Rejuvenation of the Han Dynasty in the Three Kingdoms

Chapter 448
Because of Xu You's contribution, the construction of the inner palace was completed in April of the following year when Luoyang was built, much faster than expected. In only two years, only the northern palace and the government offices south of Luoshui remained unfinished.

After the construction of the palace was completed, the next thing to do was to sort out the royal books, palace records, etc. These things were burned to pieces by Dong Zhuo, and even the genealogy was damaged. It required someone with experience and familiarity with royal affairs to take charge.

Sikong Huangwan thought that Liu Biao had a large collection of books and was a member of the royal family, so he recommended Liu Biao as Zongzheng and the head of the Nine Qings. He went to Luoyang to preside over the restoration of the ancestral temple.

When the imperial decree came to Xiangyang, not only Jingzhou was shaken, but the whole world was paying attention to this matter. This was not only a matter of Liu Biao's appointment, but also a temptation of Liu He.

Since Liu Biao was in Jingzhou, he had been a feudal lord, he was a relative of the Han Dynasty, and he was also a celebrity in Jingzhou. At this time, whether he went to apply for the recruitment, and the attitude of the court in the future were extremely important.

If Liu Biao takes office in Luoyang, it means that Jingzhou will change hands, and it is likely to be brought under Liu He's control. The next one to be recruited is likely to be Liu Zhang from Yizhou, so Jiangdong Sun Ce will have difficulty protecting himself.

If Liu Biao resigned with excuses, it would have an impact on his identity and reputation, and it would also lead to conquest by the court. With Liu He's current strength going to the south of the Yangtze River, I am afraid that Jingzhou soldiers will be difficult to resist.

But as long as Liu Biao took the lead, others could follow suit, instead of following the orders of the imperial court, the separatist side would fight against Liu He, or even form an alliance against the northern troops.

At this time, all the eyes of the world were focused on Liu Biao, which put Liu Biao, the leader of the Eight Horses, under great pressure. He was in a dilemma because his reputation was about to be in jeopardy, but he was unwilling to give up Jingzhou.

At this time, in the Xiangyang mansion, Cai Mao, Kuai Yue, Liu Cong, Wang Can, etc. were all discussing. Some people thought that this was Liu He's plan to kill people with a knife, and Jingzhou must not be surrendered. Some people thought that the Han Dynasty was in sight, but they resisted as clan relatives. Holy command, this is disloyalty and unfilial piety, and will definitely be reviled by the world.

The two sides were arguing, and Liu Biao finally looked at Cai Mao and asked, "What does De Gui think?"

Cai Mao had been sitting there with his head bowed in silence, and when he was asking questions, he clasped his fists and said: "Nowadays the Han Dynasty is expected to be revived, a thousand things are waiting to be rebuilt, and the rules and regulations are very chaotic. Those who are not highly respected cannot manage politics. Generals are both clan relatives and veterans. Go to Luoyang to preside over important events, otherwise you will be discussed by the world."

Seeing Cai Mao's attitude, Liu Biao sighed softly, nodded and said, "Although this has the meaning of the King of Yan, but he is the Qilin son of the Liu family after all, and he has contributed more to the society. As an elder, I should be proud of him and help him with all my strength. For him, after three days, go to Luoyang."

Representatives of several Jingzhou clans kept winking at Kuai Yue, asking him to stop Liu Biao. If a new governor of Jingzhou was replaced, their interests would definitely be exploited again. I heard that the new policy would re-check the land and population. It's a big disadvantage for them.

But Kuai Yue kept his head down and remained silent. The only person who could contend against Cai Mao did not speak, and the others could only sigh secretly, and they dispersed after Liu Biao retreated to the back hall.

When Cai Mao returned to the mansion, Cai Zhong and Cai He hurriedly asked, "Brother, what's the matter?"

Cai Mao smiled and said: "The Lord has promised to take up his post in Luoyang in three days, and you two are also ready to prepare."

Cai He breathed a sigh of relief and said: "If Shi Jun refuses to agree and insists on going to war, our 5000 million investment in Luoyang will be in vain."

Cai Zhong said: "Don't forget the waterway in Jizhou, the third child. There is still an investment of 700 million yuan there. We will only be able to collect taxes next year to recover our capital. At this time, we must not quarrel with King Yan."

Cai He nodded repeatedly and asked, "Didn't that old guy Kuai Yue say anything?"

Cai Mao sneered and said, "Kuai Yue didn't speak in class today, I think he was also worried about the street that Kuai's family bought in Luoyang, and this matter was to serve the imperial court, whoever dared to resist the order would be a traitor, money It’s nothing if you lose it, but ruining your reputation will be a matter of eternal infamy!”

Cai Zhong nodded and said: "Brother's words are very true. We will go to Luoyang together with the envoy. The horse market in the west city still has 500 million investment from the envoy. I will explain the situation to him on the way."

"Go!" Cai Mao let out a long breath and sneered: "In the past, I asked each of them to put some money into investment, but none of them bothered to engage in business and speculate. Now they are anxious. What's the use?"

Cai He also scolded: "These guys usually look so noble, and they don't even give me face. Now that Jingzhou has changed owners and has to pay taxes on the land again, none of them can ask Big Brother for help."

Cai Mao laughed and said, "My dear brothers, not only will I not help them this time, but I will also take the initiative to hand over our redundant land acquisitions, and actively cooperate with the government's inspection to make up all the taxes and set an example."

Cai Zhong was puzzled and said, "Brother, why is this? In this way, our family property will be reduced by at least one-third, and a few million more money will be added. Isn't the gain outweighed by the loss?"

"You're still too young!" Cai Mao stroked his beard and smiled, "We... should learn more from Xu Ziyuan."

"General, Jiang Xia urgently reports, General Liu, please go to the government office to discuss matters." At this moment, suddenly a servant rushed to report the letter.

Cai Mao had just returned and had not yet finished his sip of tea. After hearing the order, he hurried to the government office again, only to see Huang She, the son of Huang Zu, the prefect of Jiangxia, coming with a panicked expression.

When Liu Biao saw Cai Mao coming in, he immediately said, "Zhou Yu sent troops from Chaisang and attacked Xiakou by surprise through the thick fog. Sun Ce sent troops from Lujiang and arrived in Qichun. The situation in Jiangxia is critical. What should we do?"

Cai Hao was taken aback, he didn't expect Sun Ce to act so fast this time, sending troops from two directions, attacking by water and land, it seems that this time he is determined to win against Jiang Xia.

Huang She looked nervous, and clasped his fists at Cai Mao, saying: "General Cai, Sun Ce will raise his troops to take revenge. Once the city is broken, tens of thousands of people in Jiangxia may die. Please send troops as soon as possible to save my father!"

Knowing Sun Ce's bravery, Cai Hao dared not send troops rashly, saying: "General Liu is no longer the lord of Jingzhou, so I'm afraid he can't send troops without authorization..."

"What should I do?" Huang She was so anxious that she almost cried.

At this time Kuai Yue also turned back, heard the news, thought for a while and said: "Now that the imperial edict has been issued, the general is about to take office in Luoyang. Although he is not the lord of Jingzhou, he has not left his post yet, so he should start well and end well, so as to fulfill his responsibilities as a minister. "

Liu Biao nodded and said, "Don't say whether you are in the position. Since I am a member of the Han family, how can I let the Sun family's father and son do whatever they want? What is the countermeasure?"

Kuai Yue said: "immediately transfer Nanyang troops to Sui County to support Jiangxia, and then transfer water troops to Wulin and Hanjin Port to contain Zhou Yu's troops in Xiakou. In addition, send people to Luoyang to report the letter. Please ask the King of Yan to send troops to reinforce, if he can come in person, then Jiang Xia will have no worries!"

"What Yidu said is absolutely true!" Liu Biao's eyes lit up and he immediately ordered Zhang Yun: "Go quickly to invite King Yan Liu He!"

(End of this chapter)