Chapter 93 The Beauty Da Qiao Stunned Liu Wu
Hanzhong, Nanzheng.

Zhang Lu smiled at the commander of the imperial guards, Yang Ran.

However, his younger brother Zhang Wei felt quite touched by his brother’s behavior, and thinking out of sight, out of mind, he left.

“General Zhang, why did you come out without accompanying the angel? But the angel is so overbearing, General Zhang can’t stand it?”

A laughing voice sounded behind him, startling Zhang Wei. He turned around and saw a middle-aged scholar appearing behind him.

“Who are you? Why are you here in my Zhang family residence?”

Zhang Wei looked at the middle-aged scholar in front of him in surprise and asked.

“General Zhang, let me introduce myself. My name is Cheng Yu, and my courtesy name is Zhongde.” The middle-aged scholar smiled at Zhang Wei.

“What? You are Cheng Yu, Cheng Zhongde? Cao Cao’s man?” Zhang Wei was shocked when he heard the words of the middle-aged scholar and exclaimed in disbelief.

As Zhang Lu’s younger brother, Zhang Wei could be regarded as the second most important person in Hanzhong. Naturally, he knew all the counselors and generals under the command of various princes.

And how could he not know Cheng Yu?
Cheng Yu was an important strategist and minister under Cao Cao, known for his outstanding strategies and for providing advice to Cao Cao at critical moments.

For example, in the past, when Cao Cao conquered Xuzhou, Cheng Yu and Xun Yu stayed behind and successfully blocked the armies of Lu Bu and Chen Gong and saved the three cities. They were awarded the title of Dongping Xiang for their merits, demonstrating their outstanding military talents.

In addition, Cheng Yu once advised Cao Cao to kill Liu Bei. Although Cao Cao did not follow his advice, looking back now, Cheng Yu’s vision was obviously correct.

Cheng Yu became one of Cao Cao’s most outstanding advisers due to his outstanding strategies and military achievements.

And now, Cheng Yu actually appeared at home?
This made Zhang Wei shocked and horrified.

“I am Cheng Yu, a subordinate of Prime Minister.” Cheng Yu did not hide his identity at all and smiled at Zhang Wei.

Zhang Wei quickly recovered from his shock. He looked at Cheng Yu and immediately became furious. He said, “Cheng Yu, you actually dared to show up in Hanzhong. Aren’t you afraid that I will capture you and present you to His Majesty?”

“Also, did you have a great grudge against Liu Bei? If we capture you, I’m afraid the General of the Cavalry will be very happy.”

Zhang Wei spoke to Cheng Yu coldly and rudely.

Cheng Yu smiled and shook his head at Zhang Wei’s words, not panicking at all, and said with a smile:

“General Zhang, you are joking. Let’s not talk about whether Liu Bei would be very happy if you captured me and presented me to Xiangyang. Although Liu Wu and Liu Bei are brothers, I am afraid that Liu Wu and Liu Bei may not have a very deep relationship. If Liu Bei is happy, then Liu Wu will not be happy, right?”

“If General Zhang was so interested in Xiangyang’s wooing, why would he come out to drink alone?”

Cheng Yu said with a smile and confidence.

Zhang Wei listened to Cheng Yu’s words, but did not refute. However, he still stared at Cheng Yu and said coldly:

“Why did you show up in Hanzhong? Why did you come here uninvited? Aren’t you afraid that I will arrest you?”

Cheng Yu did not hesitate and looked at Zhang Wei and said:
“Yu can see that the general is probably very reluctant to be granted the title and wooed by Xiangyang. Why not listen to Sikong’s conditions?”

Zhang Wei was startled and immediately looked around nervously to see if there was anyone else around.

However, he didn’t wait for Zhang Wei to say anything.

Cheng Yu said:

“Sikong said that if Zhang Lu is willing to form an alliance with Sikong to fight against the traitor Liu Wu, then after Sikong defeats Liu Wu and rescues the emperor, he will ask the emperor to appoint Zhang Lu as the lord of Hanzhong.”

Zhang Wei was shocked when he heard Cheng Yu’s big plan. He looked at Cheng Yu in shock and said, “Appoint my brother as the Lord of Hanzhong?”

“Yes, the premise is that Zhang Lu is willing to form an alliance with Sikong to fight against the traitor Liu Wu. Of course, Sikong said that Hanzhong’s forces naturally cannot defeat Xiangyang. However, General, don’t worry. If Zhang Lu is willing to form an alliance with Sikong, Sikong can immediately provide 200,000 stones of grain, 100,000 weapons, and various supplies to equip Hanzhong with 100,000 troops. This is Sikong’s sincerity. Of course, since it is an alliance, Sikong will continue to support Hanzhong in the future to deal with Liu Wu’s counterattack.”

Cheng Yu opened a huge pie for Zhang Wei.

It had been a while since Cheng Yu came to Nanzheng, and he had roughly understood that Zhang Lu was willing to surrender to the court, but his brother Zhang Wei was quite unhappy about the end of his life as a local emperor, so he chose Zhang Wei as a breakthrough point.

“What? If my brother is willing to form an alliance with Sikong, Sikong can immediately provide assistance of 200,000 dan of grain, 100,000 weapons, and all kinds of supplies to equip a 100,000-strong army in Hanzhong? And Sikong will continue to support Hanzhong in the future?” The good conditions offered by Cheng Yu made Zhang Wei a little unbelievable.

You know, even if the brothers had occupied and managed Hanzhong for many years, they could only mobilize an army of 100,000. Now, Cao Cao was willing to provide Hanzhong with supplies and food for an army of 100,000.

“Yes, I wonder what the general thinks of Sikong’s sincerity?” Cheng Yu stroked his beard and said with a smile.

Zhang Wei just felt happy.

However, Zhang Wei soon became helpless and said:

“The conditions offered by Sikong Kai are indeed extremely generous, but, but, my brother is already willing to accept the imperial edict.”

Cheng Yu had expected this, so he was not panicked. He comforted Zhang Wei:
“General, forming an alliance with Sikong is the only way out for the Zhang family in Hanzhong. I have a plan that can help Hanzhong form an alliance with Sikong…”

Zhang Wei heard this and gritted his teeth and said to Cheng Yu: “Please teach me, sir…”

……

At this moment, Liu Wu in Xiangyang did not know that Xiangyang was trying to win over Hanzhong, and Cao Cao was also trying to win over the Zhang family in Hanzhong. At this time, Liu Wu was receiving Sun Shao and his party.

Xiangyang City, in the hall of the General of Cavalry’s residence.

“Sun Shao has met his uncle.”

Sun Shao respectfully saluted Liu Wu who was sitting in the main seat.

Da Qiao, who was traveling with them, also bowed to Liu Wu.

In the hall, at first sight, Liu Wu was attracted by Da Qiao’s appearance.

She seemed like a fairy walking out of a painting, or like Chang’e gracefully appearing from the Moon Palace. Her beauty was breathtaking.

Her face was as bright as the full moon, and her skin was as white as snow, delicate and smooth, as if the slightest touch would leave a mark.

Those eyes, like deep pools of water, sparkle with wisdom and gentleness, as if they can see through people’s hearts and give endless comfort. Her nose is straight, her lips are bright red, and there is a faint smile on the corners of her mouth, like a spring breeze blowing on your face, warming your heart.

Da Qiao’s figure is even more graceful. She is wearing gorgeous clothes, but it does not reduce her charm at all. Her waist is slender, as if it can be broken with a light grip; her plumpness shows the charm of a mature woman. Her every move reveals a kind of elegance and nobility, as if she is a born noble lady, making people unable to look away.

The most fascinating thing is the unique temperament of Da Qiao, a beautiful young woman. She has the innocence and liveliness of a young girl, and the charm and style of a mature woman. Her speech and behavior are both dignified and generous, and a little playful and cute, making people unable to resist her charm.

At first sight, Liu Wu was also attracted by Da Qiao’s beauty and temperament. However, Liu Wu is no longer the young boy he was before, so the fiery look in his eyes flashed by.

Liu Wu smiled at Sun Shao and said:
“Shao’er, there’s no need to be so polite. Please take a seat. In fact, when I think of you, I am reminded of the brilliance of my father-in-law, Sun Jian.”

“My father-in-law is an outstanding general. He was born in a humble family, but he showed extraordinary courage and wisdom in his youth. He once fought off pirates alone and became famous. He was originally just a low-level county official, but he was brave and resourceful, so he was appreciated by the court and promoted to a general. He showed outstanding talent in military affairs, participated in the suppression of rebellions and the Yellow Turban Uprising many times, and made great military achievements.”

“Especially in the campaign against Dong Zhuo, my father-in-law performed particularly well and crushed all the heroes. He defeated Dong Zhuo’s troops many times and even entered Luoyang to repair the imperial mausoleum destroyed by Dong Zhuo. He was brave and good at using people. He joined forces with Yuan Shu and other princes to fight against Dong Zhuo, which made Dong Zhuo very afraid of him.”

“Pity.”

“His father, Sun Ce, was also a brave warrior and was known for his outstanding military talent. In just a few years, through a series of campaigns, he gradually annexed six counties, including Danyang, Wujun, Kuaiji, Lujiang, Yuzhang, and Luling, and established a powerful force. His army was famous for its tactics of being as fast as the wind, as slow as the forest, as swift as fire, and as immovable as a mountain. He repeatedly defeated the enemy and won the widespread support of the people of Jiangdong. He was hailed as the “Little Overlord of Jiangdong.” This is probably the greatest praise that the people of Jiangdong have given to your father.”

In the hall, Liu Wu, who was sitting in the main seat, knew everything about Sun Jian and Sun Ce, and told them in detail, which made Sun Shao excited.

As the grandson of Sun Jian and the son of Sun Ce, how could Sun Shao not know the deeds of his grandfather and father?

Liu Wuneng spoke eloquently, his tone full of respect and high praise, which made Sun Shao immediately have a good impression of Liu Wu.

“Humph!”

Suddenly, a cold snort sounded.

Sun Shao was startled, and looked over, only to see Sun Shangxiang, who was sitting on the side, staring at Liu Wu with her beautiful eyes.

Da Qiao followed closely and pulled Sun Shangxiang, who was like a hedgehog.

Liu Wu naturally understood that Sun Shangxiang was dissatisfied. Looking at Sun Shao, who was just excited but suddenly hesitated to speak, he smiled and said:

“Shao’er, I have the same doubts as your aunt. Since I respect my father-in-law and his father so much, why did I marry into the Huang family?”

Upon hearing this, Sun Shao immediately nodded and said to Liu Wu:
“Uncle, Shao really doesn’t understand!”

“Shao’er, stop talking nonsense.”

Da Qiao hurriedly scolded Sun Shao in a low voice.

Liu Wu waved his hand at Da Qiao, and seeing this, Da Qiao stopped trying to persuade him.

She was just Sun Jian’s daughter-in-law, and they were not that close because they had never met.

Sun Shangxiang and Sun Shao were very concerned about this, but she was able to remain calm.

However, she also wanted to see what Liu Wu had to say.

When she met Liu Wu, Da Qiao was still surprised at how young he was.

After all, Liu Wu now has the reputation of being the number one prince in the world.

Liu Wu said to Sun Shao:
“Shao’er, I don’t blame you for not understanding before, but now you are Marquis of Peng and Governor of Xuzhou. If you still don’t understand, it’s a bit bad.”

“If you were in my uncle’s position, you would have Jingzhou in front of you, which is an important part of your grand ambition. If you don’t move forward, Cao’s army will rush into Guandong at any time, and you will be surrounded and killed. If you move forward, you will have a bright future and become the number one prince in the world. The hundreds of thousands of soldiers under your command will have a tomorrow and a future, and the people under your rule will be safe. What would you choose?”

“In fact, when I asked His Majesty to confer you the title of Governor of Xuzhou, Marquis Peng, I also wanted the court to give an explanation to the Sun family.”

Liu Wu said to Sun Shao.

In the hall, Sun Shao listened to Liu Wu’s words and put himself in Liu Wu’s shoes. Suddenly, he felt Liu Wu’s situation at that time. Indeed, if he were Liu Wu, what would he do?
If it were Sun Shao a few months ago, Sun Shao would still have the same attitude as Sun Shangxiang. However, after becoming the governor of Xuzhou for several months and ruling over no less than a million people, Sun Shao’s thoughts were different from before.

“This…Uncle really should put the overall situation first.” Sun Shao hesitated slightly, but still said this.

Because he found that if he were in Liu Wu’s position, he would probably make the same choice as Liu Wu.

After all, Huang Zu of the Huang family controlled nearly half of the forces in Jingzhou, especially the navy.

When Sun Shao heard Liu Wu say that he had asked His Majesty to confer upon him the title of Governor of Xuzhou and Marquis of Peng, so that the court could give an explanation to the Sun family, Sun Shao completely cleared up his misunderstanding of Liu Wu.

After all, one should be grateful for what one has received.

It’s already been given to one state, and it’s still not enough.

Thinking about this, Sun Shao said to Sun Shangxiang:

“Aunt, then, uncle, it’s not easy either. After all, the overall situation is more important.”

“You little Sun Shao, I’ve bribed you!” Sun Shangxiang was immediately unhappy when she heard that Sun Shao dared to persuade her.

Sun Shangxiang actually understood that Liu Wu really needed to put the overall situation first, but there was a thorn after all.

“Father-in-law, you can come in!” Liu Wu suddenly said to the side room.

Everyone was startled, and saw the burly Huang Zu walking in with a wine pot and a wine bottle. Huang Zu poured a bottle of wine, and without waiting for Sun Shangxiang’s reaction, he said sadly:

“At the beginning, your father and I actually served different masters. Although shooting Sun Jian to death made me, Huang Zu, famous, I, Huang Zu, have been thinking about this hero for so many years and still feel very sorry. As the saying goes, it is better to resolve a feud than to create one. Miss Sun, today I, Huang Zu, will apologize to you.”

As he said that, Huang Zu drank the whole bottle guzzlingly, then picked up the wine jug with both hands and started drinking more.

It seemed that Huang Zu’s eyes were also filled with regret.

Sun Jian was killed in a battle with Liu Biao. Specifically, in 191 AD (the second year of Chuping), Sun Jian was ordered by Yuan Shu to lead his troops to attack Liu Biao in Jingzhou. During the battle, Sun Jian pursued Huang Zu, a general under Liu Biao, to Xian Mountain, but unfortunately encountered an ambush by Huang Zu. Huang Zu took advantage of the terrain of the bamboo forest and shot a hidden arrow, killing Sun Jian. Although Sun Jian was outstanding in bravery and military talent, he was unfortunately ambushed in this battle and eventually died young. Although Huang Zu stepped on Sun Jian’s corpse, he achieved fame and became famous all over the world.

However, whenever I think of Sun Jian’s achievements, I can’t help but sigh.

From a man of humble origin to one who eventually became a fierce tiger of Jiangdong, Huang Zu should have sympathized with him.

Perhaps, it was because they each served their own masters and were in different camps that they ended up fighting like this.

Otherwise, as both of them are influential figures in Jianghuai, they may not be unable to drink and chat happily about the world.

“Woo…”

Suddenly, Sun Shangxiang in the hall couldn’t hold back her tears any longer and burst into tears.

(End of this chapter)