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

Chapter 199 Benevolence Spreads in Chenliu, Liu Bei Plots to Take Jiyin (Seeking Subscriptions and Monthly Tickets)
The middle-aged Confucian scholar was also from Chenliu.

His surname was Bian, his given name was Rang, and his courtesy name was Wenli. He was eloquent and eloquent from a young age, and was skilled in writing. He was as famous as Tao Qiuhong and Kong Rong.

His literary talent was also highly praised by Cai Yong.

Those skilled in writing share a common flaw: they only admire those who write well, and they all believe that only those who write well can be considered heroes.

In the past, even though Liu Bei had a reputation for benevolence, Bian Rang still looked down on him.

However, since Liu Bei created the simplified Thousand Character Classic last year, he has directly suppressed Bian Rang's ambition.

Although Liu Bei published the simplified Chinese Thousand Character Classic in the name of the Han Dynasty without signing it by any individual, Bian Rang was no fool. Cai Yong, Lu Zhi, Wang Yun, Ma Ridi, and Yang Biao, who signed it at the same time as Liu Bei, were all well-known figures.
Moreover, Bian Rang had also learned about Cai Yong, Lu Zhi, Wang Yun, Ma Ridi, and Yang Biao, and knew that these people could not possibly have created a simplified version of the Thousand Character Classic.

It's clear who is the main writer and who is the assistant.

Those like Bian Rang, who pride themselves on their literary talent, evaluate people by first looking at their literary talent, then their moral character, and finally their practical skills.

After reading Liu Bei's writings and learning, Bian Rang had a good first impression of him.

After seeing Liu Bei's benevolent actions, Bian Rang's second impression of him improved.

Finally, looking back at Liu Bei's actions since he rose to fame, Bian Rang felt that everything made perfect sense.

Even though Liu Bei's new policies targeted powerful and aristocratic families, Bian Rang didn't see anything wrong with it: how could someone who writes well and has good character have bad intentions? It must be the powerful and aristocratic families who are the problem.

Therefore.

After seeing how well the Lingyan Army treated the people and soldiers in the city, Bian Rang excitedly went to find Liu Bei.

However, when faced with the salutes from the Lingyan Army soldiers on duty, Bian Ran was too arrogant to return the salute.

But the next moment.

Bian Rang overheard the Lingyan Army soldiers whispering among themselves.

"This man claims to be a renowned scholar from Chenliu, yet he has absolutely no manners?"

"Could he be reckless? He doesn't even know how to bow properly. I've never seen a famous scholar who doesn't know how to bow."

"Don't talk nonsense. Maybe he thinks we're not good enough for him."

"Why are we not worthy? In terms of reading, he may not have read more than I have."

"."

Bian Rang, with his sharp ears, was immediately angered after being privately mocked by several Lingyan Army soldiers: "Who are you? How dare you claim to have read more books than me?"

"I am Liu Meng from Changshan, and I have read the entire Analects!" Liu Meng raised his head and looked proudly at Bian Rang.

Bian Rang was stunned and stared at Liu Meng in astonishment: "You've even read the Analects?"

Feeling offended, Liu Meng raised his voice and said, "So what if you can read the Analects? Commandant Cui Wu has read the Analects, Mencius, as well as the Book of Poetry, the Book of Documents, the Book of Rites, the Book of Changes, and the Spring and Autumn Annals. Now he's even starting to read Sun Tzu's Art of War and Sun Bin's Art of War."

Mentioning Cui Wu, Liu Meng suddenly sighed, "Alas, before, Commandant Cui was just a lowly soldier under the Imperial Uncle. Because he studied faster than others, he rose from platoon leader to captain, from captain to military commander, and now he is the commander of Chengdu, able to lead five hundred soldiers!"

"It's a pity I've only finished reading the Analects. When will I be able to read Sun Tzu's Art of War and Sun Bin's Art of War like Commander Cui?"

Bian Rang was already stunned.

what's the situation?
One of the Imperial Uncle's lowly soldiers has finished reading the Analects, Mencius, as well as the Book of Poetry, the Book of Documents, the Book of Rites, the Book of Changes, and the Spring and Autumn Annals, and has now started reading Sun Tzu's Art of War and Sun Bin's Art of War.

Wait a minute, after reading so many books, he's still just a captain?

“It’s normal to find someone who is good at studying occasionally.” Bian Rang felt embarrassed and added, “I’ve also seen many people from humble backgrounds who are good at studying.”

Liu Meng suddenly raised his voice: "You're really funny. What do you mean by 'occasionally one person can read'? There are people in the Lingyan Army who are better at reading than Commander Cui. You're definitely not a famous scholar. Why are you pretending to be one?"

Just as Bian Rang was about to lose his temper, a burly man with a majestic yet refined appearance stepped forward and rebuked him, "You must not be rude to Mr. Bian."

Then the burly man bowed and said, "Cui Wu, a captain under Commandant Zhao of the Lingyan Army, greets Mr. Bian. The Imperial Uncle invites you."

Bian asked in astonishment, "You're the Cui Wu who's finished reading the Analects, Mencius, the Book of Poetry, the Book of Documents, the Book of Rites, the Book of Changes, and the Spring and Autumn Annals, and is now starting to read Sun Tzu's Art of War and Sun Bin's Art of War?"

Cui Wu asked in surprise, "Mr. Bian, do you know me?"

Bian Rang hesitated, as if he wanted to say something but then stopped.

Liu Meng said smugly, "Commander Cui, it was I who told him!"

Cui Wu glared at Liu Meng, then bowed to Bian Rang again: "I am sorry to have made you laugh, Mr. Bian. Your 'Ode to Zhanghua Terrace' uses the story of King Ling of Chu to satirize the present, and even Lord Cai was amazed. I had the honor of reading it."

Bian Rang was even more astonished: "You've even read 'Ode to Zhanghua Terrace'? Were you really just a lowly soldier under the Imperial Uncle before?"

Cui Wu nodded: "Indeed, I was fortunate to study and learn to read under the Imperial Uncle. After simplified characters appeared last year, the Dongguan needed a lot of manpower to copy the classics into simplified characters, so the Imperial Uncle transferred four battalions of the Lingyan Army to copy them. I happened to copy Mr. Bian's 'Zhanghua Terrace Ode'."

"However, I didn't understand it very well. It was only after Mr. Cai explained it that I realized that Mr. Bian used the past to satirize the present and criticize the extravagance of the court officials, which is admirable."

If Cui Wu hadn't admitted that he was just a lowly soldier under Liu Bei, Bian Rang would have mistaken him for a descendant of the Cui clan of Anping.

Bian Rang took a deep breath, put away his previous arrogance, bowed to Cui Wu in return, and then returned the bow to Liu Meng and the others, saying, "I was rude just now."

After a while.

As Bian was led inside, he had just bowed to Liu Bei when a mocking voice rang in his ears: "Isn't this Bian Wenli from Chenliu? Everyone says you like to judge people by their writings, so why are you taking the initiative to pay your respects to the Imperial Uncle today? How strange!"

Bian Rang looked over in surprise and saw Yang Xiu standing to Liu Bei's right.

“You are Yang Xiu, son of Yang Wenxian of Hongnong? What are you doing here?” Bian Rang recognized Yang Xiu and was even more surprised.

Yang Xiu said arrogantly, "Why can't I be here? I am now a military advisor under the command of the Commandant of Lingyan Army. As for you, Bian Wenli, what brings you here? Are you trying to show off your 'Ode to Zhanghua Terrace' again? It's been so many years, can you still write a new poem?"

Liu Bei glanced at Yang Xiu: "Does Dezu and Mr. Bian have some kind of grudge?"

Yang Xiu snorted and said, "When I was young, I went to visit Bian Wenli's house with my father. I accidentally read his 'Ode to Zhanghua Terrace' and he actually said that I didn't understand poetry and prose."

Bian Rang's expression changed, and disregarding Liu Bei's presence, he angrily retorted, "Is that what you call reading? You're saying my words are flowery but empty!"

“I was just telling the truth,” Yang Xiu said, his face even more arrogant.

Liu Bei smiled calmly and did not stop the two from arguing.

Judging from this situation, it's clear the two families have a close relationship; otherwise, they wouldn't be blaming each other in front of Liu Bei. A moment later...

Bian Rang stopped arguing with Yang Xiu, apologized to Liu Bei, and said, "I was rude just now, and I apologize to you, Imperial Uncle."

"It's alright." Liu Bei's tone was gentle, a stark contrast to his earlier attempt to persuade Bian to surrender at the city walls: "Mr. Bian, what brings you here?"

Bian Rang truthfully replied, "Last year I heard that my Imperial Uncle erected a stele in Luoyang. The Thousand Character Classic written on the stele is truly a remarkable piece of writing, both ancient and modern. I greatly admire it. Now I see that my Imperial Uncle's Lingyan Army treats the people well, so I request an audience."

Liu Bei's lips twitched involuntarily.

Just as Yang Xiu said, he really liked to judge people's worth based on their writing.

Liu Bei's strongest impression of Bian Rang was that he was arrogant, defiant against Cao Cao, and often made disrespectful remarks, which led to his execution by Cao Cao.

However, Bian Rang was very famous in Yanzhou, and now that he had taken the initiative to visit Liu Bei, Liu Bei also wanted to use Bian Rang's reputation to speed up the process of conquering Yanzhou.

"Mr. Bian, you flatter me," Liu Bei said frankly. "Although I dislike killing, the rebels refuse to submit to the court. I am in a dilemma. I wonder if Mr. Bian could help me quell the rebellion in Yanzhou?"

Bian Rang pondered for a moment, then asked, "Excuse my bluntness, but after you, Imperial Uncle, pacify Yanzhou, will you also implement new policies?"

Instead of answering, Liu Bei asked, "Is Mr. Bian trying to say that if the new policies are implemented, there will be many who will not submit in Yanzhou, and it will not be easy to pacify them?"

Bian Rang nodded: "Money, grain, land, houses, and servants are all private property. If we implement new policies, we will be depriving everyone of their private property. How can anyone be convinced?"

"Mr. Bian, do you think the new policies will benefit the country and its people, or bring disaster to the country and its people?" Liu Bei asked without answering.

Bian Rang replied without hesitation: "The new policy benefits the country but not the people."

Yang Xiu couldn't help but retort, "Bian Wenli, did you really write the 'Ode to Zhanghua Terrace'? How could you, the author of the 'Ode to Zhanghua Terrace,' think that the Imperial Uncle's new policies are detrimental to the people?"

Bian Rang hesitated, as if he wanted to say something but then stopped.

Liu Bei gestured, "Mr. Bian, if you have something to say, please speak frankly."

Bian Rang took a deep breath and said, "Since ancient times, policies that benefit the country have almost always involved competing with the people for profit. This was already demonstrated in the Salt and Iron Discourses during the reign of Emperor Wu."

"The Imperial Uncle's implementation of new policies to benefit the country shows his heart to support the Han Dynasty. But if it is truly a policy to benefit the people, there would not have been 108 heads of the Governor of Henan."

Yang Xiu's expression changed drastically, and he rebuked, "The corrupt governor of Henan instigated a rebellion and should be executed. What does this have to do with whether it benefits the people?"

Bian Rang said solemnly, “But Yanzhou is different from Henan. Yanzhou has a population of one million. How many people would you have to kill to have a deterrent effect? ​​If you do not implement the new policies in Yanzhou, I can act as your advocate. But if you do implement the new policies, I will find it difficult to persuade you.”

Yang Xiu sneered: "It's not like the Imperial Uncle has to send someone to persuade him to pacify Yanzhou."

"The new policy will definitely be implemented." Liu Bei first affirmed the decision, and then said, "How and when to implement it can also be discussed. Mr. Bian can tell them that there are many ways to acquire property, and there is no need to seize those fields, houses and servants."

“Those who actively support me, I will not treat them unfairly in the future; they can choose to believe me or not. As for those who do not support me, I do not mind taking advantage of this opportunity to quell the rebellion to kill them one by one.”

"Although there are many rebels in Yanzhou, none of them can rival me. Even Yuan Shao in Hebei would have to consider whether he can return to Hebei after crossing the river."

Bian Rang carefully observed Liu Bei's expression and tone. After confirming that Liu Bei's attitude was firm, he said, "I have a past relationship with the Li family of Jiyin. I am willing to persuade the Li family to be my inside man."

Liu Bei nodded and instructed Yang Xiu, "Give Mr. Bian a fast horse."

After seeing Bian Rang off, Yang Xiu returned and asked, "Does Imperial Uncle really think that Bian Rang can persuade the Li family of Jiyin to become an inside agent?"

Liu Bei chuckled, "Bian Rang has a reputation in Yanzhou. It would be good if I could persuade him, but if I couldn't, it wouldn't affect my attack on Jiyin County." Changing the subject, Liu Bei asked, "How are you getting along with Commandant Guan? Should I transfer you to another battalion as a military advisor?"

Yang Xiu's expression stiffened, and he shook his head, saying, "No need. Commander Guan is quite easy to get along with."

Seeing Yang Xiu's insincere expression, Liu Bei smiled.

The relationship between Guan Yu and Yang Xiu can neither be described as good nor bad.

It was more like neither of them was willing to admit defeat, and neither wanted to lose face. If Yang Xiu were to switch camps to serve as a staff officer, it would be tantamount to him voluntarily admitting defeat to Guan Yu.

Liu Bei would not interfere too much with healthy competition.

Liu Bei sent Yang Xiu back to Guan Yu's camp and then had Gao Shun brought along.

All the officers and officials in Chenliu, except for Gao Shun, chose to submit to Liu Bei, but Gao Shun remained silent.

Since Gao Shun did not put up a fierce resistance, and Liu Bei learned about Gao Shun's situation from Xu Xi and Mao Hui, he said frankly, "After I take over Yanzhou, I will collect the armor of the Yanzhou rebels and form an infantry force similar to the Wei Wuzu. However, I am struggling to find someone who can train them. I have heard that someone from the Gao family in Chenliu knows how. I wonder if Commandant Gao can find a suitable person for me?"

Gao Shun looked at Liu Bei in astonishment and asked in surprise, "Does Imperial Uncle really intend to form a heavy infantry force? But such troops are quite expensive."

"Money is not a problem," Liu Bei said boldly. "What I lack are people!"

Liu Bei's meaning was very clear: he needed Gao Shun to train troops, but he also needed Gao Shun to submit willingly.

After all, Gao Shun was a surrendered general, not an unaffiliated official, so his loyalty still needed to be tested.

Especially since Gao Shun had previously served under Zhang Miao, Gao Shun could not forget Zhang Miao's kindness and favors. Liu Bei did not want any unstable factors to emerge in the heavily armored infantry he had trained.

Eight hundred heavily armored infantrymen could charge even if there were several thousand men.

Just like Liu Bei's three hundred White Feather Soldiers, even if the enemy numbered ten thousand, the White Feather Soldiers would still dare to charge into battle.

Liu Bei did not urge Gao Shun, who was deep in thought, and quietly waited for Gao Shun's result.

Gao Shun's hesitation proves that he is conflicted.

The fact that Gao Shun didn't feign a promise to consider it privately proves that he is an honest man.

a long time.

Gao Shun finally had his answer and bowed, saying, "This humble general, Gao Shun, is willing to form the Trapped Camp for the Imperial Uncle!"

Liu Bei rose and laughed heartily before helping Gao Shun to his feet: "I am extremely fortunate to have the assistance of Commandant Gao! You should rest in the city and provide me with a detailed plan for your formation of the Trapped Camp, including the required armor, money, and provisions. Once I have conquered Yanzhou, I will provide you with everything you need!"

Gao Shun was filled with excitement and said, "If the Imperial Uncle wants to seize Yanzhou, this humble general is also willing to serve."

"We don't need you to take Yanzhou yet. Your main task is to build the Trapped Camp for me." Liu Bei affirmed Gao Shun's mission and added, "However, the Trapped Camp I want to train has some special requirements. I will have Commandant Cui Wu tell you about them later. You need to incorporate all my requirements into the Trapped Camp."

Regardless of their military branch, Liu Bei's core principle was that his troops should not become bandits. Therefore, the soldiers of the Trapped Camp had to have the same faith as the Lingyan Army.

"Rather freeze to death than dismantle a house, rather starve to death than loot" is the basic principle.

(End of this chapter)