I did it all for the Han Dynasty!

Chapter 127 The fish is dead and the net is broken?

At this moment, Liu Miao finally realized Yuan Shu's intentions.

"So that's where you were waiting for me!"

After sending Liu Xun last time, this time they actually sent Zhuge Xuan and Yuan Huan as governors.

At the same time, Liu Miao instantly understood why Yuan Shu had appointed Sun Ben and Wu Jing as Generals of the Central Army.

"It seems that it can no longer be hidden after all."

When they captured Danyang, Liu Miao was still able to hide in this corner of the world, concealing his whereabouts and preventing anyone from discovering his presence.

But now that he has already taken over those Wu counties, and even become the nominal ruler of Jiangdong, Liu Miao is now like a dragon trying to cover itself up with a strip of cloth!

The silence is simply because the message has not yet been fully disseminated.

Once Liu Biao of Jingzhou, Liu Bei of Xuzhou, and Cao Cao of Yanzhou actually hear about this, they probably won't consider Liu Miao as just an insignificant person.

Since Yuan Shu had already sent Liu Xun last time, it proved that Yuan Shu did not completely trust Liu Miao.

If Zhuge Xuan and Yuan Huan are driven away by Liu Miao for some reason this time, even if Yuan Shu is stupid, he will know that something is wrong!

Moreover, the unusual gazes of Han Yin and Yan Xiang made Liu Miao extremely nervous!
Although he had long anticipated that there would be a day when he would break with Yuan Shu, he did not expect that day to come so soon!

Liu Miao even regretted that he shouldn't have attacked Wu Commandery so quickly.

Yuan Shu's reaction speed clearly exceeded everyone's expectations... Last time, when he sent Liu Xun, he at least waited until Liu Miao had sorted out the affairs of Danyang before coming to reap the rewards; but this time, he was completely impatient, wanting to completely seize Jiangdong right at the time of bestowing rewards...

Liu Miao hesitated.

But Liu Miao knew that he didn't even have time to hesitate! Han Yin and Yan Xiang were staring straight at him!

How to do?
Is it now?

Now, we must completely expel Han Yin and Yan Xiang, and break with Yuan Shu completely!
But now that we've only just taken over Wu Commandery, do we really have the strength to defeat Yuan Shu?

Yes, it's about defeating, not defending.

With the Yangtze River as a natural barrier, the gradually improving defense system of Nanjing, and generals like Zhou Yu and Taishi Ci leading the troops, Liu Miao was confident that he could completely keep Yuan Shu north of the Yangtze River.
But what happens next?

Are we just going to keep stalling here with Yuan Shu? Stall until the Battle of Guandu, until we unify the north?

Moreover, Wu Commandery has only just been established, and the people's hearts have not yet been won over.

Even the legal basis for Liu Miao's entry into Jiangdong came from Yuan Shu. Even if Liu Miao could guarantee that his core team would not have any problems, could he guarantee that those officials would not have any other thoughts?
There are also the aristocratic families in Jiangdong who have not yet been completely eliminated.

There are also the mountain tribes lurking in the towering mountains.

There was even Liu Biao, who occupied the upper reaches of the Yangtze River and showed strong intentions towards Jiangdong.

Do we have to start bearing all this pressure right now?

Liu Miao truly hadn't expected Yuan Shu to strike so swiftly and so ruthlessly!
Unfortunately, this blow struck precisely where Liu Miao's new strength had not yet been generated and his old strength had not yet been exhausted, hitting Liu Miao's vital point!

"He truly is Yuan Shu, the man who once dominated the court!"

Although Yuan Shu lacked almost all the qualities of a warlord in a chaotic era, his skill in manipulating power had not diminished, and he remained at the highest level of the Han Dynasty's officials!

With Liu Miao putting in the effort, Yuan Shu easily managed to seize the prize of Jiangdong. Both the timing and the method were impeccable!
A complete break?

Liu Miao quickly calculated in his mind what might happen after breaking with Yuan Shu, but the more he calculated, the more he felt that now was not the time.

too early!
Yuan Shu, in the end, did not betray the Han dynasty; he was not the traitor who called himself "Emperor Zhongjia."

To this day, he remains a descendant of four generations of high-ranking officials, a direct descendant of the Yuan clan of Runan, a vassal of the coalition against Dong Zhuo, a general of the Han Dynasty, and Liu Miao's superior!
Liu Miao had previously accused Liu Yao of insubordination, thus securing a moral high ground for himself, and had also witnessed what the war would be like without a moral high ground.

Now, they have been forced to the brink by Yuan Shu and have no choice but to make the same decision as Liu Yao back then.

Thirty years east of the river, thirty years west of the river; one should never underestimate Yuan Shu's abilities!
However, considering that Yuan Shu might actually take this opportunity to steal Jiangdong, which he had finally gained, Liu Miao decided—

Declare war on Yuan Shu!

But at that moment, a memory flashed through Liu Miao's mind like a shooting star!
Liu Miao immediately grasped Han Yin's hand: "Brother Han! You just said that the General of the Rear would appoint someone as the governor?"

Han Yin and Yan Xiang didn't understand why Liu Miao was focusing on such trivial details, but they still repeated their names again.

Zhuge Xuan! Yuan Huan!

Liu Miao suddenly remembered the name the boatman had mentioned to him when he crossed the Yangtze River: Zhuge Liang of Langya!

Zhuge Kongming!

The Zhuge clan of Langya is located in Huainan. Could there be anyone else besides that prime minister?

And how bad could an elder who could cultivate someone like Zhuge Liang be?

Even if they came to Jiangdong to serve as governors, would they really help Yuan Shu to commit evil?

As for Yuan Huan, Liu Miao also remembered him.

In particular, the things that happened between him and Liu Bei and Lü Bu left a deep impression on Liu Miao!

Historically, after Lü Bu and Liu Bei broke off their alliance, Yuan Huan was captured by Lü Bu. Lü Bu ordered Yuan Huan to write a letter to vehemently insult Liu Bei, but Yuan Huan refused. Even when Lü Bu held a knife to Yuan Huan's neck and told him, "Do it or die," Yuan Huan still refused.

Yuan Huan even retorted to Lü Bu: "I served General Liu just as I serve you today. If one day I leave here and come back to berate you, is that acceptable?"

……

Liu Miao remembered it so vividly because the one who held the knife to Yuan Huan's neck was none other than Marquis Wen, Lü Bu!
Tell me, how many people in the world could remain calm when held hostage by Lü Bu with a knife?
Given Yuan Huan's strong sense of righteousness, would he really be driven by Yuan Shu?
Furthermore, Liu Miao remembered that Yuan Huan later followed Cao Cao, which shows that he was not a close confidant of Yuan Shu.

Since that's the case, then come on over!
And even if things fall apart in the end, at least you can get a free Zhuge Liang, right?

No matter how you look at it, this deal isn't a loss!
Liu Miao's earlier resolve to fight to the death gradually subsided, and he grabbed Yan Xiang with one hand, beaming, "Good! Good!!!"

What's wrong with you?
Han Yin and Yan Xiang had considered many possible reactions from Liu Miao in the face of this scene, but they never expected that Liu Miao would repeatedly praise it.
Liu Miao exclaimed with delight, "I've heard of Zhuge Xuan of Langya since my time in Langya, but I've never had the chance to meet him. Thanks to General Hou, I finally have the opportunity to meet him! General Hou is truly my benefactor!"

“That Yuan Huan must be a relative of the General of the Rear… To be honest, I have long wanted to be by the General of the Rear’s side to listen to his teachings and bask in his light. Every night, when I think of the General of the Rear not being by my side, I often cry all night long! Although the General of the Rear is not here in person, just the fact that he is a blood relative is enough to comfort me!”

"..."

"..."

What kind of situations haven't Han Yin and Yan Xiang seen over the years?
But they had never seen anything like this before!

In fact, both of them felt a sense of guilt!

He himself had actually obeyed Yuan Shu's orders to test someone like Liu Miao!
Judging from Liu Miao's demeanor, actions, and tone, there was not a trace of him betraying Yuan Shu.
Even their initial hesitation was interpreted by the two as doubt about Zhuge Xuan and Yuan Huan, rather than doubt about Yuan Shu's appointment of the two as governors!
Where can one find such a minister?
Han Yin visibly breathed a sigh of relief, finally ceasing his pretense and giving Liu Miao a generous hug: "Good! Zhongshan! Hahaha! I knew I hadn't misjudged you!"

Although Yan Xiang also wanted to find Liu Miao's weakness, Liu Miao's praise of Yuan Shu seemed a bit excessive, but his expression and tone clearly showed his joy at the arrival of Zhuge Xuan and Yuan Huan.

This joy seemed genuine, so Yan Xiang was helpless, only wondering to himself, "Could it be that Liu Zhongshan really has no other intentions? Is he just a bit greedy and lustful?"

Han Yin laughed heartily, put his arm around Liu Miao, and walked familiarly toward the inner room, his excitement seemingly genuine.

After all, Liu Miao being alright is also beneficial to him!
Firstly, he had a close relationship with Liu Miao. If something were to happen to Liu Miao, even if Yuan Shu didn't hold a grudge against him, he would at least marginalize him. Secondly, Liu Miao was quite generous to him, always giving him some money or valuables each time he left. While these gifts couldn't compare to what Yuan Shu gave Liu Miao, they were still a considerable sum for him personally!
Now that he has neither lost his official position nor his wealth, what reason does Han Yin have to be unhappy?
As usual, Liu Miao brought out fine wine to entertain the two, but found their extravagant habits distasteful.

Liu Miao originally wanted to keep the two for a few more days, but Han Yin and Yan Xiang insisted on returning.

“These days, there are many official duties in Jiangbei, unlike the leisurely life you have here, Zhongshan.”

Liu Miao nodded in agreement, then asked, "Should I see you two off?"

"Need not!"

Han Yin was slightly drunk and was already speaking recklessly.

"General Ji Ling is waiting on the north bank. Nothing to worry about! Nothing to worry about!"

Liu Miao instantly became alert!

Yuan Shu has actually sent Ji Ling to Jiangbei?

Does that mean that if Han Yin and Yan Xiang send back bad news, or if they don't return tonight, Ji Ling will lead his troops to attack directly?
Most of Zhou Yu's troops are still stationed in various places in Wu Commandery.

If Ji Ling really launches a surprise attack, then even with the Yangtze River as a natural barrier, the outcome is still uncertain!
"Phew! That was close today."

While Liu Miao was thankful to have survived the ordeal, he also silently expressed his gratitude once again.

"Prime Minister, you have saved the Han Dynasty once again!"

Yes! Liu Miao had already taken it for granted that he was the only hope for the Han Dynasty!
If it weren't for hearing the name "Zhuge" and making Liu Miao make a decision, he probably would have really fought Yuan Shu to the death, ruining the grand plan!
At that moment, a young boy with his hair tied up in a small courtyard outside Shouchun City suddenly sneezed.

"Strange, could it be that someone is talking about me, Zhuge Kongming, today?"

(End of this chapter)