My younger brother Zhuge Liang

Chapter 55: Emperor Gaozu did not doubt Liu Hou, so why should I doubt Zi Yu ( words long chapter to catch up)

When Chen Deng stabilized Lu Bu, filled the old pit and dug a new one.

The letters and imperial edicts that Zhuge Jin sent to Guangling County by messenger also reached Guan Yu.

In just two days, Guan Yu made all preparations for the troops to set out.

The troop transports were restored to their best condition, their sails and rigging were finally inspected and overhauled, and their weapons and armor were properly prepared.

However, the army did not bring much rations, only enough to last for a month at most - Liu Bei's side did not have much surplus food, and could only be considered to have just resolved the famine.

The messenger who had previously contacted Zhuge Xuan reported that Yuzhang County did not lack food for these thousands of people, but Zhuge Xuan had more food than soldiers.

From this perspective, Guan Yu's going to assist in the defense was just to provide food for the soldiers.

Sun Qian also did some calculations for Liu Bei: If these 4,000 men could survive the famine in Yuzhang next spring, Guangling would have about 20,000 dan less of military rations.

After Guan Yu had made all the preparations, a messenger came to report that Liu Bei and Zhuge Jin were almost there. He did not waste any time preparing his troops and meeting Liu Bei and Zhuge Jin before setting out again.

On the afternoon of November 8th, the canal boat carrying Zhuge Jin and Liu Bei finally arrived in Guangling, and Guan Yu greeted them directly at the river mouth dock outside the city.

Liu Bei didn't have much to say. They had been friends for more than ten years, and Guan Yu could understand his elder brother's care with just one look.

On the other hand, Guan Yu was very polite and respectful to Zhuge Jin, and insisted on personally thanking him for the official position he had helped to obtain in Xudu.

Zhuge Jin was embarrassed: "Yunchang, why do you have to be like this? You have led the army for more than ten years, and you have the talent of a general who can command 10,000 soldiers. You are just a lieutenant, but you deserve the title. Weren't you already a captain?"

Guan Yu insisted on bowing to the end: "That's different. My original position as a captain was actually recommended by my eldest brother, but the court didn't grant it. This time when you went to Xudu, besides getting an official position for my eldest brother, I was the only one who got the position of Zhechou Xiaowei, and my third brother still didn't get a real position. How can I not thank you for such a kindness."

Zhuge Jin: "How can you say that? Zi Zhong was indeed appointed governor of Donghai, and I was appointed lieutenant of Pinglu. From now on, you and I are colleagues, both lieutenants of the imperial court. I have never even led a soldier, and I am ashamed to hold such a position."

Guan Yu said from the bottom of his heart: "Although you don't lead troops, your ability to plan is amazing. You are more than qualified to be a captain, and you are not as brave as me."

Finally, Liu Bei couldn't stand it anymore and acted as a peacemaker: "Alright, alright, we are all brothers, why are you being so polite. Yun Chang, if one day you treat Zi Yu as you treat me, that's what we call sincerity."

Guan Yu then kept silent. They drank three more bowls of wine, and rewarded Guan Yu's soldiers with a meal of wine and meat, and then set off.

In addition to toasting and congratulating the troops, Zhuge Jin also took the time to board the ship for an inspection. He confirmed that Guan Yu had really followed his request and hid enough Yuan Shu's military uniforms, armor and flags in the cabin, so that they could disguise themselves and sneak through certain sections of the Yangtze River at any time. Only then did he feel relieved.

When Zhang Fei defeated Lei Bo, he captured hundreds of Yuan army armors. Later, when he captured Guangling City, at least a thousand Yuan soldiers in the city who did not have time to escape were captured.

Therefore, it would be no problem for Liu Bei's army to pick out two thousand sets of clothes that can disguise themselves as the enemy.

On the way to Yuzhang, one has to pass through Lujiang County along the Jiangbei route, which is Liu Xun's territory.

Although Liu Xun did not pay much attention to patrolling the dangerous mountainous areas along the river, the Danyang bandit Xu Qian was still entrenched in places such as Ruxukou.

These forces are also capable of sending out thousands of bandits to rob at any time.

Along the south bank of the Yangtze River, Danyang County nominally belonged to Yangzhou at the time, but due to its rugged geography, it was not actually controlled by Sun Ce.

The local hero Zu Lang is also a Danyang bandit. It is said that he has tens of thousands of followers and is far more terrifying than Xu Qian in Jiangbei. Don't underestimate Zu Lang. He has fought several battles with Sun Ce, and both sides have won and lost.

In other words, the Danyang County occupied by Sun Ce today is actually only equivalent to the entire Nanjing of later generations, most of Zhenjiang (except Liu Yao's Dantu County), plus the three Anhui brothers of Nanjing, "Wumachu". The area is not large, but it occupies all the fertile land of Danyang.

In later generations, the four prefecture-level cities in Anhui south of Wuhu, Xuancheng, Huangshan, Tongling and Chizhou, are now the territories of Zu Lang, the "Marshal of Jing County".

When Guan Yu marches forward this time, he must be careful to guard against being intercepted by the river bandits. If necessary, disguising himself as Yuan Shu's army and crossing the border along the north bank of the Yangtze River is also an expedient measure.

Zhuge Jin personally gave careful advice and checked for omissions, and made sure that Guan Yu was not too proud and did not take the matter seriously, and only then did he feel at ease to let the fleet set sail.

……

After Guan Yu sent out his troops, Liu Bei and Zhuge Jin went back to rest and relieve their fatigue from the journey. No conversation took place that day.

The next morning, Liu Bei was still asleep, but Mi Zhu came early to ask for a meeting. However, he did not dare to ask anyone to disturb him and just waited in the back hall of the government office.

It was past noon when Liu Bei washed, dressed and went to work. When he heard that Mi Zhu had been waiting for a long time, he complained to his attendants and hurried out to talk to them.

"Zi Zhong, why are you here so early in the morning? Aren't you tired after three days on the boat? If you had something to say, why didn't you say it on the boat yesterday?"

Liu Bei was a little surprised, thinking that something new had happened last night that required it to be reported so early in the morning.

Mi Zhu said worriedly, "My lord, Ziyu and I were on the same boat yesterday. There were some things I shouldn't have said, so I have to endure it until today."

Liu Bei was even more surprised: "Zi Yu and I have a very close relationship. I treat him as my teacher. Why should I hide from him? Don't do this again!"

Mi Zhu sighed, "My Lord, how could I not know this? I am convinced of Ziyu's contributions and wisdom. But this time he came to the capital to seek an official post, seeking the post of Yuzhang governor for his uncle and Pinglu xiaowei for himself.

At the age of 21, his rank was already equal to Yunchang's. Moreover, Cao Cao had already asked someone to draft his official title before Your Majesty summoned him for a private audience. It was obviously because of his young age that he could not be given an important position so quickly.

Given the degree to which Ziyu is appreciated by Your Majesty and Cao Cao, as long as he makes meritorious contributions in the subsequent fight against Yuan Shu, he will surely be promoted repeatedly within a year or two. By then, will the lord still be able to win him over by recruiting him as the General of the Southern Expedition and the Governor of Yangzhou?

Moreover, the Yuzhang County ruled by Zhuge Xuan has more land and population than Guangling County. After the lord lets Yunchang help him pacify the entire Yuzhang County, will the power of the Zhuge family be so great that they can become the host?"

Liu Bei's face changed slightly when he heard this: "Zi Zhong! Do you know what you are saying? Zi Yu is not a person who is greedy for wealth and honor. I am loyal to him, and it is not something that can be affected by the level of fame and rank! Besides, we are all ministers in the same court and work together to support the Han Dynasty. What's wrong with that?

Even in the current chaotic times...there are many civil and military officials who secretly serve each other. But in the past, Liu Hou visited Emperor Gaozu only to help the King of Han, and Emperor Gaozu didn't care. Even if Zi Yu helped me in the end to help his uncle, that's what he should do. Shouldn't his relationship with his uncle be greater than Liu Hou's relationship with the King of Han?"

Liu Bei's words finally left Mi Zhu completely speechless.

Zhang Liang was a descendant of the Prime Minister of Han. When he first joined Liu Bang, he said, "I come to join the King of Han because I hope the King of Han can help the King of Han." Liu Bang didn't mind.

Later, Zhang Liang helped Liu Bang overcome difficulties and helped King Han restore his throne. Zhang Liang then left to serve King Han Cheng, and Liu Bang did not stop him.

Finally, King Cheng of Han was killed by Xiang Yu. Without a master, Zhang Liang returned to Liu Bang, who still made him his number one strategist.

If Mi Zhu continued to persuade him, it would seem that Liu Bei was not as magnanimous as Emperor Gao.

He had no choice but to bite his lip and change his words: "I don't want the lord to be suspicious of you, I just think that I should be more grateful to you. I have no ill intentions."

Liu Bei was relieved and patted Mi Zhu on the shoulder: "I was too harsh just now. I know you have good intentions, but there is no need to worry about some things...

Of course, we should give Ziyu more benefits and honors as much as we can, but he doesn’t lack anything right now…”

Liu Bei was talking to himself, and suddenly his voice lowered, obviously he had thought of something.

He looked at Mi Zhu again, and seeing Mi Zhu's embarrassed and evasive eyes, he knew that he had guessed correctly and realized Mi Zhu's real intention.

Liu Bei thought about his words, patted Mi Zhu on the back, and said sincerely:

"Zi Zhong, I remember that more than a month ago, I told you frankly that I was unlucky in marriage and declined your kindness.

But I also said that I appreciate your sincerity, and I always regard your Mi family as my closest relatives.

If you can find a good home for your sister, I will be happy to see it happen. After all, my concubine has just been found more than a month ago and she has calmed down a little.

However, this matter still needs to be considered in the long run, and we should test it slowly, and not be reckless. Before Ziyu went to Xudu, when I chatted with him, he occasionally mentioned that he had not yet married, but he seemed to be very reluctant to talk about marriage before going far away, saying that it was unlucky, and I don’t know why. I guess he will definitely think it is unlucky when he is about to go to Yuzhang this time, and he doesn’t want to talk about this matter for the time being. I guess he has to wait until Yuzhang returns. "

Mi Zhu felt mixed emotions after hearing this.

On the one hand, he knew that Liu Bei would not marry his sister as his principal wife. After all, he had missed the window of opportunity to help Liu Bei when all his concubines were detained by Lu Bu. If he forced her into the family, she would only be a concubine. What's the point in doing that?

Similarly, Mi Zhu would not pay the 100 million yuan dowry for his sister - without the position of legal wife, who would pay so much money to be a sucker?

However, from what Liu Bei said, he seemed to support the Mi family in winning over the Zhuge family, and emphasized that he would still accept the favor from the Mi family, which seemed to be a good idea.

I just don’t know how to deal with Zhuge Jin, Mi Zhu still needs to think of a solution.

……

While Mi Zhu and Liu Bei were having a secret meeting in the government office.

The Zhuge family also had a restless morning. It can be said that every family has its own problems.

Zhuge Jin returned home last night, and the first thing he did was to pay his respects to his stepmother and uncle, and apologize for not fulfilling his filial duties after more than a month of separation. However, because he was tired, he did not talk too much with his mother and uncle, and went to rest directly.

This morning, after breakfast, he remembered that he should settle the affairs at home in preparation for going to Yuzhang to rescue his uncle together with Guan Yu, so he ordered his servants to pack up and sort out the accounts of property first.

When Mrs. Song saw her son's unusual behavior, she knew that he was determined to move his family, and finally decided to sit down and have a good talk.

Song asked plaintively, "You are going to Yuzhang next month. Are you planning to stay there for a long time? Aren't you going to come back after the bandits are quelled and the war is over?"

Zhuge Jin was stunned: "Although Zuo Rong is not a famous general, he is good at misleading people with lies and has many followers. He may also be in collusion with Zu Lang of Jing County (Xuancheng). Once the war starts, it is difficult to estimate the duration. Of course, we should be lenient with the enemy."

Hearing this, Song once again brought out the etiquette and ethics with a dejected look: "If this is the case, how can a widowed sister-in-law go to her brother-in-law? If this were possible, our Zhuge family wouldn't have to split into two groups and go south two years ago, and why would we have to suffer so much?

You will go to Yuzhang by yourself, and your uncle and I will live in Guangling. Since you are so valued by General Liu, the local officials will surely protect us properly. During the month you were in Xudu, I didn't miss anything in my daily life, so don't worry about me."

Zhuge Jin then remembered that his stepmother had suffered for two years in order to avoid suspicion. He knew he was in the wrong and tried to persuade her with some effort, but Song just told him not to worry about it.

Zhuge Jin could only sigh: "I won't travel far away while my parents are still alive. I don't know how long it will take for the war to end. If my mother doesn't want to go, then I can't fulfill my filial duty..."

Moreover, in Zhuge Jin's plan, he would not come back after defeating Zuo Rong during his trip to Yuzhang. There must be some domestic affairs and diplomatic operations to deceive Yuan Shu that would require him to stay and deal with them personally, and it was unclear when.

According to the moral values of the Han people, if one was desperate to save his uncle, it was understandable to temporarily abandon his parents.

Once you have overcome the crisis, it would be unfilial for you to still wander around outside alone - unless, of course, there are other brothers left at home to serve your stepmother.

It’s like Zhuge Jin had taken on this responsibility before, so Zhuge Liang and Zhuge Jun were able to follow their uncle.

Faced with the rigid filial piety of the Han Dynasty, Zhuge Jin had to think: should he bring Zhuge Liang back to Guangling to fulfill his filial duty and replace himself...

However, just as he was figuring out this plan, Mrs. Song saw that her son was in trouble and finally decided to show her hand:
"Jin'er, I've suffered so much in the past two years, and I've figured it out. Now that General Liu has lost most of Xuzhou, it's probably impossible to get Langya County back. Your biological parents have already been buried together and are in peace. I don't have to join in the fun a hundred years later and insist on returning to Langya to bury my bones.

Since you can accomplish great things and make a living, I am relieved. You can return to the Song family and set up a household. You can remarry in the future and you don’t have to be bound by filial piety. "

Zhuge Jin was shocked: "Mother, don't force me! Could it be that I have ambitions to go far away that made you have such thoughts... That would be extremely unfilial!"

Song quickly covered his mouth and told him not to think too much: "It's none of your business. After all, I'm only 26. This time when you go to Xudu, I've figured it out myself and I'm willing to find someone to remarry.

In the past few years, I was only worried that you would not be able to succeed and start a family, so I managed to get through until now. Now that you have a bright future, what else do I have to worry about?
You don't have to worry about being accused of forcing your stepmother to remarry. I've actually thought about it. I can first let Ah Xin establish her own family and no longer be a vassal of the Zhuge family, and then take me back to the Song family. In this way, even if I remarry in the future, I will be brought back to my parents' home and listen to my brother's words, which has nothing to do with you. Besides, I may not really be able to remarry."

Zhuge Jin didn't expect that while he was away on a business trip for a month, his stepmother actually thought about so many long-term issues.

Emotionally and rationally, he certainly would not obstruct it.

Zhuge Jin was a modern man with a more humane outlook. He also felt that it was cruel to let a young woman remain a widow for the rest of her life. Moreover, there was no such requirement in the Han Dynasty.

But no matter what, the Song family raised him and his siblings for seven or eight years, and he must be grateful.

According to the filial piety of the Han Dynasty, if the Song family had no more members, and Song remarried as a widow of the Zhuge family, it would have a certain impact on Zhuge Jin's reputation, and outsiders would gossip about whether "this kid can't tolerate his stepmother".

But fortunately, there is still uncle Song Xin. As long as the Song family can be independent again and the widow is taken back to her parents' home first, there will be no conflict with the Zhuge family.

Of course, no matter whether Song’s marriage is good or bad in the future, it will have nothing to do with the Zhuge family. All the advantages or disadvantages of nepotism will be borne by Song Xin.

The Zhuge family also disdains to rely on these potential nepotism to gain benefits or connections.

On this issue, Zhuge Jin was still very upright. He might not care about his own future historical image, but he had to maintain the perfect image of his second brother Zhuge Liang.

With the strength of the Zhuge family, they do not need to rely on any connections and can rise solely through strength.

So in order to avoid giving people a chance to criticize him, Zhuge Jin felt that his uncle should have a banquet and invite some prominent figures in Guangling to be witnesses when he set up his own business.

Zhuge Jin also had to give some of the money, farms, slaves, and treasures bestowed upon him by Liu Bei and Mi Zhu to the Song family as start-up capital for Song Xin's independence.

In this way, outsiders would also praise Zhuge Jin for his benevolence and filial piety, as he was able to give so much family wealth to his stepmother when she returned to her parents' home to repay her for raising him.

From this perspective, it seems like a good idea to get this done now.

Because Zhuge Jin is not very rich now, even if he gave all his property to the Song family, he could quickly get several times more wealth in the blink of an eye, which means he only paid two months' salary to settle the matter.

If the Song family had made this scene a few years later, the Zhuge family might have accumulated a fortune by then, and even if they took out several hundred gold, outsiders would say, "He only took out a few percent of the family fortune to his adoptive mother," which would sound bad for his reputation.

"Since mother has made up her mind, I will obey. I and my uncle will take care of the outside affairs." Zhuge Jin stood up and bowed, putting his worries to rest.

……

Because of the sudden changes at home, Zhuge Jin had to slightly adjust his recent schedule.

Mi Zhu, after discussing with Liu Bei, wanted to go to the house to get the information. But when he learned that Mr. Ziyu's whereabouts were uncertain and he seemed to be busy with something important, he had to go back and wait for news.

On the other hand, Chen Qun and others recently consulted relevant ancient books, sorted out the management methods of work-for-relief, and conducted on-site investigations on some issues related to people's livelihood in Guangling County.

Chen Qun took the collected information and went to Zhuge Jin's house to ask for advice on how to plan the project specifically, but was turned down as well.

Fortunately, Zhuge Jin didn’t disappear for too long.

Just two days later, when everyone was anxious and suspicious, Zhuge Mansion finally released the news:

Mr. Zi Yu had already urgently purchased a decent house in Guangling City and gave it to his uncle Song Xin.

A banquet will be held tomorrow to celebrate the Song family's move to a new house and the establishment of their own business.

All the respectable civil and military officials in Guangling City received Zhuge Jin's invitation.

Anyone who is willing to show support and give face is welcome to attend the banquet and serve as a witness.

(End of this chapter)