My younger brother Zhuge Liang

Chapter 575 Fa Zheng: If the general is anxious, we can also offend the general on behalf of Liu Jiyu

Liu Bei's letters to Zhuge Jin, Yuan Tan, Liu Zhang and others were drafted and sent out within just a few days.

However, due to the long journey, even if the way out of Sichuan could rely on the rapids of the Three Gorges to "return to Jiangling in a day for a thousand miles", after leaving the Three Gorges and changing to an express horse that could travel 600 miles, it would still take at least ten days in total to deliver the goods to Zhuge Jin and Guan Yu.

Zhuge Jin still needs to consider the matter and it will take at least a month before he can contact Yuan Tan.

On the other hand, the contact with Liu Zhang would be much faster. Starting from Zitong, it would take only three days to reach Chengdu, and there would be no need to rush.

However, Liu Zhang will definitely delay the handling of the matter because it is a serious matter. Liu Zhang does not have the courage to be a pawn for Liu Bei, so he will definitely find a way to bargain.

What's more, Liu Bei wanted Liu Zhang to do more than one thing, which involved large sums of money and silk rewards and military rations supply, all of which would cause Liu Zhang to bleed, so he couldn't just agree to them casually.

Zhuge Liang also thought of this when he was helping Liu Bei plan the negotiations, so he suggested that Liu Bei use slightly stronger wording in his letter to Liu Zhang.

He also instructed Dong He, the messenger who was delivering the envoy, that even if Liu Zhang did not want to make an immediate decision on the petition to persuade him to ascend the throne, he should at least deal with the issue of money and military supplies as soon as possible, so as not to damage the friendly relationship between the two sides that had lasted for two years.

Liu Bei also approved of Zhuge Liang's attitude towards work and asked Dong He to do as Zhuge Liang said.

……

So three days later, it was the fifteenth day of the twelfth lunar month.

Dong He rushed to Chengdu and submitted a request to meet Liu Zhang.

Zitong is only 400 li away from Chengdu, which is a distance that a fast horse messenger can reach in just over a day. However, Dong He was a civil servant, not a professional messenger, and could not stand the bumps of running day and night, so he needed three days.

Because Liu Bei had not informed Liu Zhang of Cao Cao's defeat, and the military situation on the Jinniu Road and Chencang Road fronts was handled by Liu Bei, Liu Zhang did not know that Cao Cao had just been defeated until Dong He arrived in Chengdu and informed him.

Liu Bei's handling of the matter was also meaningful, and it was Zhuge Liang who hinted him to do so - the reason why Liu Bei's army entered Sichuan was that Cao Cao attacked Zhang Lu in Hanzhong, and Liu Bei wanted to enter Sichuan to help Liu Zhang defend against Cao Cao.

If Cao Cao's defeat was too easy, how could Liu Bei continue to ask Liu Zhang for more money, food, and soldiers? Therefore, it would be most beneficial for Liu Bei to keep the news of Cao Cao's defeat secret until Liu Zhang knew it as late as possible.

The best solution is to wait until Liu Bei asks Liu Zhang for "victory rewards for the soldiers". When it can no longer be delayed, we will announce the news of our army's victory and then strike while the iron is hot to ask for this and that.

Liu Bei's sudden attack with poor information really shocked Liu Zhang, who was surprised and delighted. He immediately called Huang Quan, Fa Zheng, Wang Lei, Zheng Du and others to discuss the matter.

"Gong Heng, Xiao Zhi! You came just in time! Brother Xuande suddenly asked Dong He to deliver a letter today to report victory and ask for reward, saying that last month, we defeated Cao Cao twice in Chencang Road and Yangping Pass.

This year, a total of 100,000 Cao troops have been annihilated and Xiahou Yuan has been beheaded. Even Cao Cao himself was defeated and fled back to Chencang and Dasan Pass!

The letter sent by Dong He also said that after a series of bloody battles, Brother Xuande's troops had suffered heavy losses. In order to enforce military discipline, they could not plunder Hanzhong. The soldiers were seriously owed wages and rewards. He wanted our army to pay money and food from Chengdu, and immediately reward his army heavily and supply military food until the summer harvest next year.

Alas, what can we do? Brother Xuande has mobilized more than 100,000 troops. In the summer and autumn of this year, his army and horses have eaten up all the food and grass we have stored in Zitong for many years.

Now that the battle is over, we are still required to take out the grain from Chengdu and Guanghan to feed his army of more than 100,000 for another half a year until the next summer harvest! Moreover, we are also responsible for transporting the grain from Chengdu to Zitong and Jiameng Pass, which is another huge expense. What should we do? The reward from his army of more than 100,000 for victory is likely to take away most of the treasury in Chengdu!"

When Liu Zhang complained, his expression was truly miserable and he was not pretending at all.

The Chengdu Plain is indeed rich, and Shu has not fought a major war for more than ten years since the end of the Han Dynasty. The money and grain accumulated by Liu Zhang is indeed huge.

If you have no idea how rich the Chengdu treasury is, you can refer to some similar data for comparison. In history, Liu Biao, who had also stayed in the south for more than ten years without fighting a major battle, stockpiled at least two million shi of grain in Jiangling before his death, which later supported most of the consumption of Cao's army during the Battle of Chibi.

Yizhou was also richer than Jingzhou at the end of the Han Dynasty, mainly because Yizhou was more closed and the money and grain collected every year could be saved. In history, when Liu Bei finally conquered Chengdu, he opened the treasury to reward meritorious soldiers and ministers, and the money spent was also very huge. Moreover, the grain in Chengdu also supported the later Battle of Hanzhong in history.

In other words, Liu Biao was able to accumulate more than two million tons of military rations in Jiangling over a period of more than ten years. It was normal for Liu Zhang to accumulate three or four million tons in Chengdu over a period of more than ten years.

However, these three or four million were slightly lost during the Pang Xi Rebellion. Later, in order to fight against Zhang Lu and Cao Cao, Liu Zhang stockpiled 700,000 to 800,000 shi of grain at the Zitong front in advance. When Wu Yi and Fei Shi surrendered to Liu Bei, the control of these 700,000 to 800,000 shi of grain also fell into Liu Bei's hands, and now they have all been eaten up.

By this calculation, Liu Zhang had already spent one million of his savings, not to mention other miscellaneous items.

The remaining grain stored in the government warehouses in the Chengdu Plain should be just over two million, which is comparable to Liu Biao's savings in Jiangling.

Liu Bei asked him to support an army of more than 100,000 until next summer's grain harvest. This was equivalent to asking Liu Zhang for at least one million dan of grain, and taking away at least half of the remaining balance in the treasury of the Chengdu Plain. How could Liu Zhang not be afraid?
If I fatten Liu Bei up, and then he wants to find an excuse to make him submit even more deeply, will I still have the energy to resist?

Fa Zheng had to act as a peacemaker in the face of Liu Zhang's distress. However, he couldn't do it too obviously, so he could only say briefly:

"Lord Xuande's words are indeed a bit too much, but that is a great achievement in repelling Cao Ni. Who else in the world can do that? A generous reward is definitely necessary, otherwise the army of hundreds of thousands will really cause trouble..."

When Fa Zhenggang had just said this, he lowered his voice appropriately and paused for a moment to observe Liu Zhang's reaction and, by the way, to draw out his opponents.

As he expected, Wang Lei and Zheng Du, who had always been tough on Liu Bei, jumped out and started talking.

Wang Lei said with great sorrow: "What Xiaozhi said is a bit pedantic! You also said that this is just a reward for merit, not a wartime supply. It is really too much to ask for so much and for so long."

Zheng Du held a relatively low position and could not directly establish his own viewpoint, so he followed Wang Lei's opinion:

"That's right. If Cao Cao hasn't been defeated yet, the military situation is urgent and there is no way to provide enough food and grass. In the past six months, they have eaten up all of Zitong, and the lord has also sent two batches of additional food. What else do you want?

If you ask me, since Cao Cao was defeated, there is no reason for Liu Bei to station so many troops in Shuzhong. Why should we support more than 100,000 people? Even if they are helping us defend Hanzhong, 50,000 to 60,000 combat soldiers would be enough.

The remaining half should be withdrawn to Jingnan and Yangzhou. If the Lord can help him support the remaining half for a long time in exchange, it would be fair. "

After hearing this, Liu Zhang agreed with Zheng Du's offer.

If he could send Liu Bei away by giving him only 500,000 or 600,000 shi of military rations instead of more than one million shi, and in exchange for Liu Bei permanently withdrawing more than half of his troops, he would do the deal.

Just think that it is easier to invite a god than to send him away, this little bit of blood must be paid, it can't be cheaper. So Liu Zhang expressed his agreement and asked Huang Quan and Fa Zheng to express their opinions.

Huang Quan and Fa Zheng both felt that this plan seemed fair on the surface, but they were afraid that Liu Bei would not agree to it.

From this statement, it can also be seen that Huang Quan has recently become somewhat loosened and increasingly feels that his lord is a bit whimsical.

Huang Quan's loyalty to Liu Zhang has not wavered so far, but he also hopes that his lord will be more realistic, because the strength of Liu Bei and Liu Zhang has changed dramatically.

Huang Quan also gave a pertinent advice: "Please think twice, my lord. What you said is indeed reasonable, but Liu Bei is very powerful because of his great achievement in defeating Cao. He is arrogant because of his achievements. Even if he asks for more, no one in the world dares to blame him. It is extremely difficult for my lord to ask him to lower his offer, and it may also give him a chance to be criticized."

After hearing this, Liu Zhang began to feel a little suspicious of Huang Quan, thinking that Huang Quan's loyalty was not as resolute as Wang Lei and Zheng Du.

He felt that Huang Quan was too realistic, too obsessed with the pros and cons of strength and weakness, and his loyalty was not principled enough.

Thinking this way, Liu Zhang couldn't help showing some disdain on his face. After all, he had been in a high position for a long time, and others had to look at his face, while he didn't have to look at others' faces. After a long time, it was inevitable that he neglected to manage his expression.

It can be said that in terms of facial expression management, Liu Zhang is far inferior to Liu Bei and Cao Cao, who are very cunning and shrewd. Even the hidden Liu Biao is much better than Liu Zhang in facial expression and emotional management.

As soon as Liu Zhang showed his disdain, Fa Zheng beside him immediately noticed it and knew that his lord was dissatisfied with Huang Gongheng.

Fa Zheng could not help thinking to himself: "Huang Gongheng is so concerned about the lord, but he is just afraid that the lord does not understand the situation and offends people. He is also disliked by the lord for not being loyal enough. How can such a person who cannot distinguish between loyalty and treachery, who is weak and incompetent, manage Yizhou well? Yizhou really deserves a new leader.

However, the lord has already had such an idea. If I follow Huang Gongheng's words and argue with him, I am afraid I will be more suspicious. In this case, it is better to follow the lord's intention, pretend to help him share his worries, and then find a way to get out of it... Maybe, I can also plant an excuse for Lord Xuande to settle old scores in the future..."

Fa Zheng understood this clearly in his mind, and he spoke up for justice with full energy: "My lord, please understand! Although Gong Heng's words are a bit realistic, he is also devoted to the Lord. Please consider his loyalty and don't blame him anymore."

Liu Zhang raised his eyebrows and asked Fa Zheng directly: "So, Xiaozhi also feels that it is impossible to ask Brother Xuande to lower the price and withdraw the garrison?"

Fa Zheng: "It is difficult, but it cannot be said to be impossible. I think that the money and reward that Lord Xuande wants cannot be saved. It is related to the reward he promised before the war and his prestige and credit, so he must pay it in full.

However, it is possible to argue for the military rations and the number of subsequent garrisons. If you can trust me, I am willing to go back with Dong He and argue with Lord Xuande in person.

I dare not say how much I can get, but I will definitely ask them to lower the price a little. If it is completely ineffective, please punish me for my incompetence!"

Liu Zhang was deeply moved after hearing Fa Zheng's words of loyalty and righteousness.

At the critical moment, it was Xiaozhi who dared to take the responsibility!
Liu Zhang immediately expressed his opinion: "Money and silk rewards cannot be saved. The reward promised for the great achievement of repelling Cao should be kept. As long as the military rations and garrison can be reduced by half, even if it is only reduced by a few percent, it will be a great achievement.

It is true that the strong wind reveals the strong grass. Xiaozhi has worked hard. Tomorrow, I will meet with Dong He first, explain the situation to him, and take some of the reward money back first. Xiaozhi will follow and discuss the issue of garrison and military rations. "

Fa Zheng respectfully accepted the order, but how could the rest of Huang Quan and others dare to take on such a job? Naturally, they also agreed and did not mention it.

……

The next day, Liu Zhang met with Dong He, and then held a banquet to entertain him and comfort him, and told him about his own difficulties.

Dong He had come here with the psychological preparation of testing the waters, and he did not think that the deal could be settled in one go. When he learned that Liu Zhang was willing to give a portion of the money first and then discuss the rest later, he was happy to stop while he was ahead. He accepted the gold, silver, copper coins, and Shu brocade, and took Fa Zheng with him to return to Zitong.

The return journey was even slower. After all, they were carrying so much treasure and needed Liu Zhang's army to send soldiers to escort them, so it took five full days to complete the 400-mile journey.

Don't underestimate the monetary rewards given by Liu Zhang. Although these things are not as important as one million dan of military rations, they are also very considerable. You should know that in history, after Liu Bei captured Chengdu, he offered the highest level of reward to Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Zhuge Liang and Fa Zheng. Each of them received 500 kilograms of gold, 1,000 kilograms of silver, and 50 million copper coins. These are all clearly recorded in Pei's notes to "The Three Kingdoms".

In this Battle of Hanzhong, Cao Cao was repelled and 100,000 enemies were annihilated. What a great achievement it was. The rewards given to the soldiers will certainly not be less than the merit of occupying Yizhou in history.

If we take into account the meritorious officers and soldiers at all levels, down to the more than 100,000 small soldiers, the total reward is at least ten times the total reward of senior generals. However, the people below are generally not given gold and silver, but only copper coins and Shu brocade.

All in all, Liu Bei's army needed at least several thousand kilograms of gold, tens of thousands of kilograms of silver, and more than a billion copper coins. Liu Zhang could not come up with it all at once, so he first collected a thousand kilograms of gold, three thousand kilograms of silver, and 300 million copper coins as a token of respect, and then used Shu brocade to collect several hundred million worth of goods, which Fa Zheng took to reward the army.

When Liu Bei heard that Dong He had returned and brought Fa Zheng with him to bargain, he was naturally overjoyed. He immediately understood that Fa Zheng must have come to give him advice.

So Liu Bei went through the process first and demonstrated it to the other members of the delegation, and then had a banquet, and the atmosphere was very enjoyable for both the host and the guests.

After the performance, Fa Zheng and Dong He were immediately pulled apart for a private chat behind closed doors. Only Zhuge Liang and Pang Tong were allowed to listen in, and no other outsiders were allowed to listen.

"Xiaozhi is here now, so I'm sure you have some good advice for me. I wonder how many of the conditions I offer, brother Ji Yu, you can accept?" Liu Bei's attitude showed that he was very humble and willing to accept advice, and he did not treat the law as an outsider at all.

Fa Zheng did not hide anything and explained the situation directly: "Regarding the matter of submitting a petition to persuade the emperor to ascend the throne, it has not been touched upon yet. It is only said that it needs to be discussed separately and it is unlikely to be concluded within this year.

We have already given out part of the money and silk rewards after the great victory. As for the military rations and garrisons, I was asked to come here this time to discuss it with the general. "

Then he listed the statements of Huang Quan, Wang Lei, Zheng Du and others, saying everything he knew.

After listening to Liu Zhang's thoughts, Liu Bei stroked his moustache and asked sincerely, "Does Xiaozhi want me to make concessions? How much concessions do you need to make so that Xiaozhi can return and report properly?"

Fa Zheng didn't expect that Liu Bei would make concessions right away, and the reason for the concession was "to make it easier for Fa Zheng to complete his task." Fa Zheng was deeply moved.

Fa Zheng immediately bowed his head and said, "It depends on the urgency of the matter. If the general's plan is very urgent, then I don't have to give in. I can also pretend to argue publicly, represent Ji Yugong's stinginess and immorality, and give the general an excuse to punish him..."

Liu Bei said quickly, "Don't worry, Xiaozhi, I won't make it difficult for you. Besides, the matter of submitting the memorial has not been settled yet. Wu Yi, Fei Guan and other civil and military officials are still considered as the subordinates of Brother Ji Yu. How can we suddenly become enemies?"

Besides, it is already the middle of winter, which is not conducive to war. If Yizhou is in chaos again, won’t it delay the spring farming next year? After two years of bloody battles with Cao, Yizhou is already very exhausted, and we must not delay the farming season any longer. "

Fa Zheng: "If it's not so urgent, there are ways to deal with it... Some issues can be muddled through for now, and it won't be too late to talk about them in the future if they can't be reached..."

(End of this chapter)