My younger brother Zhuge Liang

Chapter 634: Before I could fool the enemy, my teammates were fooled first
After Cao Cao and Jia Xu decided on the final strategy to deal with Liu Biao, Jia Xu quickly arranged and executed it according to the instructions.

However, it would take time to contact Cai Mao and have him make specific arrangements on how to speed up the process of angering Liu Biao to death and supporting Liu Cong. In general, it would be considered fast if the plan could be effective within half a month, as there were too many uncontrollable factors.

While Cao Cao and Jia Xu were making their deployment, one day in mid-May, in Xiangyang City, Liu Qi also saw his biological father Liu Biao for the last time - of course, at this time, he did not know that this was the last time.

Since Liu Biao became seriously ill last year, Liu Qi has visited his father twice to check on his condition.

At that time, Liu Biao was at least not so sick that he could not get out of bed, and his mind was still clear. Cai Mao and his ilk wanted to stop Liu Qi from seeing his father and fulfilling his filial duty, but they were unable to do so.

But Liu Biao was not that ill at the time, and the two visits were not to the extent of discussing the transfer of power. So even if Liu Qi met with him, he did not get any substantial benefits.

Who would discuss inheritance before confirming that their father was incurable? This was definitely a taboo in ancient times. Especially in the Han Dynasty, where filial piety was highly valued, any mistakes in this regard could not be made, otherwise the family would be doomed.

However, since learning that Liu Zhang had been destroyed more than two months ago, Liu Biao's condition has further worsened and he has been bedridden.

In theory, from then on, the issue of the handover of Jingzhou could gradually be brought to the table for discussion.

Unfortunately, just before Liu Biao became bedridden, he expressed his dissatisfaction with Liu Qi's weakness at a public meeting with many aides in Xiangyang.

At that time, Liu Biao said: "Qi'er is kind and cowardly. Although he can win the hearts of the people, he may be plotted against by others."

Considering the context of these words, many staff members in Jingzhou felt that the lord was worried that the eldest son would get too close to Liu Bei, and that Liu Bei would scheme against him to seize power in the future, and his fate would be worse than that of Liu Zhang.

Cai Mao naturally seized this opportunity and began to prevent Liu Qi from returning to Xiangyang to visit the patient.

Every time Liu Qi sent messengers to throw stones to ask for directions, hoping to come back to visit his father, Cai Mao would sternly stop him, saying, "You are responsible for guarding against Liu Bei, how can you leave your post so easily? If the messenger finds out, he will be shocked and angry, which will make his illness worse, which is not the way of a son."

This excuse is not unfamiliar. In history, before Liu Biao's death, Cai Mao used this excuse to prevent Liu Qi from seeing his father.

In this life, although Liu Qi's position was much more stable and he also had foreign aid, it was difficult for Cai Mao to stop him under normal circumstances. However, Liu Biao had just expressed his concerns about Liu Bei's annexation of Jingzhou, and Cai Mao seized this sentence and used chicken feathers as a token of support, and was able to succeed for a while.

Liu Biao had been bedridden since the end of March, and Liu Qi's application to visit him in early April was unsuccessful. Anxious and at a loss, Liu Qi, who was in Shangyong at the time, asked Liu Bei's envoy for advice.

Liu Bei was still in Chengdu at the time, and he left Chengdu to return to Jingnan in May. Therefore, the people Liu Qi sent to Wuchang to seek advice did not meet Liu Bei, but were received by Zhuge Jin.

After Zhuge Jin heard about Liu Qi's situation, he also asked the envoy a few questions, wanting to know whether Liu Qi had made up his mind to seize power.

Unfortunately, the envoy's rank was too low and he was not qualified to participate in the discussion of such issues. Liu Qi did not give him authorization in this regard before he came.

Zhuge Jin tried several times but failed to make any progress, so he could only deal with the matter at hand. He first helped Liu Qi solve the small problem of "how to see his seriously ill father", and the rest could be dealt with later.

Zhuge Jin thought about it, formulated a simple countermeasure, then found Xu Shu, asked Xu Shu to follow Liu Qi's envoy back to Shangyong, and explained his plan to Xu Shu in detail, allowing Xu Shu to respond accordingly.

Xu Shu also participated in the Battle of Hanzhong the year before last, and helped Zhuge Liang do a lot of work in Jiangzhou. Before that, he was also responsible for liaison work with Liu Qi. After the Battle of Hanzhong, Xu Shu returned to Jingnan to help Zhuge Jin, and did not participate in the subsequent annexation of Liu Zhang.

This time, Xu Shu was allowed to go with Liu Qi because, on the one hand, he was familiar with Liu Qi, and on the other hand, as Sima Hui's disciple, it was convenient for him to move around in Liu Biao's territory. Moreover, his status was not too high, so even if the people of Cai Mao's faction found Xu Shu, they would not tear their faces and detain him or even murder him for Xu Shu.

Liu Bei now has many talented people under his command, including Zhuge Jin, Zhuge Liang, Pang Tong and Lu Su, all of whom are more experienced and strategic than Xu Shu. Even potential enemies of Liu Bei would not risk starting a war to deal with a counselor who is not ranked in the top five.

After receiving Zhuge Jin's advice, Xu Shu followed Liu Qi's men without hesitation. They passed through Yicheng, Xiangyang and other places, and spent five or six days on the journey. At the end of April, they arrived at Shangyong to meet Liu Qi.

When Liu Qi met Xu Shu, after some polite conversation, he quickly got to the point and asked him for advice:
"Please teach me, sir. Cai Mao said that my father's condition would be aggravated by worry and anger, so he would not allow me to leave my post to visit him. What should I do to resolve this?"

Xu Shu's answer was also very straightforward: "I heard that before Duke Jingsheng was bedridden, he once said that the prince was kind and cowardly, and might be plotted against in the future? This is not difficult to understand. Duke Jingsheng said this because he must have heard that the Grand Commandant had annexed Liu Zhang's land, and thus felt insecure and worried that the Grand Commandant would not allow him to hold power in Jingzhou for long.

You can ask for your own help: Shangyong is a strategic place, and although it borders Hanzhong, the roads are difficult to pass. Even if Lord Jingsheng wants to be wary of the Taiwei, the focus should not be on Shangyong, but on Hanyang.

My lord, you can take General Huang and some elite soldiers from Shangyong, under the pretext of returning to Hanyang in person, and then return to Hanyang from Shangyong via Xiangyang. All the way down the Han River, you don't even need to change boats.

When passing through Xiangyang, the young master openly requested to visit the sick father, saying, "It is not that I am ignorant of the importance of the matter and leave my post to visit my father, but that it is convenient for both public and private reasons, and I will pass through Xiangyang when I move to Xiangyang." Cai Mao will not be able to forcibly stop him. In this way, the eldest young master will be able to see your father smoothly."

As Xu Shu spoke, he gestured to Liu Qi on the map next to him.

Liu Qi's previous position had always been the governor of Jiangxia. But since the Battle of Hanzhong the year before, he had often stationed in the Shangyong area, with Huang Zhong and Huo Jun, until he ensured that Xiahou Yuan was finally defeated and killed.

Last year, there was nothing in Shangyong that needed to be strictly guarded.

Although this place borders Cao Cao's occupied area across the Qinling Mountains on the south side of Wuguan Road to the north, the Qinling Mountains are steep and it is basically impossible for Cao's army to attack from that direction.

Shangyong was just downstream of the Han River and bordered Xiangyang, or upstream of the Han River and bordered Hanzhong. After Hanzhong became Liu Bei's territory, there was nothing to guard against in Shangyong.

However, when Liu Bei and Liu Biao had a good relationship, there was no need to strictly guard the southern Jiangxia County and Hanyang County, as they were all his own people. After weighing the two, Shangyong was more likely to be threatened by the enemy, so Liu Qi stayed in Shangyong for a long time last year.

Now Liu Biao was wary of Liu Bei because of Liu Zhang's surrender and had to be on guard against Liu Bei. It made sense for Liu Qi to come back and focus on the defense of Hanyang. He was just following his father's orders.

Of course, if Xu Shu hadn't come to express this attitude today, and Liu Qi had to think about it himself, he would definitely hesitate and dare not use this excuse to mobilize troops -

It’s not that Liu Qi couldn’t think of this solution, but Liu Qi was also worried that if he mobilized troops on his own initiative, would his uncle Xuande be suspicious of him?
After all, Hanyang is only separated from Wuchang County, Liu Bei's fiefdom, by a river. Originally, the two families were allies. If Liu Qi suddenly stationed a large number of troops in Hanyang, who was he guarding against?
But since Liu Bei's advisers took the initiative to say this, it was considered a complete farewell and a proactive gesture of goodwill. Liu Bei's side didn't mind Liu Qi stationing a large number of troops in Hanyang, so Liu Qi didn't need to be polite.

After a brief consideration, Liu Qi knew that Xu Shu's words were absolutely tenable. However, when the time came, he was still a little worried about safety issues, so he asked anxiously:

"Cai Mao has repeatedly obstructed me. If I am forced to visit him this time, will it be dangerous?"

Xu Shu quickly said: "If you trust General Huang's martial arts, you can take General Huang with you.

If you still feel it is not enough, here is a letter from the Minister of Justice. I can go to Hanzhong immediately and transfer General Wei to lead some elite guards, who will dress up as your attendants and protect you together.

When I came here this time, Situ also asked me to prepare five pieces of close-fitting steel wire chainmail soft armor, so that even if you need to wear a robe, you can wear it inside to ensure safety. It all depends on your decision."

Liu Qi was no longer worried when he heard that Zhuge Jin had arranged a bodyguard for him. Moreover, with Huang Zhong's martial arts, as long as he had soft armor to protect himself, when the time came, he could just bring Huang Zhong in at a private occasion, and Cai Mao would not be able to stop him.

"Let's do this. I will take General Huang back to Hanyang and leave Captain Huo to guard Shangyong, so that he won't leave his post and cause worry to my father." Liu Qi nodded and then gave the order.

Until this moment, he still remained pedantic and dutiful. Even though there was actually no threat from Shangyong, he had to leave a capable general to guard it.

Even though his father might die at any time, he wanted to let his father know in the final stage that he was always fulfilling the responsibilities entrusted to him.

Upon hearing this, Xu Shu also sighed slightly. He had to admit that although the eldest son was pedantic, he was indeed an honest gentleman.

After Liu Qi finished giving his instructions, his attendants quickly called Huo Jun over. Liu Qi gave Huo Jun a few instructions in person:

"General Huang and I are going back to Hanyang to defend it. We will have to stay in Xiangyang for some time and may not come to Shangyong again. The defense of this place will be entrusted to Zhongmiao.

Although the Qinling Mountains are steep and Cao's army is unlikely to invade Shangyong, there are still ways to get there - the Ziwu Valley east of Hanzhong can connect to Guanzhong. After exiting the south entrance of the Ziwu Valley, we can go up the Han River to attack Nanxiang County in Hanzhong, and then go down the Han River to attack Xicheng County in Shangyong. I will take some troops with me when I return to Hanyang, and Zhong Miao will rely on the remaining troops to ensure that Shangyong is not lost."

Huo Jun was not worried at all about this task, and he patted his chest to reassure the young master.

Cao Cao was not even sure of attacking Hanzhong via Chencang Road and Yangping Pass in the west of Hanzhong, so how could he dare to attack Hanzhong via Ziwu Valley in the east?

Even if Cao's army dared to go, the reason why Ziwu Valley was abandoned by military strategists for many years was definitely because the road was too dangerous and even more disgusting than Yangping Pass.

With such a natural barrier in place, Huo Jun decided to send some men directly to block the road at the southern entrance of Ziwu Valley. No matter whether Cao's army dared to come or not, they would not be able to cross it.

After listening to Huo Jun's cautious defensive ideas, Liu Qi also felt that there was no problem at all militarily.

However, Liu Qi still had some concerns about politics, so he confronted Xu Shu:

"In your opinion, is Zhong Miao's defense like this an exaggeration? As far as I know, the southern entrance of Ziwu Valley is in Nanxiang County, not Xicheng County.

Nanxiang County belongs to Hanzhong County, which is your army's defense zone. I wonder if your army has set up defenses in Ziwu Valley? Will Zhongmiao make a fuss by dividing his troops to guard against it? "

Liu Qi's question was also a statement, hoping that Uncle Xuande would feel that even though his father had doubts about Liu Zhang, he still believed in his uncle. So even if it was just a county crossing the border, he would ask for clarification.

The southern entrance of Ziwu Valley is theoretically part of Hanzhong County, but it is so remote that no one has settled there. Even villages and towns cannot be found. In fact, it is a lawless place.

Xu Shu only thought about this little problem for a moment, but he was able to help make the decision. He made a prompt decision and expressed his opinion on behalf of Zhuge Jin and Zhuge Liang: "Captain Huo is willing to help, which is what our army needs. I will thank Captain Huo for his help on behalf of Captain Wang."

Wang Duwei was naturally Wang Ping. After Wei Yan was transferred, Wang Ping was mainly responsible for the defense of Hanzhong County. Fortunately, Cao Xiu and Guo Huai were defeated again in Hanzhong. Cao's army was already very weak in this direction. Only Wang Ping was left to ensure that the Qinling Mountains could be defended.

It is not a bad thing for the Jingzhou army to share some of the defense area, which can also enhance mutual trust between the two armies.

At that time, Wang Ping will be responsible for the Chencang Road, Baoxiade Road and Tangluo Road, and Huo Jun will be responsible for Ziwu Valley.

……

After Liu Qi explained the matter of Shangyong, he also gained full mutual trust with the envoy sent by Liu Bei.

Afterwards, he immediately dispatched a part of the troops and warships in Shangyong, first sent someone to inform his father Liu Biao that he would return to defend Hanyang, and then he pulled anchor and set sail, going down the Han River.

With this legitimate excuse, Cai Mao could not stop him - after all, Liu Qi was nominally going to guard against Liu Bei personally.

Recently, hasn’t Cai Mao been whispering in Liu Biao’s ear every day, “Please ask your brother-in-law to learn from Liu Zhang’s previous experience”? Now that your eldest nephew has “accepted advice readily”, what else do you, Cai Mao, have to say?

While Liu Qi was mobilizing troops in Shangyong, Xu Shu also used Zhuge Jin's order to borrow some people from Hanzhong to protect Liu Qi closely.

These people were all traveling back and forth by fast horses, so the deployment was very fast. Liu Qi had just prepared the warships, and the people Xu Shu had dispatched had also arrived, so they could board the ships directly without wasting time.

The fleet sailed down the Han River for two days and when they arrived at Wudang County, they needed to stop for a while to rest.

It was the hottest time of summer, and Liu Qi had always lived a life of luxury.

Fresh water stored on board a ship will have some tiny worms after a few days. Fresh vegetables will also turn yellow and discolored after a few days. For ordinary soldiers, these things are of course completely normal to eat and drink, but they may not be able to eat them.

But a wealthy young man like Liu Qi needed to ask officials from counties along the way to supply him with fresh mountain spring water and vegetables every two or three days.

Xu Shu also knew that after replenishing supplies in Wudang County, there would be no more supplies downstream until Xiangyang.

He took advantage of this last chance to dock, and when no one was around, to persuade Liu Qi indirectly:
"My Lord, I will follow the plan given by the Minister of Justice and it will help you return to Xiangyang to visit the patient. But that is all I can do. After the visit, it is still uncertain whether your father can make up his mind.

The matter of Liu Zhang was indeed caused by something. It was Liu Zhang who cut off the food supply and broke the alliance first. He did not fulfill the money, food, troops and horses he promised to fight against the rebellion. If Ling Zun was ill and could not see clearly, and kept Cai Shi by his side, he was afraid that he would be deceived at the last moment...

If the eldest son can make up his mind, he can return to Xiangyang this time and use General Huang Lao and the guards provided by our army to take the opportunity to kill Cai Mao and put Cai under house arrest. The eldest son can stay in Xiangyang and take care of your father until he is old. Isn't that wonderful?"

Liu Qi struggled for a while, but still declined politely, saying, "Imprisoning my stepmother is ultimately a crime of great unfilial piety. Moreover, my stepmother has not shown any rebelliousness now, so what crime can I accuse her of? Even Cai Mao, I have not been able to find any definite crime against him.

I should first visit my father to see how he is doing and what he is really thinking and worried about before making a long-term plan. Perhaps his misunderstanding of Uncle Xuande can be resolved through words of persuasion?"

Upon hearing this, Xu Shu could only sigh secretly.

He knew that with Liu Qi's character, he would definitely not take the risk unless he was sure that it was impossible to persuade his father.

This is human nature. After all, in Liu Qi's view, there is still hope of resolving the issue through literary debate. Maybe if he sees his father and cries a little, Liu Biao will change his mind?
For now, we can only protect Liu Qi first and then see Liu Biao.

It's a pity that an opportunity to launch a surprise attack and kill the pro-Cao faction leaders in Jingbei will be missed. Let's try to reason with Liu Biao for the last time. If reasoning doesn't work, then implement the next alternative plan.

……

Xu Shu's persuasion failed, and the fleet quickly replenished fresh mountain spring water and vegetables in Wudang County and set sail again.

After another two days, the fleet passed through Yunxian, Zhuyang, and Dengxian and arrived in Xiangyang.

Liu Qi had very good reasons to return to Xiangyang this time, and he did not leave his post without permission, so Cai Mao naturally failed to stop him.

There were some literati and soldiers under Cai Mao who went to the dock to greet Liu Qi before he went ashore.

He tried to use sarcastic words to put Liu Qi on the moral ladder and make it impossible for him to get down.

For example, he told Liu Qi that "the ancient sages, such as Yu and Ji, passed by his door three times without entering during times of peace," and used the moral standard of Yu the Great's flood control to test Liu Qi.

But such words were obviously useless. Yi Ji, who came to greet Liu Qi, immediately spoke up to help Liu Qi out of the predicament and reprimanded those lackeys of Cai Mao:
"Yu Ji passed by his door three times but did not enter, which meant he refused to see his wife and children, he put the higher up and neglected the lower down, and he put the affairs of the world first. Now the eldest son stopped by to visit the sick, it was for filial piety, for his parents, how can we compare them! You corrupt scholars are trying to frame the eldest son as unfilial!"

With the help of Yi Ji and the protection of Huang Zhong, Liu Qi finally managed to put on the steel-wire locket soft armor and successfully arrived at the Jingzhou Mu Mansion.

After a brief announcement, he went straight into the inner courtyard and saw Liu Biao lying on the sickbed.

Seeing Liu Biao's haggard appearance, Liu Qi knelt down and cried bitterly from the bottom of his heart:

"Father! I am an unfilial son who failed to serve you medicine every morning and evening. Now, in order to prevent the loss of the important city of Hanyang, I have to return to garrison and pass through Xiangyang. I have fulfilled my duty as a son."

Liu Biao's eyes were cloudy and he was dazed for a long time before he reacted and pointed at Liu Qi: "Why did you come here at this time?"

Obviously, Liu Biao didn't know that the reason Liu Qi hadn't come to visit him for the past two months was because someone was isolating the inside and the outside and obstructing him.

(End of this chapter)