The next day, Cao Cao went to the General's Mansion early in the morning, and their immediate boss, General He Jin, summoned them.
Cao Zhi also had to be a good general. Cao An pretended to be a personal soldier, and Cao Cao left him two personal soldiers to lead him to the military camp. The imperial guards were divided into five armies, with a total of 10,000 people. The whole army had a central
Army, xiajun, dianjun, auxiliary army, left and right armies. Each army has one or two captains, two generals, one Sima, captain, fire chief and several corps commanders. Each army has a total of two thousand people.
.
They were stationed near the east, west, south and north gates of Luoyang respectively. The branch led by Cao Cao was stationed in Xiyuan outside the west gate, not far from home.
Led by the soldiers to the military camp, after turning around a barracks, I saw flags fluttering on the school field and the entire army standing in neat rows. The soldiers were all in bright clothes. There were more than a dozen horses riding in front of the formation.
The sergeant was waiting quietly near the camp gate.
Xia Houyuan was sitting on the first horse. Seeing Cao Zhi, he kindly rode his horse and led him up. When he got close, Xia Houyuan bowed his hands and said loudly: "Xia Houyuan, commander of the Dian Army, led his troops to greet the general." After saying this, only what was heard behind him
The sergeants shouted "Welcome General" in unison, and then they all knelt down on one leg and kowtowed in military salute.
I saw Cao Zhi wearing a gauntlet, armor, wrist guards, riding boots, and a skirt, which were bright and colorful. He walked forward slowly on his horse, with a solemn look on his face, and shouted to the entire army: "Soldiers, please be free."
present"
After hearing the order, everyone stood up with a swish, their movements were uniform, and the clanking of their armor was also silent. They were worthy of being the highest-level troops of the Han Dynasty. Their movements were well-trained, their clothes were bright, and they were full of energy, but I didn't know
How about a fight with real guns and swords? Cao Zhi thought to himself.
This group of soldiers who had been waiting all morning finally had the opportunity to see the new general's younger brother, their monumental general, up close.
I saw this monument general. Although he was young, he had a dignified appearance, thick eyebrows and wide forehead. He was dressed in a military uniform and had a heroic appearance. He had a weird-looking scimitar hanging on his waist, which made him seem a bit enigmatic. After these three years of experience,
After training, Cao Zhi's baby face has transformed, and he has gained a few more fortitudes that a soldier should have. Cao Cao accepted this army yesterday, but due to the handover and entertainment, he had not had time to review the entire army, so Cao Zhi took the lead. This group of soldiers is also very good.
I want to see what my new coach looks like, and I am not disappointed today. My younger brothers are both handsome and handsome, and my older brother will not be any worse.
Seeing the serious and slightly respectful expressions on the faces of these soldiers, Cao Zhi began to believe that during the Three Kingdoms era, people paid great attention to the appearance of military officers. I heard from Xia Houyuan that there was such a saying among soldiers in this era.
, thinking that by following a mighty-looking general, they think that if they follow the right person, they will be able to win the battle and their own lives will be guaranteed. Even when promoting generals and officials, this is the case. Picking a good-looking one seems like they don’t know how to do it.
It was like losing a battle. When Cao Zhi heard Xia Houyuan talk about this before, he shook his head and snickered.
Under the auspices of Xia Houyuan, Cao Zhi received the organizational ribbon (meaning official seal) and documents that symbolized status. Under the guidance of Xia Houyuan, Cao Zhi introduced the captain, fire chief, and corps commander of the first column. Cao Zhi greeted them one by one.
After accepting their salutes, they reviewed the conduct of the entire army. This group of soldiers had never seen such an approachable general before, and they won a lot of favor. They were busy all morning before disbanding.
Back in the barracks, Cao Zhi took off his heavy armor. He sat down, took a sip of water handed over by Cao An, and asked Xia Houyuan, who was sitting next to him, "You boy, you don't need to pat my horses like this, do you? All the officers and soldiers lined up to greet me."
, conferring official seals and issuing documents are all enjoyed by the commander-in-chief of an army. Why do I put you in such a big formation with a monument? "
Xia Houyuan took a sip of water and said with a smile: "Brother, this formation is deliberately set up. We are new here and we need to build up our momentum. Don't let these soldiers underestimate us. Don't look at the high positions in the army now occupied by us.
Now, this group of captains and corps commanders may not be convinced in their hearts. If you don’t give them some strength, they may not be able to mobilize them in the future. This group of soldiers is very rough. The more troops there are in the capital, the more they will bully and exclude them.
.In the future, the higher you climb, the more you will understand this truth. Besides, your brother went through all the formalities you went through today in the Shangshu Mansion yesterday. You are brothers and will not care about them."
After listening to Xia Houyuan's words, Cao Zhi nodded and felt that it made sense. This was similar to modern office culture. But these words came from Xia Houyuan's mouth, which made Cao Zhi very surprised. Cao Zhi only knew that Xia Houyuan was usually only good at bow and horse. Cao Zhi
I thought he was as honest and simple as Xiahou Dun, and not so scheming. Today, he seems to be quite smart, and he can be entrusted with important things in the future. The Xiahou family is related to the Cao family, and the two families have been in contact since Cao Song's generation.
Close, the two brothers Cao Zhi have become even closer in their generation. They have lived in Qiao County since childhood, grew up studying together, and playing together. They have a deep relationship, and they can talk freely in private, and talk about whatever they want. This kind of thing happened today
, Xia Houyuan's starting point was mostly for Cao Cao and Cao Zhi. He did not ask for credit from Cao Zhi before or after. He was completely in a natural state of mind to protect the interests of the Cao family. It can also be said that this is the feeling of naked brothers.
While they were talking, the messenger reported that Cao Cao was back. He put down his water cup and went out to greet Cao Cao.
"It's nothing. All the captains of the Forbidden Army met and listened to General He's instructions and went about their official business." Cao Cao said. After speaking, Cao Cao thought about something while holding the water bowl.
Cao Zhi saw that Cao Cao had a different look on his face, and was worried that he might have leaked the news about Dong Zhuo. Others couldn't ask, since he was his biological brother, so there was nothing to worry about. He paused, looked at what Cao Cao had thought of, and then asked: "What's the matter, brother, are you okay?"
What's wrong?"
Cao Cao looked around and saw that everyone here was his own. He thought for a while and said, "Speaking of what's wrong, Yuan Shao talked to me about the faults of eunuchs during drinking last night and how General He is loyal to the emperor and patriotic. Today we have another
He and I privately gave guidance to those who were riding as captains and whose captains were General He, and those who had voted for Jian Shuo or the eunuchs. They wanted me to conspire with General He on big things. Later, because other people came to salvage them, I didn’t.
If you continue talking, I don’t know what big thing they are collaborating on." After Cao Cao finished speaking, he drank the water in his hand.
When Cao Zhi heard that the news was not about Dong Zhuo, he breathed a sigh of relief. Then he thought about what Cao Cao said. Yuan Shao is not a good figure either. Even if we are brothers now, we will not be able to fight each other in the future. This is an ironclad rule in history.
thing.
Cao Zhi was still thinking, but Xia Houyuan spoke first, "This matter should not be ignored. He Jin's wife and the eunuch Jian Shuo have always been at odds with each other. It seems that Yuan Shao has joined He Jin's brother.
I want to get you to join us, brother." Cao Cao nodded in agreement.
Cao Zhi thought something about it when they mentioned the eunuch, and heard him say: "Could it be that something is going to happen in the palace? Fighting for power need not be said to be a big deal, then we can only fight for bigger things...
"Cao Zhi is a modern person after all. He has been in modern companies and knows that there must be a purpose to win over someone for no reason.
Although Cao Zhi did not explain clearly what big thing he wanted to plan, after Cao Zhi mentioned that Cao Cao was a veteran in officialdom, he immediately realized it. He stood up and walked around, sorted out his thoughts, sat back down, and looked at these people.
Said: "It seems that it is probably a dispute between Chu and Wei."
After saying that, several people looked confused, straightened their clothes and continued: "Now the emperor has two princes, but he has not yet established a prince. The prince Liu Bian was born to the queen, and the prince Liu Xie was born to Wang Meiren, who died early. Empress He
Why Jin's sister? He Jin naturally hopes that his nephew will be established as the prince so that he can inherit the great treasure in the future." After saying this, he smiled proudly at everyone and returned to his seat.
Cao Cao went on to say: "The eunuchs naturally refuse to rest. It is not good for them to support Liu Bian. Naturally, they have to support the second prince Liu Xie. I heard that the second prince Liu Xie is only nine years old. These eunuchs like to support young princes the most.
It is easy to be manipulated by them. The current emperor was supported by Zhao Zhong and Zhang Rang since childhood, so the current emperor obeys their words."
After listening, everyone believed that Yuan Shao's "collusion in big things" was most likely referring to the battle for the reserve. But what Cao Zhi didn't understand was, even if it was a battle for the reserve, why would he win over so many generals? This seems to be the case.
Winning over civil servants, such as the "three public servants" and so on.
"Is it possible that there is something about today's Holy Emperor..." Xiahou Yuan said thoughtfully.
As they were talking, someone came outside to report that someone had sent an invitation to Captain Cao. Cao Cao took it and looked at it, turned around with a confused face and handed the invitation to Cao Zhi who was standing behind him and said, "Jian Shuo invited me to the banquet tonight.
"
"It's the Jian Shuo you beat my uncle to death..." Xiahou Dun said, not wanting to open the pot.
"Brother, are you going or not?" Xia Houyuan asked Cao Cao. "No," Cao Cao replied decisively.
The room was quiet for a while, everyone was guessing the purpose of Jian Shuo's banquet with Cao Cao. Cao Zhi was the first to break the silence. Cao Zhi cleared his throat and said: "Brother, you should go. The eldest brother is now the captain of the Forbidden Army. Although Jian Shuo is in power in Yulin.
The army has nothing to do with the eldest brother, but the eldest brother's current status and rights are different from those of the Northern Wei Dynasty. Jian Shuo's banquet with his eldest brother at this time is not to seek old revenge, but to win over. Jian Shuo is the only one in the eunuch group who has military power.
One of you, I asked you to ask Big Brother because he now has military power. This important matter involves military power, so I’m guessing here, it’s better to take the risk yourself, maybe there will be unexpected gains.”
After hearing what Cao Zhi said, Cao Cao glanced at Cao Zhi, then lowered his head in silence and began to think.
Xia Houyuan nodded and said: "What Ren said makes sense. It doesn't matter if we go there. At least we can get some information."
After listening to Cao Zhi's analysis, Cao Cao felt that it made sense. Now he listened to Xia Houyuan's advice, slapped the table, stood up and said, "Well, then go and meet this eunuch."
Cao Cao accepted the invitation and went to Jian Shuo's Mansion. Just in case, he asked Xiahou Dun to disguise himself as a servant and bring a dozen soldiers with him.
As Cao Zhi expected, Jian Shuo just wanted to win over Cao Cao, and even gave Cao Cao a jade belt hook, which was said to have been worn by Duke Heng of Qi. Jian Shuo believed that Cao Cao was the grandson of Cao Teng, and since Cao Teng was also an eunuch, he should naturally be included in the group.
They**. He didn't know that Cao Cao hated people mentioning his birth. Cao Cao felt like throwing up after eating with Jian Shuo. Jian Shuo also talked endlessly about his friendship with Cao Teng back then and the contribution he made to Cao Cao and his father's current official position.
.
The meal was not entirely worthless. When the wine was in full swing, Bao Hong, the military colonel who was accompanying him, got a little drunk and leaked the news that the emperor was in poor health recently.
After hearing this, Cao Zhi looked thoughtfully in the direction of the palace and thought to himself that this "big event" was probably not just a battle for the throne, but a battle for the throne.