Silver Fox of the Three Kingdoms

Chapter 223

In the 11th year of Jian'an, the pattern of the world has changed drastically. Jiangdong was newly defeated, and he retreated to Danyang Wujun, licking his wounds.

Zhang Lu and Cai Mao in Yizhou are still entangled, and Liu Zhang is watching the situation.

At this time, Liu Biao's forces spread all over the south, Jiaozhou was captured by him, Yangzhou had already obtained Yuzhang, and Yizhou had obtained most of Berkshire.

Moreover, many aristocratic families in Jiangdong and Yizhou wrote letters to surrender to him, and their power reached its peak for a while.

And at this time, Liu Biao finally decided to proclaim himself emperor.

Since the spring of this year, many officials and aristocratic families attached to him have persuaded him to enter, including Jia Xu, Zhang Xiu, Cai Mao, Kuai Yue and others.

Liu Biao repeatedly "rejected", but in the end he couldn't hold back the so-called "rejuvenation of the Han Dynasty". In March of the 11th year of Jian'an, that is, in April of 206 AD, he was officially enthroned as emperor. ministers.

It's just that only half of the Jingzhou aristocratic families are willing to follow Liu Biao's madness, and the other half are obviously on the sidelines. Many people even migrated directly to the southern region, unwilling to serve in the Jingzhou court.

But no matter what, after several years of planning, Liu Biao's long-cherished wish was finally fulfilled. In March, he officially sacrificed to heaven and earth, completed the enthronement ceremony, established his capital in Xiangyang, and established his career as an emperor.

There are different situations in the world about Liu Biao's act of proclaiming the emperor. The court of Chendu severely condemned and sent envoys to negotiate.Liu Zhang was also very annoyed, but the current situation was weak and there was no way to offend Liu Biao, so he had no choice but to refrain from interfering. Sun Quan then surrendered to the northern court and expressed his willingness to form an alliance with Cao Cao to resist Liu Biao.

Han Sui Ma Teng and his like in Guanzhong also sent people from Wuguan to Jingzhou to express their congratulations, while Yuan Tan and Yuan Shang didn't say anything. Since Cao Cao retreated to Yanzhou, the two brothers have been fighting each other out of their minds. He really had no intention of provoking Liu Biao.

For a while, due to Liu Biao's power, no one dared to do anything except Cao Cao and Sun Quan, who stood on different political positions.But both Cao Cao and Sun Quan were licking their wounds, and did not send troops south to attack Jingzhou.

Therefore, even though there were some opposing voices in Jingzhou, without the interference of external forces, the process of Liu Biao's proclaiming the emperor was still very smooth, as if it was a destiny.

Jingzhou, in Xiangyang City, Liu Biao, who completed the enthronement ceremony a few days ago, is discussing matters with Jia Xu Kuaiyue and others in the original Chu Palace, the current palace.

After Liu Biao proclaimed himself emperor, he rewarded all officials.He promised Jia Xu to be the prime minister before, but for the time being, he did not follow the example of the former Han Dynasty and set up the post of prime minister. Sakong.

Zhang Yun, Liu He, Liu Xian, Deng Hong, Wen Ying, Liu Guan, Cheng Qi, etc. were originally subordinate officials of Jiuqing.

The rest Zhang Xiu, Huang She, Wang Wei, Lu Jie, Wen Pin, Wu Ju, Han Xi, Kuai Jun, Kuai Qi, Zhang Cun, Xi Zhen, Yang Yi, Xiang Lang, Song Zhong, Wu Kai, Wang Can, Fu Xun, Du Kui, Meng Yao, Xu Si, Lai Gong, Hu Fu, Liu Rui and others all also received awards.

And it includes many aristocratic families in Jingzhou, such as Xiang Lang from the Xiang family in Xiangyang, Xi Zhen from the Xi family in Xiangyang, Zhang Cun from the Zhang family in Nanyang, Yang Yi from the Yang family in Xiangyang, and Pangwen from the Pang family in Xiangyang.

Historically, they were originally middle- and lower-level officials under Liu Biao's command. After Liu Biao collapsed, they defected to Liu Bei and became Liu Bei's subordinates.

So at this time, after Liu Biao proclaimed himself emperor, he naturally became Liu Biao's courtier and did not oppose Liu Biao.

However, there were still some who rejected Liu Biao's enlistment. For example, Han Ran of the Han family in Nanyang was originally appointed by Liu Biao as an official in Nanyang. After Liu Biao became emperor, he abandoned his official position and went south to join Liu Bei.

Yiji, Li Yan and others also abandoned their officials and went to Liu Bei. They were originally county magistrates sent by Liu Biao to Wancheng. They all went to defect.

The remaining eight families in Jingzhou, the Cai family and the Kuai family belonged to Liu Biao, and the Pang family had only one branch, Pang Wen. This Pang Wen was the son of Pang Ji, an early counselor of Liu Biao. It does not represent the Pang family, so the Pang family is on the sidelines.

On the other hand, the Xiang family, Yang family, and Xi family sent their core disciples to serve Liu Biao, but they only served as officials, and did not fall to him completely. The Huang family and the Ma family did not send anyone out. Among the Ma family, Baimei was the best, although At this time, Ma Liang had just won the crown, but he thought Liu Biao was not worthy of entrustment, so Ma did not become an official.

This is almost the reaction of the entire Jingzhou aristocratic family to Liu Biao's proclaiming the emperor. Except for the Cai family and the Kuai family who have already boarded the boat and cannot escape, the others either remain neutral and wait and see, or just send someone out to deal with it. Liu Biao and more people did not intend to participate in it.

But Liu Biao didn't care about it, and now his general trend has come.There are nearly 20 troops under his command. Although most of the top aristocratic families are still on the sidelines, there are still countless small and medium-sized aristocratic families and children from poor families who are willing to serve in Jingzhou, so now he does not lack middle- and lower-level officials who do things.

Now it's just because he is too old, he is over 65 years old. Although he is called emperor, he feels that he may not live for a few years, so he summons a few confidants and close ministers to discuss with them about the establishment of an heir.

At this moment, in the main hall, Grand Tutor Jia Xu, Situ Kuaiyue, Zhang Yun, Liu He, Liu Xian, Deng Hong, Wen Ying, Liu Guan, Cheng Qi and other ministers are all present.

Liu Biao coughed a few times, and then said, "My lords, now that I have occupied half of the south, Liu Zhang is too weak to set an example for the clan. The next step is to capture Xichuan. What do you think?"

Kuai Yue said hastily: "Your Majesty's hegemony will come true, what's the right thing to do?"

"good."

Cheng Qi also said: "Your Majesty has a strong army and a strong horse, and it is the fate of the destiny. Only when Xichuan and Jiangdong are in hand, they can go north to take the Central Plains and achieve great achievements."

"Hahahahaha."

Liu Biao stroked his beard and laughed loudly. When he was excited, he coughed violently, causing many officials below to frown slightly.

In fact, it seems that there are not many aristocratic families in Jingzhou who are willing to serve him, but the main reason is that Liu Biao is too old, and his descendants are not up to date, so people are discouraged.

If Liu Biao is 30 years old, even if he is 40 years old, there are probably a lot of Jingzhou families who are willing to follow him desperately and want to be the minister of the new dynasty.

Because his power is really great.

The entire Jingzhou and Jiaozhou, and then a small half of Yangzhou, and Liu Zhang was disabled, and Sun Quan also suffered a lot.

Under normal circumstances, if Liu Biao has enough energy, it is definitely not a big problem to annex Yizhou first, and then take Jiangdong.

But it's a pity that he was underage, Liu Cong was cowardly, and Liu Qi had some other factors, so he was abandoned by the family.

"cough cough"

Liu Biao coughed a few times, calmed down again, looked around the crowd and said, "The land of Yizhou in the east of the Yangtze River is just around the corner, but I feel that I am not in good health, and I am afraid that something bad will happen. I want to establish a crown prince, my third son, you feel that Who can do it?"

"Forehead"

Everyone hesitated for a moment, and looked at Kuai Yue.

Kuai Yue immediately said: "Your Majesty's three princes are all excellent, but only the second prince is the most suitable."

"Why is this?"

Liu Biao looked at Kuai Yue. He also had a lot of troubles on this issue, so he held a meeting to discuss it.

Kuai Yue analyzed: "The second prince has excellent moral character and can continue."

"What about Bo Rui and Ji Xu?"

"The third prince is young, why not the eldest prince?"

"How is Burry?"

Liu Biao asked.

Kuai Yue said softly, "No heir."

"Well"

Liu Biao pondered.

This is Liu Qi's biggest disadvantage, having no offspring.

To some extent, Liu Biao has indeed established a foundation.

But the problem of future generations is his biggest malady.

It is basically impossible for Liu Xiu to be young, and to like literature without any talent, so Liu Biao can only choose one of Liu Qi and Liu Cong.

Liu Qi is a suitable heir, but having no offspring means that the imperial inheritance cannot be passed on.

Liu Cong does have a descendant, but he is cowardly. Once Liu Biao dies and Liu Cong succeeds, the power will be controlled by the Cai Kuai clan.

For a strong emperor like Zhu Yuanzhang, he would simply carry out a major purge and kill the Cai and Kuai clans up and down, so that after Liu Biao died, Liu Cong would naturally be able to inherit power smoothly.

The problem is that Liu Biao's current ruling foundation is in the hands of the Cai Kuai clan. The 20 troops in Jingzhou, Cai Kuai and the others account for two-fifths, and the rest of the troops are in the hands of Zhang Yun, Huang Zu, Liu Pan and others. To cleanse the Cai and Kuai clan is to cut off both arms.

So this is where it gets most awkward.

It is not suitable for the eldest son, nor is it suitable for the second son. Liu Biaokong has such a large territory and such a great influence, but he has no heir.

It would be fine if they were adopted by the clan in normal years. For example, Liu Pan, Liu Hu and others are his own nephews?

But the war years when fighting the country were not good, and a hero was needed.

Therefore, this is the real reason why the family does not stand on his team.

No successor.

This is Liu Biao's current situation.

Seeing this situation, Liu Biao let out a long sigh and said, "Let's discuss this matter later."

"only!"

All the ministers looked at each other and walked away.

On this issue, even Jia Xu had no way to hint anything.

.

.

a few days later.

Xunyang County, Yuzhang County, Yangzhou.

Although Sun Quan was defeated, Jiangxia's navy also won miserably. Huang Zu himself was almost captured and lost tens of thousands of horses, so he had to retreat to Chaisang and other places first.

Liu Qi and Shen Chen continued to be stationed in Xunyang, and the situation with Jiangdong was almost the same as after the battle of Peng Lishui.

Inside the mansion of the Xunyang County Government, Liu Qi was walking back and forth anxiously in the hall of the government.

After a while, Shen Chen came in a hurry. Seeing him coming, Liu Qi hurriedly shouted: "Ah Chen, something is wrong. Father has really proclaimed himself emperor."

"Ugh."

Shen Chen shook his head and said: "The general trend cannot be stopped by human power."

Liu Qi pulled Shen Chen to sit on the table, and asked anxiously: "Then what should I do?"

When Liu Biao was planning to proclaim himself emperor, he sent someone to Jiangxia to recall Liu Qi, with the intention of making him the crown prince.

Jia Xu and Shen Chen's persuasion actually had an effect, but Liu Qi did not dare to return to Xiangyang, because he was assassinated several times recently.

Jiangxia is Huang Zu's territory, tens of thousands of Jiangxia navy are surrounded by Liu Qi, and they can be assassinated here, let alone return to Xiangyang.

I'm afraid that there has long been a dragon's pond and a tiger's den, and going back is basically a dead end.

So under Shen Chen's suggestion, Liu Qi refused Liu Biao's call on the grounds that he wanted to prevent and eliminate Jiangdong's losses.

Although Liu Biao wanted to take Liu Qi with him when he proclaimed himself emperor, hold sacrifices and enthronement ceremonies, and formally canonize him as the prince, but he also hesitated when he learned that Liu Qi was assassinated, and finally did not forcefully recall him.

In the final analysis, the reason why Liu Biao is able to have today is because of the support of Kuai and Cai's family. Even now, Kuai Yue and Cai Mao still hold a powerful army and cannot move lightly.

Secondly, he really likes Mrs. Cai very much, plus Liu Cong is also his own son, and the palms and backs of his hands are full of flesh, so it is hard to give up.

Therefore, Liu Biao can only let Liu Qi continue to stay in Jiangxia first, and then think of other ways to consider the issue of heirs.

In addition, there is the most important point.

These days, Liu Biao himself is thinking about this matter every day.

Even if he knew very well that if he passed the throne to Liu Cong, his huge country would definitely be captured by Cai Mao Kuaiyue and others.

But Liu Qi has no descendants, which is the biggest problem.

Although he has made a big fortune, the eldest son has no heirs, so he has no inheritance. This is the worst thing.

Therefore, Liu Biao still seemed very hesitant in this matter and did not make up his mind.

And this is a good thing for Liu Qi, after all, once he is really crowned prince, I am afraid that Liu Cong's forces will go crazy and start to counterattack him.

Shen Chen knelt on the table, and said seriously: "The king of Chu wanted to proclaim himself emperor a long time ago, but proclaiming himself emperor rashly is the way to bring disaster. The people of the world belong to the Han, and it is the Han of the court of Chendu who can return." Instead of the Han in Jingzhou, the king of Chu is now offering sacrifices to the heaven and the earth in the eastern suburbs, setting up his own court, and awarding hundreds of officials.

Liu Qi sat down on the table and said: "That's my father, so what if I can't give him wings? I also persuaded him, but instead he wrote to me saying that we are the descendants of the clan, and we should revitalize the Han Dynasty. He said The emperor is all for the ancestors' foundation."

"If the king of Chu was 20 years younger, he would be able to claim the title of emperor, but he is getting old. After all, manpower cannot surpass the destiny."

Shen Chen looked at Liu Qi and said: "Young Master is a sensible person, you must not agree to go back to Xiangyang, one may go to Xiangyang, and you may be harmed by the Second Young Master. The two eldest sons have no descendants, and it may not be passed on to Young Master when they return to Xiangyang. Once the Second Young Master inherits the Datong, the Eldest Young Master will surely die, so we should base ourselves on Jiangxia, work hard and take more concubines."

"what?"

Liu Qi was dumbfounded: "Ah Chen wants me to have a few children in Jiangxia?"

Shen Chen smiled and said: "Naturally, if the eldest son has the heart to inherit the great cause of the king of Chu, he should try his best to let himself have a descendant, otherwise this inheritance will be obtained by Cai Mao Kuaiyue and others. The eldest son should know the character of the second son. If he succeeds to the throne, I am afraid that the country built by the king of Chu will not be guaranteed."

This is the most realistic problem, Liu Qi has no heir, Liu Cong is controlled by Cai Mao Kuai Yue and others, Liu Xiu is young and has no talent, unless Liu Biao has the courage to pass the throne to Liu Pan and Liu Hu, otherwise, this foundation is destined to last forever no.

Shen Chen and Liu Qi have a deep friendship. Although Shen Chen's heart is for Liu Bei, he also sincerely gave Liu Qi advice. If he works hard and has a baby, the future situation may be very different.

"I'll do my best."

Liu Qi reluctantly agreed.

Shen Chen cupped his hands and said to him: "Young Master, Jiangdong is unable to attack Yuzhang now, so I have to go home."

"Why? Ah Chen, you want to leave me?"

Liu Qi hastily persuaded him to stay.

Shen Chen smiled and said: "I have reached the crown at this age, my parents wrote to me and asked me to go home and have a look, and I have to get the word and the crown ceremony."

In the Han Dynasty and the crown ceremony was the third major etiquette in life besides the funeral and evening ceremony, and a grand banquet was held.

Shen Chen is 20 years old this year, and he really should go back to hold this grand ceremony.

Liu Qi nodded and said: "So that's the case, then I will wait for Ah Chen in Yuzhang, and you should come back as soon as possible."

"only!"

Shen Chen bowed his hand, and he was going back to Xinye in two days.

(End of this chapter)