Chapter 26: The Art of Debate

  A gentleman values elegance and refinement, emphasizing an air of effortless charm in conversation.

  Liu Biao, who was both a renowned scholar and a feudal lord, had never before shown such a frightened expression in his life, and all of his attendants were shocked.

  And his evaluation of Yan Liang was even more astonishing to Cai Mao and others, who thought that Yan Liang must be extraordinary to make Liu Gong so shocked.

  After being frightened for a long time, Liu Biao barely calmed down and let out a light sigh, showing Kuai Yue's letter to everyone.

  Cai Man first took the book, and after glancing at it for a few moments, his face suddenly changed color, and he exclaimed: "This Yan Liang actually intends to betray Yuan Benchu and establish himself as a hero. He...he's too arrogant!"

  Everyone present changed color upon hearing this, as if they didn't dare believe their own ears.

  Let's not discuss whether Yan Liang betrayed his lord, which is unjust. Even if we consider the actual strength under Yuan Benchu, even though their lord Liu Biao appeared to be following him on the surface, Yan Liang still dared to betray Yuan Shao with just a few thousand soldiers and horses.

  He's got a nerve, he really has!

  Many were astonished and ridiculed him, thinking that Yan Liang's arrogant behavior would lead to his own downfall.

  "Yan Liang is not just arrogant, look further down." Liu Biao said with a bitter smile.

  Cai Mao then loudly read out Kuai Yue's letter, and as the crowd listened, those who had been sneering could not help but change color.

  Yuan Liang wasn't as foolish as he seemed, he was trying to emulate Zhang Yi of old and form an alliance with their lord, letting Jingzhou provide supplies for him in the rear and lend him support.

  Moreover, if Liu Biao did not agree, Yan Liang threatened to surrender Xinye to Cao Cao.

  Everyone knows that Xinye fell into Cao Cao's hands and will have severe consequences.

  Everyone suddenly fell silent.

  After a while, Cai Mao broke the silence and said loudly: "If Yuan Shao wants to surrender to Cao Cao, he can surrender. In the battle of Guandu, I think Lord Yuan will win more than half. When Cao Cao is defeated, we will take advantage of the situation and send troops northward. Not only can we retake Xin Ye, but also take advantage of the opportunity to reap the benefits."

  Han Sheng said, "Yuan Benchu has an army of one hundred thousand, yet he cannot break through Guandu. The struggle between Yuan and Cao is hard to predict, how can we lightly put our bets on Yuan Benchu?"

  In the great hall, discussion arose again.

  Some people support Cai Mao, while others follow Han Song.

  Indeed, in today's situation, no one dares to predict who will win or lose the Battle of Guan Du.

  Liu Biao, who had been silent for a long time, suddenly coughed loudly several times.

  The crowd immediately fell silent, and the hall returned to calmness.

  Liu Biao looked at everyone and sighed, "What you all said makes sense, but I think that no matter who wins or loses the Battle of Guandu, it's not important to us. What's most important is to ensure the safety of Jingzhou."

  Liu Biao paused for a moment, then continued: "This Yan Liang is brave and skilled in battle. If he were to defend Jingzhou, whether against Yuan Benchu or Cao Mengde, he would not be a bad asset. Now that the situation has reached this point, following the trend and forming an alliance with him wouldn't be a bad thing either."

  Liu Biao showed his attitude, he decided to make concessions and listen to Kuai Yue's advice.

  As soon as he said this, everyone immediately fell silent.

  After all, the pros and cons have been clearly stated in the letter by Ke Yuan.

  Men like Han Shou are satisfied as long as Jingzhou can maintain its current peaceful state, even if it is only temporary.

  To the likes of Cai Mao and other high-ranking officials, they thought that if they were to form an alliance with Yan Liang, then both sides would no longer be enemies, and their properties in Xin Ye would also be preserved, so what's the point of continuing this battle.

  Everyone had no objection, so Liu Biao ordered his subordinate Bin Mo Yi Ji to go to Xinye to negotiate an alliance with Yan Liang.

  Chaoyang Garrison

  At this time, Yan Liang was sharpening his knife and preparing to lead his cavalry to the banks of the Han River for a ride, intending to intimidate Liu Biao.

  Just as they were about to set out, a scout came to report that Bin Mo, a guest under Liu Biao's command, was already on the road several miles away, claiming to have been sent by Liu Biao to discuss an alliance.

  Yan Liang's face flashed a hint of a smile, everything was just as he had expected, Liu Biao still yielded and gave in.

  It was said that the person who came to negotiate was named Yiju, and Yan Liang's eyes lit up again.

  Yan Liang vaguely remembered that in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Yi Ji Ming was a guest officer under Liu Biao, but secretly had close ties with Liu Bei. Not only did he save Liu Bei's life once, but later also recommended many talents such as Ma Liang and Ma Su to Liu Bei.

  In official history, Yi Ji was also extremely eloquent, and even Sun Quan was amazed by his eloquence. After following Liu Bei into Shu, he also participated in the formulation of the "Shu Ke" with Zhuge Liang and others, laying the foundation for the legal system of Shu Han.

  Yan Liang thought that he had to stand out on his own, and it was inevitable that he would form alliances with the various lords. He lacked a skilled diplomat by his side, and Yi Jue fit the bill perfectly.

  "This man later defected to Liu Bei, apparently also secretly dissatisfied with Liu Biao, and can be used by me..."

  Yan Liang calculated in his heart and then ordered the whole army to line up outside the camp. He wanted to personally welcome Yijue.

  More than three thousand officers and men received the order, quickly gathered at the gate, lined up on both sides of the road leading to the main tent, standing solemnly.

  Yan Liang then halted his horse at the chariot's wheel and gazed into the distance.

  Before long, several horsemen came forward slowly. The man in the green robe was probably Yi Ji.

  Yan Liang then drove his horse out of the camp, and when they were several steps apart, he cupped his hands in a salute and smiled, saying: "I have long heard of General Zuo's great name. Today I get to see you, which is truly Yan's good fortune for three lifetimes."

  On horseback, he was still thinking about what kind of person Yan Liang would be.

  In various rumors, Yan Liang was said to be ferocious and cruel, killing people like hemp, an extremely ruthless martial artist.

  What is seen now is that Yan Liang is so close and kind, which is completely different from the previous impression.

  What made Yiju even more surprised was that Yan Liang actually came out of the camp to greet him, which really made him feel a little honored.

  Ji hurriedly cupped his hands in a gesture of respect and replied, "It's an honor that the General has personally come to welcome me. I'm truly unworthy of such treatment."

  Yan Liang smiled and said, "Sir, you're too kind. I, Yan, had heard of your name when I was in Hebei, but unfortunately couldn't meet you to ask for advice. Today, I'm lucky enough to see you, so it's only right that I should come out of the camp to welcome you."

  These words made Yijue feel comfortable in his heart.

  He may have had a reputation for talent, but in Liu Biao's headquarters where many famous scholars gathered, he was not considered to be an outstanding figure and rarely received preferential treatment.

  Now that he has come to Xinye, he is treated with such courtesy and praise by the famous general of Hebei, Yan Liang. This treatment instantly changes Yan Liang's image in his eyes.

  Yan Liang secretly smiled in his heart and rode into the camp with him side by side.

  Along the way, 30,000 northern soldiers of Hebei marched in formation with stern expressions, without a single bird chirping.

  "The Hebei army's military appearance is like this, far surpassing the Jingzhou army I am in. General Yan's ability to govern the army is indeed impressive..."

  Yi Jing's heart was filled with admiration, and his eyes couldn't help but reveal a look of praise for Yan Liang.

  Yan Liang pretended to be unaware, but secretly observed the expression of Yijue. When he saw his admiring look, a faint smile flashed across Yan Liang's mouth.

  He just wants to let Yiju see his military power, on the one hand, through him to express to Liu with strength, and on the other hand, also let this debater see his extraordinary place.

  "Is Mr. unaware of any high position under Liu's command?" Yan Liang suddenly asked.

  At these words, Iki Tousen's expression turned slightly awkward, "I am merely a humble clerk in the provincial governor's office."

  Shūsō is a title for low-ranking literary officials. With his exceptional talent, being a Shūsō was indeed a waste of his abilities.

  Yan Liang feigned surprise and exclaimed, "Sir, your talent is overflowing. Even if you don't become a regional governor, at the very least, you should be appointed to a position of some importance. How could Governor Liu assign you such a lowly position as a bookkeeper?"

  "There are many talented scholars under the governor's command, and I am just a humble scholar with shallow learning. It is already a blessing to be appointed to this position." Yi Ji smiled self-deprecatingly.

  Yan Liang could see it, his smile was a bitter one.

  Obviously, Yijue was not satisfied with his treatment, and Yan Liang had the opportunity to dig a corner.

  As they spoke, the two of them entered the tent.

  The host and guest sat down, and Yu Ji then made Liu Biao's sincerity clear to Yan Liang, stating that Liu Biao was willing to form an alliance with him and jointly resist the northern enemy.

  "Liu Shijun thought it was okay with Yan Mou, but Yan Mou had a condition." Yan Liang wasn't in a hurry at all and even started haggling over the price.

  Yi Jing thought that Yan Liang was really calm and composed, despite being in a difficult situation with strong enemies surrounding him on all sides, yet he appeared so powerful, as if Liu Biao was begging to form an alliance with him.

  "This Yanzi Yi, calm in chaos, knows how to judge the situation, in this regard, Liu Shijun is far inferior..."

  Yi Jing nodded in admiration and then asked Yan Liang if he had any other conditions.

  Yan Liang took a sip of wine and said loudly: "It's very simple. I want to meet with General Liu alone, and we will make a vow in person."

  As soon as he heard this, Yijue's expression changed at once.