Chapter 228 National Library!
How could Sun Jian not know what Yuan Shu said?

Of course he knows!
But so what?
Just when the time came to reap the rewards, Yuan Shu gave up the task?
But no matter how Sun Jian tried to persuade him, Yuan Shu refused to give in, and even threatened Sun Jian, "For the sake of our friendship, I will not kill you."

"But if you bother me again, I will kill you!"

Helplessly, Sun Jian had to leave Yuan Shu’s central military tent in disgrace.

Outside the camp gate.

Seeing Sun Jian walking out with his head held high, Cheng Pu and Zu Mao came forward.

"How is the lord?"

"Is it done?!"

Sun Jian waved his hand and said, "We'll talk on the way."

The group of more than a dozen riders were not until they were five miles away from Yuan Shu's camp that Sun Jian finally said, "The general no longer wants to support me."

"Ah?" Zu Mao asked nervously, "What should we do then?"

Cheng Pu seemed to be thinking about something. He looked at Sun Jian and happened to meet Sun Jian's eyes. He immediately understood what Sun Jian meant.

But he still wanted to confirm it again, so he asked, "My lord, do you want to ask for help from the governor of Yangzhou?"

Sun Jian laughed and said, "The one who understands me is the one who has the most wisdom and strategy!"

"When it comes to sending envoys, it's up to Demou to do it."

Cheng Pu immediately clasped his fists and said, "I'll go right away!"

Sun Jian selected ten riders to follow Cheng Pu on the journey, while he himself only took Zu Mao and two personal guards back to Guangcheng Pass.

Food and fodder were about to run out, so they had to "borrow food" from the nearby gentry.

Not only did Sun Jian's actions inspire Jin Mao, in fact, Jin Mao's actions also inspired Sun Jian.

...

October 29th.

Jinmao moved the capital to Xiangyang City.

Liu Biao said that he agreed to station troops there. In Jin Mao's eyes, this was a disguised way of handing over the city of Xiangyang.

Therefore, Jin Mao only left two thousand county soldiers and three thousand new soldiers to garrison Jiangling City.

The remaining first, third, fourth battalions, the navy, the personal guards, and the best new recruits, totaling 30,000 troops, marched into Xiangyang City in a mighty procession.

Liu Biao's troops were stationed in the south of Xiangyang, between two hills. To the east was Mount Xian and to the west was the ancient Longzhong, which became famous in later generations because of Zhuge Liang. Of course, it is not called by this name now.

Jin Mao was not polite either. He took over Liu Biao's residence.

There’s nothing we can do about it, since Liu Biao chose a good place.

This is the main road between the south and Xiangyang City. Only a small number of elite soldiers are needed to guard it to prevent the enemy from advancing deeply. It is a place that military strategists must fight for.

Xiangyang City is built on the bank of the Han River, with its back to the Han River. The moat around the city is formed by the Han River. The highest point of the city wall is three meters high, and the general height is two meters, and the width is three to four meters.

The circumference of Xiangyang City is 15 li, 3.5 li long and 4.3 li wide. It is a typical ancient fortified city.

If Liu Biao had not surrendered early, Jinmao would have had to work harder to get in.

The navy led by Huang Gai naturally occupied the water fort of the former Jingzhou navy in Xiangyang City.

With both land and sea insurance in hand, Jinmao has completely mastered the security of Xiangyang City and can move in with peace of mind.

Otherwise, Jin Mao was really afraid that Liu Biao would go back on his word and close the door to beat the dog, which would be a case of crying out to heaven and earth for help but no one would be able to help.

The customs and practices of Xiangyang City are also very different.

The population density here is high. It is the first time that Jinmao has seen such a densely populated county in this era. Even Nanchang County in Yuzhang County cannot compare to it.

Nanchang County is said to have 40,000 households and a population of nearly 200,000. In fact, that is the number of rural villagers.

In the urban area of ​​Xiangyang City alone, there are probably nearly 20,000 households and nearly 100,000 people!

They can all be compared to the small counties in the 18th tier in later generations.

When Jinmao first entered the city, he was quite shocked. The handicraft industry in the city had a certain foundation, which made the business quite large.

To be honest, if the city was not completely controlled by the gentry, Jin Mao would not mind making Xiangyang City the new core base.

Unfortunately, there are aristocrats everywhere, so if Jin Mao wants to do that, he must massacre them all.

To put it another way, Liu Biao's troops are still nearby, so Jin Mao cannot do too much.

this day.

Jin Mao had nothing to do, so he rode a tall horse and strolled around Xiangyang City with Dian Wei and ten personal guards.

It can't be said that they are just strolling around. Jinmao has just arrived and has not yet expanded its industries here.

This time I came here just to choose a location.

Those are all businesses that bring in a fortune every day. In Xiangyang City where every inch of land is worth a lot of money, wouldn't you have to count the money until your hands cramp?

After a long walk, the locations of several major industries and shops were selected, and the rest of the matter was naturally left to Lu Su, an expert in accounting.

During this period, Lu Su did not discover any other talents, but his ability in accounting was top-notch.

Jinmao simply handed over some tedious business matters to Lu Su.

Lu Su was very capable and he became proficient in the job in just over half a month.

Jin Mao was also very relieved and kept Lu Su by his side as an accountant.

After finishing his business, Jin Mao went up to the north city tower to view the scenery of the Han River.

I never thought I would meet such a beautiful woman.

A woman of outstanding appearance came into view.

How outstanding is her appearance?

Let's put it this way, Jinmao is a man who adapts to the local customs and has tasted many kinds of beauties, but this is the first time he has been attracted to someone based on appearance alone.

"Could she be Diao Chan, one of the Four Great Beauties?!"

Jin Mao couldn't help but think: "This place is not far from Luoyang, could it be that Diao Chan is from Xiangyang?"

Immediately, Jin Mao denied himself: "Impossible!"

"Diao Chan must be in Luoyang. This woman is definitely not Diao Chan!"

But she was so beautiful that Jin Mao couldn't take his eyes off her.

"If this isn't Diao Chan, then how beautiful is Diao Chan?!"

The more Jin Mao thought about it, the more he wanted to go to Luoyang. It would be a wonderful thing even if it was just to see Diao Chan's beauty.

the other side.

The beauty also noticed Jin Mao who was staring at her.

She was already used to this kind of thing, but Jin Mao was so outstanding that she couldn't help but pay attention to it.

Nonsense, with a big bodyguard like Dian Wei by his side, not to mention women, even men would have to take a second look and guess who this immortal is.

The beauty gazed towards the north and sighed deeply, then prepared to go back downstairs.

Unexpectedly, that outstanding person actually came over to chat with me, and his tone of voice was like that of a lecher.

"Why are you sighing, my beauty? How about I help you relieve your worries?"

Who else could this person be? Of course it must be Jin Mao.

With his current status and position, it is not easy to satisfy his physical needs. Countless people are willing to send their daughters to be his concubines, even maids with no name or status.

Therefore, Jinmao is no longer a creature driven by the lower body, but has become a creature whose lower body drives the brain.

Progress!
Feng Lu, the beauty, bowed to Jin Mao first, then said, "May I know your name? I would also like to know who I am talking to today."

It can be seen that Feng Lu is not a lady from a wealthy family, and is not as good as Tang Ji in her family. However, she is better than those from small families, and her family background can be considered middle-class.

"Your surname is Jin."

Feng Lu's beautiful eyes flickered. She glanced up and then lowered her head and asked, "Could it be the world-famous governor of Yangzhou? Jin Yangzhou?!" There was three parts of excitement, three parts of confusion, three parts of surprise, and one part of admiration in her words.

Jin Mao didn't understand the meaning of this, and asked in surprise: "How did you know?"

After getting the answer, Feng Lu said with great surprise: "The whole Xiangyang City is discussing you!"

"It is said that you are young and promising, and have an extraordinary temperament!"

"I see that you haven't grown a beard yet, so you are still young. And you have such a brave warrior protecting you, so you must have an extraordinary temperament. That's why I guessed it."

Jin Mao found the first part of the sentence very interesting, but he couldn't hold it in anymore when he heard the second part.

Wow, I thought it was my own charm that attracted the beauty, but it turned out to be Dian Wei's extraordinary temperament.

It’s better not to praise!
"I didn't expect you to be so knowledgeable!"

Jin Mao wanted to pursue her, so he asked, "I don't know your name, Miss?"

"I am the daughter of Feng Fang, and my name is too cheap to be heard."

"Feng Fang?" Jin Mao pinched his chin and thought, "Could it be Feng Fang, the assistant captain of the Eight Schools of Xiyuan?"

Feng Lu nodded.

"I didn't expect that you are from a famous family!" Jin Mao said in surprise, "I have been friends with your father for a long time. Today, I would like to ask the beauty to introduce you to me."

The weasel paid New Year greetings to the rooster, which was not a good intention.

Jin Mao and Feng Fang have no spiritual connection at all. Not only are they of different generations, but their relationship is not even remotely related.

Feng Fang married the daughter of eunuch Cao Jie. If there is any relationship, it is with Cao Cao, and has nothing to do with Jin Mao!
Could it be that because Cao Jie and Tang Heng were eunuchs in the same dynasty, they were related?
Bullshit!

Feng Lu didn't think too much about it, and bowed again and said: "You are too kind. Father will definitely be very happy to see you!"

Then, Jin Mao chatted with Feng Lu in a random manner.

Jin Mao found that Feng Lu was not as interesting as Tang Ji. Basically, he asked a question and she answered it.

Moreover, he speaks in a dull manner, as if he has no personality. She just listens to whatever Jinmao says, as if everything Jinmao says are wise sayings.

Beneath the beautiful appearance is a boring soul.

But, so what!
Jin Mao could hardly bear the sight of Feng Lu's graceful and swaying figure when she walked. If they rolled in the sheets together, it would be so exciting!

The housing prices in Xiangyang City were still quite high. Even though Feng Fang had once been a lieutenant with a salary of two thousand stones, he could not afford to rent a luxurious mansion. He could only settle for a small suite with no yard.

There were more than a dozen people in the family, plus servants and slaves, and the yard was packed with people.

When Jin Mao came, Feng Fang didn't dare to bring him home.

What a shame!

Fortunately, Jinmao had seen all kinds of small houses in the world, and the house he entered was at least one thousand square meters, so he didn't feel embarrassed at all.

But others don’t know.

Especially Feng Lu, her eyes were looking at Lasi.

Is there any better husband than this young man who holds a high status and real power?
No!

"It would be better if he was more handsome." Feng Lu thought.

After the two sides exchanged greetings, they sat down.

Jin Mao did not beat around the bush and said directly: "I have a crush on your daughter and I would like to take her as my concubine."

Feng Fang no longer held his official position, so he certainly could not refuse the proposal of marriage from the governor of Yangzhou.

In addition, the Feng family began to go downhill, and it was wishful thinking for Feng Lu to want the title of legal wife.

So Feng Fang agreed readily.

If Feng Fang could climb onto the tall branch of Jinmao, he would wake up smiling in his dreams.

Even though those nobles are eager to fight and kill, if they really have the chance to stand on Jinmao's side, there will be no resistance at all.

So far, there hasn’t been a single bad review from the nobles who have joined Jinmao!
For example, the Xun family of Yingchuan, or the Zhou family of Lujiang, these are all local prominent families, second only to the Yuan family with three officials in four generations or the Yang family, which are top-notch families.

Others, such as the Gu and Lu families in Wujun, had a number of disobedient branch members killed, but they were not executed even though they committed serious mistakes. Such leaders will not go far.

The two parties reached an agreement and decided to get married three days later.

There is no need for a grand ceremony to marry a concubine, but certain rituals are required.

Although the time is a bit tight, Feng Fang is already very satisfied.

The main business was discussed and decided, and the atmosphere became lively.

Feng Fang tried calling Jin Mao "good son-in-law", and seeing that Jin Mao had no objection, he happily started chatting about interesting things in Luoyang.

When Jin Mao heard that Nangong East Temple not only stored a large number of documents and archives but also served as a cultural center, he became nervous.

"Do you know how many books are there in the East Pavilion? How many categories are there?"

Jin Mao asked anxiously, "Apart from Confucianism, are there also works of Taoism, Mohism, etc.?"

Feng Fang was stunned, but fortunately he had been an official for many years and reacted quickly.

He smiled bitterly and said, "Don't blame me, my dear son-in-law. I was just a lieutenant at the beginning, and my family was not well off. I heard everything from others, and I have never been to the East Palace."

Jin Mao nodded in disappointment, then asked again with renewed vigor: "Then do you know who has been to Dongguan?"

Seeing Jin Mao's expression, Feng Fang knew that this matter was very important, so he thought carefully before saying, "Jingzhou Governor Liu Shijun is most familiar with Dongguan!"

"Yup!"

Jin Mao clapped his hands and said, "Why didn't I think of that!"

Liu Biao was one of the "Eight Talents" and enjoyed a high reputation among the scholars. He also served as an official in Luoyang for five or six years.

Although Liu Biao was a military officer like the Marquis of the Northern Army, he was a famous scholar!
Dongguan is not only a book collection institution, but also a cultural publicity center. No matter what kind of cultural festival is held in Luoyang, it will be held in Dongguan.

Liu Biao is a judge-level figure, so how can we miss him!
The matter had been finalized, and Feng Fang didn't know more about the inside story of Dongguan, so Jin Mao got up and said goodbye and set off to find Liu Biao.

...

Liu Biao stabbed Yuan Shu in the back and successfully captured Nanyang County, but he did not dare to leave Xiangyang City and kept his troops stationed in the west of the city.

On the one hand, he was worried about losing the base in Nanjun. As long as he dared to leave, Jin Mao would drive out the gentry in Xiangyang City.

On the other hand, Wancheng, once the most prosperous city in Nanyang County, was still under reconstruction, and Luyang County in the north was occupied by Yuan Shu.

Even if Liu Biao went to Nanyang County, it would be of no use. It would be better for him to send some trusted people to take over Nanyang County.

As long as the basic foundation is not damaged, Liu Biao can take over Nanyang County calmly even if he does not go.

Therefore, when Liu Biao learned that Jin Mao was leading a thousand personal guards and cavalry towards his base, he couldn't help but feel a little panicked.

Fortunately, Liu Biao was not too old and his eyesight was not blurry enough to distinguish between friend and foe.

Outside the camp gate.

Liu Biao dressed neatly to welcome Jin Mao.

"Boom!"

There were sounds of horse hooves, and Liu Biao could see the ferocious-looking cavalrymen on their horses a few hundred meters away.

Their riding skills may not be superb, but they definitely have the greatest momentum.

In his mind, Liu Biao secretly compared this cavalry with the Flying Bear Army under Dong Zhuo.

"It's really not as good as that!"

There is no comparison. The Feixiong Army is the elite among the elite of the cavalry, while the Royal Guards are all the elite among the elite of the infantry. Of course, there is no way to compare in riding skills.

"Shut up!"

However, when Jin Mao reined in his horse, the personal guards also reined in their horses in unison, which shocked Liu Biao.

"Such an elite force is invincible!"

(End of this chapter)