Brother, stop curling up! You're curling up like the founder of the Han Dynasty!

Chapter 143 The Battlefield Behind Enemy Lines: Xu You's Efforts for Liu Bei (Seeking Subscriptions and Monthly Tickets)
Yuan Shu frowned.

Zhang Xun's attitude of retreating when Sun Jian challenged him only added to Yuan Shu's displeasure.

If you don't fight back, are you underestimating me or do you have other plans?

If you don't fight for yourself, how am I supposed to reward, punish, or utilize you?

A tiger may have the intention to harm people; serving a ruler is like serving a tiger.

Yuan Shu's mood became even more unpredictable when he discovered that his generals were inferior to Sun Jian in both combat and strategy.

Yuan Shu was annoyed by the rivalry between Huang Yi and Zhang Xun because he knew that the two were not very capable and that their disputes were only about trivial matters.

Yuan Shu was unhappy that Sun Jian did not compete with Zhang Xun because Yuan Shu knew that Sun Jian had real ability. If he did not compete, he would not be able to reward merit and punish crimes to make Sun Jian respect him.

Yang Hong, who was standing to the side, carefully observed Yuan Shu's expression and suddenly rebuked Zhang Xun: "General Zhang, please be careful with your words. War is a matter of vital importance to the state, a matter of life and death, a road to survival or destruction. It is something that cannot be ignored. How can you speak lightly of military orders?"

He then turned to Sun Jian, his tone grave: "Prefect Sun, you understand military strategy and are familiar with the terrain of Guanzhong. You must know that if we attack Yaoguan with a regular army, the vanguard cannot be demoralized. How can we act rashly and ruin our lord's great cause?"

Finally, he turned to Yuan Shu, cupped his hands and asked, "My lord, I believe that in this battle, Prefect Sun should be the vanguard to attack Yaoguan. It would be best if Yaoguan could be breached; if it cannot be breached, Prefect Sun should at least hold back the Yaoguan garrison so that the main army can detour; if the Yaoguan garrison cannot be held back, the main army will be attacked from both sides."

Zhang Xun was filled with resentment and was about to speak again when Yuan Shu glared at him with sharp eyes. Although Yuan Shu did not directly rebuke him, it made Zhang Xun's scalp tingle and he dared not speak again.

“Since Prefect Sun has offered his strategy of attacking Yaoguan, you are the only one who can lead the attack.” Yuan Shu did not care whether Sun Jian was willing or not, and directly issued a military order: “If Prefect Sun cannot win, please hold back the garrison at Yaoguan, and I will personally lead the army to bypass it.”

Seeing that Zhang Xun would no longer argue, Sun Jian temporarily suppressed his anger and accepted the order: "I will obey Lord Yuan's orders."

Subsequently.

Yuan Shu then arranged for everyone to reorganize at Wuguan, and sent people to transfer the troops that Sun Jian had left in Xinye to Wuguan as well.

Since the goal is to use a regular army, the more troops the better.

As Yuan Shu's army gathered at Wuguan, the people of Nanyang, who had originally intended to enter Guanzhong to avoid disaster, began to worry.

The main reason for his decision to go to Guanzhong was that he believed there was no war there, so he was willing to lose the family property he had acquired in Nanyang in order to avoid the disaster in Guanzhong.

Now, another great calamity has struck Guanzhong, leaving many people in Nanyang bewildered.

The news reached Yicheng.

Liu Biao immediately summoned Kuai Liang, Kuai Yue, and Cai Mao to discuss the general strategy.

"When I was in Luoyang, I swore an oath of brotherhood with Liu Bei, Liu Dai, the governor of Yangzhou, Gai Xun, the governor of Xuzhou, and Cao Cao, the governor of Yanzhou, to form an alliance for mutual support and defense."

"Now that Wang Rui, the governor of Jingzhou, has been killed by Sun Jian, and Yuan Shu, the prefect of Nanyang, has gathered troops at Wuguan Pass, it is the perfect time for me to attack the rebellious Jingzhou. Do any of you have any good strategies to advise me?"

Even in the face of the perilous environment of rampant bandits and a lack of popular support in Jingzhou, Liu Biao dared to enter Yicheng alone to plot a great undertaking.

This courage and strategy were also the reason why Liu Bei was willing to swear a blood oath with Liu Biao.

Now that Liu Bei has restrained Yuan Shu, Liu Biao has an opportunity to take advantage of Jingzhou.

Upon hearing this, Kuai Liang, Kuai Yue, and Cai Mao were all taken aback.

Although Liu Biao had been in Yicheng for quite some time, this was the first time the three of them had heard about the alliance from him.

“No wonder Cai You wrote to invite me to move my relatives to Guanzhong. It must be because Liu Bei saw that Yuan Shu was powerful in Nanyang and wanted to move the people of Nanyang to weaken Yuan Shu’s power.” Cai Mao suddenly realized, and then said, “I also heard that Liu Bei did not set up defenses at Wuguan, or perhaps he deliberately lured Yuan Shu into Guanzhong.”

Kuai Liang then said, "During this period, many scholars and commoners in Nanyang have been praising Guanzhong, calling it a safe haven and urging Nanyang scholars and commoners to move there. This must have been Liu Huangshu's deliberate act."

Kuai Yue said excitedly, "Since you have allied with Liu Bei to deal with the Yuan clan, you should seize the opportunity to cut off the Yuan clan's escape route. To cut off the Yuan clan's escape route, you can first eliminate the traitors. If the traitors are eliminated, Su Dai, Bei Yu, Liu Xiang and others will not be a concern."

"Many of the leaders of the rebel groups are greedy and tyrannical, and their subordinates have suffered greatly as a result. Your Majesty can hold a banquet in Yicheng to lure them with benefits, and the leaders of the rebel groups will surely come with their followers. Once everyone has arrived, Your Majesty can first execute the wicked and then annex their followers."

"Then, if we appease them with benevolence and virtue, the people of the whole province will run for the governor. Once the army is gathered and the people are loyal, we can occupy Jiangling in the south and defend Xiangyang in the north. We can pacify the eight counties of Jingzhou with a single proclamation. Even if Yuan Shu returns to Nanyang, he will find it difficult to establish a foothold."

Cai Mao also said, "Zhang Zi, a renowned scholar from Yingchuan, once served as an official in Nanyang Commandery and was highly respected among the local scholars. After Yuan Shu became the governor of Nanyang, he became very wary of Zhang Zi and almost killed him. To avoid trouble, Zhang Zi is currently hiding in Yicheng. If Your Excellency wishes to accomplish great things, you should personally visit him and treat Zhang Zi with courtesy."

After carefully considering everyone's opinions, Liu Biao made up his mind and said, "In that case, we can do everything at the same time. I will go to visit Zhang Zi, and you can help me to kill the leader of the traitorous clan first."

Kuai Liang, Kuai Yue, and Cai Mao all responded with their affirmations.

While they were discussing this, someone reported that an envoy from Liu Huangshu of Yongzhou was requesting an audience.

Everyone was shocked.

Before long, the person who came in was Xu You, whom Liu Bei had sent to Nanyang to carry out his plans.

"You are Guo Youzhi, a military advisor under Liu Bei and a follower of the Five Pecks of Rice sect in Hanzhong. Why do you call yourself Xu You from Nanyang?" Liu Bei appeared suspicious.

Liu Biao had met Xu You when he was in Luoyang. At that time, Xu You called himself Guo Youzhi of the Five Pecks of Rice sect in Hanzhong.

Xu You chuckled: "I'm sorry to have made Liu Jingzhou laugh. I committed a crime before, so Liu Huangshu made me act as Guo Youzhi of the Five Pecks of Rice Sect in Hanzhong. Guo Youzhi is just my alias, and Xu You is my real name."

Liu Biao suddenly realized and asked, "You've come to see me this time, is it because you, Liu Huangshu, have something to discuss?"

Xu You shook his head and said, "I was originally instructed by Liu Huangshu to persuade the people of Nanyang to enter Guanzhong, but Yuan Shu suddenly raised troops at Wuguan, preventing the people of Nanyang from entering. I have come here today to ask Liu Jingzhou for some troops to harass Yuan Shu's rear."

Liu Biao was slightly surprised: "Does Military Advisor Xu think that Imperial Uncle Liu cannot defend Guanzhong?"

Xu You laughed and said, "Liu Jingzhou has misunderstood. Liu Huangshu has many strong soldiers and generals in Guanzhong. If Yuan Shu garrisones troops in Nanyang, even if Liu Huangshu has the will to defeat Yuan Shu, he will not be able to launch a distant expedition to Nanyang."

“Now that Yuan Shu has taken the initiative to enter Guanzhong and seek death, I predict that he will surely be defeated. If Liu Jingzhou can lend me troops, I can lie in ambush behind Yuan Shu and wait for him to collapse in Guanzhong before leading my troops to attack him. Perhaps I can capture Yuan Shu alive.”

"Even if it cannot be done, it can still make Yuan Shu have no foothold in Nanyang, which is beneficial to both Liu Huangshu and Liu Jingzhou."

Upon hearing this, Liu Biao sighed, "To be honest, although I wish to help Liu Huangshu, I am currently in dire straits. Please forgive me, Military Advisor Xu."

Xu You lowered his head and pondered for a while, then said, "How about this, ask Liu Jingzhou to issue me a document allowing me to recruit soldiers in Nanyang County. I have also heard that Zhang Zi, a famous scholar from Yingchuan, is seeking refuge in Yicheng. Zhang Zi is highly respected in Nanyang. Why doesn't Liu Jingzhou treat Zhang Zi with courtesy? If Zhang Zi goes with me, I will surely be able to recruit soldiers."

“I have a past relationship with Liu Xiang, the Prefect of Jiangxia. In return, I am willing to write a letter to Liu Xiang. Even if Liu Xiang is afraid of Yuan Shu and dares not help Liu Jingzhou, he can still remain neutral in Jiangxia. If Yuan Shu is defeated, Liu Xiang will surely raise the people of Jiangxia to join Liu Jingzhou in order to protect himself.”

Liu Biao was overjoyed: "If Military Advisor Xu can persuade Liu Xiang not to aid Yuan Shu, it will be a great fortune for me."

There were too many local tyrants in Jingzhou who relied on their own militias. If Liu Biao could reduce the need for conquest by appealing to human relationships and social customs, he would naturally be happy to do so.

Liu Biao then looked at Kuai Liang, Kuai Yue, and Cai Mao, and all three nodded in agreement with Xu You's proposal. Now was a time when every second counted, and after reaching an agreement, Xu You picked up his pen and wrote a letter to Liu Xiang.

Both Xu You and Liu Xiang had been former students and officials of the Yuan family, and indeed, they had a past relationship, but it was only a past relationship and not a friendship.

Otherwise, Xu You wouldn't have come to Liu Biao but would have directly asked Liu Xiang for troops.

Xu You was also quite skilled at persuasion. In addition to analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of the situation, he also wrote in his letter about Liu Bei's fondness for talented young people and his recognition of Fa Zheng, the grandson of the famous scholar Fa Zhen, as his disciple in Yongzhou.

It means that as long as you remain neutral, you can burn the letter if Yuan Shu wins; if Yuan Shu loses, you will have done Liu Bei a favor. If your son has talent and ability in the future, he may also be able to join Liu Bei's school.

After sending the letter, Liu Biao and Xu You went to visit Zhang Zi.

As a former official of Nanyang Commandery, Zhang Zi was forced to flee to Yicheng due to Yuan Shu's fear of him, which made him very resentful.

Just because I am famous in Nanyang, you are afraid of me? Where is your magnanimity and capacity as a member of the Yuan family?

Therefore.

Under the courteous treatment of Liu Biao, the newly appointed governor of Jingzhou, and Xu You, a military advisor under Liu Bei, the governor of Yongzhou, Zhang Zi agreed to their requests without hesitation.

I, Zhang Zi, am renowned and talented. If Yuan Shu does not keep me, there will be other places that will. If Yuan Shu cannot tolerate me, there will be others who can.

Liu Biao readily agreed and appointed Zhang Zi as an official in Jingzhou, who, along with Xu You, went to Nanyang to recruit soldiers.

Zhang Zi was highly respected in Nanyang, and Xu You was also a renowned scholar in Nanyang. When the two of them went to Nanyang to recruit soldiers, Liu Biao didn't even have to spend any money or grain.

Furthermore, Xu You wrote a letter urging Liu Xiang, the governor of Jiangxia, to remain neutral, which was a timely help to Liu Biao, who was in a difficult situation!

He couldn't help but sigh inwardly: the men under Liu Bei's command are all willing to work for the country, which is truly a blessing for the Han Dynasty!
en route.

After discussing the details of recruiting soldiers with Xu You, Zhang Zi said, "After Xu You recruits soldiers to harass Yuan Shu, he will need a brave man to lead the troops. I know a man who can draw a bow with a draw weight of two stones and hit the target every time. He can be a great general."

Xu You was delighted upon hearing this and said, "If I can get this person's help, my great undertaking will be accomplished. May I ask his name and where he lives? Could you, Zhang, summon him for me?"

Zhang Zi sighed, “It’s not that I’m unwilling, but that I can’t. This man’s surname is Huang, given name Zhong, courtesy name Hansheng. He was originally from a good family in Wan County, Nanyang Prefecture, and had served in the prefecture. Later, due to the corruption of officials, he was repeatedly ostracized and resigned from his position in the prefecture in anger, and made a living by logging and hunting.”

"Later, many people in the prefecture tried to recruit him, but he refused every time. I have also heard that when the late emperor established the Western Garden Army, a captain of the Western Garden Army sent someone to recruit him, but Huang Zhong not only avoided him but even moved his family to Xinye. He is arrogant and proud, and even if I went to visit him in person, he might not respond. How can I possibly summon him?"

Xu You was intrigued upon hearing this: "Does Constable Zhang know which captain of the Western Garden Army sent someone to recruit you?"

Zhang Zi shook his head: "I have only heard about it and do not know who recruited me."

After a moment's thought, Xu You said, "In that case, Zhang, you may accompany me to pay our respects."

Zhang Ziben had this intention: "This place is only half a day away from Xinye, and we can arrive before dark."

In order to make a great contribution in Nanyang, Xu You was extremely ambitious.

As one of the earliest scholars to advocate for Liu Bei, Xu You was not only treated with courtesy by Liu Bei, but he also gave Xu You a lot of money to build his own business.

In Liu Bei's words: As long as you do not violate the laws I have set, I can give you money, power, fame and fortune; if you cannot obtain enough money, power, fame and fortune due to legal constraints, just tell me privately and I will give you the opportunity to obtain them.

Xu You enjoyed everything he didn't get under Yuan Shao, but he got everything he got under Liu Bei.

As the old saying goes: "When the granaries are full, people know etiquette; when they are well-fed and clothed, they know honor and shame."

However, for Xu You, etiquette, honor, and disgrace were no longer things to pursue, nor was worldly fame something he desired.

When a person's base desires are fully satisfied, they will experience a spiritual emptiness, at which point they will crave higher-level pleasures.

Xu You wanted posthumous fame, to leave a lasting mark on history.

And Liu Bei can also grant this posthumous reputation!
A true gentleman is willing to die for one who understands him, and is also willing to go to great lengths for one who understands him.

As a result, Xu You's enthusiasm for running around grew stronger day by day.

This is also why Xu You went to Yicheng to borrow troops from Liu Biao.

If you're going to do it, you should do it well.

Even if Liu Bei gathers all the talented people in the world under his command in the future, Xu You is confident that he will be able to secure a place for himself.

Joining Liu Bei's forces early is the biggest advantage!

It was getting dark.

Xu You and Zhang Zi arrived in Xinye and inquired about Huang Zhong's temporary residence from the village head.

Before the two could get close, a dog barked, followed by pebbles hitting the ground in front of them.

What came into view were two young children with their hair in a bun, holding slingshots and guarding the door.

Then an extremely burly warrior emerged from the house, coldly staring at Xu You and Zhang Zi, and said in a low voice, "This house does not welcome outsiders. Please leave."

Xu You couldn't help but chuckle: "Just as Zhang Congshi said, he is indeed arrogant."

Zhang Zi also said helplessly: "Anyone with great talent must have a proud heart, but if we can invite this person to be a general, he will surely help Xu Canjun succeed."

"It's alright." Xu You's desire to recruit Huang Zhong grew stronger after seeing Huang Zhong's imposing physique, and his tone became more enthusiastic: "In terms of arrogance, this man is not even half as good as Liu Bei's second brother."

Subsequently.

Xu You clasped his hands and said, "I am Xu You, a military advisor under Liu Huangshu, the governor of Yongzhou. Greetings."

Huang Zhong remained indifferent: "I do not know the Governor of Yongzhou, nor do I know Liu Bei. Please leave immediately."

Xu You smiled and said, "Strong Warrior Huang, please don't be in such a hurry. I have come here to ask you something. I heard that you were once recruited by the Western Garden Army Commandant. May I ask who recruited you?"

Huang Zhong frowned slightly, showing a hint of impatience, and dismissed him, saying, "The one who recruited me is the Right Colonel of the Western Garden Army, but I've forgotten his name. You can leave now."

"I see." Xu You laughed: "The Governor of Yongzhou, Liu Huangshu, was the Right Colonel of the Western Garden Army in the past. He was very regretful that he was unable to recruit Huang Zhuangshi."

"I am fortunate to have met you today. Mr. Huang, could you please tell me why you have been avoiding me and why you have moved your home here?"

(End of this chapter)