Three Kingdoms

Yanzhou.

Dressed in filial piety, Wei Jian fell to the ground and cried out about the tragic experience of the Wei family in Hedong. Tears were streaming down his face, and he was so miserable that one could not help but feel sad after watching it.

Cao Cao comforted him for a while, and then asked his attendants to help Wei Qian go down first. He felt a little headache and couldn't help but reach out and rub the side of his forehead.

Cao Cao's feelings for Fei Qian were quite complicated. As Fei Qian climbed up step by step, the speed was enough to make Cao Cao stunned. Especially when Fei Qian got the position of General of the Expedition to the West, Cao Cao felt tens of millions of emotions in his heart. The taste came up and mixed together, sour, sweet, bitter, spicy and salty.

Therefore, in Cao Cao's mind, he was naturally wary of General Zhengxi, but after all, he was still some distance away. Whether he was wary or not, strictly speaking, it was still a little early. Therefore, although Wei Jian cried miserably, it was not very realistic for Cao Cao to lead his troops to avenge Wei Jian like this. However, if you do nothing, it will inevitably chill people's hearts.

Fei Qianqian, the general who conquered the west, took action in Hedong, which actually made it difficult for Cao Cao to attack Wei Jian. Although Cao Cao knew in his heart that Wei Xiang was mostly sent by Yuan Shao to keep him by his side, other ordinary civil servants and generals may not know this. Think about it, you came to defect to Cao Cao, but his home was ransacked, and then Cao Cao not only did not help, but added insult to injury and took care of them all. If word of this spreads, who will be willing to follow Cao Cao in the future?

Cao Cao looked at Wei Ju's back, remained silent for a while, and then said to Xun Yu: "Wen Ruo, Bo Zhu, what do you think about this matter?" When Cao Cao asked this question, he actually wanted to ask Xun Yu to help him turn a corner. , just find a step down, after all, there are still many things in front of you, how can you mobilize troops to find trouble for General Fei Qian of Zhengxi just for the sake of Wei Jian.

When Xun Yu heard this, of course he understood Cao Cao's thoughts. After a moment of silence, he said, "Ming Gong, I think this is not possible. You should put the overall situation first. I ask Ming Gong to think about it carefully." Get up, do you mean to throw it away again? And under the current situation, Xun Yu really believed that the subsequent strategic layout should not be disrupted because of Wei Shi.

Cao Cao pretended to be a little unhappy, frowned and said, "Bochu is suffering from this catastrophe, and I feel very sad. If we don't send troops to help the Wei family in Hedong, how can we repay Bochu for his many years of hard work?"

Guo Jia was sitting on the other side of Cao Cao. When he heard these words, he couldn't help but feel shocked in his heart, but he held it back and did not show any signs of it. Ever since Cao Cao discovered that something was wrong with Wei Jian, he quietly marginalized Wei Jian. Basically, the tasks assigned to Wei Jian were insignificant things, whether they were successful or not, so Cao Cao said Wei Xi's hard work is of course full of irony.

Xun Yu listened to Cao Cao's words silently, cupped his hands, and said nothing. It is already very difficult to help take the blame, but in the end, he still has to sing, chant, and fight. For this matter, Xun Yu expressed his love for so-and-so.

Cao Cao looked at Xun Yu's appearance and knew Xun Yu's attitude. He couldn't help but secretly sip his teeth, but he couldn't say anything. Originally, what happened to Wei Jian was unexpected, and it was reasonable for Xun Yu not to agree with disrupting the original plan. What's more, Xun Yu had already given him a ladder before, but Cao Cao couldn't get down himself, so what could be done?

Guo Jia smiled and said: "Ming Gong, you might as well let me take a trip to the north in the name of mourning for Duke Cai... I still have some friendship with Zhengxi, and if I can save the old, young, young, women and children of the Wei family, it will be a big deal." To comfort my coveted heart."

"That's great!" Cao Cao hurriedly slid down the ladder. If he didn't go down, he would probably be left hanging.

Although Xun Yu didn't give Cao Cao any face in the matter of Wei Wei, he was still serving as a minister under Cao Cao after all, so he just expressed his attitude a little, and immediately acted as if nothing had happened, and he bowed his hand indifferently. Said: "Although Yanzhou is determined at present, there are still hidden dangers. If it is not eliminated early, it will be restricted. I hope Ming Gong can make a decision soon."

With Lu Bu gone, there are still hidden dangers in Yanzhou, so it is naturally obvious what the hidden dangers are.

Cao Cao hesitated.

Guo Jia looked at it and immediately lowered his eyes, looking at his nose, his mouth, and his mouth, his heart. Originally, he did not advise Xun Yu to do such a thing that would make people hold grudges, but Xun Yu insisted that he had no good solution.

Cao Cao looked at Xun Yu, his cheeks trembled twice, but he didn't say anything. Yanzhou is indeed generally pacified at the moment, but it is actually riddled with holes and is not as good as before. The locust plague and military disaster have consumed too much of the foundation, which is at least 30% to 40% lower than when Cao Cao first came to Yanzhou!

If there is no war in the future, we can slowly recover and recuperate, but now it is obvious that the east, west, north and south are enemies, and one may not be kinder than the other. The autumn harvest is harvested and spent immediately like running water. Official salaries, army rations, repairs of dilapidated cities, arrangement of Zhuanghe fields, river construction in various places, construction in various places, relief in various places, repairs of looted warehouses in Changping, etc. Which one does not require money, that one can be Perfunctory?

For the local finances under Cao Cao's control, the retention ratio has reached an extremely low level, and everything is just struggling to support it.

At this time, Yanzhou is actually similar to the Han Dynasty. It is like a machine that has been running for a hundred or two hundred years. The parts are almost worn out, air is leaking everywhere, and there are creaking noises everywhere. The oil and water inside have long been dry up. Cao Cao now wants to renovate, but the resources he has at his disposal have been the most consumed and the least harvested over the years.

However, there is still a large amount of wealth accumulated among the people, which cannot be moved around. Moreover, Yanzhou is actually divided into two. Many nobles and right-wingers are also wandering around. Not all of them support Cao Cao, which further affects Cao Cao's finances.

Xun Yu's meaning was very clear. Yanzhou could only have one master, so sooner or later a conflict would break out between Cao Cao and Zhang Miao. In this case, why not take advantage of Zhang Miao's unpreparedness and strike first?

Cao Cao lowered his head, his eyes fell on his hands, and he remained silent. It's not that he has never killed anyone, but he has killed many people. But killing someone who was kind to him once is enough to make him uncomfortable. He didn't expect to kill someone a second time now...

After embarking on the path of authority, is it really necessary to live a lonely life?

The hall was quiet, Xun Yu and Guo Jia didn't speak, they seemed to be thinking about something.

The feeling of hot human blood flowing on his hands seemed to come back to Cao Cao's mind. It stimulated Cao Cao to clenched his fist fiercely and turned his eyes away. After a long time, he said: "Alas, Meng Zhuo is very kind to me. However..."

When Cao Cao was wanted by Dong Zhuo, after the text reached Chen Liu, Zhang Miao stopped him and pretended not to see him. Not only that, Zhang Miao even funded a lot of money for Cao Cao to recruit troops, even in Suanzao. Zhang Miao sponsored some troops for Cao Cao to take with him to chase Dong Zhuo. Although Zhang Miao and Chen Gong conspired to rebel this time, they also did not attack Cao Cao's wife and children.

Xun Yu's eyes flashed, and he held his hands calmly and said: "Ming Gong has good intentions, but others think he has evil intentions? Ming Gong entrusted a big thing to someone, and he did not hesitate to bear the crime of provocation. Today, the emperor is not as good as the weak crown, and the power is on the side, Han The house is about to fall, and only those with great courage and big heart can't help it! A wise man with great talents, a mind for the world, caring for people's livelihood, quelling the rebellion, hoping to restore the great Han Dynasty to the majestic appearance of the heavenly family, attract attention from all over the world, and achieve immortal greatness..."

The flags outside the hall were fluttering in the wind, making crackling sounds. The labor chants at the city wall could be faintly heard, and further away there seemed to be the loud shouts of soldiers practicing.

There is no way to retreat. At this moment, it is no longer just Cao Cao's own business. It is true that Zhang Miao was kind to Cao Cao, but it does not mean that Zhang Miao was kind to Cao Cao's entire army.

From Xun Yu, Guo Jia, Mao Jie and others to the Qingzhou soldiers who simply submitted to his banner, they have nothing to do with Zhang Miao. They are all accumulated by Cao Cao little by little. Is it difficult for these people to repay Zhang Miao's kindness for Cao Cao?

"...However, now that the situation is collapsing, Ming Gong really cannot delay for a moment. Everywhere in Yanzhou needs money and food, but in Puyang area, the daily labor materials, food and vegetables require tens of thousands of money! The nearby river also needs to be managed. If it is not cured when the water dries up in autumn and winter, disaster will inevitably occur when the tide rises next year..." Xun Yu continued to say slowly, "... Ming Gong also knows that if the name is not suitable, the words are not right... If the order is matched, Yanzhou Where will the army and the people go? What's more, this is the general's check and balance plan, how can you turn a blind eye?"

Xun Yu stared at Cao Cao, his eyes gleaming, and his words were sonorous and powerful: "The matter of people's livelihood and river construction may be perfunctory for the time being, or we may try our best to support it. Only the military affairs must not be messed up again! If money and food are not enough, how can the soldiers be safe?" The sky cannot last two days, and the army cannot last two commanders! If there are people like Lu Chen again, will Ming Gong have a good plan to deal with them?"

Xun Yu solemnly cupped his hands and said: "My words are fierce. If there is any offense, please punish me. I only hope that you will think twice."

These words went deeper, and Cao Cao couldn't help but be startled. Xun Yu said that this was indeed a matter of consideration from multiple angles, and it was not just killing people to vent their anger. The current situation cannot be like when I came to Yanzhou, where I was so poor that I could treat headaches, feet, and feet and just ignore them. Instead, I needed long-term planning. Xun Yu's words were both profound and thoughtful, and he was always thinking about his lord. He was so considerate that Cao Cao felt a little sorry for a while.

"I know what Wen Ruo means..." Cao Cao took a deep breath and said, "However, the general is here..." Even if Cao Cao was willing to put aside his years of friendship and attack Zhang Miao, Yuan Shao still didn't know how to do it. Easy to explain. Zhang Miao had just surrendered to Yuan Shao, and then Cao Cao killed Zhang Miao. What would Yuan Shao think?

Xun Yu glanced at Guo Jia.

Guo Jia coughed twice, attracting Cao Cao's attention, and said with a smile: "This is not difficult."

"Oh?" Cao Cao said quickly, "Well, Zhicai, please tell me." After so many days, Cao Cao naturally knew that Xi Zhi was a fake name, but since Guo Jia didn't take the initiative to expose it, Cao Cao also pretended to be confused.

Guo Jia shook his head and laughed twice. Xun Yu wouldn't tell Xun Yu even if he wanted to kill him. After all, there were many things involved. If something went wrong, it might lead to the destruction of his family and his family. Only Guo Jia dared to, well, strictly Only Xi Zhi would dare to say it. Anyway, Xi Zhi is just a fake name. Even if it is known by others, it can be pushed out without involving family members. Naturally, it is the most suitable candidate to give advice, so Guo Jia lowered his voice. Said: "As long as the teacher is famous..."

"...Zhang Shijun once sent an envoy to contact the governor of Yuzhou..." Guo Jia said slowly, "Ming Gong can fake his name and write a secret letter to rebel against the general... Naturally, he has a reputation..."

Guo Gong, the governor of Yuzhou, was a member of Yuan Shu. Zhang Miao had indeed contacted Guo Gong before to prepare for a flanking attack on Puyang. However, due to poor planning, the rhythm was not coordinated. When Guo Gong came, Zhang Miao and Lu Bu did not arrive. As a result, Guo Gong Gong thought that he was being used, and seeing that Xun Yu was acting extremely calm, he felt that it was risky for him to fight alone, so he retreated.

Yuan Shao and Yuan Shu were originally at odds, so if Cao Cao wrote a false document and said that Yuan Shu had asked Zhang Miao to be his internal collaborator and was planning to start a rebellion at some time, what would Yuan Shao think? Zhang Miao had indeed done this most critical thing, so it would be hard for Zhang Miao to tell the difference if Cao Cao poured dirty water on him!

"If the general knew about the plan of the later general, he would definitely be angry... My lord helped the general to solve his problems, what crime would he have committed?" Guo Jia continued slowly.

Cao Cao pondered for a moment, nodded and said, "Maybe we can give it a try." Although Cao Cao said this, his eyes still flickered, and he was obviously a little worried.

Guo Jia looked at it and said slowly: "My lord is worried. After Yuan Gong goes to Youzhou in the north..."

Cao Cao took a breath and nodded. Yuan Shao and Yuan Shu are like two mountains weighing on their heads. It is naturally uncomfortable for someone like Cao Cao to survive in the cracks.

Yuan Shao went north to attack Youzhou, while Yuan Shu turned to attack the south as if they had agreed. Both of them seemed to be holding their breath, waiting for whoever defeated the enemy first to decide the outcome in the Central Plains.

But the question is where is the Central Plains? Will it soon belong to Cao Cao, the land of Yanzhou and Xuzhou?

The world he created by fighting life and death turned out to be a battlefield scheduled for a decisive battle between two big guys. He was like a death camp and could die at any time in the next battle. Who would feel comfortable with this feeling? ?

Guo Jia smiled and said: "Why don't you know that my lord lives in Baoshan?"

Cao Cao's eyes flashed and he said, "How do you say this?"

Guo Jia pointed to the west and said: "The expedition to the west has now merged with the northern pass, central and Hanzhong, and the power has been transferred to the northwest, and there is an old relationship with the lord...Why don't you be friendly to the lord and ask for his help, so as to join the horizontal and vertical alliances!"

Cao Cao murmured and repeated: "Lian Heng and Zong?"

Guo Jia said with a smile: "The two Yuans thought that the world was in order and competed in the Central Plains. They were indeed heroic! But they underestimated the heroes of the world! How could everything go as they wished?! My lord can join the expedition to the west and conquer the northwest. Lord Take the southeast, and then the world will be divided into two parts, and it is not clear who will win!"