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

Chapter 202 Yuan Shu Controls Jing and Yang, Liu Bei Gets His Wish (Seeking updates and monthly votes)

Due to Yuan Shu's relentless pursuit and the defection of Yuan Shu's followers in Jingzhou, Zhou Yu managed to win over the four southern commanderies of Jingzhou.

Under the attack of Zhou Xin, Zhou Ang and others, Jiangxia County was also in grave danger.

Especially after news of Yi Ji's failed attempt to seek help spread in Nanyang and Nanjun, the powerful families who had originally wanted to help Liu Biao also chose to wait and see.

Although Liu Bei's new policies were not implemented in Jingzhou, the powerful clans and families of Jingzhou would actively weigh whether Liu Biao or Yuan Shu was more suitable to be the ruler of Jingzhou.

The relatives and friends of the fifty-five bandits killed by Liu Biao also responded to Yuan Shu in various counties of Nan Commandery.

The increasingly serious internal and external troubles made Liu Biao's hair turn white with worry.

Kuai Yue, Kuai Liang, Cai Mao, and others never expected that their failure to obey Liu Bei's orders to attack Yuan Shu and their failure to send troops to assist Liu Dai would lead to such serious consequences.

Whether it was Liu Biao, Kuai Yue, Kuai Liang, Cai Mao, or others, they all forgot what it meant that "Yuan's disciples and former officials were all over the world."

True.

If Liu Biao were allowed to manage Jingzhou for seven or eight years, he could eliminate the influence of Yuan Shao's former protégés and officials in Jingzhou.

But now, in the second year of the Chuping era, Liu Bei has already devised a plan to have Yuan Shu declare himself emperor last year.

Now, the Yuan family's former followers and officials in Jing and Yang have a huge influence. Seeing that Yuan Shu is suppressing Liu Biao, why would they submit to Liu Biao again?
In addition, Liu Biao was appointed as the governor of Jingzhou by the imperial court in Luoyang.

Not implementing new policies in the past does not mean that new policies will not be implemented in the future.

On the other hand, Yuan Shu was absolutely incapable of implementing new policies.

In other words: by following Yuan Shu, the powerful families and clans of Jingzhou could preserve their vested interests; by following Liu Biao, their future was uncertain.

After all, Liu Biao killed fifty-five clan leaders when he first entered Jingzhou, relying on military force rather than sharing benefits.

Now that Yuan Shu is going to attack Liu Biao, and Liu Bei is not coming to Liu Biao's aid, there is almost no room for hesitation in choosing between Yuan Shu and Liu Biao.

April 16th.

Liu Biao was defeated at Jiangxia, Huang Zu was killed by Zhou Xin, and the remaining troops fled back to Xiangyang in panic.

Subsequently, the counties of Nan Commandery surrendered without resistance, and Yuan Shu's army marched straight towards Xiangyang.

Inside the city.

Liu Biao looked utterly defeated.

Kuai Yue, Kuai Liang, Cai Mao, Yi Ji, Zhang Yun, and others also looked dejected.

After fighting for several months, Jiangxia was defeated and suffered repeated defeats. Finally, they were chased all the way to Xiangyang. Neither Liu Biao nor Kuai Yue could accept such an outcome.

Yuan Shu was first killed by Liu Bei, who forced him to cut off his beard and abandon his robe. Later, when the three provinces joined forces, he was defeated by Liu Bei's 20,000 troops and fled in a sorry state. How could such an incompetent person defeat them so badly that they could only hide in Jingzhou?
Are we even inferior to Yuan Shu?

"My lord, how about I go to Luoyang again and ask the general for help?" Yi Ji suggested in a low voice. "I heard that the general won a great victory in Yanzhou and is leading his victorious troops south to attack Shouchun. Yuan Shu will surely return with his army."

No sooner had he finished speaking than Cai Mao sneered, "You're too naive, Yi Congshi. Liu Bei claimed that it was too cold to wage war, but he went and attacked Yanzhou anyway. Liu Bei never intended to save Jingzhou. He was just blaming the lord for disobeying orders and causing Liu Dai's death, and he wanted to use Yuan Shu to get rid of the lord."

Yi Ji glanced at the silent Liu Biao and said, "But now, besides the General, who else can we turn to for help?"

Cai Mao gave Zhang Yun a look, and Zhang Yun understood, shouting, "Since Liu Bei is so ruthless, why should you, my lord, be righteous? Why not surrender to Yuan Shu and you will also have wealth and honor."

Yi Ji's expression changed drastically. He stood up and shouted, "Zhang Yun, you are the magistrate's nephew. How can you utter such disloyal and unfilial words? The magistrate is a member of the Han imperial family. How can you suggest that he surrender to Yuan Shu? What are your intentions?"

Zhang Yun sneered: "Yi Congshi, haven't you seen the general trend of the world? The Han Dynasty is in decline, and Yuan Shu has usurped the throne. If we don't understand the times, we will perish along with the Han Dynasty. But if we submit to Yuan Shu, we can still enjoy wealth and honor, and in the future, we can be ennobled and appointed as generals. Why not?"

Yi Ji said indignantly, "That's childish! Not to mention that the General has supported the Han Dynasty and his prestige shakes the Central Plains; even Yuan Shao supported Liu Yu as emperor. What makes you think Yuan Shu can seize the world?"

Zhang Yun raised his head and snorted: "You, my comrade, do you really think that Yuan Shao supported Liu Yu as emperor to restore the Han Dynasty? He married his daughter to Liu Yu's son so that he could abdicate and take the throne after unifying the country. Whether Yuan Shu can seize the country is not important; what is important is that the Yuan family can replace the Han!"

"Even if Yuan Shu becomes inferior to Yuan Shao in the future, we can still welcome Yuan Shao to the throne as emperor with the support of our loyal ministers. This is the true trend of the times. You say I have a childish view, but you are just being pedantic. Do you really think Liu Bei can withstand the combined attack of the two Yuans from the north and south?"

Yi Ji was speechless, unsure how to refute Zhang Yun.

Seeing that Liu Biao remained silent, Yi Ji hurriedly advised, "My lord, you must not listen to Zhang Yun's words! All of us can surrender, but you alone cannot. If we surrender, we can still become officials based on our talents and family background. But if you surrender, even if Yuan Shu does not kill you, he will keep an eye on you."

"At that time, the magistrate's words and actions will be beyond his control. The relatives and friends of the Jingzhou clan who were killed by the magistrate in the past will also seek revenge on the magistrate. Even if the magistrate files a complaint with Yuan Shu, Yuan Shu will not punish the evildoers for the magistrate."

While Yi Ji was urgently advising Liu Biao, Cai Mao also walked up to Kuai Yue and Kuai Liang and said, "The current situation is that Yuan Shao and Yuan Shu are fighting against Liu Bei. Apart from Yuan Shao and Yuan Shu and Liu Bei, no one else has the qualifications to compete for the world."

"Liu Bei's new policies are intended to seize our money, grain, land, and houses by force. If we help Liu Bei, it will bring us nothing but harm. If we surrender to Yuan Shu, Yuan Shu will surely rely on us to govern Jingzhou."

"Let alone prefect, we can even take up the positions of governor or provincial governor. If we continue to be enemies with Yuan Shu, we will all die without a burial place."

Kuai Liang felt a pang of pity and said, "We have a past relationship with Prefect Liu. To betray him now would be a breach of our trust."

Kuai Yue, however, was ruthless. He said, “No! We have already fulfilled our duty by helping Lord Liu take control of Jingzhou. Now that Lord Liu is in dire straits, if we surrender, we can save Lord Liu’s life. If we do not surrender, Lord Liu will be killed by Yuan Shu just like Liu Dai.”

Kuai Liang hesitated for a moment, then sighed, "Fine. If you two both agree to surrender to Yuan Shu, then I will support you."

After discussing it, the three of them stepped forward together and asked Liu Biao to surrender.

Yi Ji looked at the three of them in astonishment: "You?"

Cai Mao gripped the hilt of his sword and said, "I will not make things difficult for you, considering that you are an old friend and fellow townsman of the magistrate. If you are willing to surrender, you can get an official position; if you are not, you can leave through the north gate."

Yi Ji turned back to look at the silent Liu Biao: "My lord!"

Liu Biao let out a long sigh.

Liu Biao already knew Cai Mao and others' intentions when they were defeated at Jiangxia.

Local powerful figures like Cai Mao would never abandon their family businesses in Jingzhou and fight to the death with Yuan Shu for Liu Biao.

Liu Biao remained silent because he could not accept today's defeat. Both were members of the Han imperial family, yet Liu Bei was a powerful figure in the Central Plains, while Liu Biao couldn't even defeat Yuan Shu.

He had previously mocked Liu Dai for his lack of ability, but he was then repeatedly attacked by Yuan Shu and was completely powerless to fight back.

"Uncle Ji, there's no need to persuade me anymore." Liu Biao's voice was hoarse. "Even if I refuse to surrender, Xiangyang City cannot be saved. I am an old acquaintance of all of you. How can I sacrifice your lives for my own selfish reasons?"

Seeing that Liu Biao had also chosen to surrender, Cai Mao, Kuai Yue, Kuai Liang, and Zhang Yun all breathed a sigh of relief. If Liu Biao had insisted on not surrendering, they would have had no choice but to take him hostage and surrender.

However, if he were to surrender by holding Liu Biao hostage, he would find it difficult to gain Yuan Shu's trust in the future. No one would trust someone who surrenders by holding their former master hostage, and Yuan Shu was no exception.

Only if Liu Biao surrenders with his troops can these former subordinates of Liu Biao accept Yuan Shu's appointment.

After sending Cai Mao, Kuai Yue, and others to prepare for the surrender, Liu Biao kept Yi Ji behind and said, "It was I who broke the blood oath with Liu Huangshu first, and I have no face to see Liu Huangshu again; Cai Mao and the others are old acquaintances, and I cannot ruin their lives because of me alone, so I will lead them to surrender to Yuan Shu."

“My son Liu Qi has been orphaned since childhood, and unlike Liu Cong, he did not marry a woman from the Cai family. Therefore, I hope that Ji Bo can take Liu Qi out of the city to Luoyang. Liu Qi is honest and kind. If he can serve the General wholeheartedly in the future, even if he cannot obtain a high official position and a generous salary, he will still be able to live a life free from worries about food and clothing.”

With tears in his eyes, Yi Ji accepted Liu Biao's entrustment: "Rest assured, my lord, I will definitely bring Young Master Qi to Luoyang safely."

With Liu Biao leading Cai Mao, Kuai Yue, and others to surrender, the counties of Nan Commandery also changed their allegiance and responded to Yuan Shu.

In Nanyang Commandery north of Xiangyang, the people who had surrendered to Liu Biao either changed their flags or fled north to Guanzhong and Yingchuan to avoid disaster.

All of a sudden.

Yuan Shu's influence was immense, showing signs of a resurgence similar to that of Zhong Yao.

In Shouchun.

Yuan Shu was overjoyed upon receiving Zhou Xin's report of victory.

"Indeed, I am the chosen one!"

After declaring himself emperor, Yuan Shu first destroyed Liu Dai and then Liu Biao, sweeping all before him, and the counties of Jing and Yang surrendered one after another.

What does this signify?
This shows that Yuan Shu was favored by Heaven, which allowed him to obtain Yangzhou and Jingzhou so easily.

Yuan Shu even summoned Yang Hong, Zhang Xun, and others to share the news of Zhou Xin's victory in conquering Jingzhou.

"I was defeated by Liu Bei before because I had not yet become emperor and was not protected by Heaven. Now that I am protected by Heaven, how can Liu Bei compete with me?" Yuan Shu said smugly.

Being killed by Liu Bei and forced to cut off his beard and abandon his robe was a humiliation that Yuan Shu could never forget. He had to cut off his beautiful beard, which he had grown for decades, and to this day he can only show people a fake beard. This made Yuan Shu hate Liu Bei even more.

Yang Hong was also very excited and congratulated him, saying, "Your Majesty's establishment of Da Zhong, who used earth to support fire, and who successively destroyed the two Lius, is exactly as the prophecy of Heaven has been fulfilled. However, I believe that Shouchun is located north of the Yangtze River and is not suitable as a capital. If it is attacked by Liu Bei's army, I fear that it will cause fear among the people of Jing and Yang provinces."

"I have heard that Echeng in Jiangxia Commandery has the aura of an emperor. Why not move the capital to Echeng? In this way, we can control both Jingzhou and Yangzhou, and we will not be directly attacked by Liu Bei's army. Your Majesty can also send troops to garrison the strategic locations of Jianghuai. We can attack or defend at will. Even if Liu Bei and Yuan Shao join forces, they will not be able to do anything to Your Majesty."

The reason why Shouchun was chosen as the capital was that when Yuan Shu declared himself emperor, he only had Shouchun and the surrounding cities. Now that he had acquired Jing and Yang provinces, Shouchun, being on the front line, was indeed not in line with Yuan Shu's expectations to be the capital.

Yuan Shu nodded in agreement, saying, "What Minister Yang says is quite right. I am the emperor, how can I personally go to the front lines? The matter of moving to Echeng will be entrusted to Minister Yang in full charge."

"I heard that Liu Bei has conquered three more counties in Yanzhou. I imagine that Yuan Shao, that son of a concubine, must be so angry he'll vomit blood. Alas, a son of a concubine is just a son of a concubine. How can he compare to me?"

In the past, even if Yuan Shu verbally mocked Yuan Shao, he wouldn't have had the confidence to back it up.

But now, Yuan Shu has forcefully gained control of the two provinces of Jing and Yang while Yuan Shao has lost three counties of Yan Province. When Yuan Shu cursed Yuan Shao for having a child with a maid, he felt confident and extremely pleased.

As they were talking...

The People's Daily reported that Yuan Shao had sent Zhang Jin to request an audience.

"It's Zhang Jin again. He got beaten up last time, does he want to get beaten up again this time?" Yuan Shu sneered, clearly not wanting to see Zhang Jin.

Yang Hong advised, "Zhang Jin has come here because Yuan Shao was badly defeated by Liu Bei in the north and wants to form an alliance with Your Majesty. Your Majesty might as well let Zhang Jin go back and tell Yuan Shao that Your Majesty has now obtained the two provinces of Jing and Yang. If Yuan Shao is willing to surrender the north, he can be made a general, and then we can attack Liu Bei from both the north and the south."

"In this way, we can both intimidate Liu Bei and make Yuan Shao submit to Your Majesty. Although Yuan Shao's background is not as good as Your Majesty's, he is still Your Majesty's relative. Now that Your Majesty is the supreme ruler, you should have the magnanimity of an emperor."

Yuan Shu was pleased to hear this and laughed, "Minister Yang is right. Now that I have gained the two provinces of Jing and Yang, it would indeed be less fun if I could not let my concubine's son know about it."

"Someone, summon Zhang Jin immediately!"

Having been beaten by Yuan Shu last time, Zhang Jin was even more reserved and polite this time, and succinctly explained his purpose.

Upon hearing that Zhang Jin had volunteered to persuade Liu Biao to cease hostilities and form an alliance on behalf of Yuan Shu, Yuan Shu burst into laughter, and Yang Hong, Zhang Xun, and other civil and military officials of the Zhong clan also laughed heartily.

Zhang Jin was confused and looked around blankly.

Yuan Shu waved his hand to stop the crowd, looked down at Zhang Jin from his high position, and shouted: "Zhang Jin, Liu Biao has already surrendered to me, why should I need you to persuade him? I have already beheaded Liu Dai and captured Liu Biao, and the two provinces of Jing and Yang have already submitted to me. You can go back and tell Yuan Shao to kill Liu Yu, and I will appoint him as Grand General!"

Zhang Jin was utterly shocked: "Liu Biao surrendered? How is that possible?"

Yang Hong raised his head and shouted, "What's impossible? His Majesty has beheaded Liu Dai and captured Liu Biao, his might shaking Jingchu. This is the will of Heaven! The Han Dynasty is already in decline, yet Yuan Shao still wants to support Liu Yu as emperor. How ridiculous!"

"His Majesty considers that Yuan Shao is also a member of the Yuan clan, and therefore does not want to see Yuan Shao destroyed by Liu Bei, which is why he was willing to appoint Yuan Shao as Grand General."

Zhang Xun knew that Yuan Shu and Yang Hong's intention was to humiliate Yuan Shao, not to truly make Yuan Shao the Grand General. Therefore, he also chimed in, "Although I am now the Grand General, if Yuan Shao is willing to submit to Your Majesty, I am also willing to abdicate and yield the position."

The amount of information was too much for Zhang Jin to process.

When Zhang Jin came, he intended to emulate Su Qin.

When they arrived, Yuan Shu claimed that Liu Biao had been captured.

You, who were killed by Liu Bei to the point of cutting off your beard and abandoning your robe, were actually able to kill Liu Dai and capture Liu Biao?

Why?
Are you trying to fool me?

The more shocked Zhang Jin became, the more smug Yuan Shu became: "I am destined by Heaven, and I will surely capture Liu Bei alive in the future. Zhang Jin, I see that you are also a man of great eloquence, why don't you serve me as well?"

(End of this chapter)