My younger brother Zhuge Liang

Chapter 130 Famous in Yecheng
Five days later, Yecheng.

Yuan Tan led Zheng Xuan and his party slowly along the Yellow River to Liyang, and then took a land route north.

When the fleet landed at the dock, someone had already sent a horse to Yecheng to report the news. There were only the last 100 miles from Liyang to Yecheng, and it would only take one or two days to travel by horse carriage. A fast horse would arrive in a few hours.

Zhuge Liang, who had been traveling with Yuan Tan before, deliberately fell behind this time and let Yuan Tan and Zheng Xuan go first.

Yuan Tan was puzzled at first, but later realized that Zhuge Liang did not want Yuan Shao to associate "Zheng Xuan's visit to Ye" with the mediation of Liu Bei's delegation. Liu Bei's camp did not need this false reputation anyway, and it would easily arouse fear. It would be better to show that this was Yuan Tan's own effort.

Moreover, Zhuge Liang was still young, so it was not suitable for Yuan Shao to personally welcome him. However, Zheng Xuan was of high status, and if he went out with Zheng Xuan, he would inevitably be welcomed by Yuan Shao. It would be better to travel at different times so that everyone would be more relaxed.

Be high-profile in front of Yuan Tan and be low-profile in front of Yuan Shao. Only seek real benefits and not false fame. This is one of the principles that Zhuge Liang followed on this trip.

Another day passed like this, and in Anyang County, 40 miles south of Yecheng, Yuan Shao, who had personally gone south to greet them, finally met Zheng Xuan and his entourage, who were escorted by his son.

Of course, when father and son meet, they have to arrive several miles in advance. Yuan Tan rode his horse forward first to greet his father and pay his respects. Then Zheng Xuan's carriage slowly came up and Yuan Shao paid his respects to Zheng Xuan.

Yuan Shao was a little impatient at first, but when he saw his eldest son riding a white horse and galloping towards him, looking so heroic and strange, the soft part of Yuan Shao's heart seemed to be activated again.

After all, he is still my biological son. I haven't seen him for two or three years after he was released. Even if this son was not favored before, I will still miss him.

Blank space has always been the best way to beautify things. If you haven't seen any relatives in your memory for many years, as long as they are not your enemies, it is easy for you to think of the vague memories in a positive way. This is human nature.

It's like when many ugly men and women put on masks and ask others what they think of their appearance, they will think positively. This is also why so many Japanese women and Douyin female anchors are addicted to wearing masks. This is supported by scientific research.

Not seeing each other for three years left Yuan Shao with a somewhat vague and blank impression of Yuan Tan.

"My son greets his father!" Yuan Tan came closer, dismounted from his horse and bowed. His image today was the result of Zhuge Liang's five days of intensive planning, which also included a intensive rectification of some of his rigid and bad habits in his gestures.

Although a person's appearance cannot be changed quickly, their temperament can be improved, at least on the surface.

Yuan Shao looked at him carefully and felt a little bit unbelievable, but finally he confirmed with surprise that this was the son he had not seen for three years.

Over the past three years, his imagination had filled in the gaps in his memory and it turned out that his son's current situation was better than what he had imagined after he had beautified it.

Yuan Shao could not help but praise him, "My son is indeed as brave as me. Good. I heard that you invited Lord Kang Cheng here and cleared the pirates along the coast of Qingzhou. You did a good job.

When your father was your age, he had already joined forces with He Boqiu (He Yong) to rescue righteous men who were not afraid of the eunuchs.

A real man has his own way of doing things and his own way of not doing things. When you are young, you should be ambitious and have high spirits. If you are not so, you will not be a hero. "

Yuan Tan was almost stunned. He had never thought that his father would speak to him like this. It seemed that Mr. Zhuge's advice over the past few days had indeed been very effective.

He quickly recalled the special training precautions of Zhuge Liang, and then thanked him: "I will follow my father's teachings. I used to live in a wealthy family and didn't know the suffering of the people. After this experience, I know how difficult it is for the people to live and how fierce the harm caused by bandits is.

I wish I could personally pick up a three-foot-long sword and wipe out all the injustice in the world. However, if you don't take small steps, you can't reach a thousand miles. Being in Qingzhou, I can only practice my skills with pirates first."

Then he talked about the details of Zheng Xuan's trip and invited Yuan Shao to welcome him together.

Yuan Shao was very satisfied with his son's report. In a blink of an eye, he saw a tall and stable carriage coming in front of him, so he dismounted and stood by the road waiting.

When the carriage got closer, Yuan Shao noticed that the wheels were wrapped with calamus leaves, which made it so stable. The calamus leaves had a shock-absorbing and cushioning effect.

Yuan Shao was not a very good historian, so he did not know the story behind it, nor had he heard of the Pu-wheeled cart. Seeing this, he simply praised in a low voice, "My son is quite clever. He knows how to show respect to the elderly and the wise in subtle ways."

Yuan Tan also replied in a low voice: "Father, if you don't blame me for going beyond my limit, I will be satisfied. The carriage is made of rush wheels and the walls are covered with silk. I am just imitating what Emperor Xiaowu did to Shen Gong and Mei Sheng. Qi is full of courtesy and righteousness, and the ancient sages are respected. I secretly admire them."

Yuan Shao was slightly stunned, after all, he had not read the "Book of Han" in its entirety and did not know the details of these allusions. Yuan Tan pointed out aptly that this was the courtesy that Emperor Wu of Han showed to the wise men of Qi, Shen Pei and Mei Cheng, because these two men were already in their seventies or eighties when they were summoned by Emperor Wu of Han.

Zheng Xuan is already seventy years old this year and is also a "great sage of Qi". It is of course appropriate for him to sit in a carriage with calamus leaf shock-absorbing wheels and the inner walls of the carriage to be lined with silk to prevent bumps and collisions.

Yuan Shao was pleased to see that his son had made great progress in his studies and understood the ancients' positive allusions, but he was always indecisive and was afraid that his son was being taught by others, so he asked again: "My son, have you studied the classics diligently in the past two years? Have you made any achievements? Where did you learn these allusions?"

Yuan Tan was not proud, but said: "Qingzhou was just pacified, and I spent most of my energy on civil and military affairs, and I am ashamed of studying. This method was taught to me by Wang Biejia to respect the wise."

When Yuan Shao heard his son was so honest, and attributed it to the guidance of his aides even though he had clearly learned a way to show off, he couldn't help but like him more. It seemed that this was not a deliberate flattery, but a pragmatic approach.

When Yuan Shao was happy, he couldn't help stroking his beard repeatedly and quickly.

Guo Tu, who was following him to greet Zheng Xuan, saw this and knew that he should flatter Yuan Shao according to his mood.

Guo Tu was very familiar with classics and history books, so he flattered him without leaving any trace:

"Congratulations, lord! The eldest son is so kind and filial, and he appoints people based on their merits and is open-minded to advice. This is really a blessing for the Yuan family! Listening to the lord and the eldest son talking about Emperor Xiaowu's art of honoring the wise, Tu couldn't help but think of Emperor Xiaowu's emotion in educating his son:
"If you give birth to a son, you should place him in a place with a sense of propriety and righteousness, but you placed him in Yan and Zhao. If he does have a competitive spirit, you will see that he is unwilling to give in." In the past, Emperor Xiaowu regretted placing Liu Dan, the King of Yan, in Yan, which made him competitive. Now, you have placed your eldest son in a place with a sense of propriety and righteousness, so that he can be influenced by the way of respecting the virtuous. Your way of educating your son is better than Emperor Xiaowu's!"

Upon hearing this, Yuan Shao pretended to be furious and shouted, "How dare you! How dare you! As a Han official, how can we compare ourselves to Emperor Xiaowu!"

However, despite the scolding, Yuan Shao was secretly happy inside.

Guo Tu's flattery just hit the spot, making him feel comfortable all over. Emperor Wu of Han did not teach his son well, but Yuan Shao did. This is cause for celebration!
Guo Tu was scolded and blamed himself for his gaffe, but observing his master's expression, he knew very well that his master was enjoying himself. Even if he had to risk being scolded, he would continue to flatter him.

When Yuan Shao and Guo Tu were flattering each other, Yuan Tan was standing by and remained respectful without saying a word. However, when he heard Guo Tu's words, his heart was lifted, and he suddenly remembered something Mr. Zhuge had told him on his way here.

Yuan Tan knew that Gongsun Zan was now surrounded in Yijing, and the day the city fell would be the day Youzhou would be pacified. He also knew that his father seemed to be planning to send one of his sons out to serve as a minister after he pacified a new state.

The third brother Yuan Shang would definitely be kept by his side, and the one who was released this time was probably the second brother Yuan Xi. However, Guo Tu's quote from Emperor Wu of Han, "If you have a son, you should place him in a place with righteousness and courtesy, but you place him in Yan and Zhao. If he really has a competitive spirit, the beginning of his unwillingness to yield is clear." It was really wonderful to say it at this time!
Although Emperor Wu of Han had a bit of "regional discrimination" in his original intention, thinking that people in Qi were modest and polite, while people in Yan were competitive. But now he happened to be in Qi, and his second brother might go to Yan. With Guo Tu's words, he seemed to be able to implement the plan taught by Mr. Zhuge and dissuade his father from sending his sons to manage a state each!

I am a "man of courtesy, righteousness and non-contention in Qi", shouldn't I set an example for my brothers to live in harmony and not compete with each other?

It seems that Guo Tu is also a talented person who can be used. He is very good at speaking.

But Yuan Tan didn't know that all this was actually part of Zhuge Liang's plan. Although Guo Tu was an unexpected factor, even without Guo Tu, Zhuge Liang would have other ways to slowly guide Yuan Shao and gradually implant this idea in his mind, and then implement the next plan.

Poor Yuan Tan, he was obviously made compatible by Zhuge Liang, but he still thought he was lucky.

Afterwards, Yuan Shao and his entourage politely received Zheng Xuan, the mascot, and thanked Zheng Xuan for being willing to release Cui Yan to accept their call.

However, these red tapes are no longer the point, so there is no need to elaborate on the process.

In short, by sending Zheng Xuan to Ye first, letting Cui Yan accept the appointment, and other subtle behaviors, Yuan Tan re-established a good impression on his father Yuan Shao in just one day.

Another day later, Zhuge Liang, Sun Qian, Zhao Yun and his party arrived in Yecheng in a low-key manner as Liu Bei's envoys.

Yuan Shao did not go out to greet them in person, but planned to meet Zhuge Liang and others at his home as soon as possible.

But it didn't matter, because before Zhuge Liang appeared on the scene, the grateful Yuan Tan had already helped him to make arrangements in advance, so most of Yuan Shao's advisers were favorable to Liu Bei for sending people to make peace.

At most, there are people like Tian Feng who are old nitpickers. They can always find a few points that are worth checking and improving, and they can argue a little, but it's no big deal.

Ju Shou, Xu You, and Guo Tu all had preconceived ideas about supporting cooperation with Liu Bei.

There was only one Shen Pei, and because he was Yuan Shang's close friend, he was not very enthusiastic about Liu Bei's envoys brought by the eldest son. However, if Shen Pei was the only one among the high-level advisers who opposed it, he would not be able to cause any trouble.

……

On the morning of the day of the audience, Yuan Shao sat in the main hall of the general's office, with Yuan Tan and Zheng Xuanzha sitting on both sides of him, followed by his staff.

Zheng Xuan is here as a guest official, and in a few days he will choose a place to open a school to teach. He is old and will not serve Yuan Shao forever.

Zhuge Liang and Sun Qian were led in by the attendants, while Zhao Yun was left outside the courtyard. He did not carry a spear when he went out today, but only a sword. Zhuge Liang also entered with a sword, and no one stopped him from carrying a weapon. For a civil official, carrying a sword was just a courtesy in people's eyes, and he was not going to meet the emperor, so there was no need to unsheathe his sword.

"I am Zhuge Liang, the Chief Clerk of the General Who Conquers the South. I am honored to meet you, the Great General!" Zhuge Liang came twenty steps in front of Yuan Shao, stopped and bowed.

Yuan Shao sat on it, speaking in a friendly manner: "Xuan De is my brother. I heard that he was ambushed by Lü Bu some time ago, and I was deeply upset. Fortunately, he has established a solid foundation in Huainan, which is a consolation. Sir, you must have something to teach me when you come here."

Zhuge Liang: "You are a great general who respects the wise and humbles himself, and listens to good advice. You are a role model for the world. I, a country boy, dare not claim to be your teacher. The General who conquered the South sent me here to ask you to speak up for justice, stop the war for the world, and persuade Cao and Lu to make peace. In this world, only you have the power to make this happen."

Zhuge Liang first roughly explained his purpose, and then presented Liu Bei's letter with both hands. The letter was sealed in a long and narrow brocade box. Yuan Shao's chief clerk Chen Lin came over, took the brocade box in person, checked the seal, and then put it on Yuan Shao's desk.

Yuan Shao first took a quick look at it, and then talked with Zhuge Liang. The advisers around him also discussed with Zhuge Liang "why we should persuade Cao and Lu to make peace, and what benefits it will bring to the court", and the atmosphere gradually became relaxed.

These people would not ask directly "What benefits will this kind of peacemaking bring to Yuan Shao's camp", because such words are too vulgar and selfish, and are not suitable to be said in such a crowded occasion. They still have to pay attention to their reputation.

Therefore, this kind of discussion is of little nutritional value and involves too few substantive interests.

It is just like Zhuge Liang's mission to Sun Quan in history. The debate with the scholars at the beginning was all nonsense, which was forced in by Luo Guanzhong. The key is the private conversation with Sun Quan, Lu Su and Zhou Yu behind closed doors later.

However, even when talking about public nonsense about righteousness, Zhuge Liang was still able to handle it with ease. His words and responses always hit the point, and he was graceful and able to impress everyone.

Ju Su, Shen Pei and others were prudent and pragmatic and were unwilling to say much in such occasions.

Xu You, Guo Tu, and Feng Ji were good at debate, and they all asked Zhuge Liang about the general situation of the world and the cycle of destiny, but they were refuted one by one. Xu You, Guo Tu and others' words and intentions were nothing more than flattering and implicitly proving that "the virtue of the Han Dynasty has declined, and the emperor's spirit may come from Hebei."

Zhuge Liang certainly couldn't let them succeed, but he wouldn't slap them in the face, after all, it would be bad to offend Yuan Shao. Then he used his elder brother's "revenge for the late emperor is a virtue" to deal with this problem, saying "whether the virtue of the Han Dynasty will be transferred depends on whether there will be meritorious officials who will serve the king in the future and suppress the treacherous officials who committed serious crimes such as the murder of Emperor Yi."

The advantage of this statement is that it can adhere to the political philosophy of the Zhuge family and allow Yuan Shao to interpret it himself. If Yuan Shao thinks that Cao Cao is the Xiang Yu of the present and he is the one who fights for justice for the world, then Yuan Shao will be very happy.

This is a theory that every "loyal minister" can easily adapt to and find very refreshing.

After listening to Zhuge Liang's criticism of Xu You and Feng Ji's traditional theory of "the destiny of heaven changes, the magical weapons are replaced, and the people with virtue will be rewarded", Yuan Shao did not feel embarrassed at all. Instead, he felt very involved and had a feeling that no one else could do it but him.

As a result, his favorable impression of Zhuge Liang doubled. Although he could not see Zhuge Liang's appearance clearly due to the distance, he could feel that he had a strong aura in his every move. When the conversation became heated, Yuan Shao finally ordered someone to give Zhuge Liang a seat in front of him, and let Zhuge Liang sit within ten steps in front of him, second only to Yuan Tan and Zheng Xuan.

After Zhuge Liang sat down nearby, Yuan Shao secretly observed him carefully, and then thought to himself: "He is indeed a man of extraordinary talent, eloquent, knowledgeable, and incomparable to ordinary people. I envy my brother Xuande for having such a talent.

And listening to what he said, it seems to be very profound, but why do I feel that it is similar to some of the recent rumors circulating in Xudu... It seems that last year there was also a great sage who was famous in Xudu, who was summoned by the emperor to discuss virtue and luck, and was finally rewarded generously by the emperor... Hmm?"

Thinking of this, Yuan Shao suddenly realized a problem and asked in person: "I wonder what your name is, sir? You are also from the Zhuge family of Langya, right?"

Zhuge Liang was stunned: "Zhuge Fubo?"

Ju Su, who had been silent the whole time, finally helped to explain: "It was Zhuge Jin, the governor of Danyang. The other day, someone from Xudu reported that the court had issued an edict to confer titles on the meritorious officials in the battles against the rebellion in Danyang and Lujiang. Zhuge Jin, the governor of Danyang, was awarded the title of General Fubo for his merit in pacifying the Shanyue."

Zhuge Liang was delighted and showed his true feelings. He quickly stood up and bowed to the south, thanking him from afar. Then he said, "General Fubo is my brother. I have been wandering outside for more than a month and didn't know that my brother had been rewarded by Your Majesty. I am really ashamed."

Yuan Shao stroked his beard and looked him up and down: "Brother, you are both great sages, truly extraordinary. Sir, you must stay in Yecheng for a while, and I will also listen to your teachings."

(End of this chapter)