Chapter 54: Yuan Shao's "Gift"

  The disappearance of Zhang Nan, the first camp school lieutenant, made Qin Xu somewhat worried about the next move of Yuan Shao's army.

  From Yuan Shao's arrangement, it can be seen that he already knew that Lü Bu's army was involved in the chaos of Ye City.

  Yuan Shao's expedition against Gongsun Zan was unsuccessful, and the loss of Ye city had also dealt a blow to his morale. For the time being, he did not have the strength or confidence to take on Lü Bu. Ji Province was rich in resources and manpower, with minimal damage from war, although it belonged to the north, the foundation of its aristocratic families was no less than that of the capital region. Ye city was also the economic and political center of the entire Hebei region. If they waited for Yuan Shao to recover, things might not go well.

  "You're too cautious, Yuan Shao's kid. If you don't come to Hebei, then forget it. But if you dare to come, I'll make sure you can't get out." Lü Bu scoffed at Qin Yilu's concern and said impatiently: "My army has been bothering the weak Uncle for a long time, and we're worried that there's nowhere to go. I think Ji Province is not bad."

  This temper, no wonder in history was so strong, but was chased by people all over the place.

  Qin Xu's worries, Lü Bu didn't take too seriously. The attack of more than 200 elite soldiers and the hidden powerful crossbowmen of Yuan Shao's army couldn't even scratch a bit of oil off his skin, giving him reason to be arrogant.

  "Dad, when Yuan Shao comes, I'll accompany you to resist the enemy, okay? We've missed him several times already!" Qin Xu was having a headache, but Lü Linggui came to add to the chaos.

  "Big sister, my little auntie, can you just stop making trouble?" Qin Xu said with a bitter smile. Since Lü Bu vaguely expressed his intentions, Qin Xu and Lü Lingxue's conversation had become much more casual.

  "Who messed up? The siege of Ye City didn't work out! This time, rushing to hurry and still not working out! I'm so frustrated! It's all your fault!" Lü Lingxue pouted her small mouth, gave Qin Xuan a white eye, and said discontentedly.

  "This father and daughter duo... their personalities are simply cut from the same mold, both advocating for violence and force, leaving Qin Xu helpless with laughter and tears."

  "Alright, Ling'er, don't bother with this kid, be good!" Lü Bu finally managed to understand Qin Xu's kind intentions and comforted his daughter for a few moments before asking Qin Xu: "It was you who advised me to surrender to the Han River back then. You've only been here for a few months, yet you've caused so much trouble. What are you trying to stir up now?"

  Lü Bu's words can kill people, who is actually being played? Qin Xu was secretly resentful in his heart, but for the sake of not joking with his life, seeing Lü Bu had actually come up with the idea of swallowing and taking over Ji Province, he smiled bitterly and said to Lü Bu: "The Yuan family has been prominent for four generations, with many officials and followers all over the world. For a time, it is impossible to contend with them; although Yuan Shao has only recently obtained Ji Province, many large clans and aristocratic families within the province have flocked to his side, making his overall strength extremely powerful; as for the affair at Ye City, although our army gained much advantage, it was still difficult to move Yuan Shao's muscles and bones. My lord must not be careless."

  "It's better to return to Pingzhou! It's been a long time since I left, and I haven't returned. Pingzhou produces good horses, and it's also our old territory, so Yuan Shao won't dare to offend us." Lü Bu stroked Lü Lingqi's golden hair, and his eyes showed a hint of tenderness: "Ling'er was still young when she followed me out of Pingzhou, and now she's grown up like this."

  Lü Bu's expression changed to one of filial piety, Qin Xu hastily said: "My lord, Yuan Shao has been eyeing Pingzhou for a long time and has infiltrated it for many years. Moreover, Pingzhou is weak and surrounded by enemies on all sides, and has been ravaged by the Black Mountain bandits for a long time, it's not a place to use force. And Ding Jianyang..."

  "Don't mention it again!" Lü Bu's face turned gloomy upon hearing Ding Yuan's name, and he let out a sigh. "Don't bring this up again in the future. What does that old fox by your side think?"

  Lü Bu mentioned it in a tone that wasn't far off, and Qin Xu also knew better than to ask further. When Lü Bu brought up Jia Xu, it seemed that despite his nonchalant attitude towards the loss of Chang'an, he still had some resentment in his heart. Qin Xu sighed and said, "I originally advised Wen He to serve in our army, but..."

  "It's all the same, being by your side and serving in my army. I've even saved a lot of salary!" Lü Bu waved his hand to stop Qin Xu's explanation and said: "I'd like to see what kind of clever plan can make me, Lü Bu, suffer a loss. Speak quickly."

  Lü Linggui didn't know about Qin Xu and Jia Xiang's matter either, and she looked at Qin Xu with a curious expression.

  Qin Xu smiled bitterly, but Jia Xi had mentioned a bold plan. However, the risk of this plan was high and the success rate was low. Even he, the number one poison master of the late Han dynasty, frankly said that there was no guarantee of success. Moreover, now that Lü Bu and Yuan Shao were at odds with each other, Qin Xu could only say: "Mr. Jia's plan is to advise the lord to send troops to Henan, order a great general to make a surprise attack on the two thieves, pretend to attack Chang'an, while the lord personally leads the main force to bypass Chang'an and launch a surprise attack on Yangping Pass, capture Hanzhong, and then plot against Shu.

  "Hmm?" Lü Bu listened to Qin Xu's recount of Jia Xu's plan, and a hint of cleverness flashed in his eyes as he continuously smacked his lips, saying: "Indeed worthy of being the old fox who made even me, Lü Bu, suffer a great loss. Rumor has it that Shu land has the aura of an emperor, in the past when Han Gaozu was still king of Hanzhong, he occupied Shu to observe the world. Jia Xu is advising me to rebel!"

  "Your Excellency!?" Qin Xu saw Lv Bu's intent and hastily said: "Mr. Wenhe's plan is extremely dangerous, Zhang Lu of Hanzhong governs the people with virtue, the military morale is very solid, and they occupy the strategic location of mountains and rivers. Our army does not have a clear imperial edict, even if we attack and defeat them, it will be difficult to pacify within three to five years. Moreover, Shu land has many mountains, all entrances and exits are through plank roads, several strong passes are built on the mountains, easy to defend but hard to attack! Furthermore, although this place is less affected by war, the people are rich and prosperous, known as a heavenly country, but the surrounding areas have many barbarians, with customs and human feelings vastly different from those of the Central Plains. If our army does not have detailed maps and suitable timing, relying solely on our two hundred thousand troops to suddenly invade, it will be difficult to predict victory or defeat within several years! Your Excellency must not forget that whether we launch a surprise attack on Chang'an or attack Hanzhong, our rear will be exposed. The two bandits Yuan Shao and Li Jue will not sit idly by!"

  "It seems that's the only way to go about it then." Lü Bu had initially been very interested in Jia Xu's plan, but after listening to Qin Xu's analysis, although he felt somewhat disappointed, he still took Qin Xu's words to heart.

  "Report! Master, a letter package has been delivered from Zhang Taigong in Henan!"

  Just as Qin Xu and Lü Bu were discussing the feasibility of Jia Xu's plan, Song Xian suddenly spoke outside the tent.

  "Come in!" Lü Bu beckoned to Qin Xu, who had been galloping all night and was now dozing off. He heard Lü Lingqi supporting herself on the military bed, half asleep, and called Song Xian to come in.

  Qin Xu didn't think much of it, seeing Lv Linggui's exhaustion, he couldn't bear it either, so he didn't say anything else and took Lv Linggui from Lü Bu's arms.

  "Ah!" Song Xian heard Lü Bu's summons and hastily lifted the curtain to enter the commander's tent. At first glance, he saw Qin Xu holding Lü Lingqi in his arms and putting her on the military bed. The corners of his eyes twitched involuntarily, and he secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Who dares to hold the precious daughter of the Lü family in front of the Flying General? What's there to be proud of? It's better to show some humility!

  Fortunately, Song Xian had become much more calm and cautious after last night's events. He pretended not to see Qin Xu's actions and respectfully handed over the fire seal and package to Lü Bu, standing aside with his hands hanging down, not daring to glance sideways.

  "Huh? What is Yuan Benchu trying to do?" After verifying the fire seal, Lü Bu took a rough glance and opened the package. Seeing what was inside, he exclaimed in surprise: "Qin Xu, come take a look at this!"

  Just covered Lv Linggui with a thin quilt, Qin Xu was staring at the dark red bloodstain on Song Xian's sleeve, thinking that this big brother wouldn't be so afraid of Lv Bu torturing Wei Xu, and took action so quickly? Just saw Lv Bu hand over Zhang Yang's letter.

  Qin Xu did not notice Song Xian's "as expected" gaze, and casually took the letter, after reading it, he looked at what Lü Bu was holding in his hand again, and the surprise in his eyes was no less than Lü Bu's.

  How did this happen?

  Qin Xu's confidential letter was actually handed over by Zhang Yang, and it was a newly appointed Chariot General and Governor of Ji Province, Yuan Shao's memorial to appoint Lü Bu as Left General and Governor of Qing Province, along with an appointment decree stamped with a bright red jade seal, and inside the package, there was actually a gold seal three inches long and two and a half inches wide!

  What's going on? Lü Bu had a strange expression on his face.

  Lao Yuan is also too unreasonable, right?

  His vanguard had just raided Ye City, resulting in Yuan Shang and two of the city's defenders being taken captive by the Black Mountain bandits. Last night, they killed over 200 of his elite soldiers who were the first to climb the walls. It is likely that Xu You and Feng Ji, who remained in Huai City, have also been captured by Zhang Liao and other generals left behind to guard the city. While considering how to respond to Yuan Shao's impending crazy revenge, Zhang Yang sent this! This is too unreasonable!

  Lü Bu was originally rewarded for his service in killing Dong Zhuo and was appointed as a general by Emperor Xian, with the title of General of Extreme Martial Bravery. Although this title was also very high, it was not a regular title in the Han dynasty's military hierarchy, and although he held some military power, it was only an ad hoc appointment during wartime, similar to that of a supervisor, which could be withdrawn at any time. It was also one of the means by which Wang Yun controlled Lü Bu at the time.

  But the General of the Left was different, a proper and formal title for a high-ranking Han general, with a gold seal and purple ribbon, ranking just below the Minister, who could have his own army and station troops in one place. In other words, with this general's title and the imperial appointment edict, Lü Bu officially joined the ranks of the warlords at the end of the Han dynasty, and was no longer just a casual mention.

  After verifying the authenticity, Lü Bu's face was even more incredulous. Since Lü Bu abandoned Chang'an, not to mention being promoted, it was uncertain whether the original title of General Wu would be recognized by the court controlled by Li Jue and Guo Si. However, the jade seal and golden stamp on this appointment edict were obviously genuine.

  Is Yuan Shao crazy? Or is there another plot? However, Qin Xu was the first to wake up from this absurd matter and asked Song Xian: "General Song, did Governor Zhang have any other instructions when he sent these things? For example, where did these things come from? And how were they found here?"

  "Qin Zhubu is indeed a wise and discerning man!" Song Xian first praised Qin Xu, then bowed his head to Lü Bu and said: "My lord, Zhang Taishou sent his attendants with the soldiers who were left behind to guard Hebei. They brought two noble guests from the military camp as gifts for my lord."

  "Indeed!" Qin Xu and Lü Bu exchanged a smile. With Yuan Shao's timid personality, it was indeed possible for him to make secret preparations. Even without thinking, Qin Xu knew what Yuan Shao had in mind. At first, Yuan Shao might have thought of using Lü Bu for his own purposes, trying to win him over with high positions and wealth; but when he learned the truth about Lü Bu's surprise attack on Ye City, which damaged their military strength and led to the capture of his beloved son Yuan Shang and two city guards by the Black Mountain bandits, he was furious and would not give Lü Bu any benefits. These imperial edicts and golden seals were probably found by Zhang Liao when he suddenly captured Guo Tu and Xu You.

  "What should I do with this treasure?" Lü Bu asked, his eyes fixed on the golden seal, unwilling to part with it.

  "Yuan Shao will probably lose his official position and territory this time!" Qin Xu smiled and said, "Since Yuan Shao has given the vast Qingzhou to our lord for nothing, why doesn't our lord take it?"

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