Chapter 501 Cao Cao is shocked! Yuan Shao actually cast himself into the net?
"Ziyuan, where are we going?"
On the way to Qinghe, Yuan Shao looked at the wilderness and plains in the distance and couldn't help but wonder.
"Of course I'm going to find Meng De."
Xu You was very happy at this moment because he was going to complete the task soon.
"Ziyuan."
Not to mention Yuan Shao, even Feng Ji was a little confused: "If we go like this, can we really find Cao Cao? Shouldn't he be a groom now?"
"That's right."
Xu You nodded affirmatively: "Mengde is indeed a groom now. Naturally, we can't show up easily. Therefore, we need to find a close confidant of Cao Cao to contact him."
"So that's it."
Yuan Shao nodded in sudden realization, and immediately understood: "Is Ziyuan going to find Cao Ren? This direction should be the direction where Cao Ren was stationed."
"My lord, you have a good memory."
Xu You hurriedly nodded in praise and continued: "Cao Ren is Cao Cao's most trusted general. Now that Cao Cao has been dismissed and becomes a groom in the camp, we must find Cao Ren before we can find Cao Cao."
kindness.
Yuan Shaoshen thought so.
At least, there's nothing wrong with the logic.
Feng Ji put forward a different view: "Ziyuan, Cao Cao has become a horseman, shouldn't we go directly to Cao Chun? He is the commander of Cao's cavalry camp. If we find Cao Chun, we will find Cao Cao."
"That's the truth."
"but......"
Xu You responded without hesitation: "Do you know where Cao Chun is? The cavalry battalion is Cao Cao's main force. Normally, it is stationed close to the main camp."
"However, once a war breaks out, the cavalry battalion's camp is not fixed, even if it is still near the main camp. At this time, can we easily venture into dangerous places?"
Yuan Shao nodded slowly and said softly: "Yes, what Ziyuan said makes sense. Even if we know the location of the cavalry camp, we can't come easily. It's best to find someone from Cao Ying instead."
"Cao Ren is indeed a good entry point. He is now considered the third main force after the Xiahou brothers. He also has a good relationship with Cao A'ao and is fully qualified for this task."
Xu You bowed his head and said: "My lord is wise."
Yuan Shao exhaled and waved his hands: "Ziyuan, how long will it take for us to reach Cao Ren's camp?"
"this......"
Xu You frowned and said with confusion on his face: "It should be soon. After all, we have been gone for a long time. According to common sense, Tang Mao should have sent troops by now."
"Report—!"
At this moment, a long announcement suddenly sounded not far away.
Yuan Shao raised his eyes and looked.
But seeing a horse riding Juechen approaching, he bowed and handed over his hand: "My lord, we found a troop of soldiers and horses in front of us. The banner has the word 'Cao' on it. I think they must be Cao Ren's troops."
Yuan Shao asked hurriedly: "Oh? How many soldiers and horses does the opponent have?"
The scout replied: "About six thousand."
"Six thousand?"
Yuan Shao frowned and turned to look at Feng Ji: "Yuan Tu, are the troops adequate?"
Feng Ji nodded: "That's right, Cao Ren's troops are five or six thousand, so it should be Cao Ren."
call-
Yuan Shao finally heaved a sigh of relief, feeling secretly happy. He waved his hand and said, "Ziyuan, the next step is up to you. First, go up and seize the camp and test out Cao Ren's tone."
Xu You leaned over and handed over his hand without hesitation: "Don't worry, my lord, just leave it to me. You can find a place to hide it. I will definitely be back within an hour."
Yuan Shao nodded: "Okay, no problem."
Immediately.
Xu You spurred his horse and turned around to leave.
Looking at Xu You's leaving figure, Yuan Shao couldn't help but sigh: "Zi Yuan is a truly loyal minister."
Feng Ji sighed: "Yes, Ziyuan is indeed loyal to the master."
Yuan Shao waved his hand and said: "Let's go, let's find a place to hide. Just send someone here to keep an eye on it."
Feng Ji held his hand and said: "Here."
*****
"Slow down the march?"
Cao Ren frowned, with a look of disbelief on his face.
Everyone else was very quick and wanted to kill Quliang the next day and take Yuan Shao's head. However, his own general did the opposite and actually ordered to slow down the march.
Can you believe this?
Regardless of whether you believe it or not, Cao Ren didn't believe it anyway: "Are you sure? Is it a mistake?"
The ordering soldier made sure and affirmed: "General, this order is not given to you alone, but to all generals, not just you, but also General Xiahou. How could it be wrong?"
"What's more."
Speaking of this, the ordering soldier added: "Before we came out, we repeatedly confirmed that this is the military order. Look, there is the general's seal on it."
"The villain may make a mistake, but this seal is definitely unmistakable. This is indeed the general's order. There must be no problem. Don't worry."
Some military orders can be passwords, but some military orders must be backed by written evidence, especially the more abnormal military orders like now.
Cao Ren took a deep breath and tried to stay calm.
His eyes were fixed on the military order, and neither the handwriting nor the seal could be fake.
Finally, Cao Ren agreed and waved his hand: "Okay, I understand. You can go back and tell the general that I don't have to worry here."
The ordering soldier bowed and raised his hands: "Here."
Immediately.
He turned around and galloped away.
Cao Ren put away his military orders and waved his hand: "Come here."
The soldiers beside him rode forward: "General, what are your orders?"
Cao Ren exhaled: "It's not far ahead, we'll set up camp. We won't leave today."
The ordering soldier bowed and raised his hands: "Here."
Following, he reined up his horse, turned around, and galloped out to convey the military order.
Not long after.
Suddenly, a long announcement sounded from the front:
"Report—!"
Cao Ren looked up.
But when he saw a horse galloping towards him, he leaned forward and said, "General, the former army found a spy. He said his name is Xu You and he is here to see you, General."
"Xu You?"
Cao Ren was stunned for a moment.
He naturally knew what happened back then, and even more so that Xu You was an undercover agent. His eyes suddenly brightened: "Are you sure he is Xu You?"
"this......"
Seeing the frowning look on the messenger's brow, Cao Ren stopped talking nonsense and waved his hand: "That's all, let someone bring him over. I'll know after I see it with my own eyes."
The ordering soldier nodded hurriedly: "Here."
Immediately.
Run away.
After a while, two soldiers came with Xu You.
From a distance, Cao Ren recognized this cunning man with small eyes. It was none other than Xu You.
"Xu Ziyuan, is it really you?"
Cao Ren quickly got off his horse and took the initiative to greet him.
"That's right."
Xu You nodded affirmatively: "That's right, how is the general doing now?"
Cao Ren did not hesitate: "Very good, he is at the camp."
Xu You breathed out: "That's good. I've brought Yuan Shao over. We're going to meet sometime and settle the matter quickly. You don't have to go to Qu Liang. Just leave it to Xu Rong and Zhang Liao."
"Very good."
Cao Ren was ecstatic in his heart and said hurriedly: "Leave this matter to me and I will arrange it myself. If you have anything to do, just tell me directly and I will definitely do it."
"There really is..."
Xu You took a deep breath and said with certainty.
"It's just what Ziyuan ordered."
Cao Ren hurriedly put down his posture and listened attentively: "The final general will keep it in his heart."
Xu You said softly: "I tricked Yuan Shao into coming here. There are some things that you must keep in mind and be sure not to reveal the truth. Otherwise, if he walks away, the gain will outweigh the loss."
Cao Ren handed over his hand and said, "Please Ziyuan please make it clear."
"Is such that."
At that moment, Xu You briefly stated the whole story.
Immediately afterwards, he explained some precautions to Cao Ren in detail.
After all, Cao Ren was a warrior and his actions were rough. Xu You only felt relieved after checking several times to make sure everything was correct: "That's it, general, just remember it."
Cao Ren patted his chest and assured: "Don't worry, Ziyuan. You have told me so many times. If I can't remember it again, I would be too stupid. Don't worry, I have already engraved it in my heart."
"very good."
Only then did Xu You feel relieved and said softly: "In that case, after you have set up the camp, I will ask Yuan Shao to come over. During this time, you must make arrangements and make sure nothing goes wrong."
"kindness."
Cao Ren nodded: "Don't worry, I guarantee you won't make any mistakes, just go ahead."
Xu You cupped his hands and said, "In that case, I'll take my leave."
Cao Ren nodded: "Okay, fortunately."
Looking at Xu You's leaving figure, Cao Ren sighed: "I finally understand why the general ordered the slow march, haha, it's our turn to make a contribution, this is our destiny!"
Immediately.
Cao Ren turned his head and ordered: "Come here, tell the whole army, we are not going to leave, we will set up camp on the spot."
The soldier raised his hand and said, "Here!"
*****
"Lord."
In a place leeward, Feng Ji was chatting with Yuan Shao: "I heard that Cao Cao is your old friend, and he is many years younger than you. This man is now the Tiankuixing of Nanyang, and his status is high. I'm afraid it will be difficult to shake him."
"kindness."
Yuan Shao did not question it and nodded: "Yes, Cao Ah Man's status is indeed high now, and this boy has always been a master who does not suffer losses. Under normal circumstances, it is indeed difficult to convince him."
"But it's different now..."
Yuan Shao was full of confidence and said sonorously: "The Emperor of Nanyang is now suspicious of him, and he has also sent his father-in-law, removed him from military power, and ordered him to be a groom."
"snort!"
With a slight snort, Yuan Shao felt like he had everything under control: "Cao Ah Man has a suspicious character to begin with. The more the emperor behaves like this, the more worried he will be, worrying about whether he will lose his life one day."
"Perhaps, without us, he will consider his own retreat. Once we appear, we will definitely become his first choice. As long as the price is high enough, I believe Cao Ah Man will not refuse."
Cao Cao was suspicious by nature, and Feng Ji also knew this.
I have to admit that what Yuan Shao said does make some sense, but Fengji is still a little worried: "My lord, what I said makes sense, but we still can't take it lightly. Cao Cao is by no means a person who makes decisions easily."
"Moreover, many of Cao's relatives now serve in the Nanyang Army, and some even settled their families in Wancheng. If he really rebels, these people will surely suffer."
Yuan Shao didn't think this was a problem at all. Instead, he smiled calmly and said, "Don't you think this is an advantage?"
Feng Ji was stunned: "Master, what do you mean?"
"It's very simple."
Yuan Shao said with great certainty: "We are in the dark now. As long as we can convince Cao Cao, we can make him deploy and make arrangements in advance. By then, both internal and external efforts will be made, and the foundation of Nanyang will be shaken."
Feng Ji: "..."
Yuan Shao's magical brain circuit also opened Feng Ji's eyes.
but......
Before Fengji could refute, he heard a familiar voice not far away:
"Lord—!"
"Lord—!"
It’s Xu You.
Yuan Shao judged it immediately.
The two subconsciously turned around and saw Xu You smiling broadly, knowing that Cao Ren had been taken care of.
Feng Ji frowned and couldn't help but be surprised: "So fast?"
Yuan Shao smiled: "Wouldn't it be better to hurry up? I'm already anxious to death."
"Ziyuan."
Yuan Shao waved his hand to signal Xu You to come over. Without waiting for the other party to speak, he hurriedly asked: "How is the situation?"
Xu Youfei nodded quickly and said: "Cao Ren has promised to help with the introduction, and will set up camp later and is not going to continue on the road. According to what he said, the generals of the Cao family are very dissatisfied with Nanyang's actions."
"oh?"
Yuan Shao was surprised: "Really?"
Xu You nodded: "Well, I heard that Bao Xin is now under surveillance because of his plea to Cao Cao. Once the war is over, he will most likely face dismissal from his military post."
hiss-!
When Yuan Shao heard this, he couldn't help but gasped: "Is it so serious?"
Even an outsider like Yuan Shao is very aware of the welfare benefits of the Nanyang army.
Once Bao Xin's current military position is removed, the corresponding welfare benefits will also be cancelled. A conservative estimate is that at least the hidden value of hundreds of gold will be completely wiped out.
This is definitely a huge loss for Bao Xin.
Xu You solemnly replied: "That's right."
Feng Ji sighed: "If this is true, it is reasonable for the generals of the Cao clan to be in danger. Maybe we can really convince Cao Cao, but not necessarily."
"sure!"
Xu You was certain and affirmative: "Cao Ren is already like this, let alone Cao Cao who is a groom."
Yuan Shao was equally confident: "Don't worry, I will pay you the full price! Ziyuan, how do you arrange it now?"
Xu You leaned over and handed over his hand: "The general thinks that we can live in Cao Ren's army, and then let Cao Ren try to take Cao Cao over, and we can discuss it together."
"No!"
Without waiting for Yuan Shao's answer, Feng Ji immediately denied: "It is too dangerous to do this. If the master is exposed, it will be difficult to ensure safety. Don't forget that in Cao's army now, there are not only generals of the Cao clan, but also exams
Officers come out."
"this......"
Although Xu You expected it would be difficult, he didn't expect that he would be so thoughtful and considerate.
Yuan Shao on the side couldn't help but nodded: "Indeed, although Cao Cao is the commander-in-chief, and although the generals of the Cao clan are in charge of each battalion, Tang Mao can control the entire army, which has proven that there are many forces loyal to the royal family. We can't do this
adventure."
"How about this?"
Yuan Shao turned to glance at Xu You and said softly: "Ziyuan, go and communicate with Cao Ren and ask him to send someone to send us to Cao Cao, and then make an appointment to talk in detail."
Feng Ji nodded: "If that's the case... I think it's okay, at least it can guarantee safety."
Xu You paused and nodded: "Okay, after Cao Ren sets up camp, I will make another trip to test his tone. Others may not know where Cao Cao is, but he must know."
Yuan Shao patted Xu You on the shoulder: "Okay, thank you for your hard work."
"where."
Xu You hurriedly handed over his hand: "This is what subordinates should do, not to mention hard work."
Having said that, Xu You was actually very unhappy.
If Yuan Shao enters Cao's camp, victory is basically declared and the mission is completed.
But now, Yuan Shao suddenly wanted to do this, which undoubtedly made the task more difficult.
But it doesn't matter. Yuan Shao has entered Cao Ren's surveillance range and has no possibility of escaping.
*****
Qinghe.
Cao Jun's camp.
Central army, big tent.
In front of the cowhide map, Cao Cao stood with his hands behind his back, his eyes fixed on the map, and sighed: "Xu Rong's movements are indeed very fast. If his guess is correct, he will compete with Zhang Liao."
"yes."
Cheng Li on the side was also filled with emotion: "Even I didn't expect that Xu Rong's reaction was so quick. It seems that he is really determined to win Yuan Shao's head."
"Xu Rong?"
Tang Mao chewed the name over and over again and said softly: "He is already over fifty and an old man. How long can he keep fluttering? I think he is just fighting for honor and has no further ideas."
"kindness."
Cao Cao nodded and said with deep understanding: "What the abbot said makes sense. Once the imperial court unifies the whole country, it will inevitably expand outward. People who are over fifty years old will eventually be unable to bear it."
"No matter how Xu Rong performs, this time may be the end of his military career. It is reasonable to want to retire with honor. Your Majesty may give him a title to let him live in his old age."
"But Zhang Liao..."
Cao Cao frowned and sighed: "Not only is he young, he is also extremely capable. The most important thing is that his relationship with His Majesty is unmatched by Cao."
"If Yuan Shao's head is taken by Zhang Liao, maybe I, Cao Cao, will not be the general who conquers the west. Now we can only see what your majesty decides."
Cheng Li consoled him: "General, don't be anxious, the matter has not yet been decided."
Tang Mao also comforted him: "Yes, Mengde, don't worry, I think His Majesty prefers you."
Cao Cao smiled lightly: "I'm not in a hurry, I'm just doing an objective analysis. Even if Zhang Liao takes Yuan Shao's head, I, Cao Cao, may not be defeated. I believe in His Majesty's vision."
"kindness."
Tang Mao nodded: "Isn't this right? Let's just wait and see. His Majesty will make his own decision."
Cao Cao let out a long sigh and turned around: "Your Majesty's ambitions are beyond the reach of Cao Cao. Just wait."
"Report—!"
At this moment, a long announcement sounded outside the tent.
Tang Mao and others looked up.
But then, the guards opened the curtain and walked in. He stepped forward quickly, bowed and held his hands in his hands: "Headmaster, General, Cao Tai needs to see you for something."
Cao Cao frowned: "Cao Tai?"
The guard nodded: "Yes, he is the son of General Cao."
hiss-!
Cao Cao was stunned: "What is he doing here?"
"this......"
The guard shook his head: "Cao Tai said that he would not speak until he met the general, and he also brought an autographed letter from his father."
Cao Cao took a deep breath, knowing that he was here on his father's orders, and hurriedly waved his hands and said: "Let him come in."
The guard held up his hands: "Here."
Immediately.
He bowed and left the tent.
Not long after, Cao Tai came to the big tent, bowed and handed over his hands: "Head of the country, general, military advisor, I am here on my father's orders. I have an urgent report!"
Cao Cao waved his hand: "Send me your father's autographed letter."
Cao Tai nodded: "Here."
Immediately.
He took out the letter from his arms and handed it to Cao Cao.
Cao Cao tore open the envelope and started browsing. His eyes were as wide as a bell and he gasped: "This guy Yuan Shao actually threw away most of them and entered Qinghe alone?"
"What?"
Suddenly, Cheng Li was stunned.
Tang Mao, the head of state, was even more stunned: "Yuan Shao has actually arrived in Qinghe?"
The next moment, everyone's eyes were focused on Cao Tai, as if expecting his answer.
But seeing that, Cao Tai nodded affirmatively: "Yes, we have arrived at Qinghe. However, Yuan Shao is afraid that something has gone wrong and is not in the camp yet. He hopes that the general can come out and interview him."
No matter how hard you try, you won't be able to find anything, and it won't take any effort at all!
Happiness comes so unprepared.
Cao Cao nodded hurriedly: "Okay, I can interview him to dispel his doubts, just..."
Then, Cao Cao turned to look at the map and said softly: "Choose Yuan City not far from the south bank of Qinghe River. The target there is small and it is not easy to arouse suspicion. Yuan Shao will definitely agree."
"Source City?"
Cao Tai kept it in mind and nodded slowly: "Okay, in that case, my nephew will go back first. In three days, my father will take Yuan Shao and others to Yuancheng."
"kindness."
Cao Cao nodded and sighed: "We are good friends after all. How could his head fall into the hands of others? It should belong to me, Cao Cao."
"You go back and tell your father that if a duck comes to your mouth, he will never be allowed to fly away. People must be monitored for twelve hours. If he notices something is wrong, he will be arrested in advance. Do you understand?"
Cao Tai bowed and handed over his hand: "General, don't worry, my father will live up to his high expectations."
Cao Cao then felt relieved and said, "Okay, in that case, you can go back and don't show any signs of weakness."
Cao Tai nodded: "Here."
Say it.
He bowed and left the tent.
"Hahaha!"
The next second, Tang Mao, Cao Cao and others looked up to the sky and laughed wildly.
Especially Cao Cao, who couldn't hide the smile on his face: "I didn't expect that Yuan Shao actually came to the door on his own initiative. This guy Xu You is really smart."
"yes."
Cheng Li sighed, with a look of disbelief on his face: "I never thought that Yuan Shao would actually appear in such a way. He used the army as bait to make the golden cicada escape from its shell and come to Qinghe."
"It seems..."
Cheng Lipan smiled and said: "Our performance during this period is quite good."
Tang Mao let out a long sigh and felt relieved: "As long as I capture Yuan Shao, my mission will be completed. This period of time has not been easy. I will make up for it when I get back."
"Thank you for your hard work, father-in-law."
Cao Cao hurriedly cupped his hands and clasped his fists, thanking: "Cao is able to capture Yuan Shao, and it is a credit to the father of the country. Don't worry, Cao knows what to do?"
Tang Mao waved his hand and interrupted directly: "Mengde, I didn't mean that. Don't get me wrong. I really feel tired and my body is not as good as before."
Cao Cao smiled faintly: "Don't worry, Abbot. Cao knows your Majesty's temperament. How dare you bribe you? I think Your Majesty will reward the Abbot well."
Tang Mao pinched a strand of goatee under his chin: "Tang's is enough, don't ask for any favors!"