Although Liu Xie is not optimistic about Liu Bei's character, he has to admit at this time that this Liu Bei is indeed the number one person, and he can afford to put it down, and a big city like Shouchun will give it up when he says it, without blinking his eyes.

But how can outsiders know the helplessness in Liu Bei's heart, if he wants to make a comeback, it is far from enough to rely on a Shouchun City. And Shouchun is the place of four battles, and I don't know when the soldiers will come to the city. In order to accumulate strength and realize the agreement with his second brother Guan Yu as soon as possible, Liu Bei could only abandon the city.

The Central Plains is no longer for Liu Bei, and there are only three places to go, Hebei, Guanzhong, and Jingzhou. Among the three places, Liu Bei tended to go to Jingzhou, because there were more opportunities for Liu Bei to go there. Liu Bei chose to send people under the fence at this time, not because he was disheartened and wanted to keep to himself, but because he wanted the magpie's nest to occupy and make a comeback.

With only one Shouchun, Liu Bei asked himself if it was almost impossible to defeat Cao, Lu, and Sun. But if you want to develop, there is nowhere to develop in Shouchun, there are strong enemies on three sides, no matter which side comes to attack, it is enough for Liu Bei to drink a pot. If you want to make a comeback, the only way is to eat ready-made.

With the identity of the Han family, even if he goes to Guanzhong and cannot be reused, there is no problem in living a life without food and clothing, but that kind of life is not what Liu Bei wants. And going to Hebei, Yuan Shao has many strategists, Liu Bei's mind may not be able to play with those people, and Yuan Shao's three sons are all assisted, and it is not easy for Liu Bei to make friends and gain trust. Only Jingzhou, Jingwang Liu Biao is now old and has few days to live, and the eldest son of his second son is cowardly, and the second son is young.

In order to preserve his strength, Liu Bei asked Liu Pi and Gong Du to lead a part of the army to hide in the deep mountains and old forests to stand by, while he left Shouchun with Zhang Fei, Chen Zhi and thousands of men. Jian Yong, as his messenger, rushed to Xiangyang, Jingzhou non-stop, Jian Yong did not directly ask to see Liu Biao, but went to the mansion of Yi nationality first.

Yi couldn't help but be overjoyed when he saw Jian Yong, and hurriedly invited Jian Yong into the inner room. Jingzhou is calm on the surface, but there is constant secret fighting inside, and the reason lies in the question of who is the prince of Jingwang.

Liu Biao has two sons, the eldest son Liu Qi and the second son Liu Cong. Among them, Liu Qi was born before Liu Biao came to Jingzhou, and his mother had passed away, while Liu Cong was born after Liu Biao went to Jingzhou to marry Cai Mao's sister. Liu Qi is cowardly by nature, but this does not mean that he is willing to give up the position of the prince to Liu Cong. It's just that Liu Cong's mother family is the Cai family in Jingzhou, who holds the power of the Jingzhou Navy and the army, and the Kuai family, who is good friends with the Cai family, also has a good impression of Liu Cong.

However, the situation of Yi and others in Jingzhou is not very good, and the support they can give Liu Qi is extremely limited, so whether it is for their own future or hoping that Liu Qi will become the son, Yi is working hard to find supporters for Liu Qi. Originally, Yi was optimistic about Huang Zu, who was stationed in Jiangxia, and that was the third general in Jingzhou to hold the power of the navy in addition to Cai Mao and Zhang Yun. It's just a pity that this Huang Zu himself is not angry, and in an encounter with Sun Ce's army, he asked Sun Ce to cut off his head.

Yi Ji is not a nerd who only knows what to do, he knows very well that if he wants Liu Qi to become the prince, he must master part of the military power, even if it is not much, he must have his own soldiers and horses. Therefore, after Huang Zu was killed by Sun Ce, Yi immediately invited Liu Biao and sent Liu Qi to Jiangxia to stabilize people's hearts. Liu Biao didn't want to send Liu Qi there, this eldest son was cowardly by nature, and he was afraid that he wouldn't be able to suppress those arrogant generals in the army, but he couldn't bear the bitter begging of the Yi nationality, and Liu Biao didn't want the Jingzhou Navy to let Cai Mao's family dominate, so he agreed to the Yi nationality's request, and at the same time transferred his nephew Liu Pan to Liu Qi's side to assist.

Liu Pan is not as weak as Liu Qi, Liu Pan, who is full of fierce spirit, stood beside Liu Qi, and the soldiers left by Huang Zu immediately became honest. And when Yi was thinking about where to continue to support Liu Qila at home, Jian Yong came to the door.

Jian Yong represents Liu Bei, and Guan Yu and Zhang Fei under Liu Bei all have the courage of ten thousand people. Yi Ji didn't have the idea of fighting Liu Bei before, that was because Liu Bei's family had a big business, and it was impossible for him to defect to Liu Biao at all. But now, Liu Bei is down, the territory has been lost, not to mention, the second brother Guan Yu was also taken hostage and detained by Cao Cao.

Guessing that Jian Yong was coming, the Yi nationality didn't let Jian Yong talk about it at all, and promised that Jian Yong would say something for Liu Bei in front of Liu Surface. Yi Yuan thought that Liu Bei was now outnumbered, and after taking him in, he would not only be grateful to Liu Qi, but also prevent Cai Mao's control of Jingzhou's military power, and I believe that Liu Biao would not be willing to see Cai Mao's family dominant. Originally, Liu Biao supported Huang Zu and Cai Mao to compete for military power, but now that Huang Zu is gone, Liu Qi's prestige is not enough to compete with Cai Mao.

Liu Biao barely hesitated about the report of the Yi nationality, and immediately nodded and ordered the Yi nationality to go to meet Liu Bei, promising to hand over Wancheng to Liu Bei to raise troops. Wancheng is the gateway of Jingzhou, once Wancheng is lost, the northern part of Jingzhou can be said to be open to welcome visitors from all directions.

Giving such an important place to an outsider naturally aroused fierce opposition. Especially Cai Mao, he didn't approve of accepting Liu Bei, let alone handing over a military important place to Liu Bei. It's just that Liu Biao has a resolute attitude, and Cai Mao can only agree in the end. After leaving the palace, Cai Mao did not go home immediately, but went to his ancestral home.

"Father, the child has something to ask for." Cai Mao came to the door of the study and reported respectfully.

"It's Deju, come in." An old man's voice came from inside the room.

The old man's name is Cai Wei, Cai Mao's father, in Jingzhou, Cai Wei can be said to be highly respected, really about the relationship, he is Liu Biao's father-in-law, and his youngest daughter is married to Liu Biao.

Cai Wei is a famous person in Jingxiang, although his fame is not as great as Pang Degong and Sima Hui, he can learn, especially the vision of people, even higher than Pang Degong and Sima Hui. It's just that Cai Wei lives in a simple place and doesn't show up easily, so outsiders naturally don't know how powerful Cai Wei is. However, Cai Mao is not included in these people, but whenever she encounters something incomprehensible, Cai Mao will come to her father to solve her doubts as soon as possible.

This time is no exception!

After listening to Cai Mao's story, Cai Wei pondered slightly for a moment, and then said to Cai Mao: "De Qi, so the lord insists on handing over Wancheng to Liu Bei to raise soldiers?" ”

"Yes, the lord said that he could use Liu Bei's hand to resist the threat of Cao Cao in the north, but this reason also deceived Wen Ping's kind of fool, in the eyes of the child, this is still the lord's dissatisfaction with my Cai family."

"Huh...... It's gratifying for you to think of this. You are not wrong, since the death of Huang Zu, Liu Jingsheng has been much more wary of my Cai family than before. But you don't have to worry too much, as long as you have the Jingzhou Water Army, Liu Jingsheng will not dare to do anything to you, after all, this Jingzhou Water Army, he still needs my Cai family to control him. ”

"It's just a father, the child is worried that when Liu Bei comes, it may affect Cong'er becoming the son of the world. If that Liu Bei secretly supports Liu Qi'er......" Cai Mao said with some concern.

"Hmm...... Yes, but you don't have to worry too much. That Liu Bei is not a good type, if you want him to assist sincerely, Liu Jingsheng can't do it, and Liu Qi can't do it. Liu Jingsheng is willing to accept Liu Bei this time, I am afraid that he will lure the wolf into the house, and there will be endless troubles. ”

"Why does my father think so?" Cai Mao asked puzzled.

"De Jue, if you are in Liu Bei's situation at this time, you may cheer up like Liu Bei?" Cai asked slowly.

Cai Mao wanted to say yes, but in the face of her father, Cai Mao didn't want to tell a lie, and after thinking about it carefully, Cai Mao shook her head with a wry smile and said: "If the child experiences Liu Bei's experience, he may have cut himself off. ”

"Well, you don't tell lies, so that the father is very pleased. Only when a person recognizes himself clearly can he take the road he wants to take. De Jue, you and secretly observe that Liu Bei, neither get close to nor reject, a tenacious person like him will not be willing to be lonely, and he will definitely take action after stabilizing. ”

"Father, then my Cai family just ignores it?" Cai Mao frowned and asked.

"What are you anxious about? This Jingzhou is Liu Jingsheng's Jingzhou, not your Cai Dejun's Jingzhou. Didn't he, Liu Jingsheng, want to use Liu Bei to suppress you, Cai Deqi? Then let him Liu Jingsheng taste the evil consequences of luring the wolf into the house first. ”

"It's just a father, if Liu Bei is allowed to grow bigger, the child is worried that he will not be able to grow up in the future."

"Alas~ your child's vision is still a little worse. Maybe if you're really worried, it's better to find a way to send someone to show favor to Guanzhong and form a good fate first. ”

“…… Father, this is Jingzhou. ”

"Of course, my father knows that this is Jingzhou, but don't forget, this is also the territory of the Han Dynasty. The imperial court can crown Liu Jingsheng as the king, and then Liu Jingsheng can also be demoted to a commoner. ”

"Father, that's an exaggeration." Cai Mao didn't believe it.

"Humph! Whether it's an exaggeration for your father, you can see. However, De Jue, you have to remember that no matter when, the Cai family will never be the chaotic minister and thief, otherwise the father will not be blind even if he dies. Cai Yan became so frightened that Cai Mao hurriedly knelt down and swore: "Father, don't worry, the child is born a Han man, and he dies a Han ghost, but anyone who dares to rebel will be expelled from the family regardless of distance." ”

"Well, well, you must remember that. Dejue, I'm tired, go ahead. ”

"Yes, the child is gone, and the father is resting."

……

Cai Mao left the ancestral house, and on the way home, he was still thinking about his father Cai Wei's advice to him, in fact, his father's words also made sense, although Jingzhou is important to the Cai family, the Cai family can't invest all their capital in Liu Jingsheng. After all, Liu Jingsheng is old, in case there is an accident, and he makes another mistake when he assists his nephew to seize the throne, then the Cai family will be unlucky. It is indeed a good choice to arrange a way out early so that you can cope with all changes.

Who can be sent to establish ties with the imperial court? The most trusted people around him are Cai Zhong, Cai and the two younger brothers, but Cai Mao knows that these two brothers are really not the material for envoys, don't offend the court if you don't win the favor of the court at that time, then the gain outweighs the loss.

"Master, the little one has seen my uncle." The coachman outside the carriage suddenly whispered to Cai Maoyu.

When Cai Mao heard this, she hurriedly lifted the curtain, and sure enough, she saw Huang Chengyan coming out of the house. Cai Mao hurriedly ordered to stop, and then got out of the carriage and stopped Huang Chengyan and said, "Brother-in-law, where are you going?" ”

"Ah, Dejue, I'm looking for you."

"Hehe, brother-in-law, let's go in and talk." Cai Mao smiled and pulled Huang Chengyan into the house. After the guest and host were seated, Cai Mao asked Huang Chengyan what he came to him for. Huang Chengyan said with a smile: "I'm here to say goodbye to you, and I'm going to Chang'an in three days." ”

"Huh? Brother-in-law, why did you want to go to Chang'an? Cai Mao asked in confusion.

"Huh...... It's not that the kid from the Sima family can speak well, so I was also moved and wanted to go to Chang'an to have a look. Huang Chengyan replied with a smile.

Cai Mao knew who the Sima boy in Huang Chengyan's mouth was, this Sima Yi was born in the Sima family in Hanoi, and his father is now the governor of Jingzhao Mansion, and is deeply trusted by today's son, and his eldest brother Sima Lang is also an official in the court, serving as a free cavalry attendant. And Sima Yi himself is also rumored to have a close relationship with the Son of Heaven, and this time he came to Jingzhou to study with a letter written by the Son of Heaven.

Sima Yi is a potential stock, and having a relationship with the Sima family is only good for the Jingzhou family. Therefore, Sima Yi is very good at eating among the children of the Jingzhou family, and he himself is also good at making friends, not only being able to be like a brother to Pang Tong, who is known for his eccentric temperament, but also being able to mingle with Liu Pan and Wei Yan.

The only one who doesn't deal with Sima Yi very much may be Zhuge Liang of the Zhuge family. Both of them are disciples of Mr. Shuijing Sima Hui, and Zhuge Liang is considered Sima Yi's senior brother sooner or later, but Sima Yi is older than Zhuge Liang. However, Zhuge Liang is a person who pays great attention to the elders and young, and he naturally does not look at the "little junior brother" who has never taken himself seriously, and Sima Yi, who is younger than himself, is also not very pleasing to the eye.

Maybe it's the old enemy in fate, anyway, Sima Yi and Zhuge Liang don't deal with each other very much. It is common for each other to tear each other down, and it is even more common for each other to calculate each other. Just like this time when Liu Biao accepted Liu Bei, the two of them each expressed their opinions on this and had an argument about it. But as always, no one was convinced.

Zhuge Liang felt that Liu Bei was an indomitable hero, but Sima Yi thought that Liu Bei was a hypocrite who was good at disguise. Regarding the dispute between the two, Sima Hui strictly ordered that it should not be spread outside, otherwise it would definitely set off a storm in Jingzhou.

"That kid is a bit excessive, even if he wants to serve the court, he can't beat the idea of you, a great sage." Cai Mao said jokingly.

"Huh...... De Jue laughed, in fact, when he went to Chang'an, he was moved by Sima Yi's words, and he also wanted to avoid trouble. ”

"Huh?" Cai Mao was stunned when she heard this, and then she understood. Huang Chengyan was born in the Jiangxia Huang family, but because of Huang Zu before, Huang Chengyan's importance to the Huang family was naturally ranked below Huang Zu. Now that Huang Zu is dead, the Huang family needs a character who can handle it, so they think of Huang Chengyan.

But the problem is that the relationship between Huang Chengyan and the Huang family is not harmonious. At the beginning, Huang Chengyan met his daughter Huang Yueying's mother when he traveled the world, and the two fell in love at first sight and gave birth to Huang Yueying for life. But when Huang Chengyan returned to Jiangxia with his wife and daughter, he was opposed by the Huang family. Huang Yueying's mother came from a humble background, but Huang Chengyan was born in a famous family, how can a be a wife?

It was for such a reason that Huang Chengyan had to divorce Huang Yueying's mother. Later, he couldn't afford to fall ill, leaving the young Huang Yueying behind. Huang Chengyan, who got the news of his wife's death, regretted his cowardice at the beginning, refused the family affairs arranged by the Huang family, and left Jiangxia alone with his daughter Huang Yueying.

Over the years, the Jiangxia Huang family can be said to have ignored Huang Chengyan, but now when they are in trouble, they think of Huang Chengyan, Huang Chengyan also has a temper, how can he be willing to be summoned and come and go. However, for the sake of his daughter's future, Huang Chengyan did not make a decision on this matter, but only said that he would go to Chang'an first, and then consider becoming the head of the Huang family when he came back.

No matter how big the matter is, the Huang family does not dare to stop Huang Chengyan from going to Chang'an to meet the Son of Heaven, so they can only let him go, but for the sake of safety, the Huang family still sent Huang Zu's son Huang Jie to lead two hundred soldiers to escort him along the way in the name of protecting Huang Chengyan's safety. Huang Chengyan was noncommittal.

After listening to Huang Chengyan's explanation, Cai Mao said with a smile: "Brother-in-law, since your whole family is going to Guanzhong, I am afraid that you will not come back in a short time, how can you not go to my father to report it?" ”

"Well, I still know this bit of etiquette, and I'll go in a while."

"Don't, brother-in-law, I won't hide it from you, I just came back from my father, if you go now, I'm afraid it will disturb my father's rest, so it's better to go again tomorrow." You're not going to leave right away anyway, so it's not much of a difference if it's early or late. ”

"Hmm...... Okay, then I'll go back tomorrow. Huang Chengyan thought about it and felt that what Cai Mao said was also reasonable, his father-in-law Cai Mao was very old, since Cai Mao had just come back from him, there must be something to ask his father-in-law, and if he went again at this time, it was indeed possible to affect the rest of the old man's house.

After Huang Chengyan said goodbye and left, Cai Mao, who personally sent Huang Chengyan away and accompanied Huang Chengyan to the ancestral house tomorrow, immediately instructed his subordinates: "Hurry, prepare the car quickly, I want to go to my father immediately." ”

Not to mention that Cai Mao hurriedly went to her father Cai Yan to discuss important matters, and only said that Huang Chengyan went home. As soon as he arrived at the door, Huang Chengyan saw that Huang Jie was arguing with someone. And the people who quarreled with Huang Jie were Sima Yi and Pang Tong.

"Yellow shoot, stop! Hugh is rude! Huang Chengyan saw that Huang Jie was angry and ready to hit someone, so he hurriedly stepped forward to stop him.

"Huang Jie has seen Shibo." Huang Jian saw Huang Chengyan and hurriedly saluted.

"Well, these two are my little friends, and you must not be rude. Shiyuan, Zhongda, and talk with me as you enter. ”

"Mr. Huang, please first." Pang Tong and Sima Yi said with a smile.