Chapter 440 The dazzling trick of His Majesty the Emperor Nanyang?
Jizhou, Handan.
State Shepherd's Office.
It's only mid-October, and the cold current has already invaded Hebei.
Yuan Shao stood in the octagonal pavilion in the backyard, looking at the dead branches and leaves in the garden, subconsciously tightening the mink velvet cloak around him.
Although this year's cold snap came relatively early, no matter how cold the body is, it can't compare to the chill in the heart. This is the ultimate chill from the inside out, which is tens of thousands of times colder than the biting wind chill.
From the beginning of spring to the beginning of winter this year, we attacked Youzhou for a full year, but were finally blocked by Jixian. We were delayed here for more than half a year and failed to capture it. It was extremely disappointing.
"Lord—!"
At some point, a voice sounded from behind.
It's Guo Tu.
Yuan Shao judged it immediately.
He did not turn around, but still stared at the falling yellow leaves, and said softly: "Gongze, you are here, have you found out the news? How is my uncle?"
"Not yet."
Guo Tu stepped forward, shook his head, and handed Yuan Kai a warm hand stove: "However, my subordinates did find out information about Yuan Yi, the governor of Shanyang County."
"oh?"
Yuan Shao asked curiously: "How is my cousin?"
Guo Tu sighed, with a hint of embarrassment on his face: "Well, since the announcement of the memorandum, Liu Dai announced his surrender to Nanyang and led his troops to attack Shanyang County."
"Originally, Boye had defeated Liu Dai, but who would have thought that the news was not completely sealed and people still fled to Yuzhou. Cao Cao got the news and led his troops into Shanyang. Within half a month, he occupied Shanyang County.
, kill Boye."
"ah?"
Yuan Shao was stunned for a moment and turned to glance at Guo Tu: "My cousin has actually..."
Guo Tu nodded affirmatively: "Yes, Yuan Boye has died in the battle. Now the entire Yanzhou is under Cao Cao's control. Even Ma Sheng, the Prime Minister of Jibei, has been killed by Cao Cao at this moment."
"Damn it!"
Yuan Shao clenched his fists subconsciously, wishing he could burst the hand stove: "This guy Cao A'hao has actually become a well-known general under King Hongnong since he took refuge with King Hongnong."
"yes."
Guo Tu sighed and looked at the dead branches and leaves in the inner courtyard. He was also a little surprised: "King Hongnong employs people in an eclectic way. Many of them are scholars with no background."
"People like Cao Cao are the ones that King Hongnong likes the most, so he can become a well-known general under him. At present, his popularity is even greater than that of Zhang Liao."
Yuan Shao suppressed his anger and said, "Where is Liu Dai? How did King Hongnong deal with him?"
Guo Tu shook his head: "There is no news yet, but we have sent people to investigate. I think there will be results soon, but my lord does not need to have high hopes."
"After all, Liu Dai and Liu Yao are brothers, and Liu Biao and others are standing still, waiting for the outcome of Nanyang's disposal. I think King Hongnong is not so stupid as not to reuse Liu Dai."
In fact, everyone can see that the current strength of Nanyang is completely superior to that of the various princes. As long as the Nanyang court can show enough sincerity, then Liu Biao, Liu Yao, and even Liu Yan will not resist, and they will even go smoothly.
Returned to the imperial court.
This is indeed bad news for Yuan Shao. After all, if Liu Biao and Liu Yao surrender to Nanyang, then Yuan Shao himself will be the only one in the world who is the enemy of Nanyang Hanting.
Although Jizhou is a real big state, compared to the entire thirteen states of the Han Dynasty, Jizhou is in a corner. With its resources, it is far unable to compete with Nanyang.
In a sense, Jizhou's defeat was only a matter of time. This fact has long been a well-known secret within Yuan Shaojun.
"whispering sound!"
Yuan Shao chewed it secretly, feeling angry in his heart.
He couldn't believe it.
King Hongnong, who had acted lightly before, was actually able to build such a business in a short period of time after escaping from Luoyang. Even the wealthy families in Nanyang could not make any waves in front of him.
You must know that he can securely occupy Jizhou only with the support of the Jizhou family. Now with the rapid development of Nanyang, they have begun to show signs of abandoning themselves.
If it hadn't been for the public ownership of the private fields of the Han Dynasty in Nanyang, which violated the interests of the wealthy families, Yuan Shao might not have been able to sustain it at all, let alone a year-long attack on Youzhou.
"Report—!"
At this moment, a long announcement sounded not far away.
Yuan Shao turned around and looked.
However, he saw that his attendant hurried forward, leaned forward and said, "My lord, military advisor, information has been sent back from Nanyang. Prince Hongnong is interrogating Duke Yuan, which has implicated seven major families. Now only the Yuan family of Chen County is not involved."
"What?"
Yuan Shao was stunned, his eyes were as wide as bells, and the anger in his heart was boiling: "How dare King Hongnong actually attack my uncle? Do the officials of Chang'an Hanting just let King Hongnong do whatever he wants?"
"this......"
The attendant frowned and said softly: "My lord, I heard that King Hongnong had a lot of evidence, and more than ten people including Zhou Lin and Gao Ji from the Chang'an Han court testified. Only then did the officials of the Chang'an Han court believe it."
"Ah? How is this possible?"
Yuan Shao looked in disbelief and stared at the attendant with a frown: "Who are you talking about? Gao Ji?"
The attendant nodded: "Yes, it is this person."
"impossible!"
"Absolutely impossible!"
Yuan Shao waved his hand, not believing what the attendant said: "Gao Ji is related by marriage to my Yuan family, and even the senior officials are still in the party. How could Gao Ji betray my Yuan family?"
"impossible!"
"This is absolutely impossible!"
Yuan Shao couldn't believe it even to death. Gao Ji would actually betray the Yuan family, just like when the Taifu brought Yuan Di to his house. Gao Ji even went one step further than the Taifu's handing over Yuan Di.
"Did you make the wrong inquiry?"
Even Guo Tu who was standing by did not believe that Gao Ji would betray the Yuan family.
"Absolutely."
The attendant said with certainty and certainty: "The villain has sent people to confirm repeatedly. It is Gao Ji who has been rumored in the streets of Nanyang. Even the notices posted also have Gao Ji's name."
Boom!
It was like a thunderbolt in the clear sky.
Yuan Shaolei was fried until he was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
He couldn't believe that Gao Ji would betray the Yuan family at this moment. Everyone was like a grasshopper. If the boat capsized, he would never be able to escape.
"Damn it!"
Yuan Shao gritted his teeth, clenched his fists, and said in a cold voice: "It must have been a fight! Otherwise, Gao Ji would never have betrayed the Yuan family. King Hongnong is so ruthless. In order to force my Yuan family to death, he actually did this cruel thing.
"
"Lord..."
The attendant on the side lowered his head and added again: "In fact, not only Gao Ji, but also Mr. Yuan himself admitted the crime, and said that he did it because he was forced by the imperial power and had no choice but to do it."
"ah?"
Yuan Shao's eyes almost exploded.
It was only Gao Ji who committed suicide, but now even Yuan Wei himself has confessed.
Yuan Shao just felt like a fool for still covering up his uncle's crime. He never thought that he would actually plead guilty, which really made Yuan Shao feel embarrassed.
You must know that he built the team based on his reputation as the Fourth Generation and the Three Dukes. If Yuan Wei himself confessed, it would be harmful to his current team.
Therefore, even if Yuan Shao knew the truth, he would never admit it and would even package himself as a victim. But who would have thought that Yuan Wei would actually plead guilty.
Damn it!
This is just a rip-off for my nephew, okay?
Yuan Shao's face turned green and red for a while, but he still had a thick face and waved his hand: "Impossible! This is absolutely impossible! How could my uncle admit to such a crime?"
"There must be a reason for this. King Hongnong is really a great trick. He can actually force my uncle to confess. But he can hide it from others, how can he hide it from me, Yuan Shao? He just wants to completely eliminate my Yuan family."
"Poor excuse!"
"A poor presentation!"
"snort!"
He snorted angrily.
Yuan Shao shouted at the top of his lungs, like a clown, shouting: "Does King Hongnong think that he killed his uncle and died without any evidence? How can he stop everyone from talking!"
Tsk!
Tsk!
Yuan Shao cursed one after another, making him gasp for breath one after another.
On the side, Guo Tu hurriedly consoled him: "Don't be upset, my lord. I believe that the people of the world will be able to see such an obvious loophole and raise questions."
"Although King Hongnong has temporarily dealt with the Yuan family, I believe that the officials of Chang'an Hanting will wake up sooner or later and restore the Yuan family's innocence. You can rest assured."
"Um...who is that..."
Guo Tu frowned, turned to glance at the attendant, and said coldly: "Is there anything else? If not, just go down."
The attendant naturally understood what Guo Tu meant, but he still had something to say, so he could only say: "My lord, Liu Dai took refuge in Nanyang Hanting, and now he has been stripped of his position as state shepherd and became a court servant."
kindness?
Attendant?
Yuan Shao, who was panting heavily, suddenly recovered as before. Even Guo Tu, who was comforting him, also frowned and glanced at the attendant in disbelief:
"Attendant?"
The two of them said almost in unison.
"No...that's right."
The attendant was stunned for a moment and nodded slowly: "It's the attendant."
Yuan Shao's mood suddenly brightened. He took a deep breath, turned to glance at Guo Tu, and pinched a wisp of beard under his chin: "Gongze, do you think there is any conspiracy behind King Hongnong's move?"
"Liu Dai is not only a clan member of the Han Dynasty, but also a shepherd of Yanzhou in Chang'an. This time he took the initiative to submit to the Nanyang Han court. King Hongnong actually only gave him a servant?"
Shizhong is a group of palace officials subordinate to the Shaofu, serving casual duties directly assigned by the emperor.
Although the Shizhong can be regarded as a close official of the emperor, who can enter and exit the imperial palace and has certain powers, compared with Yanzhou Mu, Governor and other official positions, they are not worth mentioning at all.
In fact, it is not even as good as a two thousand stone county guard. After all, the county guard is in charge of life and death, and he is simply a local emperor.
Especially after the turbulent times, how can the county governors and state shepherds look down on an official position like Shizhong? They are all promoted openly and secretly, but you, King Hongnong, are lucky enough to be demoted openly!
What a stupid move!
What a stupid move!
Guo Tu took a long breath and said softly: "If this is really the case, maybe we still have some chances."
Yuan Shao turned his head and glanced at the attendant: "Have you ever checked the news that King Hongnong promoted Liu Dai to the position of attendant?"
The attendant nodded with absolute certainty: "Don't worry, my lord, it has been verified and the news is true. I heard that Liu Dai was very dissatisfied with this arrangement. Later, the minister ordered Xun or to talk to Liu Dai in person, and then he accepted the arrangement.
"
"Ha ha!"
Yuan Shao looked up to the sky and laughed wildly, unable to hide the excitement on his face: "I didn't expect that King Hongnong would actually make such a stupid move. As a result, Liu Biao and Liu Yao of Jingzhou and Yangzhou may not lead their troops to return to Nanyang.
"
"That's right!"
Guo Tu was equally excited. He immediately leaned over and held up his hands and said: "Lord, we should immediately send people to Jingzhou and Yangzhou to persuade them to join forces with us, and even to bring together Liu Biao and Liu Yao to form an alliance. This can better restrain Hongnong.
The strength of the king’s army.”
"As long as Liu Biao and Liu Yao can form an alliance, then next year we may really be able to turn the tide and destroy Liu Yu in Youzhou first, and then regain Bingzhou."
"The senior cadre requested to return to Changshan to garrison, but now it seems that it is not necessary. As long as he can stay firmly entrenched in Shangdang, it will be of great help to us in regaining Bingzhou."
Yuan Shaoen nodded: "That's right! That's right. Let's do this. You quickly reply to the high-ranking officials and ask him to stay in Shangdang with peace of mind. While containing Nanyang's troops, pay attention to self-protection and wait for us to counterattack Bingzhou."
Guo Tu bowed his head and said, "Here."
call-
Yuan Shao let out a long breath and pondered for a moment: "As for Jingzhou and Yangzhou, it is better to send Xun Chen and Xu You there. They will definitely be able to promote an alliance between the two."
"It's a pity that Liu Yan and King Hongnong reached an agreement, otherwise the three parties would unite and confront the north and the south, which might even threaten Nanyang's rule."
Guo Tu leaned over and handed over his hand: "My Lord, although it is unlikely to promote the Yizhou Alliance, we still have to send people to lobby. I am afraid that even Liu Yan may not believe that King Hongnong will not attack Yizhou."
"Well, that makes sense."
Yuan Shao nodded slowly and said softly: "In that case, let Yizhou be handed over to Shen Pei. This man is quite eloquent and has stayed in Luoyang before. He will definitely fulfill his mission."
Guo Tu bowed his head and said: "My lord is wise, so it should be so."
Yuan Shao secretly breathed a sigh of relief: "It's not too late, please make arrangements quickly."
Guo Tu nodded: "Here."
Immediately.
He bowed and left the Octagonal Pavilion and left in a hurry.
*****
Jingzhou, Xiangyang.
State Shepherd's Office.
Liu Biao frowned and paced back and forth.
He was always thinking in his mind, what was the purpose of His Majesty the Nanyang Emperor's move?
He was just a servant, so he sent Liu Dai away?
You know, Liu Dai took the initiative to surrender, and also cooperated with Cao Cao to kill Yuan Yi, the governor of Shanyang County. With this military exploit alone, he should be given to more than just a servant, right?
But who would have thought...
Liu Dai's great contribution was only given to a servant.
What's even more terrible is that if I surrender now and I don't even have the merit of voluntarily surrendering, wouldn't it mean that I am not even qualified to serve as a minister? Is it possible that I will be given the title of Yilang?
Ah poof!
When Liu Biao thought of this, he felt sick and wanted to spit out: "Damn it! Does His Majesty the Emperor of Nanyang really look down on me? He is confident that he can win Jingxiang!"
"Lord!"
Next, Kuai Yue bowed his head and said softly: "Actually, not only Liu Dai, but also the officials in Chang'an also need to go through the Nanyang Hanting examination process."
"If we, Jingzhou, surrender to Nanyang Hanting, not only will you, my lord, not get any benefits, but it will not even be certain whether Jingzhou's civil and military officials can keep their official positions."
"I heard..."
Kuai Yue originally did not want to submit to the Han court in Nanyang. Now that the opportunity came, he naturally wanted to add fuel to the fire and completely put an end to Liu Biao's illusions, so that he could work together to defend against the enemy:
"The exams at Nanyang Hanting are very difficult. Even some great Confucians who are proficient in the Five Classics may not be able to be selected. Moreover, Nanyang has its own Five Classics. If you want to be an official or a politician, you need to learn it from scratch."
"this......"
Kuai Yue sighed and shook his head: "Perhaps even if we enter the Nanyang Hanting, officials at all levels in Jingzhou will become people appointed by Nanyang, and we will not have any share at all."
"The most important thing is that today's officials in Nanyang Hanting are relatively young. If we enter the official career of Nanyang Hanting, our immediate superiors will most likely be younger than us. Who can bear it when he poops and urinates on top of you?
"
"My subordinates have already inquired. Most of the officials from Jingzhou are unwilling to surrender. We should unite and deal with the outside world. Although Nanyang is strong, the south of the Yangtze River is not as good as the northern Xinjiang. We are not without the strength to fight."
"What's more..."
Kuai Yue added: "Now Qingzhou and Jizhou have not yet surrendered, and there is a huge Yellow Turban team in Qingzhou rushing to the originally designated Yanzhou. It is still unclear whether Cao Cao can subdue them."
How could Liu Biao not know what Kuai Yue was thinking, but before that, he had imagined that he could submit to Nanyang, which would at least guarantee him the official position of Jingzhou governor, or the official position of the nine ministers of the imperial court.
But who would have thought...
His Majesty the Emperor of Nanyang is so stingy that even someone like Liu Dai is just given as a servant. If he goes to Nanyang and becomes a 600-kilogram man, it will be a high-priced incense.
The psychological gap was so great that Liu Biao's original intention to join the Nanyang court disappeared in an instant. He would rather continue living in Jingzhou than go to Nanyang to become a councilor.
Bah, shame on you!
Liu Biao frowned, took a deep breath, and asked tentatively: "Xidu, if we start a war with Nanyang, what are the chances of winning?"
"You must know that the opponent has a magical object like the Fire Thunder, which can even blow open the city gate and collapse the city wall. Although Xiangyang City is strong, it may not be able to defend against the Fire Thunder."
Kuai Yue had known earlier that Liu Biao would ask such a question, so he was well prepared and answered fluently: "My lord, Fuhuo Thunder is mainly aimed at the city gate hole."
"We can completely strengthen the city gate and wrap the wooden door with fine iron to increase its defensive properties. We will take advantage of this winter to strengthen the entire city gate. The previous two locks will become three or even four."
"Furthermore, today's city wall is made of plain earth. Although it has been reinforced, it may not be able to prevent the thunder and lightning. But if we wrap a layer of stone bricks around the city wall, the thunder and lightning may not be able to protect it.
It exploded."
In fact, these strategies were thought up by the Jingxiang gentry in advance, in order to let Liu Biao defect to Nanyang, so they never told him. He never thought that the Nanyang Emperor was so arrogant that he only gave Liu Dai an official position in the service.
.
hehe!
This is really...
If you do evil by God, you can still forgive it; if you do evil by yourself, you will not live!
hiss-!
Liu Biao was surprised and gasped: "Wrap the entire outside of Xiangyang City with a layer of stone bricks? Such defense will cost a lot of money, right?"
"kindness."
Kuai Yue naturally knew Liu Biao's thoughts and nodded affirmatively: "Of course it will consume a lot of money, but don't worry, my lord, the money will be provided by the Jingxiang noble clan, so there is no need to bother you, my lord."
"oh?"
Liu Biao was stunned: "Is this money definitely coming from the Jingxiang gentry?"
Kuai Yue said favorably: "That's right!"
"this......"
Liu Biao pondered for a moment, and finally nodded: "Well, if we can stop Fu Huo Lei, we can compete with Nanyang and become invincible."
"That's right!"
Kuai Yue followed up and said: "The most important thing is that Xiangyang is the gateway to Jingxiang. As long as we can guard this place, we can ensure the safety of Jingxiang."
"As for the Suizao Corridor, even Nanyang Hanting would not dare to walk here easily. Once they are ambushed, they may want to retreat safely, but it will not be as easy as imagined."
"and!"
Kuai Yue continued: "Even if we retreat ten thousand steps, Xiangyang cannot be defended. We have retreated into Nanjun. The water system here is very developed. If Nanyang wants to go further, it is not as easy as imagined."
"Therefore, I believe that we should concentrate the infantry in Xiangyang and Jiangxia, and the navy in Nanjun, to make two-way preparations, just in case."
"We should even join forces with Liu Yao of Yangzhou. We can contain Sun Jian and let him attack Runan from Lujiang, or attack Guangling from Wujun. In this way, we may also take the initiative."
Liu Biao pinched a wisp of beard under his chin, and following Kuai Yue's thoughts in his mind, he quickly constructed a strategic diagram.
I have to admit that this is indeed a highly feasible strategy. Once Liu Yao succeeds, they will have the initiative and can completely unite the east and west to encroach on Nanyang.
hiss-!
Liu Biao took a deep breath and said with great interest: "If we can unite with Yuan Shao and let him contain Cao Cao in Yanzhou and Xu Rong in Qingzhou, this strategy will be more feasible."
Kuai Yue smiled indifferently and raised the corners of his lips slightly: "Don't worry, my lord, if my guess is correct, Yuan Shao will definitely come to us. He is more anxious than us now."
"Report—!"
At this moment, a long announcement sounded outside the hall.
Liu Biao looked up.
However, he saw that his bodyguard hurriedly entered the palace, leaned forward and said, "My lord, military advisor, there is a man outside who calls himself Xun Chen. He says he is the envoy of Yuan Shao from Jizhou and wants to meet with my lord, saying that he has important matters to discuss in detail."
Liu Biao was overjoyed and smiled: "Really... Just say Yuan Shao. Yuan Shao will be here soon. Go quickly and let Xun Chen come in. I'll be waiting for him in the living room."
The guard leaned forward and held his hands in his hands: "Here."
Immediately.
Bowed and left the hall.
Liu Biao stood up, walked around the eucalyptus, and entered the palace: "Yidu, come with me to see Xun Chen. If you have anything to say, it's best to explain it clearly in person. It's really not easy for them to come here once."