Chapter 215: Liu Biao Promotes Alliance, Leader Yuan Shu

No matter how nice Yuan Shu's words were, Sun Jian would not give a direct answer.

Finally, Yuan Shu’s persuasion was in vain and his true nature was revealed.

"Sun Jian! Tell Jin Mao!"

"If he doesn't want to form an alliance with me, I will let him know what the power of the nobles is! What it means that the trend is unstoppable!"

"I, Yuan Shu, am not a vegetarian!"

Sun Jian did a beautiful somersault, jumped off the carriage, landed steadily on the ground, clasped his fists towards Yuan Shu and said, "General Hou, we will say goodbye now."

"stop!"

Seeing that Sun Jian did not stop, Yuan Shu shouted angrily: "Sun Jian! If you dare to leave today, I will make you pay for your trip to Yuzhou!"

Sure enough, Sun Jian stopped.

Yuan Shu raised the corners of his mouth and felt good about himself.

Unexpectedly, Sun Jian turned around suddenly, his face full of murderous intent, and said: "Then come on! If I can defeat you once, I can defeat you twice!"

"I hope you'll be so lucky next time, but don't let me kill you!"

Yuan Shu was so frightened that he almost shouted for protection of the emperor.

Just then, another carriage drove up.

The person on the carriage was Liu Biao. Upon seeing the situation, he hurriedly got off the carriage and acted as a peacemaker again.

"Why are you two so angry? Let's talk it out nicely."

Someone gave him a way out, Yuan Shu snorted angrily and drove to the meeting place.

"I have met the Governor of Yuzhou."

"Meet the Governor of Jingzhou."

Liu Biao and Sun Jian saluted almost at the same time.

"Why doesn't Governor Sun have a carriage?" Liu Biao invited him, "Why don't you ride with me?"

Sun Jian declined the offer, saying, "I like riding horses."

Zu Mao immediately stepped forward and gave his mount to Sun Jian.

Liu Biao didn't say anything. If he didn't need the help of Sun Jian, he wouldn't have bothered to say a word to such a common man.

One rode a horse and the other took a car. The two seemingly harmonious but spiritually distant people chatted casually as they headed to the meeting place outside the city.

While Sun Jian was still in Xiangyang City, he did not dare to act rashly.

Only after they were safely out of the city did Sun Jian breathe a sigh of relief and bid farewell to Liu Biao: "Liu the Governor, I have something important to attend to. So I'll leave now."

Liu Biao was about to arrive. How could he let Sun Jian get away? He tried his best to keep him, saying, "Please, Governor Sun, for my sake, come to the meeting and listen to my advice."

Sun Jian's face was full of impatience. They were already outside the city, so why should he give him any face?

Unexpectedly, Liu Biao tempted him with benefits: "As long as you do me the honor of coming, I will offer you 5,000 dan of grain, 200 sets of armor, and 200 crossbows."

Sun Jian was tempted. Armor and crossbows were urgently needed, and no one would complain about having too much.

"Five hundred armors! Five hundred powerful crossbows!"

Sun Jian opened his mouth very loudly.

Although he didn't know why Liu Biao tried so hard to keep him, adhering to the principle of getting benefits first, Sun Jian wanted to ask for more benefits.

Liu Biao was disgusted in his heart and said impatiently: "Three hundred sets of armor, three hundred crossbows, if there are more, you can leave!"

"Deal!" Sun Jian said with satisfaction, "I want to inspect the goods first."

Liu Biao felt as if he had eaten a fly and could only order someone to take Zu Mao to get it.

Only then did Sun Jian follow Liu Biao to the meeting place.

Liu Yan and Yuan Shu each took one side, and after Liu Biao and Sun Jian joined, the meeting began.

The opening scene is a manifesto attacking Jinmao.

When Sun Jian heard that he was mentioned in the manifesto, he did not react, but he did not notice the strange smiles on Liu Yan and Liu Biao's faces.

Then comes the boring procedure.

Just when Yuan Shu was dozing off and about to sleep, the meeting finally entered the highlight: selecting a leader!
Last night, Liu Yan had already convinced Liu Biao and thought he had a sure win today, but unexpectedly, Yuan Shu showed up.

Liu Yan's power was stronger than Yuan Shu's, but his family background was inferior.

The first round ended in a draw.

Then, both sides began to recruit their younger brothers to help.

Liu Biao stood firmly behind Liu Yan, two to one!

Yuan Shu played tricks, but still couldn't hold on.

Helplessly, Yuan Shu set his sights on Sun Jian and after making a series of promises, he finally got Sun Jian's support.

2-2 draw!
The debate entered its third round, with both sides explaining their concepts of action.

Liu Yan: "If I were the leader, I would ally with Yuan Shao, the governor of Bohai, and make friends with the powerful families. Together, we would gradually erode and swallow up the power of the governor of Yangzhou!"

Yuan Shu: "Yuan Shao is the illegitimate son of the Yuan family, and I am the legitimate son of the Yuan family!
I can only do better than you!"

Liu Yan sneered and said: "Things are different now, Yuan Bohai is famous and well-known throughout the country.

And you, Yuan Gonglu, have been defeated in battle after battle, how can you have the face to ask Yuan Bohai to obey you?"

As long as he becomes the leader of the four alliances, Yuan Shao will be obedient. Of course, Yuan Shu would not say this out loud.

"Then don't worry about it, Governor of Yizhou." Yuan Shu said lightly: "This is a private matter of my Yuan family. Anyway, Yuan Benchu ​​will definitely listen to me!"

"You brat!" Liu Yan was furious: "You are not worthy of being my advisor!"

Seeing that Liu Yan was about to leave again, Liu Biao could no longer sit still and said, "Mu of Yizhou, please stay!"

"Stay!"

The scene suddenly became chaotic. Liu Yan didn't really want to leave, but he had no way to deal with a scoundrel like Yuan Shu.

On the other hand, Yuan Shu appeared calm on the surface, but he was nervous in his heart.

It seemed that Sun Jian had always been on his side, but in fact it was just an illusion. The two had already fallen out before they arrived.

Moreover, Liu Biao, who knew the situation, was on the opposing side. If he came to the aid of Liu Yan, the outcome would be in no doubt.

Thinking of this, Yuan Shu felt uneasy, but he was too embarrassed to ask Sun Jian for cooperation.

It's not that I regret it so much. At worst, we can just go our separate ways. Things will remain the same as before. There's no loss.

Liu Biao caught up with Liu Yan.

As the organizer of this meeting, Liu Biao was both excited and cautious when the situation reached this point.

The more chaotic the situation is, the more it suits Liu Biao's interests.

As the third person present, Liu Biao has been servile and trying to seek Liu Yan's cooperation since last night.

The purpose is to facilitate the coordination of the four parties, no, the three parties.

Liu Biao really looked down upon Sun Jian, and he brought him here just to disgust Jin Mao.

Let Jin Mao see what dirty things his people are doing behind the scenes, and he can still mock them openly.

It would be best if Sun Jian could turn against us. It doesn’t matter if nothing happens, since the goal has been achieved anyway.

Closer to home.

Liu Yan didn't want to leave in the first place, but he stopped when Liu Biao shouted at him. He looked at him and said, "Jingsheng, you've seen it too. Yuan Shu is a stubborn guy. It's really hard for me to work with such a person!"

Liu Biao comforted him, "Why should you be angry, Governor? People who accomplish great things do not care about trivial matters."

"We all have a common enemy, and the more help we can get, the more confidence we have."

Liu Yan said dissatisfiedly: "Don't try to reason with me. My time is precious. Later, you can help me negotiate a few things. As long as you take the position of leader, everything will be fine!"

Liu Biao was very skilled in cultivating his qi, so he endured it and said with a smile, "It will definitely be so."

Seeing this, Liu Yan's face was full of disdain.

Liu Biao saw all of this, and despite his discomfort, he suggested, "Governor, how about this? We can have a leader and a deputy leader at the meeting."

"The leader of the alliance issues orders and commands the armies in all directions. All instructions are decided by the leader of the alliance."

"The deputy leader will prepare food and fodder and coordinate their deployment."

"This way, everyone can perform their duties. Even if Yuan Shu loses, he can still become the deputy leader, so he won't lose too badly."

Liu Yan frowned and said, "Everyone is happy? What does this mean?"

Liu Biao continued to smile and said, "Don't worry, Governor. The alliance is only temporary, no matter what kind of leader you are."

"When the governor of Yangzhou is driven back, you and I will rule Jingzhou together. Yuan Shu can only live in Luyang and cannot take Jingzhou!"

"Oh?" Liu Yan said with great interest: "It seems that Jing Sheng has a complete plan. Why don't you tell me about it?"

Liu Biao said with embarrassment: "I can never finish talking about this matter even if I spend three days and three nights, but the current matter is urgent. Why don't I wait until you take the position of leader, and then I will tell you in detail?" Liu Yan was convinced. Just think about it, half of Jingzhou will belong to him in the future, that picture will be too beautiful.

Seeing Liu Yan return to the negotiating table, Liu Biao breathed a sigh of relief and was extremely excited at the same time.

As long as we can convince Yuan Shu to agree to this decision, the alliance will be formed!

As for dividing Jingzhou equally after driving away Jinmao?
What are you thinking? You would even believe a trick played on a child!
By then, Liu Biao would not be intimidated by Liu Yan. With the full support of the Jingzhou gentry, he would go head-to-head with the Yizhou gentry. Who would be afraid of whom?

Nothing is as difficult as Jinmao.

Return to the venue.

After Liu Yan sat down again, he did not speak.

Liu Biao stood up and stated the new rules.

"What do you think, General?"

After listening, Yuan Shu turned to Yan Xiang and Yang Hong for help.

Unfortunately, Liu Biao's plan was blatant. If Yuan Shu did not agree, he would not have come to the meeting.

It was because Jin Mao was too violent that Yuan Shu was worried that in the future, it would be a problem whether he could stay in Yuzhou and Runan, let alone Jingzhou.

So Yuan Shu reluctantly accepted this plan.

Liu Biao breathed a sigh of relief. The alliance was finally formed. It didn't matter who was the leader. He would definitely be the final beneficiary.

Yuan Shu made some progress, but not much. It was hard to change one's nature, and the Jingzhou gentry were more inclined to support Liu Biao to take the throne.

On the contrary, the powerful people in Jingzhou supported Yuan Shu more.

The talks resumed and lasted from day to night, but there was still no conclusion.

Neither Yuan Shu nor Liu Yan was willing to give up the position of leader of the alliance.

This was beyond Liu Biao's expectations.

Then, both sides agreed to take a short break before the final confrontation, as success or failure would depend on this one!
Liu Biao was panicking. After all his efforts, the negotiations still failed in the end?

Can't stand it!
Liu Biao found Liu Yan.

"Liu Jingsheng!" Liu Yan said angrily, "You didn't say a word to help me all day long!"

"No different from Sun Jian!"

"Why? Are you as ambitious as Sun Jian?"

Liu Biao was also very annoyed and said: "Remember, Governor, I am not your subordinate!"

"Also! The results of last night's discussion did not include these!"

"I have fulfilled my duty, what else do you want?"

Liu Yan was simply angry, but fortunately he was not as ignorant as Yuan Shu, but he did not apologize either.

"Then what do you think we should do now?"

Liu Biao asked in return: "Why do provincial governors want to fight for the position of leader?"

Liu Yan's anger was ignited again: "Liu Biao! I knew you had bad intentions!"

"You want us to contribute, but you don't give us any benefits. Is this how Jingzhou treats guests?!"

Liu Biao, who was almost sprayed with saliva, said calmly: "I heard that the governor of the state spent a lot of money to pacify Yizhou, and it will be difficult to recover in a short time. Can this be done?"

"That has nothing to do with this!"

"How is it irrelevant?" Liu Biao said angrily, "The deputy leader is in charge of logistics and supplies, and you can't even understand the key point?"

Liu Biao almost said the word "corruption" out loud.

Liu Yan finally came to his senses. That's right, there is no way these damn Four Alliance Leaders could compare to any real benefits.

By using Jingzhou's golden goose to lay eggs to make up for Yizhou's deficit, the consumption of the past two years can be made up quickly.

"Hehe." Liu Yan smiled happily and said, "Don't blame me, Jingsheng. It's really that Yuan Shu's noise gave me a headache. I didn't expect this."

Seeing this, Liu Biao did not put on airs but just clasped his fists in greeting.

Negotiations began again.

This time, Liu Yan no longer entangled in the competition for the leader of the alliance, but instead established the authority of the deputy leader.

"The deputy leader is the governor of food and supplies, so what are the governors?"

Liu Yan asked, "Are all the places in Jingxiang included? Is Yuzhou and Runan County also included?"

Yuan Shu was confused: "We are discussing the position of leader, what nonsense is Liu Yizhou talking about?"

Liu Yan waved his hand and said, "As long as the scope of the deputy leader's duties is established, why not let you be the leader?"

Yuan Shu was overjoyed and was about to agree, but was stopped by two advisers behind him.

"My Lord, Runan County is the foundation of the Yuan family. How can we let outsiders take control of it?"

Yuan Shu also thought it made sense, and a new round of debate began.

Liu Yan wanted to control Runan County. After a series of battles, there was not much oil left in Nan County and Nanyang County, so Runan County was the big fat piece of meat.

Yuan Shu also refused to give in. Why should he give up his things in exchange?

No! I just won’t give it to you!
Then, Liu Yan got angry again: "I won't compete with you for the position of leader, you bastard! Are you a Pixiu who only goes in and never goes out?"

"It's better not to form this alliance!"

After saying this, Liu Yan was about to leave for the third time, and this time he was very determined.

Liu Biao ordered his men to hold Liu Yan back and had to persuade him: "General Hou, if you don't want to form an alliance, why did you come to participate in the talks?"

"Are you here just to cause trouble?"

Seeing that the situation was about to collapse, Yuan Shu hurriedly asked his advisers for help.

Yang Hong thought for a moment and said something in Yuan Shu's ear.

Yuan Shu's eyes lit up and he shouted, "Please stay, Governor of Yizhou. I agree to your request, but there is one condition!"

Liu Yan got on the carriage and did not get off. He asked, "What are the conditions?"

"Yizhou must also be within the governor's jurisdiction."

Liu Yan was very tempted. It didn't matter whether Yizhou joined or not. He had the final say on the inflow and outflow of food and fodder.

So he agreed: "Okay! It's settled then!"

Next, it’s division of labor.

Yuan Shu was the leader of the four forces, Liu Yan was the deputy leader, Liu Biao was an important member, and Sun Jian was an ordinary member.

Everyone must advance and retreat together and obey orders.

Just as the three were about to swear an oath of blood, Sun Jian, who had been silent the whole time, jumped out and said, "You never asked for my opinion, so why do you want me to participate?"

"I'm sorry, but I obey!"

"Sun Jian was just a witness, not a participant."

Without Sun Jian joining, how should we output military force?
Yuan Shu had just become the leader of the alliance, and he was provoked like this. How could he endure it? "Sun Jian! I'll give you one more chance. Reword your words!"

"What can you do to me?"

Sun Jian stiffened his neck. If he joined this alliance, he would be in trouble with both sides.

Not only will Jin Mao want to get rid of him, but his life and death will also be in the hands of Yuan Shu. He must know the importance of this.

Yuan Shu really couldn't do anything to Sun Jian, but where would he save face if he didn't punish Sun Jian?

Helplessly, Liu Biao made another move and sneered, "Does Sun Yuzhou still have a way out?"

"Now that the three of us have formed an alliance, it will be enough to crush you to pieces!"

Liu Biao said sinisterly: "I have already sent people to spread the news of your participation in this meeting. I am sure the governor of Yangzhou will know about it soon."

"Are you going to be attacked by us and the governor of Yangzhou, or will you surrender to us? I hope you can make the right choice!"

Sun Jian really wanted to kill Liu Biao on the spot, but neither Yuan Shu nor Liu Yan were easy to deal with. He was not afraid of either of them alone, but if they joined forces, he was no match for them.

However, Sun Jian did not want to be hostile to Jin Mao, as that person was even more difficult to deal with.

"I can join the alliance."

Finally, Sun Jian gritted his teeth and said, "But I have a request!"

"I will not take part in the fight against the Yangzhou Mu."

Then, Sun Jian's face was full of ferocity: "If you don't agree to this condition, the worst that can happen is that both sides will be destroyed!"

Liu Yan and Liu Biao didn't care whether Sun Jian joined or not, and they all looked at Yuan Shu.

Yuan Shu's intention in becoming the leader was no longer to deal with Jin Mao, but to compete for the position of leader of the Guandong Alliance.

Now that Sun Jian was forced to bow his head, Yuan Shu was very satisfied: "This leader agrees to your request!"

(End of this chapter)