It was time soon, and Liu Bei couldn't help but tremble, his teeth fighting up and down. His face turned pale as paper, and his eyes were filled with fear and uneasiness.
"This, what's going on?" Liu Bei said in a trembling voice, "Is it that God is going to destroy me?"
At this moment, the weather was abnormal.
The strong wind whistled, making the leaves rustle.
The dark clouds rolled in the sky, like a huge black curtain, making people breathless.
Liu Bei looked at the terrible scene and felt more and more panicked: "Is this the disaster that I was killed? No, I can't just sit there and wait for death!"
Many people gathered together, whispering and talking.
"There is an unexpected situation this day, and it is probably not a good thing! Guan Yu shouldn't be killed." Someone said worriedly.
Everyone nodded, their faces full of anxiety and worry.
But Guan Yu looked calm, with his head held high and his chest held high, his eyes firm and calm.
"Hmph, life and death are destined, why fear is it?" Guan Yu thought, "I, Guan Yu, have been upright and honest all my life, and I am worthy of my heart."
He thought to himself: "What a pity to die for loyalty and righteousness!"
As time got closer, Liu Bei's forehead was covered with beads of sweat the size of beans. His hands were clenched into fists, and his body was trembling slightly. Finally, he mustered up the courage and knelt down with a "plop".
"All this has something to do with me. Guan Yu did not tease the palace maids, it was all arranged by me." Liu Bei's voice was crying, and his eyes were full of guilt and pain. "I did all this to keep Guan Yu in Fangjun and meet him every day."
At this time, Liu Bei was very regretful: "How could I come up with such a ridiculous way? Now that I have harmed Yun Chang, I deserve to die!"
Many people heard Liu Bei's words and their faces were full of shock, their eyes widened, and their mouths were so open that they could stuff an egg.
Although they had long guessed that all this was probably Liu Bei's arrangement, they still found it incredible when Liu Bei actually admitted it himself.
Xi Yu stood in the crowd and sneered in his heart: "Hmph, Liu Bei finally couldn't help it. I knew he would be exposed sooner or later."
A sarcastic curve appeared at the corner of his mouth, and there was disdain in his eyes.
When Guan Yu saw Liu Bei admitting, his originally determined face was instantly filled with shock.
He widened his eyes, and the Danfeng eyes were now wide open, and his lips were trembling slightly.
"All this is wrong with me, Guan Yu! My elder brother said so in order to relieve me of guilt." Guan Yu shouted loudly, with anxiousness and grief in his voice, "Prime Minister, don't believe my elder brother's words!"
His heart was full of annoyance and self-blame: "Brother, how can you do this? It's all my fault for Guan Yu, how can you bear the blame for me!"
The Prime Minister frowned and glanced back and forth between Liu Bei and Guan Yu, with a look of suspicion on his face.
Guan Yu's eyes were red, he clenched his fists tightly, and his knuckles turned white due to force. "Brother, you don't have to do this! I, Guan Yu, do things one by one, and I will never implicate you!" His voice was a little hoarse due to excitement.
Liu Bei knelt and crawled forward a few steps, crying: "Chang Yun, don't say it again, this matter is caused by me, how can I let you bear this sin alone!"
At this time, Liu Bei was full of determination: "Captain Yun is loyal to me. Even if I fight for this life, I will protect him!"
Then, Liu Bei gritted his teeth and said, "The palace maid who was teased was killed by himself, in order to silence him." His voice was trembling, and his eyes revealed despair and determination.
Guan Yu's face was flushed with anxiety, and kept shouting at Xi Yu: "This matter has nothing to do with the eldest brother, so the Prime Minister must not believe it!" His eyes widened, and blue veins on his forehead swelled, "It's all my fault for Guan Yu. If the Prime Minister wants to punish me, I will punish me!"
Guan Yu was filled with grief and anger: "How can my brother do this for me? Even if I, Guan Yu, cannot let my brother suffer such grievances!"
Liu Bei turned his head suddenly and shouted at Guan Yu: "Chang Yun, don't say it anymore!" His eyes were firm and determined, "I must tell the truth, otherwise Wuyan will live in this world again!"
At this time, Liu Bei was full of openness: "At this point, only by telling him honestly can he be worthy of his conscience."
Guan Yu still wanted to speak, but Xi Yu raised his hand to stop him: "Don't say it again, but listen to what Liu Bei said."
So, Liu Bei continued, "Anyway, everything is my fault."
After saying that, he kept kowtowing, and his forehead hit the ground and made a "bang" sound, each of which was extremely heavy.
Liu Bei's face was covered with tears and dust, and his heart was filled with regret: "I am obsessed with the wickedness and made a big mistake, just to give Yun a cleansing innocence."
Xi Yu looked like a rookie, stared at Liu Bei tightly, and asked sternly: "Liu Bei, what you said is the truth?"
Liu Bei raised his head, looked firm, and replied without hesitation: "Yes!"
When Xi Yu heard this, he immediately slapped the table and shouted angrily: "Liu Bei, you are simply bold! You are so fooling me like this, it's really outrageous!" His face turned red, and blue veins on his forehead swelled.
Liu Bei said in fear and fear: "I am willing to let the Prime Minister punish me. Now that the truth can be revealed, the heavy big stone in my heart has finally been put down. Even if I am punished severely, I will never complain."
After he finished speaking, he lowered his head deeply, his face full of complex expressions of guilt and relief.
At this time, Liu Bei murmured in his heart: "It's over, so I can give myself an explanation and an explanation to Chang Yun. Even if I pay a heavy price for it, I will admit it."
Liu Bei straightened his backbone and his voice became louder and louder: "Prime Minister, I know that my sins are unforgivable. But please believe that every word I say at this moment is true and there is no falsehood. Now I can tell the secret hidden in my heart, although I know that I will face punishment soon, but I feel peace in my heart that I have never felt before."
His eyes were slightly red, and tears were circling in his eyes, but he tried to resist letting them fall.
Liu Bei thought to himself: "I hope my honesty can be exchanged for a little forgiveness, even if it is only a little bit, it can be regarded as a little compensation for Yunchang."
As soon as Liu Bei approached, Xi Yu suddenly raised his foot and kicked it hard with all his strength.
One kick after another, each kicked him with anger and resentment, and kicked Liu Bei backed up repeatedly, and finally couldn't hold on and fell heavily to the ground.
"You are so bold and damn thing!" Xi Yu roared loudly, and the blue veins on his neck burst out, his face turned purple and red. "Liu Bei, you are simply a shameless person. How dare you use such despicable means in front of this prime minister!"
At this moment, Xi Yu felt like a burning fire in his heart, burning him to no ambition: "As the Prime Minister, how can I tolerate you doing so recklessly and teasing me!"
Then, he turned his angry eyes to Guan Yu and shouted in anger: "And you, Guan Yu, conspiring with Liu Bei and colluding with each other is not a good thing! You both have committed unforgivable sins and will be severely punished!"
Then, Xi Yu held his hands in front of his chest and announced with a majestic expression: "Liu Bei, from now on, all your posts in Fangjun will be abolished and you will be demoted to a commoner! Guan Yu, your post as the governor of Youzhou will be abolished! As for other punishments, this prime minister needs to consider it again!"
After saying that, he waved his hand and shouted, "Come on, bring Liu Bei and Guan Yu back to Youzhou Prison!"
Liu Bei collapsed to the ground, tears rushing out like a flood that broke into a dam. He cried in tears and thanked him: "The Prime Minister is kind, and the criminal minister thanked the Prime Minister for not killing him."
His heart was full of despair and regret: "I, Liu Bei, have ended up like this now, but I have suffered all this."
Guan Yu sighed heavily, his face full of helplessness and loneliness: "Oh, I finally got to this point."
But after hearing this decision, the nervous expression on many people's faces instantly dissipated, as if they were relieved.
They whispered to each other and whispered: "Guan Yu can live without death, this is a blessing in disgrace."
Immediately afterwards, the soldiers came forward and tied Liu Bei and Guan Yu in all directions.
Liu Bei's eyes were dull and allowed to be played by the soldiers, but he had lost the will to resist.
Guan Yu bit his lip tightly, his eyes showing reluctance.
Xi Yu announced again: "End!"
The soldiers brutally pulled the tied Liu Bei and Guan Yu, ready to take them away.
The crowd around looked at this scene silently, with some showing a hint of sympathy in their eyes, while others were secretly glad that the storm was temporarily calmed down.
Liu Bei lowered his head, tears kept falling on the ground, his heart full of despair and self-blame: "Will my lifelong ambition end? I am sorry for everyone who followed me, and for my family..."
At this time, Xi Yu turned around and left, and everyone gradually dispersed, leaving only the scene with chaos and silence.
Xi Yu soon returned to Fangjun Royal Palace. He lay tiredly on the couch, closed his eyes, and tried to temporarily relax his tense nerves.
This matter was like a burst of trouble among the people of Fangjun, and there were many discussions. On the streets and alleys, people were whispering to each other.
"Why did Liu Bei and Guan Yu commit such a thing?" An old man stroked his beard and looked confused.
"Who knows, this officialdom is complicated!" A young man shook his head.
"But it's a blessing that Guan Yu can save his life." A woman clasped her hands together and said with gratitude.
At night, Xi Yu woke up. He sat beside the bed, frowned, his eyes deep, and he fell into deep thought.
"Who will be asked to manage Fangjun?" Xi Yu murmured to himself, "Zhao Yun and Zhou Yu are definitely not able to be transferred. After all, sometimes they need to play a role elsewhere. Why not, just look for it from the local area."
He secretly thought about the possible suitable candidates in the local area.
The next morning, the sun shone on the magnificent court.
Xi Yu sat upright in the dragon throne high above, presided over the morning court with a solemn and serious expression.
"My dear friends!" Xi Yu's voice was loud and powerful, echoing in the empty court for a long time. "I believe everyone knows what Liu Bei is doing, and there is no need for this Prime Minister to say more. Now, Fang County cannot be without a master for a day, and the welfare of this people lies in the hands of new managers. Therefore, today, this Prime Minister hopes that everyone can recommend talented people to manage Fang County."
Xi Yu paused, glanced over every official present with majestic eyes, and then said, "In order to ensure fairness and justice, the Prime Minister has ordered people to prepare papers and will be sent to everyone later. My dear friends just need to write the recommendation list in their hearts neatly on the paper. Remember, as long as you are an official, no matter the size of your position, you can participate in the recommendation. The Prime Minister hopes that you can uphold a fair heart and select a virtuous person for Fangjun who can truly benefit the people and take on important responsibilities."
After saying that, Xi Yu raised his hand slightly and signaled the servants beside him to distribute the papers that had been prepared to the officials present.
Then, Xi Yu looked serious and emphasized again: "Listen, no one can discuss with each other. Personally, this is to ensure that everyone's ideas are not disturbed by others and can truly recommend the right person in their minds." His eyes were sharp and swept across everyone's faces, with unquestionable majesty.
For a moment, only the rustling sound of paper turning in the court was heard.
"Start now!" Xi Yu gave the order, and the whole court suddenly became quiet. The officials bowed their heads, picked up their pens, fell into deep thought, and began to write their recommendation list seriously.
After a while, Xi Yu raised his hand slightly and said, "Okay, the time has come, guard, put away the paper."
His voice was steady and powerful.
The guards acted quickly and put away the papers in front of the officials one by one.
Xi Yu looked at the two guards and ordered: "You two are responsible for registering, one is responsible for chanting the name and the other is correct. After listening, every time a name appears, you will mark a stroke in the corresponding place, and Wubi is a correct word. No mistakes must be made!"
At this moment, Xi Yu thought to himself: "I hope to find someone who can truly take on this important task from these recommendations."
The two guards responded in unison: "As for your order!" and began to work nervously and orderly.
Many officials whispered and nodded, with admiration on their faces, thinking that Xi Yu's method was fair and just, and it was very good.
Then, with the tense and orderly assistance of the two guards, Xi Yu carefully examined the results of the registration.
Suddenly, his eyes stopped at a name - Ouyang Lian.
"This Ouyang Lian seems to be very recognized by everyone." Xi Yu said to himself, a hint of curiosity flashing in his eyes.
After some verification, Xi Yu found that Ouyang Lian was not only favored by everyone, but also received the highest votes.
He couldn't help but think in his heart: "Can this person really have extraordinary talents and can bear the heavy responsibility of managing Fangjun?"
Next, Xi Yu frowned slightly, glanced at several officials, and asked with a hint of confusion in his tone: "Is Ouyang Lian that powerful?"
Several officials hurriedly bowed, one of them stepped forward and said respectfully: "Prime Minister, Ouyang Lian is an honest official and has never acted corruption or abuse of power. When he was in office, he thought about the people in everything, and his administration was beneficial to the people's livelihood."
Another official then said: "Besides, he is extremely filial to his mother at home and takes good care of him, and has never slacked off at all. His filial piety is well-known in the local area!"
The third official also added: "This person has noble moral character and outstanding talent, and is a rare talent. If he can manage the county, he will definitely benefit the country."
Xi Yu nodded slightly and said with a serious expression: "Since that's the case, then keep this matter secret first and no one should tell it out."
Several officials looked at each other, their faces full of confusion. One of them couldn't help asking, "Prime Minister, why is this?"
Xi Yu had a deep look and said slowly: "You have to ask your Majesty for this matter."
Everyone was stunned at first, then suddenly realized.
An official thought in his heart that he had to go through this form, but everyone knew it. After the Prime Minister said it, he basically decided.
But he still responded: "The Prime Minister is considerate and we understand."
Xi Yu said solemnly behind his hands: "If your Majesty agrees, he will issue an imperial edict then. If you don't agree, then we will continue to elect."
His eyes swept over everyone firmly, "Okay, let's retreat to the court today, you all go back to your house."
After saying that, Xi Yu turned around and left with steady steps. The officials saluted one after another, and then slowly withdrew from the court.
Some officials frowned slightly, secretly pondering the variables in this; some looked relaxed, as if they felt that the result was settled and there was no need to worry; some whispered and whispered to each other and whispered to speculate on subsequent developments.
Xi Yu turned over the horse, waved the whip, and the horse galloped away. He looked solemn, and naturally understood in his heart that this incident caused a lot of storm in Fangjun.
Walking on the street, the people gathered together and discussed.
"Have you heard that? Liu Bei was dismissed and he was going to choose a new county magistrate." An old man said worriedly.
"Can you choose a good official? Don't cheat us ordinary people." A middle-aged man frowned.
"Who knows, I hope there will be a good and honest official to manage our county." A young woman held the child with her face full of expectations.
But when they saw Xi Yu coming on a horse, they were silent and stopped talking.
Xi Yu tied the reins, looked down at everyone, and said slowly: "There is no need to worry about Fangjun, the court will definitely make arrangements."
There was a hint of comfort in his eyes, but there was unquestionable majesty.
The people bowed their heads and responded respectfully: "Yes, Prime Minister."
Xi Yu nodded slightly, waved his whip again, and the horse left in dust.
The people looked at Xi Yu's back as they walked away and whispered in a low voice.
"The Prime Minister said this, I must have a clear idea. Let's wait and see." A man in coarse linen said in a low voice.
"I hope it will be a good result. This day cannot stand up to the trouble." An old man sighed worriedly.
Xi Yu rode a horse and galloped all the way, thinking about Fangjun in his heart.
Chapter completed!