Chapter 228 Two Yuan Gather! This is the rhythm of doing things!
Cao Cao naturally knew that Yuan Shu was digging a hole for King Hongnong by asking questions like this.
If King Hongnong compromised, Yuan Shu could participate in the battle at the East, West, and South gates;
And if King Hongnong does not compromise, it will also be a warning to the three new princes, so that they can win over the princes and become a big help to themselves.
but......
Cao Cao couldn't believe it.
King Hongnong actually acted so stubbornly, as if he didn't care about the feelings of the three princes at all.
After all, he was won over by Yuan Shu, and Liu Dai, the governor of Yanzhou, would be won over as well.
Perhaps it was because of his close relationship with the Yuan family that Yuan Zhong and Yuan Shu personally came to win over him. Otherwise, according to the ranking of official positions, Yuan Shu should be the one to win over Liu Dai.
Cao Cao turned to glance at Liu Dai.
As expected.
Liu Dai looked slightly startled, his eyebrows flashing with surprise.
He seemed not to have thought that King Hongnong would send them to the north gate to help defend them with Yuan Shu and other princes.
A mouthful of delicious food seemed to have lost all taste at this moment.
The scene before him made Cao Cao deeply feel that the irreconcilable contradiction among the Allied forces on the southern front was on the verge of collapse at any time.
Unimaginable!
In this disharmonious internal relationship, how did King Hongnong fight his way to Dagu Pass step by step?
You must know that there are also a lot of contradictions within the allied forces in the direction of Yanjin, but Yuan Shao seems to have no ability to integrate, and he is completely unable to do what King Hongnong did, which could not delay the attack on Dong, but also weaken Yuan Shu to the maximum extent.
sharp!
So awesome!
Cao Cao became more and more convinced.
There must be a profound meaning behind King Hongnong's move.
But from my current position, I may not have reached that depth yet.
The banquet ended in a hurry.
On the way back to his home camp after leaving the Chinese army.
Bao Xin frowned and said: "Meng De, it seems that the Southern Allied Forces are indeed as you said, not as simple as imagined. Yuan Shu and others are their own faction, as are King Hongnong and King Chen."
“Unthinkable!”
After experiencing the anger in the direction of Yanjin, Bao Xin was deeply touched by this: "How did King Hongnong kill Luoyang step by step? It should be noted that Dong Zhuo's power should be at its strongest at Guangcheng Pass and Dagong Pass. Expect."
"yes."
Cao Cao was also filled with emotion: "When we were waiting in Yanjin, all the princes were watching. Even if you and I committed suicide and rushed to Sishui Pass, it was only when we won the great victory over Bianshui that we shook the will of the princes."
"But I heard that during the battle at Guangcheng Pass, Yuan Shu and others suffered heavy losses. In the end, it was King Hongnong who turned the tide and took Guangcheng Pass and defeated the Northern Army Xu Rong."
"That's the elite of the Northern Army!"
Cao Cao once participated in the crusade against the Yellow Turbans as a cavalry captain, and he was well aware of the combat effectiveness of the fifth battalion of the Northern Army: "Based on the team that King Hongnong raised within half a year, I am afraid that it is impossible to be the opponent of the Northern Army."
Bao Xin nodded slowly: "But King Hongnong won, and he won very thoroughly."
Cao Cao was filled with emotion: "Yes, this is the most unbelievable. There are many internal conflicts in the Southern Allied Forces, but King Hongnong can actually make Yuan Shu willing to lose his troops and generals."
Bao Xin smiled: "Whether Yuan Shu is willing or not, King Hongnong's methods are indeed amazing. I thought that the Allied forces would be overwhelmed by the Yuan brothers, but I didn't expect that Yuan Shu on the southern front would be so miserable."
"color!"
Bao Xin sincerely praised: "Finally someone can control the Yuan brothers!"
Cao Cao glanced at Bao Xin and said softly: "Yuncheng seems to be very angry with the Yuan brothers."
Bao Xin nodded, not hiding his resentment: "That's right! Previously, I thought that the Yuan family, the fourth generation and the three princes, were loyal ministers of the Han Dynasty. However, after this battle, the Yuan family's performance has greatly disappointed me."
"When we were in Luoyang, He Jin was in trouble and died. The eight captains of Xiyuan were all in the hands of the Yuan brothers. We also recruited soldiers and horses from outside. If we join hands, there is no need to worry about destroying Dong Zhuo.
.”
"But what about Yuan Shao?"
Every time he thought about that moment, Bao Xin would frown subconsciously and become furious: "You just didn't listen to my words. You abandoned your official position and fled to the Bohai Sea. You missed a great opportunity."
"Now we have finally gathered the rebels to fight against Dong together, but these two brothers have their own agenda. They don't want to serve the country and only care about the gains and losses of their personal interests. It's so shameless!"
"I'm Bao Xin!"
Although Bao Xin's voice was low, it was sonorous, powerful and resounding: "I don't bother to be associated with him!"
Cao Cao couldn't help but sigh: "Yuncheng is a true righteous man."
"Mengde!"
"Mengde—!"
At this moment, a shout came from behind the two of them.
Cao Cao turned around and looked.
Yuan Zhong walked out of the gloomy night: "Meng De, you left in such a hurry."
Cao Cao took a deep breath: "Zhengfu is here to lobby for the highway?"
"Mengde."
Yuan Zhong said earnestly: "You have seen what happened today, don't you still believe it?"
Cao Cao said softly: "Zhengfu, there is no need to say more. Cao has made up his mind and is willing to obey King Hongnong's order and help defend the important road in Mang Mountain."
"You..."
Yuan Zhong had an angry expression on his face and said aggressively: "Do you have to wait until your efforts are in vain before you regret it? I am waiting for this lesson learned from the past, isn't it enough to explain the problem?"
Cao Cao spoke domineeringly: "If this is really the case, I, Cao Cao, will admit it!"
The anger in Yuan Zhong's heart surged into his throat: "Meng De, you really disappoint me."
Cao Cao bowed his head respectfully: "I'm really sorry."
"snort!"
Yuan Zhong snorted angrily and said: "Mengde, sooner or later you will regret this."
Immediately.
He tossed his long sleeves and left angrily.
Watching Yuan Zhong gradually disappear into the night, Bao Xin smiled contemptuously: "Are all members of the Yuan clan like this?"
Cao Cao clasped his hands behind his back: "Cao's impression of Zhengfu was never like this. When he was Prime Minister of Pei, he rode a reed chariot to the official position. He was famous for his clear and clear appearance."
"I didn't expect..."
Cao Cao looked a little regretful and sighed softly: "Now that I am assisting Yuan Shu, I have lost my true nature. There are four generations of the Yuan family and three princes. I have disciples and former officials all over the world. If I really wanted to fight against Dong, why would the current situation be like this?"
"That's right."
Bao Xin nodded and expressed deep agreement: "Looking at the three Allied armies, there are only four people of the Yuan family's bloodline, and the remaining disciples and former officials account for more than half of the Allied armies. With such strength, they only focus on intrigues. It is really shocking.
indignation."
"Mengde!"
"Um?"
Bao Xin frowned slightly, feeling suspicious: "Sometimes I wonder if the Yuan family is here to challenge Dong? Everyone flaunts their righteousness, but there is no movement in their actions."
Cao Cao hurriedly interrupted: "Yuncheng, don't think blindly. There is no need to doubt the loyalty of the Yuan family."
Bao Xin said suddenly: "I'm just talking."
Actually.
Not only Bao Xin, but also Cao Cao also had this suspicion.
Back then, he, Yuan Shao and Yuan Shu were all aides to General He Jin, and no one knew what happened back then better than him.
When Yuan Shao put forward the suggestion of summoning all the powerful generals from all over the country to the capital, he strongly opposed it, believing that the problem of eunuchs could only be solved by putting a few people in prison, so there was no need to cause greater disasters.
Cao Cao understands Yuan Shao!
The two were childhood acquaintances, and their friendship grew up.
As far as he was concerned, although Yuan Shao's brain was insufficient, it was not so dim.
But...
On the matter of eradicating eunuchs, he was stubborn and completely incapable of listening to other people's opinions, as if he was a different person.
But after Dong Zhuo entered the capital, he angrily scolded Dong Zhuo with his sword, appearing to be so resolute and loyal.
Cao Cao didn't think anything of it before, but after experiencing the issue of asking for Dong, he could not understand Yuan Shao more and more, and the Yuan family behind him also made Cao Cao sigh.
But Cao Cao was different from Bao Xin. He knew how to restrain himself and hide his thoughts.
But Bao Xin is not like that. He is more direct and sharp.
Cao Cao cherished such friends very much, because from Bao Xin, we can see that he was not afraid of the powerful and passionate, but he finally learned to restrain himself after repeated setbacks.
If you want to be a clear stream in this turbid world, you may be with the flow, but not with the filth, and even try to purify others and clarify this filthy world, it is really difficult to reach the sky.
"Yuncheng."
"Um?"
"Let's go back to camp. Tomorrow we have to rush to the north gate to help defend."
"good."
*****
The next day, early morning.
Allied camp.
Central army, big tent.
Liu Bian was in front of the Luoyang Sand Table, staring at the intertwined forces above.
Xun Yu entered outside the tent, stepped forward quickly, bowed and raised his hands: "Your Highness, the other princes in the direction of Yanjin are not far from Luoyang. Do they still have this arrangement?"
"Um."
Liu Bian nodded without hesitation: "No matter how many people seem to be similar in appearance but not in spirit, what's the point of Yu Gu? If Yuan Shu wants to hunt down Dong Zhuo, then let him go. If he seeks Gu's help, then help him with five hundred horses. War horse."
"As for the rest?"
Liu Bian paused for a moment, waved his hand and said, "We don't need to pay attention."
Xun Yu nodded: "No."
"Oh right."
Liu Bian raised his eyes and looked at Xun Yu: "Is there someone rushing to garrison at the north gate?"
Xun Yu naturally understood who Liu Bian was asking: "Yes! Cao Cao led his troops there early in the morning and is currently being dispatched by King Chen, ready to fill the gap left by Yuan Shu and others."
"Where is Liu Dai, the governor of Yanzhou?"
"he......"
Xun Yu answered honestly: "Before he came down here, he had not yet left. I heard that Chen Yi went to find this person yesterday. After the banquet, he stayed in Yuan Shu's camp for a long time before returning to his own camp."
It's obvious.
Liu Dai is in the period of hesitation.
Compared with Cao Cao's decisiveness, it is far behind.
Xun Yu admired King Hongnong more and more. In terms of his ability to recognize people and judge things, he was far inferior to him: "I have to admit that compared with King Chen, Liu Shijun's behavior is disappointing."
Liu Bian had a look of indifference: "It doesn't matter, the overall situation is under my control. The rest is insignificant. The more at this time, the more clearly you can see who is the true loyal minister!"
Xun Yu nodded: "Your Highness is wise, indeed."
Liu Bian waved his hand: "If the princes of Yanjin come, Wen Ruo can make arrangements by himself. There is no need to come again to ask for instructions."
Xun Yu raised his hand and said, "No."
After he left, Liu Bian secretly breathed a sigh of relief and said in his heart: "Teacher, Cao Cao has not been attracted by Yuan Shu. Does this mean that we can take the initiative to recruit him?"
"Don't worry."
The voice of the Military Advisor Alliance sounded: "Cao Cao is currently in a turning point in his ideology. Although he has not been won over by Yuan Shu, it does not mean that he understands the expert's strategy, nor does it mean that he agrees with this strategy."
"Looking at Cao Cao's attitude towards the family throughout his life, although he was able to act only on his merits regardless of his class of origin, he was still deeply influenced by the times and his ideology had a certain narrowness."
"So Cao Cao's approach to hiring people is to be inclusive, not to use poor and humble people to undermine the power of the family. His political ambitions must not only be realized through the sons of capable people, but also rely on powerful clans as the pillars.
"
"But Ben Ye!"
The Military Advisor Alliance emphasized: "The new order we want to establish is to control the power of the Shi clan within a healthy and reasonable range. This will inevitably suppress the power of the Shi clan and enhance the power of the Han clan."
"In a sense, what you want to do, Mr. Bian, is beyond this era and goes against the consensus of this era. Whether Cao Cao can accept such an ideology is still a question."
"Let him feel the power of the Yuan family's behemoth. It will have a certain positive effect on reversing Cao Cao's illusions about the aristocratic family."
"He envies Yuan Shu. Yuan Shao's background represents his yearning for the wealthy family, which is different from Bian Ye's political views. When Cao Cao's thoughts about the wealthy family changed from envy to fear and fear, he would win over him.
It’s much easier.”
"certainly!"
The Military Advisor Alliance once again emphasized: "It is easy to win over Cao Cao, but it is the most difficult to make Cao Cao agree with Bian Ye's political ideas and transform the frustrating experience in the first half of his life into the motivation for the Han Dynasty to establish a new order, but it is the most difficult.
It’s the most important thing.”
Liu Bian nodded with great interest: "Yes, it should be so! Since you have decided to win over Cao Cao, you must take advantage of the fact that Cao Cao is nothing now and correct his ideology in advance, otherwise there will definitely be conflicts in the future."
"Kill Cao Cao?"
Liu Bian took a deep breath and shook his head slowly: "I can't bear to do it!"
The Military Advisor Alliance chuckled: "Experts are reluctant to part with it. Cao Cao is only 36 years old this year. According to the time of death in history, he still has 30 years to live. If he agrees with Bian Ye's way, how much energy can he explode in these 30 years?
It’s hard even for experts to predict.”
"Um."
Liu Bian nodded solemnly: "If his migraine can be cured, he may have more than 30 years to live. Putting aside the time for old age and retirement, he will have at least 20 years to kill."
"Be patient."
Liu Bian consoled himself: "If you don't even have this patience, talking about helping the Han Dynasty and conquering the world is just nonsense."
The Military Advisor Alliance smiled: "Master Bian is still making progress and will get better and better in the future."
Liu Bian nodded: "Well, experts, don't worry, I will definitely work hard."
Military Advisor Alliance: "Come on, Mr. Bian."
"Oh right."
Liu Bian said tentatively: "If Yuan Shu really leads the princes away from the north gate, will Lu Bu break out from there? After all, they don't have much food and grass in their hands."
"It's possible!"
The Alliance of Military Advisors said without hesitation: "However, all the main roads on Mang Mountain have been blocked by the Allies with tree trunks. They will definitely not be able to walk on horseback. If they want to break out, they can only lead their horses on foot and use small roads to break out."
"If we really go this way, even if we can't wipe out all the Wolf Cavalry and the Xiao Cavalry, there will definitely be no problem if we wipe out at least half of the Xiao Cavalry. Whether we can capture Lu Bu is another matter, but there is no problem in capturing a few generals."
Liu Bian was overjoyed: "The Yuan family is really miserable. He thought his opponent was me, but he didn't expect it to be the expert team of the Military Advisor Alliance. It would be strange if he didn't get fooled around."
This statement immediately aroused overwhelming praise from netizens in the live broadcast room:
"Hahaha! Yuan Shu is falling into the trap again, poor guy."
"Not to mention Yuan Shu, Yuan Shao, even if Yuan Wei comes, he will still be finished."
"Experts deserve to be experts. I have to study hard and become an expert in the future."
"I can't wait to catch up on the climax of the story."
"It's a pity that this live broadcast cannot be rewarded, otherwise I would have sent a wave of rocket support."
"..."
Just when the netizens in the live broadcast room were excited.
"Your Highness—!"
A familiar voice sounded outside the tent.
It's Xun Yu.
Liu Bian judged it all at once.
He looked up.
When the curtain was raised, Xun Yu hurriedly entered the tent, bowed his head, and said softly: "The princes from the direction of Yanjin have arrived."
Liu Bian frowned slightly: "Didn't I say that you would be responsible for the arrangements?"
"But......"
Xun Yu took a deep breath and looked solemn: "Yuan Shao is also inside. He is the leader of the Allied Forces. It would be better if His Highness personally arranged it."
"Yuan Shao is here too?"
Liu Bian looked in disbelief: "Isn't he in Hanoi?"
Xun Yu said softly: "I haven't had time to ask yet."
"That's it."
Liu Bian pondered for a moment and asked secretly: "Teacher, should I come forward in person? If I don't come forward, it will probably anger Yuan Shao, right? After all, he is the leader of the alliance, and he always deserves the respect he deserves."
The alliance of military advisors paused for a moment: "Experts suggest the old trick, first give Yuan Shao time to rest and recuperate, let him fully understand the internal conflicts of the southern allied forces, and then arrange for them to assist in defense at the north gate."
"When two Yuans are mixed together, the energy is even greater!"
The Alliance of Military Advisors said with absolute certainty: "The impact on Cao Cao's mind will inevitably be stronger, which will have a certain positive effect on our recruitment of Cao Cao."
"Um."
Liu Bianxin said: "I understand."
Immediately.
Liu Bian raised his eyes and looked at Xun Yu: "Wen Ruo, let Yuan Shao camp and rest first. I will personally meet him later and arrange his military affairs in person."
Xun Yu bowed his head and said, "No."
"Oh right."
Just as Xun Yu was about to turn around and leave, Liu Bian waved his hand and interrupted: "By the way, you can send someone to inform King Chen and make him be more careful. Our strategy should be implemented soon."
Xun Yu nodded: "I understand. Your Highness can rest assured."
Liu Bian was delighted: "This is very good."
*****
now.
Yuan Shu's camp.
Central army, big tent.
"What?"
Yuan Shu looked in disbelief and turned to look at Yuan Zhong: "Yuan Shao is also in the ranks of the princes? Isn't he in Huai County, Hanoi? How can he hang out with the princes of Yanzhou?"
"this......"
Yuan Zhong shook his head, with the same puzzled look on his face: "I haven't had time to verify it yet, but I can be sure that Benchu must have arrived and is currently setting up camp to take a rest."
"highway."
Yuan Zhong knew very well that Yuan Shu and Yuan Shao were not compatible, but he still came closer and said softly: "Should we invite Ben Chu here? It might be better if he can help with this matter."
Yuan Shu frowned slightly, with an angry look on his face and a look of displeasure on his face: "Damn it! This servant girl's domestic slave did not make any achievements in Hebei, but now he comes to Luoyang to compete with me. It is simply unreasonable."
Although Yuan Shu was the second legitimate son and was superior to Yuan Shao who was born in a concubine, his actual ability and reputation were far inferior to his brother who was born in a concubine. Scholars all over the world also loved him more.
He finally managed to recruit a team of troops, but now that Yuan Shao is here, it may have some impact on his dominance. This is what Yuan Shu least wants to see.
even......
He would rather be annihilated than have anything to do with Yuan Shao.
However, Yuan Zhong admonished: "The highway was originally located in Hebei, and the Yanjin Front Army is quite prestigious. We are all members of the Yuan family. Why can't we unite sincerely at this critical moment?"
"Moreover, don't forget that Benchu and Cao Cao have a close relationship. If Benchu can persuade him, maybe Cao Cao will change his mind, but that's not necessarily the case."
"You know..."
Yuan Zhong emphasized: "Cao Cao has thousands of horses in his hands. The key to winning this battle is the speed of the cavalry's pursuit. Without horses, we can't accomplish anything."
Yuan Shu didn't know this, otherwise how could he ask Cao Cao for help?
To him, Yuan Shao was just a domestic slave of a maidservant, but at least he was a member of his own family, born into the fourth generation and the third generation.
Who is Cao Cao?
After eunuchship, it is just a shameful thing!
"You gave me a hard time thinking about it."
Yuan Shu was always unwilling to let Yuan Shao participate.
After all, this is a great test for his authority.
"Report—!"
At this moment, a long announcement sounded outside the tent.
Yuan Shu turned his head and looked.
But Yan Xiang hurriedly entered the account, leaned over and handed over his hands: "My lord, something serious has happened."
Yuan Shu asked urgently: "Zixiang, what happened?"
Yan Xiang frowned: "The Prime Minister of Lu State, Chen Yi, paid a personal visit to Yuan Shao's camp."
hiss-!
Yuan Shu stared like bells and gasped: "What did you say? Chen Yi went to Yuan Shao's camp?"
Yan Xiang nodded: "That's right! We've already gone."
"Damn it!"
Yuan Shu cursed secretly.
You must know that Chen Yi, the Prime Minister of Lu, was the most supportive prince among the Allied Forces on the southern front, except Yuan Zhong.
But I never thought that when Yuan Shao came to Luoyang, he would go straight to visit him.
For a moment, Yuan Shu was on pins and needles and anxious.
Chen Yi goes to visit Yuan Shao, will Xu Qiu and others still be far away?
Yuan Shao, calmly, wants to disintegrate his own power and transform it into his?
On the side, Yuan Zhong bowed quickly: "Highway, don't hesitate, otherwise everything we prepared in advance will be in vain. If your two brothers join forces, there is no need to worry about killing Dong Zhuo."
"highway!"
Yuan Zhong emphasized here: "We can't waste any more time, otherwise Dong Zhuo will rush to Shaanxi County no matter how slow he moves, and we will have no chance to fight by then."
Yuan Shu took a deep breath and made up his mind: "Okay! I will rush to Yuan Shao's camp in person."
Yuan Zhong bowed his head and said: "I will go along with the highway."