37. Presumptuous recommendation of oneself

  For several days afterwards, Liu Bei was busy with his feet not leaving the ground and his hands not leaving wine, rushing about to pay respects to the many civil and military officials of Jingzhou.

  It's true that after several days, most of the civil and military officials in Jingzhou were chatting with Liu Bei about rumors, although they didn't know how many were true or false, but it was better than nothing.

  But on this day, a shocking event occurred, stunning Jing Xiang and astonishing the world!

  In the spring of Jian'an 6 (201), Liu Biao responded to Yuan Shao's call and suddenly sent troops. Since Liu Biao pacified Jingzhou, governed Jingzhou for many years, worked hard to govern, the war smoke in Jingzhou had long since disappeared, and Jingzhou was a peaceful place. Suddenly, the news of Liu Biao sending troops came out, and Jingzhou was immediately stirred up.

  The matter of sending troops out was spread by some people with ulterior motives, and the rumors became more and more exaggerated. Some said that Liu Biao saw Cao Cao's cruelty and couldn't bear the emperor suffering in Xuchang, so he decided to mobilize all his forces in Jingzhou, lead a large army of 300,000 northward to attack Xuchang, vowing not to return until Xuchang was conquered!

  There are even rumors that: "Liu Jingsheng is not willing to be a man, wants to rise up and pursue directly, also comes with the emperor to command the vassals, becomes a regent king, dominates the four seas."

  At that time, various versions emerged one after another, and they were told as if they were true. As a result, the common people couldn't help but believe them! In the streets and alleys of Xiangyang City, there was nothing more enjoyable to talk about during leisure time than this "major news".

  Sun Quan, who was next to Jingzhou, heard about this and was stunned for a long time. He immediately ordered his men to verify the information carefully, and after repeated confirmations, Sun Quan quickly ordered Zhou Yu to be recalled and Zhang Zhao and other senior officials to hurry back to Wu County for discussion, showing how shocking this news was!

  Even Xun Yu, who was stationed in Xuchang, was shocked and worried when he learned about it. He couldn't help but secretly resent Liu Biao, wondering if Liu Biao really wanted to take advantage of the situation. Xun Yu knew that Liu Biao had a strong foundation in Jingzhou, which was a rich and prosperous place with many soldiers. He didn't dare to make a decision on his own, so he immediately ordered the recall of General Xiahou Yuan, who was also stationed in Xuchang, to discuss the matter together.

  Upon receiving Xun Yu's order, Xiahou Yuan hastily arrived at the government office and discussed with Xun Yu for nearly half a day. Afterwards, the two men arranged a series of matters to be carried out.

  Xiahou Yuan's swift and severe actions began as soon as he left the government office. First, he ordered Li Tong to lead 5,000 troops to garrison Xiangcheng, and Zhu Ling to lead 5,000 troops to garrison Yingyin, in order to defend against the large army of Jingzhou. He himself led an army to support Li Tong and Zhu Ling, the two generals, as a precaution against any unexpected events.

  For a time, Liu Biao's sudden mobilization of troops shocked the world, and many forces discussed countermeasures and mobilized their defenses.

  Xiangyang City, General of the South Camp's mansion, study!

  Liu Biao flew into a rage in the study, pointing at the Kuai brothers and scolding them severely. Cai Mao naturally couldn't avoid being rebuked as well.

  After a while, Kuai Liang saw that Liu Biao's angry expression had dissipated somewhat, and he stepped forward a few steps, saying in a low voice: "My lord, this is purely a rumor, my lord need not pay attention to it!"

  Kuai Liang didn't say anything, but as soon as he did, Liu Biao's sudden anger surged up to his head. Liu Biao slammed his hand on the table and grabbed a few bamboo slips from the table, roaring: "Rumors? Look at these rumors, they have noses and eyes, I'm afraid people all over the world already believe them." He paused for a moment, his tone mournful: "I think of my loyalty to the Han dynasty, how can I face my ancestors in the afterlife?"

  "Search thoroughly, search every inch of this province, don't let a single one escape..." Liu's face was twisted in rage as he shouted.

  Kuai Liang and Kuai Yue exchanged a glance, thinking: "The old man is really furious this time!"

  Cai Mao silently listened to Liu Biao's angry words, Gu Bo's calm face suddenly had a fleeting smile, and the corners of his mouth flashed with a hint of sinister intent. The glint in his eyes was unfathomable!

  Liu Biao's anger gradually subsided, and he looked at the Ku brothers with a cold hum. He turned to look at Cai Mao, and his eyes flashed with a thick, dark haze. Suddenly, as if remembering something, he furrowed his brow in concern: "De Kui, this time Wang Wei and Wen Ping led the army out of the city, I'm afraid the military strength of Xiangyang is much weaker. Those bandits won't take advantage of it to attack the city, will they?"

  Kuai Liang and Kuai Yue were both clear in their minds that this matter would not have arisen without cause, and that someone must be stirring up trouble. Seeing Cai Mao's somewhat pleased expression, the two brothers coldly snorted in unison. Cai Mao was feeling extremely pleased with himself at this moment, and when he glanced at the gloomy faces of the Kuai brothers with his peripheral vision, he felt even more delighted. After hearing Liu Biao's slightly worried words, he burst out laughing and then immediately composed himself, saying: "My lord, please set your mind at ease. If those blind bandits come, Mao will make them drink their fill of hatred beneath the walls of Xiangyang!"

  Liu Biao listened, and it was as if a huge stone had fallen from his heart. He had grown old and learned to cherish his own life. He let out a gentle sigh, nodded slightly, and looked at Kuai Yue with his eyes, asking in a soft voice: "Yi Du, where have Zhong Ye and the others gone?"

  Kuai Yue hesitated for a moment and cupped his hands in respect: "General Wen and the others should be near Ye County!"

  Liu Biao nodded in satisfaction and immediately furrowed his brow, looking at Kuai Liang with a solemn expression, sternly saying: "Zi Rou, the logistics of the expeditionary army cannot be neglected!"

  "My lord, please be at ease. Wen and Wang, the two generals, will not worry about food supplies!" Kuai Liang said with a bow, then his face turned slightly gloomy, and he spoke in a low tone: "My lord, I have something to report, but I don't know if..."

  Liu Biao's heart was filled with joy, seeing Kuai Liang hesitating and frowning, he asked displeased: "Zi Rou, is there anything else you want to say?"

  Although Kuai Liang knew that Liu Biao was in high spirits, he thought that if he spoke out about this matter, there would be an 80 or 90 percent chance of being rebuked on the spot. After much deliberation, Kuai Liang still spoke up, saying: "Today is different from before. The Cai family's power has secretly surpassed that of our own family. If we don't take this opportunity to reduce their strength a bit, how can it be allowed?"

  Cai Man felt a sudden sense of unease in his heart after hearing Kuang Liang's words!

  Before Cai Mao could speak, Kuai Liang loudly reported: "My lord, the surrendered general Zhang Wu has colluded with Jiangxia bandit Chen Sun to plunder the people of Jiangxia and plot a rebellion. Their force is now quite large, my lord must be on guard!"

  Liu Biao was shocked and then burst into anger: "I treated Zhang Wu with kindness, why did he betray me again? The two thieves have rebelled, it must be a great disaster!" After speaking, he slapped his thigh fiercely. He exclaimed: "Huang Zu is stationed in Jiangxia for me, why hasn't Huang Zu sent any news?"

  "My lord, this matter is also unclear... " Kuai Li furrowed his brow and worriedly said: "Zhang Wu and Chen Sun's rebellion has great momentum. If Jiangdong takes advantage of the fire to loot, it will be difficult for one person to resist four fists. I fear that Huang Zu alone cannot hold out. My lord should make a decision as soon as possible."

  Liu Biao's expression changed, and as Huang Zu was one of Liu Biao's most trusted generals, Liu Biao naturally could not let anything happen to him. He immediately thought of Wen Ping and Wang Wei, who were no longer present, and sighed: "If only Wen Ping and Wang Wei had a general here, what would we have to fear from Zhang Wu and Chen Sun, these petty thieves?"

  Kuai Yue's eyes sparkled with understanding of the elder brother's intention, and he walked forward with a smile on his face. He chuckled lightly and said: "Your Excellency need not worry, although Wen and Wang are not here, there is still a tiger in Xiangyang, who can join forces with Huang Zu to break Zhang Wu, and Chen Sun will be captured within a day or two."

  Liu Biao's heart was heavy with worry at this time, and he heard Kuai Yue's words. He blinked his eyes, looking puzzled, saying: "A tiger in Jingzhou?"

  Cai Man heard this and felt even more uneasy in his heart, secretly thinking: "These two foxes are singing in harmony, could they be plotting something against me?"

  Kuai Yue glanced at Cai Mao with a slanted eye, and Liu Biao followed Kuai Yue's gaze to take a look. A faint light flashed in his mind, and he suddenly said, "Not bad, not bad, De Kui is indeed my fierce tiger!" Liu Biao nodded, then immediately shouted, "De Kui, are you willing to lead the army into battle?"

  Cai Mao's face changed, and he glared at Kuai Liang with hatred. He said to Cao Cao: "My lord, I have the heavy responsibility of defending Xiangyang; how can I possibly leave lightly?"

  "Moreover, Huang Zu has experienced a hundred battles, and quelling such minor uprisings is hardly a matter of great effort?"

  Kuai Yue seemed to know that Cai Mao would say so, and a strange expression flashed across his face. Cai Mao saw it and shouted loudly in his heart. As expected, Kuai Yue said lightly: "The lord doesn't have to worry too much, although General Cai has left, but Xiangyang has Liu Xuande stationed there, and it can be guaranteed that nothing will go wrong."

  "Hmph..." Cai Mao snorted disdainfully and said in a cold voice, "My lord, Liu Bei is all show and no substance. I fear that if you entrust him with this important task, Xiangyang will not be secure..."

  Liu Biao's brow furrowed, and he was somewhat indecisive. Just then, Kuai Liang interjected, "Rather than continuing to argue with no clear outcome, why not invite Liu Xuande to come and discuss it?"

  Liu Biao heard this and smiled lightly, clapping his hands together in delight. "Zi Rou's words are excellent!" he exclaimed. He immediately turned to the outside and shouted: "Someone, quickly go to the post house and invite Xuande to come here!"

  "Yes!" A voice came from outside the study.

  Half a kung fu, Liu Bei's eyebrows slightly frowned, guessing what Liu Biao had invited himself for, and entered the study with a heart full of thoughts. Seeing the crowd in the study, he was slightly stunned, then immediately bowed to Liu Biao!

  Liu Biao hastily said in a warm tone: "Xuande, is this trip to Xiangyang comfortable?"

  "Brother Jing Sheng, everything is well arranged, and I have never felt so at ease!" Liu Bei said with a smile, then softly asked: "I heard that Brother Jing Sheng has something important to discuss, is there anything Zhongmou can help with?"

  Liu Biao originally wanted to chat with Liu Bei, but seeing Liu Bei getting straight to the point was exactly what Liu Biao had in mind. Liu Biao smiled and said: "What you said is correct, brother. I do have a troublesome matter that I'd like to discuss with my virtuous younger brother!"

  "Oh? Brother Jing Sheng, please speak." Liu Bei blinked his eyes and immediately said: "If I can do it, I will die for it..."

  "It's not as serious as what you said, younger brother." Liu Biao smiled and said: "I just heard that my general Zhang Wu has joined forces with the Jiangxia bandit Chen Sun to plot a rebellion. I...". Liu Biao paused, worried, saying: "You also know, younger brother, that generals Wen Ping and Wang Wei have led their armies out on campaign, and Deng Xiao is heavily burdened with responsibility and cannot leave his post, so..."

  Liu Bei listened and suddenly felt enlightened, saying in a low voice: "Brother Jing Sheng, what's difficult about this? I recommend one person, who will definitely capture Zhang Wu and Chen Sun under his horse and hand them over to you for disposal!"

  Liu Biao heard that it was not Liu Bei who personally led the army to quell the rebellion, and a hint of gloom flashed across his eyes. Then he heard Liu Bei's words full of confidence, and suddenly became curious, thinking: "Could it be that silver-armored general?"

  Liu Bei recalled Zhao Yun's majestic appearance a few days ago and felt reassured. He asked in a soft voice, "Who did Xuande recommend?"

  Liu Bei smiled slightly and took a few steps back, bowed to Liu Biao and whispered: "Brother Jing Sheng, the person I recommended is far in the sky but near at hand!"

  Liu Bei's words made Liu Biao confused, his expression slightly stunned and suddenly enlightened, and he exclaimed in surprise: "The person recommended by Xuande is himself?"

  Liu Bei smiled and said, "What Brother Jing Sheng has said is quite right. The person I recommended is myself! Since I came to Brother Jing Sheng's place, I have received much care from him. Now that Brother Jing Sheng has worries, how can I just stand by with folded arms? Although I am not talented, I wish to recommend myself to help Brother Jing Sheng dispel his worries and difficulties!"

  Liu Biao grasped Liu Bei's hands, excitedly waving them a few times, and joyfully said: "At the critical moment, we still have to rely on our own brothers!" After pausing for a moment, his eyes fixed on Cai Mao, he shouted in a low voice: "De Kui, quickly lead 10,000 troops with Xuande, choose a day to set out for Jiangxia, and eliminate the troubles of Zhang Wu and Chen Sun in one move!"

  "Ah!" replied Kuai Liang.