Zhang Wu 4th year, February.

Liu Bei used the cold weather as the reason that the water dried up, and ordered Liu Feng to abandon the land where the merchant was located, and moved the citizens of Shangluo County to Hannan and Xiangyang counties.

After Liu Feng received the edict, he was brave and fierce, and he thought that the weather was cold, and the Wei army did not dare to enter the discussion. Liu Bei, if the Wei army advances, he is willing to stick to the city and wait for the Jiang and Han soldiers to come to help.

After being sparse, Liu Bei issued another edict, which was particularly harsh and forced Liu Feng to return to the south.

Under Liu Bei's compulsory edict, Liu Feng began to slowly organize the relocation.

At the same time, Cao Zhen, Xiahou Shang, and Zhang He were ordered by Cao Pi to send troops to recruit Liu Feng. Cao Zhen sent Fei Yao out of Lantian, Zhang He out of Hongnong, and Xiahou Shang attacked Wuguan.

Liu Feng led his troops and horses to meet Xiahou Shang, but was unexpectedly stolen by Zhang He. Liu Feng's army was in turmoil, and Xiahou Shang took advantage of the situation to advance, defeated Liu Feng's army, and captured Wuguan.

Liu Feng, who was defeated and lost his land, abandoned the army and civilians, and led dozens of horsemen to flee south from Danshui.

Halfway through, Liu Feng met Liao Hua and led the soldiers of Hannan County to help, and Liu Feng forced Liao Hua to recapture Shangluo with him. Liao Hua's confidant was weak and flatly rejected Liu Feng's request.

Liu Feng was furious and wanted to seize Liaohua's military power. Then Lu Meng interrupted Liu Feng's plan.

The plan failed, and Liu Feng had no choice but to obediently return to Beijing from Hanbei and ask Liu Bei for the crime of losing his army.

Wuhan Palace, Hall of Parliament.

Liu Bei was annoyed and accused: "The edict was issued last month, so that you can move the people south as soon as possible." However, you are proud and courageous, and you refuse to obey the edict. If from the beginning of the order, even if you don't move to the people, you can still lead the army to return to the south, why is there today's defeat? ”

Liu Feng knelt on the ground and said stiffly: "Your Majesty, if it weren't for Liao Hua and Lu Meng leading their troops late, Shangluo would probably still be in the hands of our army." ”

Hearing this, Liu Bei threw the song written by Lu Meng in front of Liu Feng, and said angrily: "Shangluo County is lost, and the five thousand soldiers surrender because of you." Led the remnants of the army to flee to Danshui, if there is no Liaohua to lead the troops to respond, I am afraid that your life is gone, how dare you bully the general now? ”

How much Liu Bei values Liu Feng, how angry he is now.

At the beginning, although Liu Bei had interests, he accepted Liu Feng as his son. But after getting along for a long time, Liu Bei has regarded Liu Feng as his own heir, otherwise he would not continue to cultivate Liu Feng.

At the beginning of the founding of the country, Liu Bei had the idea of making Liu Feng a duke, but due to Guan Yu's dissuasion, Liu Bei temporarily dispelled the idea and changed his title to Hou.

In recent years, as Liu Bei has grown older, thinking of Liu Feng's relationship with him, he once again had the idea of making Liu Feng a prince. and valued Liu Feng's bravery, and wanted to stay to assist Liu Chan. Therefore, after the Northern Expedition, Liu Bei worshiped Liu Feng as the general of Zhenxi, led the history of Sizhou Assassin, and ran Shangluo County.

At the moment, due to Liu Feng's own blindness, the Southern Han Dynasty not only lost the people of Shangluo County, but also lost 5,000 elite cavalry. Fortunately, the Southern Han family had a great cause, and Liu Bei was still able to endure losses.

But after Liu Feng's defeat in the army, he blamed Liao Hua; Concealing the facts and biting Lu and Liao made it difficult for Liu Bei to accept.

"This~"

Seeing that Lu Meng took the lead in impeaching himself, Liu Feng was angry, but he was afraid of Liu Bei's scolding, bowed his head and accused: "The son is careless and careless, and I hope to ask my father to blame." As for bullying the general, it was because his sons lost their land and the army was defeated, and he was afraid of failing the great responsibility entrusted by his father, so he wanted to entangle the Jianghan soldiers and horses, and wanted to go north to recapture Shangluo. ”

Seeing this, Zhuge Liang, who was sitting in the second seat, frowned, and couldn't help but speed up the speed of his hand stroking the fan, and thought secretly: "Liu Feng has a strong temperament, and he can't obey His Majesty's edict yet." If His Majesty dies and the slave ascends to the throne, won't it be difficult to control it in the future! ”

"You~"

"How can a soldier's major affairs be done based on his preference for blood?"

"If you don't obey the edict and suffer this defeat today, you are really to blame!"

After Liu Bei vented his temper, he waved his hand, sighed and said, "From now on, I will return to the mansion and think about it, and I will not leave the mansion without an edict." ”

"No!"

As Liu Feng confessed and left the hall, Liu Bei rubbed his temples and sat back on the couch.

Although Liu Feng returned from defeat today, Liu Bei planned to punish Liu Feng, but decided to reprimand, impose a small punishment, and go back to reflect for a while.

"Kong Ming?"

"Bright on!"

Liu Bei rubbed his temples lightly and asked, "Feng'er was defeated, what should I do?" ”

Zhuge Liang hesitated for a long time and said: "If you are guilty of defeat, you can be demoted and demoted." However, if you are concerned about what is behind Your Majesty, it is better to reduce the sin and get rid of it. ”

"Excepted?"

Hearing this, Liu Bei's spirit was suddenly shocked, and he couldn't believe it and asked, "Why did Kong Ming say this?" Although Feng'er was defeated and lost the people, the crime did not end there! ”

Zhuge Liang was reluctant to say it explicitly, but considering the pattern after Liu Bei's death, he asked: "Liang dares to ask Your Majesty if he is worried about what happened after his death?" ”

"How can you be worry-free!"

There were no outsiders left and right, Liu Bei confided truthfully, and said: "I have two in my sixties, and since Yun Chang left, my body energy has gradually faded, and I am already in my twilight years. Last year's Northern Expedition has lived up to its former bravery. The reason why Feng'er is allowed to go to Luo in the town today is to keep it for the purpose of sending slaves. However, how could he expect that Feng'er would not obey the edict and lose the city. ”

After Guan Yu's death, Liu Bei's energy became weaker and weaker. After experiencing the Northern Expedition and Fa Zheng's death, Liu Bei suddenly became much older.

Sensing that his life was gradually passing, Liu Bei no longer thought about the Northern Expedition in the short term, but wanted to shift his focus to domestic governance to pave the way for Liu Chan's ascension.

As he said, Liu Feng wanted to leave Liu Chan as an auxiliary minister and play the role of Cao Zhen in Cao Wei, after all, Liu Beike knew the pain of having no clan to use.

"Your Majesty!"

Zhuge Liang hesitated a little, and arched his hand and said: "Forgive Liang for the courage to commit a crime, and talk about the matter of the young general for Your Majesty." ”

"With the love of the king and me, but it doesn't hurt to say!"

"The young general often thinks that he is the son of His Majesty, and he is not inferior to his generals. Today's defeat is small, and the recklessness is big. His Majesty wants to make the Major General an assistant to the government, as a full brother. However, His Majesty is alive, and the major general has not yet obeyed the edict. After the change of world, how did the prince control it? ”

Zhuge Liang pointed out the flaws of Liu Bei's idea, Liu Bei wanted to use Liu Feng as Cao Zhen, but Liu Feng's positioning was not clear about himself, and he was destined to become Cao Zhen.

Liu Feng relied on himself as Liu Bei's son and bullied the generals in the army. Now Liu Bei is still able to manage Liu Feng in the world, but after Liu Bei died, how could Liu Feng obediently listen to Liu Chan's orders. If he was under the influence of careerists, Liu Feng might not have launched a mutiny.

Listening to Zhuge Liang's analysis, Liu Bei fell silent.

After half a ring, Liu Bei said bitterly: "Kong Ming, Feng'er is for my son, and the tiger poison has no idea of eating children, let alone me?" ”

"After Yi Shi, the crown prince succeeded to the throne, Liu Fenggang was fierce and rebellious, I am afraid that no one can control it!" Zhuge Liang said worriedly.

"The slave can't be sealed, and the king and Zhong Miao can't be controlled?" Liu Bei asked rhetorically.

As soon as he finished speaking, Liu Bei realized his own problem, and the courtiers were afraid that it would not be easy to be criticized by the outside world for punishing the clansmen. Zhuge Liang is good, but Huo Jun's identity is extremely embarrassing.

And no matter who solves Liu Feng, Liu Chan, as the monarch, will have the reputation of killing his brother, which will not be conducive to Liu Chan's governance of the Southern Han Dynasty. Now Zhuge Liang, in order to prevent Liu Feng from influencing Liu Chan, he must advise Liu Bei to solve Liu Feng's potential threat.

Zhuge Liang held the fan and arched his hand and said: "Your Majesty does not think about the prince, but also for the great cause of the Han family." The young general has a strong temperament, and he is afraid of future troubles, so he hopes that His Majesty will make a clear decision. ”

"Is it for Hanye's big business?"

Liu Bei chattered, still unbearable in his heart, and his expression was hesitant.

Seeing Liu Bei like this, Zhuge Liang is not good at persuading more, and the courtiers persuade the monarch to kill his son, I am afraid that such a thing is rare in the world.

In fact, if it weren't for the consideration of the Han family and the worry of Liu Chan, Zhuge Liang really didn't want to do such a thing. Or that Liu Feng acted in a low-key manner, following Cao Zhen's example, learning to avoid suspicion, and having a better temperament, Zhuge Liang would not persuade Liu Bei to do so.

Of course, if Liu Bei was in the prime of life, rather than the twilight of a strong man, Zhuge Liang would not have suggested that Liu Bei take action to solve Liu Feng.

Liu Bei sighed and said, "Half a month later, I want to take the queen to the east to tour Jianghuai. The crown prince stays in the capital to supervise the country, and all matters big and small are decided by Kong Ming! ”

"No!"

Zhuge Liang instantly understood Liu Bei's meaning, in order not to make himself sad, Liu Bei was ready to hide in Jianghuai, and let Zhuge Liang take care of the affairs of the Jingshi himself, including Liu Feng's disposal.

Of course, Liu Bei also left himself a buffer time of half a month, so that he could think carefully about whether Liu Feng should die.

After explaining, Liu Bei was about to get up from the couch.

"Your Majesty, the minister has something to report!" Zhuge Liang called out to Liu Bei and said.

"What?"

Zhuge Liang got up and arched his hand and said: "Since Mi Du supervised Nanzhong, the Mi family has suddenly become rich, with more than 10,000 servants and hundreds of millions of goods. Today, Mi Nanzhong returned to Beijing to report on his work, and more than 1,000 people came and went in and out of the car and drove the servants, calling forward and hugging, and the momentum was huge. ”

However, not only that, in addition to Minan and China, Zhu Qingyuan had hundreds of servants and guests, concealed the population, refused to serve in the army, did not pay taxes, and evil things occurred frequently. Jing Zhaoyin's rule of law is also difficult to govern. ”

"And Liang heard that Lu Baliang often conscripted Bayi and raised 5,000 households, thinking that he was a guest and serving him, and he could not pay taxes for himself. The above things are considered to be harmful to the national body, and Your Majesty should think deeply. ”

From Liu Bei's seizure of Danyang to the official founding of the Southern Han Dynasty, it was only a dozen years. In order to quickly stabilize the local area and expand the strength of the army to confront the Northern Wei Dynasty, Liu Bei allowed the generals to keep private soldiers. Therefore, the composition of the Southern Han army consisted of the Chinese army + local state and county soldiers + generals.

The importance of keeping private soldiers is that the generals hide the population, and in fact refuse to pay taxes and conscription on the grounds that their troops are doing military service. After the long-term Northern Expedition, in order to avoid frequent conscription and heavy taxes, the common people gradually became the subordinates and disciples of the generals.

Take the Mi clan as an example, there are more than 10,000 of its servants, most of these servants come from Nanzhong, these servants have no household registration, they are black households in the Southern Han Dynasty, they can not pay taxes, and serve in the military.

Or the generals falsely reported the number of soldiers and horses through the operation of private military service, so that those who did not serve in the military paid land rent and taxes to themselves.

Household tax adjustment can ensure that the Southern Han Dynasty collects taxes, but in the face of the rising Southern Han military group, it is much more difficult to collect taxes.

Liu Bei frowned and asked, "What does Kong Ming mean?" ”

Zhuge Liang said truthfully: "Liang and Yuan Zhi, Zichu, and Changxu have had many discussions, thinking that they should make a judgment on the law, check the population of each household in the states of the country, search for hidden populations, and make them cashiers pay taxes. ”

"For example, there are more than 10,000 customers in the Mi family, and only pay the rent tax on the acres of land under their names, and the more than 1,000 households reported are calculated, and the rest are mostly counted by soldiers and horses. Therefore, it is necessary to strictly investigate the slaves hidden by the powerful and the great clans, and make them cashiers and taxes to strengthen the treasury. ”

Checking the slaves under the name of the Hao family, Zhuge Liang had already had this idea. In addition to the war, whether it is the northern clan, the southern clan, or the generals under Liu Bei, they will more or less hide the people or slaves.

In the early years, due to the early peace of the Southern Han Dynasty, for fear of causing local riots, Zhuge Liang did not dare to attack these people. In order to better the Northern Expedition, Zhuge Liang made the same choice as Huan Wen and Liu Yu in later generations, and prepared to attack the southern clans.

Liu Bei paced for a long time and said: "It is not impossible for Kong Ming to make Haoqiang and the big clan report hidden people, but many people from the big clan are the pillars of my Han Dynasty. And the meritorious generals ran around with me in the early years, and now they are rich and noble, so they treat them harshly, which will hurt the feelings of the monarch and the ministers. ”

"It is not easy to implement the big policy, so it is better to implement this law in one place for the time being, so as to observe the results and observe the opinions of the people. If it is effective, the generals will be the same, and Kong Ming will push it to the states and counties of Wu and Chu again, it is not impossible! ”

After a pause, Liu Bei asked, "What are the counties in Shuzhong?" ”

Zhuge Liang pondered a little and said: "From Your Majesty's words, let Pan Tingshi temporarily implement this method in Shu." ”

(End of chapter)