When Cao Cao spoke, the entire hall fell silent instantly, and you could almost hear a pin drop.
Everyone's eyes turned to Liu Bei, who was at the bottom, and everyone was waiting for his answer.
Liu Bei was a little nervous. Lin Zhe had already told him at noon today that tonight's banquet might not be a good one, and Cao Cao would most likely make things difficult for him.
But Liu Bei never expected that Cao Cao would ask this question.
The question itself is not difficult to answer. Cao Cao is just asking about a big but empty plan. No matter how Liu Bei answers, it will not be wrong.
After all, different people have different personalities, whether they are radical or conservative, everyone has their own style of doing things.
However, the angle of this question is very tricky!
In other words, the meaning behind this question is very intriguing.
Logically speaking, Liu Bei just came here out of desperation, but in terms of status, they were both state shepherds, and helping to make future plans should have been done by his subordinates, and he should not have said anything.
It is said that it is difficult for outsiders to manage their own affairs.
But when Cao Cao asked, Liu Bei had to answer.
After thinking for a long time, Liu Bei didn't have a conclusion in mind, so he had no choice but to turn his attention to Lin Zhe.
As if he had expected this, Lin Zheshi stood up and immediately saluted Cao Cao.
"Cao Gongmingjian..."
"The current situation in the world is turbulent, the princes are rising together, and the generals occupy the land of the two states, so they are certainly powerful..."
"At this time of great chaos, it is time for the general to deploy troops from all directions!"
"However, Yuan Shao is powerful in the north. Gongsun Zan seems to be able to compete with him, but in fact he is like a sick tiger in Shen Mu. Although he is still capable of fighting, he will eventually be annexed by Yuan Shao. The difference is only a matter of time!"
"Yuan Shao can be a supporter, but not an enemy!"
"Therefore...the general's main use of troops should be to occupy Henan first, and then look at all directions."
"Henan?" Cao Cao's face changed slightly, revealing a thoughtful expression, "What does Xian Yun mean by this?"
Seeing that Cao Cao had listened to his words, Lin Zhe thought about his wording again, and then explained: "In order to destroy the six kingdoms in the pre-Qin Dynasty, it used the strategy of making friends at a distance and attacking at close range. Generals also need to do the same!"
"Generals must be cautious enough against all enemies that may threaten Xudu!"
"Zhang Xiu in Nanyang, Lu Bu in Xuzhou, Yuan Shu in Huainan...these are the general's next goals!"
Looking at Cao Cao, whose face kept changing and frowning all the time, Lin Zhe did not stop, but continued:
"However, if the general has no righteousness and starts the war lightly, even if he captures these princes in the future, his name and reputation will be damaged, and his subsequent efforts to appease and rectify the people and families will be hindered at every step!"
"so..."
Speaking of this, Lin Zhe paused, and a smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.
"So Gong Cao needs to welcome the emperor to win over his unfaithful ministers, and in the name of the emperor, he conquers various states!"
As soon as this statement came out, everyone in the audience was shocked.
Liu Bei did not answer Cao Cao's question, but Lin Zhe pointed it out at this moment, and said it openly in front of everyone.
"snort!"
I don’t know if it was Cao Cao who gave the instructions secretly, or someone was dissatisfied with Lin Zhe.
After saying this, someone on the field let out a cold snort, which was particularly clear in the silent hall.
I saw a broad-faced man walking out from the crowd of generals. This man was Xiahou Dun.
His eyes were sharp, he stepped out of the queue with fists clasped, looked at Lin Zhe and said angrily: "You are very articulate, but what you say makes no sense. If you are not your master, how can you talk nonsense?!"
"If we don't welcome that dog... Emperor, then we won't be able to defeat those guys?"
"Children's words are so childish!"
Xiahou Dun's eyes were fierce and he sneered at Lin Zhe's advice just now.
"Foolish beetle!"
Lin Zhe was not used to those who scolded him. He was full of momentum and directly scolded Xiahou Dun:
"A military general is supposed to conquer the battlefield and seek high positions through military exploits!"
"When it comes to strategy, when will it be your turn for warriors like you who don't know a few Chinese characters to intervene?"
"Could it be..."
"Can't even find half of the counselors under Duke Cao's command?!"
Good guy...
Arrogant!
Too arrogant!
Lin Zhe's words not only scolded Xiahou Dun, but also Cao Cao's counselors. Even Cao Cao felt a little uncomfortable when he heard these words.
As for Xiahou Dun?
When did he receive such an insult?
What's more, the person who said this was still a teenager?
"Do you want to die?"
Xiahou Dun raised his finger angrily and drew out his sword with a clanking sound, intending to kill Lin Zhe on the spot.
Before he could take action, Zhang Fei quickly took a step forward, clenched his fists, and stared at Xiahou Dun with wide eyes. If Liu Bei hadn't stopped him, Zhang Fei would have already charged forward.
Even Guan Yu, seeing how delicate the atmosphere was, slowly moved towards Lin Zhe and stood between the two of them in time.
Looking at Dian Wei and Xu Chu again, he had already pressed his sword with both hands and was guarding Cao Cao on both sides, ready to fight if they disagreed.
Seeing that the situation was so tense, Cao Cao immediately came out to smooth things over.
"Yuan Rang, why don't you back down!"
After scolding Xiahou Dun, he apologized to Lin Zhe.
"Don't blame me for your permission. Yuan Rang was impatient and bumped into Mr. Cao. I am here to apologize for him!"
"But what do you mean when Xian Yun said that he would please the emperor...?"
Lin Zhe's eyes were clear, and even though he almost caused a fight just now, his expression remained unchanged.
Upon hearing Cao Cao's inquiry, he clasped his fists and said:
"In the past, Duke Wen of the Jin Dynasty accepted King Xiang of Zhou Dynasty, and the princes obeyed; the Emperor Gaozu of the Han Dynasty mourned for the righteous emperor, and the world returned to his heart. Today, the emperor is in dust, so the general sincerely initiated the righteous army at this time, and served the emperor to follow the public's expectations. This is an unworldly strategy!"
"If I don't plan for it early, I might be the first to do it!"
"General...he is still a Hanchen after all!"
Perhaps the last sentence touched Cao Cao, or perhaps he had this intention himself. Cao Cao nodded in agreement, and then ordered an order on the spot, planning to send an army to Luoyang to welcome the emperor in person.
After hearing Cao Cao's arrangement, although Lin Zhe's face remained as usual, there was a hint of joy in his heart.
He knew that Cao Cao would definitely act according to his own plan!
The reason is also very simple, because...
sincere!
The strategy he presented to Cao Cao was not to dig a trap, but to actually plan for him!
The reason for this is because under the current situation, the interests of our lord and Cao Cao are completely consistent, especially when it comes to welcoming the emperor!
What does Liu Bei need most now?
Status and fame!
Especially the identity recognized by today’s emperor!
Liu Bei's current influence is not great. Perhaps to the various princes, Liu Bei is indeed a famous person; but to the people of the world, Liu Bei's influence is only in the Xuzhou area at most.
Judging from the final result, the advantages of using the emperor to control the princes outweigh the disadvantages. However, Liu Bei currently does not have the strength to compete with Cao Cao for the emperor.
In this case, why can't Cao Cao do this?
And why Lin Zhe wanted to plan for Cao Cao...
This explains it better!
Lin Zhe just wanted to say, is this strategy... really difficult?
He believed that probably nine out of ten of Cao Cao's counselors could see through this!
In other words, Lin Zhe just used a well-known strategic plan to achieve his own goals while also improving his status in Cao Cao's heart.