Chapter 14 Chapter 14 The Pacifists

The eighty-one prefectures in Jiangdong, south of the Yangtze River, are now ruled by the grandson Ce, a trend-setter of the times.His army is strong and fertile, and his culture presents a vibrant and fresh atmosphere. The status of "little overlord Sun Lang" has been consolidated. He distributed the vital points of various places to the generals to guard them, gathered talents, and spread good governance.Soon he went to the imperial court to make friends with Cao Cao in the central government and start diplomatic activities. "It's been a long time since then!" After a long time, he sent a message to Yuan Shu in Huainan, where he once lived, and sent an envoy, saying: "The jade seal of Chuanguo that was stored in your place is a relic of the late father Sun Jian. Please return it this time." Of course, the soldiers and horses borrowed at that time will be returned ten times."

How was Yuan Shu's power at that time?With Huainan as the center, he gradually became stronger in Jiangsu and Anhui, and he had the ambition to dominate in his heart, so he devoted himself to expanding armaments and building city fortifications. "The reason why I asked you to come here for deliberation today is nothing else. Now Sun Ce suddenly said that he asked for the return of the Jade Seal of the Chuan Kingdom. How should I answer it? If you have any opinions on this, please speak up." On the same day, Yuan Shu asked more than 30 generals for advice. Headed by Chang Shi General Yang and Governor Zhang Xun, Ji Ling, Qiao Zeng, Lei Bo, Chen Jian and other important figures were all present.

"There's no need to seriously reply, it's okay to ignore it." A general said. The general on the second seat scolded again: "Sun Ce is an ungrateful man. Not only was he raised in the lord's house, but he also borrowed three thousand elite soldiers and five hundred horses. He never returned and has never been heard from. Today came the news , but asked for the return of what was stored. How rude!" "Yeah, yeah." Yuan Shu's expression brightened. All the ministers knew a little about Yuan Shu's ambition, and said in unison: "We should send troops to Jiangdong to punish the ungrateful!"

But General Yang objected, saying: "In order to crusade against Jiangdong, we must cross the danger of the Yangtze River. And Sun Ce's momentum is like the sunrise, and his morale is booming. Why don't you take a step forward, pay attention to the worries of the north, seek your own prosperity, and then attack the south leisurely, which is also for you." It's not too late." "That's right... Speaking of the worries of the neighbors in the north, it's Xiaopei's Liu Bei and Xuzhou's Lu Bu..." "Xiao Pei's Liu Bei has very little power, and it's easy to take down him. But Lu Bu is eyeing him, planning to drive them apart."

"How can we make them turn against each other?" "It's easy. But first, you need to give Lu Bu the 50,000 hu of military rations, 10,000 taels of gold and silver, horses, silks and satins that were agreed to in the main agreement..." "Okay, give it to him." Yuan Shu immediately adopted this opinion, "If Xiaopei and Xuzhou soon become our possessions, the price is worth it!" During the previous battle with Liu Bei, a large number of supplies such as grain, gold and silver, fabrics, and horses that were agreed to be given to Lu Bu but not given were quickly transported to Xuzhou.

In order to please Lu Bu. Then isolate Liu Bei, kill Liu Bei, and then check and balance Lu Bu.Needless to say, it was a ruse. Lu Bu is not so easy to deal with. "Oh, what is Yuan Shu's idea for sending such a huge treasure now?" Desire made him happy, but at the same time he became suspicious. "Chen Gong, what do you think?" "You can see through it at a glance." Chen Gong, his confidant, asked with a smile, "Yuan Shu wants to restrain the lord and go beat Liu Bei." "I think so. I feel the same way." "Liu Bei is in Xiaopei, he is an avant-garde to the lord, and there is no harm. On the contrary, if Yuan Shu stretches out his hand and Xiaopei becomes his sphere of influence, then not only will Xuzhou not be able to sit back and relax, but there will also be an alliance between him and the northern Taishan heroes. threat."

"It's not his fault." "Yes. You can't be fooled. You can accept what should be received, and you can just wait and see how the situation changes." After a few days. Sure enough, there is information. It is said that Huainan soldiers and horses are moving towards Xiaopei, and the momentum is like raging waves. It is said that under the command of Ji Ling, one of Yuan Shu's generals, 100,000 troops marched long distances to Xiaopei County. Of course, since the price had been paid before, the army marched without worrying about Lu Bu in Xuzhou. On the other hand, Xiaopei's Liu Xuande knew in his heart that there was no chance of winning after being attacked by this large army. First of all, there were not enough weapons, food and grass.

"Unforeseen disaster is imminent. Request emergency assistance!" Liu Bei dispatched a fast horse to Lu Bu. Lu Bu not only mobilized secretly to reinforce Xiaopei, but he also went out in person and came between the two armies.Faced with an unexpected situation, the Huainan army blamed Lu Bu for not keeping his word.General Ji Ling sent a fierce protest to Lu Buzhai. Lu Bu was in the splint, but he showed no embarrassment. I want to be fair, and neither Yuan Shu nor Liu Bei will resent me. Hearing Lu Bu talking to himself, Chen Gong doubted whether he had a good way to make a judgment, so he watched from the sidelines.

Lu Bu repaired two books. On the same day, he invited Ji Ling and Liu Bei to his village. Not far from Xiaopei County, Liu Bei led less than 5,000 soldiers and horses, and they were fighting.When Lu Bu's invitation was delivered, Liu Bei said "you must go" and got up to set off. Guan Yu categorically stopped him, saying: "Once Lu Bu has a different heart, what should we do?" "I have always been righteous and humble to him. Up to now, I have never done anything to make him suspicious. So he has no reason to harm me." Xuande said, raising his legs and walking away.

At this time Zhang Fei strode forward and said, "Despite what you say, we can't trust Lu Bu. Please slow down." "Zhang Fei, where do you want to go?!" "As long as Lu Bu leaves the city and stays in the stronghold, it's an accident of luck! I borrowed a few soldiers and horses, and suddenly attacked Lu Bu's army, beheaded that guy, and scattered Ji Ling's vanguard before returning. It would take less than two hours. " Compared with Lu Bu's invitation, Xuande was more afraid of Zhang Fei's bravery, so he said to the left and right: "Guan Yu, Sun Qian! Stop Zhang Fei quickly."

Zhang Fei was about to draw his sword and run, but was hugged by everyone and brought back. Guan Yu taught Zhang Fei a lesson: "Since you doubt Lu Bu so much, why don't you make up your mind to protect your brother and accompany you to Lu Bu's camp?" Zhang Fei spat, and said, "Just go! Who won't go?!" After speaking, he hurriedly got on his horse and followed Xuande. Guan Yu smiled wryly.Zhang Fei said: "What's so funny?! Didn't you say not to stop it?!" It was like a child quarreling. When he came to Lvbu village, Zhang Fei still had a straight face, without a smile, just like a burly mask, with only his eyes moving from side to side from time to time. Guan Yu was also not careless, standing behind Xuande. Soon, Lu Bu was seated. "Welcome, welcome." Saying hello is fine, and then Lu Bu said: "This time, I have spent a lot of effort to save you from danger. Please don't forget my kindness!" Zhang Fei and Guan Yu were full of anger.However, Xuande lowered his head and said: "I will never forget your kindness anyway. It is really sincere and frightening!" At this time, Lu Bu's retainers came to report, saying, "Huainan General Ji Ling is here!" "Oh, it's already here? Please hurry up." Lu Bu ordered lightly, his expression as if nothing had happened.But Xuande was shocked. Ji Ling is the general of the enemy army, and he is in the middle of the battle.Xuande hurriedly stood up and said: "It seems that you have guests, I will excuse you first." As Xuande said that, he wanted to leave the table to avoid it.Lu Bu held it down, and said, "No, no. Today I specially called you and Ji Ling together. Uh, I have something to discuss, please sit down!" Soon, Ji Ling seemed to be led outside the door as well. Ji Ling walked over while chatting with Lu Bu's retainers, and his bold laughter got closer and closer. "It's here." The accompanying warrior lifted the curtain of the gate of the village, and pointed to the pavilion road. As if nothing had happened, Ji Ling was about to enter the door when she said "Ah?...", her face changed drastically, and she stopped in her tracks. Xuande, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei. The three generals of the enemy were sitting on the mat in unison, Ji Ling couldn't help being surprised. Lu Bu turned his head, pointed to an empty seat, and said, "Come, please sit here!" But Ji Ling couldn't help but hesitate.Out of fear, he turned and went back out the door. "I called you here. Why are you so polite!" Lu Bu got up and went out, grabbing his elbow.Then stuff him into the cabinet like carrying a child.Ji Ling mourned: "Lu Gong, Lu Gong! I, Ji Ling, are to blame, but you want to kill me?!" Lu Bu chuckled and said, "There is no reason to kill you." "That's why he was recruited to plan to kill Xuande." "No, I don't want to kill Xuande either." "Since that's the case, what do you want to do?" "For both of you." "I don't understand. It's like being fascinated by a fox. Don't confuse people, please tell your true thoughts." "I really advocate peace. I used to be a peace-loving person. So I want you two to meet today to make a peaceful settlement. Do you want to say that my Lu Bu's ruling is not enough?!" Every true pacifist would be ashamed of him! It's okay for others to say this, but Lu Bu himself said, "I am a person who advocates peace."Such an appearance is really a rare thing these days. Of course, Ji Ling would not believe such a peace messenger.He was not so much amused as he was terrified by doubt. "You say you want to make peace, but what exactly is peace?" "To make peace means to stop fighting and make friends with each other. Don't you know?!" Ji Ling was dumbfounded. Regardless of his confusion, Lu Bu dragged him by the arm and led him to the seat. The scene gets weird. It was a cold scene.Ji Ling and Xuande are guests here, but they are enemies face to face on the battlefield. "..." "..." The two squinted at each other and sat upright, but there was nothing they could do. "Okay, let's sit side by side." Lu Bu invited Xuande to sit on his right side, and invited Ji Ling to sit on his left side. The feast begins. However, the wine is not sweet.Either side silently licks the rim of the glass. Soon, Lu Bu drank it all by himself, raised his glass high, and said, "Okay! It's done! The two sides have started friendly exchanges!" However, he was the only one who raised his hand. Even now, Ji Ling couldn't stay silent.With a face like he was about to kick over the dining table, he faced Lu Bu head-on, and said, "Don't be kidding me!" "What joke?" "Think about it! I was ordered by the emperor to lead a hundred thousand soldiers and horses. I was determined not to capture Xuande alive, so I came to the battlefield." "Know." "I don't know about the common people's fighting. But I can't withdraw my troops so simply. The day when I cease fighting, I either capture Xuande alive, or pick Xuande's head on the halberd." "..." Xuande had been listening silently, but Guan Yu and Zhang Fei standing behind them were already full of anger. Suddenly, Zhang Fei strode forward from behind Guan Yu, stomped the floor until it creaked, and said, "Stop talking nonsense! Ji Ling! Come out! I don't say anything, but you are arrogant and arrogant. We waited for Liu Xuande and his ministers once We swear together that although the force is small, it is different from the power of maggots and locusts like you. Back then, we beat millions of yellow turban thieves to death with only a few hundred people. Don’t you know? You dare to chew your tongue again and never let you go you!" The way Zhang Fei almost drew his sword and rushed forward surprised Guan Yu.He hugged Zhang Fei and said, "Don't act arrogant alone! You always act arrogantly alone first, and I don't even have a place to stand out." "I hate smug lip service the most. Hey, Ji Ling! The battlefield doesn't matter where you are. If you want my big brother's head so much, just try it!" "Hey, didn't I tell you to wait! Lu Bu seems to have some ideas. You can wait and see how the situation develops like the big brother, and see how Lu Bu handles it." Zhang Fei said: "No. I also have a problem with that Lu Bu! If it's not good, no matter whether he is Lu Bu or whoever it is, I will never show mercy!" He was full of anger, his beard was erect, his mouth was wide open, showing his white teeth. Ji Ling couldn't back down from Zhang Fei's challenge. "You idiot!" Ji Lingfei flashed his sword. Lu Bu stared at both sides, shouted loudly: "It's really noisy. Stop it!" Then he shouted behind him, "Come on!" Lu Bu commanded sharply to the retainers running over, "Bring me my halberd! That Fang Tian painted halberd!" The ready-made peace is not easy to get, and Lu Bu showed his angry nature on the spot.Once he gets angry, he doesn't know what to do.Ji Ling was terrified, and Xuande also held his breath. "What is he going to do?" Everyone looked at Lu Bu. Fang Tian handed the halberd to Lu Bu.While holding the halberd, he stared at the four, and said, "It is not me who called the two parties to make peace today, it is the order of heaven. Regarding this, if you mix selfishness and make irresponsible remarks, it is against the order of heaven." Sure enough, he still hasn't taken off his masquerade as a solemn messenger of peace. Lu Bu suddenly had an idea, and as soon as he finished speaking, he rushed out of the pavilion, rushed to the distant gate in one breath, stuck the painting halberd upside down on the ground, and turned back. Then he said: "Look, there is exactly one hundred and fifty steps between here and Yuanmen." Everyone turned their eyes to the place where his finger was pointing, feeling suspicious in their hearts, wondering why he stood the halberd there. "Okay! I'll shoot an arrow at the tip of the halberd from here. If I hit it neatly, I will obey the destiny of heaven and make peace with you. If you miss, maybe it is God's will to let you fight again. Then I will stop and stop interfering. You can continue fighting as you like." Bizarre proposal! Ji Ling thought it was impossible to shoot, and agreed. Xuande could only say: "Let it be dealt with by you." "Then have another drink." Lu Bu returned to his seat, persuaded him to drink again, and looked at the painted halberd in the distance, and drank the wine.After a while, his face flushed, showing drunkenness. "Bring the bow!" Lu Bu shouted to his retainers. When he came to the pavilion, Lu Bu knelt down on one knee. The bow is small. Mi - or full bow, in the shape of a half bow.Because a thin metal plate is pasted on the catalpa bow and wrapped tightly with a paint tape, the strength of the bow is stronger than that of a strong bow. "..." Boom! The string returns to its original position.The off-string arrow sounded like a flute in the wind, drew an arc, emitted a bright shimmer, and flew away.There was a clanging sound in the distance, sparks burst from the tip of the halberd, the arrow shattered, and the shaft broke into three pieces. "I'm hitting—" Lu Bu threw his bow, returned to the table, turned to Ji Ling, and said, "Okay, it's agreed. Please accept the order of heaven immediately. What? Can't explain to the master? No, no. I will send a letter to Yuan Shu, saying that you are innocent .” After driving Ji Ling back, Lu Bu proudly said to Xuande, "How about it? If I don't save you, even if you have two more virtuous brothers around you, they will be wiped out this time." Xuande knew that he was showing kindness, but he still thanked him and said, "I will never forget the kindness today!" After a while, he returned to Xiaopei.