Tiger Guards

Chapter 327 The Beginning of the Division
After the West Pavilion meeting concluded, Lü Bu personally saw Chen Gong off at the door.

Chen Gong was the Grand Master of Ceremonies, a high-ranking official among the Nine Ministers. Only the Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices and the Minister of the Imperial Clan could suppress him.

Appointing Chen Gong as the Grand Master of Ceremonies was also the result of compromise among all parties.

The ministers and Zhao Ji were all unhappy that Lü Bu controlled the emperor's imperial guards; at the very least, they wanted the imperial guards to be taken away from Lü Bu.

If anyone else had been appointed as the Grand Master of Ceremonies, they wouldn't have been able to withstand the pressure from Lü Bu.

Chen Gong had an army that had experienced wars and had fought against Xiahou Yuan.

Even if they are cut or downsized this winter, what remains will be elite troops, enough to defend themselves.

While maintaining a peaceful relationship, Lü Bu will not harm Chen Gong.

Inside the corridor, Lü Bu's anger had subsided. He had obtained unanimous agreement and support from all sides to attack Jingzhou, which was already the best possible outcome.

If Liu Biao hadn't taken the initiative to send an envoy to Zhao Ji, exposing the true state of Jingzhou, these people wouldn't have so readily agreed to take action.

The most difficult thing now is how to keep Zhao Ji calm. There was no one else around, so Lü Bu spoke much louder: "Their suggestion to deceive Zhao Yan is a gross underestimation of him. Who does Gongtai think could persuade Zhao Yuansi on his mission to Jinyang?"

Lü Bu had no habit of respecting the elderly, especially an old man who clearly lacked military achievements.

Although he really hoped that Zhao Ji would respect him... but when Zhao Ji actually respected him, he would feel that this son-in-law was not suitable for this chaotic world.

He was very satisfied with his son-in-law Zhao Ji emotionally; however, as a general and former leader of Bingzhou, he found it difficult to be satisfied with Zhao Ji.

He also knew that in such a chaotic world, if he were to perish, the only one who could truly protect his wives, concubines, and children would be Zhao Ji.

Zhang Yang is also unsuitable, not because Zhang Yang has moral problems, but because his abilities do not allow it.

Chen Gong walked slowly, also pondering the question seriously: "Would Wei Yangzu be a good fit? He has a deep bond with the Grand General's beloved daughter, and could take gifts under the pretext of returning to his hometown to repair his father's and grandfather's tombs, and take the opportunity to visit the Grand Marshal and persuade him."

Seeing that Lü Bu was considering the feasibility, Chen Gong, who disliked deception, continued, "The Grand Marshal is a man of clear likes and dislikes, just like the General, and is a remarkable man of our time. How could he not know the difficulties of the court and the General? If we speak frankly with him and treat him sincerely, I believe the Grand Marshal will coordinate this matter so that the court can summon Liu Biao to the capital."

Even if Liu Biao were to sell his blood to support the court, he would never risk his life.

Therefore, grabbing Liu Biao and giving him a good shake will definitely solve the food problem that the armies of Ru and Ying are facing during this year's lean season.

Only by finding someone who is wholeheartedly devoted to Lü Bu can Ru Ying be provided for to the best of his ability.

The position of Minister of the Imperial Clan can be reserved for Liu Biao indefinitely.

It was practically an open secret; Liu Biao certainly understood.

Since there is no fighting between the two sides, there is a possibility that everything can be resolved amicably.

After much deliberation, Lü Bu said, "Yuan Si is indeed like me, with a fiery temperament. I'm just afraid he'll be misled by Liu Biao's envoy and won't trust me."

Chen Gong smiled, stopped, turned around and looked up at Lü Bu, his face devoid of a smile as he asked, "General, you are already forty years old. How many generals of the Han Dynasty died peacefully?"

Lü Bu's expression also turned serious. This was a position with no way out, especially in the Later Han Dynasty.

Even if his other daughters come of age in five or six years, marry the emperor, and give birth to a new emperor, and the future emperor takes power, he will most likely not let the Lü family go; at most, he will spare some of the children.

The two men exchanged glances, and Chen Gong continued, "Twenty years from now, the Grand Marshal will be in his prime, while many heroes from all sides will be past their prime. The Grand General's sons will have recently come of age; how can they possibly inherit the Grand General's mantle? Even if they forcibly ascend to high positions, how can they possibly contend with the Grand Marshal?"

Seeing no rebuttal from Lü Bu, Chen Gong went further and said, "If I entrust this matter to the Grand Marshal, in my opinion, the Grand Marshal will agree to our army's campaign against Liu Biao."

If Zhao Ji agrees, Liu Biao, in desperation, will most likely accept the mediation and become a high-ranking official in the court.

After all, Liu Bian's rule over Jingzhou was not stable when he took office alone.

Therefore, those who truly and resolutely resisted the court were probably Cai Mao and the Kuai brothers... But our side is not Zhao Ji after all, and does not have the heinous record of massacring powerful families. We can still gain the trust of the powerful families in Nanjun and Jiangxia.

The real targets are these two counties.

Lü Bu understood, but used the fact that he had no successor to persuade and tempt Zhao Ji.

Twenty years later, his son was twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old, and indeed, he was not suitable to succeed the general.

But what if he lives another twenty-five years? Or thirty years?
Everything is uncertain about the future, but in exchange for Zhao Ji's support now.

In the future, things will be dealt with one by one; there's no need to dwell on past grievances.
It can't be called a deception; as things stand, there is indeed a possibility that Zhao Ji could inherit Lü Bu's mantle.

The earlier Lü Bu dies unexpectedly, the greater this possibility becomes.

It was also because of this factor that Xun Yu and the other officials wished they could shorten their own lifespan by one or two years and add that lifespan to Lü Bu's.

With Lü Bu truly gone, Zhao Ji united Lü Bu's former subordinates, and the nightmare for the officials, scholars from Ru and Ying, and scholars from Nanyang began.

Although his deterrent power was not as great as Zhao Ji's, this made Lü Bu somewhat unhappy.

But that's the reality. Without Zhao Ji watching from the outside, his internal unity wouldn't be so strong.

"Understood. I will instruct Yang Zu to go to Taiyuan shortly."

Lü Bu agreed; he was a top-ranking county marquis with a fief of six counties and twelve thousand households. According to the rites, his family tombs also needed to be expanded, to the standards of those of a feudal lord.

Previously, Taiyuan was out of control, but now it is in Zhao Ji's hands. It is reasonable for Zhao Ji to expand Lü Bu's family tombs, and it is also reasonable for Lü Bu to send his relatives to keep an eye on things.

Trying to resolve business matters as if they were family matters can reduce a lot of interference.

Chen Gong then asked, "If Jingzhou is pacified, who does the General think is suitable to lead it?"

This question stumped Lü Bu again. In the future, there will definitely only be the Governor of Jingzhou, and it is impossible to appoint a Governor of Jingzhou or a General Who Guards the South with Imperial Insignia.

After thinking for a moment, Lü Bu said, "How about appointing me as an aide to the General Staff and concurrently the Chief Administrator of Jingzhou? Han Ji, Lou Gui, and Huan Jie are all excellent choices. Why not appoint a governor for the time being?"

Chen Gong was disappointed, but he nodded and said, "That's fine too. I expected the Grand Marshal to make the same arrangement after pacifying Yong and Liang provinces. I was just worried that the Grand Marshal would regain the power of Qin and disturb the hearts of the people."

“This is a matter for the future. He supports me in taking Jingzhou, and I will support him in stabilizing Yong and Liang provinces.”

Whether Lü Bu was truly sincere in his words is unknown.

When Zhao Ji was about to pacify the two provinces of Yong and Liang, even if Lü Bu could hold back, how could the representatives of various factions in the General's office remain indifferent?

Even if Lü Bu suppresses these people, what will those nobles think?
After seeing Chen Gong off, Lü Bu returned to his residence and had lunch with his wife.

When the topic of today's discussion came up, Yan, who came from a prominent family, also had his own insights.

Dressed in a folded robe, she knelt beside Lü Bu's table and poured him wine, saying, "My lord appointed Xu Si, an old friend, as a court attendant. He is a renowned scholar from Xiangyang. Why not appoint him as the governor of Jingzhou?"

Lu Bu drank his wine and looked at her, saying, "In that case, Chen Gong's power will be immense."

“My lord, Jingzhou is rich and prosperous. Whoever succeeds Liu Biao will surely be hostile to the powerful families of Jingzhou. His term of office will be very short and cannot last long.”

Lady Yan made her judgment and said, "Chen Gongtai is unlikely to be able to help. Xu Si has gone to Jingzhou to take up his post and is returning home in glory. The only person he can rely on is my husband. He is not a foolish person. Why would he abandon the greater good for the lesser good?"

Lü Bu thought this made sense, and then asked, "What should we do if Lou Gui is dissatisfied?"

Lou Gui's determination to cause trouble right under Liu Biao's nose was undeniable.

It's completely risking his own life. Liu Biao could easily crush Lou Gui now, but if he crushes Lou Gui and gives Lü Bu the pretext to attack Jingzhou, Lü Bu will make his move right away.

Therefore, Lou Gui's personal safety was guaranteed, but only relatively so, and there was still a possibility that Liu Biao would secretly execute him.

There are too many ways to kill someone. Lou Gui could have died drunk, fallen off his horse, or been killed by bandits.

After thinking for a moment, Madam Yan said, "There are over 100,000 households of disaster victims in Nanyang, which is so close to Ruying. If the powerful families in Nanyang become too powerful, how can my husband be at ease?"

Upon hearing this, Lü Bu glanced sideways and, seeing no maidservant, felt somewhat relieved, realizing that his wife was indeed very cautious.

He picked up his chopsticks but had no appetite for the food, and said, "If we follow Yuan Si's example and lose the trust of all parties, it will be difficult to resolve this amicably."

Lady Yan whispered, "Yuan Si is very powerful outside. In the world today, besides my husband, who can suppress Yuan Si?"

It's only the major families in Nanyang who are unlucky, not the major families in Ruying.

By cleaning up Nanyang and making it the base of the Lü clan, they can gradually take over Jingzhou in the future.

As a mother, Lady Yan did not actually want Lü Bu to be in his current position.

It's better to be a regional governor or feudal lord than to govern in the imperial court.

Her current life is filled with anxiety and fear.

Lu Bu thought carefully. If he discussed these matters with Zhao Ji in detail, Zhao Ji would probably acquiesce.

Only by eliminating the various Liu clans and their vassal states could that opportunity arise.

If left unchecked, the Liu clan will become the biggest hidden danger in the future.

Lu Bu pondered for a moment, and gradually came up with an idea: "I know, this matter of governing the city can only be handled by Lou Gui."

Let the people of Nanyang do the things that offend others. With the support of Nanjun and Jiangxia, Nanyang can be easily cleaned up.

Immediately, Lü Bu raised his hand and placed it on Yan Shi's shoulder, solemnly warning: "Don't discuss this kind of thing with outsiders. Whether it will succeed or not depends on these two or three years."

"Yes, I understand."

Yan also stopped solemnly, secretly letting out a sigh of relief.

Lu Bu smiled again and reached out to pinch her chin: "My wife is truly a wise and capable helper. I hadn't even thought of these things before, but you thought of them first."

“Even without me, my husband would have thought of it sooner or later.”

Lady Yan smiled and picked up the golden wine pot to pour wine for Lü Bu.

(End of this chapter)