Chapter 52: All the top families in Jingxiang took the bait

“What? What? What did you say? The 40,000-man army was defeated? Xiahou Yuan and Zhang Xiu died in the sea of ​​fire and chaos?”

Cao Cao had just led hundreds of thousands of rear troops and steadily advanced to the border of Nanyang County when the shocking bad news came.

What did he hear?
Cao Hong and Li Dian, with miserable looks on their faces, knelt down in front of Cao Cao and cried bitterly.

Cao Hong cried out loudly:
“Sikong, it was Hong who was careless. Guan Yu was cunning. He defeated us first to provoke our anger, attacked Bowang City with all his strength, and then retreated. These were all his tricks. He had long wanted to lead us into the sea of ​​fire. It was me who harmed Miaocai. I shouldn’t have been careless. Just kill me.”

Cao Hong burst into tears. Putting everything together at this moment, Cao Hong understood that Guan Yu had plotted against him.

Bowang City was basically a small city. Even though Guan Yu led an army of nearly 10,000, they were unable to stop his 40,000 troops. Guan Yu’s action was clearly intended to make Cao’s army let their guard down, and then after breaking the city, he would chase them all the way and lead them into Bowang Slope, where a sea of ​​fire could be ignited.

“How dare you say that? You have killed my two generals and tens of thousands of soldiers. I will kill you!” Cao Cao was furious. He grabbed Cao Hong’s clothes on his chest and dragged him outside, as if he wanted to kill him.

Guo Jia, Xun You, Cao Chun, Cao Xiu, Xiahou Shang, Cao Zhen and other generals from the same clan as Cao Cao could no longer sit still.

Cao Chun, Cao Xiu, Xiahou Shang, Cao Zhen and others stepped forward and hurriedly grabbed the angry Cao Cao.

“Sikong, Zilian didn’t mean it. Please spare Zilian’s life in consideration of his life-threatening service to Sikong.” Cao Chun pulled Cao Cao and pleaded.

“Did he do it on purpose? If he did it on purpose, I would skin him alive and Miaocai would be dead.” Cao Cao said angrily.

Cao Cao was extremely angry. Not only did his 40,000-strong army go to waste, but he also lost Xiahou Yuan, one of his right-hand men.

After Cao Ren’s death last time, Xiahou Yuan is now dead as well, which makes Cao Cao a little hard to accept.

Cao Cao couldn’t bring himself to kill his main general, Cao Hong.

Cao Hong is not only Cao Cao’s cousin, but also one of his right-hand men.

After being dissuaded by a number of generals and counselors, Cao Cao finally did not kill him.

“Two defeated generals, get beaten up by Cao. Xiao will resign from his post. He will study military books for five hours every day and clean the toilet for five hours. Get out!”

Cao Cao cursed at Cao Hong and Li Dian.

Although Cao Cao knew that Li Dian had talent, he fled back in disgrace when Cao Ren and Yu Jin were killed last time. This time, Xiahou Yuan and Zhang Xiu died, and Li Dian fled back in disgrace again. This made Cao Cao very dissatisfied with Li Dian.

“Thank you, Sikong, for not killing me.”

Cao Hong and Li Dian managed to save their lives. They kowtowed and knelt, and went out crying with red faces.

“Damn Liu Bei, Cao Cao will not give up until Wancheng is destroyed. Order all the generals to march towards Wancheng with all their strength!” Cao Cao shouted loudly with bloodshot eyes.

“promise!”

All the generals bowed their hands, with anger on their faces.

The next day, Cao Cao’s army set out again and marched towards Wancheng in a mighty force.

Just when Cao Cao led an army of hundreds of thousands to attack Wancheng.

The news that Guan Yu burned 40,000 troops of Cao at Bowangpo and killed two generals, Xiahou Yuan and Zhang Xiu, caused a sensation among the princes.

……

In Xiangyang City, the Cai family is the largest family.

In the meeting hall.

The heads of the top aristocratic families in Jingxiang gathered together.

Cai Mao, the military advisor to General Zhennan, sat in the main seat.

Representatives of the Kuai family, Pang family, Ma family, Huang family and other families were all seated.

Among them, Pang Tong was sitting alone at a table, playing with a wine jar in his hand, as if the wine jar particularly attracted him.

No one spoke in the hall for a while. Pang Degong saw Cai Mao’s gaze, looked at Pang Tong, smiled, stroked his beard, and said nothing.

Seeing that Pang Degong didn’t say anything, Cai Mao couldn’t help but curse him as an old fox, but he didn’t delay any more and said with a smile:
“Shi Yuan, I just got news that Guan Yu led a vanguard army of 10,000 and defeated Cao Cao’s 40,000 vanguard army in Bowang. The 40,000 Cao army was burned to ashes, and two Cao generals, Xiahou Yuan and Zhang Xiu, died. Is this true?”

Cai Mao’s voice to Pang Tong was very soft and kind.

When Pang Tong heard what Cai Mao said, he thought that something must have happened in Nanyang, which caused the attitudes of the Cai and Kuai families to change so drastically.

In fact, more than half a month ago, he brought snow salt, rice paper, soap and the white sugar developed by Liu Wu, and persuaded the Pang family to visit the Cai family, the Kuai family, the Ma family and the Huang family in person.

Seeing the snow salt, rice paper, soap and sugar, the Cai, Kuai, Huang and Ma families all became jealous.

However, when they learned that Pang Tong represented “Liu Bei”, the Cai family and the Kuai family all changed color. Although they were envious of the four commodities that could make them rich enough to rival a country, such as snow salt, rice paper, soap and sugar, they were concerned about Liu Biao and declined. They kept considering it and were not happy about it. Of course, they were more observing the situation in Nanyang to see which side of Liu Bei’s army was stronger or Cao’s army was weaker.

After all, even if they really chose to be friendly with Liu Bei and sent 100,000 troops to help Liu Bei for the sake of snow salt, rice paper, soap and sugar.

That means Jingxiang and Liu Bei will fight against Cao’s army together.

At that time, Jingxiang would also be involved in the war, which was very risky. Therefore, even Cai Mao and Kuai Yue did not dare to agree easily, but delayed and observed the battle situation.

However, yesterday, scouts from the north suddenly brought news that Guan Yu led only an army of 10,000 and destroyed 40,000 elite troops of Cao’s army, and even killed two generals of Cao’s army. This immediately made Cai Mao and Kuai Liang alert.

Liu Bei’s army did not appear vulnerable. In fact, it had a good record in the battle against Cao’s army.

Xiahou Yuan was a great general and one of Cao Cao’s right-hand men, and also Cao Cao’s brother.

As for Zhang Xiu, his reputation was even greater. He was previously a local lord who guarded Wancheng for Liu Biao and defeated Cao Cao several times.

However, even though they were so powerful, both of them died in one battle.

Guan Yu became even more powerful, and Cai Mao and Kuai Liang also became excited. Since there was hope of fighting against Cao Cao, they could also cooperate with Liu Bei!
Therefore, today, all the top families in Jingxiang gathered together and invited Pang Tong.

When Pang Tong heard Cai Mao say that Guan Yu won the victory as the vanguard, defeated Cao’s army and killed two Cao’s generals, he was shocked by Guan Yu’s power and was worthy of being a fierce general of the time.

However, Pang Tong raised his head and asked in confusion:
“Did Yun Chang win? Huh? I don’t know?”

Pang Tong really didn’t know, but his performance made Cai Mao laugh and cry. “My dear nephew, Guan Yu did win a great victory over Cao’s vanguard at Bowangpo. However, this also angered Cao Cao, especially the death of Xiahou Yuan, which made Cao Cao extremely angry and led his army to charge directly to Wancheng.” Cai Mao confirmed with Pang Tong and secretly pointed to Pang Tong. Cao’s army was very angry and attacked Wancheng, so he could ask Jingxiang for troops.

Pang Tong was very smart. When he heard what Cai Mao said, he understood that Cai Mao had changed his mind. Seeing that Guan Yu had won, he wanted to urge him to send troops in order to obtain the benefits of snow salt, rice paper, soap and white sugar.

Pang Tong would naturally not let Cai Mao and others take the initiative, and laughed disdainfully:
“Haha, I originally thought that Cao Cao was so powerful, but who would have thought that 40,000 troops were defeated by General Guan’s 10,000 troops, and two of Cao’s generals were killed. Even if Cao Cao is angry, what does it matter?”

“Wancheng has strong walls, tens of thousands of troops, and there are also powerful generals such as Guan, Zhang, and Zhao. How could they be afraid of Cao Cao?”

Pang Tong suddenly felt a sense of superiority, as if to say that there was no need to ask Jingxiang for troops to help.

Cai Mao, Kuai Liang, the head of the Ma family and others became anxious when they heard this.

After seeing the snow salt, rice paper, soap and white sugar, everyone knows that this is an inexhaustible gold mountain. Taking one or two of them can increase the family’s power several times or more. They cannot miss this opportunity.

“My dear nephew, what you said is wrong. Cao Cao has more than a hundred thousand troops. He owns three states in Guandong, Xuzhou, Yuzhou and Yanzhou. If the battle situation becomes tense, Cao Cao will probably send more troops. But Liu Xuande only has one county. Although he has a strong city and powerful generals like Guan, Zhang and Zhao, he is probably still not strong enough.” Kuai Liang said, talking about how powerful Cao Cao was.

Pang Tong curled his lips inwardly when listening to Kuai Liang’s words. Although Cao Cao had three states in Guandong, he had just fought the Battle of Guandu and did not have that many troops at his disposal. It would take time to recruit new troops and train them, and they would also need food and supplies. It was not possible for them to march to Wancheng with just Kuai Liang’s words.

However, Pang Tong understood that the real purpose of his trip to Xiangyang was not to ask Jingxiang to send 100,000 troops to assist Wancheng, but his real intention was to tie Wancheng to the top families of Jingxiang.

This was a secret plot to seize Jingzhou.

The same applies even though Liu Wu’s identity has not been revealed.

In the hall, after Kuai Liang finished speaking, Pang Tong seemed to have an uncertain expression on his face, but he took a deep breath and said:

“Yes, Cao Cao was able to defeat Yuan Shao, so he is very strong. Otherwise, my lord could have sent me to Jingxiang to seek advice from the major noble families to persuade the governor of Jingzhou to send troops to help me in Wancheng to repel Cao’s army.”

“After all, Nanyang County is part of Jingxiang. If Nanyang County is defeated, both sides will be in trouble. I’m afraid Cao Cao will have bad intentions towards Xiangyang.”

As Pang Tong spoke, he bowed and smiled to Cai Mao, Kuai Liang and other top family leaders:

“Last time, you said you would consider it. I wonder if there is any result? Can you send troops to help Wancheng? My master said that if the Jingxiang family helps, they will not be treated unfairly!”

Hearing Pang Tong’s call for help, Cai Mao, Kuai Liang, Kuai Yue and others all smiled.

The few of them looked at each other. Cai Mao hesitated for a moment and said to Pang Tong with a smile:

“My dear nephew, to be honest, we have discussed it and we can indeed persuade the governor to send troops to help us. However, I don’t know how much benefit Xuande will give to each of our families. After all, the Jingzhou army is mostly funded by our families. There will inevitably be casualties on the battlefield. Xuande is kind and righteous, and he will not let us suffer. We still need to persuade the governor.”

Kuai Liang, Kuai Yue, the head of the Ma family, the head of the Pang family and the representative of the Huang family all stared at Pang Tong.

After listening to Cai Mao’s words, Pang Tong realized that his mission to Jingxiang was about to be completed. At this moment, Pang Tong was also grateful to Guan Yu. If Guan Yu had not defeated Cao Cao, the top families in Jingxiang would not have been so easily hooked.

“Master Cai is absolutely right. Our master is the most benevolent and righteous. Naturally, he will not let any of the masters suffer any loss.” Pang Tong’s words expressed his stance, and the smiles on the faces of Cai Mao, Kuai Yue and others instantly became more intense.

“As you all know, I now have four kinds of commodities in my hands: snow salt, rice paper, soap and white sugar. My lord has given me the right to distribute and sell them in Jingzhou. I wonder if Master Cai and Master Kuai have anything to say?” Pang Tong smiled slightly and threw the question to the Cai family, the Kuai family and other Jingxiang families for distribution.

After hearing Pang Tong’s words, Cai Mao, Kuai Yue and others suddenly started breathing rapidly.

Cai Mao was not polite at the time and said:
“I think snow salt, rice paper, and white sugar are very good. My Cai family has shops everywhere in Jingzhou, so we will have no trouble selling them.”

Cai Mao was extremely greedy. He asked for snow salt, rice paper and white sugar as soon as he opened his mouth. These three items were the most profitable of all.

As soon as Cai Mao finished speaking, Kuai Yue and the head of the Ma family could no longer sit still and asked for snow salt, rice paper and sugar.

“Haha, everyone, everyone, don’t fight over it, let’s discuss it slowly.” Pang Tong waved his hand and said calmly. In fact, at this time, he didn’t need to say anything more and could leave it to the other party to distribute the benefits.

Sure enough, after more than an hour of back and forth and verbal sparring, several top families in Jingxiang finally worked out a profit distribution plan.

During the late Han Dynasty and the Three Kingdoms period, the eight major families in the Jingxiang area were the Cai family, the Kuai family, the Huang family, the Pang family, the Ma family, the Xi family, the Yang family, and the Xiang family.

However, only the five major families, namely the Cai family, the Kuai family, the Huang family, the Pang family, and the Ma family, came today, so the distribution of benefits is still mainly among these five families. Although the other three families will not fail to receive a share, their share will undoubtedly be very small.

The solution that Cai Mao and others finally came up with was:

Snow salt, rice paper, white sugar and soap were shared by five companies.

蔡家、蒯家、黄家、庞家、马家比例是3：2：1：2：1。

If the other three companies request it later, the last 10% of the purchase volume will be divided among them.

The Cai family was the largest family in Jingzhou and was Liu Biao’s military advisor. His sister was also Liu Biao’s wife. The 30% share did not cause much trouble.

“Haha, congratulations to the head of the Cai family for making a fortune. The shipment volume of snow salt, rice paper, white sugar, and soap in Jingzhou state will be distributed in this way first.” Pang Tong said with a smile.

Cai Mao’s mouth curled up with joy, as if he saw the Cai family making a fortune.

However, Cai Mao soon noticed the words “Jingzhou” that Pang Tong mentioned, and asked with a frown:

“My dear nephew, you just said that Liu Bei gave you the right to distribute and sell goods in Jingzhou. Now you are talking about the shipment volume in Jingzhou. Can’t we sell the goods we import to other states?”

Hearing Cai Mao’s question, Kuai Liang, Kuai Yue and others all looked at Pang Tong.

Pang Tong drank the wine in the wine bottle and said with a smile: “Of course you can. All the goods you get can be sold to all parts of the Han Dynasty.”

After Pang Tong said this, everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

“but.”

Pang Tong’s sudden turn of events made everyone nervous again.

Pang Tong looked at the crowd and said with a smile:

“However, the total amount of goods my lord sells to the Jingxiang family should only be enough for Jingzhou alone, and he won’t give more.”

“After all, my lord wants to expand his power beyond Jingzhou in the future, so it is impossible for him to give all the shipments from other states to the Jingxiang family. Even if he does, it will be to the families under his command. After all, the Mi family has long followed my lord. If my lord is lucky enough to defeat Cao Cao and seize Yuzhou and Yanzhou from Cao Cao, then the Mi family will naturally have the right to sell snow salt, rice paper, sugar, and soap in the two states. He will not give the opportunity of Yuzhou and Yanzhou to our Jingxiang family. So, all the family heads should understand what I mean, right?”

Pang Tong said with a smile, and Cai Mao, Kuai Yue and others immediately understood what Pang Tong meant. However, when they thought that if Liu Bei really took over Cao Cao’s Yuzhou and Yanzhou, the Mi family would be able to sell snow salt, rice paper, white sugar, and soap in the two states at will, the eyes of all the Jingxiang families instantly turned red!

They could only fight over Jingzhou, but the Mi family could occupy two states?
(End of this chapter)