Chapter 516
News travelled quickly. Fancheng was attacked and captured by Liu Bei. Liu Biao was extremely gloomy. The war at Jiangxia was not yet over and now, he was being attacked from the West.
If it was merely an attack, there was no reason to panic. Fancheng would be able to defend themselves long enough for reinforcements. However, Fancheng was captured. This meant that the enemy was pretty much right by Jingzhou’s doorstep. One method of solving this was to move the capital. However, Liu Biao was unwilling to move the capital due to there being too many things to move. On top of that, Liu Biao only managed to obtain Xiangyang after much difficulty.
“Milord. I have already said that Liu Bei harbors rapacious designs! Now it is abundantly clear from the fact that he attacked Fancheng!” The one that said this was an official from the Lumen Academy. They who was once supporters of Liu Bei now pointed the blame towards him.
“That’s right! Pang Tong Pang Shiyuan and Liu Bei Liu Xuande are both villains. They came to Jingzhou saying they want to borrow provisions but killed Yangzhou’s envoys and tried to instigate war!” Another official shouted. In everyone’s eyes, Pang Tong was already considered a traitor.
While everyone was busy cursing Liu Bei, Huang She walked out from behind one of the Liu Biao’s officials.
“Liu Bei of Yuzhou and Pang Tong Pang Shiyuan are certainly hateful individuals. However, everyone has forgotten one more person!” Huang She said.
Huang Zu’s treasured son Huang She had been trying not to stand out ever since Liu Mang’s attempted assassination at the river as he would get into trouble if he was investigated. However, he now had the guts to step forward as everything was now blamed on Pang Tong instead.
“We have forgotten about someone?” The others all knew who Huang She was talking about as he hated Liu Mang. They then turned to look at Liu Mang who was present as he had the obligation to send reinforcements when Liu Biao is attacked.
Liu Mang did not bother addressing Huang She’s words. Instead, he indifferently asked. “I didn’t know a person in charge of writing down given orders is now able to speak for others.”
“You…!” Huang She’s job was basically to write down Liu Biao’s words. His writings would eventually become part of history. In other words, Huang She had no qualification to speak. Not only is he just a petty official but his job requires him to listen. While he could still speak in private, he is not supposed to voice his opinions during formal occasions.
“Huang She! Withdraw!” Kuai Yue immediately berated him before Liu Biao could speak. Kuai Yue was the chief of the civil officials in Jingzhou. A civil official acting out of place would also be his fault. Pang Shanmin had made this mistake once and now it was Huang She’s turn.
Huang She knew he could not continue as Liu Biao was already frowning. If he were to continue, he would simply be chased out. In the end, he just glared at Liu Mang before looking at someone else.
One general that worked under the Huang Family saw Huang She staring at him and gave a wry smile. He knew Huang She wanted him to help get him out of this predicament so he had no choice but to step forward.
“Milord. There is something missing from the report from Fancheng.” The general spoke while feeling troubled. What he was going to say will offend Liu Mang. However, he would offend the heir of the Huang Family if he choose not to say it.
“A missing information?” The others questioned. As the battle at Fancheng was the latest news, it is unlikely there would be something missing.
“Yes Milord. This is regarding Fancheng’s efforts at countering the invasion rather than the invasion itself.”
“What do you mean? Weren’t they caught unprepared?”
“Milord. The Xiliang Cavalry was noticed before the attack. The lookouts at Fancheng had already lit the beacon!” The general explained.
“How did Fancheng fall if they were prepared for the attack? Is Zhang Gui that worthless?” Fancheng had thirty thousand men and an abundance of both provisions and equipment. It would be a different story if they were caught unprepared but Zhang Gui still lost even after taking precautions.
With that being said, Liu Biao could not help but look at Zhang Gui’s brother, Zhang Yun, who recommended Zhang Gui to his position. If Liu Biao intended to blame everyone related, even the Cai Family would not escape punishment.
“This servant deserves death for being unable to judge people. Milord, please punish me!” Zhang Yun immediately knelt down.
The Huang Family’s general now felt like crying as he had also ended up offending the Zhang Family and the Cai Family. However, he still summoned up the courage to continue as his masters from the Huang Family were more important. Gritting his teeth, he added. “Milord. We cannot blame the Zhang Family. General Zhang Gui were guarded against Liu Bei but they had forgotten about one person’s troops.”
“Whose troops?” Liu Biao asked.
“These are the elite troops from Youzhou, the White Horses!”
“The White Horses!” Everyone understood that these were Gongsun Zan’s trump card. They were undefeated until the time Gongsun Zan lost to Yuan Shao. The White Horses then disappeared after Gongsun Zan burned himself to death.
However, there was now another group called the White Horses under Liu Mang’s employ.
“That’s right! It is His Highness the King of Shu! His White Horses appeared at Fancheng! They used their status as allies to trick Zhang Gui, leading to his defeat!”
Hearing this, Liu Biao then looked at Liu Mang with distrust. He wanted Liu Mang to explain. Huang She proudly looked at Liu Mang, also waiting for Liu Mang to give an explanation.
Instead of giving an explanation, Liu Mang simply clapped his hands.
“What’s wrong? Is Your Highness speechless? You are a traitor who tried to deceive Milord. You allied yourself with Liu Bei to annex our Jingzhou!” Huang She accused.
Liu Mang ignored Huang She and addressed the general. “General. What is your name?”
“My name is Huang Ding.” The general replied subconsciously.
“General Huang Ding. You must have read the Classic of Poetry intensively as you are unimpeded at all times and places.” Liu Mang said.
“No, no.” Huang Ding did not read much as he was a general. Even if they read, it would be about the art of war.
“If General Huang Ding were to write a book, please tell me. I will definitely buy it with a thousand gold.” Liu Mang praised indifferently.
“Hm?” Huang She was confused. “Liu Mang Liu Hanyang! Are you trying to change the subject?”
Before Liu Mang could reply, one person suddenly laughed. Then another person laughed. Eventually, the whole room was filled with laughter.
“What’s so funny?” Huang She could not understand. It should be the time to interrogate Liu Mang but everyone was just laughing.
“General Huang Ding. If you publish a book, I will also buy one!”
“Me too!”
“I am free of corrupt practices and lived frugally. But I too, want to buy one!” Kuai Liang took the lead and everyone else followed.
“Huh? No, you are too kind.” Huang Ding was dumbstruck. Of course Liu Mang did not praise Huang Ding for no reason. If Liu Mang had praised a scholar and told him to publish books, it would be genuine praise. However, praising a general this way was just mockery.
A general writing a book was just full of bullshit. Even scholars were secretive when they try to publish books as they were afraid of ridicule. Yet Huang Ding actually thought people were praising him.
“Hmph! Liu Mang Liu Hanyang! Stop trying to hide it! Did the White Horses appear at Fancheng?”
“If you say they did, that means they did!” Liu Mang replied with an indifferent smile.
“You!”
“Liu of Jingzhou. This King is deeply moved after coming to Jingzhou. There are so many talented individuals here. Even a petty official who writes down orders is so vigilant during times of peace. He was able to find out about the situation at Fancheng before you.” Liu Mang said.
Liu Biao’s expression immediately changed as he looked at Huang She.
Huang She had committed a taboo.
Chapter 516
News travelled quickly. Fancheng was attacked and captured by Liu Bei. Liu Biao was extremely gloomy. The war at Jiangxia was not yet over and now, he was being attacked from the West.
If it was merely an attack, there was no reason to panic. Fancheng would be able to defend themselves long enough for reinforcements. However, Fancheng was captured. This meant that the enemy was pretty much right by Jingzhou’s doorstep. One method of solving this was to move the capital. However, Liu Biao was unwilling to move the capital due to there being too many things to move. On top of that, Liu Biao only managed to obtain Xiangyang after much difficulty.
“Milord. I have already said that Liu Bei harbors rapacious designs! Now it is abundantly clear from the fact that he attacked Fancheng!” The one that said this was an official from the Lumen Academy. They who was once supporters of Liu Bei now pointed the blame towards him.
“That’s right! Pang Tong Pang Shiyuan and Liu Bei Liu Xuande are both villains. They came to Jingzhou saying they want to borrow provisions but killed Yangzhou’s envoys and tried to instigate war!” Another official shouted. In everyone’s eyes, Pang Tong was already considered a traitor.
While everyone was busy cursing Liu Bei, Huang She walked out from behind one of the Liu Biao’s officials.
“Liu Bei of Yuzhou and Pang Tong Pang Shiyuan are certainly hateful individuals. However, everyone has forgotten one more person!” Huang She said.
Huang Zu’s treasured son Huang She had been trying not to stand out ever since Liu Mang’s attempted assassination at the river as he would get into trouble if he was investigated. However, he now had the guts to step forward as everything was now blamed on Pang Tong instead.
“We have forgotten about someone?” The others all knew who Huang She was talking about as he hated Liu Mang. They then turned to look at Liu Mang who was present as he had the obligation to send reinforcements when Liu Biao is attacked.
Liu Mang did not bother addressing Huang She’s words. Instead, he indifferently asked. “I didn’t know a person in charge of writing down given orders is now able to speak for others.”
“You…!” Huang She’s job was basically to write down Liu Biao’s words. His writings would eventually become part of history. In other words, Huang She had no qualification to speak. Not only is he just a petty official but his job requires him to listen. While he could still speak in private, he is not supposed to voice his opinions during formal occasions.
“Huang She! Withdraw!” Kuai Yue immediately berated him before Liu Biao could speak. Kuai Yue was the chief of the civil officials in Jingzhou. A civil official acting out of place would also be his fault. Pang Shanmin had made this mistake once and now it was Huang She’s turn.
Huang She knew he could not continue as Liu Biao was already frowning. If he were to continue, he would simply be chased out. In the end, he just glared at Liu Mang before looking at someone else.
One general that worked under the Huang Family saw Huang She staring at him and gave a wry smile. He knew Huang She wanted him to help get him out of this predicament so he had no choice but to step forward.
“Milord. There is something missing from the report from Fancheng.” The general spoke while feeling troubled. What he was going to say will offend Liu Mang. However, he would offend the heir of the Huang Family if he choose not to say it.
“A missing information?” The others questioned. As the battle at Fancheng was the latest news, it is unlikely there would be something missing.
“Yes Milord. This is regarding Fancheng’s efforts at countering the invasion rather than the invasion itself.”
“What do you mean? Weren’t they caught unprepared?”
“Milord. The Xiliang Cavalry was noticed before the attack. The lookouts at Fancheng had already lit the beacon!” The general explained.
“How did Fancheng fall if they were prepared for the attack? Is Zhang Gui that worthless?” Fancheng had thirty thousand men and an abundance of both provisions and equipment. It would be a different story if they were caught unprepared but Zhang Gui still lost even after taking precautions.
With that being said, Liu Biao could not help but look at Zhang Gui’s brother, Zhang Yun, who recommended Zhang Gui to his position. If Liu Biao intended to blame everyone related, even the Cai Family would not escape punishment.
“This servant deserves death for being unable to judge people. Milord, please punish me!” Zhang Yun immediately knelt down.
The Huang Family’s general now felt like crying as he had also ended up offending the Zhang Family and the Cai Family. However, he still summoned up the courage to continue as his masters from the Huang Family were more important. Gritting his teeth, he added. “Milord. We cannot blame the Zhang Family. General Zhang Gui were guarded against Liu Bei but they had forgotten about one person’s troops.”
“Whose troops?” Liu Biao asked.
“These are the elite troops from Youzhou, the White Horses!”
“The White Horses!” Everyone understood that these were Gongsun Zan’s trump card. They were undefeated until the time Gongsun Zan lost to Yuan Shao. The White Horses then disappeared after Gongsun Zan burned himself to death.
However, there was now another group called the White Horses under Liu Mang’s employ.
“That’s right! It is His Highness the King of Shu! His White Horses appeared at Fancheng! They used their status as allies to trick Zhang Gui, leading to his defeat!”
Hearing this, Liu Biao then looked at Liu Mang with distrust. He wanted Liu Mang to explain. Huang She proudly looked at Liu Mang, also waiting for Liu Mang to give an explanation.
Instead of giving an explanation, Liu Mang simply clapped his hands.
“What’s wrong? Is Your Highness speechless? You are a traitor who tried to deceive Milord. You allied yourself with Liu Bei to annex our Jingzhou!” Huang She accused.
Liu Mang ignored Huang She and addressed the general. “General. What is your name?”
“My name is Huang Ding.” The general replied subconsciously.
“General Huang Ding. You must have read the Classic of Poetry intensively as you are unimpeded at all times and places.” Liu Mang said.
“No, no.” Huang Ding did not read much as he was a general. Even if they read, it would be about the art of war.
“If General Huang Ding were to write a book, please tell me. I will definitely buy it with a thousand gold.” Liu Mang praised indifferently.
“Hm?” Huang She was confused. “Liu Mang Liu Hanyang! Are you trying to change the subject?”
Before Liu Mang could reply, one person suddenly laughed. Then another person laughed. Eventually, the whole room was filled with laughter.
“What’s so funny?” Huang She could not understand. It should be the time to interrogate Liu Mang but everyone was just laughing.
“General Huang Ding. If you publish a book, I will also buy one!”
“Me too!”
“I am free of corrupt practices and lived frugally. But I too, want to buy one!” Kuai Liang took the lead and everyone else followed.
“Huh? No, you are too kind.” Huang Ding was dumbstruck. Of course Liu Mang did not praise Huang Ding for no reason. If Liu Mang had praised a scholar and told him to publish books, it would be genuine praise. However, praising a general this way was just mockery.
A general writing a book was just full of bullshit. Even scholars were secretive when they try to publish books as they were afraid of ridicule. Yet Huang Ding actually thought people were praising him.
“Hmph! Liu Mang Liu Hanyang! Stop trying to hide it! Did the White Horses appear at Fancheng?”
“If you say they did, that means they did!” Liu Mang replied with an indifferent smile.
“You!”
“Liu of Jingzhou. This King is deeply moved after coming to Jingzhou. There are so many talented individuals here. Even a petty official who writes down orders is so vigilant during times of peace. He was able to find out about the situation at Fancheng before you.” Liu Mang said.
Liu Biao’s expression immediately changed as he looked at Huang She.
Huang She had committed a taboo.
