Chapter 60: The Bright Mirror Suspended High - Liu Xuan (Part 1)

  On the day Liu Bei set out from Xiaopei to Xuzhou, the sky in Xuzhou indeed brought the first snow of this winter, and the auspicious snowflakes made Xuzhou's land look like jade clusters and silver forests. However, Liu Bei was preoccupied with his thoughts and didn't have the heart to appreciate the first snow scene of the year. He led Mi Zhu and others, along with 500 elite soldiers, urging them to hurry and arrive in Xuzhou as soon as possible to meet Tao Qian and quickly understand the true intentions behind Tao Qian's invitation for him to come south. On the other hand, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei were carefree and amused themselves by throwing snow at each other during their rest time, leaving behind waves of joyful laughter on the snowy road.

  Guan Yu and Zhang Fei soon couldn't laugh anymore. After passing the border of Xu State's army at Luyang County, Liu Bei's soldiers, who used to be able to pass through freely south of Luyang, quickly discovered that the attitude of the people in Xu State had completely changed towards them. In the past, when they saw Liu Bei's flag, the people would come to greet and guide them, but now these people looked at Liu Bei's army as if they were looking at a plague god, scattering and hiding far away, with some even shouting insults, and several children throwing snowballs at Liu Bei's army, shouting "Liu Bei is a traitor! Get out of Xu State!" Of course, these children were quickly pulled away by their parents and elders, fleeing in a hurry.

  Most of Liu Bei's soldiers were bewildered, and some hot-headed ones wanted to take it out on the kids who threw snowballs. Fortunately, Guan Yu, who knew part of the truth, shouted loudly to restrain the soldiers from retaliating, thus avoiding more conflicts with the locals. Zhang Fei, even more irascible than usual, took the lead in maintaining military discipline, whipping his soldiers and yelling, "All of you be honest! This is just a misunderstanding. My brother and Lord Tao have some misunderstanding, we'll clear it up when we get to Xuzhou! Lord Tao and his son are kind-hearted gentlemen, don't harm their people!"

  Witnessing such a scene, Liu Bei and Zhu Ge Dan could not help but secretly regret that they should not have used the trick of throwing bricks to lure Tao Qian's father and son to take the initiative, resulting in Tao Qian's father and son counterattacking, causing Liu Bei's army to completely lose its foundation among the people, making it even more difficult for Liu Bei to achieve his goal of annexing Xuzhou.

  "We can only temporarily yield to Tao Qian for now, using the excuse of a misunderstanding, and ask him to withdraw that proclamation to win back the hearts of the people of Xuzhou. Then we'll make new plans." Liu Bei strengthened his resolve once again, ignoring the hostile gazes of the people of Xuzhou, and loudly commanded: "Pass down the order to the entire army: do not clash with the civilians, hasten our march! By tomorrow noon at the latest, we must reach the city of Xuzhou!"

  Orders were conveyed, and the 500-strong Liu Bei army also accelerated its speed southward. Fortunately, this snowfall was not very heavy, only falling for a morning before clearing up, and the accumulated snow on the roads was not too thick, having little impact on the well-trained elite soldiers of Liu Bei's army. By nightfall, Liu Bei's army had already arrived at Zhengjia Village, the largest market town north of Pengcheng, where they set up camp to rest for a night. The next day, Liu Bei's army continued southward, hastening their march towards Xuzhou.

  At nearly noon, Liu Bei's army arrived at the Tenli Pavilion north of Xuzhou, which was also the location of Cao Cao's large camp when he attacked Xuzhou. Seeing the faint outline of Cao's military camp, Liu Bei became enraged and cursed Cao in his heart, "Heavens, you Cao villain! Why didn't you kill that little Tao Qian back then? Instead, you left him to cause trouble for me? Now you're reaping what you sowed, I'm having a hard time swallowing Xuzhou whole. You, Cao villain, probably won't dare to have any designs on Xuzhou again either. It's your own doing, raising a tiger and inviting calamity!"

  "Big brother, look quickly, Taofu Jun has sent someone to welcome us!"

  Zhang Fei's cheers interrupted Liu Xuan De's regret, and Liu Xuan De looked up to see that there was indeed a team of about 200 people at the Ten Mile Pavilion, with red silk hanging on both sides of the road, accompanied by the sound of gongs and drums. Liu Xuan De nodded secretly, thinking that Tao Qian and his son Tao Ying were still somewhat polite and had some conscience to come out to welcome him from ten miles away. However, as he walked closer and took a closer look, Liu Xuan De's nose almost crooked in anger - it turned out that the ones welcoming him at the Ten Mile Pavilion were not Tao Qian and his son or their henchmen, but rather Mi Zhuang's younger brother Mi Fang and the servants of the Mi household.

  "Lord Guan! Lord Guan!" Zou Xiang hastily ran up, bowing his hands from a distance and shouting loudly: "Lord Guan, it's been ages since we last met, I've missed you to death! General Huang, General Guan, you're here too!"

  "What is this rustic fellow doing here to welcome me? Are you not satisfied with the attention of the treacherous father and son, and now you want to emphasize the relationship between your brother and me? Besides, what's the use of you coming all the way here to welcome me when you should be keeping an eye on the movements of the treacherous father and son in Xuzhou City?" Liu Xuande was furious in his heart, but his face was full of warm smiles. He dismounted his horse and returned the courtesy to Zou Fang, saying: "Zifang, it's been a long time since we last met, I've missed you terribly."

  Guan Yu and Zhang Fei also dismounted to return the courtesy, but Mi Zhu was not in harmony with them. As soon as he dismounted, he turned to his brother and shouted: "Zifang, how did you come? And bring so many of our servants?"

  "I inquired and found that Tao Yixiao was ungrateful and only planned to welcome Xuande at the city gate, so I came. Zou Xuan replied with a straight face: 'Besides, it's rare for Xuande to return to Xuzhou City once, how can my younger brother not have the reason to go out of the city ten miles to welcome him? If the news hadn't arrived late, I originally wanted to go out of the city thirty miles to welcome Xuande.'"

  Liu Bei and Guan Yu both had an urge to strangle Guan Feng, but Liu Bei restrained himself and bowed his head in gratitude. Guan Yu, on the other hand, seized the opportunity to drag Guan Feng aside, his face iron-blue with rage, and growled in a low voice: "You fool! Why aren't you keeping an eye on Tao Qian's every move in Xuzhou City? What are you doing here welcoming Lord Xuande with empty formalities? Do you think he'll appreciate your sentiment? Speak quickly, what's been happening in Xuzhou City these past few days?"

  "There's nothing new, it's just that Tao Qian is getting sicker and sicker, I heard he's about to take his last breath." Mei Fang replied honestly, and then said in a low voice as if showing off: "Last night, I met Zhang Hang again, besides giving him some more mercury, I also gave him some highly toxic arsenic powder. As long as Lord Guan is willing, Tao Qian can die at any time."

  Mi Zhu was also helpless with his brother, so he scolded him a few more times for being careless and doing useless work. He quickly returned to Liu Bei's side and quietly told him the news that there was no movement in Xuzhou City. At this point, even if Liu Bei secretly resented Mi Fang for leaving his post, it was too late. He could only pretend nothing had happened and let Mi Zhu entangle Guan Yu and Zhang Fei while inviting Mi Fang to ride together with him. On the one hand, he asked Mi Fang about the detailed movements in Xuzhou City over the past few days, and on the other hand, he took the opportunity to secretly suggest to Mi Fang that he should frame Tao Qian's death on Tao Ying.

  It's exhausting to talk to Mi Fang, until almost the entire opportunity was presented to Mi Fang and Pan Tao, Mi Fang suddenly realized, patted his chest and assured Liu Xuande: "Please rest assured, after the matter is done, I will immediately send that Langzhong to Xiaopei, let him be a witness, and then spread rumors in Xuzhou City, saying that Tao Ying murdered his father and poisoned Tao Qian's child."

  "This Mengzi Fang is indeed lacking in experience." Liu Xuanzhi shook his head secretly and sighed, "After the big matter is settled, I will definitely teach this Mengzi Fang a good lesson. First of all, I will let him shut up that stinky mouth of his! Otherwise, he will die because of it one day!"

  Finally, after seeing the familiar north gate of Xuzhou, Liu Bei and Jian Yong realized that Jian Feng's words were not entirely correct. Tao Qian and his son did not forget their gratitude and only lined up at the city gate to welcome them. Instead, they went out of the city for a distance and set up a welcoming formation on a vast open space outside the north gate. At the same time, Tao Qian and his son also organized a large number of civilians to go out of the city to welcome them. There were tens of thousands of people in the mountains and fields, beating gongs and drums, with music shaking the sky, and the attitude of welcoming Liu Bei back to Xuzhou was very sincere. Seeing this scene, Liu Bei also secretly let out a breath and basically put down his guard - with Tao Qian's hypocritical personality, it is absolutely impossible for him to make a move in front of so many soldiers and civilians.

  In the majestic and harmonious sound of music, Liu Xuan's team gradually walked in front of the welcoming crowd in Xuzhou. Liu Xuan also saw Tao Yingtao, with a warm smile on his face, standing at the forefront of the crowd. What made Liu Xuan feel helpless and resentful was that in just over half a year, not only had Tao Ying's demeanor become more stable and elegant, but he had also taken a position at the front of the crowd. Even prominent officials from Xuzhou, including Tao Shang, Chen Ke and his son, Xu Fang, Lü You, and Qin Yi, could only stand behind him in the second row, participating in the welcome as members of Tao Ying's team. This shows that Tao Ying, whose reputation had greatly increased, had already gained recognition from the civil and military officials of Xuzhou and was now the de facto second-in-command of Xuzhou.

  "His Excellency's nephew, Tao Ying, obeying his father's orders, leads the civil and military officials of Xuzhou, as well as the common people, to respectfully welcome back his uncle, Lord Xuande!" Tao Ying loudly shouted, taking the lead in bowing with clasped hands to Liu Bei, while the civil and military officials behind him also bowed with clasped hands, chanting in unison: "Obeying the master's orders, we respectfully welcome Lord Xuande back to Xuzhou!"

  "Quickly, young master, please get up, you're too polite. Quickly, please get up." Liu Xuanzhi hastily dismounted his horse and rushed to Tao Ying's side, helping him up with both hands. He then nodded repeatedly at the civil and military officials of Xuzhou behind Tao Ying, "Everyone, please hurry up and get up."

  If it's said that in this era, the two big shots meeting each other were the most affectionate and hypocritical, then it must be our Deputy Director Tao and our Liu Gongzi who take the cake. They clearly can't wait to kick each other in the ***, but instead, they spew out sweet nothings. One calls the other "Uncle" with such warmth, while the other shouts "Nephew" with such enthusiasm. Their four hands clasped together are so excited that they want to crush each other's hands, but in their hearts, they're cursing each other's ancestors for eighteen generations. In their minds, they're thinking of how to swallow each other whole, skin and bones, without leaving any leftovers!

  To quote Ruzi, the prodigal son, "If I didn't know the truth, seeing the enthusiasm, friendliness, sincerity and excitement when Gongzi met with Xuande would make me think they were a pair of long-separated uncle and nephew. But because I do know the truth, so when I see Gongzi and Xuande talking hand in hand, it's like watching two poisonous snakes entwined together, facing each other and spitting forked tongues - one snake resembling a five-step pagoda, the other resembling a rice ladle head."

  Hand in hand, they exchanged many sweet words. Only then did Liu Xuanzi and Vice Director Tao remember to introduce each other. Vice Director Tao introduced his two newly acquired followers, Lu Su and Xu Sheng, to Liu Xuanzi. Liu Xuanzi then introduced Guan Yu and Zhang Fei to Lu Su and Xu Sheng, and they exchanged formal greetings. It was also at this time that Liu Xuanzi asked with concern: "Two gentlemen, I heard that the illness of the lord of the Tao manor has worsened again. How is he now? Is it serious?"

  Deputy Director Tao's smile disappeared, and he said with a heavy bow: "Thank you, Uncle, for your concern. My father is very ill and has been bedridden for three days. Today, my father came out of the city to welcome you, but was carried on a sedan chair by the guards in the mansion."

  "Has Lord Tao also arrived? Where is he?" Liu Xuan De was startled, and it wasn't until Tao Ying pointed that Liu Xuan De discovered a horse-drawn carriage covered with thick fur in the crowd, with Cao Hong and other Tao Fu guards standing guard beside it. Liu Xuan De didn't dare to be slow, and hurriedly went forward to greet him. Tao Ying and Guan Yu Zhang Fei followed closely behind, while Mi Zhu brothers were hesitant about whether to follow or not, but Lv You and Qin Yi invited them, so Mi Zhu and Mi Fang had no choice but to follow along with a forced smile.

  Liu Bei made his way through the crowd to Tao Qian's carriage, Cao Hong hastily ordered the guards to disperse and clear a circle of about ten square meters. Liu Bei walked straight up to the front of the carriage, bowed with his fists clasped together, "Liu Bei pays respects to Lord Tao, it is an honor that you have personally come out to greet me."

  The curtain was lifted from the inside, and Tao Qian, who was frail and emaciated due to illness, made a rare public appearance with the support of two maids. Heaven knows that Vice Director Tao did not ruthlessly use his own ailing father as a trick. It was Tao Qian who had heard about Tao Ying's plan and insisted on coming to see the show for himself. Tao Ying had no choice but to let Cao Hong and others protect Tao Qian and bring him here.

  "Liu Shizhun, it's been a long time." Tao Qian coughed and said with difficulty: "I'm old and seriously ill, I couldn't get off the carriage to pay my respects, so I can only send my son to pay his respects on my behalf. For any disrespect, I hope Liu Huangshu will forgive me."

  "I dare not." Liu Xuande hastily made a solemn bow and took the opportunity to say: "If anyone should apologize, it is Liu Bei who should apologize to Your Excellency. The other day, Jian Yong came to pay his respects on behalf of Liu Bei, with the intention of discussing with Your Excellency how to defend against the enemy, and inquiring whether Your Excellency could provide 200,000 dan of military grain and 1,000 war horses during wartime to resist the strong enemy. Unexpectedly, Xian He was fond of joking and turned it into a joke that Liu Bei was forcing him for this money and grain. Liu Bei had already reprimanded Jian Yong severely in his letter to Your Excellency, and I hope Your Excellency will forgive the offense."

  "Was that just a joke by Mr. Xianhe?" Tao Qian barely opened his cloudy old eyes, and asked in surprise: "So, you didn't ask me to provide 1,000 war horses and 200,000 dan of military rations after all?"

  "Of course not." Liu Bei said with a straight face, "It was all a misunderstanding. Please, Lord, immediately withdraw the notice and do not collect taxes from the people of Xuzhou."

  "Oh, I see." Tao Qian nodded reluctantly and coughed for a long time before instructing Tao Ying, who was standing beside Liu Xuande, "Ying'er, convey the order on my behalf and cancel that proclamation!"

  "Alright." Tao replied respectfully, and then walked to the front of the crowd of Xu Zhou civilians, shouting loudly: "All military personnel and civilians of Xu Zhou, please listen clearly! The matter of Lord Guan demanding 200,000 dan of military grain was just a misunderstanding. From now on, the notices calling for donations of money and grain, as well as the preparations for forced requisition of money and grain, are hereby revoked! You will no longer be required to make donations, nor will you be subject to additional levies of money and grain!"

  "Oh!" The crowd of Xuzhou citizens erupted in thunderous cheers, and all previous worries were completely dispelled. Tao Ying ordered someone to tear down the notice and rewrite it to inform the five counties of Xuzhou and let the people of Xuzhou know about the misunderstanding.

  When Tao Qian and his son withdrew the notice that had put them in an awkward position, Liu Xuande also breathed a sigh of relief. When Tao Ying returned to Tao Qian's carriage, Liu Xuande asked again with feigned concern: "Nephew, wasn't it said several months ago that your father's illness had taken a turn for the better? How could he have fallen so seriously ill again in such a short time?"

  What surprised Liu Gongzi was that his hypocritical question had unexpectedly elicited a fierce reaction - Tao Ying suddenly knelt down on both knees, clasped his fists and said loudly: "Uncle, regarding the matter of my father's serious illness, I have a grievance to report to you, please uncle, do me justice!"

  Deputy Director Tao suddenly reacted so greatly and said such words, not only scaring Liu Huangshu to death but also scaring almost everyone present. The noisy voices immediately quieted down, and even Tao Ying's foolish elder brother rushed over, exclaiming: "Second Brother, what happened? What do you want Uncle to take charge of for us?"

  "Brother, let's go with me to pay respects to Uncle. Father suddenly fell ill and there is another hidden reason. We brothers still need to ask Uncle to preside over justice for us!" Tao Ying replied loudly.

  Although he didn't know what tricks his brothers were up to, the honest big brother Tao Shang was very obedient and knelt down beside Tao Ying. Together, they paid their respects to Liu Xianggong as juniors. Although Liu Xianggong felt that something was amiss, in front of so many people, he could only hastily help Tao Shang and Tao Ying up, saying in a gentle voice: "Two noble nephews, please get up quickly! Tao Ying, my noble nephew, what is going on here? You can tell me all about it, and I will definitely take charge for you."

  "Uncle......" Deputy Director Tao opened his mouth and called out, but before he could finish speaking, two rows of hot tears burst forth, and in front of the countless people of Xuzhou, our Deputy Director Tao actually broke out into Liu Bei's signature move - loud wailing, crying to the point where the sky grew dark and the pear blossoms rained down, a pitiful sight.

  Seeing things were not right, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei also stepped in. The impatient Zhang Fei walked up to Tao Ying, grabbed his hand that was wiping away tears, and asked loudly: "Second Master, what's going on? Speak quickly! Old Zhang is almost worried to death. Speak, and Old Zhang and my brother will definitely take charge."

  "General Yide......" Vice Director Tao choked with gratitude and called out, then shook his head and said: "Uncle, General Yide, General Yunchang, this matter is long to tell, please let me introduce you to someone first."

  "Who is it?" Zhang Fei asked impatiently.

  "General Cao Hong, bring that scoundrel over here." Vice Director Tao wiped away tears as he instructed Cao Hong.

  Cao Hong nodded, waved his hand to the back, and soon four Tao Fu guards brought over a middle-aged man. He was about forty years old, with an ordinary appearance and a somewhat foolish expression, without any unusual features. The three brothers of Peach Garden, Liu, Guan, and Zhang, had never seen this middle-aged man before, so they didn't recognize him. However, when Zuo Ci and Zuo Fang saw the ugly face of the middle-aged man, they almost fainted at the same time. It turned out that this middle-aged man was none other than Zhang Hang, the imperial physician who had poisoned Tao Qian a few days ago but was caught by Vice Director Tao and punished!

  As they stumbled and staggered, Mo Zhu and Mo Fang almost fell to the ground together, but fortunately two people beside them held them up in time. One of them said, "Be careful, Your Honor." The other said, "Lord Mo, please be careful, it snowed yesterday and the road is slippery."

  The Mo brothers trembled with fear as they went to see who was supporting them, only to find that the one smiling and holding onto Mo Zhe was Lu You, a great general of Xuzhou, while the one smiling and holding onto Mo Fang was Qin Yi, also a great general of Xuzhou - these two were merely second or third-rate generals, but they could still easily kill three to five Mo brothers with their bare hands.