Chapter 66: A Brilliant Stroke

  Tao Zhuang looked far away at the dock with interest, and found that Liu Xuan seemed to have a very tough attitude, with his neck straightened, his fists clenched, and occasionally turning his head towards the burnt-out toll house, his expression was like a child who had lost his home, excited but also with a hint of grievance.

  But Zhang Yun, who was normally arrogant, knelt on the ground and explained pitifully, like a reckless young man who had gotten into trouble, desperately defending himself, occasionally hanging his head in despair, clearly his explanation was unsuccessful.

  Tao Zhu's heart was filled with curiosity, what exactly happened today? Could it still be related to those 500 military slaves.

  But she still had a worry in her heart, wouldn't Liu Xuan offend Zhang Yun and be afraid of being retaliated against by Zhang Yun?

  Tao Qian did not know that Liu Jue was no longer afraid of any hatred at this time. Not being feared by others is a mediocre talent. Since Cai Mao and Huang Zu already hated him to the bone, adding another Zhang Yun would not make a difference.

  Since ancient times, the struggle for power has always been like this. If heaven doesn't send a ladder to climb up, then one needs to find such a ladder by oneself. The simplest method is to step on others' shoulders and climb up.

  On the dock, Kuai Yue's questioning caused Zhang Yun to become even more decadent. His mind was confused and he replied by mistake: "Gan Ning privately traded 500 military slaves, which is a serious matter, of course, the army should intervene."

  This response is clearly an overstep of authority, something that should have been handled locally was instead taken over by the military.

  At the same time, Zhang Yan's answer was also very impolite, which was equivalent to selling out Liu Biao. If Liu Biao disagreed, would Zhang Yan dare to send troops privately?

  This undoubtedly tells everyone that Liu Biao agreed with the military's overstepping of authority, which made Liu Biao even more furious in his heart.

  Liu Biao has lost his patience, today is the second day of the first month, officials from all over Jingzhou gathered in Xiangyang City, which was an important moment for Liu Biao to enhance his prestige, but Zhang Yun performed a big show of burning the fire and touring the city, burning Liu Biao's face to nothing.

  "Don't mention the 500 slaves again!"

  Liu Biao coldly said to Zhang Yun, "Those 500 slaves have complete documentation and are in compliance with the laws of Jingzhou. They also have nothing to do with Gan Ning. Now I only ask you, how will you explain this matter to me?"

  Zhang Yun originally half-knelt on the ground, but now he had completely knelt down, sweating profusely. He didn't know what to do with himself and glanced at Cai Mao out of the corner of his eye, as if seeking help.

  Cai Mao remained silent from start to finish, he certainly understood Zhang Yun's current predicament, but Cai Mao was very familiar with Liu Biao, and clearly knew that the county government had cheated on the contract last night, yet now he didn't acknowledge it.

  This shows that Liu Biao's attitude has changed, and it is highly likely that he was persuaded by Liu Xun last night. If so, then Cai Mao would not need to look for trouble at this critical moment.

  However, Cai Mao also saw Zhang Yun's pleading gaze, and this was the perfect opportunity to win him over. If he let it slip away, it would be a bit of a waste.

  Cai Mao hesitated for a moment, then gave Wu Qing, the chief historian of Xiangyang Prefecture, a signal to speak on his behalf. However, Wu Qing pretended not to see it.

  Wu Qing was also in a difficult position, as the military had infringed on the interests of the local government. At the beginning of the new year, a fire destroyed the tax collection office, undoubtedly slapping the Xiangyang Prefecture government in the face. The entire prefecture was extremely resentful.

  If Wu Qing were to plead for Zhang Yun again at this time, he would no longer be able to stand in the county government office. He knew very well what was important and what was not, so he pretended not to see Cai Mao's hint and turned his head to order his subordinates, "Don't let those onlookers get too close."

  Cai Man secretly resented this, but could only remind Zhang Yun at the most critical moment, "Zhang Junwu, I'd like to know, did you consult with our lord about this matter?"

  Zhang Yun was not stupid, but under heavy pressure, he was confused and had not thought of Liu Biao's embarrassing situation. Cai Mao's reminder suddenly made him understand that he had to take responsibility for this matter, bear the blame for Liu Biao, otherwise Liu Biao would never forgive him.

  Zhang Yun hastily pleaded guilty, "Your subordinate is guilty, without asking for the master's instructions, he took the liberty of sending troops out, resulting in the soldiers setting fire to the Youjiao Temple in the chaos. Your subordinate is willing to take full responsibility."

  Liu Biao finally let out a sigh of relief in his heart, this fool has finally figured it out.

  "So you admit your guilt?" Liu Biao's eyes stared tightly at him.

  Zhang Yun lowered his head and silently sighed in his heart. What else could he say? Zhang Yun closed his eyes, "I confess!"

  Liu Biao nodded and turned back to ask Kuai Yue and Cai Mao, "What do you think should be done?"

  Cai Mao spoke up first, "Commander Zhang was only momentarily careless and not truly at fault. I implore Your Excellency to consider his past merits and deal with him leniently."

  Liu Biao's expression remained unchanged, his eyes shifted back to Kuai Yue, "And what is your opinion, Lord Kuai?"

  Kuai Yue swiftly glanced at Liu Xuan, seeing that his expression was calm and didn't show any deep-seated hatred. In his heart, he thought, "Although this is a good opportunity to severely punish Zhang Yun, since this matter involves the master and the truth is unclear, being overly severe would only lead to unintended consequences. It's better to bide my time."

  Kuai Yue bowed his head and smiled: "I support your decision, Your Excellency."

  Having obtained the attitude of two powerful interest groups, Liu Biao knew how to deal with it. Although he should ask about the attitude of another party involved, that was his junior and he didn't need to consider too much.

  Liu Biao gazed at Zhang Yun coldly and said, "As a naval commander, you have abused your power for personal gain and mobilized troops without authorization. This is a serious crime that deserves severe punishment. However, considering your contributions in the battle of Changsha, I will demote you to naval lieutenant, suspend your salary for one year, and strip you of your command. Will you accept this?"

  Both Cai Mao and Kuai Yue were stunned by the order, they looked at each other in dismay, suspecting that they had misheard. 'Strip of troops', how could their lord strip Zhang Yun of his troops? It was simply unthinkable.

  This punishment was also unthinkable for Zhang Yu, demotion and suspension of salary were only temporary measures, Zhang Yu could accept, but the deprivation of his military power seriously damaged his personal interests, meaning that he would no longer have a single soldier under him, and any mobilization of troops would require Liu Biao's consent.

  "Don't you want to accept?" Liu Biao's voice became dissatisfied.

  Zhang Yun's heart was filled with hatred, but he had no choice but to accept. He glared at Liu Xuan with a mixture of anger and sadness, and finally said in a sorrowful tone: "Your subordinate accepts all punishments!"

  "Good!"

  Liu Biao punished Zhang Yun and then said to the governor of Xiangyang, Li Gui: "The damage caused by Yu Zhan has already been compensated for, and it can be rebuilt. The personnel losses will be doubled and compensated. Moreover, Liu Du's Cao Zhong is loyal to his duties and should be rewarded with a promotion and an increase in salary."

  Li Kui hastily bowed and said: "The governor's fair handling of the case is deeply appreciated by me."

  Liu Jue stepped forward and said: "I request that a position be assigned to Gan Ning."

  Liu Biao smiled and said, "This matter is not urgent, let's talk about it after the New Year."

  After finishing, he looked at Liu Jiao with a smile and got on the boat. The boat quickly left the north shore and headed towards Xiangyang City. Liu Jiao watched as Liu Biao walked away, and he finally understood Liu Biao's intentions. Even for such a small matter as punishing Zhang Yun, he had to ask for the opinions of Cai Mao and Kuai Yue.

  At the same time, he was also puzzled, 'Why did Liu Biao want to take advantage of Zhang Yun's defeat?'

  ．．．．．．．．．

  The nephew of the governor, Huo Zhiyuan, was severely punished for burning down the tax collection office. The news spread like wildfire among tens of thousands of people, causing a huge stir. Zhang Yun was demoted and had his salary suspended, which was unprecedented in Jingzhou's history, especially since he was a high-ranking official and a close relative of the governor.

  All sorts of guesses spread wildly among the crowd, Tao Qian's heart was worried about Liu Jue, and Zhang Yun was actually stripped of his troops, which is a very serious matter, indicating that Liu Biao was not satisfied with Zhang Yun's first unauthorized mobilization.

  Tao Zhuang took a distant glance at Liu Xuan, shook his head secretly, and thought that for such a small matter to become enemies with Zhang Yun, this young man was too impulsive, not calm enough. However, he's still young, it's understandable.

  Tao Zhu took out an invitation card and handed it to the attendant beside him, instructing him a few words. The attendant nodded and hastily walked towards Liu Jing, while Tao Zhu turned around and left the crowd.

  "Prince Jing!"

  The attendant stepped forward and bowed, handing Liu Xuan an invitation card. "This is from the master of our house to you, young sir."

  Liu Cong was taken aback, took the note and smiled. He recognized it as Tao Qian's handwriting, strong and powerful. He flipped through it and saw that it read: "Tomorrow at 1 o'clock in the afternoon, Xiangyang Wangjiang Building, please come to drink with me."

  "Where is the master of your house?" Liu Xuan looked around, but did not see Tao Zhan's figure. At this time, the Tao Zhan in his mind was still a steady and mature middle-aged man.

  The attendant smiled slightly and said, "The master has already returned, and ordered me to deliver a letter."

  "Alright! Please inform your master that I will arrive on time tomorrow afternoon."

  ．．．．．．．．．

  The onlookers gradually dispersed, and Xiangyang Governor Li Gui once again comforted the crowd of Yu Jue's followers, promising to rebuild a larger and more majestic government office as soon as possible. In the meantime, he allowed them to rent civilian houses nearby for temporary use, and also gave each person 200 coins to calm their nerves.

  After comforting everyone, Li Taishou also returned to Xiangyang. At this time, Liu Hu led the horse down from the boat and came over. Liu Jing hurriedly went forward and asked: "Did you get it?"

  Liu Hu patted the leather bag on the horse and laughed: "They're all here! Five hundred copies, not one less."

  Liu Jiong was overjoyed and immediately mounted his horse, taking Liu Hu along the riverbank to gallop northward.

  An hour later, a small estate appeared before them, and inside the estate, a red high wooden tower was particularly eye-catching.

  It should be here, Gan Ning told his place, Red Tower Manor, close to the water, Liu Xuan gazed for a moment, and then rode towards the manor gate.

  As soon as he arrived at the gate, the gate opened and Gan Ning led a large group of men from inside the mansion to welcome him. Liu Jue dismounted his horse and laughed from afar: "How did General Gan know I was coming?"

  "I've received news that the matter in Fan City has been settled, I reckon Master Jing should have arrived by now."

  Gan Ning had already learned from his subordinates about the events that took place outside the city of Fan, a big fuss was finally settled, and Zhang Yun was also demoted and suspended, stripped of his command, which made people feel greatly relieved.

  Gan Ning was very clear about the details, and not long after leaving Fengyi Pavilion Station, Liu Jue thought of this strategy, which also took the wonderful name "Luring the Enemy into a Pot".

  At this time, Gan Ning was both admiring and grateful to Liu Xuan in his heart. He stepped forward a few steps, knelt down on one knee, raised his fists high and said: "Young master's great kindness, Gan Ning will remember it forever!"

  His hundreds of followers also knelt down and shouted in unison: "Thank you, Master Xie!"

  Liu Xuan hastily helped Gan Ning up, saying in a low voice: "General Gan need not thank me, Liu Xuan is only acting on the justice in his heart and does not wish to see General Gan harmed by petty men."

  Gan Ning nodded silently, for in his heart he knew it was so.

  Gan Ning sighed and asked again: "Did the governor mention how I would be arranged?"

  "I've already mentioned this to Governor Zhou, he said to wait a few more days, I think he should have considered it by now, and it's not good to keep General suspended like this."

  "I no longer expect anything from Zhong Lang."

  Gan Ning smiled wryly and said: "With my qualifications, what virtues or abilities do I have to hold the position of Central Lang General? I just hope for a bit of reality, being appointed as a military candidate is enough."

  Liu Jue was silent for a moment, gazing into Gan Ning's eyes and said: "I only hope that General Gan can wait patiently and give me three years."

  It goes without saying that Gan Ning's heart was already clear, he smiled slightly and patted Liu Xuan's shoulder. "I have a plan for the future, young master doesn't need to say more, let's talk about slaves! I received news from the Tao family last night, they gave up the deposit in consideration of your face, which means I earned 500 taels of gold without damaging my reputation. Speaking of which, I owe you another favor."

  "The Tao family also owes me a favor."

  "What do you plan to do with these military slaves who are all in the manor?"

  "I want to let them go."

  "Released?" Gan Ning was stunned.

  Liu Xuan nodded, "I'm still not used to using slaves. I want to set them free and let them go home and reunite with their families. Is that okay?"

  Gan Ning was also a hero, he only slightly hesitated and then readily agreed, "That's perfectly fine, these people are all the young master's slaves, the young master can deal with them as he pleases."

  Gan Ning immediately ordered his men: "Go and gather all the military slaves!"

  Before long, five hundred young and robust military slaves were led out of their cells by the guards, wearing shackles and dragging long iron chains that clanked loudly.

  Perhaps due to the long absence of sunlight, everyone wore handkerchiefs and gazed at the warm sunshine in the afternoon, greedily inhaling the fresh air blowing from the water surface. Although each one was thin and gaunt, their spirits were still not bad, not as terrible as Liu Xiang imagined.

  Five hundred people came to the square of the manor one after another, and the guards began to unlock their shackles. This move stunned all the military slaves. Since they became prisoners of war more than two months ago, they had been locked in shackles. Today was the first time they were unlocked.

  Everyone looked at each other in confusion, unsure of what had happened, causing a small commotion and a murmur of whispers.

  "Everybody listen!"

  Gan Ning stood on the high platform and shouted loudly: "There is an important matter to announce to everyone."

  The five hundred soldiers suddenly fell silent, and Gan Ning spoke again in a loud voice: "What is your status? You should be clear about it yourself. Most of your companions were executed by the Cao army, while you were bought by me and escaped a great disaster. I have already told you this, and I believe everyone should understand what fate awaits you. Now I will tell you."

  The five hundred soldiers all stretched their necks, their ears perked up high, afraid of missing a single word. Many had already resigned themselves to their fate, knowing they were about to become slaves. Although humiliating, it was better than being slaughtered like their comrades, and so they considered themselves lucky.

  So, what they think in their hearts is to go to a slightly better master, so that they can eat their fill. If possible, they want to return to their hometown and bring back their wives and daughters, of course, this requires meeting a truly kind-hearted master.

  Ordinary people would not agree, if so, they can only resign themselves to their fate. In a chaotic world where survival is difficult, wives are separated from husbands and children are scattered, families are broken and people die, this has become a common occurrence.

  "This is your new master, he is the nephew of Liu Zhou, the governor of Jingzhou, Master Cui. From now on, all of you will be at his service."

  Five hundred pairs of eyes watched Liu Xuan walk onto the high platform, a young youth with a tall and majestic build.

  Liu Xuan gazed at the five hundred pairs of expectant eyes below, and slowly said: "From now on, you are all my slaves, your lives and freedom are in my hands, but I don't want you to be slaves!"

  Still, the crow and sparrow made no sound, and the vast majority of people did not understand the meaning of his last sentence. Liu Xuan's tone became even heavier.

  "Each of you has parents, wives and children. Your families are waiting for your return home. Your children are starving, your parents are aging, your wives are frail, the jar is empty of rice, your elderly fathers lean on the door, eagerly awaiting your return..."

  Liu Xuan said this, his eyes were also a little moist, he thought of his parents in the afterlife, they must be standing by the window waiting for him to return home.

  He is not demanding of life and can tolerate a life without electric lights, telephones, mud-brick houses and unpaved roads.

  He can even endure the brevity and cruelty of life without hope in war, everything about the Three Kingdoms he can accept calmly.

  If there was one thing he could not accept, could not bear, it was to be a slave, losing the most basic dignity and freedom, living a life as humble as livestock, knowing that his wife and children were about to starve to death, they couldn't even go to visit them, but only forget their loved ones in numbness.

  If there was one thing that set him apart from this era, it was that he could not accept five hundred free and lively lives being reduced to the status of slaves, no matter how generous and kind their masters were.

  After taking over the power of life and death over these five hundred slaves from Gan Ning, Liu Jue's first decision was to give them freedom.

  Under the stage, many people bowed their heads and wept silently, thinking of their young children and aging parents.

  Liu Cong took a deep breath, his voice becoming more agitated, "You are all warriors, you are all dignified men of seven feet tall, you should not be slaves, you should be free, go back home to take care of your parents, wives and children. So I have decided to release you, right now, I am letting you return home!"

  Plop!

  It was unclear who started it, but soon the second and third person followed suit, one after another, row by row. Before long, all 500 people were on their knees, not a word was spoken, tears of gratitude streaming down every face.

  Gan Ning's eyes also became slightly red, he had not been so moved for many years. In Liu Xuan, he indeed saw something different from others, something more dazzling than gold.

  This is a benevolent virtue, the benevolent virtue of all living things in the world. Whoever wins the hearts of the people will win the world. Gan Ning knew his own choice, and he would patiently wait for that day to come.

  Liu Xuan held up a thick stack of slave contracts, "This is your slave contract. I will cancel your slave status. You can go to the official residence in Jingzhou to exchange for civilian household registration, or you can tear it up and return to your hometown. This is your freedom, you choose for yourself."