Free Web NovelChapter 286: Host a Banquet
Xuzhou.
Above the sky, a vast expanse of blue.
White clouds drifted leisurely, and the weather was perfect.
The people walking on the streets of Xuzhou, though unable to hide the weariness on their faces, were all brimming with the joy of surviving a catastrophe.
"Did you hear? The governor of Yan Province, Cao Cao, has withdrawn his army!!"
"Yes! That vile Cao Mengde is truly a ruthless executioner. Who knows how many atrocities he committed in Xuzhou. It’s a pity that so many of our compatriots died miserably under Cao’s blade!"
"But fortunately, we have the protection of General Longhou! During the crisis, Longhou was the first to dispatch troops to help us civilians. He is truly our great benefactor! Truly the great benefactor of Xuzhou!!!"
...
After Cao Cao led his army out of Xuzhou, Long Chen’s reputation in Xuzhou reached a peak, and all the people admired Long Chen.
Xuzhou Governor’s residence.
Inside the hall, there was a scene of joy and laughter, with music and dance filling the air.
Sitting at the head of the table was Xuzhou Governor Tao Qian.
The seats on the left side were occupied by Long Chen, Xi Zhicai, Zhao Yun, Dian Wei, Xu Chu, and others.
In ancient times, the left side was considered honorable, and since Long Chen had greatly helped Tao Qian this time, he was naturally seated on the left.
These were all the civil and military officials under Long Chen’s command.
On the right side of the table sat Chen Gui, Chen Deng, Zang Ba, Mi Zhu, and other officials from Xuzhou.
Long Chen was invited to this banquet.
Firstly, he came to meet the civil and military officials of the Xuzhou faction, so he could familiarize himself with them as soon as possible because... Xuzhou would soon become Long Chen’s territory.
In the process of getting to know the officials of Xuzhou, he could gradually eliminate the unworthy and select those with talent or upright conduct.
Secondly, he came to interact with the local landlord, Tao Qian.
Tao Qian sat at the head of the table, and when he saw that Long Chen, who could directly confront Cao Cao, was so young and handsome, he was secretly surprised.
Today, Long Chen was dressed in white brocade, with his hair tied up with a jade hairpin. His sword-like eyebrows and starry eyes, along with his red lips and white teeth, made him appear exceptionally handsome.
In addition, Long Chen had an air of elegance, which made him very approachable.
"I’ve long heard that the governor of Yangzhou, Long, is not only young and handsome but also highly skilled. Seeing you today, you truly live up to your reputation."
Tao Qian clasped his hands in praise.
The officials of Xuzhou echoed this sentiment, applauding and praising him.
Chen Gui and Chen Deng, the father and son duo, exchanged a peculiar look with Long Chen.
The two of them had long made an agreement with Long Chen: if Long Chen had sufficient strength and capital, they would assist him in taking Xuzhou.
Since Long Chen led his army to Xuzhou, the two of them had been closely monitoring Long Chen’s actions.
It wasn’t until a few days ago when Cao’s army suddenly withdrew to Yan Province that the sharp and clever father and son duo sensed something was amiss.
After investigating with spies, they discovered that Cao Cao’s rear base, Yan Province, was in chaos!!
And it was in great chaos!!!
Dong Commandery was overrun by Lü Bu’s Bingzhou wolf cavalry!
Zhang Miao, who had long harbored ambitions, could no longer suppress his inner desires when he saw Lü Bu leading the wolf cavalry to harvest Yan Province. He then raised his flag in support and, along with Lü Bu, rebelled in Yan Province.
Moreover, with the assistance of the exceptional strategist Chen Gong under Zhang Miao, Yan Province’s dozens of counties were in turmoil, with only a few remaining intact!
Chen Gui and Chen Deng naturally knew that Lü Bu was a surrendered general under Long Chen.
Coupled with the fact that Long Chen was directly confronting Cao Cao.
An unbelievable conclusion emerged!!
It was Long Chen who ordered Lü Bu to lead the army to seize Yan Province, thus surrounding Wei to save Zhao, forcing Cao Cao to retreat to defend Yan Province.
Long Chen, truly a terrifying person!!!
Therefore, the two of them were genuinely impressed by Long Chen, to the point of being in complete awe.
Long Chen’s immense power made them believe that one day in the future, the ruler of the entire Han Dynasty would bear the surname Long, not Liu.
Such a master with great ambition and talent—if they didn’t pledge allegiance early, it might be too late to gain a high position later.
For the sake of their family’s interests, and to ensure that their names would be recorded in history, becoming future ministers who follow the dragon, Chen Gui and Chen Deng decided to stake most of their wealth to support Long Chen in taking control of Xuzhou.
Facing the looks from Chen Gui and Chen Deng, Long Chen naturally noticed.
But now was not the time to have a detailed discussion with them.
Thinking this, he raised his wine cup and toasted Tao Qian at the head of the table, saying, "Tao Gong, you’re too kind."
"Tao Gong’s governance in Xuzhou is prosperous and orderly, truly a testament to your good governance!"
"If it weren’t for Cao Cao, that ruthless person, Xuzhou would indeed be a paradise!"
"So, thanks to the help of Longhou, otherwise we might have already met our end."
Tao Qian said, moved to tears.
As he spoke, Tao Qian stood up, bending his old back and clasping his hands, inviting Long Chen to sit in the seat of honor.
This seat was reserved only for the governor of Xuzhou.
Now that Tao Qian was inviting Long Chen to sit in this seat, this signal made everyone present greatly astonished.
Chen Deng and Chen Gui were naturally overjoyed; this was even better as it spared them the need to go through the steps of regicide.
However, Cao Bao and the other old local warlords of Xuzhou were filled with resentment.
What was their lord thinking?
If Long Chen really became the governor of Xuzhou, what future would there be for them, who were neither accomplished in civil nor military matters?!
Tao Qian clasped his hands and addressed the crowd, "I am already in my sixties, old and weak. Moreover, my two sons are of shallow talent, foolish and unreasonable, unfit to bear the responsibilities of the state."
"Longhou is a person bestowed by the emperor himself, with broad virtue, high talent, and both civil and military prowess. He is capable of leading as the governor of Xuzhou."
"I am willing to retire and nurse my health."
As soon as these words fell, it was as if a giant stone had been thrown into a lotus pond, stirring up a massive uproar. ƒгeewёbnovel.com
Long Chen’s heart stirred; he hadn’t expected Tao Qian to be so aware of the times.
But, if one thinks about it carefully, Tao Qian’s action now was indeed the most correct and wise choice.
Why is this so?
Aside from the reasons Tao Qian just mentioned, there’s also the fact that the hearts of the people in Xuzhou had already turned toward Long Chen.
The saying "He who wins the people’s hearts, wins the world" is not just empty words.
Long Chen had already gained the trust and affection of the people of Xuzhou. Even if Tao Qian didn’t say anything, someone else would have.
Furthermore, the local aristocratic families in Xuzhou had a strong desire to submit to Long Chen.
The interests involved in this are multifaceted.
But just the fact that Long Chen controls the entire Yangzhou is enough reason for them to do so. Yangzhou’s geographical location and economic development were the best in the entire Han Dynasty.
Engaging in trade could bring them great profits.
Of course, the most important reason is... the emperor had already established the capital in Danyang County, Yangzhou.
What do the aristocratic families pursue?
They naturally cultivate imperial techniques to serve the royal family.
They seek social status and fame.
Now that the emperor is in Yangzhou, why wouldn’t they want Xuzhou to submit to Long Chen in exchange for prominent official positions?
