The Collection of The End

——AD 187——

Yanzhou, Chenliu.

Due to the unwise actions of Liu Dai, the governor of Yanzhou, he was directly arrested and placed under house arrest by his subordinates. Changyi, the county seat, was also controlled by forces from all over Yanzhou. Later, a large amount of evidence of collusion with Zhang Rang's faction was found from his residence. The local officials who were still a little guilty for offending their superiors suddenly felt more at ease.

It's not surprising if you think about it carefully. Out of fear, the other Liu clan members were released by Emperor Ling, and only he stayed in Yanzhou, which was actually the gateway to Luoyang. How could this be possible if Shi Changshi hadn't put in a good word for him?

After that, Cao Cao's army marched to Chenliu without any hindrance. This place can be said to be very close to Luoyang. The only obstacle left along the way is Hulao Pass. If it is difficult to capture in a hurry, they can also detour to the south and start from the relatively easier to capture. Sishui Pass to Luoyang.

However, before the opportunity came, Cao Cao and others had to stay in Chenliu for a few days and accept the hospitality of their old classmates Zhang Miao and Xu You. During this period, Xu You seemed to want to surrender to Cao Cao, but after talking with Xun Yu, he felt ashamed. Unable to speak.

Xun Yu said to Cao Cao: "Although Xu Ziyuan is a wise man, he is greedy and unruly, loves great achievements, and has an impure character. If Meng De takes care of the friendship of his classmates and uses it, he can only use it externally, not internally, and it can only be empty." Auxiliary, not real master."

To put it simply, although he is capable, he will do extremely harmful things in order to show off his abilities, so he cannot hold important positions and important tasks. Just give him a position where he can boast about being famous in front of others.

Cao Cao was deeply convinced at that time and said: "Zi Yuan can be Yilang."

Yilang is a kind of official who can express comments and opinions on anyone and anything when discussing politics. Although his position is high, he does not have the power to directly order, which just meets the requirements.

On this day, an envoy arrived, claiming to be from the Yuan family in Luoyang. Cao Cao did not dare to neglect, and immediately summoned all his men and Princess Wannian to come to discuss matters.

The envoy was about forty, wearing a scholar's uniform, with thick eyebrows and big eyes, a broad mouth, a serious expression, and a serious expression. Even when he saw Cai Wenji riding an alpaca running into the meeting hall, his eyes did not waver.

He didn't look like a random messenger... Cao Cao and Cai Wan exchanged glances, but found that no one knew him, so they couldn't take the initiative to address him.

"Mr. Zhengnan?" On the contrary, Yuan Shao, who followed Liu Nai in at the end, recognized him: "Why do you call yourself the envoy of the Yuan family? I remember that you are the long history of Taiwei Chen Qiu?"

"The judge has met Princess Wannian." The envoy first saluted Liu Nai, and then said to Yuan Shao: "The family teacher was dismissed due to the Jizhou earthquake a few years ago. Because Lord Sikong is righteous, the family teacher did not come until his later years. It’s too desolate, and I can’t repay you, so I recommend myself to be the master of Lord Sikong’s account.”

"What? What happened to Taiwei after the earthquake? He must also be the chief agricultural officer if he is to be laid off!" Yuan Shao's train of thought went astray as usual.

"Ahem!" Cao Cao, whose father was a former chief agricultural officer, coughed and stopped Yuan Shao from talking nonsense, and said to the judge: "So, Judge Bo, I wonder what the message from the Yuan family is?"

Since all parties in Luoyang were at war with each other at this time, ordinary messengers would inevitably have their letters confiscated. Only unparalleled warriors who could avoid the search and literati who could completely write down the message to be conveyed could serve as messengers.

"Because the news of Princess Wannian's arrival in Yanzhou was leaked, He Jin had a fight with Zhang Rang. He has killed her and is purging her remaining forces." The first words of the judge made everyone in the hall change their colors.

"[Ah... I asked you why the people in the General's Mansion in Luoyang have become so arrogant recently, while the forces of the Ten Constant Attendants are only trying to protect themselves,]" the "substitute" said as if he suddenly realized: "[That fire didn't happen at all. I was not present at the time, and all parties remained silent afterwards, so I couldn’t find out the reason?]”

This is one of the reasons... Cao Cao nodded secretly. Although the "substitute" himself was fast, the act of collecting intelligence itself was not fast. At least he had to listen to all the conversations containing intelligence.

In this way, events occurring elsewhere during the same period may be ignored.

"It's strange. Neither the relatives nor the eunuchs should want me to go back. Why did they start fighting after getting the news?" Liu Nai is still dressed in a green jacket and red skirt, but today she has an extra pair of hair tied on the back of her head. Butterfly flower crown.

"I guess one of them can gain some advantage through the princess returning to Luoyang, while the other party is trying to stop them." Cai Wan said.

Xun Yu thought about it but did not offer any opinion. It seemed that there were too few known conditions to deduce the result.

"So, what does Yuan Sikong think about this?" Cao Cao thought for a while and was convinced that this judge could not be here to convey this matter that had nothing to do with him, so he asked.

"After that, the Yang family of Hongnong, the Wang family of Hedong and other important officials of the local wealthy family took advantage of the situation when He Jin and Zhang Rang were both hurt. They took decisive action to capture He Jin. At this time, he was working with the Queen's 'Diao Chan' and Shi Chang's remnant party. Confrontation." Shen Pei said.

"[What——]" The "substitute" put on a look like "I missed so many big things", and then disappeared on the spot with a swipe of the ground.

"Master Sikong sent me here to ask Mr. Cao and Mr. Yuan what position they are going to take in the chaos in Luoyang to avoid conflicts between the two parties," Shen Pei quickly continued without waiting for anyone present to raise questions. Said: "By the way: Yuan eldest son's younger brother, Yuan 2nd son Yuan Shu, is preparing to lead troops to raid the palace and capture the queen."

"..."

The intelligence that the judge told was not much, but the simple movements of those forces contained countless games. When everyone present was thinking about the position Cao Cao should choose at this time, it seemed that no matter what choice he chose, it was right, and it seemed that no matter what he chose, it would be correct. wrong.

"Haha... Wen Ruo, it seems that as you said, Luoyang is 'a single move can affect the whole body'. After Liu Dai sent the information back to Luoyang, the situation has become somewhat incomprehensible," Cao Cao After thinking about several plans, he gave up and turned to Xun Yu and asked, "What do you think of the situation at this time?"

Among the people present, only Xun Yu did not think about it for too long. It was obvious that he had already made a conclusion on the matter. When he heard Cao Cao's inquiry, he just smiled slightly: "Meng De can't make a decision, just because of Meng De's own condition" The position' has not yet been made clear, and due to Meng De's own 'leadership temperament', the 'positions' of the people gathered under his banner are also different, which leads to a sense of constraint when making choices. However, at this time, only Meng De Answer just one question and you don’t need to think too much about the choice.”

Cao Cao pondered for a moment and responded solemnly: "Wen Ruo, please."

"I would like to ask, Meng De wants to be Jiang Shang? Duke of Zhou? Or... Wang Mangye?"

"..."

The hall became quiet again, even quieter than when the trial partner revealed the details of Luoyang. Even the alpaca was too scared to continue chewing.

Indeed, at this time, Cao Cao controlled Qingzhou and Yanzhou, influenced Xuzhou, and actually controlled Yuzhou. He had tiger and leopard cavalry, Qingzhou soldiers, and many good generals and advisers. At this time, he even looked like he was going to invade Luoyang. Someone should ask him "What do you want to do?"

But other people could not ask this question out of long-term trust or kinship and interest relationships. Then, only Xun Yu, who had just joined and had made great achievements, but had not yet explicitly called "Lord", could ask.

"[Hmph, hum, that's it~]" In the silence, only the "stand-in" who had just returned could speak at will: "[I can't tell, Xun Yu and Xun Wenruo, this guy who looks full of evil, is actually Liu A staunch supporter of the world.】"

how do I say this?

Cao Cao, who was thinking, cast a covert questioning look at him.

"[Hmph, look, he mentioned Jiang Shang and Duke Zhou first, and then even if he doesn't mention Gaozu, he has to mention Qin Shihuang, right? What's going on when he suddenly jumps to Wang Mang, who definitely can't be chosen?]" The "substitute" said in a mocking tone The tone said: "[This can only mean that he thinks that this big man should continue. Even if Liu Hong is not saved, you can be Jiang Shang and support the Wannian Princess Liu Nai, or be the Duke of Zhou and assist Liu Bian or Liu Xie, But if you want to replace Wang Mang, he will have to say goodbye and leave.】"

So, how should you answer? Cao Cao asked again with his eyes.

"[If it were me, I would reply to him, 'It's not Wang Mang, it's Liu Xiu' and see how he reacts.]" the substitute responded.

"Hehehe~" In a burst of oppressive silence, Cao Cao laughed happily and stepped towards Yuan Shao.

"Huh? Meng De, what's wrong?" Yuan Shao naturally didn't keep quiet because he understood the seriousness of Xun Yu's question. He simply followed it blindly because everyone else had quieted down.

"At this beginning, we are brothers, right?" Cao Cao patted him on the shoulder.

"That's right, brothers with integrity!" Yuan Shao immediately responded with his chest raised.

"So, is it reasonable for me to call the princess 'sister'?" Cao Cao asked again.

"Uh... I don't care what I said..." Yuan Shao turned his head to look at the princess.

"Hehe, little sister has met brother." Liu Nai raised her skirt and saluted.

"I can't be the Duke of Zhou, I can only be the Marquis of Zhou." Cao Cao turned to Xun Yu: "Wen Ruo, are you satisfied with this answer?"

Zhou Hou, surnamed Ji Mingfeng, was the second "great man" in the Zhou Dynasty after Duke Zhou. At that time, due to a series of coincidences, his sister Ji Yue became the queen of the Zhou Dynasty. In order to prevent her sister who was not good at handling political affairs from being in a hurry, he He held a series of positions such as national counselor, prime minister, and general, etc., and managed the entire Zhou Dynasty in an orderly manner. All the princes were obedient, and even natural disasters never happened. There was nothing to bother the queen about.

Although some people in later generations claimed that he was coercing his sister to control the princes, the sister herself had no objection and it was difficult for others to say anything.

"Haha... very good." Although this answer was not in Xun Yu's plan, he was obviously satisfied: "Then the next strategy is simple."

"[Hey, are you serious?]" The only one who had an opinion on this was the "substitute", "[I heard that Zhou Zhou's son became a monk because he always ignored his family, Ang. Er and Pi'er are in danger.】"

"Shut up..." Cao Cao kept smiling and squeezed out two words through his teeth.