After Zhuge Jin and Lu Su arrived in Chaisang, they first wrote a letter to inquire about the situation in Jingzhou. They learned that Liu Qi was willing to turn hostility into friendship and happily crossed the river.
When they arrived in Xiangyang, Zhuge Liang went to meet his brother ten miles away, accompanied by his deputy Liu Xian. When they arrived at the government office, Liu Qi was already waiting at the door.
After entering the mansion to pay their respects, the two of them were already amazed at the furniture in the room before they even sat down. After they sat down, they were full of praise. They were surprised to learn that it was Liu Qi who renovated the room.
Lu Su sighed secretly, saying that everyone said Liu Qi was suppressed and endured humiliation, but he didn't expect that he would enjoy it so much.
After some greetings, Lu Su said, "The Sun and Liu families had many disputes in the past, all because of Huang Zu. Now Huang Zu is dead. The Marquis of Wu is willing to resolve the grievances, fight against Cao Cao together, and protect the Han Dynasty. He specially sent us here to communicate with each other."
Zhuge Jin also said: "It is said that enemies should be resolved rather than made. General, you are a noble of the Han Dynasty and you have inherited the ambitions of Uncle Liu. You should put the overall situation first!"
Liu Qi clasped his fists and said, "Everything started because of the weakening of the government and the abuse of power by treacherous ministers. First there was Dong Zhuo, then there was Cao Cao. If there were no such treacherous officials controlling the government, how could there be wars and hatred? My father has always been kind and gentle, and he doesn't like to fight. Since the Marquis of Wu is willing to let go of his grudges, I am happy to see it."
Liu Xian said with emotion: "General Po Lu died in a power struggle, and his descendants still avenged him. But who will seek justice for those officers, soldiers, and even innocent civilians?"
From the fight between Liu Biao and Sun Jian to Sun Ce and Sun Quan's repeated attacks on Jiangxia, the two sides were incompatible. He had personally experienced many wars and never imagined that the two families would one day shake hands and make peace.
Liu Qi also put on a deep look and said slowly: "When a country prospers, the people suffer; when a country perishes, the people suffer."
Zhuge Liang's hand, which was waving the feather fan, paused for a moment. Since Liu Qi left a letter in the thatched cottage last time, he had another profound remark.
In fact, after meeting Liu Qi, Zhuge Liang felt that Liu Qi did not look like a person who had attained enlightenment. He even often spoke crudely and was a little superficial. He once speculated whether the letter was instructed by another master, but he never found any evidence.
Today I heard him utter such wise words again. Although they are only a few words, they go straight to the point. Without a broad mind that cares about the world and the people, how could one have such profound insights
"Could it be that the eldest son has returned to his original nature?" Zhuge Liang's eyes were slightly cold. The closer he got to Liu Qi, the more he couldn't see through this man.
Lu Su and Zhuge Jin on the side agreed with it and praised Liu Qi, but for Liu Xian, he had heard such golden sentences many times and was not surprised by them.
Lu Su said, "The king's way is not yet steadfast, and the people are in dire straits. Since you have such a broad mind, you should eliminate the evil and treason as soon as possible and stabilize the people. The Marquis of Wu has a sister who is about the same age as you. We want to marry each other and work together to defeat Cao. What do you think?"
"Marquis Wu's sister?" Liu Qi was surprised. "Could it be Sun Shangxiang?"
Lu Su was also a little surprised: "General, you know the young lady's name?"
"Uh... well," Liu Qi laughed dryly, "I've heard for a long time that Miss Sun doesn't learn needlework, but is good at using swords and guns, and that a woman is as good as a man, so I've heard a little bit about it."
Liu Qi never expected that, by some strange coincidence, he would have to take over Sun Shangxiang's business himself.
When he planned to replace Liu Da'er, he only had his eyes on Guan, Zhang and Zhao, but never thought of taking over his wife.
Although Sun Shangxiang has nothing to do with Liu Bei now, she was Liu Bei's wife in history. Happiness came too suddenly.
Everyone saw Liu Qi's expression changing, sometimes happy, sometimes worried, and they didn't know what he was thinking. Lu Su and Zhuge Jin were worried. Could it be that Liu Qi was frightened
Zhuge Liang smiled and said, "Since the Lord of Wu knows that the eldest son is about to get married and is willing to marry his sister to him, he certainly doesn't mind having her as a concubine?"
Zhuge Jin nodded and said, "The general is a royal family member, and he is also the General of Chariots and Cavalry, and the Marquis of Xiangyang. How noble he is! The two of them are a perfect match."
Lu Su stared at Liu Qi's face and asked anxiously, "What do you think, General?"
Liu Qi came to his senses and said in a dilemma: "I am about to get married. If I agree to the marriage, I am afraid that Xi will be unhappy and people will laugh at me. If I don't agree, it will be a waste of the Marquis Wu's hard work, which will make me embarrassed."
Lu Su was anxious when he heard this, and hurriedly said: "Although the young lady has some martial arts skills, they are just fancy moves. She has been taught by Madam Wu since she was a child, and she is well-educated and sensible. She is also very beautiful and virtuous. General, please do not doubt her!"
Liu Qi is now the lord of Jingzhou, and is promoted to General of Chariots and Cavalry. He holds a high position and has great power. Why would he care about what his wife's family says
These words seemed to make sense, but in Lu Su's opinion, Liu Qi was just dissatisfied with Sun Shangxiang's brandishing of swords and guns and was deliberately shirking responsibility.
Zhuge Jin also chimed in, "Sun and Liu should unite. Only when the two families form a good relationship, can Cao Cao no longer dare to look directly at Jiangnan. This is a matter of state. Please put the overall situation first."
Liu Qi thought for a moment and asked, "Marriage is a big deal and requires the permission of the parents. I wonder if Madam Wu agrees?"
Lu Su laughed and said, "Mrs. Wu loves her little girl very much, and Marquis Wu is a very filial man. If you don't discuss it with the old lady first, how dare you say it rashly? Wouldn't it be a joke?"
It seems that this is different from Zhou Yu's plot against Liu Bei. After all, Jingzhou is his home, Sun Quan has no chance to get involved, and there is no need for Zhou Yu to be obsessed with it.
Now Liu Qi is stronger than Liu Bei. I dare not say that he has surpassed Eastern Wu, but he is strong enough to compete with it.
At this time, everyone in Dongwu was focusing on self-preservation and stability. If they plotted to frame Liu Qi, wouldn't that be courting their own destruction
Even Wu Guotai agreed to this matter, which shows Sun Quan's sincerity. This is how strength determines the enemy's attitude.
Liu Qi looked at Zhuge Liang and saw him nod slightly. He said, "You two should stay in the inn for now. I will discuss it with Jiaye and hold a banquet to welcome you tomorrow. I will give you a reply."
Lu Su clasped his fists and said, "I have offended Liu Mu in the past. If it is convenient, I would like to visit him and apologize on behalf of the Marquis Wu."
Liu Qi smiled and said, "Sir, what are you talking about? We each serve our own master, and there is no right or wrong. If our two families marry in the future, we will have countless days of drinking and chatting happily!"
Lu Su then breathed a sigh of relief, bid farewell to Liu Qi, and was sent back to the inn by Liu Xian to rest.
Zhuge Liang invited Lu Su to his home for a banquet, but Lu Su politely declined and agreed to visit again on another day.
Zhuge Jin and his brothers and sisters-in-law must have a lot to talk about when they meet again after a long separation. What's more, Zhuge Jin also has to persuade Zhuge Liang that it would be unnecessary for him, an outsider, to go.
I was sitting in the inn feeling bored when I saw a man come in and say, "I am Zhang Wei, and I am here to serve you on the orders of the eldest master. If you need anything, just tell me."
It was not convenient to eat or drink at the banquet just now, and Lu Su also wanted to see what the people of Xiangyang were like, so he asked, "Is there a good place to drink in Xiangyang?"
"If you want to eat, drink and have fun, Shuiyunjian is the best place!" Zhang Wei's eyes sparkled and he said with a smile, "Not only do we have fine wine here, we also have a lot of delicious food, and there are countless beautiful dancers. The black pearls from South Vietnam are the best in the world. I guarantee that you will enjoy the pleasure of an emperor..."
"Shut up!" Lu Su was displeased and snorted coldly: "How can I, Lu Su, be a drunkard and a womanizer? I just want to appreciate the customs and style of Xiangyang people."
"Yes, yes, I'm sorry for being so talkative!" Zhang Wei slapped himself lightly and said with a smile, "Sir, please feel free to stroll around. All expenses tonight will be paid by the eldest son."