burning beans

Jingzhou, Xiangyang, the spring is beautiful, pedestrians come and go on the road, and the sound of peddlers along the street can be heard from time to time, a peaceful and peaceful scene.After the death of Emperor Han Ling, Liu Biao became the governor of Jingzhou.After Li Jue and Guo Si entered Chang'an, Liu Biao was granted the title of General of Zhennan, leader of Jingzhou Shepherd, and the title of Marquis of Wu.In the third year of Jian'an, Liu Biao already possessed thousands of miles of territory and more than [-] armored soldiers.

In the next few years, Liu Biao neither paid tribute to the emperor of Xudu, nor intervened in the disputes among the princes, but only wanted to protect himself between Jiang and Han.Although there was nothing to achieve in the annexation of princes, Jingzhou was protected from the flames of war, and it was rare to develop and gradually become prosperous in this troubled world.

Xu had been at ease for too long, when the news that Jiangxia prefect Huang Zu was defeated and died in the battle with Sun Quan came to him, the 67-year-old Liu Biao was in a trance for a moment.Although there have been frictions with Jiangdong Sun's family this year, it is the first time that a prefect has been killed.Seeing this, Cai Mao, the younger brother of the stepwife Cai, the military advisor, stood up and said, "The most urgent task at this time is to choose a good general to go to Jiangxia to guard, and I hope the general will make a decision as soon as possible."

Dazed for a moment, Liu Biao nodded and said, "Degui (Cai Mao's word) is right." Then he turned his gaze to all the people in the hall, as if he wanted to find one of them to go to Jiangxia.

Liu Biao himself only wanted to be self-sufficient, and most of his subordinates were conservative and chatterers, so they were reluctant to leave Xiangyang, so they all bowed their heads in silence at the moment.Liu Biao looked around, and just when he felt it was difficult to make a decision, a clear voice sounded: "My child is willing to go."

Somewhat surprised, everyone's eyes instantly focused on the young man who stood up, only to find that it was Liu Biao's eldest son——Liu Qi.

A trace of surprise flashed in Liu Biao's eyes, and he asked, "Do you really want to go to Jiangxia?"

Liu Qi bowed and said, "Boy is willing to share father's worries."

Everyone's attention was focused on Liu Qi, and no one noticed the joy in Cai Mao's eyes. He stepped forward and said, "Jiangxia and Jiangdong are connected. This post of prefect is beyond the capabilities of ordinary people. The eldest son is a man of virtue and talent." Having both, and being connected with the blood of the general, he is really the best candidate."

Seeing what Cai Mao said, Liu Biao nodded, covered his lips and coughed a few times, and said, "That's it. Qi'er, you must be more careful."

Liu Qi nodded in agreement, secretly heaving a sigh of relief.On the other side, Cai Mao also had a smug smile on the corner of his mouth.

Back in the mansion, Liu Qi fell heavily on the floor, and finally... was about to leave this place... Thinking of his father doting on Cai's siblings, he couldn't help but sigh again.However, after thinking about it, at this moment, my own life is in danger, so what can I do?Thinking of this, Liu Qi felt extremely grateful to that young man named Zhuge Liang.

After the death of his biological mother, Liu Biao doted on Cai and his youngest son, Liu Cong.In addition, Cai Hao, Zhang Yun, etc. were all close to Liu Cong, Liu Qi gradually lost his father's favor, and couldn't help but began to worry that he would be framed. Therefore, when Liu Bei invited Zhuge Liang, he moved to seek advice from him.However, that person seemed to have scruples, always prevaricating.In desperation, I had no choice but to take the opportunity of visiting the garden to go up to the high-rise building with him, and then let someone remove the ladder, knelt down and said: "This place can't go up to the sky, and you can't go down to the ground. Er, do you still have any scruples and don't want to save Qi?"

Even though he was more than ten years younger than himself, he already had a mature and prudent appearance. He unhurriedly turned sideways to avoid his kneeling ceremony, and sighed softly, but what he said was still seemingly irrelevant words "Master, don't you know that Shen Sheng died inside, and Chong Er was saved because he was outside?" The words awakened the dreamer, and from then on, Liu Qi began to look for opportunities to leave Xiangyang.Huang Zu's death was truly a godsend.

Thinking of his elderly father, Liu Qi also sighed. This Jingzhou, I am afraid, will fall into the hands of Cai's mother and son sooner or later. I hope they can love the people like his father and protect this pure land in this troubled world.However... Liu Qi's brows frowned. He heard that there were some actions in the north today. Could it be that Cao Mengde wanted... and thinking of his father's neutral attitude all the time, Liu Qi could only pray secretly, hoping that it wasn't what he thought...

However, Liu Qi's thoughts were still a little naive.In June of the 13th year of Jian'an, Cao Cao paid homage to his prime minister.In July, Cao Jun marched southward, and the brigade marched aggressively to Jingzhou.In this campaign, generals such as General Zhang Liao, General Huwei, General Pingdi Zhang He, General Hengye Xu Huang, General Zhechong Lejin, General Polu General Li Dian, counselors such as Xun You, Jia Xu, and Chen Qun, the elite tigers among the elite Leopard Cavalry and Cao Pi brothers all followed the army to march south.

In the 13th year of Jian'an, Jing Chu was proud of Fuchen, and he ordered Yuan Si to travel with simplicity, and he wished to fight for Nanye.The boron of the Faling Drum is hidden, and the flag of Jianchang is fluttering; Xi, the completion of Weitianwang; passing through the old capital of Nanye, chatting about the festival and accepting it; following the old traces of the past, returning to the wind to grow long; the survivors of Zhenjiang and Han, the descendants of Jingnanji.

Before Cao's army arrived, there was already a tense atmosphere in Xiangyang City, but the reason was not because of preparations for war, but because Liu Biao, the shepherd of Jingzhou, was seriously ill and was dying.The Cai siblings are also rushing to take over the internal and external management of Jingzhou for Liu Cong. Fearing that the meeting between father and son will arouse family affection, they even block Liu Qi who came to visit him from the door on the grounds that guarding Jiangxia has a heavy responsibility and should not leave without authorization.Finally, in August, Liu Biao died of illness, and Liu Cong took over Jingzhou.

However, in a few days, according to Xun Yu's suggestion, Cao Jun, who took a shortcut with light clothes, arrived in Wancheng.Liu Cong, who had just succeeded him, was at a loss for a while, so he hurriedly called all his "confidants" to discuss countermeasures.Zhonglang Han Song, Zhangling Taishou Kuaiyue, and Dongcao Fu Xun all said: "Cao Jun is brave and good at fighting, and he came with the might of the sky. It is the best policy for us to surrender."

Liu Cong was still unwilling to reconcile: "I will combine all our strengths with you, can't we still keep the foundation left by my father and watch the world like my father?"

Fu Xun said: "Although we guard the land of a state, we are still ministers. Prime Minister Cao led the army here this time in the name of the emperor. We fought against the emperor as ministers, and we lost half in name. What's more, the general has just taken over Jingzhou, and the foundation is not stable. I'm afraid it will be difficult for the top and bottom to be united. Using such an army to fight against the imperial army is tantamount to hitting a stone with an egg. Although Liu Bei is stationed in Fancheng, it may be difficult to resist Cao's army. In this way, if there is a confrontation, We will be defeated." Seeing that Liu Cong was silent, Fu Xun continued, "Xun has the courage to ask the general: how does the general think he compares with Liu Bei?"

This time, Liu Cong quickly shook his head: "Uncle Huang is an outstanding person in the world, how can Cong compare?"

Fu Xun continued: "So, if Liu Bei can't stop Cao's army, it will be futile for us to use the power of the whole state; if Liu Bei succeeds in stopping Cao's army, will he continue to submit to the general? At that time, Jingzhou I'm afraid there will be a change of owner. I hope the general will make a decision soon."

Liu Cong's face changed obviously, he lowered his head again, and said, "Let me think about it first."

The next day, an envoy drove out of Xiangyang City carrying the Jingzhou Shepherd Talisman Festival bestowed by the imperial court.

At the same time, a piece of information was sent to Fancheng. After Liu Bei opened it and read it, his expression changed drastically. He hurriedly summoned his subordinates and said, "I never thought that Cao Cao would arrive in Wancheng so quickly. Go to Xiangyang and ask General Liu how to resist the enemy."

However, Liu Bei failed to wait for Liu Cong's invitation to come to discuss with him, but only waited for an official named Song Zhong under Liu Cong to come.From Song Zhong's mouth, Liu Bei knew that Liu Cong had sent an envoy to surrender to Cao Cao!

The next day, Liu Bei abandoned Fancheng and led his troops to retreat towards Xiakou.

At night, the last quarter moon drew a sharp blade-like arc in the air, and a slender figure walked out of Cao Ying quietly leading a horse.A patrolling general saw him, and hurriedly stepped forward and said, "Where is the Fourth Young Master going?"

Don't panic if you are discovered, Cao Zhi's young and handsome face showed a little irritability: "I can't sleep, so I will take a walk nearby."

Knowing that Cao Cao has always loved this child, and that the journey was going well, he expected that there would be no danger, so the general said: "Please be careful, Fourth Young Master, and don't go too far." After thinking about it, he added: "Whether Need the last general to send someone to follow?"

Cao Zhi waved his hand: "No need, I'll come back after a turn."

Bending should be, the general stepped out of the way.Cao Zhi didn't even look at him, he led the horse for a few steps, then jumped on the horse and trotted away.

After estimating that he was probably out of the general's sight, Cao Zhi waved his horsewhip and ran quickly, and soon he reached a high slope.Reining in the horse, Cao Zhi made sure that no one was around, then got off the horse, took out the incense paper money that he secretly prepared, set out three wine cups, took off the water bags beside the saddle, filled them with spirits one by one, and piled them up. Several small mounds, lit candles, began to burn incense and paper, and whispered something in their mouths.It looked like he was paying homage to someone.

After the paper money was burned out, Cao Zhi got up slowly, watched a wisp of green smoke rise slowly until it disappeared into nothingness, and was dazed for a while, seeing that the moon was already in the sky, he took the horse beside him to go, who As soon as Zhi turned around, he saw a person standing silently behind him, he was startled, and couldn't help but take a step back.After seeing the man's face clearly, he breathed a sigh of relief, patted his chest and said, "Second brother, why are you here? You scared me to death."

Looking at his younger brother who looked like a frightened rabbit, Cao Pi's eyes gradually moved to the ground where the incense candles were still stuck, and asked instead, "What are you doing sneaking out in the middle of the night without sleeping?"

Eyelashes drooping, Cao Zhi said with a bit of sadness: "Second Brother, have you forgotten? Today is the day that Dr. Kong abandoned the market."

When Cao Zhi said this, Cao Pi also remembered that before the expedition, the prime minister's military planner, Lu Cui, had made a memorial, and it was enumerated that Kong Rong, a doctor of the Taizhong, "gained disciples", "wanted to misbehave", and "slandered the court" , "failure to obey the rules" and other major crimes.Soon Kong Rong was imprisoned by the whole family and sentenced to Qiu Hou Wen's beheading, and today is the day of execution.

Seeing the sadness in Cao Zhi's eyes, Cao Pi sighed softly, stretched out his hand to take him into his arms, and patted him gently.

Burying his head in Cao Pi's shoulder, Cao Zhi continued: "Although I don't know much about court affairs, I also heard that Dr. Kong was known as filial piety since he was a child. Convinced. How could such a person plot evil?"