We agreed that you, a weak strategist, would fight against three heroes by yourself?

The sky was a little gloomy, and even the rain seemed to have turned gray.

There were cries all around, and everything seemed a bit too sudden.

Liu Bei was in a daze.

Tao Qian passed away suddenly in the depths of summer.

Recalling the first time he entered Xuzhou, Liu Bei felt increasingly sad.

Tao Qian treated their brothers very well, and he could be said to be very considerate.

The brothers were short of troops, so Tao Qian turned around and sent thousands of Danyang soldiers to resist Cao Cao, forcing all Cao Bao to obey his orders.

It has been entrusted to Xuzhou several times before.

All kinds of actions can show Tao Qian's trust in him.

Now, Tao Gong is dead, but he can't even see him one last time.

Liu Bei looked sobbing and was silent for a long time.

Beside them, Guan and Zhang both looked a little sad.

"General, before Tao Gong died, he made a final statement. I hope that General will take over the great cause of Xuzhou!"

Mi Zhu held up Tao Qian's last words with both hands, her voice low and her whole body trembling slightly.

As soon as these words came out, everyone present looked at Liu Bei.

After hearing this, Liu Bei looked at Tao Qian's death in front of him with fixed eyes.

If he accepts this will, he will be the lord of Xuzhou in the future.

However, Liu Bei seemed a little dazed at this moment, as if he didn't hear Mi Zhu's voice.

Cao Bao on the side didn't say a word, just watched the scene in front of him quietly.

Before Tao Qian died, he had entrusted him with instructions.

Follow Liu Bei, follow Liu Bei.

"Brother!"

Seeing Liu Bei's lack of reaction, Zhang Fei beside him couldn't help but feel anxious.

In the current situation, elder brother has nothing to hesitate about.

This is already Tao Qian's fate, why is the eldest brother still hesitating?

Zhang Fei was a little confused and quickly shouted to Liu Bei.

On the other side, Guan Yu also raised his head and looked at Liu Bei quietly.

Compared to Zhang Fei's anxiety, Guan Yu didn't say anything.

He could somewhat understand how his eldest brother was feeling at the moment.

The fate is right in front of you, so there is no need to worry about this matter.

Probably because he was thinking about Tao Qian's friendship, he should express his stance this time.

"General?"

Mi Zhu shouted again, her voice already somewhat tragic.

Liu Bei came back to his senses, looked at Mi Zhu who was holding his life in front of him, and then glanced at the people in front of him again.

"Bei, how can you be so virtuous and capable? How can An be able to withstand such great trust from Mr. Tao?"

Liu Bei's voice was low, but there was no intention of rejection in his words.

After hearing this, Mi Zhu bowed her body and did not move, and handed the suicide note up with both hands.

On the side, Sun Qian glanced at Liu Bei and bowed directly to speak.

"Before your death, I used my fingers to tell you that the general is an outstanding figure in the world, and only the general can take on this great responsibility!"

"If the general cannot supervise Xuzhou, we and the people of Xuzhou will not be able to live in peace!"

Sun Qian shouted loudly and his words were quite sincere.

Hearing this, Cao Bao's face darkened: "Please also ask Mr. Liu to take over this life!"

As Cao Bao spoke out, the entire Danyang Sect had recognized Liu Bei's identity.

Coupled with the forces led by Mi Zhu and Sun Qian, except for some Xuzhou nobles, Liu Bei has won most of the people's hearts.

Liu Bei hasn't spoken yet.

After seeing this situation, Guan and Zhang on the side also spoke out to advise.

As everyone spoke sincerely, Liu Bei sighed, and then picked up the suicide note in Mi Zhu's hand.

"Since you all believe in Liu Bei so much, you should do your best and be worthy of the entrustment entrusted by Mr. Tao!"

"I've seen you before, Mr. Liu!"

Seeing Liu Bei take over the order, Mi Zhu was the first to speak out, followed closely by Cao Bao and others who also started to change their names.

From this moment on, Liu Bei became Xuzhou Mu!

"Zizhong, Gongyou, I have taken over Xuzhou and everything is unclear. Can you two be willing to take over the position of assistant temporarily?"

After the matter settled, Liu Bei withdrew his expression of compassion. After he calmed down, he looked at Sun Qian and Mi Zhu.

Immediately, he asked the two of them.

The two accepted the order happily, and then Liu Bei asked Cao Bao to take the lead in military affairs in Xuzhou for the time being, and the latter also responded.

"With the order, Chen Deng is summoned as the governor of Xuzhou!"

Liu Bei has not forgotten Chen Deng. Now that he has taken over Xuzhou's pastoral position, the nobles in Xuzhou cannot avoid it.

The Chen family is the leader of the Xuzhou gentry.

Regarding Chen Deng's appointment, it can be regarded as a good relationship between Liu Bei and the Xuzhou gentry.

Mi Zhu and others did not have the slightest objection to this.

"Everyone, Mr. Tao has recently been mourned. Please ask General Cao Bao to lead his troops to bring peace to the people!"

"Zizhong, you are responsible for the funeral of Mr. Tao!"

"I ordered all Xuzhou sergeants to pay filial piety..."

Liu Bei opened his mouth and gave a series of instructions.

The top priority was Tao Qian's death, and no one said anything about it.

…

at the same time.

Lu Bu, who was in Pengcheng, also received the news of Tao Qian's death at this moment.

Within the Pengcheng Yamen Office.

After hearing the news that Mi Zhu and others in Xuzhou were all heading towards Xiapi City to welcome Liu Bei as Xuzhou's pastor, Lu Bu frowned visibly.

It had been less than a month since he entered Xuzhou. Within this month, he wanted to visit Tao Qian.

However, before he could see him, Tao Qian died.

The news came so quickly, and for Lu Bu, his mood didn't change much.

However, now that Xuzhou is about to change its owner, this kind of thing has added another variable for Lu Bu.

"Your Majesty, how virtuous and capable is Liu Bei that he got the land of Xuzhou for nothing?"

When Lu Bu was sullen, Hou Cheng beside him couldn't help but made a sarcastic remark.

Upon hearing this, Lu Bu raised his head and glanced at the other party.

Yes, why Liu Bei?

This person was just an insignificant person in front of Hulao Pass back then!

He has neither fame nor prestige.

Why did he take over Xuzhou?

That Tao Qian really lost his head.

Thinking of Lu Bu, he has been famous all over the world for a long time, and he is also a warm prince of the Han Dynasty. Then why doesn't Tao Qian entrust Xuzhou to him?

"Your Majesty, I don't think Liu Bei has much prestige in Xuzhou. With your power, I can stay in Xuzhou temporarily!"

"One day, I can have a showdown with Cao Cao and avenge me and the others!"

Hou Cheng was angry, and everyone over there was a little moved by this.

Hearing this, Lu Bu nodded subconsciously.

Yes, if he hadn't had any territory all along, how could he be inferior to Cao Cao.

If he can occupy Xuzhou, then what will he have to fear from Cao Cao!

"Your Majesty, Tao Qian's funeral will be held in two days. Your Majesty should also come forward at that time!"

"As for the matter in Xuzhou, you should not be too anxious!"

Seeing Lu Bu's confidence in front of him, Hao Meng couldn't help but speak out a word of advice.

"Currently, Cao's army is out, so you still need to be cautious!"

Now that Cao Cao was by their side, Hao Meng felt that it would not be a good thing if there was a rift between Lu Bu and Liu Bei.

Keep Liu Bei safe for the time being. When Cao Cao's threat is lifted, Liu Bei will be nothing at all.

After hearing what his subordinates said, Lu Bu was determined.

Yes, Cao Cao is still watching eagerly from the side. With his current strength, it is difficult to resist Cao Cao's army.

I would like to meet Liu Bei to see his attitude.

"You are right. Taking advantage of Tao Qian's funeral, I would like to meet Liu Bei for a while!"

…

Xuzhou, Dongping City!

Inside Cao Jun's camp.

"Liu Bei took over as Xuzhou Mu?"

Cao Cao couldn't help but curl up his lips when he learned that Liu Bei had taken over the pastoral duties in Xuzhou on the recommendation of Xuzhou Mi Zhu and others.

He also sent a letter of greetings to Liu Bei two days ago.

The other party spoke sincerely and said that he had no intention of taking over Xuzhou, but he turned around and took Xuzhou into his hands.

What a surprise!

"Brother, now Liu Bei takes over as Xuzhou Mu, but it is just Tao Qian's intention. The court report has not made him famous. He, Liu Bei, is not Xuzhou Mu now!"

Cao Ren said something subconsciously.

As soon as he said these words, Cao Cao couldn't help but twitch the corners of his mouth. When he said this, he remembered that the imperial court did not seem to recognize him as a Yanzhou shepherd.

However, this is all it said, and the current Han Dynasty court only has an empty name.

Yanzhou is now actually under his control, and there is no doubt that he is the herdsman of Yanzhou.

As for Liu Bei, he is different from him.

No matter what Liu Bei said, his surname was Liu. Liu Bei could not ignore this Han court.

"Brother, should we take advantage of Tao Qian's new mourning to attack Xuzhou?"

Cao Ren asked casually.

Now that Tao Qian is dead, it is extremely advantageous for them to attack Xuzhou. However, just after he said these words, Cao Cao couldn't help but shook his head.

"No!"

"Tao Qian has recently passed away. Xuzhou is very grateful to him during his lifetime. Attacking Xuzhou now is not beneficial to us!"

After saying this to Cao Ren, Cao Cao sighed.

I saw earlier that the people of Xuzhou had heard about Tao Qian's death and left voluntarily. Under such circumstances, attacking Xuzhou might be counterproductive.

As the saying goes, a sad soldier will win, so there is no need for him to do such a dangerous thing.

Now half of Xuzhou is under his control. He only needs to advance slowly to capture the entire Xuzhou. There is no need to take risks.

"At the moment, Liu Bei is taking care of Tao Qian's funeral affairs and attacking Xuzhou. Let's wait until this matter is over before we talk about it!"

…

At the end of June, the great heat is approaching.

Yanzhou, Juancheng.

Because Tao Qian was newly mourned, Cao Jun did not take advantage of this time to attack Xuzhou.

Regarding Cao Cao's actions, the people of Xuzhou highly praised him.

The whole of Xuzhou has temporarily returned to calm because of Tao Qian.

Xi Yu, who was in Juancheng, was leading Zhao Yun and others to promote the raising of wild boars and other poultry.

Xun Yu, who had been in charge of everything in the rear, hurriedly found Xi Yu.

Seeing Xun Yu looking for her in a hurry, Xi Yu was a little confused.

At this moment, Xun Yu's face was ugly. Seeing that Xi Yu didn't seem to know yet, he quickly spoke out the news he had just received.

"Fengyi, the locusts are coming!"

Xun Yu looked sad.

Not long ago, a large number of locusts suddenly appeared from the territory of Guandong, and those locusts seemed to block out the sky and the sun.

Starting from northern Hebei, it swept all the way south.

Nowadays, locusts have appeared throughout the Guanzhong area.

As for the locust plague, it is a natural disaster that is not much different from a drought.

Wherever the locusts pass, no grass can survive.

If a large number of locusts cross the border, this year's autumn harvest will be hopeless.

"locust?"

Xi Yu was slightly stunned.

Locusts are passing through!

He only remembered that since this year, natural disasters, droughts and the like began to occur in various parts of the Han Dynasty.

He seems to have ignored the records of locusts crossing the border.

Yes, it is extremely normal for locust plagues to occur during severe drought.

The locust plague is an extremely serious matter for this era and even for future generations.

Locusts have been a source of wrath throughout Chinese history.

Later emperors of the Tang Dynasty had to punish themselves because of the locust plague.

Xun Yu looked sad.

A locust plague has already appeared in Guanzhong, and it will not be long before Yanzhou will also be unavoidable.

The entire Yanzhou farmland will face a huge crisis.

If these locusts are really allowed to cross the border, Yanzhou will probably be sad this year!

Faced with such a thing, Xun Yu had no choice at all.

After receiving such news, he was somewhat at a loss. The reason why he found Xiyu now was because of his flexible mind and many unexpected ideas.

Glancing at Xun Yu, Xi Yu could somewhat understand the other person's mood at the moment.

Although the consequences of the locust plague are serious, for Xi Yu, who has the experience of later generations, it is not difficult to solve the locust problem.

"Brother, don't panic, the locusts will be easy to deal with!"

Xi Yu spoke out to comfort him, and when Xun Yu next to him heard this, he couldn't help but feel a hint of joy on his face.

"Fengyi has a countermeasure?"

Xun Yu just treated a dead horse as a living horse doctor. He really had no experience in dealing with locusts.

Now that Xi Yu said he had a solution, Xun Yu was naturally a little moved.

"Brother, this time I, Zilong and others, have been promoting the raising of wild boars in Yanzhou. This time has been quite effective, and many people's homes also raise chickens, ducks, geese, and other poultry!"

"Brother, you know that poultry such as chickens and ducks are the enemies of locusts!"

"This time, brother, I will make an announcement to the people, asking them to drive their poultry into the fields so that when the locusts come, they will have nothing to worry about!"

Xi Yu was talking eloquently, and Xun Yu's eyes narrowed slightly as he spoke.

Can poultry deal with locusts?

Xun Yu didn't know anything about this matter, but when he heard Xi Yu's words, he believed them.

"In that case, let's do what Fengyi said!"

Xun Yu had no choice. Locusts were already everywhere in Guandong, and soon the entire Yanzhou would also suffer.

He didn't know how to play Yu at the moment, but he had no other choice at the moment.

"Brother, I have one more thing to say!"

Thinking of the current drought situation, Xi Yu was worried that there were too few people raising poultry in Yanzhou, so he thought about it and shouted to Xun Yu.

"I beg you to speak!"

"Brother, locusts can actually be eaten. You might as well inform the people about this to take precautions!"

? ? ?

Eat locusts?

Xun Yu's whole head grew bigger.

Fengyi said that locusts can be eaten?

Has he eaten it?

Xun Yu didn't think Xi Yu would make such a joke with him at this time, but eating locusts was a bit shocking after all!

Today's people regard locusts as gods and let them eat locusts. How is this possible?

The announcement about the locusts began to spread throughout Yanzhou on the second day.

The migratory locusts also came extremely quickly when crossing the border.

I don’t know who in the territory first shouted that the locusts were coming.

The people of Yanzhou began to move.

Dense black shadows gradually began to appear on the sky to the north. Xi Yu and Xun Yu, who were in the government office, immediately looked towards the sky.

"Fengyi, is this method really feasible?"

Although Xun Yu agreed to Xi Yu's proposal to use locusts as this year's taxes, he still felt a little uneasy in his heart.

Are those locusts really edible?

"Brother, if we don't mobilize the people of Yanzhou with taxes, once the locusts cross the border, there will be no hope for the autumn harvest, and the entire Yanzhou will be harvestless. That would be a bad thing!"

If there is no more food, the so-called taxes will naturally not be collected.

Using locusts as tax deductions will not only mobilize the enthusiasm of the people of Yanzhou to protect the rice from being affected.

In addition, locusts are really edible.

Its nutritional value is very clear, and it is extremely high.

As long as you do it right, this stuff doesn't taste bad.

Just as expected.

Because of the announcement issued by the Yanzhou Governance Office, the people of Yanzhou no longer have the so-called fear of locusts.

In fact, for the Han people, whether it is the immortals and gods they were in awe of before, or others.

When one's own interests are at stake, people's courage is often magnified to the greatest extent at this moment.

As the first people to take action against the locusts began to appear, slogans about catching locusts as tax revenue began to ring out.

The locusts throughout Yanzhou did not last long.

In less than a few days, locusts handed in by government offices across Yanzhou almost piled up like a mountain.

…

It’s the end of June and the arrival of July this year!

The hot summer has just passed, and autumn is already approaching.

This locust plague spread almost all over the Han Dynasty. Not only the Yanzhou area, but also Sili Guanzhong, Qingxu Prefecture, and even Jingzhou further south were affected to some extent.

Throughout Xuzhou, due to the sudden passage of migratory locusts, Cao Cao no longer had the intention to deal with Liu Bei and others.

Most of Xuzhou, which was originally under Cao Jun's command, was also greatly affected by this locust disaster.

In Xuzhou, migratory locusts gnawed away at the rice grains, leaving only one out of ten.

"Fengyi, if you have a way to deal with locusts, why didn't you inform me?"

Cao Cao was half happy and half worried when he learned that the migratory locusts had passed through and Yanzhou had not suffered much damage.

Fortunately, his base camp was not damaged at all.

What is worrying is that the entire Xuzhou, and half of the area under his command, has been affected by the locust plague.

If nothing happened in Yanzhou, he might have to lead his troops back to Yanzhou now because of this locust plague!

Cao Cao was a little helpless. If Xi Yu had written to him, half of Xuzhou would have been preserved.

"My lord, Fengyi also prepared in a hurry. It is not easy to save Yanzhou!"

Hearing Cao Cao complain, Xi Zhicai couldn't help but explain something to his younger brother.

Hearing Xi Zhi's words, Cao Cao quickly realized that he had lost his composure.

"What Zhicai said is absolutely true, I am just greedy!"

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