Chapter 8 Meeting in Changyi

With the return of Zang Ba and others, the whole territory of Xuzhou was completely pacified.Cao Cao distributed part of the army rations to the people, left Yuan Min to repair the canals, and ordered Chen Deng, Zang Ba, Sun Guan and others to return to the county to guard and make all arrangements, and then left Xiapi. But he couldn't return east with peace of mind, so he only sent Bian Bing to escort Chen Ji's father and son and Du's family back to Xudu.Unexpectedly, halfway through the trip, another fast horse came to report that there was a mutiny in Zhang Yang's army, and his subordinate Yang Chou killed him, intending to lead his troops to Xudu to join him.This was a good thing, but unexpectedly after marching for only two days, another Yellow Turban general Sui Gu also killed Yang Chou, and led his troops to turn to the northwest, intending to go to Yuan Shao and call Bingzhou for reinforcements.After two twists and turns, the Hanoi army, which was not strong at all, became even weaker.Cao Cao didn't need a large force to press down on the border. He only ordered Cao Ren and Shi Huan to rush forward and destroy Suigu before he reached Bingzhou; Deploy defenses against Hebei.

But among the many prefects in Yanzhou, there are three special characters who need to be treated differently, Yuan Xu, the prefect of Jiyin, Mi Zhu, the prefect of Yingjun, and Mi Fang, the prime minister of Pengcheng.Yuan Xu was a member of the Yuan family in Runan, and he was still a brother of Yuan Shao and Yuan Shu. When Cao Cao moved his capital to Xu County, he was appointed as the prefect of Jiyin in order to ease the relationship with Yuan Shao.The brothers Mi Zhu and Mi Fang were originally Liu Bei's old subordinates, who contributed hundreds of millions of wealth to him, and married their younger sister to Liu Bei as his wife.After Liu Bei returned, in order to divide Liu Bei's forces, Cao Cao set aside five counties including Yingcheng from Taishan County and appointed Mi Zhu as the prefect of Ying County, and handed over Rencheng State, which had jurisdiction over three counties, to Mi Fang.

Although these three people were in the positions of county guards, their every move was under the secret surveillance of Cao Cao's cronies.For this meeting, Cao Cao specially ordered them to come to Changyi two days after the mistake to meet alone. He also sent Taishan prefect Xue Ti (ti), Taishan captain Lu Qian and Liu Bei out of the city to meet them. Yuan Xusu regarded himself as a famous scholar in Runan, but he had no practical ability.At the beginning, Cao Cao gave him the honor of a county. It can be said that he was overjoyed. Since he took office, he has ostentatiously pushed the government affairs to the small officials, and played the piano and drank wine all day long.It wasn't until Yuan Cao turned his face because of the move of the capital to Juancheng that he realized his terrible position.It used to be an advantage to have a relative like Yuan Shao, but now it has become a disadvantage. Cao Cao will definitely be suspicious of him, and if he fails, he may even be killed.After thinking about it, he was so anxious that he couldn't do anything, and when he heard that the church thought the time had come, when Xue Ti brought him to Cao Cao, he stood there trembling.

Cao Cao looked at his pale face, knew that his heart was beating, and asked in a strange voice on purpose: "General Yuan Jun, I saw you talking freely and straightforwardly in Xudu in the past, why are you so nervous today?" Yuan Xu's legs softened and he knelt on the ground: "I am loyal to you!" Isn't this place without three hundred taels of silver?Cao Cao sneered for a while: "Junjun Yuan, what's the matter with you? Why do you show your loyalty to this old man for no reason?" Yuan Xu blinked and blinked, not knowing whether Cao Cao was telling the truth or irony, he hesitated and said, "I'm afraid...afraid..."

"What are you afraid of?" "I'm afraid Mr. Ming won't trust me." Yuan Xu said directly. "Hmph! How can I worry about you for no reason?" Cao Cao's eyes became dark and serious, "I haven't done anything wrong, and I'm not afraid of ghosts calling the door. Could it be that you have some shady deeds behind the old man's back?" "No! Absolutely not!" Yuan Xu was so frightened that he kowtowed repeatedly, "If there is such a thing, I will be struck by lightning and die." "Hahaha..." Seeing his embarrassed look, Cao Cao couldn't help laughing, "This old man was just joking with you, why do you take it seriously, get up!"

Yuan Xu was so frightened that he couldn't get up trembling.Cao Cao winked at Xue Ti, Xue Ti understood, stretched out his arms to help him up, and said with a smile: "General Yuan Jun, don't doubt yourself. As far as I know, you don't say that you have any contact with Yuan Shao, just letters. I haven’t written any. In the past two months, I have only sent three letters from you. One is to Runan’s family, asking his wife and children to collect the rent from the tenants; the other is to friends in Xudu, asking them to help buy some Silk satin; there is also a small poem written by you. I sent it to Kong Rong for advice, but he ignored you at all. As for your leisure time... Of course, as far as I know, you are free every day! Playing the piano, drinking wine, composing poems, and never interacting with any strangers. Recently, I took in two new concubines, one was bought from a poor family, and the other was given to you by a servant, your old man Every day is tender and sweet, how can I have time to think about other things?"

Yuan Xu was dumbfounded when he heard that, only then did he realize that all his actions were under Xue Ti's surveillance.Don't say who to write letters to and what to write, I'm afraid that the private conversation with the concubine will be heard.What's even more strange is that Xue Ti has been in Cao Cao's army recently, but he has a clear understanding of the affairs of Jiyin, which shows that this ruthless official has strict arrangements and superb methods.The more Yuan Xu thought about it, the more frightened he became, and he broke out in a cold sweat. Cao Cao only knew that Yuan Xu and others were under Xue Ti's control, so as long as they didn't rebel, he didn't bother to ask about other details.Listening to Xue Ti's narration of Yuan Xu's "political achievements" at this moment, he was already extremely angry-poetry and wine lingering, negligence and negligence, this is the virtue of the so-called celebrities from aristocratic families!The big man has raised a bunch of waste in the past hundred years, and with the title of a celebrity, he knows how to squeeze the people, enjoy life, be arty, and has no practical ability at all.What is the use of such mediocre officials?He said that he had no achievements in begging Tian Wenshe during the war, so he should be killed... But the anger reached his throat, and Cao Cao deliberately suppressed it.After all, he hasn't informed Yuan Shao yet, now is not the time to kill him, keeping such a member of the Yuan clan to show Huainan Yuan's allegiance to the imperial court, might it be a public opinion weapon against Yuan Shao!Besides, Yuan Xu is stupid, incompetent and cowardly, getting rid of him is as easy as crushing an ant to death, let's save his life for now, and deal with Yuan Shao after a showdown!

Thinking of this, Cao Cao forced a smile and said, "General Yuan, are there any mistakes in what Xiaowei said?" Yuan Xu couldn't help but knelt down again: "That's right, there is nothing wrong with it." "Get up." Cao Cao was tired of this idiot, but he had to continue to pretend, "You are not guilty, what are you doing kneeling?" "I don't know either, as long as I see you, I'm afraid." Yuan Xu is already old, but he has the nerve to tell the truth. "Fear is not necessarily a bad thing!" Cao Cao simply made his words clear, ""On the Latent Fu Lun" says, "A gentleman trembles and trembles, be careful every day, and restrain himself three times." What if you are not careful? You put your heart in your belly, The old man wants you to continue to be the prefect of Jiyin, and you have to look good! But I also tell you clearly that your every move, every word and deed is under my nose, if Yuan Shao sends someone to win you over..."

Before Cao Cao could finish speaking, Yuan Xu hurriedly said, "Then I'll put that man in shackles and put him in chains before you! I'll write a reply letter to Yuan Shao, scolding his ancestors for eighteen generations!" Xue Ti interjected: "His ancestor is also your ancestor." Yuan Xu vowed without hesitation: "Then I will treat him as if I don't have any relatives like him, and I will cut off my righteousness with him! I will cut off all friendship! Just pretend that I have never known him, that he is a murderer of his father and enemy, and that he is a dog. It's a beast, it's..."

"Okay, okay!" Cao Cao was tired of hearing this, "I hope you agree with what you say. Anyway, the joys of life and the sorrows of death are all in front of your eyes, so you can choose for yourself!" "Your subordinate must..." "Enough!" Cao Cao didn't want to listen anymore, and raised his hand, "I wanted to talk to you about the military equipment, but now it seems that you can't handle it well, so go back and do less useless things, and deal with it more when you have time I'm content with official duties. Let's go!" Yuan Xu Nuo made repeated noises, and fled like a frightened rabbit.Cao Cao spat: "Bah! What the hell! I don't think this idiot is capable of doing bad things."

But Xue Ti said: "In my opinion, I can't rest assured about him. A gentleman is magnanimous, and a villain is very respectful. Since he is a villain, he can't believe his vows. If the battle situation changes, he may not be unreasonable." You will jump over the wall in a hurry, and you have to stare at it." "Okay! You can figure it out." At this time, Liu Bei and Wan Qian came hand in hand after bowing and bowing outside. The two respectfully went to the hall to greet Cao Cao and said, "Brothers Mi Zizhong and Mi Zifang have arrived." "Where are people?" Cao Cao stretched out his head to look. Liu Bei smiled and said, "I'm accompanied by Captain Lu, I'll come in first to report to you." The Mi brothers were obviously Liu Bei's relatives and old relatives, but Liu Bei insisted not to get along with them in private. This suspicion was well avoided, and Cao Cao was very satisfied, but he said: "Oh! Xuande is so careful, since they are uncle Lang's relatives. How could you not be with me?" "I'm ashamed." Liu Bei covered his face with his sleeves, "I lost Xiaopei, my wife was captured by Lu Bu for several months, how can I have the face to see my two uncles?" Hearing this, Cao Cao also felt reasonable, and said with a smile: "Victory or defeat is a common matter in military affairs. Fortunately, I returned to Zhao. I heard that the Mi brothers are enlightened people. Don't worry about Xuande. When I was young, I will say a few words for you. Relatives are after all. Are they relatives?" "Thank you, Mr. Cao." Liu Bei stepped aside. Wan Qian said with a smile on his face: "Ming Gong chose Mi's Kunzhong as the sheriff, it is really the right one! Mi Zizhong entered Ying County, eliminated the bad government and loved the people, and the people are well-known. Mi Zifang beat the law in Rencheng, and he also assisted Lu Zike last year Get rid of bandits!" Cao Cao was very relieved to hear that, but Wan Qian was a diligent gentleman, and he didn't know how to know about the affairs of dogs and dogs, so he asked Xue Ti again: "Xiaowei, what do you think of them?" There was a smile on Xue Ti's rigid face: "Kunzhong of the Mi family is clean and self-conscious, and I think it is very good. Minggong really knows people with his eyes." His so-called "keep oneself clean" means that Mi Zhu and Mi Fang did not break ties with Liu Bei.Cao Cao understood, nodded in satisfaction, pointed at Liu Bei and smiled and said, "It's not my eyes that know people, but Xuande's eyes that knows people! If he hadn't made good relatives, how could I be lucky enough to confiscate this pair of flawless jades?" "Don't dare." Liu Bei hastily pushed his hand and resigned modestly, "Brother Zizhong and I could only go into exile. In the end, it was Minggong who gave them the opportunity to show their ambitions. Wan Shijun and General Xue Jun praised you very well Yes, the Mi brothers should also remember your kindness." "Hahaha..." Cao Cao laughed so happily, "You know how to get married and I know how to employ people. Both of us will get half of the credit." With this burst of laughter, he was completely relieved of the Mi brothers! In the blink of an eye, Lu Qian has led Mi Zhu and Mi Fang to arrive.This pair of brothers looks handsome, behaves dignifiedly, and talks well, and they don't even glance at Liu Bei when they go to court.Cao Cao got up to greet him, and he answered clearly all the government affairs he asked, and he was very dedicated to his duties.Cao Cao secretly sighed, the Yuan family has been an official for several lifetimes, and cultivated incompetent and mediocre talents such as Yuan Shuna; Liu Bei was only a straw sandal seller, but he met all great people, the two are really different!Satisfied, Cao Cao told them all about the defense of Hebei and asked them to consider it carefully. Mi Zhu respectfully remonstrated: "Since the war, there have been many bandits in Taishan and Rencheng. This place is at the junction of Yan, Qing and Xu prefectures, so the banditry has been suppressed repeatedly. There is even Xu He, a remnant of the Yellow Turbans, who fled around to abuse and fight with the bandit leaders along the coast. Changba is connected. Can Duke Ming allow us to recruit some village braves? It doesn’t need to be too many, as long as there are a few hundred people who can protect the mountain people well.” He spoke carefully. "Yes." Cao Cao accepted the opinion, "Zizhong doesn't know yet, I have declared Changba as the prefect of Changli, presumably his contact with Xu and the bandits will be cut off. But the bandits that should be suppressed still have to be suppressed, Mo Wait until a minor illness becomes a major one." Mi Zhu couldn't help nodding.There was another burst of laughter outside the hall, and someone shouted loudly: "General Jianwu is back!" "Oh?" Cao Cao hurriedly left everyone behind, got up and walked to the door.But I saw a group of young generals surrounded by Xiahoudun like stars holding the moon and making noise. Xiahoudun was shot in the left eye by a stray arrow in the previous conquest of Lu Bu. He was depressed and didn't want to see anyone.But now preparing for the war in Hebei must not be without this commander who stays behind. Cao Cao was afraid that he would not return to the army, so he sent Wang Tu, Jia Xin, Cai Yang, Hu Zhi, Cheng Kuang and other young generals promoted by him on the way to Changyi. Go to greet him, and sure enough, Xiahou Dun is invited back with a good reputation. Xiahou Dun's complexion has improved a lot, and he seems to have gained weight twice, talking and laughing with the young generals, but wearing a blindfold sewn with black cloth over his left eye, his originally tough and tough face is now a bit more Evil spirit! "You are back," Cao Cao heaved a sigh of relief, "Have you recovered from your injury?" "Let's be cured." Xiahoudun nodded, "I'm thinking about it too. It's become like this. What's the use of being sad? Working with the common people in the ancient city of Taishou and seeing the suffering of the poor, I don't know. A little injury is nothing." Wang Tule interrupted and said: "My lord doesn't know. When we arrived at Taishou, General Jianwu was planting rice with the old farmers! Wearing coarse cloth, wearing a bamboo hat, pulling up cuffs and trouser legs, planting rice seedlings, If it weren't for that eye, we wouldn't have recognized it..." Halfway through the speech, we consciously slipped, quickly covered our mouths, and lowered our heads in horror. Everyone thought that Xiahoudun was going to be angry, but he laughed: "A one-eyed dragon is a one-eyed dragon. Are you afraid that you will say it? I call it 'clear at a glance'. You can't learn it if you want to learn it." Seeing that he seemed to be thinking about it, Cao Cao also smiled and raised his hands and said, "We are discussing important matters, you little brothers, don't make noise here, go back and tidy up the camp, and arrange the daily necessities of General Jianwu. If there is anything wrong with serving Zhou, I'm the only one asking questions!" Wang Tu, Jia Xin and others were ordered to leave, but Xiahou Dun ordered, "I don't want a mirror!" Cao Cao was startled when he heard this, but he still had some shadows in his heart, so he hurriedly added another request: "General Jianwu doesn't use it, and you are not allowed to use it. From now on, you are not allowed to have a mirror in your camp. If you have one, I will throw it!" Wang Tu clasped his fists and said, "My lord, don't worry, don't say it's a mirror, we will throw everything that can reflect people's shadows!" "Stop talking nonsense, go!" Cao Cao dragged Xiahou Dun into the hall, while Mi Zhu and Mi Fang were still waiting. When they saw Xiahou Dun who was full of anger, they couldn't help but bow their heads in shock, afraid of disturbing their brothers' private conversation, so they hurriedly saluted and left.Basically everything that should be said has been said, and Cao Cao didn't want to stay. He asked Wan Qian and the others to see off the guests, and asked Liu Bei to spend more time with his uncle, so he sat down with Xiahou Dun.But looking up, Du Xueti did not leave: "What else is Xiaowei doing?" Xue Ti asked for instructions: "If the Mi brothers recruit Xiangyong, should they step up surveillance?" Cao Cao waved his hand: "I don't think it's necessary, they have nothing to do with Liu Bei." "Not necessarily not." Xue Ti stroked his goatee, "Even if they are not masters and servants, they are still relatives. Relatives should have housework, and often write letters of greetings. But since the Mi brothers took office, they haven't sent a single letter. Liu Bei wrote, is this normal? Abnormal things are called monsters!" Cao Cao disagreed: "Maybe it's to avoid suspicion." Xue Ti was very stubborn: "It's something to cover up." "Xiaowei, how do you think everyone looks like a bad person? They don't correspond, and neither do they. How can you call them good?" Xue Ti was speechless.But a leader needs to have the courage of a leader, and a minion should also have the firmness and sharpness of a minion. He paused for a moment and bowed again: "For the sake of safety, I still have to investigate. It is always a good thing to be more careful." "Oh! That's fine." Cao Cao had no choice but to let him go, "but you have to grasp the scale, don't stare too much. Spread the word about what people think of me? Don't guard against others like thieves, and make them feel uncomfortable. All right." "No." Xue Ti also went. Seeing that there was no one else, Xiahou Dun hurriedly reported: "I heard rumors that Yuan Shao is going to build camps in the counties along the river in the north, and it seems that he has begun to prepare." "I haven't heard of it!" Cao Cao was taken aback, "Why didn't anyone report it to me?" Xiahou Dun said: "It was rumored by the people from Jizhou in private. Yuan Shao's army has been attacking Yijing in Youzhou for a long time, and he was afraid that we would be the first to attack, so he recruited people along the river to prepare to start construction. Some people fled to Yanzhou because they were afraid of labor." "Eager for quick success and instant benefit, drink poison to quench thirst!" Cao Cao sneered, "Don't you hear that haste makes waste? Now we have offended the people and suffered. Let's see how he can deal with people's hearts in the future." Having said that, Cao Cao can be more careful. Yuan Shao plans to move north of the river. Build a camp, this is to fight along the river.If Yuan Shao were to set up a battle line from Binhai in the east and Heshuo in the west, then Cao Cao would be finished! Don't look at Xiahoudun, but see Cao Cao clearly, knowing that he is timid, and said: "You don't have to worry, we are one step ahead. Even if Yuan Shao kills Gongsun Zan at this moment, there are still Zhang Yan, Youzhou Little troubles like the old general, Sanjun Karasuma, and Liaodong Gongsundu are waiting for him! He won't be here for a while." "I'm not afraid of Yuan Shao coming, what I'm afraid of is that he won't come." Cao Cao shook his head, "If he rushes to kill him, the problems behind him will not be solved completely; but if he doesn't rush to come, then all the problems will definitely be cleared up. Or in a year or two, when he has wiped out the separatist regime, the soldiers and horses have been refreshed, the food has been stored enough, and we have colluded with our various opponents, how can we fight him? He can occupy the border county. Rest and recuperate, we are in the place where the Central Plains fought four wars, and it is rare for half a day to be peaceful. Who knows when Liu Biao and Sun Ce will suddenly attack? If things go on like this, we can't afford to confront him across the river. So in my opinion, this battle should be done sooner rather than later. If he doesn't come, we'll beat him, take advantage of one step ahead, and lead Yuan Shao by the nose!" Before the words were finished, Xun You, Guo Jia, and Cheng Yu walked in.When Cao Cao saw that the three of them had arrived together, he knew something serious had happened: "What's wrong?" Xun You said in a low voice, "Gongsun Zan is dead." "What?!" Cao Cao didn't expect it, "How could it be so fast?" "Hebei's spies came to report that Yuan Shao intercepted the secret letter between Gongsun Zan and Zhang Yan, and earned money from the Yijing company. Gongsun Zan set himself on fire!" "Ah..." Cao Cao frowned for a moment, then he was relieved, "It's only a matter of time before Yuan Shao unifies Hebei. Let's hurry up and make preparations." Guo Jia cheered up and said: "In the past, the conflict between Chu and Han was very strong and weak. My Emperor Gaozu won with wisdom, and Xiang Yu was defeated by military force. In private, I feel that Yuan Shao has ten defeats today, Cao Gong has ten victories, and Yuan Shao is incompetent even though he is strong and strong. Why!" Cao Cao was very interested when he heard that he had ten victories and Yuan Shao had ten defeats: "What are ten victories?" Guo Jia shook his head and shook his head: "Yuan Shao has many etiquettes, and the public style is natural, and this way wins; Yuan Shao's separatist regime is rebellious, and the public serves the emperor to beg for disobedience, this righteousness wins; since Huan Ling, the government has lost its lenient, and Shao used lenient relief. Leniency, pampering the powerful, public rectification is fierce and the upper and lower levels know how to control it, and this rule wins." Xun You and Cheng Yu looked at each other, and felt that although his analysis was good, it had no practical significance. Guo Jiawu comprehends a few treasures: "Yuan Shao is lenient outside and taboo inside, and he is suspicious when he employs people. He is only relatives and children. He is easy to be simple in public and simple in public, but he is smart inside. There is no doubt about employing people. Only talents are suitable, regardless of distance. This is four things; Shao makes more plans and less decisions, and loses them in the future. The public policy is determined, and he adapts to the situation. This plan wins five things; Treat people with heart, act with sincerity, do not be vain, show frugality, do not begrudge those who have meritorious deeds, be loyal, upright, far-sighted, and be willing to use those who have the truth, this virtue wins.” Cao Cao was very happy when he heard about Desheng.The four generations and three fathers of the Yuan family, but their own virtues are better than them: "Is there anything else?" "Shao sees people's hunger and cold, and compassion is manifested in color. What they don't see, they worry about or don't care about. The so-called benevolent ears of women are open to small things at present, and sometimes they are ignored. , They all exceed their expectations, although they can’t see it, they think about it, it’s all good, this is the seventh benevolent sage; Shao’s ministers fight for power, slander and confuse chaos, and the government’s subordinates use the way, and they can’t be infiltrated. This is the eighth thing.” Guo Jia spoke eloquently, and the more he talked, the more excited he became, "Shao's right and wrong can't be known. The public office is based on propriety, but not on the basis of law. This article is better than nine; , use soldiers like gods, soldiers rely on them, the enemy fears them, this martial arts wins ten." Although the people present could hear that there was a lot of flattery in his inference, but now is the time to cheer up, and it is not unreasonable to exaggerate. "Well said!" Cao Cao smiled heartily.But after laughing, the worry deep in my heart still involuntarily climbed up—although I was one step ahead to eliminate Lu Bu, but Yuan Shao caught up so quickly, after all, his military strength is far superior to mine!If you want to fight others, you must protect yourself first. If you want to lead Yuan Shao by the nose, you must first be invulnerable. The east front is already safe, but there is still a big gap in the west. If Suigu and Yuan Shao join forces, Hanoi Road will become the biggest hidden danger in the Central Plains.Now, while he is busy cleaning up Zhang Yan, I must wipe out Zhang Yang's remaining troops as soon as possible to maintain the advantage of being one step ahead! Thinking of this, Cao Cao stood up, and said solemnly: "The battle in Hanoi cannot be delayed. Feng Xiao will send an order for me. The soldiers of the three armies will organize their supplies and weapons, and set out to march towards Aocang tomorrow morning." "No." Guo Jia led the order and left. Cao Cao then called Cheng Yu: "Go and inform the prefects of the counties here, and tell them to return to their respective jurisdictions to prepare the city defense immediately!" "Promise." Cheng Yu also took the order, but turning around every step of the way, it seemed that he still had something to say. Cao Cao understood his thoughts: "Does Zhongde also want to come with me?" "Exactly!" Cheng Yu hurriedly turned around, "The defense of Yanzhou has been decided, with Wan Qian, Li Dian, and Lu Qian here, let me follow the army this time!" After Duxu County, he stayed in Yanzhou. Now that Lu Bu has been eliminated, there is no battle to fight in the east and no merits to make. He began to feel itchy again. "Those who are good are not as good as those who are happy, I will take you away!" "Meng De, I have a suggestion." Xiahou Dun touched the blindfold again, "Henan Yin Dongzhao used to be a counselor under Zhang Yang's tent, and he knew most of the generals in Hanoi. You might as well transfer him to the army, maybe he can be useful. " "High!" Xun You stretched out his thumbs repeatedly, "General Jianwu has become more and more thoughtful, so I will write to Ling Jun to deal with this matter." Cao Cao glanced at Xiahoudun with relief, and joked, "Yuan Rang lost a left eye, but he has a lot more heart!"