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

Chapter 203 Liu Bei sits in the Central Plains, Yuan Shao and Yuan Shao divide the North and South (Seeking subscriptions and monthly votes)
Faced with Yuan Shu's attempts to win him over, Zhang Jin remained silent.

They arrived full of pride, but now they are speechless.

Zhang Jin glanced at Yuan Shu's eyes and felt a chill run down his spine.

If we choose to refuse now, we will not only be beaten.

"Your subject Zhang Jin pays respects to Your Majesty!" Zhang Jin chose to admit defeat.

Calling someone "Your Majesty" won't cost you any limbs, but if you anger Yuan Shu, you might really lose an arm or a leg.

Seeing Zhang Jin kneel down and submit, Yuan Shu was even more pleased and said, "Zhang Jin, you can go back now and tell Yuan Shao that as long as Yuan Shao submits to me, I will appoint him as Grand General. If he does not want to be Grand General, I can appoint him as King of Ji Province."

"Although Yuan Shao was born of a concubine, he is still a son of the Yuan family. Now that I have become emperor, it is my favor to make him the King of Ji Province."

With each accusation of a maid giving birth to a child, Yuan Shu felt an increasing sense of satisfaction as he cursed her.

Although Zhang Jin secretly despised Yuan Shu for his petty triumph, he could only listen attentively.

Even after leaving Shouchun, Zhang Jin remained in a state of shock and bewilderment.

Zhang Jin did not immediately return to Hebei, but instead went to Jingzhou to gather information. The fact that Yuan Shu had captured Liu Biao was truly unbelievable to Zhang Jin.

However, the results of his investigation completely extinguished Zhang Jin's hopes, leaving him only with worry.

“Yuan Shu now has the two provinces of Jing and Yang, and his power is at its peak. He will certainly not be willing to join forces with the General to deal with Liu Bei.”

"Now Liu Bei is recklessly dealing with the powerful clans in the counties of Yan and Yu, seemingly completely unconcerned about Yuan Shu's attacks in Jing and Yang provinces."

"How strange! Is Liu Bei deliberately condoning Yuan Shu? Isn't he afraid that Yuan Shu will join forces with the General from the north and south?"

Although Zhang Jin's guess was not entirely accurate, it was close to the truth.

The purpose of letting Yuan Shu declare himself emperor was to divide the Yuan family's century-long accumulation of power, while Liu Biao and Liu Dai were just small fish released for Yuan Shu to devour.

The more powerful Yuan Shu became, the more he would look down on Yuan Shao, and naturally he would not form a north-south alliance with Yuan Shao.

Why would someone choose to sit back and watch the tigers fight, then reap the benefits? Why would they join Yuan Shao in attacking Liu Bei?
Liu Bei was not afraid that Yuan Shao would take Jing and Yang and launch a northern expedition.

Throughout history, very few expeditions to the north have ever been successful.

Those who are capable of launching a northern expedition are all heroes rarely seen in history, and Yuan Shu would definitely not be included!
in contrast.

A Zhong clan member who had gained influence could even attract those dissatisfied with the new policies to Jing and Yang provinces for Liu Bei.

Although the powerful clans and wealthy families within Liu Bei's territory have chosen to submit to the new policies, they are certainly not resentful. They only dare not resist because Liu Bei is too powerful.

However, if a relatively powerful Zhong family were to emerge in the south, especially one dominated by aristocratic and powerful clans, these unbelievable aristocratic and powerful clans would inevitably seek to attach themselves to it.

Of course, some people who thought Yuan Shu was no match for Yuan Shao went north to join him.

Whether it's the south or the north, Liu Bei is happy to see it.

If we go there, we'll become enemies.

When dealing with enemies, there's no need to hold back.

Since we have chosen to contend with Liu Bei, we must be prepared to be annihilated by him.

May 20th.

Liu Bei returned to Luoyang.

Liu Bei had already received news of the change of allegiance in Jingzhou when he was in Yuzhou.

However, Liu Bei did not care. Before returning to Luoyang, he appointed Guan Yu as the governor of Yu Province, leaving him in Yingchuan to take charge of the military and political affairs of Yu Province.

In addition to Guan Yu, Zhang Liao was stationed in Qiao County of Pei State, Xu Chu was stationed in Gebei of Runan, and He Yi, Huang Shao and Gong Du were left in Yingchuan to obey Guan Yu's orders.

Of Liu Bei's three sworn brothers, Zhao Yun served as a general for many years, Zhang Fei was stationed on the border, and only Guan Yu had served as acting governor of Yongzhou. Now that Guan Yu was serving as governor of Yuzhou again, Liu Bei was at ease.

Yang Xiu and Wang Ling also stayed in Yingchuan to assist Guan Yu.

With Guan Yu and others in Yuzhou, Liu Bei was not afraid that Yuan Shu could cause trouble.

Liu Bei then changed Ma Teng to Prefect of Henei and stationed him at Shequan, changed Zhang Fei to Prefect of Hedong and stationed him at Hedong, and transferred Xun You back to Luoyang as Minister. He also changed the position of Zuo Fengyi to Qian Zhao.

At present, Liu Bei's strategic focus is still on Hebei. Yuan Shu is someone Liu Bei deliberately kept in the south to annoy Yuan Shao and those powerful clans.

It's fine to disagree with Liu Bei's new policies, but Yuan Shu's policies may not necessarily be better than Liu Bei's.

After all, Yuan Shu is now the emperor, and as long as someone is the emperor, there will inevitably be conflicts of interest with powerful clans and wealthy families.

Now, with Cao Cao in Yan Province and Guan Yu in Yu Province, and with the powerful clans in both places having been wiped out by Liu Bei, one defending against Yuan Shao and the other against Yuan Shu, and with Liu Bei stationed in Luoyang, there is basically no chance of any major mishaps.

The only thing that Liu Bei was worried about was Xuzhou.

The powerful clans and gentry of Xuzhou were the strongest in Liu Bei's territory. Apart from Zang Ba of Kaiyang entrusting his wife and children to swear allegiance, Liu Bei hardly interfered in Xuzhou affairs.

Although Liu Bei had recommended Chen Deng and Mi Zhu, they were powerful clans in Xuzhou with considerable influence. A simple recommendation was not enough to convince them to support the new policies.

Especially the Chen family of Xiapi, even if Chen Deng supported it, his father, uncles and brothers would not support it.

Gai Xun recently sent a document stating that he was unwell and requesting that Liu Bei replace him with a different governor.

Gai Xun was already old, and he had worked tirelessly for the court in his youth, so it was normal for him to have some health problems.

Based on Liu Bei's understanding of Gai Xun, Gai Xun would not be idle enough to deliberately lie about being unwell.

Inside the General's Mansion.

Liu Bei looked down at the chessboard.

Although they were playing chess, they weren't thinking about the chessboard.

"Ziyuan, are you interested in becoming the governor of Xuzhou?" Liu Bei asked Xu You, who was playing chess, without looking up from the chessboard.

Xu You was startled and said, "Your Imperial Uncle knows me. I am wild and greedy. If I were to become the governor of Xuzhou, I would become a corrupt official."

I don't even want to go to the Imperial Secretariat, let alone become a prefect? ​​I'd be crazy!
Is being a governor as easy and rewarding as being an advisor to the emperor's uncle?
Xu You was self-aware; he was good at devising strategies, but serving as a prefect and judge was beyond his capabilities.

If one really wanted to be a governor, Xu You could do it, but the downside would be that it would be too tiring and the results would be less than half as good.

In Xu You's view, professional tasks should be left to professionals; unprofessional people will only find it difficult and unrewarding.

"Ziyuan has a good eye for people. Is there anyone suitable to serve as the governor of Xuzhou?" Liu Bei still did not look up, staring at the chessboard while thinking about which of the current officials would be suitable to go to Xuzhou.

“Wenhe is the most suitable,” Xu You said without hesitation. “The situation in Xuzhou is complex, and only a ruthless and prestigious person can keep it under control. Besides Wenhe, there is no one else in Luoyang who can replace Gai Xun.” “Wenhe?” Liu Bei looked up in astonishment. “Have you forgotten that you sent Wenhe to be an inside agent for Dong Zhuo? You still dare to recommend Wenhe?”

Although Jia Xu's skills and prestige make him well-suited for Xuzhou, actually sending him there would drive him mad.

Jia Xu was willing to work diligently in Luoyang, and when Liu Bei was suppressing the rebellious forces in the three provinces, he managed to keep the unruly forces in Luoyang and Henan under control because Jia Xu believed that these people threatened his life.

But if Jia Xu were sent to Xuzhou, it would be tantamount to threatening his life, and it would be strange if Jia Xu didn't explode!
“I only said Wenhe was the most suitable, I didn’t say that Wenhe had to go.” A few unnatural things flashed across Xu You’s face.

Despite saying that, Xu You still hoped that Jia Xu could go to Xuzhou. Every time he met Jia Xu in Luoyang, Xu You felt a chill run down his spine.

Although Jia Xu said he would not let personal matters interfere with public duties, Xu You never knew when Jia Xu would find a public matter that Xu You could not refuse, and take the opportunity to settle a personal grudge.

As long as Xu You doesn't die, that's all that matters.

“Wenhe definitely can’t go. Without Wenhe in Luoyang, I can’t lead the troops into battle with peace of mind.” Liu Bei affirmed his stance, then asked, “Besides Jia Xu, are there any other suitable candidates?”

“That’s all.” Xu You shrugged. “If it’s just a normal appointment as the governor of Xuzhou, there are many suitable candidates. But if it’s about implementing new policies while serving as the governor of Xuzhou, I don’t think anyone other than Wen He has that ability.”

Despite his fear, Xu You still greatly admired Jia Xu's abilities.

"This is difficult." Liu Bei looked down at the chessboard again.

While thinking.

A messenger from Sun Jian reported the victory.

The newcomer was handsome, tall, and walked with a steady gait. His eyes were bright and piercing, which amazed Liu Bei.

"Sun Ce, a subordinate of General Pingnan, greets the Great General!"

Sun Ce?

Sun Jian's eldest son?
Liu Bei was slightly surprised, looked him over again, and asked, "Are you Wentai's son?"

Sun Ce looked excited and said, "I am honored to be named by the Imperial Uncle as the eldest son of the General Who Pacifies the South."

"I have long heard that Wentai has a son who is born with superhuman strength and the courage of a hegemon. Seeing him today, he is indeed a man of exceptional talent." Liu Bei praised, "Since he is Wentai's eldest son, you may come closer and speak with him."

Sun Ce was only a sixteen-year-old boy, and he was very excited to be praised by Liu Bei, a hero whose name was known throughout the world.

He then asked, "I have a sworn brother named Zhou Yu, who is the same age as me and has long admired you, Imperial Uncle. I wonder if you would allow me, Zhou Yu, to pay him a visit?"

Seeing that Sun Ce had benefited from the situation and hadn't forgotten to help his sworn brother Zhou Yu, Liu Bei was also impressed and said, "I've heard of Zhou Zhong, the Grand Minister of Agriculture's cousin. Since he's here, let him in."

Sun Ce was overjoyed and quickly withdrew.

Not long after.

Another handsome young man entered, possessing less martial prowess than Sun Ce but more refined elegance.

"Zhou Yu of Lujiang pays respects to the Imperial Uncle!"

Upon seeing the two handsome young men, Liu Bei was immediately struck by their talent.

Although these two men had almost negative credibility when facing Yuan Shu, the situation is different now. Sun Jian has long since broken away from Yuan Shu, and Sun Ce and Zhou Yu no longer need to serve under Yuan Shu.

Looking at Sun Ce and Zhou Yu, Liu Bei immediately had an idea for the candidate to be the governor of Xu Province, and then asked, "Do you two have great ambitions?"

Sun Ce and Zhou Yu both answered without hesitation: "We are willing to be generals!"

"What ambition!" Liu Bei was even more impressed and clapped his hands and laughed: "Since you two have such great ambitions, I am willing to help you achieve them."

“I have five disciples: Fa Zheng of Fufeng, Ma Chao of Fufeng, Cao Ang of Qiao County, Zhuge Liang of Langya, and Liu Ba of Lingling. They are all outstanding talents of our time.”

"Wentai and I are also friends of heroes. This time, Wentai helped me defeat Zang Hong of Guangling, which made me very happy. Now, seeing that you two are both very handsome and talkative, I am even happier."

"Would you two be willing to become my disciples?"

Sun Ce and Zhou Yu were both alarmed.

Originally, Sun Jian did not need Sun Ce and Zhou Yu to deliver the news of victory. However, because Liu Bei was so famous, Sun Ce and Zhou Yu admired him and came to Luoyang together.

Unexpectedly, on their very first meeting, Liu Bei wanted to take him as a disciple.

After a moment's thought, Zhou Yu figured out Liu Bei's intentions.

Liu Bei wanted to give Sun Jian an important position, but he had some concerns. Just then, Sun Jian's eldest son arrived in Luoyang.

In the past, when emperors valued their generals, they would leave the generals' wives and children in Luoyang as hostages. If Liu Bei were to use Sun Ce as a hostage now, it would inevitably lead Sun Jian to mistakenly believe that Liu Bei had become suspicious.

But if Sun Ce were to join Liu Bei's ranks, it would be different. This would mean that Sun Jian's interests would be tied to Liu Bei's from now on.

Liu Bei could use Sun Jian with peace of mind, and Sun Jian would not worry that Liu Bei would become suspicious.

Looking at Liu Bei's disciples, apart from Fa Zheng's father who did not serve in office, Ma Chao's father Ma Teng is now the governor of Hanoi, Cao Ang's father Cao Cao is the governor of Yanzhou, Zhuge Liang's uncle Zhuge Xuan is the governor of Yangzhou, and Liu Ba's father Liu Xiang is the governor of Henan. All of them are people who have taken on important responsibilities.

Seeing that Sun Ce was still in shock, Zhou Yu pulled Sun Ce aside and bowed, saying, "I am grateful for your kindness, Imperial Uncle. I am willing to join your ranks and serve you."

Although Sun Ce didn't understand, seeing that Zhou Yu had already bowed, he also bowed and said, "I am grateful for your kindness, Imperial Uncle. I am willing to join your ranks and serve you."

Liu Bei laughed and went over to help the two men up.

Liu Bei had taken in both of their reactions.

Zhou Yu was quick-witted and resourceful, while Sun Ce was straightforward and trusted Zhou Yu implicitly.

Xu You, who was standing nearby, also stood up and congratulated him, saying, "Congratulations, Imperial Uncle, on gaining two more outstanding talents as your students. Sun Jian has the talent of a warrior, but it is too much of a waste for him to be the Prefect of Guangling. Moreover, the Governor is unwell and has submitted a memorial requesting to be sick. It would be better to submit a memorial to appoint Sun Jian as the Governor of Xuzhou."

"In this way, Sun Jian can also gather the strength of the counties in Xuzhou to help Zhuge Xuan, the governor of Yangzhou, seize Yangzhou. Sun Jian's son and Zhuge Xuan's nephew are both disciples of the Imperial Uncle, so even if they have different political views, they will not harbor resentment because of it."

Xu You had already guessed Liu Bei's intention from his reaction just now. However, Liu Bei could not say this directly to his face, lest it arouse suspicion from Sun Ce and Zhou Yu.

At this moment, Xu You's words were exactly what Liu Bei wanted.

Seeing the excitement on Sun Ce's face when he heard Xu You recommend Sun Jian as the governor of Xu Province, Liu Bei nodded secretly and said, "Ziyuan is right. Wentai has served as a prefect before and is skilled in both literature and military affairs. If he is the governor of Xu Province, I will have no worries about Xu Province. Ziyuan, please go to the Ministry of Personnel and tell Wenhe my intention, and also send him Wentai's report of victory."

Xu You understood and left.

Liu Bei then invited Sun Ce and Zhou Yu inside, saying, "Since you two are willing to become my disciples, there's no need to find another place to rest. From now on, you can stay at the General's Mansion, and the others will also stay there."

First he became Liu Bei's disciple, and then he heard that Sun Jian had been appointed as the governor of Xuzhou. Even if Sun Ce wasn't very bright, he realized what was going on and excitedly said, "I am willing to follow my master's arrangements."

Zhou Yu, however, volunteered, saying, "Since all my senior brothers are here, I, your humble student, would like to pay my respects first."

(End of this chapter)