liu Chan was still biting his lips, Liu Feng softened his expression again: "Adou, you have the heart of Shuqi, and I am not without the virtue of Boyi. But you and I cannot follow the example of Boyi and Shuqi, running away to other places for the sake of brotherhood, and leaving the important task of supporting the Han Dynasty to our elderly father and two younger brothers who are less than six years old.

As an elder brother, one should lead the troops of Jing Yi, fight between the two camps, and dominate the world; as a younger brother, one should select virtuous and capable people and let them do their best to protect the country and the people.

You and I, brothers, must work together to be our father's right-hand men and help him to uphold the Han Dynasty. Real men should not behave like little girls! "

Liu Feng's earnest words gradually dissipated Liu Chan's tension and anxiety.

Liu Chan felt even more ashamed when he thought of the comments made by Taifu Xu Jing on Liu Feng using Le Yi and Shu Dan as examples.

"Brother, I, I, I..." For a moment, Liu Chan didn't know what to say.

"Okay, don't be so sad." Liu Feng touched Liu Chan's forehead lovingly, then looked at Huo Yi: "Huo Yi, don't just stand there, go to the kitchen and find some wine and meat, and put them in the pavilion.

Today I will tell you how I killed so many people in Jingzhou that the Jiangdong cowards fled in panic. I won’t tell the details to ordinary people.”

Huo Yi's eyes lit up, he responded and ran to the kitchen.

Compared to listening to the lectures of Grand Tutor Xu Jing, Huo Yi was more interested in fighting.

Not long after.

Huo Yi brought wine and meat, and then he and Liu Chan sat on the ground and listened quietly.

The infectious voice sounded powerfully.

Liu Feng selected several battles in Jingzhou and told them in the form of storytelling. His narration was so heroic that Liu Chan and Huo Yi were fascinated and felt as if they were there themselves.

The sad expression on Liu Chan's face turned into laughter as the storyteller listened to the fascinating story. The pressure and depression that the crown prince had endured in the past year were gradually melted away.

not far away.

Liu Bei stood there watching.

Liu Feng and Liu Chan were like the flesh on the palm and back of Liu Bei's hand. It would hurt him if either of them was hurt.

Originally, Liu Bei wanted to give Liu Chan a private instruction not to take advantage of his status as the crown prince and become arrogant and disrespectful to his elder brother, but Liu Feng rejected his request.

It was because Liu Feng thought Liu Bei was too fatherly and that he was asking too much of a thirteen-year-old boy who had lacked love since childhood.

This is why Liu Feng did what he did just now.

And in fact.

Liu Feng's approach is the most appropriate.

Liu Chan was not like Liu Xie, who had experienced cruel palace fighting and power struggles since childhood.

From childhood to adulthood, Liu Chan has always been protected.

Although Liu Chan's mind was delicate and sensitive, it was not tainted by gloom.

Liu Feng sometimes wondered why most emperors in history were called lonely men because they had experienced too many palace fights and power struggles when they were young, which made them develop a suspicious character. When they grew up, they would engage in all kinds of absurd and ridiculous acts of venting their anger against their close relatives.

To be honest, Liu Feng didn't like such an emperor.

They do not have the belief of "establishing a mind for heaven and earth, establishing a destiny for the people, inheriting the unique knowledge of the ancient sages, and creating peace for all generations", but only indulge in power struggles and are moody. They are just a group of mentally ill incompetent rulers.

In fact, most of the emperors were just a bunch of lunatics who had no other abilities except palace fighting.

"Military Advisor, can my son be called a brother who is friendly and respectful to his younger brother?"

A smile appeared on Liu Bei's lips, and there was an undisguised sense of boasting in his tone.

If it weren't for the need to maintain his demeanor and manners, Liu Bei would have wanted to hold Zhuge Liang's arm and shout, "Military Advisor, see, that's my son! That's my son!"

Zhuge Liang was speechless.

Your Majesty, you specially asked Liang to come here just to let Liang see that the prince and his brothers are so friendly and respectful to each other?
Liang is very busy!

"Son of the great king, you should be a role model for the world by being friendly and respectful to your brothers."

Hearing Zhuge Liang's praise, Liu Bei's smile widened.

If Liu Bei hadn't been afraid of disturbing Liu Feng and Liu Chan in the pavilion, he really wanted to laugh out loud.

Liu Bei did not disturb Liu Feng and Liu Chan. After watching for a while, he quietly left with Zhuge Liang.

That night.

Liu Feng and Liu Chan fell into the same bed.

Looking at Liu Chan who fell asleep with a smile on his face, Liu Feng smiled.

Brothers fighting for succession?

nonexistent.

The current situation of Liu Bei’s descendants.

Liu Feng was in his early thirties, Liu Chan was thirteen, Liu Yong was six, Liu Li was five, and Liu Feng's son was four.

And Liu Bei's direct lineage.

Guan Ping was in his early forties, and the others such as Guan Xing, Zhang Bao, Zhang Shao, Zhao Tong, Zhao Guang and others were not yet adults. Zhuge Liang did not even have a son, and Jian Yong, Sun Qian and others also had young children.

It is no exaggeration to describe it as a period of transition.

Even though they are so poor, the brothers are still fighting for the succession, which is tantamount to handing over power to the wealthy families.

Just as Sima Yi appeared in Wei because there was no successor to the royal family, Qiu Guolun of Qiao Zhou also appeared in Han because there was no successor to the royal family.

As for Liu Feng's subordinates wanting to take credit for their achievements and put the yellow robe on Liu Feng, that is even more nonsense.

If Zhao Kuangyin had no intention of usurping the throne, let alone wearing the yellow robe, it would have been useless even if Chai Zongxun had voluntarily abdicated.

Wearing the yellow robe is just a self-directed and self-acted play, creating a "wronged" character for himself.

Liu Feng was not someone who would cut off his own hands and feet just to become emperor.

One of the keys to Qin Shi Huang's ability to use the remaining strength of six previous generations to destroy the six kingdoms was the support of his royal family and relatives.

The death of Hu Hai II was closely related to Hu Hai's persecution of his clan members and relatives.

Liu Bian was poisoned by Dong Zhuo and Liu Xie was regarded as a puppet by Cao Cao because they had no help from their close relatives.

If even the closest relatives of the royal family are suspicious, how can outsiders be loyal to them?

Think of this.

Liu Feng made another decision in his mind.

Rules must be established early.

The next day.

Liu Bei summoned his ministers in the main hall of the Hanzhong Palace.

Dozens of people such as Zhuge Liang, Fa Zheng, Xu Jing, Zhao Yun, Ma Chao, Pang Xi, She Yuan, Huang Zhong, Lai Gong, Meng Da, and Jiang Wan all entered the palace to pay homage.

However, Liu Bei did not convene a court meeting immediately.

Seems to be waiting for someone.

Some people were whispering, some were looking around, some were looking down in thought, and even Fa Zheng had a look of doubt in his eyes.

Only Zhuge Liang remained calm and seemed to know the inside story.

Meng Da looked around and found that Liu Feng was not in the hall. He could not help but secretly speculate: Is he waiting for Liu Feng? He actually made us ministers wait for Liu Feng alone. The king is too doting on Liu Feng!
Isn't the king worried that his over-pampering of Liu Feng will make his ministers uneasy?
The crown prince is now Liu Chan, and Liu Bei dotes on Liu Feng, which inevitably makes the ministers have evil thoughts.

For example: Would Liu Bei depose Liu Chan and enthrone Liu Feng because Liu Feng had made great contributions in Jingzhou?
The ministers are not fools either.

Before Liu Chan was made the crown prince, Liu Feng had always been trained by Liu Bei as his successor.

In addition, Liu Chan was still young, so it was still unknown whether Liu Bei would consider the young ruler and the unstable country and appoint Liu Feng as the crown prince instead.

Just as everyone was suspicious.

Two loud shouts were heard outside the hall.

"The Crown Prince has arrived!"

"The deputy general has arrived!"

Many people were looking in the direction of the sound, but Fa Zheng keenly noticed the smile on Liu Bei's lips when he heard that Liu Feng and Liu Chan were coming.

But outside the palace.

Liu Feng was wearing a black court robe and walking on the right; Liu Chan was wearing a red court robe and walking on the left.

Walking like a dragon and a tiger, showing its majesty.

"Your son greets his father!"

One big and one small, both have loud voices.

Liu Bei stroked his beautiful beard and waved his hand for the two men to stand up: "Brother, why are you so late?"

Liu Chan looked at Liu Feng, and Liu Feng gave him an encouraging look in return.

Encouraged, Liu Chan took out a scroll and said in a loud voice, "I have prepared a gift for my father."

Liu Bei then asked someone to present it.

The main idea of the passage is to use the example of Boyi and Shuqi to explain the friendship between brothers, and to say, "Do not commit any evil, no matter how small it is. Do not refrain from any good, no matter how small it is. Only virtue and morality can win the hearts of others. This should be the ancestral motto."

Liu Bei looked at Liu Chan in surprise and asked, "Who taught you this?"

Liu Chan said sincerely: "My elder brother taught me this, and I wrote it myself."

Liu Bei laughed heartily and distributed the bamboo slips to all his ministers.

When the ministers read the contents of the letter, they were all shocked.

Liu Chan then bowed to all the civil and military officials and said in a loud voice: "Recently there have been many rumors in the city that have damaged our brotherhood. These rumors must have been deliberately spread by Cao Wei's spies in an attempt to confuse our brotherhood.

The Book of Changes says: "Two people of one mind can cut through metal; words of one mind are as fragrant as orchids." In ancient times, there was also the act of Boyi and Shuqi giving up their country. My two brothers deeply admire them.

You are all wise men. You should not be misled by rumors and suspect that my brother and I are competing for the succession. I am writing this letter to express our brother's unity.

If anyone says something that would destroy the friendship between us brothers, I will draw my sword and kill him!
I hope you will not doubt it any more!"

Although he was young, Liu Chan's words were sonorous and powerful, and his majesty was evident.

Liu Bei stroked his short beard and tried his best to hide the smile on his lips.

The ministers were even more frightened.

Liu Feng followed suit and said, "Cao Pi is treacherous and cruel. He killed his brother several times in order to compete for the throne. He also thinks that everyone in the world is as narrow-minded and suspicious as him, so he sent spies to sow discord between us brothers. How ridiculous!
As the elder brother, I should lead the troops of Jing and Yi, fight the decisive battle between the two camps, eliminate the thief Cao and save the world; as the younger brother, the crown prince should appoint virtuous and capable people to positions, let them do their best, bring peace to the people and protect the Han Dynasty.

If the two work together, they can clear the haze in the world.

I hope that all of you can maintain your positions, work hard and be humble, make progress in both civil and military affairs, and work together to support the Han Dynasty.

This is also what my father wishes for!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the entire hall fell silent.

Liu Bei's smile grew even wider.

See it!

This is my son!
The son that Cao Mengde envied so much!

How can a mere yellow-bearded boy compare with my son!
Liu Bei raised his eyes again to signal Zhuge Liang.

Zhuge Liang understood what was going on and stepped out: "Your Majesty, there is news from the north that prophecies are spreading in Luoyang, all saying that 'the one who will rule the world is Prince Huan of Wei, who is appointed by the gods and will fulfill the prophecies and take the place of the man of heaven.'

There was also news that Cao Pi lied about marching south, but actually held a grand feast for the six armies and the people of Qiao County in the east of the city, and drove his troops to Quli, which was the border between Xu Du and Cao Cao, to show off his military power.

Cao Pi's rebelliousness was even worse than his father's.

Now, there are spies from Cao Wei trying to alienate the friendship between the princes and their brothers, which further shows that Cao Pi is guilty.

In order to prevent Cao Pi from usurping the Han Dynasty and marching south again, I ask the king to first transfer the troops from Yizhou to Jingzhou to prevent any unexpected events! "

(End of this chapter)