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

In Chaisang Water Village.

Liu Feng sat in the main seat, leaning against a table.

The Han and Wu generals were divided.

The Han army officers led by Guan Xing stood on the left, and the Wu army officers led by Zhou Cang stood on the right.

Once enemies, now comrades.

Cao Xiu, who was tied up, stood in the middle with a depressed look on his face.

World War I.

Just one battle!
Cao Xiu, who was once full of vigor and vitality, has now become a prisoner.

Does Cao Xiu regret it?

regret!
You will definitely regret it!
I regret not listening to Yu Jin's advice and Cao Pi's edict.

Arrogant, self-centered, arrogant
Compared to the fact that Cao Ren was captured alive by Liu Bei in the past, the fact that Cao Xiu was captured alive by Liu Feng today shows Cao Xiu's stupidity even more.

Cao Ren was captured alive by Liu Bei because he was forced to do so. The main responsibility lies with Cao Pi, as Cao Ren was not guilty of any crime committed in battle.

If Cao Pi could agree to Cao Ren's proposal to burn Xiangyang and Fancheng and retreat to Wancheng, even if Liu Bei was a good fighter, he would not be able to capture Cao Ren alive.

Cao Xiu was different.

Cao Xiu took the initiative to attack, was greedy for merit and advanced recklessly, and led his troops deep into the enemy's territory alone.
He did not listen to Yu Jin's advice, Cao Pi's edict, Dong Cen and Shao Nan's counter-advice, and the advice of the deputy generals.
Perfectly missed every opportunity to escape unscathed.

Looking back to the Battle of Hanzhong in the past, Cao Xiu had also seen through Liu Bei's strategy of confusing the enemy with his own troops, and he, together with Cao Hong and others, defeated Wu Lan, forcing Zhang Fei to flee in defeat.

However, Cao Xiu was Cao Hong's assistant at that time rather than the main general, and he couldn't say nonsense like "Yu Wen Ze, I am the General Who Conquers the East".

Such mistakes are not only made by Cao Xiu, but also by many others.

For example, Yuan Shao, Cao Cao, Liu Bei, Guan Yu, Sun Quan and so on, almost all the heroes in the late Han Dynasty made the mistake of being arrogant and conceited.

At this time, we have to mention Liu Feng's foresight.

Taking people as a mirror, you can understand the gains and losses.

Wherever I go, I will bring "Yu Penzi" with me.

Even though "Yu Penzi"'s criticism was sometimes unreasonable, the scolding could still make Liu Feng calm down amid the scolding.

Just like Li Shimin would keep a "Wei sprayer" by his side, he was not afraid of whether his spraying was correct, but was afraid that no one dared to spray.

Human nature is pretty much the same.

When you have little power and are weak, you are walking on thin ice, fearing that one mistake will lead to eternal damnation.

Once one gains great power and strength, he will lose his mind and think that "I am the only smart person in the world who is stupid", becoming arrogant and looking down on the world.

Compared with Cao Xiu's dejection, the Wu army officers on the right, such as Zhou Cang, Xu Sheng, and Ding Feng, all had expressions of awe that could not be concealed.

What they respected was Liu Feng's status, and what they feared was Liu Feng's methods.

Especially Xu Sheng and Ding Feng, who had fought against Liu Feng before, were full of fear and dread of Liu Feng.

Although Liu Feng spent several months just on planning and preparation, what was finally presented to everyone was: capturing Cao Xiu in one battle!

Even in history books, Liu Feng's great achievement of "capturing Cao Xiu in one battle" is recorded in the style of the Spring and Autumn Period.

As to whether there were other factors on the Cao Wei side that combined to influence Cao Xiu's capture, or what failures and difficulties Liu Feng encountered in his planning over the past few months, history books will not record it, and others will not care.

After today.

The whole world will praise Liu Feng's "capture of Cao Xiu in one battle", which shocked both Jiangdong and Cao Wei. Any questioning voices will be covered up and concealed, and everything will pave the way for Liu Feng's political needs.

【Fortunately, they are no longer enemies. 】

Xu Sheng secretly rejoiced that Ding Feng also thought so.

If Sun Quan wanted to continue to compete with Liu Feng, Xu Sheng and Ding Feng would not betray Sun Quan. However, when they really faced Liu Feng again, they would not have the desire to win but only the intention to die.

Not having the desire to win is acknowledging the gap between him and Liu Feng; having the willingness to die is repaying Sun Quan's kindness.

Not only Xu Sheng and Ding Feng thought so, but all the officers and soldiers of the Wu army present thought so.

Sun Quan's choice to join forces with Liu Feng was a political statement and a necessity of his position, and he might even have some inappropriate thoughts.

The officers and generals of the Wu army present were simply afraid of Liu Feng!
In contrast, the Han army soldiers on the left held their heads high and chests puffed out with pride on their faces.

A victory can breed confidence.

Successive victories breed faith.

Today, Liu Feng is the most capable fighter under Liu Bei.

When Sun Quan launched a surprise attack on Nanjun, it was Liu Feng who turned the tide.

The powerful families in Nanzhong caused rebellion, and Liu Feng pacified Nanzhong.

When Liu Bei wanted to capture Xiangfan, it was Liu Feng who blocked the western line.

When Cao Pi went south to attack Sun Quan, Liu Feng launched a surprise attack on Shiyang.

When Liu Bei wanted to capture Yongliang, Liu Feng launched a surprise attack on Chang'an.

And now.

Liu Feng captured Cao Xiu alive again, shocking Jiangdong!

It is no exaggeration to say that in terms of achievements, it is not an exaggeration to describe Liu Feng as a "God of War".

In terms of prestige in the army, Liu Feng is now second only to Liu Bei, and is not much inferior to General Guan Yu.

If Liu Bei had not valued and doted on Liu Feng very much, and Liu Chan had not implemented the "brotherly etiquette" towards Liu Feng, Liu Feng would not have felt the danger of "succession struggle" and "merit overshadowing the master", and Liu Feng could have followed the path of Li Shimin.

"Cao Wenlie, do you think Cao Pi will trade the city for your life, as he did for Cao Ren?"

Liu Feng's faint voice sounded in Cao Xiu's ears.

If Liu Feng wanted to kill Cao Xiu, he would have had the opportunity to do so on the battlefield.

The reason why they went to so much trouble to dig a horse pit and provoke Cao Xiu with words was to capture Cao Xiu alive and prevent him from losing any limbs.

A living and healthy Cao Xiu is more valuable than a dead or disabled Cao Xiu!
There were people who were better at fighting than Cao Xiu, so why was Cao Xiu the only one who was Cao Pi's General Who Conquers the East?
The essence is that Cao Xiu’s surname is Cao!

Cao Pi needed Cao family members to hold military power to concentrate power. As for ability, it was relatively secondary.

Liu Feng didn't care about letting Cao Xiu go.

even.

Liu Feng hoped that Cao Xiu would continue to go back and command the troops.

Compared with Cao Xiu's feeling of shame and then becoming braver, Liu Feng believed that Cao Xiu's nature was hard to change.

Capture a new city once, what a wonderful thing!

of course.

Liu Feng was just thinking about it for entertainment.

Changing it once is enough. Changing it twice or three times would be overestimating Cao Xiu's value.

Even if Cao Pi was willing to change, important civil and military officials under his command would oppose it.

Cao Xiu was also arrogant at this moment. Even though he was depressed, he was unwilling to submit to Liu Feng: "If you want to kill me, just kill me. Why bother to say more? Do you think I am a person who fears death?"

Liu Feng chuckled: "Cao Wenlie, I have good intentions, why do you have to keep someone at a distance? Although you are not a wise and brave general, as long as your last name is Cao, it is enough.

Just like Xiahou Dun in the past, he never won a battle but was promoted all the time. It was not that Cao Cao did not know that Xiahou Dun was not good at fighting, but Cao Cao knew very well that if there was no general from the royal family in charge of power, he would not be able to sleep peacefully. "

Cao Xiu became furious after hearing this.

Although what Liu Feng said made sense, it sounded extremely harsh to Cao Xiu's ears.

What do you mean I am not a wise and brave general?
What does it mean that General Xiahou never won a battle and never stopped serving as an official?
I rely on my real ability, not my clan relationship!

"Liu Feng, what do you want to say?" Cao Xiu asked angrily.

Liu Feng smiled and said, "I just said that I want to know whether Cao Pi will exchange the city for your life like he did for Cao Ren. Which one should I exchange for Pingchun or Shouchun? I am very conflicted. Why don't you choose for me?"

"How can I bear such humiliation! Kill me quickly!" Cao Xiu didn't want to discuss this issue with Liu Feng, and turned his head to the side again.

Death is death, there is nothing to be afraid of.

How could I, Cao Xiu, fear death?
Liu Feng raised his eyes to signal Guan Xing.

Guan Xing understood and stepped out: "Now that Cao Xiu has been captured, the pseudo-Wei generals in the Huainan area must be in a panic. We can spread rumors that Cao Xiu has surrendered, gather troops and march into Huainan, first take Hefei, then take Shouchun."

Cao Xiu's expression changed drastically: "You thief! How dare you defame my name?"

Guan Xing sneered: "You are a captured person, do you still have a good reputation?"

Zhou Cang, who was standing by, asked in confusion, "Since Cao Xiu was captured, why didn't they go straight to Pingchun, but took Hefei first? Isn't that giving up the easy and pursuing the difficult?"

Guan Xing thought without hesitation: "Pingchun is within easy reach, why should we take it? We should thank Cao Xiu for keeping Yu Jin in Pingchun."

Cao Xiu thought of the letter Guan Xing sent to Yu Jin, and was horrified. He asked tentatively, "Impossible! How could Yu Jin be instigated to rebel? Yu Jin's wife and children are in Luoyang. If he rebels, his wife and children will be slaughtered. Don't even think about using the strategy of alienating him!"

Guan Xing laughed: "Yu Jin followed Wen Pin to defend Shiyang, Wen Pin died, Yu Jin escaped alone; Yu Jin followed you to defend Pingchun, you were captured, Yu Jin survived alone. Even if Yu Jin was not instigated by me, he cannot escape blame.

If I can think of it, how can Yu Jin not think of it? Do you think Yu Jin is a person who cares about the lives of his wife and children?
If Yu Jin was really such a person, he should have been killed like Pang De when Fancheng was defeated, and he should have died on the battlefield with Wen Pin when Shiyang was defeated.

Cao Wenlie, why don't you and I make a bet to see if Yu Jin will surrender the city or resist stubbornly after learning that you have been captured alive?"

Cao Xiu only felt a chill rising from the soles of his feet.

Peaceful spring, it’s over!
Seeing that Cao Xiu's spirit was becoming weak, Liu Feng waved his hand and asked the strong men to take Cao Xiu away and keep him under good guard.

Subsequently.

Liu Feng looked at Xu Sheng and Ding Feng again and said: "Speed is of the essence in war. Generals Xu Sheng and Ding Feng, you can lead the Chaisang navy to Ruxukou and persuade the King of Wu to send troops to Hefei."

Xu Sheng and Ding Feng looked at each other, then took orders and left.

Liu Feng left Zhou Qian alone.

"Prefect Zhou has accomplished such a great feat. What are his plans for the future?"

Zhou Cang was a member of a noble family in Wu County. He was selected as an official because of his filial and honest character, and he enjoyed great reputation in Jiangdong.

If Liu Feng wanted to take control of Jiangdong, he had to win over the powerful families in Jiangdong.

Zhou Qian is not a fool.

Seeing that Liu Feng left him alone and asked about his future plans, he immediately understood Liu Feng's intention to recruit him.

Zhou Qian also had a clear view of the current situation of Jiangdong and the world's situation.

Sun Quan's days were numbered.

Continuing to rely on Sun Quan will only lead to following Sun Quan step by step into darkness.

This time, Zhou Cang was willing to try his best to use the strategy of feigning surrender, and he also wanted to show his talents in front of Liu Bang.

Think of this.

Zhou Qian answered tentatively: "To be honest with you, Your Highness, I am not very talented and well-educated, and I dare not compare myself with the sages of ancient and modern times. Now I am fortunate enough to be the governor of Poyang. I only hope to be diligent and conscientious, reward the good and punish the evil, and not let the people suffer."

Seeing Zhou Cang's cautious answer, Liu Feng also heard Zhou Cang's tentative intention, so he continued: "Since ancient times, talented people have been as numerous as carp crossing the river, but only a few can be recorded in history. The reason is that most of the talented people cannot find a wise ruler. If a wise ruler cannot accomplish great things, how can the talented people be recorded in history?
The world today is neither the situation of many heroes vying for supremacy after Dong Zhuo, nor the situation of three powers standing side by side as it did after the Battle of Chibi. Cao Pi usurped the Han Dynasty and established the Wei Dynasty, recruiting talented people from the north in the name of orthodoxy. My father, the Emperor, inherited the foundation laid by Emperor Gaozu with the blood of the Han Dynasty and recruited talented people from the south.

Although Sun Quan once dominated Jiangdong, his power is now declining and he will perish sooner or later. Even if Sun Quan still has brave generals and loyal soldiers around him, they are just struggling to survive and are no different from pirates and bandits.

The ancients said: A good bird chooses a tree to roost in, and a good minister chooses a master to serve. I want to take charge of Jiangdong, and I need capable and wise men for my use. Zhou Taishou is as wise and brave as Cao Xiu, and he cut his hair to show his loyalty. He has accomplished great things for me, and his achievements should be recorded in bamboo and silk for future generations to admire.

If Governor Zhou does not mind my humble origins, I would like to invite Governor Zhou to serve as the Chief Clerk of the General of Chariots and Cavalry. When I take charge of Jiangdong, Governor Zhou will be the new Governor of Yangzhou!"

Zhou Qian's breathing suddenly became rapid.

No matter whether he was the Chief Clerk of the General of Chariots and Cavalry or the Governor of Yangzhou, they were all people that ordinary people could never reach in their lifetime and could only look up to.

And now.

Liu Feng directly offered both positions to recruit himself!

As the saying goes: A gentleman will die for his friend.

However, what is a confidant?

Knowing one's friend is not just empty talk, as if understanding oneself, but it requires actual benefits to satisfy one's inner desires.

Report your favor on the golden platform, and bring Yulong to die for the king.

Zhou Qian also wants to improve too much!

Reject Liu Feng’s recruitment?
Who is Liu Feng?

The most proud eldest son of Emperor Liu Bei of the Han Dynasty, the most respected elder brother of Crown Prince Liu Chan, the General of Chariots and Cavalry of the Han Dynasty, the King of Yan, and the God of War in the Army.
One of the most powerful people in the world recruited him personally.

You'd be a fool to refuse!
Will I have to say in my old age, "I once had a sincere favor in front of me, but I didn't cherish it. When I lost it, I regretted it. This is the most painful thing in the world. If God can give me another chance, I will say four words to that wise master: I will never refuse even if I die!"

It’s not that Zhou Cang was unwilling to follow Sun Quan, it’s just that Liu Feng gave too much!
Even though Zhou Qian's temperament was calmer than that of ordinary people, he couldn't help but feel agitated at this moment.

a long time.

Zhou Qian suppressed his excitement, tried his best to maintain a calm state of mind, and bowed: "Thank you for your trust, Your Highness. If Your Highness does not mind my lack of talent and knowledge, I am willing to serve Your Highness, even if I die!"

Liu Feng laughed, left his seat and helped Zhou Cang up: "With Ziyu's help, I have nothing to worry about!"

The reason why Liu Feng favored Zhou Cang was not only because of Zhou Cang's own talents, but also because he was attracted by Zhou Cang's descendants.

Especially Zhou Chu, the son of Zhou Cang, whose reputation is much better than Zhou Cang.

The story of "Zhou Chu eliminating three evils" alone has been passed down for thousands of years.

Putting aside the filter of rumors and biographies, Zhou Chu and his son Zhou Qi were both outstanding people of their time.

The fact that Zhou Cang was able to prosper for three generations means that as long as the monarch did not make random suspicions, he would be a loyal and brave minister for three generations.

As for three generations later.

Liu Feng couldn't control too far.

There is no dynasty that lasts for a thousand years in this world. It is enough to take care of your three generations of descendants who will live for a hundred years.

Since he had chosen to serve Liu Feng, Zhou Cang no longer hid his intentions and asked directly, "Your Highness, do you really want to take Hefei first?"

Liu Feng did not answer but asked: "Zi Yu, which one do you think is easier to take, Hefei or Pingchun?"

Zhou Cang thought without hesitation: "Of course Pingchun is easy to capture! Hefei is a strong city and very difficult to capture. Even if we take Hefei by chance, we will still have to face the counterattack of Cao Pi's troops in Huainan, Yuzhou and Xuzhou.

Although the soldiers of Jiangdong were good at naval battles, they were not good at land battles. Even if they captured Hefei, it would be difficult for them to hold it. Previously, the King of Wu had taken Hefei once when Zhang Liao was seriously ill, but he eventually chose to give up Hefei.

On the other hand, Pingchun.

Cao Xiu had just been defeated, and Yu Jin was in a suspicious position. Even if Yu Jin would not be instigated to rebel, a strategy of alienation could be used to transfer him away from Pingchun, and then it would be easy to capture Pingchun with the power of a great victory.

If we take Pingchun, then the passes of Yiyang will be within easy reach. If we defend the pass at a strategic location, even if Cao Pi sends a large army to attack, the soldiers of Jingzhou who are good at land warfare will be able to hold out. "

As soon as he finished speaking, Liu Feng's loud laughter rang out.

Zhou Qian was puzzled: "Your Highness, did I say something wrong?"

Liu Feng stopped laughing, waved his sleeves and said proudly: "Zi Yu, you are also a brave man, how can you say such a thing as 'the soldiers of Jiangdong are good at water battles but not good at land battles'?
Since ancient times, Jiangdong has been home to many talented people, and Wuyue has been home to many heroes. In the distant past, there was Xiang Yu who swept across the Qin Dynasty with 8,000 soldiers, and more recently, there was Sun Ce who pacified Jiangdong in a few years, which amazed Cao Cao.

During the Spring and Autumn Period, King Helü of Wu, Wu Zixu and Sun Wu defeated the 200,000-strong Chu army with only 30,000 elite troops and even occupied the capital of Chu.

It’s not that the Jiangdong soldiers are not good at land warfare, but that the Jiangdong soldiers don’t have a good king, a king who can lead them to victory! ”

Seeing the astonishment in Zhou Cang's eyes, Liu Feng's tone became even more sonorous: "What can we show by only attacking Pingchun? I will not only attack Hefei, but also Shouchun! And I will only use the soldiers from Jiangdong!"

A true king, even if he only has one man and one sword, can have the grand spirit of looking down on the world and being invincible.

And now.

In Zhou Cang's eyes, Liu Feng is such a king!
The words "Jiangdong has many talented people, Wuyue has many heroes" made Zhou Qian's heart surge, and the words "I can only use the soldiers of Jiangdong" made Zhou Qian extremely excited.

Are the soldiers of Jiangdong not good at fighting?
Do not!
But the Jiangdong soldiers lack a king who is good at fighting!
Wherever the king's sword points, the world will be invincible.

Restraining his inner excitement, Zhou Cang was worried again: "But the soldiers in Jiangdong may not be willing to obey your command. Although the King of Wu agreed to your conditions, the military power is still in the hands of the King of Wu."

Liu Feng snorted, "If I can capture Cao Xiu, I can capture Sun Quan, too. If Sun Quan wants to be treated respectably, he can offer his sword seal to me. If he doesn't want to be treated respectably, I will treat him respectably."

Capture Cao Xiu.

It was just Liu Feng’s first step to pacify Jiangdong.

First, cut off the possibility of Sun Quan and Cao Pi joining forces, and then use the power of a great victory to demand military power from Sun Quan.

Liu Feng only asked Xu Sheng and Ding Feng to persuade Sun Quan to send troops to Hefei, but he had no intention of letting Sun Quan personally lead the expedition to Hefei.

To conquer Jiangdong, seizing military power is the first step, and establishing military prestige is the second step.

Just like in the past when Liu Feng was in Shangyong, after he seized Meng Da’s military power, he needed to lead Meng Da’s troops to win battles in order to truly establish his military prestige.

If Sun Quan were allowed to personally lead the expedition to Hefei.

After the defeat, the morale of the Jiangdong soldiers was even lower.

The victory helped Sun Quan establish his military prestige.

Given Sun Quan's fickle character, if he were to establish his military prestige in Hefei, he would probably send someone to negotiate with Cao Pi the next day.

This is not what Liu Feng wants to see.

What Liu Feng wants is to take over Jiangdong alone!
Then he led the Jiangdong troops to conquer Hefei and capture Shouchun, and truly took control of Jiangdong!
Instead of leaving Sun Quan there to do things secretly.

Zhou Qian suddenly understood.

Simultaneously.

Zhou Qian was secretly glad that he chose to serve Liu Feng.

If he insisted on following Sun Quan, then when Sun Quan's forces in Jiangdong were completely destroyed, Zhou Cang would be idle.

For Zhou Qian, who wanted to make progress so much, being idle was unacceptable.

Who can truly resist the temptation of power?

Just one piece of meat.

Either you are a superior person and get to eat meat, or you are a subordinate and get no meat to eat.

Zhou Qian, wants to be a meat eater!
The next few days.

Liu Feng did not leave Chaisang, but asked Guan Xing to dispatch a large number of Jingzhou officials to Poyang to assist Zhou Cang in pacifying the people in Poyang counties.

Eat the meal one bite at a time.

If we only fight without treating the disease, it will be easy for someone to instigate rebellion in the rear.

not to mention.

It’s not Liu Feng who is anxious now.

When Cao Xiu was captured, the most anxious people were Yu Jin in Pingchun, Man Chong in Hefei and others.

Liu Feng had to wait and see how Cao Pi would respond.

Should we exchange the city for people, or gather troops to fight?

There are responses to personnel substitutions and there are responses to military conflicts.

Simultaneously.

Liu Feng still has to wait for Sun Quan's response.

When Lu Xun was deceiving Sun Quan, the blueprint he drew for him was: If Cao Xiu was defeated, Sun Quan could attack Hefei again, and then join forces with Liu Feng to attack Shouchun. Not only would the emperor's long-cherished wish come true, but he would also become famous throughout the world.

However, the premise is that Liu Feng would take advantage of Cao Xiu's defeat to capture Pingchun and Yiyang and occupy the upper reaches of the Huai River.

And now.

Liu Feng kept his troops in Chaisang and ordered Xu Sheng and Ding Feng to lead most of the Chaisang navy to Ruxukou.

The problem is coming.

Who does Chaisang belong to now?

Who does Poyang belong to now?

If Liu Feng had not divided his troops to attack Pingchun and Yiyang to attract Cao Wei's army, how could Sun Quan take the opportunity to attack Hefei?

How could Sun Quan establish his military prestige if he didn't capture Hefei?

In other words: not only Cao Xiu was deceived, but Sun Quan was also deceived.

Therefore.

When Xu Sheng and Ding Feng led the Chaisang navy back to Ruxukou and excitedly reported the good news to Sun Quan, and told Sun Quan Liu Feng's next strategic intention, Sun Quan was completely stunned.

"Why doesn't the King of Yan attack Pingchun first?" Sun Quan said with reluctance in his tone.

Xu Sheng didn't understand what he meant, so he said again: "Pingchun is within our grasp now. His Royal Highness the Prince of Yan thinks there is no need to send troops to attack Pingchun, so he ordered us to lead the Chaisang navy into Ruxukou, first take Hefei, and then take Shouchun."

A bitter look appeared on Sun Quan's face.

really!

Liu Feng, that little boy, has bad intentions indeed!
This is to prevent loneliness!

Sun Quan had already guessed Liu Feng's intention.

When Liu Feng and Sun Quan attacked Hefei at the same time, who was the main general?

It is clear.

Liu Feng is the main general!

Liu Feng was the King of Yan and the General of Chariots and Cavalry. Even though Sun Quan had the title of "King of Wu", he was still below Liu Feng.

While feeling bitter, Sun Quan was also a little angry.

The blueprint of "becoming famous throughout the world and retiring after achieving success" was drawn up by Lu Xun for Sun Quan, but the current situation is different from the blueprint drawn up by Lu Xun.

Sun Quan, you can’t get the benefits you want!
"Send Lu Xun to see me!"

Sun Quan hid his inner anger and did not show it in front of Xu Sheng and Ding Feng.

Although Xu Sheng and Ding Feng were both brave generals promoted by Sun Quan, Sun Quan's suspicions resurfaced when he saw the respect they showed towards Liu Feng. (End of this chapter)