Chapter 50 Will Liu Bei welcome the Han Emperor Liu Xie?

The meeting hall of the Left General’s Mansion.

Liu Wu held the Emperor’s Sword brought by Yang Biao in his hand, with excitement in his heart.

Although Liu Wu took a quick glance and found that the Emperor’s Sword was just an ordinary long sword, not a magical weapon at all.

It is not the legendary Chixiao Sword that Emperor Gaozu used to kill the white snake.

But Liu Wu is already content.

What he wants is not a sharp sword or an imperial edict in his hand, but a name of justice and a legitimate reason to fight.

In ancient times, it was undoubtedly very important to have a legitimate reason for learning.

The name of justice and the just cause of war are deeply rooted in the political, military and cultural traditions of ancient society, and have had a profound impact on the legitimacy and legality of ancient wars and actions.

From a political perspective, having a legitimate reason for attacking was an important means for ancient rulers to consolidate their political power and maintain the ruling order. By declaring that their actions were just and reasonable, rulers could win the support and endorsement of the people, thereby enhancing their political authority and legitimacy.

From a military perspective, having a legitimate reason for war is an important guarantee for victory. In ancient wars, the combat effectiveness and morale of the army were often deeply affected by the reasons for war. If the reasons for war were sufficient and just, the soldiers would be more convinced that their actions were correct and would be more actively involved in the battle, thus exerting greater combat effectiveness.

On the contrary, if the reasons for the war are insufficient and unjust, the soldiers will become suspicious and resistant to the war, resulting in a decline in combat effectiveness and even low morale and disintegration of the army.

In addition, having a legitimate reason to serve as a teacher also involves the moral concepts and ethical norms of ancient society.

In ancient society, people generally believed that wars should abide by certain moral standards and ethical norms, and that aggression and war should not be launched at will.

Therefore, having a legitimate reason for war has become an important basis for judging whether a war is just and in line with moral standards. If a country or army can have a legitimate reason for war, then they will be more supported by morality and public opinion in the war and will be more likely to win the war.

Therefore, in ancient society, both rulers and generals attached great importance to the issue of having a legitimate reason for their actions and tried hard to find legitimate reasons and basis for their actions.

And now, Liu Xie has brought this righteous name and legitimate reason to him.

“General Zihao, I wonder how many loyal and brave guards you will send to rescue His Majesty?”

Yang Biao saw Liu Wu respectfully accept the emperor’s sword and the imperial edict to support the king.

He couldn’t wait to confirm to Liu Wu.

Seeing Yang Biao so anxious, Liu Wu did not hesitate and directly called out the attribute panel.

If he wanted to send out the Loyal and Brave Guards to lurk in Xu Du to rescue Liu Xie, he would first need to check the number of Loyal and Brave Guards he currently had.

At this time, about four months had passed since Xu Shu was sent to Jiangdong to bring Sun Shangxiang back to Wancheng.

More than two months, nearly three months, have passed since Sun Shangxiang entered Wancheng.

The number of his loyal and brave guards also rose again.

【Guardian Types】:
Iron Eagle Warrior: 427/455
Beiwei Army: 433/455
Mongolian Cavalry: 89/89
Total: 949/999
【Army level statistics】:
Sergeant level: 189 people

……

……

Village chief level: 9 people

Military rank: 2 people, Wang Gang and Li Meng

Captain level: 1 person, Niu Mang
Looking at the number of guards on the attribute panel, he had activated the system for 455 days, and he had signed in for 455 days. The number of loyal and brave guards he possessed had reached an unprecedented number of more than 900, excluding the 500 loyal and brave guards who had been scattered into various armies.

He still has 449 powerful guards at his disposal.

Among them were 89 Mongolian Iron Knights.

However, some time ago, he sent 120 loyal and brave guards to protect Zhuge Liang and Pang Tong.

That is to say, he now has 329 loyal and brave guards that he can still mobilize, including 89 Mongolian cavalry.

Liu Wu looked at the number of guards displayed on his attribute panel.

However, one cannot help but admire the powerful protection function of this family.

The Han army was organized into a military system.

Five people form a squad, with a squad leader; two squads form a platoon, with a platoon leader; five platoons form a team, with a team leader of 5 people; two teams form a garrison, with a garrison leader, for a total of 2 hundred.
Five garrisons form a Qu, with 5 men and a military officer.
Two (or more) qu form a troupe, with a colonel or (and) a military commander, with a minimum of 2 people.

Now he has a loyal and brave guard of the rank of captain, named Niu Mang, who is from the Beiwei Army. He is a top-notch general and a first-class commander.

There are two loyal and brave guards of the military rank who are slightly stronger than the rank of garrison commander. Their names are Wang Gang and Li Meng. Wang Gang is from the Iron Eagle Warriors and Li Meng is from the Mongolian Iron Cavalry. Both of them are first-rate generals with good command ability.

It can be said that the number of Loyal and Brave Guards is approaching a thousand, and he already has a strong team with a solid foundation of generals under his command.

In the hall, facing Yang Biao’s expectant and nervous gaze, Liu Wu did not speak immediately, but sat back in the main seat holding the Emperor’s Sword and the Imperial Edict.

Seeing this, Yang Biao did not urge him.

After some consideration, Liu Wu raised his head and smiled at Yang Biao, “Three hundred people. This time, Wu can send 300 loyal and brave guards, 200 elite infantry to rescue people, and 100 elite cavalry of the loyal and brave guards to support them.”

“What? Only three hundred people?” As soon as Liu Wu finished speaking, Yang Biao and Yang Xiu exclaimed in surprise.

Yang Biao’s face suddenly turned ugly. He looked at Liu Wu and said angrily, “General Zihao, you are kidding me. You only sent 300 people to rescue me? With this number of people, I’m afraid they can’t even enter the palace…”

Yang Biao felt that Liu Wu was not sincere. Three hundred people, and his Yang family had almost three hundred servants and guards in Xudu.

“Haha, don’t worry, Lord Yang. Xianhe, you and Lord Yang should talk about the situation of the Loyal and Brave Guard.” Liu Wu was not angry and said to Jian Yong who was smiling at the side.

“Huh?” Yang Biao looked at Liu Wu in surprise.

Jian Yong did not hesitate, and explained to Yang Biao with a smile:

“Mr. Yang has just arrived in Wancheng and doesn’t know the situation of our Wancheng army. Yong is not afraid to tell Mr. Yang that among the tens of thousands of troops in Wancheng, the Loyal and Brave Guards are the most elite.”

“The loyal and brave guards, after forming a battle formation of ten, can fight against an ordinary army of a hundred men. Even with only ten men, the two generals Guan Yu and Zhang Fei would have no choice but to surrender.”

“At the beginning, the young master only sent out less than a hundred loyal and brave guards to kill Yu Jin, seize the gate of Wancheng, and hunt for Cao Ren’s head. The loyal and brave guards are worth ten people each, and the whole army is invincible!”

Jian Yong was generous in praising the loyal and brave guards under Liu Wu’s command.

When Yang Biao and Yang Xiu, father and son, heard what Jian Yong said, they looked at each other in disbelief.

Although they had heard of the Loyal and Brave Guards in Xudu, they did not expect them to be so powerful.

“Can the Loyal Guards be so powerful? Are you kidding us? Cao Cao also built a cavalry unit and named it the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry. Although the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry is elite, it is not so exaggerated. According to what you said, isn’t it more powerful than the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry?”

“Also, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei are both capable of fighting against ten thousand men. Can ten loyal and brave guards make them surrender?”

Yang Xiu, who had been silent all this time, couldn’t help it and gave Jian Yong a look that said, “You’re teasing me.”

“Haha, Mr. Yang, Mr. Yang, if you don’t believe it, just go and see it.” Jian Yong stroked his beard, looking calm and not forcing an explanation.

When Yang Xiu heard this, he immediately curled his lips.

Yang Biao, on the other hand, hesitated for a moment, then bowed to Liu Wu and asked seriously:
“General Zihao is really confident that he can rescue His Majesty from Xudu with only 300 men?”

After a pause, Yang Biao continued, “Xuan De is seriously injured and has not recovered yet, so the important task of serving the king can only fall on General Zihao. General Zihao is Xuan De’s cousin. According to the rules, Your Majesty should also call General Zihao the Imperial Uncle. If Your Majesty can be rescued, it will be a meritorious service to the king. I can assure General Zihao in advance that Your Majesty will not hesitate to confer titles of nobility and appointments of generals to you.” As if worried that Liu Wu would not put his heart into rescuing Liu Xie, Yang Biao even went so far as to increase the stakes by “conferring titles of nobility and appointments of generals” and using “Imperial Uncle” to appease Liu Wu.

“Haha, Lord Yang, Wu assures you that three hundred loyal and brave guards are enough. These are all Wu’s hard work, so how could I waste them casually? Lord Yang, don’t worry, you can personally inspect the loyal and brave guards later.”

Liu Wu laughed and comforted Yang Biao.

Seeing Liu Wu was so confident, Yang Biao didn’t know what to say. He made up his mind to see if the Loyal and Brave Guards were really that powerful.

“In that case, I will follow General Zihao’s arrangements.”

“By the way, this is my son Xiu. I brought him here this time. Let him stay in Wancheng. General Zihao, please take him in and take care of him.”

Suddenly Yang Biao introduced his son to Liu Wu.

Yang Biao asked him to take in and take care of Yang Xiu?

Liu Wu listened to Yang Biao’s words and looked at Yang Xiu, who was in his twenties.

I have to say that Yang Xiu now has a tall and handsome figure and the temperament of a scholar. He is worthy of being one of the Seven Sages of the Jian’an Period and a hero of his generation.

Liu Wu also had something to admire about Yang Xiu.

Yang Xiu was born into the Hongnong Yang family, a prominent official family. His ancestor Yang Xi made contributions during the reign of Emperor Gaozu of the Han Dynasty and was granted the title of Marquis of Chiquan. His great-grandfather Yang Zhen, great-grandfather Yang Bing, grandfather Yang Ci, and father Yang Biao successively served as the Minister of Works, Minister of Civil Affairs, and Grand Commandant. They were on par with the Yuan family in the late Eastern Han Dynasty and were very famous. It can be said that Yang Xiu came from a very luxurious background.

But even under such a luxurious background, Yang Xiu was also respectful and studious, and he was knowledgeable and talented, especially in literature, calligraphy and painting. In history, he wrote a variety of literary styles such as fu, ode, stele, praise, poem, elegies, memorials, notes, and books during his lifetime. The number of his works is very rich, showing his outstanding literary talent.

It can be seen that Yang Xiuzhen not only has shortcomings but also has advantages.

In politics, Yang Xiu advocated governing the country with culture, opposed solving problems with force, promoted Confucianism and culture, and made many reforms and adjustments in Wei’s legal system and economic development. He advocated governing the country by law, establishing a strict and complete legal system, and maintaining social order and justice.

In terms of military talent, Yang Xiu also had outstanding performance in military affairs. He participated in many wars of the Wei Kingdom and put forward many strategies and suggestions, making important contributions to the victory of the Wei Kingdom in the war.

It is extremely rare for such a talent to be listed as one of the Seven Sages of the Jian’an Period.

However, Liu Wu understood that Yang Xiu had a complex and multifaceted personality. On one hand, he was knowledgeable, capable, and resourceful, but on the other hand, he was arrogant, outspoken, and clever.

In history, Yang Xiu was involved in the political whirlpool of “heir” of Cao family and eventually died. He supported Cao Zhi in the fight for the position of crown prince and formed an opposition with Cao Pi. After Cao Cao decided to make Cao Pi the crown prince, Yang Xiu, as an important member of Cao Zhi’s faction, naturally became the target of Cao Pi’s suppression. In the end, when Cao Cao was seriously ill and knew that he would not live long, he ordered Yang Xiu to be arrested and executed on charges of “leaking teachings and communicating with princes”.

Liu Wu looked straight at Yang Xiu, looking down at him.

Yang Xiu was also looking at Liu Wu. He was still very curious about Liu Wu. In just over a year, he was able to replace Liu Bei, take control of the imperial capital of Nanyang, and compete with Cao Cao. In Yang Xiu’s opinion, he was much stronger than him.

“Okay, your son is from the Hongnong Yang family. Over the past few dynasties, the Yang family has produced many three dukes. Your son is probably also a talented and knowledgeable man. Lord Yang is willing to let your son stay in Wancheng, so Wu is naturally willing to take care of him.”

Liu Wu pondered for a moment and decided to keep Yang Xiu. Yang Xiu’s talents were obvious. As for some flaws, they would be corrected. If he didn’t listen once, he would be beaten. Guan Yu and Zhang Fei also had character flaws.

The key is that Yang Xiu is here with him. If he is given an important position, Yang Biao can rest assured that the connections, relationships and reputation of the Hongnong Yang family will all be transferred to him, Liu Wu.

“Haha, okay, Xiu’er, you haven’t met Master Liu Wu yet.” Yang Biao said with a smile, stroking his beard.

“Xiu, nice to meet you, young master!” Yang Xiu was very well behaved beside Yang Biao and bowed respectfully to Liu Wu.

Liu Wu met with Yang Biao and Yang Xiu, father and son, and took out the Emperor’s Sword and the Imperial Edict to assist the King. Next, Yang Biao chose to visit Liu Bei.

“Mr. Yang wants to visit his brother, Wudang will lead the way personally.”

Liu Wu stood up and went to Guan Yu’s mansion with Yang Biao and others.

……

Guan Mansion, backyard, inside the ward.

“Ahem…, Mr. Yang, why are you here?”

Lying on the sickbed, Liu Bei, who looked pale and weak, was shocked to see Yang Biao coming.

“Alas, how could this damn Cao Ren injure Xuande so badly?”

When Yang Biao saw Liu Bei’s look, he immediately scolded Cao Ren twice.

“Xuan De, you must take good care of your health. His Majesty often misses his uncle.” Yang Biao held Liu Bei’s hand and said with emotion.

“Bei, I have failed to live up to His Majesty’s trust.” Liu Bei thought of the scene when Liu Xie recognized him as the emperor’s uncle.

At that time, in the Xuchang Palace, Emperor Liu Xie was in the court, and Cao Cao led him to pay his respects. He was wearing court clothes and stood respectfully under the red steps.

Cao Cao went to the palace and reported Liu Bei’s military achievements to Liu Xie, and invited Liu Bei to come forward and pay homage to the emperor.

He stepped forward and performed the etiquette of monarch and subject. Liu Xie asked who his ancestors were. He replied respectfully: “I am the descendant of King Jing of Zhongshan, the great-great-grandson of Emperor Xiaojing, the grandson of Liu Xiong, and the son of Liu Hong.”

After hearing this, Liu Xie was inspired and ordered someone to fetch the royal genealogy for inspection. The official in charge of clan affairs read out the genealogy, confirmed Liu Bei’s royal identity, and pointed out the generational relationship between Liu Bei and Liu Xie.

After checking, it was found that his seniority was higher than Liu Xie. According to seniority, Liu Bei should be Liu Xie’s uncle. Liu Xie was quite excited. He took Liu Bei’s hand and called him “Imperial Uncle” to show respect and closeness.

Afterwards, Liu Xie rewarded him, appointed him as the Left General and Marquis of Yichengting, and hosted a banquet for him. At the banquet, the monarch and his minister talked a lot and deeply.

“Bei, I am ashamed of your majesty’s trust.”

Liu Bei said to Yang Biao with tears in his eyes.

Yang Biao was also sad to see Liu Bei crying, so he carefully asked Zhang Zhongjing about Liu Bei’s condition and hoped that Zhang Zhongjing would do his best to treat Liu Bei.

Liu Bei knew the purpose of Yang Biao’s visit, so he grabbed Liu Wu’s hand and said to him forcefully:

“Zihao, you must rescue His Majesty.”

Liu Wu looked at Liu Bei, who was expressing his true feelings, nodded seriously and said:
“Brother, don’t worry. Wu has already made arrangements. We are going to send 300 loyal and brave guards to rescue His Majesty, and let General Zilong be the commander. In addition, Yunchang and Yide will be arranged in the front to attract the attention of Cao’s army. We will definitely rescue His Majesty to Wancheng!”

When Liu Bei heard that Liu Wu actually sent 300 loyal and brave guards to rescue Liu Xie, he looked at Liu Wu in shock.

He seemed to not understand Liu Wu.

Is Liu Wu really willing to send Zhao Yun to lead three hundred loyal and brave guards to rescue Liu Xie?

Liu Bei knew from Guan Yu and Zhang Fei how powerful the loyal and brave guards under Liu Wu were.
If these three hundred loyal and brave guards were in the empty Xu Du, they would definitely be able to create a huge storm.

What’s more, Zhao Yun was sent as the general, Zhao Zilong, an upright and loyal general to the Han Dynasty. It was impossible for him to be vague or do anything against Liu Xie.

Liu Wu expressed his attitude in a serious manner.

Liu Bei couldn’t understand Liu Wu for a moment.

In front of the sickbed, under the watchful eyes of Yang Biao, Xu Shu, Jian Yong, Zhao Yun and others, Liu Wu held Liu Bei’s hand and looked at Liu Bei.

He also found it difficult to understand Liu Bei.

He always had a question about Liu Bei in his heart.

Historically, if Liu Xie escaped from Xu Du and joined Liu Bei.

Will Liu Bei welcome the Han Emperor Liu Xie?
Or, let Liu Xie die unexpectedly and never be able to be with Liu Bei?
(End of this chapter)