Chapter 65: Recruiting Talents, the Charm of the Emperor’s Signboard

Zhuge Liang and Pang Tong, two great counselors, offered suggestions together.

It is said that Nanyang’s next goal is to capture Xiangyang and use it as the foundation of his hegemony.

Only in this way can we completely consolidate the food taken from Cao Cao.

Liu Wu attached great importance to this.

Pang Tong’s three suggestions were adopted.

First, he needed to use his name, Liu Wu, to marry Cai Xun, the daughter of Cai Mao.

After the marriage is completed, he can confront Cai Mao, completely kidnap Cai Mao, and tie the number one family in Jingxiang to his chariot.

Liu Wu didn’t mind this at all.

This was a political marriage, but Liu Wu had no objection to it because according to the information he had heard, Cai Mao’s daughter Cai Xun was the most beautiful woman of the younger generation in Jingxiang.

Counting one generation above the most beautiful woman in Jingzhou, she is Madam Cai.

Marrying the most beautiful woman in Jingzhou and being able to seize Jingzhou is a good thing. Where in the world can you find such a good thing?

In fact, the marriage with the Jingxiang family was planned as early as one or two years ago, but there was never a suitable time.

Liu Wu arranged Pang Tong as an envoy to Xiangyang and personally handle the matter.

After doing all this, Liu Wu did not sit idle, but sent a letter to Guan Yu.

According to Pang Tong’s plan, they also needed to strengthen their own political capital first to induce the Jingxiang families to side with them.

Although Nanyang has now taken over Yuzhou and Yanzhou.

However, Nanyang does not have many soldiers and horses, but is surrounded by many princes. The Jingxiang families are probably wondering whether they can defend the two states.

The two states of Yuzhou and Yanzhou, with Yuan Shang of Jizhou in the north and Liu Biao of Jingzhou in the south.

Undoubtedly, if Yuan Tan and Yuan Shang started fighting, there would be no enemies in the north of Yuzhou and Yanzhou.

The Cai family and the Jingxiang family will recognize the two states of Yanzhou and Yuzhou that we occupy, thus increasing the possibility of turning to them.

This letter from Liu Wu to Guan Yu was also suggested by Zhuge Liang and Pang Tong.

First, let Guan Yu send people to spread the news in Jizhou.

Yuan Tan invited Guan Yu to join forces to attack Yuan Shang in Jizhou, in order to make Yuan Shang panic and terrified.

Then Guan Yu publicly refused again and withdrew his troops back to Nanyang.

The purpose of this letter was undoubtedly to provoke further conflict between Yuan Shang and Yuan Tan. Regardless of whether Yuan Tan asked Guan Yu to help him destroy Yuan Shang, Yuan Shang would have sent troops to attack Yuan Tan in Qingzhou after Guan Yu withdrew his troops from Xuzhou.

One reason was Yuan Shang’s anger and fear.

Second, Yuan Tan not only obtained the position of general and Marquis of Yecheng, but now he has also obtained Xuzhou. Yuan Tan’s foothold is not yet stable, so this is the best time to attack Yuan Tan.

The letter was sent urgently to Xuzhou over a distance of 800 miles.

Pang Tong went south to Xiangyang.

Liu Wu was also busy and quickly took over the government affairs of Yuzhou and Yanzhou.

He asked Emperor Liu Xie for permission to appoint Xu Shu as the governor of Yanzhou, and sent him to Yanzhou to manage Yanzhou’s military and internal affairs, recruit new soldiers, appease the people, win over the powerful, and allow Yanzhou to recuperate as soon as possible.

Then, he asked for the position of Yuzhou Mu for Zhuge Liang, and let Zhuge Liang quickly take over the government affairs of Yuzhou. He also recruited new soldiers, won over the noble families and powerful people, appeased the people, and allowed the province to recuperate.

Zhuge Liang’s leap from a commoner to a governor of a province was a huge one, which caused a sensation in Wancheng.

However, Liu Wu understood that this was definitely not the end for Zhuge Liang.

But it was just the beginning of Zhuge Liang.

Zhuge Liang was very moved and his loyalty to Liu Wu soared, so he went to take up his post without much delay.

Just as the princes of all over the world were shocked by the withdrawal of Cao Cao’s forces from Guandong, “Liu Bei” took over Cao Cao’s three states with lightning speed.

Another piece of news shocked the world, shocking the princes of all forces and attracting the attention of the world’s noble families and wealthy families.

Liu Wu issued a recruitment order in the form of a document to all major counties and important cities in all states and cities across the country.

The general idea is that the Han Emperor Liu Xie has established a temporary palace in Wancheng, Nanyang County, the imperial hometown, and called on all the talented people loyal to the Han Dynasty to come and join him.

Anyone with talent will be generously rewarded with an official position in the hope that we can work together to revitalize the Han Dynasty.

Now that he has the emperor in his hands, Liu Wu naturally will not just watch him act like an emperor above him, but will make use of him.

Sure enough, just after Liu Wu sent a letter to the world, the news that Han Emperor Liu Xie was in Wancheng caused a sensation.

Many people with lofty ideals were shocked.

Now Liu Wu still has not revealed to the world that he is the lord of Nanyang, and people all over the world still think that Liu Bei is the one in charge of Nanyang.

Now, Emperor Liu Xie is in Wancheng, Nanyang, so isn’t he on Liu Bei’s side?
Everyone in the world knew that Liu Bei had long been determined to revive the Han Dynasty.

Now, Emperor Liu Xie is in Nanyang, with Liu Bei.

Doesn’t that mean there is hope for the Han Dynasty?

It has to be said that the combination of Liu Bei and Liu Xie made many people with lofty ideals feel that the Han Dynasty was not beyond salvation.

It’s not that there is no hope.

In particular, now “Liu Bei” not only occupies the largest county in the world, Nanyang County, but also controls several states.

In the order to recruit talents, all talented people were generously awarded official positions. For example, Xu Shu and Xu Yuanzhi became governors of Yanzhou. Zhuge Liang persuaded senior officials of Bingzhou to go south and join forces with Ma Teng and Han Sui to fight against Cao, and made great contributions. He also became the governor of a state. These examples really moved many people.

Because the truth is, before that, Xu Shu and Zhuge Liang were really unknown people in the world.

Outside of Jingxiang, I’m afraid no one would know their names.

Now, because of his talent, he has become a governor of a state, which is quite tempting.

Liu Wu still underestimated the commotion his appointment of Zhuge Liang and Xu Shu as provincial governors would cause.

Soon after the recruitment order was issued, Liu Wu felt surprised.

There actually were quite a few famous generals and ministers from the late Han Dynasty and the Three Kingdoms period who came to surrender.

This day.

The residence of the General of Cavalry.

“My Lord, my Lord, I, Zhang Fei, have something to report. Two fierce generals have surrendered to me.”

In the hall, Liu Wu was handling government affairs. When Zhang Fei came in, he immediately nodded and bowed to Liu Wu, flattering him.

When Liu Wu heard Zhang Fei’s words, he frowned, raised his head and looked at the two strong men behind Zhang Fei.

At this time, the two big men behind Zhang Fei were somewhat dumbfounded by Zhang Fei’s flattery and fawning.

Is this still the fierce Zhang Fei mentioned in the rumors?
The two big men, one exuding a surging aura and the other with a ruddy face, were none other than Huang Zhong and Wei Yan, the two fierce generals of the late Han Dynasty.

At this time, Generals Huang Zhong and Wei Yan looked at Liu Wu with some suspicion.

They could see clearly that they were brought into the residence of the General of the Cavalry. Who was this young man?

However, seeing that Zhang Fei was being respectful to Liu Wu and nodding and bowing, the two men did not dare to be negligent.

“I am Huang Zhong, also known as Huang Hansheng. I was originally the Lieutenant General of Changsha. However, the governor of Changsha, Han Xuan, was unkind. I heard that Your Majesty promised in Wancheng that anyone with talent would be rewarded with a title, so I came here with my brothers to surrender!”

“I am Wei Yan, the commander of the Changsha Army. I came here with General Huang Zhonglang to seek a better future. I, Wei Yan, am also skilled in archery and horse riding, and I am familiar with military books and battle formations.”

Huang Zhong and Wei Yan introduced themselves to Liu Wu.

Liu Wu looked at the two generals Huang Zhong and Wei Yan, and joy flashed in his eyes. With just a recruitment order, he actually brought these two powerful men here.

Among the heroes of the late Han Dynasty and the Three Kingdoms, Huang Zhong was famous for his bravery. He was the first to charge into the enemy lines on the battlefield many times and was the bravest and most resolute of the three armies.

Synonym for being strong despite being old.

Although Huang Zhong was already old when he appeared, he still maintained a strong fighting capacity. In the Battle of Dingjun Mountain, he personally led his army to kill Xiahou Yuan, showing the demeanor of a veteran.

What really makes Liu Wu feel precious is that Huang Zhong is loyal and steady, and he has been trusted by Liu Bei in history. He holds an important position in the Shu Han regime.

In the Battle of Dingjun Mountain, Huang Zhong killed Xiahou Yuan, a famous general under Cao Cao, and made great contributions to Liu Bei’s capture of Hanzhong.

Huang Zhong is brave.

Wei Yan is also very good.

Wei Yan was also known for his bravery, able to charge into battle and be unstoppable. He was also good at training and employing troops, and was deeply loved by his soldiers.

Historically, Wei Yan was not only brave and good at fighting, but also had excellent military strategies. He once proposed the “Ziwu Valley Strategy” to Zhuge Liang. Although it was not adopted, it was enough to demonstrate his unique military thinking.

Wei Yan’s historical achievements were extremely impressive in Liu Wu’s opinion.

Defense of Hanzhong: After Liu Bei was crowned King of Hanzhong, Wei Yan was promoted to Governor of Hanzhong and Prefect of Hanzhong, and guarded Hanzhong for 15 years. During this period, he successfully resisted many attacks from Cao Wei and ensured the safety of the northern border of Shu Han.

Northern Expedition against Cao Wei: During Zhuge Liang’s Northern Expedition, Wei Yan served as an important general many times, led his troops to fight against the Cao Wei army and made great achievements. In the eighth year of Jianxing (230), he led his troops to defeat Wei generals Guo Huai and Fei Yao; in the ninth year of Jianxing (231), he led his troops to defeat the Wei army and won the title of -level armored general.

In the Shu Han camp, Wei Yan was considered a general who was both brave and a good commander.

However, Wei Yan was a man of strong character, sometimes arrogant and conceited, which caused friction when he got along with others, which was one of the reasons for his death.

However, Liu Wu didn’t care. In terms of arrogance, who in the world could compare to Zhang Fei and Guan Yu?
No, he had issued strict orders to the army that if Zhang Fei dared to lose his temper over a trivial matter, beat someone, drink in the army, or appear in the army after drinking, he would be under surveillance.

Almost, after he beat him every day, has Zhang Fei lost his arrogance?
Guan Yu hasn’t come back yet, so it can’t be repaired now.

Can Wei Yan compare with Guan Yu and Zhang Fei?
“Huang Hansheng, Wei Yan, I am very happy that two brave men have come to surrender to me. The fact that you were brought here by Yide is enough to show that you are quite brave. I will give you official positions based on your talents…” Liu Wu immediately welcomed Huang Zhong and Wei Yan, and personally tested their bravery and strategy, and granted them the position of generals.

However, the surprise of the recruitment order did not end with the arrival of Huang Zhong and Wei Yan.

Liu Ba, a native of Zhengyang, Lingling (now Shaodong, Hunan), and Jiang Wan, a native of Xiangxiang, Lingling (now Xiangxiang, Hunan), also came to surrender.

Even Yi Ji, who was under Liu Biao’s command, was shocked when he heard that Emperor Liu Xie was in Wancheng, and secretly came to Wancheng to seek refuge.

The defection of Liu Ba, Jiang Wan and Yi Ji suddenly enriched the civil officials under Liu Wu.

And in Liu Wu’s view, all three of them are heavyweights in the Shu Han camp.

Liu Ba was well-known for his erudition and versatility in his early years, and was proficient in many fields such as astronomy, geography, military strategy, and economics. He provided strong support for the development of Shu Han.

Main achievements: Participated in the formulation of “Shu Code” and made contributions to the construction of the legal system of Shu Han.

Jiang Wan was the ruler of Shu Han after Zhuge Liang.

Historically, Zhuge Liang secretly advised the later emperor Liu Chan to appoint Jiang Wan as his successor.

In the 234th year of Jianxing ( AD), after Zhuge Liang passed away, Jiang Wan succeeded him and was appointed Shangshu Ling. He was also given the titles of Protector-General and Acting Envoy, and Governor of Yizhou. He was later promoted to General, Recorder of the Shangshu, and was granted the title of Marquis of Anyangting.

In the first year of Yan Xi (238 AD), he was ordered to establish a government office. The following year, he was promoted to Sima and was in charge of the military and political affairs of Shu Han.

During Jiang Wan’s administration, Shu enjoyed political stability and social harmony, and its economy revived. He revised Zhuge Liang’s Northern Expedition strategy, changing the situation of “no year without conquest”, and making “the borders safe and the country harmonious”.

In particular, his governing philosophy of “putting the people’s safety first” will always serve as a model for future generations, and he is a rare “tool for the country”. Jiang Wan was the mainstay of the Shu Han regime in its later years and made great contributions to its development.

Yi Ji was also a very capable person.

The arrival of these three people has suddenly replenished Nanyang’s top talents.

In addition to the three people, many talented people continued to come. There were dozens of first-rate and second-rate talents alone. There were so many talented people under his command, which made Liu Wu not only sigh at the strong appeal of Liu Xie’s name.

……

After receiving the letter from Liu Wu, Guan Yu did not hesitate and immediately asked people to spread the false news in Jizhou that Yuan Tan invited him to join forces to attack Yuan Shang in Jizhou.

Jizhou, Yecheng, and the governor’s mansion.

“Damn it, this Yuan Tan, is he really going to kill me? He has been made a general and has obtained Xuzhou, but he actually wants to join forces with Guan Yu to attack me! I am so angry!”

In the meeting hall, Yuan Shang, who was sitting in the main seat, became furious and smashed the table after learning that Yuan Tan had invited Guan Yu to join forces to attack Jizhou.

In the hall, Shen Rong, Yin Kai, Ma Yan, Zhang Xi, Jiao Chu, Zhang Nan and other generals were all furious.

As early as when they heard that Yuan Tan was conferred the title of General and Marquis of Ye, they became indignant towards Yuan Tan and even started a small-scale war with Yuan Tan at the border of Jizhou and Qingzhou.

Later, Cao Cao withdrew from Guandong, and Yuan Tan unexpectedly gained Xuzhou for nothing. This made all the generals in Jizhou, from Yuan Shang, the governor of Jizhou, to Shen Rong, Yin Kai, Ma Yan, Zhang Yi, Jiao Chu, Zhang Nan and others, envious and jealous to the point of vomiting blood.

That’s an entire state.

Yuan Tan directly took possession of Qingzhou and Xuzhou states.

It’s a hostile relationship.

And now, Yuan Tan is actually going to invite Guan Yu to join forces to attack Jizhou?
In the hall, Governor Yuan Shang, as well as generals including Shen Rong, Yin Kai, Ma Yan, Zhang Yi, Jiao Chu, and Zhang Nan were all angry and roaring.

“My lord, this thief Yuan Tan will never make peace with us. Not only has he seized the position of general, he is also joining forces with Guan Yu to attack us. Let’s fight him to the death.”

“Yes, lord. This Yuan Tan is clearly a villain who has achieved success. He doesn’t even care about the relationship between brothers. Let’s unite with the Second Young Master and attack him together.”

In the hall, a group of Jizhou generals requested to fight.

However, the counselor Shen Pei frowned. As a first-class counselor of the time, he felt that this might be a deliberate arrangement by Liu Bei. Liu Bei deliberately gave Xuzhou to Yuan Tan and then provoked a fight between the two brothers Yuan Tan and Yuan Shang. These Yuan brothers had no time to go south to Yanzhou.

Shen Pei really wanted to persuade Yuan Shang and Yuan Tan to make peace and march south together. At this time, Liu Bei was absolutely at his weakest, and Yanzhou and Yuzhou were also very empty.

However, the reality is that Yuan Tan and Yuan Shang have long been alienated from Yuan Shao because of his position as general, Marquis of Ye, and the ownership of Ye City and Jizhou. They are currently fighting for it. How can we persuade them?
“My lord, we need to be cautious about this matter. Liu Bei and Yuan Tan have formed an alliance, and Guan Yu and Yuan Tan’s army are stationed in Xuzhou together. If we attack Yuan Tan’s Qingzhou, I’m afraid that Guan Yu will help Yuan Tan.”

Shen Pei still opened his mouth to persuade Yuan Shang, hoping that Yuan Shang would calm down.

Sure enough, as soon as Shen Pei finished speaking, the hall fell silent.

Guan Yu’s reputation was well-known throughout the world, especially because Yan Liang and Wen Chou, two generals under Yuan Shao, were killed by Guan Yu. Guan Yu had a strong deterrent effect on Yuan’s army.

“Damn Guan Yu, this governor and he cannot coexist!” Yuan Shang’s face was gloomy and he finally cursed loudly.

At this moment, a messenger came in and reported:

“Report to the governor. The Xuzhou spies have sent news that Guan Yu has withdrawn his troops and returned to Nanyang.”

“What?” The messenger’s voice rang out. The governor Yuan Shang, who was originally quite annoyed, as well as Shen Rong, Yin Kai, Ma Yan, Zhang Xi, Jiao Chu, Zhang Nan and other generals suddenly raised their heads and looked at the messenger.

The next moment, all the Jizhou generals in the hall became excited.

(End of this chapter)