Chapter 53: Frustrated and Angry Liu Biao Liu Jingsheng

Inside the hall of Cai Mansion.

When Pang Tong saw Cai Mao, Kuai Liang and others became jealous when they heard him say that the Mi family could take over the business in Yuzhou and Yanzhou states, a smile appeared on Pang Tong’s face, and he didn’t say anything more.

He said that on purpose.

It’s like planting a nail.

“If Xuande can defeat Cao Cao and seize Yuzhou and Yanzhou from him, that would be amazing. Well, let’s discuss how to ask the governor to send troops to help Wancheng repel Cao’s army.”

Cai Mao’s voice was heard in the hall, but he did not want to say anything more on other topics.

How could Liu Bei obtain Yuzhou and Yanzhou, and the Mi family occupy the business of the two states?

Are you kidding me?
With Liu Bei’s repeated defeats in battles, but his repeated fights, how could he be the man who owned two states?
Cai Mao just felt that this was not a funny joke.

The truth is that Liu Bei’s previous battle records were not satisfactory.

When Liu Bei was in Xuzhou, he finally started a rebellion and reached the peak of his life.

This is a great situation.

Liu Bei took in Lu Bu, who was defeated by Cao Cao. However, Lu Bu attacked Xiapi while Liu Bei was fighting Yuan Shu and captured Liu Bei’s wife. Liu Bei returned to rescue him, but his army was scattered on the way. He finally had to ask for peace with Lu Bu and return to Xiaopei. However, Lu Bu did not let Liu Bei go and attacked Xiaopei again. Liu Bei was defeated and had to surrender to Cao Cao.

What followed was the escape after the Yidaizhao incident.

Spring of the fifth year of Jian’an.

Liu Bei was hunted down by Cao Cao for his involvement in the Yidaizhao Incident. He killed Che Zhou, the governor of Xuzhou, and stationed his troops in Pei, but Liu Bei was quickly defeated by Cao Cao’s army, Guan Yu was captured, and Liu Bei fled to Qingzhou and defected to Yuan Shao.

This was followed by another defeat in the Battle of Runan.

After July of the fifth year of Jian’an.

With the support of Yuan Shao, Liu Bei led his troops to raid the area south of Xudu with Liu Pi and others. However, Cao Cao sent Cao Ren to lead the attack, and Liu Bei was defeated and had to surrender to Yuan Shao again. After that, Liu Bei left Yuan Shao again on the pretext of contacting Liu Biao, but when he joined forces with the Yellow Turban Army in Gongdu, Runan, he was defeated by the army sent by Cao Cao.

It can be said that among all the princes, Liu Bei had absolutely no reputation for being a good fighter. Instead, he was defeated in many battles and fought again and again. Only Guan and Zhang under his command were brave and won many battles.

Cai Mao’s words quickly shifted the attention of all the heads of the Jingxiang families in the hall to how to persuade Liu Biao to send troops.

“It shouldn’t be difficult to persuade the governor to send troops to help Wancheng.”

Suddenly, Kuai Yue spoke.

These words immediately attracted everyone’s attention.

“Oh, why do you say that?” Cai Mao asked.

Kuai Yue did not hesitate and said while stroking his beard:

“In fact, it’s not just us who need to get snow salt, rice paper, white sugar and other things from Liu Xuande. The governor also wants to get more iron-cutting weapons from Wancheng. Those are good things.”

“In fact, the governor was worried a few days ago that Liu Bei would be defeated and the iron-cutting weapon forging technology would be taken away by Cao Cao. Cao Cao’s power was already strong. If he had the iron-cutting weapon technology, no one would be able to deal with Cao Cao. Therefore, the governor did not want Liu Xuande to be defeated. He did not want Xiangyang to face Cao Cao’s army directly.”

“Therefore, if we use this as an excuse to ask the governor to send troops to help Wancheng, there should be no problem.”

Kuai Yue stroked his beard and spoke to everyone with a smile.

Listening to Kuai Yue’s words, Cai Mao, Kuai Liang and other dignitaries from Jingxiang families in the hall nodded one after another, obviously agreeing with Kuai Yue.

Pang Tong smiled and didn’t say much. Since he had won over the powerful families of Jingxiang, how to get Jingzhou to send troops was not his concern.

It mainly depends on what Cai Mao, Kuai Yue and others do.

Soon, Cai Mao, Kuai Yue and others reached a consensus.

“In that case, let’s go to General Zhennan’s Mansion now. We should do this sooner rather than later.” Cai Mao said directly.

“Okay!” All the nobles from the Jingxiang families had no objection. After all, Cai Mao was Liu Biao’s military advisor to the General Zhennan and his think tank. Since he said so, there shouldn’t be any big problem.

Immediately, Cai Mao, Kuai Yue, Kuai Liang and others went to the General Zhennan’s Mansion together.

……

Xiangyang City, General Zhennan’s Mansion, this is the power center of Xiangyang.

In the side room.

Liu Biao, with gray hair and a weak face, was drinking medicine under the care of a beautiful and voluptuous woman.

This absolutely beautiful and plump young woman is none other than Mrs. Cai.

“Alas, my body is becoming increasingly useless. I’m afraid I won’t have many good days left.” Liu Biao sighed as he drank the medicine.

At the age of sixty, Liu Biao had already felt the approach of death, which made him somewhat unwilling.

He was in his forties or fifties when he took up the position of Governor of Jingzhou.

As the governor of a state, he controls the lives and deaths of millions of people, has supreme power, wealth and splendor, and has beautiful wives and concubines. But, unfortunately, he is old.

“Master, what are you talking about? You are still young and can live another 30 years.” Mrs. Cai listened to Liu Biao’s words and quickly said “Pooh”, as if she didn’t want to hear such discouraging words.

Liu Biao shook his head slightly, but said nothing more.

“Master, Master, Military Advisor Cai and Kuai Yue, people from the Pang, Huang, and Ma families have all come to see you. It seems like something important has happened.”

At this time, the steward of Zhennan General’s Mansion hurried in to report.

“Hey, why are so many of you here today? Did something happen?” Liu Biao exclaimed, feeling strange.

Mrs. Cai’s beautiful eyes flickered slightly, and she realized that her brother might have reached an agreement with the people in Wancheng.

Mrs. Cai naturally knew that Pang Tong came to Xiangyang on behalf of Wancheng.

Mrs. Cai is also optimistic about snow salt, rice paper, white sugar and soap.

Although she became Liu Biao’s second wife, this did not prevent her from seeking to strengthen the Cai family.

“You may as well meet them and find out.”

Mrs. Cai pondered for a moment, then smiled at Liu Biao.

“Hmm? What does Madam know? Tell me first.” When Liu Biao saw Madam Cai say this, he knew that Madam Cai also knew something, so he asked directly.

Liu Biao was well aware of the situation in Jingzhou. He knew that his ability to become the governor of Jingzhou and to maintain his control of Jingzhou was inseparable from the support of the Jingxiang families headed by the Cai family, the Kuai family and others.

Madam Cai came from the Cai family, and Liu Biao was happy to let Madam Cai participate in political affairs and use her to express the opinions of the Jingxiang family.

Mrs. Cai listened to Liu Biao’s question without hesitation. A smile appeared on her beautiful face and she said:
“Master, it’s like this. Liu Bei came to our Jingxiang family for help. Liu Bei took out some things that are very valuable to the family. So, Liu Bei wants to use this opportunity to ask the Jingxiang family to persuade the governor to send troops to help Wancheng resist Cao’s army together!”

As Mrs. Cai spoke, she said to the maid beside her, “Go and bring those things over to show the master.”

When Liu Biao heard what Mrs. Cai said, his expression darkened slightly.

He understood that it was Liu Bei who found the Jingxiang family and wanted them to persuade him to send troops to help Wancheng, and offered some things that the family could not refuse.

And the result now is that the Cai family, the Kuai family, the Pang family, the Huang family, and the Ma family came together. Obviously, the five major families in Jingxiang have reached a consensus and want to persuade him to send troops to help Wancheng and resist Cao’s army!
Liu Biao was a little angry, not because of Liu Bei, nor because of Wancheng.

Instead, he was angry at the five families: Cai, Kuai, Pang, Huang, and Ma.

Should he persuade Liu Biao to send troops just for the sake of some benefits?
Who is the lord of Jingzhou?

Who is the governor of Jingzhou?
Although Liu Biao knew clearly in his heart that it was the help of the top families in Jingxiang that helped him become the Governor of Jingzhou and secure his position as the Governor of Jingzhou.

The Jingxiang family indeed has great power in Jingzhou.

However, Liu Biao still felt disappointed and was unwilling to admit it.

Liu Biao looked unhappy, but he did not lose his temper.

When Mrs. Cai saw Liu Biao’s expression, she felt dissatisfied in her heart.

When it comes to family interests, Liu Biao looks unhappy, so let it be.

After all, wasn’t it for the betterment of their family that they supported Liu Biao as the governor of Jingzhou?

Soon a maid came in with a tray. On the tray were snow salt, rice paper, sugar, and soap.

Mrs. Cai immediately introduced the four items to Liu Biao, who looked unhappy, with a smile on her face.

A quarter of an hour later.

Liu Biao sighed.

Because of the appearance of the Four Things and after understanding the Four Things, Liu Biao could only sigh. It was true that money could move people’s hearts. The Four Things did not represent money, but a mountain of gold.

No wonder the Cai family, the Kuai family, the Pang family, the Huang family, and the Ma family came together.

Liu Biao was blocking the five families from getting rich.

“Alas, isn’t Liu Xuande kind and righteous to the people? Why did he suddenly come up with these things? It’s really a mess.” Liu Biao cursed Liu Bei helplessly.

Mrs. Cai smiled and didn’t respond.

Liu Biao looked at Madam Cai and said, “Madam, you are thoughtful. I know the situation. Let’s go and meet Degui and the others.”

Liu Biao was ultimately unable to get angry. Of course, he also understood that Madam Cai was acting as the ventilator for the five families.

The five families could not tell him about this matter openly, but for Mrs. Cai, no conflict would break out.

After all, if Madam Cai had not told him in advance. In the meeting hall, the five families persuaded him to send troops to Wancheng, but Liu Biao felt it was inappropriate and was unwilling to send troops. After all, there was no suitable reason. In this way, wouldn’t the two sides have a conflict?
“Master, this is what I should do.” Mrs. Cai replied with a smile on her delicate and charming face.

Next, Liu Biao, supported by Mrs. Cai, walked towards the meeting hall. However, as he walked, Liu Biao thought about this matter and felt inexplicably depressed.

After all, the five major families were pursuing their own family interests and did not consider that Liu Biao was the governor of Jingzhou.

In the meeting hall.

Liu Biao came in supported by Mrs. Cai.

Cai Mao, Kuai Yue and others hurriedly saluted and said in unison:

“Meet the governor!”

Liu Biao waved his hand and glanced at the representatives from the five families who had gathered. Even Huang Zu of Jiangxia had sent people. The depression in Liu Biao’s heart suddenly became stronger.

“Degui, you came to see me in such a hurry, but what’s the matter?”

Liu asked Cai Mao expressionlessly.

When Cai Mao saw Liu Biao’s expression and then looked at Mrs. Cai who was winking at him, he immediately realized that Liu Biao already knew the inside story and was a little angry.

Cai Mao felt guilty towards Liu Biao in his heart, but when he thought that his family accounted for 30% of the shipments, the fleeting guilt immediately disappeared.

Cai Mao bowed to Liu Biao and said:
“Governor, we are here for a big event. The vanguard of Cao’s army in Nanyang was defeated. Guan Yu defeated 40,000 Cao’s army with only 10,000 troops and killed two Cao’s generals. After discussion, we are all optimistic about the strength of Liu Bei’s army. It just so happens that Pang Tong came to Xiangyang and wanted to ask us to send a large army to help. We think this is a good opportunity, so we came to ask the governor to send troops!”

Cai Mao did not mention anything about snow salt, rice paper, white sugar, and soap. These things cannot be put out in the open, otherwise it would be too embarrassing for their family to eat them.

“Pang Tong? The son of the Pang family, I didn’t expect him to join Liu Bei’s army. Liu Bei is really attractive.” Liu Biao, who was sitting in the main seat, was even more angry when he heard that it was Pang Tong who came to be a lobbyist. Of course he knew Pang Tong. Fengchu, this is the proud son of the Pang family, but he actually joined Liu Bei’s army and now he is Liu Bei’s lobbyist?

When the representative of the Pang family heard Liu Biao’s angry insinuations, he suddenly felt a chill all over his body and his face looked quite embarrassed.

The representative of the Huang family also had a strange look on his face.

Liu Biao didn’t know that Zhuge Liang had also joined Liu Bei’s army, otherwise he would probably be even more angry.

However, Liu Biao did not say much about Pang Tong. He just looked at Cai Mao and snorted coldly:

“Do you think this is a good opportunity to send troops to help? What good opportunity? Tell me?”

Liu Biao was almost furious, and Cai Mao was also embarrassed, but he still hurriedly said:
“My lord, I think that since Guan Yu can defeat Cao’s army with an army of 10,000, Liu Bei still has the strong city of Wancheng, plus he has tens of thousands of troops, I’m afraid Cao’s army may not be able to defeat Liu Bei.”

“So, there is not much risk for us to send troops. This is a deal that will not lose money. We in Jingzhou need the iron-cutting weapons from Wancheng. Why not take this opportunity to make money from Liu Bei for the iron-cutting weapons?”

“Of course, I can’t say that I am sure of it. Cao’s army is still very powerful. They destroyed Lu Bu and defeated Yuan Shao. If Liu Bei is really defeated by Cao Cao in Wancheng, then Cao’s army will occupy Nanyang County, and then Cao’s army will directly border Xiangyang. We in Xiangyang will also face the threat of Cao’s army, which is very bad news for Jingzhou. Therefore, it is necessary for us in Jingzhou to send troops to help Liu Bei.”

Cai Mao’s voice echoed throughout the hall. Kuai Yue and others all nodded in agreement, but Liu Biao, who was sitting in the main seat, became even angrier.

The more Cai Mao spoke, the more he felt that Cai Mao and others were harming Liu Biao’s rights and interests for the sake of their family’s interests.

Liu Biao’s chest heaved with anger, and he did not speak immediately. Instead, he looked at Cai Mao, Kuai Yue and others, took a deep breath, and asked coldly:
“You all think so?”

Cai Mao, Kuai Yue and others shuddered, but they could not retreat at this time, so they all nodded.

“My lord, Cao’s army is coming with great force. For the safety of Xiangyang, it is understandable that we send troops to help Liu Bei.” Kuai Yue bowed to Liu Biao.

“That’s understandable, Military Advisor Cai, how many troops do you think we should send from Jingzhou?” Liu Biao snorted coldly, then looked at Cai Mao again.

Cai Mao took a deep breath, feeling very embarrassed, but his expression remained unchanged, and he clasped his hands and said:

“My lord, if we dispatch 100,000 troops from Jingzhou, it may prove that we and Liu Bei share the same hatred for the enemy, which will make Cao Cao withdraw his troops faster and allow us to ask Liu Bei for more benefits.”

“What? Send out 100,000 troops?” Liu Biao’s voice suddenly rose when he heard the number of 100,000 troops.

Cai Mao shuddered and bowed to Liu Biao.

Liu Biao, who was sitting in the main seat, was so angry that he trembled all over when he saw that everyone was silent. Finally, he said angrily:

“Okay, okay, Military Advisor Cai, let me see what you can negotiate for Jingzhou. I’ll give you a hundred thousand troops, that’s all.”

Liu Biao was so angry that he stood up, said a few words, and left.

Liu Biao was indeed furious and wanted to send out 100,000 troops. He could refuse. However, after refusing, his relationship with the aristocratic families who supported him took a sharp turn for the worse.

Liu Biao relied on the Jingxiang family to secure his position as the governor of Jingzhou. He knew clearly that he could not stand in the way of the interests of these families, otherwise he might be deposed.

Therefore, although he felt extremely angry about sending 100,000 troops to help Wancheng, Liu Biao still gritted his teeth and agreed.

In the hall, Liu Biao left, leaving Cai Mao, Kuai Yue and other people from the five major families looking at each other in bewilderment.

(End of this chapter)