The next morning, an anxious Zhuge Jin came to ask for a meeting. The war in Jiangdong was raging, and he was spending every day like a year here.
When Liu Qi told him that he would go to Jiangdong in person, Zhuge Jin was stunned, thinking he had heard wrongly.
Liu Qi smiled and said, "Since I am the son-in-law of Jiangdong, I should go visit my mother-in-law. Isn't this reasonable?"
"Reasonable, reasonable!" Zhuge Jin nodded repeatedly.
Liu Qi's personal trip to Jiangdong was the best proof of the alliance between Sun and Liu. Moreover, he had defeated Cao's army and was quite experienced, which would leave Zhang Zhao and others speechless.
Zhuge Liang smiled and said, "If the general goes to Jiangdong in person, Cao Cao will be afraid and will never dare to look directly at the south of the Yangtze River again. But the people of Jiangdong are unpredictable. Brother, when you come to invite someone, you must ensure the safety of the young master."
"Don't worry, Kong Ming. I will accompany you on this trip and ensure everything goes well!" Zhuge Jin was overjoyed and immediately patted his chest to make the promise. He then asked, "Second brother, you're not going?"
Liu Qi said with a smile: "Cao Cao is still plotting against us. He has sent Zhang Liao to station troops in Kunyang. We must be on guard. I have promoted Kong Ming to be the military advisor and general in charge of military affairs in Jingzhou to prevent Cao Cao from making a feint to the east and attacking in the west."
"That's true!" Zhuge Jin nodded frequently when he heard Zhang Liao's name. Although he knew Zhuge Liang's ability, it was not a good idea to force him at this time.
Just as he was about to leave, Zhang Wei suddenly came in quickly, holding a letter: "General, Xiahou Mao sent someone to deliver a letter."
"Oh?" Liu Qi was a little surprised. Ever since they were plotted against in Xiangyang last time, Xiahou Mao and the other two had become a joke. They wrote to him at this time. Could it be that they were still thinking about Black Pearl
After opening the letter and reading it, Liu Qi suddenly burst into laughter and shook his head, saying, "This Xiahou Mao, he is really... a real talent."
Xu Shu asked in confusion: "Why is the general laughing?"
Liu Qi handed the letter to Xu Shu and said, "Xiahou Mao regarded the loss of the Qinggang sword as a great shame in his life and even wanted to redeem it. He has prepared enough money and food and asked me to return the sword."
"Two and a half million coins..." Xu Shu frowned slightly: "What do you mean, General?"
"Such a good thing, is there any need to consider it?" Liu Qi took off his sword without hesitation and handed it to Zhang Wei: "As long as Xiahou Mao pays back the money in full, I will return the sword to him."
Xu Shu hurriedly said, "General, this is a rare sword that can be used for self-defense. It would be a pity to lose it."
Liu Qi smiled and said, "The war is tense right now, food and grass are the most important. What does a mere sword mean?"
Everyone shook their heads and laughed. Not only had Xiahou Mi been fooled and become a laughing stock, he also lost Wuguan. If it were anyone else, he would definitely be thinking about revenge and would be irreconcilable with Liu Qi.
But he was so good that he even wanted to send more money and food. How could Liu Qi refuse such a generous gift
Zhang Wei took the sword and asked, "What about Xiahou Mao's visit to Xiangyang?"
"Just let him come!" Liu Qi said with a smile, "Anyway, he bought the manor with his own money, so as the owner, he should be able to come and go freely. It seems that Xiahou Mao has made a lot of money selling furniture in Xuchang..."
Speaking of furniture, Liu Qi suddenly had an idea. He called Zhang Wei aside and whispered a few instructions to ask him to receive Xiahou Mi well.
In fact, Zhang Wei was not a descendant of Grand Marshal Zhang Wen, but a cousin of Zhang Ji. Zhang Ji opened Huichuntang in Xiangyang, and Zhang Wei came to seek refuge there, but he did not like medicine and was unhappy all day long.
It happened that Xu Shu was getting medicine for his mother. He saw that this man had a sad face and was absent-minded, but he was very meticulous in his work and did not make any mistakes. After asking him, he recruited him to the Yanfeng Camp. The Xiahou Meng incident had already proven his ability.
After giving the order, everyone left Xiangyang and rushed to Xiakou. Those who went with them included Xu Shu, Liu Pan, Huang Zhong, Ji Miao, Xi Guan and others.
During this period, Xiangyang recruited a group of talents, including famous scholars such as Yang Yi, Zong Yu, and Chen Zhen. In addition, there were two young talents, Xiang Chong and Ma Liang, both of whom were recommended by Xiang Lang. Xiang Chong was his nephew, and Ma Liang was his student.
After Liu Qi stabilized the situation in Jingzhou, in addition to recruiting famous scholars to take up their posts, many talented people also took the initiative to join him. The two sons of Hua Tuo and Ji Ping were unexpected gains.
"Is this probably what the saying "if flowers bloom, butterflies will come" means? "
Liu Qi was filled with emotion on his horse, looking at Liu Pan who was leading the way in front of him. If it weren't for his great help, he would be alone and would not be able to reach this point.
Although he is not famous in history, Liu Pan is a figure who can compete with Taishi Ci, and he and Huang Zhong are capable of leading a large army.
After Xiang Chong arrived, he took over Liu Pan's shift and guarded Xiangyang together with Liu Xian. It was really a waste of Liu Pan's talent to let him stay in Xiangyang all the time.
When they arrived at Xiakou, Guan Yu was already waiting with his troops. He looked even more majestic in the green dragon armor, parrot robe, and belt with a golden dragon head swallowing its mouth that were tailor-made for him by Liu Qi.
After the greetings, everyone went to the water fort to take a rest. Xi Guan directed people to carry items onto the boat. There were dozens of boxes, which made Zhuge Jin frown.
The war was intense at the front, so even if he went to see his mother-in-law, there was no need to rush, right? But it was not easy for him to interfere in such matters, so he could only wait patiently.
In fact, Zhuge Jin didn't know that the gifts Liu Qi brought were only a few. Most of them were commodities, such as Hanxingtang's fine wine, Fengxianghao's jewelry, Huichuntang's elixirs, etc., which were prepared to be sold in Jiangdong.
Chili peppers were not brought this time. This thing is still very scarce and they are trying to find a way to cultivate it. Besides, Liu Qi thinks this thing has no sales in Jiangdong. People in Su and Wu areas in later generations did not eat chili peppers, let alone now
"General, it's time for us to set off!" After finally loading the cargo, Zhuge Jin saw that Liu Qi was still not moving and could not help but urge him.
Liu Qi said, "The troops have not yet arrived, so there is no need to worry."
Zhuge Jin asked, "General Guan is ready to go, who else is there?"
"I have been waiting for a long time!" Guan Yu was also wondering, when he suddenly saw a group of cavalry coming quickly on the road. The first one was a white horse and a white robe, and he exclaimed, "Zilong?"
The person who came was Zhao Yun who was transferred from Nanyang. It was probably a psychological effect. Although he was protected by Shi A and others, Liu Qi always felt that it would be safer to bring Zilong with him when going to Jiangdong.
When they were welcoming Zhao Yun, there were many sails on the river and the navy arrived soon after. A man stood on the ship with a sword in his hand, his brocade robe and pheasant feathers fluttering in the river breeze. The sound of bronze bells could be heard. It was the naval commander Gan Ning.
Guan Yu was even more puzzled: "We are only going to Jiangdong to help in the battle, why do we need to send all the troops?"
Liu Qi smiled and said, "Guan Ping's wedding is coming soon. This is a major event in life, so I won't bother you, Second Uncle."
Guan Yu's eyebrows were raised, and he was about to speak, but Xu Shu called him aside and whispered, "People's minds are hard to predict. We are going to Jiangdong, and only you, the prince, can stay in Jiangxia to intimidate Sun Quan and ensure safety."
"Humph!" Guan Yu narrowed his eyes and said in a deep voice, "You rat from Jiangdong, how dare you bully me?"
Zhuge Jin also wanted to use Guan Yu's reputation to intimidate Cao's army, so he asked hurriedly: "Why not transfer troops from Jiangxia?"
Liu Qi said: "Many of Jiangxia's troops have grudges against Jiangdong. If we go, it may backfire."
"This... makes sense!" Zhuge Jin was helpless. What Liu Qi said made sense. If Huang Zu's troops arrived in Jiangdong, wouldn't they have to fight first
Guan Yu discussed with Xu Shu for a few words, then turned back and clasped his fists towards Liu Qi, saying, "Don't worry, sir. I will help you!"