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

Chapter 152 Dong Zhuo plots to seize Yongzhou, Liu Bei becomes Grand Commandant (Please follow and vote!)
As the generals of Suanzao withdrew one after another, Lu Zhi of Hulao Pass secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

Although the generals of Suanzao indulged in drinking and revelry every day without any ambition, Suanzao was surrounded by deep moats and high walls.

Even with Lü Bu's bravery, Lu Zhi was not confident of conquering Suanzao.

Now that the enemy has taken the initiative to withdraw, Lu Zhi no longer needs to worry about how to break through Suanzao.

Upon hearing the news, Lü Bu volunteered for battle, saying, "Now that the enemy troops are weak and scattered, we should drive our troops to pursue and kill them; we will surely achieve a great victory."

After arriving at Hulao Pass, Lü Bu thought he could make a name for himself, but he didn't expect that the generals at Suanzao would refuse to come out like turtles.

This frustrated Lü Bu: Who exactly is the attacker here?! If we're not attacking, what kind of alliance are you all forming in Suanzao? All you do is eat, drink, and boast?

Upon learning that the generals of Suanzao were withdrawing their troops, Lü Bu wanted to go and fight them to vent his anger.

After a moment's hesitation, Lu Zhi refused Lü Bu's request to fight, saying, "The art of war says, 'Do not pursue a desperate enemy, nor force a retreating army.' If we send our troops to pursue and kill them, we will both force the retreating army and pursue a desperate enemy."

"Even a cornered beast will fight, and a bee or scorpion is venomous; we must be on guard. Moreover, the rebels have not yet breached the pass; they are merely weakened, not exhausted. Marquis of Duting must not underestimate them."

After careful consideration, Lü Bu realized that Lu Zhi's words made sense, so he did not ask him again.

Lu Bu held Lu Zhi in high esteem.

One reason is that Liu Bei once sent several volumes of Lu Zhu's "Art of War" to Lü Bu for study.

Secondly, during his time at Hulao Pass, Lü Bu often consulted Lu Zhi with his "Lu Zhi's Commentary on Military Strategy," and Lu Zhi did not look down on Lü Bu or refuse to teach him just because he was a mere warrior.

The world was in chaos, and the rites and music had collapsed.

Even among the well-fed and clothed upper class, there are many hypocrites who are virtuous but greedy and treacherous, let alone those in the lower class who have to risk their lives just to survive.

The reason why Lu Zhi became a renowned Confucian scholar was that he was not detached from worldly affairs and aloof; he understood both the upper class and the lower class.

Although Lü Bu's act of defecting to the enemy on the eve of battle and recognizing Dong Zhuo as his adoptive father was despicable, Lu Zhi could understand that this was Lü Bu's way of survival.

Only by surviving can we live better.

After spending a long time together, Lu Zhi also came to believe that Lü Bu could be reformed.

In the past, when Confucius taught at the Apricot Altar, his students included Meng Yizi and Nangong Shi, who came from noble families; Ran Yong, who came from a poor family; Zigong, who came from a merchant family; and Yan Zhuoju, a notorious bandit from Liangfu.

Lu Zhi always believed that a true Confucian should "educate all without discrimination and guide people toward goodness."

Therefore, Lu Zhi not only patiently explained to Lü Bu the organization, training, battle formations, and surprise attack strategies of cavalry, but also interspersed battle examples related to benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and trustworthiness during the explanation, in order to guide Lü Bu towards goodness.

Changing the subject, Lu Zhi added, "Now that the rebels have withdrawn, Marquis Duting can return to Luoyang to report the good news to His Majesty and the Minister of Works."

Lu Bu was slightly taken aback: "Isn't Minister Lu going back to Luoyang?"

Lu Zhi shook his head: "I am ordered to guard Hulao Pass, and I cannot leave my post without imperial decree; Marquis Duting is someone I borrowed from the Minister of Works to assist me, and he can return at any time."

Lu Bu was reluctant to part with her.

It wasn't that Lü Bu didn't want to go back, but that if he went back, he wouldn't have the chance to ask Lu Zhi for advice on "Lu Zhi's Commentary on Military Strategy".

Previously, Lü Bu was skilled in archery and horsemanship, and he thought that his martial prowess was enough. After coming into contact with "Lu Zhu's Art of War", Lü Bu suddenly felt that the world had opened up for him and began to be obsessed with the ability to lead.

Lu Zhi saw through Lü Bu's thoughts and said with a smile, "If there is anything you don't understand, Marquis Duting can send someone to Hulao Pass at any time, and I will definitely reply."

Lü Bu was overjoyed and bowed in gratitude, saying, "I will surely repay Minister Lu's kindness in the future."

Hulao Pass was ultimately too harsh and desolate; Lü Bu had long wanted to return to the bustling city of Luoyang.

Especially the maids around Dong Zhuo, each one more beautiful than the last. Before coming to Hulao Pass, Lü Bu had already seduced one of them, and having tasted the sweetness, he could no longer restrain himself.

After receiving the document, Lü Bu spurred his horse and galloped towards Luoyang.

Watching Lü Bu's departing figure, Lu Zhi's expression was complicated; he was not happy that the rebels had retreated.

Xu You and Feng Ji could see the conflict between Liu Bei and Dong Zhuo, and Lu Zhi could see the same thing: as long as the rebels had not retreated, Liu Bei and Dong Zhuo could remain relatively peaceful; once the rebels retreated, Liu Bei and Dong Zhuo would certainly not be able to tolerate each other.

"I wonder how Xuande will respond."

After a long while, Lu Zhi sighed and dismissed the complicated thoughts in his mind.

Lu Zhi also knew that Liu Bei was always decisive, so rather than taking the initiative to inquire, it was better to wait until Liu Bei needed him before cooperating.

Luoyang.

Upon learning that Yuan Shao and others had withdrawn their troops, Dong Zhuo was overjoyed.

After letting Lü Bu go and receive the reward, he summoned Minister Zhou Bi to discuss the matter.

After Zhou Bi spared no effort in arresting Yuan Wei's cronies, Dong Zhuo trusted Zhou Bi even more.

In all matters of great importance, he would consult with Zhou Bi.

When Zhou Bi arrived, Dong Zhuo showed him the document and said, "Although the rebels have left, their strength has not diminished. I wonder if Zhongyuan has any good strategies to help me quell the rebels and make all the prefectures and kingdoms obey the orders of the court?"

Yuan Shikai actually withdrew his troops?
Zhou Bi was secretly alarmed.

As a close ally of Yuan Shao, Zhou Bi had been secretly working for Dong Zhuo, and last time he gained Dong Zhuo's further trust by taking advantage of the opportunity to arrest Yuan Wei's followers.

Recalling Yuan Shao's secret instructions, Zhou Bi immediately came up with a plan and said, "When the rebels gathered, they were unable to attack Luoyang; now that they have scattered, it is the time to defeat them one by one. A few days ago, news of a victory came from Guanzhong. The Imperial Uncle defeated the rebel Yuan Shu, and even made Yuan Shu cut off his beard and abandon his robe, fleeing in panic."

As Zhou Bi spoke, he observed Dong Zhuo's expression. When he mentioned Liu Bei's great victory over Yuan Shu, Zhou Bi clearly saw Dong Zhuo frown.

Obviously.

Liu Bei's great victory over Yuan Shu made Dong Zhuo feel apprehensive.

Zhou Bi then tentatively suggested, "In my opinion, it would be better to appoint the Imperial Uncle as the Governor of Yu Province, ordering him to quell the rebellion of the various commanderies and kingdoms; and to transfer the former Governor of Yu Province, Huang Wan, back to Luoyang and promote him to Minister of Works. With the Minister of Works stationed in Luoyang to strategize and plan, and the Imperial Uncle leading troops to suppress the rebellious forces of the various commanderies and kingdoms, the pacification of the world will be just around the corner."

When Zhou Bi proposed this strategy, he was secretly pleased with himself.

Appointing Liu Bei as the governor of Yu Province would not only give Dong Zhuo the opportunity to intervene in Yong Province, but also lead to a struggle between Liu Bei and Dong Zhuo.

It could also strip Huang Wan of his military power, thus weakening Liu Bei's allies.

This would also allow Liu Bei to continue fighting against Yuan Shu.

This would achieve three goals at once, allowing Yuan Shao more time to develop his business in Hebei.

Seeing Dong Zhuo's furrowed brows, Zhou Bi became even more smug: "Everyone says Dong Zhuo is cruel, but I say he's just a warrior; everyone says Liu Bei is a skilled warrior, but I say he's just a reckless brute. With a little trickery, I can manipulate them both."

Dong Zhuo frowned, unaware of the many complex thoughts swirling in Zhou Bi's mind. He worriedly said, "This plan is good, but the Imperial Uncle is already the Governor of Yongzhou, and now he has rendered great service. He might not be willing to go to Yuzhou to take up his post. Instead, it might arouse his suspicion, making him mistakenly believe that I am deliberately targeting him." Although Dong Zhuo did indeed want to annex Liu Bei's power, he also understood that Liu Bei was not like Huangfu Song or Gai Xun. He wouldn't easily relinquish military power like Huangfu Song, nor would he decisively resign as Governor of Yongzhou and move to Luoyang like Gai Xun.

Seeing that Dong Zhuo was only worried and not angry, Zhou Bi guessed what Dong Zhuo was thinking, and said with a smile: "Minister of Works, do not worry, this matter is easy. You can report the great victory of the Imperial Uncle over Yuan Shu, promote him to Grand Commandant, and let the Imperial Uncle lead the troops of Yu Province to garrison outside as Grand Commandant."

“When Zhang Wen was in Chang’an when he was attacking Bian Zhang, the late emperor sent someone to Chang’an to appoint Zhang Wen as Grand Commandant. There is a precedent for the Three Dukes not being in court. I think Liu Bei will not refuse.”

As early as when power was divided in Xiyuan, Dong Zhuo had proposed to appoint Liu Bei as Grand Commandant, so that he could stay away from the court like the former Grand Commandant Zhang Wen. However, Liu Bei declined the proposal, saying that it would be detrimental to his career if he was appointed Grand Commandant before the age of thirty.

Now that Zhou Bi brought it up again, Dong Zhuo couldn't help but say with delight, "Uncle has made such a great contribution. If I don't reward him, people will think I'm jealous of talent, and the world will think the court's rewards and punishments are unfair. If I appoint Uncle as Grand Commandant and concurrently Governor of Yu Province, who in the world will dare to doubt me?"

Zhou Bi also flattered, saying, "The Minister of Works is wise. I recommend someone who could serve as the envoy?"

Dong Zhuo nodded: "Since Zhongyuan recommended him, he must be talented. May I ask who he is?"

Zhou Bi recommended: "Qian Zhao, a disciple of Yue Yin, the former chief secretary of General He Miao, is still in the city. This man has a past relationship with the Imperial Uncle. The Minister of Works can appoint Qian Zhao as a Gentleman of the Palace and send him on a mission to Chang'an. The Imperial Uncle will not suspect anything, nor will he mistakenly think that the Minister of Works is targeting him."

Dong Zhuo was even more delighted: "How fortunate I am to have Zhongyuan's assistance. We can draft another blank appointment letter, in which the Imperial Uncle recommends a worthy person to serve as the Governor of Yongzhou, and have Qian Zhao take it to Chang'an. Zhongyuan, please handle this matter quickly."

Zhou Bi was secretly pleased and accepted the order to leave.

As soon as Zhou Bi left, Dong Zhuo's smile vanished.

As Zhou Bi had predicted, Dong Zhuo felt a growing sense of apprehension towards Liu Bei when Liu Bei's great victory over Yuan Shu was mentioned.

Liu Bei decisively defeated Yuan Shu, while Lu Zhi also repelled the rebel forces led by Yuan Shao.

Although Dong Zhuo held the position of Minister of Works and Director of the Imperial Secretariat, he still needed to be fair in rewarding and punishing officials in order to gain their obedience.

Liu Bei had rendered meritorious service, and Dong Zhuo was able to request a reward from the emperor.

Lu Zhi had rendered meritorious service, and Dong Zhuo was also required to request a reward from the emperor.

However, since Liu Bei and Lu Zhi had already requested rewards and honors, Dong Zhuo's trusted civil and military officials could no longer be entrusted with important responsibilities.

Dong Zhuo agreed to Zhou Bi's suggestion to transfer Huang Wan back to Luoyang and to promote Liu Bei to Grand Commandant and Governor of Yu Province. In reality, Dong Zhuo wanted to take the opportunity to place his confidants in Yong Province.

As for promising Liu Bei that he could recommend talented people himself, that was Dong Zhuo's delaying tactic.

Once Liu Bei goes to Yuzhou, Dong Zhuo can take the opportunity to bribe or replace the talented people recommended by Liu Bei.

At that time, Liu Bei would then place his trusted civil and military officials in Yongzhou, and even if he was unwilling, he would have no choice but to exchange benefits with Dong Zhuo.

"Uncle, don't blame me for being ruthless. I can't sleep while you're in Yongzhou!" Dong Zhuo sneered inwardly.

How can I allow others to sleep soundly beside my bed?

Only by personally controlling Yongzhou, this crucial rear area, could Dong Zhuo advance to contend with the warlords of Guandong, or retreat to Yongzhou to enjoy his later years in peace.

If Liu Bei were in Yongzhou, Dong Zhuo would have no way to retreat even if he wanted to, which was something Dong Zhuo could not tolerate.

the other side.

Zhou Bi found Qian Zhao.

In the past, Luoyang was in great turmoil. He Miao was killed by Wu Kuang and Zhang Zhang, and He Miao's chief secretary, Le Yin, also met an unfortunate end.

Qian Zhao, along with Yue Yin's disciples Shi Lu and others, collected Yue Yin's body, intending to take him back to his hometown, but were unable to return due to the obstruction of the road by Yuan Shao and other rebel forces.

Zhou Bi then sent people to help Shi Lu and others send Yue Yin's body back, while Qian Zhao was left in Luoyang by Zhou Bi.

The reason for this was that Zhou Bi wanted to show favor and entice Zhou Bi to plan for the future.

"Zijing, the Minister of Works has appointed you as a Gentleman of the Palace and wishes to send you on a mission to Chang'an." Zhou Bi then explained in detail the appointment of Liu Bei as Grand Commandant and Governor of Yu Province.

Qian Zhao looked troubled and said, "My mentor died in the chaos of Luoyang. I am saddened and do not wish to serve as an official. Why should Minister Zhou make things difficult for me?"

When Liu Bei entered Chang'an, he also invited Qian Zhao, but Qian Zhao was disheartened by the death of Yue Yin.

Furthermore, Wu Kuang and Zhang Zhang joined Liu Bei's forces. Although Yue Yin was not killed by Wu Kuang and Zhang Zhang, he still died due to the chaos of the battle.

Qian Zhao did not want to put Liu Bei in a difficult position, so he politely declined Liu Bei's invitation. After Zhou Bi helped Shi Lu and others bring Yue Yin's body back to his hometown, he was alone in Luoyang, feeling sad and heartbroken.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Bi solemnly said, "Zijing, how can you say such discouraging things? If Chief Clerk Yue were alive, he would not want to see Zijing so dejected. Zijing is Chief Clerk Yue's outstanding student and also an old friend of the Imperial Uncle. Now that Minister Dong intends to harm the Imperial Uncle, how can Zijing sit idly by?"

Qian Zhao was taken aback: "What do you mean by that, Minister Zhou?"

"How much of what I just said did you actually take to heart?" Zhou Bi feigned helplessness and said, "The promotion of the Imperial Uncle to Grand Commandant and the appointment of him as Governor of Yu Province is a demotion in disguise. Minister Dong wants to take advantage of the Imperial Uncle's campaign against the rebels in Yu Province to seize Yong Province."

“Yongzhou is the foundation of the Imperial Uncle’s power. If Yongzhou is lost, the Imperial Uncle will be controlled by Dong Sikong in the future. If we are not careful, the Imperial Uncle may also be killed by Dong Sikong.”

Zhou Bi then deliberately sighed: "Thinking back to the past, I, along with Gai Xun, Zhong Ji, Liu Ai, Wu Qiong, Liu Dai, Xu Jing, and Liu Biao, assisted the Imperial Uncle. I thought the Imperial Uncle would assist the Emperor in Luoyang to stabilize the people, but who knew that the Imperial Uncle's ambitions lay elsewhere, and instead allowed Dong Sikong to seize power."

"Now that Minister Dong wants to harm the Imperial Uncle, although I am the Minister, I am powerless to stop him. The reason I recommended Zijing to go on a mission to Chang'an is because I know that Zijing and the Imperial Uncle are old friends. I dare not trust anyone else, and I dare not trust the Imperial Uncle either!"

"Zijing, the life and death of the Imperial Uncle are in your hands. Are you really going to sit idly by and do nothing?"

Seeing the hesitation still on Qian Zhao's face, Zhou Bi bowed deeply to him again, his tone even more serious: "Zijing, the dead are gone, you should cherish those who are still alive. Do you really want to see your uncle in danger because of your inaction today? If your uncle dies because of a treacherous plot, how can you be at peace?"

Qian Zhao was startled and subconsciously thought of her past with Liu Bei, and how she, like Jian Yong, couldn't stand Liu Bei's frivolity and deliberately left under the guise of seeking knowledge.

Looking back now, it feels just like it was happening right now.

a long time.

Qian Zhao let out a long sigh, stood up, and asked, "When do we set off?"

Seeing that Qian Zhao finally agreed, Zhou Bi also breathed a sigh of relief.

If Zhou Bi cannot persuade Qian Zhao to go to Chang'an, he will have to find someone else to go to Chang'an.

However, if it were someone else, Zhou Bi wouldn't be able to directly say that Dong Zhuo wanted to harm Liu Bei.

Since the original intention was to instigate Dong Zhuo and Liu Bei, Zhou Bi wouldn't be foolish enough to have someone inform on him to Dong Zhuo.

Liu Bei's old friend Qian Zhao would never have secretly informed Dong Zhuo.

"To avoid any unforeseen circumstances, the sooner the better." Zhou Bi emphasized again: "Dong Sikong has a shrewd strategist under his command, Li Ru, the Imperial Physician of Hongnong. I am worried that after hearing that I recommended Zijing, he will doubt my intentions."

Qian Zhao replied solemnly, "Understood. I will set off today."

(End of this chapter)