Chapter 187 Everyone is Happy, Liu Bei

Xun You clasped his hands and said, "My Lord, things have come to this point. There is no point in saying more. It is better to wait for the result."

"Whether it's good or bad, just follow the new system."

Jin Mao fell into deep thought. Zhou Yu's series of events really gave him a headache.

This kid is more troublesome than Guo Jia. I don't know what he is thinking.

According to the new system, he would be punished, but he had just made a promise and could not go back on his word.

Undecided, Jin Mao turned to look at Xi Zhicai and asked, "What do you think?"

Now that Xi Zhicai and Jinmao are tied together, they no longer consider issues limited to the surface.

"My Lord, I think this matter is quite strange."

Xi Zhicai pondered and said, "I heard that Zhou Gongjin is well-known in Shu County and is proficient in music. The people affectionately call him Zhou Lang."

"If he is normally so aggressive, how can he be friendly with the people?"

Jin Mao thought it made sense. He hadn't carefully understood what kind of person Zhou Yu was, but since Xi Zhicai said so, it must be the case.

"Zhicai, please continue."

Xi Zhicai stood up and circled around Zhou Yu, looking at him. The latter remained calm and faced it with a smile.

This expression!
Xi Zhicai felt unhappy. Thinking back to the past, he had treated Jin Mao in the same way and had tested him several times.

He thought to himself, "I wonder how the lord can bear this?"

At this moment, he just wanted to beat Zhou Yu up, it was so infuriating.

However, it was useless to expose Zhou Yu's plan in person. Xi Zhicai realized that this kind of test of choosing a master still depends on the opinion of the person involved.

But he still stood up for his lord. With the assistance of these five counselors, how could this kid Zhou Yu dare to test his lord? Did he really think he was a child of destiny?

A flash of inspiration came to Xi Zhicai, and he came up with a plan.

"I see!"

"My Lord, please see that Zhou Yu used all kinds of means to get the first place in Yangzhou's political achievements, but he did not consider you."

"How can this be called choosing a master? This is clearly putting the master in an unjust position!"

Choosing a master? Jin Mao finally realized that this was the case.

Thinking back to the first time I met Xi Zhicai, I also went through a lot of hard work before I got his recognition.

Looking back at today's series of anomalies, it seemed to be the case, but Jinmao still didn't understand.

"Zhicai, I can understand you saying Gongjin is proficient in music, but I don't see any humility or courtesy in him at all."

I still remember the second time I met Zhou Yu. He was a young man full of vigor and vitality. I made a promise with him. He didn't look like a humble person at all.

"I was also unruly in the beginning, but now I am humble and polite, right?"

Xi Zhicai used himself as an example and said, "My lord, you don't understand. The more a person believes that he is talented, the more confident he is."

"What's more, this kid just came of age this year. If I could meet a wise master like you when I come of age, I would be even crazier than him!"

Jin Mao suddenly realized and clapped his hands, saying, "I understand! It's like a peacock spreading its feathers, attracting everyone's attention!"

"Yes! That's it!" Xi Zhicai said.

Zhou Yu had a different opinion: "I heard that the pheasant only spreads its feathers when courting a mate. This doesn't make sense."

Jin Mao thought it made sense.

Xi Zhicai glared at Zhou Yu. He was now sure that this boy was still testing his lord.

But it is difficult to subdue the opponent with his strength alone.

Xi Zhicai looked at Xun You, wanting to seek help.

Xun You has been unhappy with Zhou Yu for a long time. He never tested his lord in the past, so when would it be this kid's turn?

"My lord, this is an analogy. As a subject, you should consider everything for the Lord. How can you be so calculating?"

Xun You began to raise the topic: "When Zhou Gongjin read the classics, didn't he study these?"

Xi Zhicai comes from a poor family and has limited knowledge, so Zhou Yu is confident that he can handle it. However, it is different for Xun You, as he has a family background in education and must take it seriously.

In fact, he had already completed his investigation of Jinmao, otherwise he would not have acknowledged his ownership.

However, the joint attack from Xi Zhicai and Xun You aroused Zhou Yu's desire to win, and he had to fight.

Zhou Yu bowed and said, "I have certainly not read as many scriptures as you have, so please enlighten me."

Retreat to advance. I know you are bullying me because I am young, so please make the first move.

Xun You paused and began to speak with the Analects: "The Master said, 'A ruler should treat his ministers with courtesy, and a minister should treat his ruler with loyalty.'"

"What do you think? Did you do it?"

Zhou Yu bowed to Jin Mao and said, "My lord, please forgive me. I was wrong before."

"Please let me handle the affairs of Juchao County. Just send a few experienced examiners to help me."

While accepting Zhou Yu's advice, Jin Mao couldn't help but ask, "Are you really testing me?"

Zhou Yu bowed again and apologized, saying, "I will discuss this matter later. I would like to discuss this with Military Advisor Xun."

Jin Mao stood aside consciously. He was not interested in the debate at all. It would be better for him to think about how to kill more warriors and tyrants.

Next, the debate between Zhou Yu and Xun You officially began, and the two talked about "The Analects of Confucius" and "Xunzi".

Zhou Yu was no match for Xun You's family learning, so he used his family's "Book of Changes" to turn the tables.

Afterwards, the two discussed the past and present, and began to compete with each other for connections and family elders.

Equally matched!

Unexpectedly, Xun You showed no martial ethics and dropped the ultimate bomb.

"My lord is creating a great cause. What can you do for him?"

"Like now, everything involves the lord, or is it something else?"

"Relying on the protection of our ancestors is only a temporary option. Only by constantly striving for self-improvement can you achieve success in your lifetime!"

Zhou Yu understood that Xun You was not asking what his ambition was, but what he could do now.

This is both instruction and warning.

Xun You thought that Zhou Yu's behavior was over the line and not like what a subject should do.

Zhou Yu had a different opinion: "Military Advisor Xun."

He bowed and asked, "May I ask what you think of my lord's future achievements?"

"Now that the Lord is the ruler of a state, will there be a second state? A third state!?"

Xun You was speechless because his lord was going to occupy two counties of Xuzhou soon. In addition to the agreement with Sun Jian, he could occupy a few more counties of Jingzhou.

The territory will obviously expand by double or even more, and what Zhou Yu said is not impossible to become a reality.

Xun You was also a smart man, so he naturally understood what Zhou Yu meant.

By that time, it would be impossible for Jinmao to govern three or four states by himself, and someone had to be in charge of one state.

In troubled times, the talented person who governs a state must be both civil and military.

He can't!
Xi Zhicai can’t do it either!

It seems that no one under Jinmao can do this.

There are no more than two hands full of people in the world who can do it.

You have to know that in these southern states, the influence of the gentry is not as strong as in the north, and the difficulty of governance has increased exponentially.

So is Zhou Yu okay?

Xun You didn’t know, and who could know until this matter was proven?

This is exactly Zhou Yu's argument: "I am confident that I can govern a state, but if you ask me to prove it, I'm sorry I can't do it."

Finally, Xun You saluted Zhou Yu.

Zhou Yu happily returned the greeting.

Jin Mao was confused as he watched from the side. He wondered what the two were talking about, so he asked Xi Zhicai.

After Xi Zhicai's explanation, Jin Mao understood.

"I said Gongjin is a great talent!"

Jin Mao looked at Zhou Yu's smiling face and couldn't help but hit him: "However, what Zhicai and Gongda said also makes sense."

"Then it's a draw."

"Gongda and Zhicai will not be rewarded." Jin Mao looked at Zhou Yu and said, "Gongjin, clean up the mess you made yourself. If you have any requests, just tell me and I will satisfy you."

"After you clean up this mess, come back and be my assistant."

Jin Mao said proudly: "I am the only one in the whole Yangzhou who has the experience of governing an entire state."

"If Gongjin wants to govern a state, he must get past me first!"

Zhou Yu responded excitedly: "Yes!"

His goal has been basically achieved, so he no longer needs to put on airs.

Zhou Yu had no choice. He was abducted by Jin Mao halfway, and asking him to recognize his master would inevitably cause resentment.

He himself is the reserve for the next head of the Zhou family. Like Xun Yu, once he recognizes his master, the Zhou family will also be on the same ship.

Zhou Yu did not lose his temper on the spot, which showed his great self-control.

Even so, it is still a forced move and a half-hearted test for Jinmao.

Fortunately, the results are not bad.

Xi Zhicai and Xun You were also very happy. They not only demonstrated their own value, but also warned Zhou Yu, and helped their lord recruit another talented person.

No one dares to deny Zhou Yu's potential.

This is a monster who is no less capable than Xun Yu.

The happiest person would have to be Jin Mao, who gained Zhou Yu's loyalty without paying anything.

The most important thing is, there is also a development plan for Zhou Yu.

It’s a win-win-win situation!
That night, Jin Mao hosted a grand banquet to welcome Zhou Yu's official joining.

As the expedition was imminent, no drinking was done at the banquet.

A party without alcohol would be half as fun, so someone suggested sword dancing to liven up the atmosphere.

Immediately, he was welcomed by all the civil and military officials present.

The first one to jump out was Zhou Yu. He was really happy today and wanted to show off more.

The second person who jumped out was Liu Bei!

Jin Mao then remembered that he seemed to have forgotten to make arrangements for this old man for some time, and felt guilty.

...

Recently, Liu Bei has been very distressed.

He had been back in Yangzhou for more than two months, and except for the first hurried meeting after his return, Liu Bei had never seen Jin Mao again.

He couldn't help but start to wonder if Jin Mao was still holding a grudge, or if there was something wrong with that meeting.

In short, he had thought about leaving Yangzhou countless times. Even returning to his hometown was better than staying here doing nothing.

Unfortunately, God was not kind to him, and Dong Zhuo became invincible in Luoyang.

If Liu Bei wanted to flee to another place, such as to join Gongsun Zan, he would need the help of his two brothers.

The world is in chaos. If you don't have any men, you won't know how you died.

But Liu Bei also knew that the more the situation worsened, the more likely his two brothers would not leave Jinmao.

This is an act of disloyalty and injustice. At least we should help Jinmao get through the most difficult early stages.

So Liu Bei stayed in Yangzhou.

When Jinmao was in Shanyin, he stayed in Shanyin. When Jinmao went to Jianye, he went to Jianye.

Just to meet you and discuss your future.

Unfortunately, Jin Mao was too busy, either moving house or having babies, so he had no time to meet Liu Bei.

Until this day, Liu Bei learned that Jin Mao held a grand welcome banquet for Zhou Yu's joining and invited guests.

He then entered the venue with a shameless face.

Take advantage of the sword dance to show yourself.

In the center of the venue.

Zhou Yu and Liu Bei stood facing each other with swords in hand.

Zhou Yu was eight feet tall, and Liu Bei was seven feet tall, a difference of half a head.

When the two stood together, there was a huge difference in their appearance.

However, Liu Bei had distinct features, such as long ears and long arms. If he were alive in later generations, he would be a good basketball player.

Zhou Yu, young and energetic, suggested: "Since we are dancing with swords, how about a duel?"

Liu Bei was more than happy to do so. He had fought in at least a dozen battles, so how could he be afraid of a pale-faced scholar?

That’s right, the 15-year-old Zhou Yu was tall and thin, with a face whiter than a woman, so it’s no surprise that he was mistaken for a scholar.

The two men each drew their swords. Zhou Yu stood tall and straight, and he looked graceful as he raised his sword.

Liu Bei was good at using a two-handed sword, and he was also no problem using a one-handed sword, and he was ruthless when he attacked.

“Ding-dong!” “Ding-dong!”

In just two rounds, Zhou Yu was in danger and was forced into a desperate situation.

Zhou Yu immediately realized that he was no match for the enemy, so he put away his sword and saluted, saying, "Thank you for showing mercy."

Liu Bei smiled and clasped his fists, saying, "Thank you."

Jin Mao was not satisfied with what he saw, so he took off his sword and said, "Whoever can defeat Liu Bei, I will give him this sword!"

The generals originally thought it was a fight of words, but they didn't expect it to be a fight of body and soul, so they immediately jumped out with two people.

Dong Xi and He Qi, both of them are good at using swords. Swords and knives are inseparable, so naturally they also practice sword skills, which is enough for a fight that does not involve death.

The first person to die was Dong Xi.

He was also a brave general, but he had no achievements in commanding a battalion of 2,000 main forces. He was unable to command them and was far inferior to He Qi.

Therefore, Dong Xi tried several times to apply to be transferred back to the Imperial Guards, but Jin Mao did not allow it. He said that there were too few capable generals, so he had to let Dong Xi take over first.

On the field.

Liu Bei was not afraid of the strong Dong Xi.

People who are good at swordsmanship are often not strong, while people with a physique like Dong Xi are more suitable for using a knife.

This was indeed the case. After only two rounds, Liu Bei knew Dong Xi's weakness. He was a reckless man who used his sword as a knife and had no skills at all.

After thirty rounds, Liu Bei seized the opportunity and struck Dong Xi's sword in the center with a dragonfly-skimming move.

"Clang!"

The sword in Dong Xian's hand broke with a sound. The steel was hard to come by, and this sword was just a standard sword.

"Thank you." Liu Bei said calmly.

He glanced at Jin Mao for approval.

However, Liu Bei would never have thought that Jin Mao would not use him to lead the troops.

Next, He Qi came on stage.

He Qi was different from Dong Xian. He was about the same height as Liu Bei. Just from the way he raised his sword, Liu Bei could tell that He Qi was an expert swordsman and he could not defeat him with just his sword.

"choke!"

Liu Bei held two swords and said calmly: "You are a strong man. If I want to win, I can only use two-handed swords."

He Qi didn't say much, but made a gesture of invitation.

Recently, He Qi has been depressed. Ever since he was demoted to the fifth battalion last time, he seemed to have been forgotten.

So, in this sword fight, He Qi used all his strength, as if he wanted to vent all the suffering he had endured in the past few days.

For this reason, Liu Bei had to take it seriously.

The two men fought back and forth. The sword in He Qi's hand was a little heavy, and every time he chopped down, Liu Bei had to dodge or block with both swords.

He Qi seemed somewhat embarrassed when facing Liu Bei's attack.

Finally, after fifty rounds, Liu Bei cut He Qi's sleeve and won the final victory.

"Ah, Xuande has great swordsmanship!"

Jin Mao stood up and said, "Since you have defeated both of them, this sword belongs to you."

(End of this chapter)