Chapter 92 If it would overstep the boundaries of Madam Da Qiao, then I really couldn’t tell Marquis Wu
Just when Sun Shao received an accurate response from Zhou Yu that there was no danger in going to Xiangyang, Sun Shao, under the escort of General Cheng Pu and his army, took Da Qiao and headed towards Xiangyang.

Yangzhou, Hefei.

The residence of Marquis Wu.

In the hall.

Sun Quan sat in the main seat.

More than ten people including Zhang Zhao, Gu Yong, Zhang Hong, Yu Fan, Zhuge Jin, Lu Xun, Lu Meng, and Pan Zhang gathered together.

Sitting in the main seat, Sun Quan looked at the few big and small fish in the hall, especially the military generals, and there were only Lu Xun, Lu Meng and Pan Zhang who could resist Daliang.

But all three of them are young players.

He has never even led an army alone.

He cannot be compared with great generals like Zhou Yu, Cheng Pu and Han Dang.

Sun Quan couldn’t help but flash a hint of unwillingness in his eyes, thinking that he had many civil and military officials under his command.

But now his situation is so bleak.

“I just received news that my nephew, Sun Shao, has taken Da Qiao to Xiangyang. I’m afraid he was wooed by Liu Wu. If Liu Wu really woos Sun Shao, it will be very disadvantageous to us.”

“Do you have any good strategies to deal with it?”

Sun Quan took a deep breath and stated the purpose of gathering everyone.

Hearing Sun Quan’s words, all the civil and military officials looked at each other in surprise. Zhang Zhao, Gu Yong, Zhang Hong, Yu Fan, and Zhuge Jin all frowned.

However, they all felt the difficulty of this matter.

Zhang Zhao hesitated slightly but still bowed to Sun Quan and said:

“My Lord, this matter is difficult to handle. We cannot come forward.”

Zhang Zhao, Zhuge Jin and others were also helpless. In fact, there had already been a rift in the relationship between Sun Shao and Sun Quan. If they intervened further, it would probably make things even more embarrassing for both sides.

“This… Oh, never mind!” Sun Quan finally waved his hand and said nothing more.

Pan Zhang seemed to want to say something but hesitated. In the end, he looked at everyone in the hall and still didn’t say anything.

After Zhang Zhao, Gu Yong, Zhang Hong, Yu Fan, Zhuge Jin and others left, Pan Zhang hesitated and did not leave.

“Pan Zhang, do you have any ideas? Tell us now. There is no one else here.”

Sun Quan rubbed his brow and said to Pan Zhang.

Sun Quan still trusted Pan Zhang very much because he was his confidant.

However, Sun Quan did not hold much hope for Pan Zhang.

After all, Zhang Zhao, Gu Yong, Zhang Hong, Yu Fan, and Zhuge Jin were all smart people, first-class wise men, but they didn’t have any good ideas. So what good ideas could a military general like Pan Zhang have?

When Pan Zhang heard Sun Quan’s question, he gritted his teeth and said:

“My Lord, Pan Zhang does have a naughty idea, but this idea is a bit presumptuous towards Madam Da Qiao.”

Sun Quan was slightly stunned when he heard Pan Zhang’s words, but he soon understood Pan Zhang’s thoughts and his eyes lit up. Sun Quan’s expression quickly turned ugly and he stared at Pan Zhang and said:
“Pan Zhang, you are so bold that you dare to overstep your authority against Da Qiao. You know, if this gets out, the civil and military officials of Jiangdong will tear you apart, or even scold you to death.”

“The envoy sent by Cao Cao has been in Hefei for quite some time. It is time for him to go back. You should go visit him more often and see how he acts. Why don’t you get out now?”

Sun Quan cursed loudly and directly scolded the confused Pan Zhang out.

“What does my lord mean? I am a military officer, so why should I go to visit Cao Cao’s civil officials?” Pan Zhang left Wu Hou Mansion, but he felt quite depressed and couldn’t help muttering:
“Huh? Cao Cao’s people?” Suddenly, Pan Zhang seemed to realize something, his eyes suddenly lit up, and he turned to look towards Wu Hou Mansion.

In the attic of the Wu Hou Mansion, Sun Quan was standing far away and looking at him.

“This…” Pan Zhang understood.

After taking a deep breath, Pan Zhang did not hesitate and went straight towards the post station.

Pan Zhang is not stupid. On the contrary, he is flexible, which is not possessed by most other generals.

Posthouse.

Learned that Pan Zhang, a general under Sun Quan, was visiting.

Jiang Ji, the envoy sent by Cao Cao, immediately came to greet him.

Although Jiang Ji was not as famous as Xun Yu, Guo Jia, Cheng Yu, etc. in history, he was also a famous official and counselor of Cao Wei during the Three Kingdoms period. He experienced four generations of monarchs, Cao Cao, Cao Pi, Cao Rui, and Cao Fang, and was one of the important pillars of the Cao Wei regime.

When Jiang Ji was young, he, Hu Zhi and Zhu Ji were famous in the Jianghuai area. Later, he was transferred to be the deputy governor of Yangzhou.

In history, in the 208th year of Jian’an ( AD), Sun Quan besieged Hefei, and Cao Cao was unable to send a large army to rescue. Jiang Ji secretly told the governor of Yangzhou that he had received a letter from Zhang Xi, saying that infantry and cavalry had arrived in Yulou, and that the chief clerk should be sent to welcome Zhang Xi’s reinforcements. Sun Quan believed it and quickly set fire to the city and retreated, thus saving Hefei. This strategy showed Jiang Ji’s calmness and wit in times of crisis.

In the 209th year of Jian’an ( AD), Cao Cao planned to relocate the people in Huainan to the interior of China in order to prevent Sun Quan’s attack. Jiang Ji opposed the relocation, believing that the people missed their old land and were unwilling to relocate. If they heard about this, they would be afraid and uneasy. Cao Cao did not listen, and as a result, more than people in Jianghuai fled to the territory of Dongwu because of fear. Cao Cao admired Jiang Ji’s views on relocating the people and later appointed Jiang Ji as the governor of Danyang.

In the 218rd year of Jian’an ( AD), Guan Yu launched the Battle of Xiangfan, flooding seven armies and shocking China. Cao Cao intended to move the capital to avoid Guan Yu’s attack. Jiang Ji and Sima Yi suggested to ally with Wu to control Guan Yu and sent people to persuade Sun Quan to attack Guan Yu’s rear. Sun Quan indeed ordered Lu Meng to attack Jingzhou and successfully lifted the siege of Xiangfan. This strategic vision and diplomatic skills made great contributions to the stability of the Cao Wei regime.

Assisting four generations of Cao Wei emperors: Jiang Ji served four generations of Cao Cao, Cao Pi, Cao Rui, and Cao Fang, and was promoted to the rank of Grand Commandant. He was loyal and diligent in politics, and always made suggestions on military and national affairs, and was loyal and energetic; in military affairs, he was good at judging the situation and making suggestions for the Cao Wei regime. His existence played a vital role in the stability and development of the Cao Wei regime.

At this time, Jiang Ji did not yet have the historical glory of assisting four generations of Cao Wei kings and rising to the position of Grand Marshal. However, as an envoy of Cao Cao, Jiang Ji still understood that Sun Quan, an ally, was still very important to Cao Cao.

“General Pan is here to visit, but does Lord Wu have any instructions?” In the hall, Jiang Ji asked Pan Zhang with a smile.

Seeing that the other party was polite, Pan Zhang quickly waved his hand and said:
“It’s not that Lord Wu has any instructions, but this general came to see you to discuss something.”

Pan Zhang’s words made Jiang Ji somewhat confused.

Didn’t Sun Quan send Pan Zhang here?
Then what could Pan Zhang say to him?
“General, please tell me what you want to say!” Although he was confused, Jiang Ji still smiled.

“It’s like this. I wonder if you know that Sun Shao has already taken Da Qiao to Xiangyang. I’m afraid he will be won over by Liu Wu. If Liu Wu really wins over Sun Shao, then Liu Wu’s power will increase again, which will be detrimental to our Yangzhou and Sikong, right?” Pan Zhang told Jiang Ji the news.

“Sun Shao took Da Qiao to Xiangyang!” Jiang Ji frowned when he heard this. He really didn’t know this news. This is Yangzhou, not Cao Cao’s territory. What’s more, Guandong is not close to Luoyang. Even if Cao Cao knew about it, it would be too late.

Jiang Ji was very smart. He quickly turned his gaze to Pan Zhang, a smile appeared on his face, and he said:

“General Pan is right. If Marquis Peng is wooed by Liu Wu, it will definitely be disadvantageous to both of us. I wonder if General Pan or Marquis Wu have any measures to stop it?”

Jiang Ji quickly understood Pan Zhang’s intention. Pan Zhang shook his head and said:
“Marquis Wu doesn’t have any good ideas. During today’s meeting, all the civil and military officials were helpless. If Marquis Wu already has a bad relationship with Sun Shao, if he takes action at this time, it will probably cause a war between Xuzhou and Yangzhou!”

After hearing this, Jiang Ji thought about it and nodded.

Just as Pan Zhang said, Sun Quan had just had a conflict with Sun Shao. If he took action again, Yangzhou and Xuzhou would probably fight first, which was not in line with Cao Cao’s strategic intention.

Cao Cao’s strategic plan was to win over Sun Quan, form an alliance with him, and then have Sun Quan also bring in Sun Shao. In this way, the two Suns could involve Liu Wu in Guandong.

“However, I do have a naughty idea. It’s not a solution, but it will overstep the boundaries of Madam Da Qiao. I can’t tell Marquis Wu about it. After all, Da Qiao is Marquis Wu’s sister-in-law. I can’t tell anyone else about it either. If it leaks out, it will be bad. After thinking about it, I can only talk to you, sir. After all, everything I do is for Marquis Wu and for Yangzhou.”

Pan Zhang’s long speech of drawing a clear line between the two sides made Jiang Ji laugh a little.

When Jiang Ji heard Pan Zhang say that he would overstep his authority towards Lady Da Qiao, he immediately understood what Pan Zhang was up to.

What? Pan Zhang couldn’t tell Sun Quan either. I’m afraid Pan Zhang came here with Sun Quan’s instructions.

What? Da Qiao is Sun Quan’s sister-in-law. In the face of huge interests, she is just a woman. Jiang Ji doesn’t believe that Sun Quan, as a local lord, would hesitate to respect a woman. Sun Quan is definitely not such a person.

Jiang Ji understood it in his heart, but he still cooperated with Pan Zhang on the surface.

Jiang Ji showed a look of understanding and said:
“General Pan’s words are true. If it would be an encroachment on Madam Da Qiao’s side, then we really can’t tell Marquis Wu. After all, Da Qiao is Marquis Wu’s sister-in-law. For the sake of Yangzhou’s stability, we can’t tell anyone else. General Pan does everything for Marquis Wu and Yangzhou. Jiang Ji admires him!”

Jiang Ji’s flattery made Pan Zhang’s face slightly red.

I don’t know whether it was out of shame or because I truly felt great and proud.

“General Pan, you might as well talk to me. If feasible, I am willing to be the bad guy.” Jiang Ji bowed to Pan Zhang.

When Pan Zhang heard this, he immediately perked up. This was exactly what he was waiting for.

Pan Zhang did not hesitate and said to Jiang Ji:

“It’s like this. Didn’t Sun Shao take Madam Da Qiao with him to Xiangyang this time? We might as well set up a trap for Madam Da Qiao… and then spread the news. This way, Sun Shao, Zhou Yu, Cheng Pu, and Han Dang will all be furious and will probably never ally with Liu Wu again.”

Pan Zhang poured out all his ideas to Jiang Ji.

After listening to Pan Zhang’s design and considering it carefully, Jiang Ji looked at Pan Zhang with some surprise. He had to admit that this plan was very thorough and Pan Zhang was indeed a talented person who knew how to calculate people.

“It’s feasible, but we still need to plan carefully…”

……

Just when Pan Zhang and Jiang Ji were planning how to stop Liu Wu from winning over Sun Shao.

the other side.

Hanzhong, Nanzheng.

In front of the gate of the county magistrate’s mansion.

Zhang Lu, however, was full of joy. He invited Yang Ran, the third son of the imperial envoy Yang Biao and the commander of the imperial guards of Emperor Liu Xie, into the hall.

Yang Ran took out the imperial edict, and Zhang Lu and a group of civil and military officials came to meet it.

Yang Ran glanced at Zhang Lu and read aloud:
“The Han Dynasty decreed that the emperor decreed:

I have heard that Zhang Lu has made outstanding achievements in governing Hanzhong. Since he took over as governor, he has pacified the people, made them live and work in peace and contentment, and made the country peaceful and tranquil. He is truly a pillar of the country and a good minister of the state.

I now appoint Zhang Lu as the General of Zhennan, grant him the title of Marquis of Langzhong, and grant him a fief of 10,000 households to honor his merits. I hope you will live up to my expectations, continue to be loyal, govern Hanzhong, protect the territory and the people, and make the people enjoy peace.

However, Cao Cao is treacherous and scheming, and he is plotting something treacherous. You should understand the greater good and must not get involved with him, lest you fall into injustice and bring harm to your family and country. Submit yourself to the court as soon as possible and work together for the great cause. I will not let you down for your loyalty.

Admire this! “

Yang Ran’s voice was loud, and when it reached the ears of Zhang Lu and a group of civil and military officials, it shocked everyone.

The emperor actually appointed Zhang Lu as the General Zhennan, Marquis of Langzhong, and granted him a fief of 10,000 households. This was quite a generous reward.

At this moment, Zhang Lu was very excited. He took a deep breath and bowed to Yang Ran:

“Your Majesty, thank you for the title bestowed upon me, your servant Zhang Lu!”

“Marquis Langzhong, please do not betray His Majesty’s trust.”

Yang Ran was in his twenties, looking very heroic. As he was born into the Yang family, he had the appearance of a famous general. However, at this moment, he snorted coldly.

Zhang Lu was slightly startled. He had heard reports from his subordinates that Yang Ran was very domineering all the way to Nanzheng. Such words were really unpleasant. However, Zhang Lu did not care much about Yang Ran and said:
“Angel, rest assured. Lu has already prepared a banquet. Please come and enjoy the feast.”

“Hahaha, good, Marquis Langzhong is indeed loyal to Your Majesty.” Yang Ran laughed.

As he spoke, Yang Ran took the lead and stepped into the banquet.

Zhang Lu’s brother Zhang Wei, however, looked at Yang Ran’s back with a face full of anger, gritting his teeth and said, “How arrogant! What a Yang family! Do you really think that the Yang family is still the Hongnong Yang family with three officials for four generations? What kind of situation is this now? The Yang family actually produced such a bastard.”

“Brother, do we really have to surrender to the imperial court?”

Zhang Wei said to Zhang Lu.

Zhang Lu heard this, but shook his head and said:

“The emperor is in Xiangyang, and Liu Wu is very capable. In just a few years, he has forced Cao Cao to retreat to Guanzhong, Liu Biao to abdicate, and Sun Quan’s power to fall apart. Hanzhong is no match for Liu Wu. In this case, it is better to seek an official position and a title, and gain power and status!”

Zhang Lu was very clear about the current situation in Hanzhong. Although he had an army of 100,000, excluding the troops left behind in various counties, he could only mobilize 70,000 to 80,000 troops. He was no match for Liu Wu.

Zhang Wei listened to his brother’s words, opened his mouth and wanted to say something, but he couldn’t refute. After all, Liu Wu was indeed very powerful now, with an army of hundreds of thousands, which Hanzhong could not resist.

It’s just that Hanzhong’s original surname was Zhang, and now he is returning to the imperial court. Although the Zhang family still has status, they are no longer as powerful as the local emperors before.

Zhang Wei was still somewhat dissatisfied, especially after hearing the overbearing attitude of Yang Biao’s third son, Yang Ran.

In Hanzhong, even if a coin is left behind, it means the person’s surname is Zhang.

Now, if a member of the Yang family comes to Hanzhong, even if he leaves a coin behind, he will no longer be named Zhang.

Zhang Lu showed a smile on his face, but followed Yang Ran and entered the banquet with an apologetic smile.

(End of this chapter)