Shen Ying stood on the city tower, watching the sunset being swallowed by the earth little by little, leaving behind a bloody cloud for half a day, and his heart hopped abruptly.

He looked at the big banner of the King of Wei on the inner city tower and felt very uncomfortable. After today, he was no longer a minister of Wei and Wei. Whether it could exist in the state of Wei is a question. But what would it feel like if his father knew this in the nine springs? He was disdainful to Liu Bei at that time, and felt that this person was capricious and difficult to entrust major events. Who would have thought that Liu Bei would become the King of Zhongshan and would annex the State of Wei, and the Yinan Wei family would also be vain to Liu Bei.

If you take this wrong step, will you still have a chance to look back in the future?

"Dang thud..." The rapid footsteps sounded, and Shen Rong walked over quickly, panting, sweating on his forehead, and his face was a little ugly. Shen Ying's heart thrust again, almost jumping out of his throat. He took a deep breath and tried to calm down. Shen Rong was an unconscious person. If he showed his anxiety, Shen Rong would be even more panicked and didn't know what would happen.

"What's up?"

"Berger, the one who went to the military rations to get it back. I didn't get it, and I didn't get a single one." Shen Rong was very upset. "Cui Lin refused to issue it, saying that there was something wrong with our accounts and we must check the accounts first."

Shen Ying breathed a sigh of relief, then frowned again. Cui Lin was Cui Yan's consul. He had a bad temper. He was a gentleman who was self-reliant and acted directly. He was unconvenient in his behavior and had never been an official. He borrowed Cui Yan's light to become a warehouse clerk. He had nothing to say about such a person. Unless he had paid for all the empty salary he had eaten before, he now only wanted to get food and could not make up for any empty salary. He first joined Liu Bei, and had food in his hand, and was not panicked, and he could always have more autonomy.

"Forget it." Shen Ying repeatedly weighed the pros and cons, and decided not to have conflicts with Cui Lin. Major events were ahead, and he didn't want to cause trouble.

"Boying, do you think Yuan Tan will find out about us?" Shen Rong lowered his voice, with a puzzled look on his face. "Cui Yu surrendered to Liu Bei, will Cui Yan surrender to Sun Ce? Betting on both sides is normal, otherwise how could he suddenly investigate the matter of empty salary and not give food?"

Shen Ying glared at Shen Rong. Shen Rong didn't dare to say anything anymore, swallowed, made a reason, and left in a hurry. Shen Ying was a little worried. It was not surprising that the Cui family bets on both sides. This was a common method used by the aristocratic family when the victory or defeat was not judged, in order to avoid the entire family being wiped out once the choice was wrong. Cui Yan's brother Cui Yu and Zhang He surrendered to Liu Bei together. Cui Yan was in Yecheng and could not escape. At this time, it was possible to remain neutral and even express his intention to support Yuan Tan. If he gave advice for Yuan Tan, it would not be surprising to find that their contact with Liu Bei was.

He has a good relationship with the Jizhou family. Who knows who is not close to his behavior? He can see the flaws.

Shen Ying thought about it carefully and called her younger brother Shen Jun to ask Shen Jun to explore Cui Yan's words. If Cui Yan did not find it, of course it would be best. If Cui Yan discovered the flaw and was ready, then Shen Jun would express his unawareness and continue to support Yuan Tan and leave a way out for the Shen family.

The two brothers had discussed this plan a long time ago, and Shen Jun did not hesitate and immediately went to the inner city to meet Cui Yan.

Cui Yan was not in the public hall and went to see Yuan Tan. Shen Jun was not able to leave, so he had to wait outside. He was very anxious, but he could not reveal his flaws. He also pretended to be nothing, and talked and laughed with the officials who were in contact. However, judging from the calmness of the officials, it seemed that Cui Yan had not found any flaws. Shen Jun waited for two hours, and as the time agreed with Liu Bei was approaching, the war might break out at any time, Shen Jun decided not to wait. Since Cui Yan had not found any flaws, it would be meaningless for him to stay here.

Shen Jun left quietly, and he didn't notice that two pairs of eyes were staring at him on the second floor of the next yard.

Ju Su sat opposite Cui Yan, and a glass lamp was placed on the table in the middle. Under the protection of the spotless glass cover, the oil lamp was burning quietly, emitting bright light. There was a book on the table, which was the summary of the five-year plan given to Ju Su by Sun Ce.

"Are you finished reading?" Ju Su poured Cui Yan a cup of tea.

"I've finished reading."

“Creditable?”

Cui Yan paused and his eyes stayed on the book for a moment. "If it is fake, then the price would be too high."

Ju Xue picked the corners of her mouth slightly. "How can I tell?"

"First, these data are very well-equipped. If they are edited, they will take a lot of thought. Second, this book is engraved, that is, at least a few hundred pieces have to be printed. If it is just to deceive people, it seems that it is not appropriate to spend a lot of manpower and material resources for this book. Besides, since it is necessary to edit it, why not make it better?"

Ju Su laughed. "Ji Gui is a wise man." He picked up the tea cup, took a sip of the tea, savored it for a moment, and slowly swallowed it. The fragrant and slightly bitter tea flowed through his throat, but his mouth felt faintly sweet. The tea from Jiangnan has become more refined, and it is like this year. It is simply unstoppable. In addition to being happy, he can't help but expect the quality of the next batch of new teas.

Cui Yan also picked up the teacup and took a sip. He did not savor Ju Su's mood, but felt bitter in his mouth. He was suddenly invited by Ju Su, and after reading this plan for a while, he understood what Ju Su meant. Although his brother Cui Yu surrendered to Liu Bei, Ju Su hoped that he could continue to support Yuan Tan and follow Yuan Tan to praise Sun Ce.

This is not a bad thing. He did not think that Liu Bei could occupy all Jizhou and compete with Sun Ce to leave a way out for the Cui family. Ju Su was willing to give him this opportunity, but he couldn't get it, and even felt grateful. He was surprised that Ju Su had been in the city and never left.

"Ji Gui, what do you think of the new policy of the King of Wu?"

"Although the methods are a little rough, they are just pointing to the root of the problem and being both loose and blocked. They can be regarded as a century-old plan. The details need to be negotiated, and the flaws do not cover up the merits."

"Speak and listen."

Cui Yan glanced at Ju Su. He knew Ju Su's realm, and it was obviously not about asking for advice, but about taking the exam, or Ju Su took the opportunity to point him out. Ju Su was about ten years older than him, and he might train him as a descendant. After all, he and Tian Feng were both old subordinates of Yuan Shao, and even if they surrendered to Sun Ce, it would be difficult to be valued. These young people who were not famous were different. As long as they had the ability, they would be easier to stand out. This was an opportunity for him and the Cui family, and even for their brother Cui Yu. Only when he could be valued, would he have the opportunity to plead for Cui Yu in the future.

Cui Yan did not refuse and explained his understanding. He felt that there were two biggest problems with Sun Ce’s new policy:

A vetoed the destiny of heaven but did not put forward a theory that could replace the destiny of heaven. In this way, he was no different from everyone. Others could do what he could do. Even if he was a genius, others could not learn it, but how could his descendants convince others? This problem cannot be solved, and the Sun family cannot last long.

Second, it is too corrected and overrepresented by industry and commerce, which leads to excessive population turning to industry and commerce and becoming food users. This will inevitably lead to food shortages and rising grain prices, especially during the war. In the last battle in Yanzhou, Sun Ce had to transport grain from Jiaozhou at a high price to replenish food. In the future, the battlefield will be pushed west of Taihang, and the number of troops will be used, but the transportation consumption will be larger and larger, and the gap will increase rapidly until it is powerless to continue.

After hearing this, Ju Su said, he gently asked Cui Yan to go back and sort it out. It would be best to write an article and print it at the right time. After Sun Ceping Jizhou, he would definitely build a printing shop in Jizhou and publish newspapers. At that time, a batch of insightful articles are needed to prove that Jizhou is also a talented person. Cui Yan, as a disciple of Zheng Xuan, has outstanding insights, and is enough to be the first article in the first newspaper.

Cui Yan was very grateful, so I bowed again. He knew that he had some knowledge, but there were many people in Jizhou who were more qualified to write this article than him. Ju Su in front of him was one of the most suitable candidates. Ju Su gave him this opportunity, which was to pin his hopes in Jizhou on him. As for families such as the Shen Family, he had already given up.

The Jizhou family will usher in an update. Some will die, while others will rise.

Cui Yan went downstairs, walked through the side door, and returned to his own government. As soon as he entered the door, Cui Lin came in. The two of them looked at each other and nodded at the same time. Cui Lin reported his work briefly and concisely today. All the troops guarding the city were almost out of food. Even if they had some of the deducted reserves, they could only eat for two or three days at most. As for the weapons such as arrows, he also found various reasons, and did not send a single one. After these people surrendered to Liu Bei, they could not play any role except for consuming Liu Bei's food.

"Why didn't you catch them directly?" Cui Lin asked in confusion. "When can you defend the small city with abandoned big city?"

Cui Yan did not say Ju Su's intention, but said lightly: "It is easy to catch people, but it is difficult to control their subordinates. Instead of having their own ulterior motives, it is better to leave behind elites who can be trusted. With the three thousand personal troops led by Ju Hu and enough supplies, it is more than enough to guard the small city."

Cui Lin still didn't understand very well, and knew that Cui Yan didn't tell the truth completely, but he trusted Cui Yan. After so many years, whether in the family or in the village, the only one who recognized him was Cui Yan, and Cui Yan would not harm him. The reason why he didn't tell him was that it was not yet time.

The two of them talked for a while, and Cui Yan suddenly said, "Deru, how old is Qing'er this year? Have you ever studied?"

Cui Lin thought about it. The Qing'er that Cui Yan mentioned was Cui Yu's daughter and had been living in her hometown in Qinghe. "Qing'er was seven years old this year and just started to enlighten her. She looked down on the husband she hired at home. She was determined to study at Nanyang Kindergarten and became a teacher for everyone. This child is good, but he loves to compare with others too much, especially clothes, which are not worn by the Central Plains."

Cui Yan frowned and said nothing. After a while, just as he was about to speak, a rapid and sharp gong suddenly sounded outside. Cui Yan and Cui Lin exchanged glances and smiled knowingly.

Liu Bei is here.

Liu Bei tied his mount and looked at the head of Yecheng City with drums shaking the sky, and couldn't tell what it felt.

Yecheng came too easily. When the drums of war sounded, the three gates of Yecheng were opened. Three Wei generals, including Shen Ying, came to him and bowed their heads to surrender.

Apart from the small city, Yecheng is already his belongings.

Once upon a time, he had no place to settle in Yecheng, but now he has become the master of Yecheng. Once upon a time, he wanted to pay homage to Shen Pei but was unavailable. A few years later, Shen Pei's son became his subordinate.

I can do it with ease, so how good can these aristocratic families be? They can betray Yuan Tan and join me today, and they may betray me in the future and join Sun Ce again. I am for survival, but they are for profit, so how nobler than me.

Liu Bei was unhappy, and his eyes looked at Shen Ying and others a little indifferent. He didn't say a word for a long time. Feng Ji saw it and coughed gently. Liu Bei suddenly woke up, knowing that this is not the time to evaluate the morality of the Jizhou family. The most urgent task is to control Yecheng and launch an attack on the small city, and to smash Yuan Tan's stubborn resistance as soon as possible. Only in this way can Yecheng truly belong to him.

Liu Bei then changed into a smile, turned over and dismounted, and spoke to Shen Ying and others. Not only would he release their family and return their property, but he would also give him a heavy reward to reward his merits. Feng Ji stroked his beard and followed by a side, Zhi was satisfied. Because of his plan, the seemingly unbreakable Yecheng had opened the door to Liu Bei. Holding Yecheng cut off Sun Ce's way from the south, and the opportunity to defend Jizhou was three more.

Shen Ying and others patted their chests and expressed their willingness to lead the way and attack the small city for Liu Bei. After being passionate, they raised some difficulties: First, there was not enough food, and they hoped that Liu Bei could provide them with some food. According to the rules, they received grain every ten days, and yesterday was the day to receive grain. Unexpectedly, something unexpected happened and they did not receive food. Second, there was insufficient equipment. After Yuan Shao occupied Yecheng, he expanded Yecheng, especially after Yuan Tan was named King of Wei, he turned the north of Yecheng into a royal palace, and added several high platforms in the northwest. It was easy to defend but difficult to attack, and it was impossible to conquer without enough equipment.

After listening to the explanations of Shen Ying and others, Liu Bei had a headache, and Feng Ji changed his face.

"Can Ju Su be in the city?"

"I don't know, he has never shown up." Shen Ying said. He knew what Feng Ji was worried about. If there were people in the city who made Feng Ji feared, Ju Su would be the one. He also suspected that this was Ju Su's plan, but he would never admit it. If Feng Ji suggested that Liu Bei withdraw his troops and give up Yecheng, their efforts would be scrapped.

Several other people also agreed with Shen Ying's opinion. They had indeed not seen Ju Su during this period. However, no one was sure that Ju Su was not in the city, and the mission was just a rumor, and no one had seen it with his own eyes.

Feng Ji was uneasy, but inconvenient to pursue it, and he seemed to be afraid of Ju Su. He immediately turned his attention to how to conquer the small city. He knew the situation in Yecheng. With his existing troops, it was not impossible to attack with his strong force, but it just took some time.

The biggest problem is the grain. With more than 20,000 people including Shen Ying, the food gap has become even larger, especially after burning down the crops around Yecheng, in addition to Handan, the nearest supply line is also a hundred miles away. But a large number of people fleeing abroad, and it is also a big problem to recruit civilians.

Judging from the situation alone, it is not a wise move to attack Yecheng. If Ju Su is in the city, or the situation in front of him is deliberately caused by Ju Su, then the possibility of their conquering the small city is slim. Strong attacks will only waste time and losses will be reduced. But Feng Ji must not stop attacking. Ju Su is a city in his heart. He must conquer this city and prove his value, otherwise he will be abandoned by Liu Bei at any time and replaced by others.

Feng Ji analyzed the situation for Liu Bei and dispatched troops. Liu Bei's original army had more than 60,000 people. After adding Shen Ying and others' subordinates, the total force took over 90,000 people, which was enough to surround Yecheng. After repeated discussions, Liu Bei decided to follow Guan Yu's plan and attack with water.

The north of Yecheng is the Zhang River. The Zhang River originates from the eastern foot of Taihang Mountain. If it rains, the amount of water will be enough to flood the city. Liu Bei now has enough troops and has occupied the Yecheng City. He can use the existing city walls of the city to accumulate water and flood the city, and then use a ship to carry landbags and accumulate under the city to prepare for the next strong attack.

He did what he said, and Liu Bei sent people to collect civilian ships everywhere, prepare straw bags, and arranged for people to cut wood and get firewood to build siege equipment, and prepare for a strong attack.

Yuan Tan used the three thousand elite troops led by Ju Hu to firmly guard the small city. Seeing Liu Bei build equipment and prepare for a strong attack, he was not idle, so he ordered people to block the city gate with soil to ensure that the water outside the city could not enter the small city. The news of Guan Yu's attack on Tao had long been heard, and Ju Su had already made arrangements for how to crack it. The small city was in a high terrain, and it was not easy for Liu Bei to copy Guan Yu's tactics. With Feng Ji's strategy, he could not have thought of this. The reason why he did this could only explain one problem.

It is difficult to get rid of a tiger, so it must be done.

All of this is under Ju Su's calculations.

Chen Lin appeared in front of Sun Ce again.

He brought Yuan Tan's letter of surrender and ordered Zhu Ling to surrender to Sun Ce. Zhu Ling also controlled most of the Dongjun headquarters, but he had already been alone and insisted on it was useless. Yuan Tan hoped that he could accept the facts and surrender to Sun Ce.

At the same time, Chen Lin also brought a combat suggestion: Yuan Tan said that he had decided to surrender to the King of Wu and would not change again. No matter what happens, he would defend Yecheng and wait for the arrival of the King of Wu's army. Therefore, Sun Ce did not have to worry about the safety of Yecheng, but could make a plan calmly to take Youzhou as the goal.

When he heard this, Guo Jia, who was sitting aside, and Liu Ye laughed.

Sun Ce couldn't help but smile. "Is this the proposal of Guo Gongze, or Tian Yuanhao, and Ju Gongyu?"

Chen Lin bowed and bowed. "Duke Ju and Shouchang, Duke Guo Ze, and Senator Tian Yuanhao."

Sun Ce nodded and said nothing. This should be Ju Su's suggestion. He pulled Guo Tu and Tian Feng just said that they were a united family. Just as Zhu Ling asked to surrender, he would keep the Jizhou power as intact as possible and keep warm together.

Where there are people, there are rivers and lakes.

Sun Ce agreed and asked Chen Lin to work harder to meet Zhu Ling in Dongjun. If Zhu Ling was willing to surrender, he could hold his original position, command the old subordinates, grant him the title of Marquis of the King of the Kingdom of China, and have 300 households in the fief. Of course, his old subordinates would be streamlined and adapted according to the standards of the Wu Kingdom, and finally retained 3,000 people.

Zhu Ling is from Qinghe County. He was courteous to him by his title of Marquis of Cheng, which was enough to show Sun Ce's sincerity.

Chen Lin was very satisfied and went there with Yuan Tan's order.

Sun Ce immediately discussed with Guo Jia and Liu Ye that since Yuan Tan, Ju Su and others were going to make contributions, they would give them this opportunity to use this opportunity to complete the established plan. Sun Ce summoned Xu Kun and Shen You to assign tasks. The middle line took Shen You as the general and Pang Tong as the military advisor to coordinate the overall situation, Xu Kun was the deputy general, and served as the general of the former army, and took the lead in entering Qinghe to fight. If Zhu Ling surrendered, Xu Kun was also controlled by Xu Kun.

Shen You and Xu Kun were both satisfied and happily accepted the order.

Sun Ce immediately ordered Zhu Huan to lead Lu Fan and Ji Ling's troops to advance northward, to manage the entire Yanzhou military and drink horses and the Yellow River. Lu Xun served as the governor of Yanzhou and was responsible for the people's livelihood and government affairs in Yanzhou.

After making arrangements, Sun Ce led his troops north and pointed at Zhuo County.
Chapter completed!