Gan Ning, Shen Mi, and Lou Fa led the headquarters of 800 sturdy people, responsible for intercepting and killing He Yi, He Man, Huang Shao, Liu Pi, and Gong Du.

The five of them came out of the north gate, with more than a hundred guards who could ride horses.

In the Han Dynasty, there was a pavilion in ten miles, and there were many rural gatherings around the pavilion.

This sunset gathering is twenty miles northeast of Wancheng, and twenty miles to the north is Xi'e County.

From Wancheng to Sunset, along the way, the post road will pass by two pavilions, and when they came to the first pavilion, they saw from a distance that there were already people waiting for them on the side of the road.

The crowd wore brocade robes and bird feathers on their heads, and their physiques were extremely strong and powerful, numbering two or three hundred, and blocked the entire road.

Seeing this, He Yi and the others immediately stopped, and they quickly realized that this was someone sent by Zhang Xiu.

Before they dared to go to Wancheng, first, they were forced by Cao Cao and had to find a way out. The second is that they thought that Zhang Xiu's strength was not strong, and they should not dare to offend them, so they dared to enter the city generously.

More importantly, they thought that since there were so many Yellow Turban leaders here, if they did it directly in the city, it would inevitably cause the entire Nanyang Yellow Turbans and their subordinates to revolt, and when the time came, hundreds of thousands of Yellow Turbans would break through Wancheng, and Zhang Xiu would be dead.

However, they really didn't think too carefully, Zhang Xiu couldn't kill them in the city, the main reason was not that he was afraid that killing them would cause the Yellow Turban to rebound, but that Liu Biao would be suspicious of him, and that he would swallow the Yellow Turban to strengthen himself.

Therefore, the task of dealing with the follow-up matters cannot be handed over to Zhang Xiu, but should be handed over to Liu Biao's subordinates, and at this time Zhang Xiu can only watch from the city, and it is impossible to go out of the city to trouble them.

"What should I do?"

Several people looked at each other, it seems that this embroidery is not a good stubble, I am afraid that I have already thought about annexing them.

"Let's go."

He Yi did not hesitate to point to the road in the northwest direction and said: "Go over there, scatter and escape, as long as one person runs back to report the news, the army will break Wancheng." ”

"Rush!"

The other people were also unambiguous, and they fled immediately.

But soon they despaired.

At the end of the northwest road, a large group of cavalry slowly appeared, not only in the northwest, but also in the direction from which they came.

To the east is the Shushui River, and the waves are rolling, and if you jump into it, you will be drowned.

The surrounding wilderness is mostly farmland, and the horses' hooves are stuck in it and they can't run far, and in desperation, they can only choose to fight to the death.

It's a pity that the battle ended quickly.

When Gan Ning chopped off He Man and Huang Shao's heads with two knives, He Yi and Liu Pigong all surrendered.

It was only when He Yi, Liu Pi, Gong Du and others were escorted back to the headquarters of the Wenpin Army by Gan Ning that they reacted.

It wasn't Zhang Xiu who recruited them at all, but Liu Biao!

But at this point, it's too late to regret it.

The next thing went too smoothly, with the orders of He Yi, Liu Pi, Gong Du and He Man, Huang Shao's head, forcing more than 100,000 yellow turbans in Yingchuan Runan to surrender.

As for the other Nanyang yellow scarves, they were mostly deceived by Zhang Xiu to come down the mountain, and then what awaited them was to be disarmed and captured by Liu Biao's army.

Since then, the Nanyang Yellow Turbans and even the original Yingchuan Runan's larger Yellow Turban forces have been swallowed up by Liu Biao.

Liu Biao did his best, and according to the previous tuntian system, he disrupted and scattered and relocated to various counties, resettled the land on the spot, and carried out centralized management, which was controlled by the army of Wen Ping and Zhang Yun.

According to later statistics, the number of yellow turbans obtained this time was about 60,000 or 70,000 households, and the total population reached more than 300,000, of which about 50,000 were strong and strong.

After eliminating the old and weak, the soldiers got about 10,000 elites, all of which were added to the team of Wen Ping and Zhang Yun.

The rest of the population, in family units, is dispersed.

However, Liu Biao did not treat Zhang Xiu badly, he took seventy percent of it, that is, almost more than 200,000 dingkou, and placed it in his own territory, and even Nanjun distributed a lot.

The remaining more than 100,000 elderly and infirm women and children have been resettled in Xinye County, Huyang County and Chaoyang County.

Because these three places are the rear of Zhang Xiu's territory, according to his agreement with Liu Biao, he commands more than ten cities around Wancheng, and he can appoint county commanders by himself to take care of his own profits and losses, and there is no need for Liu Biao to transport grain and grass in the future.

From last year's Tuntian to the present, the food and clothing of the victims in Guanzhong have been solved, and Xiangyang has also harvested millions of stones of grain and grass, earning a lot of money.

For a time, the grain prices in Jingzhou were much lower, and now they have more than 200,000 Dingkou of Nanyang Yellow Turbans, and they have obtained their baggage, ploughing cattle, farm tools, grain and grass.

Liu Biao sent Deng Hong to take full responsibility for relocating all these people to his own territory, so that together with the victims from Guanzhong, Henan and other places, from the year before last, that is, in 194 AD, to now, in just two years, the population of Jingzhou has increased by more than 100,000 households, about 6.7 million people.

By April, Deng Hong was very busy, and with the help of Shen Chen and some relatives from Huangmen Pavilion, he finally completed all the tasks, disrupted the surrendered Yellow Turban Army in the distribution of land and resources, and used his power for personal gain to do a lot of bad things.

For example, Wen Ping and Zhang Yun need to replenish the soldiers, and their goal is of course the young and strong in the Yellow Turban Army, just like Cao Cao selected 50,000 or 60,000 elite people among the millions of Yellow Turbans in Qingzhou to form the Qingzhou Army, they also have to choose the best.

However, in the process of selection, Deng Hong was required to first make an inventory and compile a household register. There is room for manipulation here, and all the most elite parts are assigned to Gan Ning's command.

As a result, in this battle, Gan Ning not only killed two thieves and made great contributions, but also replenished the troops, and there were 2,000 more soldiers under his command.

After the matter was dealt with, Deng Hong returned to Xiangyang to report to Liu Biao.

When Liu Biao learned that Deng Hong had returned, he specially opened a separate banquet, only calling Kuai Liang and Zhuge Xuan, not in the outer hall, but in the relatively small backyard pavilion.

This is also half a family feast.

The Kuai family and the Cai family are in-laws, Liu Biao married Mrs. Cai, Deng Hong's wife is Mrs. Cai's niece, Zhuge Xuan married one of his two nieces to Pang Shi and one to Kuai, and he himself is very good friends with Deng Hong, and the relationship is very close.

Several people sit in the pavilion, the fourth month of the lunar calendar is equivalent to the fifth month of the Gregorian calendar in the future, since the beginning of summer, the climate of Jingzhou is quite cool, the courtyards are green and towering, and the frogs in the pond are cooing.

After the servant poured wine for everyone, Liu Biaocai raised his wine glass with a smile and said: "These days, officials of all sizes in Jingzhou have written to congratulate me, these are the merits of Youshuo." ”

Deng Hong said modestly: "This is all because Ming Gong is in the rear, winning more than invisible, Hong just did a little thing, not worthy of boasting." ”

"Young people are humble."

Liu Biao laughed and said: "This battle did not cost a single soldier, but recruited more than 200,000 people of Nanyang Yellow Turbans, and obtained a large amount of grain and grass, and the troops were replenished by more than 10,000 people, which is a great achievement." ”

"yes." Zhuge Xuan also smiled: "The yellow scarves around Nanyang have been a troublesome thing, because they are as many as cow hairs, it was difficult to surrender or exterminate them before, but I didn't expect that this time it was said by Youshuo to move Zhang Xiu, and cut them off from their roots, which is not bad." ”

Deng Hong hurriedly said: "If it weren't for Ming Gong's consent, it wouldn't have been possible this time." What's more, this method is also the method I came up with when I learned that Ming Gong swept away the thieves in Jingzhou, it was all the idea of Ming Gong and Mr. Zirou, Hong is just a kind of example. ”

He didn't actually have any political acumen, but Deng Hong only remembered the two sentences Shen Chen said. After marrying Cai, he was already invincible. If you make meritorious service in the future, you must put all the credit on Liu Biao.

The former is to let the leader treat him as his own, and the latter is to let the leader have a light on his face. In this way, no matter what merit he makes, Liu Biao will feel that his relatives, that is, his own people, will not be suspicious.

The old Liu family still has a tradition at this point, like Cai Mao and Kuai Yue both hold the power of Jingzhou, and even they can interfere in the affairs of Liu Biao's heirs and change them at will, such as Zhao Gao Li Si.

What if you change it to Cao Cao?

Later, Cao Pi and Cao Zhi competed, and Jia Xu carefully used Yuan Shao's example to persuade Cao Cao not to abolish Chang Liyu, and the result was how many Cao Zhi's henchmen did Cao Cao kill?

In contrast, the old Liu family is still very tolerant of his cronies, and even if they interfere in the issue of establishing an heir, they will not be too harsh.

Liu is very comfortable, as soon as Deng Hong pushes all the credit on his head, as if he is the leader behind him, the world will think that he is very clever, so as to ignore Deng Hong's role in it, and his reputation will naturally be higher.

Second, Deng Hong is now a relative.

Speaking of which, Deng Hong has to call him an uncle, how to look at it after becoming his own family.

Thinking of this, Liu Biao also said: "Youshuo, no matter what, you have made a great contribution to this matter, this year, Jingzhou has expanded a lot whether it is grain or Dingkou, the treasury is full, and the soldiers and horses are strong, all of which have your share of credit, what do you want, just ask." ”

Deng Hong immediately said: "The Hong clan migrated from Xuzhou, there were many casualties along the way, the future of the clan is unknown, it is thanks to the Ming Gong to take in the survivors, this is all to repay the kindness of the Ming Gong, where can I expect any reward?" ”

Liu Biao said with a smile: "If you have merit but no reward, how can you convince the public?" Is it because you want me to be infamy? ”

"Don't dare, don't dare."

Deng Hong said busily.

Then he lowered his head and pondered for a moment, and then said: "Hong actually doesn't care about the size of his official position, but hopes that Jingzhou is safe, if there is chaos today, Jingzhou needs brave people to guard the Han land for Ming Gong, so Hong wants to recommend someone to Ming Gong." ”

"Oh?"

Liu Biao asked curiously, "Who do you want to recommend?" ”

"Back to Ming Gong, I passed by Fancheng the year before last and met Sima Ganning, who was guarding the city gate at that time, because of my similar interests, I became friends."

Deng Hong said: "I found that this person is not only from a big family in Bajun, but also reads and learns words very well. And he is brave and good at fighting, bravely crowning the three armies, and is a rare talent. This time, he was able to easily pacify the Yellow Turban, also because he single-handedly killed the Yellow Turban leader He Man and Huang Shao, and forced He Yi and Liu Pi Gong Du to surrender, which shows his bravery. Hong was unwilling to let such talents be buried, so he dared to recommend Ming Gong. ”

"Gan Ning?"

Liu Biao thought for a while before he tentatively asked Kuai Liangdao: "Is it the Gan Ning who betrayed Liu Zhang a few years ago?" ”

Kuai Liang replied, "Yes." ”

"That's right."

Liu Biao thought for a moment, nodded and said, "He has a lot of credit for this battle?" ”

"Great credit."

Deng Hong replied.

"He was in Fancheng before? Zhang Yun is a military horse? ”

"Yes."

"Then let's be promoted to lieutenant."

Liu Biao said: "Huyang guard general Deng Ji was defeated this time and removed him for Gan Ning. ”

"Thank you, Ming Gong."

Deng Hong was overjoyed.

Although Huangmenting belongs to Xinye, this is because it is located north of the Shahe River.

To the south of the Shahe River is Huyang Jingyang Pavilion, so it is actually closer to Huyang.

It takes more than 50 miles from Huangmen Pavilion to Xinye County, and it only takes more than 40 miles to go to Huyang County.

Therefore, Gan Ning is stationed in Huyang, which must be a good thing for Huangmen Pavilion.

And more importantly, he fulfilled his promise to Gan Ning, helping him to rise across classes.

The generals under Liu Biao were divided into three grades.

The first gear is Cai Mao, Zhang Yun, and Huang Zu, all of whom are generals of one side, with high positions and powers, and they control tens of thousands of soldiers and horses.

The second gear is Han Xi, Wen Ping, Lu Jie, Liu Pan, etc., although the power is not as big as Cai Mao, Zhang Yun and Huang Zu, but they are also considered senior generals.

The third tier is Zhang Hu, Chen Sheng, Su Fei, Deng Long, Zhang Shuo, Deng Ji, Huang Zhong, Liu Wei, Wang Jie, etc., which belong to middle-level generals.

In the past, Gan Ning, Huo Du and others could only be regarded as middle- and lower-level officers.

Now that he is directly promoted to lieutenant, he is considered a middle-level general, although he is still under the jurisdiction of senior generals, but he already has a certain degree of freedom.

For example, the original Deng Ji was the Huyang guard, and the current Huang Zhong was the Youxian guard, who could guard a county seat alone.

Therefore, to a certain extent, Gan Ning has gotten rid of the embarrassment of being controlled by Zhang Yun and having nowhere to vent his strength, and can be a little bully in Huyang.

After recommending Gan Ning to Liu Biao, Deng Hong told Liu Biao that he wanted to go to Wancheng again and persuaded Zhang Xiu not to touch the officials sent by Jingzhou, the city around Wancheng.

Liu Biao was puzzled.

Deng Hong told him.

This is done to facilitate Liu Biao to learn about Zhang Xiu's situation indirectly through these officials, and secondly, it is also for the sake of people's livelihood.

After all, Zhang Xiu was born in the army, and there are not many capable officials under him, if he changes officials at will and sends those subordinate generals who do not know how to govern to serve as county commanders, it will cause big problems in the county.

So although these cities have been assigned to Zhang Xiu, it is best not to move if you can, whether it is for Liu Biao or Zhang Xiu, it is a good thing.

Liu Biao listened to Deng Hong's analysis and also thought that this was a win-win situation, so he also nodded and agreed with Deng Hong's idea.

Soon the banquet ended in laughter.

In order to make up for Deng Hong, Liu Biao not only promised him a few ideas and conditions, but also rewarded him with a lot of gold, silver, silk and other property.

After the banquet was over, Deng Hong and Zhuge Xuan said goodbye and left, and Liu Biao left Kuai Liang behind to discuss something.

"Zirou, what do you think about this matter?"

waited until Deng Hong and them left, watching their backs disappear into the corridor, Liu Biao asked Kuai Liang.

Kuai Liang pondered for a long time, and said softly: "Deng Youshuo..... It's selfish. ”

"You see that, too?" Liu Biao said with a smile.

"Hmm."

Kuai Liang nodded: "I heard that a few days ago, Zhang Xiu promoted Wang Yi, the commander of Xinye County, to Nanyang County, and replaced Deng Mao with the county commander. ”

"Selfishness is selfishness, but his lion's head is still occupied by my Jingzhou, how many points can Huangmen Pavilion get?"

Liu Biao raised his wine glass, squinted his eyes and said, "As long as he is working for me, if he is selfish, he will have selfishness, who can not be selfish?" I said yes. ”

Kuai Liang glanced at him, and both of them laughed.