Chapter 5 5. Nanyang Crouching Dragon——Zhuge Liang

Cao Cao stroked his beard and beard, raised his voice and laughed, and suddenly said: "To tell you the truth, apart from entertaining you all, today I also invited a famous person from Jingzhou——Han Song Master Han!" "Lord Han Song?" All the officials in the hall were stunned.They are no strangers to the name Han Song: He is one of the most important confidants of Jingzhou Mu Liubiao, but for some reason he suddenly came to Xudu?Moreover, it seems that as soon as he entered Xudu, he actually came to meet Prime Minister Cao before he reported to the court official. This is really unusual.

Seeing everyone's hesitant expressions, Cao Cao stroked his beard and said with a laugh: "You don't know, Mr. Han came to Beijing this time, except to represent Liu Biao, who is the clan of the Han Dynasty, to pay tribute to His Majesty. In addition, there are some confidential matters that need to be done. Therefore, the Prime Minister had to meet him first on behalf of the court on behalf of the prime minister, and dealt with what he asked for improvisation—I hope you don’t worry about it. Everything he does is for the sake of the imperial court's great cause of unifying the world and clearing the world!"

When Xi Xi heard this, he quickly turned his head, looked around, and signaled to Xun Yu, Zhong Yao, Hua Xin, Wang Lang, Yang Jun and others.When Xun Yu met his eyes, a hint of dissatisfaction flashed in his eyes. Regardless of his continued winking, he sat motionless on his seat.Seeing that Xun Yu, who is the "inner minister" of the court, has not acted, it is natural for others to follow Xi Ji's response. "Lord Lingjun..." Xi Xi couldn't help blushing, and turned his head to Xun Yu's ear, "We should show that Prime Minister Cao is so busy with state affairs..."

Cao Cao, who saw all these situations in his eyes, thought for a while, then coughed lightly, straightened his face, and said to Xun Yu in a soft tone: "Uh... Lord Lingjun! Han On the day Song arrived in Xudu, I originally ordered him to go to your Shangshutai to report for duty, but that day you were busy drawing up the task distribution plan for food supply and tax payment for the states and counties, so I was afraid that he would disturb you. After completing your official duties, leave him at the Prime Minister's Mansion to deal with it when the opportunity arises." Listening to Cao Cao's explanation, Xun Yu's sluggish complexion gradually softened, as if the spring breeze melted the ice, showing warmth.At the same time as he stood up, Xi Xi, Hua Xin, Zhong Yao, Wang Lang, Jia Xu, Yang Jun and other high-ranking officials also hurriedly stood up together, and under his leadership, they all said: "The prime minister is wise, wise, and fair." Loyalty to the country, daily management of all opportunities, I am so respectful, how dare I have other thoughts?"

"It's so good! It's so good! It's rare for you gentlemen to understand the righteousness, and I thank you for the truth!" Cao Cao hurriedly got up and gave a deep salute, then stretched out his hand and said solemnly, "Please Han Song My lord is in the hall!" As soon as he finished speaking, he saw an attendant outside the hall leading a thin, pale-faced green-robed elder walking in.Needless to say, he is Han Song. Han Song first bowed respectfully to Cao Cao in the hall, and then clasped his fists to the famous ministers and officials sitting on the long seats on both sides of him, stood still with a calm expression, and raised his hands and feet. At the same time, he still has a majestic style.

"Master Han, please take your seat!" Cao Cao smiled, stretched out his palm and patted the left end of the wooden couch he was sitting on, and beckoned to him with his hand, "Come! Sit next to Benxiang!" "This..." Han Song hesitated slightly.But the court officials sitting on the right side of Cao Cao and the staff members of the Prime Minister sitting on his left were shocked: the prime minister is actually on an equal footing with this Han Song, and his ability to attract people's hearts is really extreme! Seeing that Han Song was still refusing to come up, Cao Cao urged him again.

Han Song settled his face and returned the courtesy solemnly: "Dr. Cao gave up his seat for the purpose of Jingzhou—I'm afraid that Mr. Han would not dare to enjoy this honor!" When everyone in the hall heard the words, Qi Qi was startled again, thinking: This Han Song really is not in vain, he can see through Prime Minister Cao's intention of paying respects to him at a glance, but he doesn't know how Prime Minister Cao should respond? Seeing that Cao Cao was not angry, he stroked his beard with a long laugh, and said very conceitedly: "Master Han is wrong. In the eyes of the truth, the mere land of the eight counties of Jingzhou is nothing. Thousands of miles of rivers and mountains, thousands of golden valleys, To me, it’s like picking something out of a bag. And a wise man is a rare treasure in the world! With Master Han’s deep understanding of righteousness, his devotion to the country with sincerity, and his outstanding talents, I would rather exchange ten cities for your allegiance to the imperial court!”

As soon as these words came out, Xi Xi, Zhong Yao, Mao Jie, Cui Yan and others in the hall were speechless in shock, thinking that they had heard Cao Cao's words wrongly.Only Xun Yu raised his eyebrows slightly, took a deep look at Cao Cao, and secretly nodded in approval. The black-robed young man at the end of the long seat on the left had been sitting still with his head slightly lowered. Hearing Cao Cao's words, his figure seemed to be slightly shaken, but in an instant he regained his calmness like a mountain. , making it impossible to see any fluctuations in his heart. Seeing the hesitation of the people in the hall, Cao Cao smiled smugly, and said, "Do you think that the truth is just to praise Mr. Han casually? Cao Ren, you will keep Mr. Han upright and dedicate his loyalty to the court." Let me give you a lecture for you to listen to.”

Cao Ren, the current lieutenant of Li Feng, stepped from the entrance of the hall to the center of the hall, stood side by side with Han Song, clasped his fists, saluted Cao Cao, and said: "Ten days ago, Liu Biao wanted to send Master Han to pay tribute to the court. At the same time, he secretly told him, "Nowadays, the world is in great chaos, and we don't know what to decide. Mr. Cao is honoring the emperor, supporting the people, flattening Yuan Shao, and serving as the prime minister. Mr. Han must observe the changes when he goes north this time." His Excellency answered righteously at that time, saying: "The Holy Day is the second festival. If the husband is the king, the king is the king. If the status of the king and the ministers is determined, they must guard it to the death. Han Mou committed himself to the Marquis under the name of the current policy, but the Marquis ordered him to die. No hesitation. From Han’s point of view, Mr. Cao upholds the rule of law and will help the world. If the Lord Hou can obey the Son of Heaven and return to Mr. Cao, he will enjoy the benefits of a hundred generations. It is only meaningful to pay tribute; and if the Lord Hou is undecided, he will send Han to Beijing as an envoy. If the emperor grants Han an official and a half post, then Han will change from a part of the Lord Hou to an official of the court. , I am afraid that it will be difficult to serve Lord Hou again in the future. Han has said this before, please think twice before making a decision, and don’t blame Han.’ These words are very sincere, Liu Biao hesitated for a long time, and finally sent Master Han Come to Xudu to pay tribute..."

"Listen to me! Listen to me!" Cao Cao pointed at Han Song with his fingers, and said with emotion, "Today, the world has not yet been settled, and the princes of the four directions are divided into separate regimes. There are more people who rely on their own interests and few are loyal and obedient. If the princes everywhere You can understand righteousness and be loyal to the court like Mr. Han, so why should you commit crimes against Shishi and the people? Gentlemen, do you think that a loyal and chaste person like Mr. Han should be rewarded heavily? To show off your ambition?"

"Should! Should!" All the high ministers in the seat responded one after another. Cao Cao nodded with satisfaction, turned to Xun Yu and said, "Mr. Xun Ling, please report this matter to His Majesty tomorrow morning, and say that Master Han Song and Han can stand alone in the midst of the turmoil, stand upright, To be loyal to the country—according to the truth, he should be canonized as an official of the servant and concurrently serve as the prefect of Lingling. What does Xun Lingjun think about this?" Xun Yu sat on the table, was silent for a moment, and then slowly replied: "Yes." "Master Han is now an important member of the second rank of the imperial court. This official in the rank of servant can stand shoulder to shoulder with Liu Biao's Jingzhou shepherd - after you return to Jingzhou, Liu Biao will not be able to force you to curtsey." Cao Cao haha Smiling, he stretched out his hand and patted the left side of his wooden couch, "Master Han——no, Shizhong Han, please take your seat!" But seeing Han Song bow respectfully, he said slowly: "Since the court and the prime minister have intentionally appointed Han as a close minister of the emperor and an important member of the inner court, it can be said that Han is a great favor. Han is the king in the king, and the court is the court. After Jingzhou, we must try our best to persuade Liu Jingzhou to submit to the court and enjoy the blessings, so as to repay the favor of the court and the prime minister." After all, he stood up, but he didn't dare to go forward and sit side by side with Cao Cao, but sat down on the lower chief seat of Huangmen's servant Yang Jun. Seeing Han Song's thanks in every possible way, Cao Cao refused to take the seat, and knew that he had doubts about his sincerity, so he stopped pushing. Just now he raised a bronze dragon-patterned wine baron in front of him with both hands, and respected all his officials from a distance: "I would like to use this wine to congratulate all the kings on the finalization of the Central Plains today, and the hope of peace!" The high-ranking officials of the imperial court and the staff members of the Prime Minister's Office stood up at the long seats on both sides and raised their glasses to return their thanks: "I would like to congratulate the prime minister on his great achievements and great achievements!" After drinking for three rounds, Cao Cao said to Han Song: "Don't blame Han Jun—I have always had the habit of private affairs and not abolishing public affairs. Even in my spare time, I dare not forget that state affairs are the most important. I would like to ask the truth: Now Jingzhou Among them, how many people like you, Han Jun, have the heart of dedicating loyalty to the imperial court?" "The prime minister doesn't need to be so polite. According to Han, seven out of ten famous scholars and officials in Jingzhou are devoted to the imperial court and have nothing else to say. Cai Mao, Kuai Yue, Zhang Yun, Wang Can and others who are close confidants of Liu Jingzhou He is one of those people who abide by the integrity." Han Song hastily bowed his body to thank him, and replied generously, "However, forgive me for telling the truth, the remaining two or three people from Jingzhou have been punished by the prime minister. The old enemy——Liu Bei's bewitching, ran to his side..." At this point, he suddenly paused, looked at Cao Cao's face, and then continued, "Although there are not many Jingzhou people , but there are also many people with outstanding talents and knowledge, some of them are difficult to deal with!" "Oh? Little Liu Bei still wants to stand up in Jingzhou to fight against the imperial court? Liu Biao has always been petty, and he will allow Liu Bei to cultivate power under his nose?" Cao Cao listened and smiled coldly, "Han Jun, What you said is unreasonable! Under Liu Biao's suspicion, how could Liu Bei recruit any talents?" "Prime Minister, don't be careless! Liu Bei's way of recruiting talents is a little different. He has always focused on quality and put quantity at the end, and he specially selects the best celebrities in Jingzhou! As far as Han knows, the current Liu Bei's The military advisor Zhuge Liang was invited out of the mountain from Sangu Thatched Cottage in Longzhong, Nanyang County half a year ago. Although this Zhuge Liang is under thirty, he is truly a genius in the world, with extraordinary strategies. He is called "Mr. Wolong", and he can be called the number one stranger in Jingzhou. Han Song said anxiously, "Liu Bei has been assisted by this person, even Liu Jingzhou had to summon him to Xinye County near Xiangyang for monitoring... The Prime Minister must not underestimate them. !" When hearing the word "Zhuge Liang", only two people's expressions changed slightly among the seats in the hall: one was Xun Yu, who immediately frowned slightly, with a hint of worry between his brows; The young man in black, who was about to scoop soup with a spoon, heard the name "Zhuge Liang", his arms trembled slightly, and the silver spoon almost fell into the soup bowl. "What Zhuge Liang? I've never heard of this name before... Hey! He's just a mediocre village man! What trouble is there?" Cao Cao shook his head disdainfully, cupped his fists and arched towards Xun Yu, " Han Jun, when it comes to wise men in this world, is there anyone who can compare with Xun Lingjun? Xun Lingjun is the real genius and invincible! Either boasting of the truth, or the rebirth of Yiyin and Jiang Shang, compared with him Be inferior by three points! Hehehe... Your Zhuge Liang in Jingzhou is just a frog at the bottom of a well! You don’t need to ask Zhuge Liang’s ability in detail, but Liu Bei is still hiding in a corner of Jingzhou even though he is assisted by Zhuge Liang. No climate!" "Oh... Xun Lingjun is a sage through the ages, Confucianism in the world, and all the famous people in the world admire him wholeheartedly. Compared with you, Zhuge Liang is naturally far behind..." Han Song hurriedly turned to him when he heard Cao Cao say that Xun Yu, who was in the chief position, bowed deeply and saluted, "It is Han, who is far away in the remote area of ​​Jingzhou, and has always been fascinated and admired by Xun Lingjun's great achievements..." "Prime Minister Cao and Mr. Han are really over-the-top. How can Xun Xun dare to take this ridiculous praise?" Xun Yu hurriedly avoided the table and stood up, and respectfully returned, "Actually, Zhuge Liang, a young gentleman, Xun Xun once heard Some famous scholars and bureaucrats who came to the south talked about it. It is said that he has lofty aspirations, and he claims that he is "as capable as Guan Zhong in governing the country, and like Le Yi in using soldiers and martial arts." And condescend to ask—how can this person take it lightly? Master Han’s warning just now must be prepared without careful consideration." Hearing Xun Yu's words, Cao Cao's heart sank slightly, and he was sad for a moment, and said: "Since Xun Lingjun has such an opinion, then I would like to ask Han Jun to take more time to introduce Liu Bei to Zhenxiang and Xun Lingjun in detail. Let’s talk about Zhuge Liang’s current dormant situation in Jingzhou. Come on, come on! Keep serving the wine! Let’s dance!” Han Song muttered as if he wanted to say something more, but the maids in the hall walked up with fluttering robes, and the music was played and the chime bells rang, his words were quickly drowned out by the turbulent and elegant drum music The voice is hit.