The Three Great Han Dynasties: Awaken Liu Bei with a scolding; you weave mats and sell sandals.

A group of generals stepped forward and bowed to Liu Hong, who was standing on the chariot, to offer their congratulations, their tone full of admiration and flattery.

Lu Zhi, speaking to Liu Hong from inside the military tent, had a complex expression in his eyes, but also a hint of trepidation.

After all, the relationship between the Liu family of Youzhou and Lu Zhi is now common knowledge throughout the Han Dynasty.

His attempt to please her didn't seem out of place at all.

"Lord Lu is joking."

Liu Hong bowed slightly, speaking humbly, "If we talk about past kindnesses, the Liu family of Youzhou will never forget them."

Moreover, if it weren't for Lord Lu's generous assistance, how could my humble Liu family and I, as juniors, have achieved what we have today?

"It was all thanks to Lord Lu that everything was made possible."

Liu Hong spoke with a sincere expression, but Lu Zhi did not readily believe him.

Others might think that way, but Lu Zhi wasn't a three-year-old child, so naturally he wouldn't do something so foolish.

To determine whether something is true or false.

He must have some idea of ​​what was going on.

"Ultimately, it's your achievement; how can anyone else claim credit for it?"

Lu Zhi shook his head, his tone resolute.

Seeing the other party's attitude, Liu Hong was at a loss for what to do.

After all, what they said was indeed true, and excessive humility would be arrogance, which would only make people resentful.

"Thank you, Lord Lu."

Liu Hong cupped his hands in a gesture of respect, accepting the praise with composure.

Seeing this, Lu Zhi finally felt a little relieved.

Subsequently, all the generals returned to their military camps.

Liu Bei entered first and bowed respectfully, paying special attention to etiquette.

After all, he was Liu Hong's son, and in front of outsiders, he had to abide by the rules and avoid suspicion in order to avoid many taboos.

Otherwise, the lack of order and discipline in the military camp would easily attract a lot of gossip.

Next came Cao Cao.

Cao Cao cupped his hands slightly, a smile of admiration on his face: "Today's events are all thanks to Lord Liu. Without Lord Liu's insight, we would never have been able to come up with such a brilliant plan."

"Today, Cao Cao has witnessed Zhou Yu's strategy firsthand, and he is utterly convinced of its wisdom."

"Haha, Mengde, you flatter me."

Liu Hong laughed loudly, "It's just a bit of luck."

I had heard of Mengde's talent before when we were in Zhuojun, and indeed few in the world can compare to him.

And this son of the Yuan family, whose lineage spanned four generations of high-ranking officials, was also renowned for his exceptional talent.

When Liu Hong praises someone, he always does so equally, which is how he achieves a harmonious balance.

Otherwise, praising one while ignoring another would be unfair and might attract the ire of some petty people, which is something Liu Hong doesn't want to see.

Soon, Dong Zhuo and Gan Ning, along with other generals under the Liu family, entered, and Liu Hong no longer needed to be so polite.

Liu Hong naturally treats outsiders and family members with completely different attitudes.

Most of the Liu family members were aware of Liu Hong's intentions.

While one needs to be polite and courteous to outsiders, one absolutely does not need so many formalities with family members.

After the battle on the outskirts of Julu ended, Liu Hong summoned several key generals for a meeting late that night.

His gaze swept over the crowd, finally settling on Zhu Jun, and he slowly spoke: "What are your thoughts on this matter of persuading him to surrender?"

Upon hearing this, everyone in the military camp immediately expressed their own opinions, their expressions varying.

If persuasion to surrender is successful, the benefits will naturally be far greater.

It can not only take Julu without bloodshed, but also demoralize the remaining Yellow Turbans and win over the hearts of the people.

However, failure would come at a price that not everyone could afford. It would not only damage morale but also give others ammunition to criticize them, leading to attacks from those in the court.

Therefore, this matter naturally requires utmost caution.

Wherever Liu Hong's gaze fell, figures began to speak.

"Persuade Zhang Jiao to surrender?"

This man is the most notorious bandit leader in the land. If we were to truly persuade him to surrender, it would likely cause a major upheaval in the imperial court, and even the highest officials might not agree.

Some people expressed their opposition directly and firmly.

Some people pondered and said, "Persuading them to surrender is not entirely impossible."

Even if the main force of the Yellow Turbans in Julu County is captured, there are still many Yellow Turban remnants in various parts of the world.

If the court can be so magnanimous as to accept the surrender of a culprit like Zhang Jiao, perhaps this is the best and most effective way to appease the people.

Hearing these words, Liu Hong nodded slightly, his expression remaining unchanged, and then continued to discuss and think with the others.

After all, military affairs are not decided by him alone, so Liu Hong naturally doesn't need to make any so-called one-man show.

He changed the subject, looking at Cao Cao and asking, "Mengde, what do you think of this?"

Liu Hong gave him a look, and Cao Cao felt a surge of joy. He almost thought that Liu Hong was going to think more highly of him or pay him more attention.

However, upon seeing that Liu Hong's eyes were clear and he did not show much favoritism.

Only then did he vaguely realize that he might have misunderstood.

After calming himself down, he immediately spoke: "This matter should be handled with care."

As I suggest, it would be best to send the imperial decree back to Luoyang first and ask His Majesty for a wise decision.

After all, we have prepared ample supplies and provisions at Julu. Rather than being impatient for quick success, we should proceed cautiously step by step.

After all, no great undertaking in the world can be accomplished overnight.

What Cao Cao said did indeed have some merit, and was extremely prudent.

After listening, Liu Hong ultimately chose to adopt his suggestion.

That very night, a messenger was dispatched from the military camp to deliver the news of the situation at the Julu front and the proposed surrender to His Majesty in Luoyang at an extremely urgent speed.

Nearly half a month later, in the northern palace of Luoyang, the place where the court was held.

Liu Hong did not summon the entire court of civil and military officials.

There were only a handful of people in front of him.

There was only Liu Yan, the Minister of the Imperial Clan, and a few others including Zhang Rang and Zhao Zhong.

When Liu Hong first read the letter, his face flushed, clearly delighted by the good news from the front.

But when it came to the final decision, when it was up to him, the emperor, he was somewhat troubled and didn't even know how to decide.

After all, this is a matter of military affairs.

Although he knew some things, he was not an expert and did not want his limited knowledge to affect the situation on the front lines.

It would be a great sin if such a magnificent achievement were to be ruined due to his personal decisions.

"Uncle, what do you think?"

When Liu Hong was unsure about something, he would first consult Liu Yan.

Liu Yan was also somewhat baffled by this matter.

Although the memorial has clearly explained all the advantages and disadvantages and the reasons for the surrender are very sufficient, this matter is of great importance. Once it is decided, how can it be determined in just a few words?