Located in a tent in a remote part of the military camp.
The three Liu Bei brothers were all tied up and imprisoned neatly here.
Outside the camp, there were more than a dozen soldiers lined up on the left and right, taking a close look at the place.
If you want to escape unprepared, you may have to have the ability to reach the sky.
Outside the camp at this moment.
Cao Ang waved his hand to stop the soldiers on the left and right, saluted and then quietly came to the camp.
As soon as he got close.
Then I heard Zhang Fei's highly recognizable voice coming from the tent. Although the volume had been suppressed, it was still clearly audible in my ears.
"Brother, when do you think General Cao will come to save us from the fire and water? Our hands and feet are tied up, so we can't really sit or stand!"
And after Zhang Fei's voice fell.
Soon I heard Liu Bei's deep, deep, and somewhat calm answer.
"Third brother, don't be impatient!"
"Although you and I are acquainted with General Cao, after all, this is only our one-sided statement. The generals in the army may not necessarily believe it completely, and they will inevitably be worried and hesitant."
"So it will take some time to report it to everyone, so just wait and see."
Liu Bei's comfort must be of some use.
But Zhang Fei still muttered.
"I'm thick-skinned and thick-skinned. Even if I'm tied up for an hour and a half, it won't be a big deal."
"I'm worried about you, brother!"
Perhaps he sensed the unreserved concern in Zhang Fei's words.
Liu Bei couldn't help but chuckle.
"Yide, you underestimated me, your elder brother!"
"You and Yunchang are world-famous in martial arts and can carry a cauldron. As the elder brother, I am a little worse, but it's not like I won't be able to carry it for three to five days, right?"
But here it comes.
Liu Bei suddenly let out a long sigh.
"well!"
It seemed that the conversation just now aroused the emotions in his heart and reminded him of something.
…
"Brother, why are you sighing like this?"
Following Zhang Fei's inquiry.
Liu Bei glanced at each side, then shook his head and said helplessly.
"Yun Chang, Yide, at that time on the battlefield, you two should not have turned around to save me."
"I have been trapped in a tight siege. On the other hand, you can easily escape. Now, the three of us brothers are trapped together. Why bother?"
As Liu Bei finished speaking.
Cao Ang, who was standing at the door, soon heard the words of another person, Guan Yu and Guan Yunchang, who had been listening quietly but had never spoken.
"Brother, what you said is wrong!"
"The three of us brothers swore an oath in Taoyuan that we would be with each other until life and death, and we agreed that we would never leave each other."
"Now don't say that there will be no danger of life in Cao's army. Even if the swords and axes are applied to the body and the heads fall to the ground, I will never do anything greedy for life and forgetting righteousness!"
Guan Yu's words were righteous and sincere.
Without hesitation, he blocked Liu Bei's previous emotion.
And Zhang Fei echoed loudly from the side: "What the second brother said is what I think in my heart. No matter life or death, I, Old Zhang, will never abandon my eldest brother!"
Guan and Zhang said this.
It really made Liu Bei deeply moved.
Yes, if the three brothers had the same nature and respected each other as brothers, how could they have come together?
What I said before is somewhat redundant.
…
That's it.
Cao Ang felt that the time was almost here.
Immediately prepare to enter and meet Liu Bei and the others.
But before he could take a step, he heard Guan Yu's voice coming from inside the tent.
"Brother, we were captured by Cao's army this time. General Gongsun must have known about it."
"It's just that early this morning, I vaguely heard soldiers talking outside the tent. They said that Gongsun's army had retreated from Nangong County and seemed to be returning all the way to the border of Youzhou."
"Knowing that my three brothers are here, General Gongsun is unable to rescue him. It can even be said that he has no intention to rescue him. We leave from here because we don't want to sacrifice our lives for him anymore!"
Guan Yu's words can be described as full of resentment.
I am really full of disappointment for Gongsun Zan's ruthless and unjust actions.
Although their lives would not be in danger if they fell into Cao Ang's hands, and they could even regain their freedom intact, this was not the reason for Gongsun Zan not to rescue them.
Even Gongsun Zan doesn't care about the general Shan Jing. Who would be willing to follow such a leader?
Exactly such words.
Cao Ang slowed down again.
He wanted to hear how Liu Bei would answer.
This is related to the arrangements I will give him next and the subsequent plans to be implemented.
…
After a moment of silence in the camp.
Just then I heard Liu Bei's slightly helpless response.
"Second brother, Bogui must have some difficulties. After all, on the battlefield in Nangong County, Cao Jun and Yuan Jun have already gained absolute victory."
"Besides, now Cao Jun has reinforcements arriving, what can Bogui do if he doesn't retreat overnight? Even if he wants to rescue us, Xu Tu will have to advance slowly."
Liu Bei seemed to be defending Gongsun Zan.
But why is there no resentment in his heart?
It's just that Liu Xuande never looks at people with death in mind. Even if he is dissatisfied, he will still reserve some leeway in his words.
Unless you are completely disappointed or extremely angry.
But now Gongsun Zan has not reached this point yet.
Just after a brief response.
Before Guan Yu could continue to speak, Zhang Fei on the side was already rushing to persuade him.
"Brother, I think the second brother is right. Whether General Gongsun is cold-hearted or not is not a matter of concern."
"But he didn't take us three brothers seriously at all, but this matter is conclusive!"
There was another long silence.
Presumably Liu Bei didn't know how to answer after hearing his brother's words.
…
"Brother, I was waiting under General Gongsun's tent. I haven't made any achievements for a long time. I finally waited for a call, but I didn't know that there was such a conspiracy."
"They mobilized a large number of troops to go south with the army, but they were just used as bait to lure the enemy. They used thousands of people to resist Cao's army of more than 10,000. They knew that we were bound to fall, but they still pushed the three of us brothers into a pit of fire."
"In this case, it is even better to stay in the military camp and eat cold food, but I have a grudge against General Cao."
"Who should we ask to reason with?"
These are the words of persuasion above.
It still came from Zhang Fei's mouth.
Regardless of the reaction of Liu Bei and others in the tent, Cao Ang, who was listening quietly outside, couldn't help but applaud Zhang Fei in his heart.
This sunspot is also worth something!
On the surface, he appears to be reckless, rough, and careless, but in fact, he is somewhat careless in his heart.
At the very least, these words are logical and clear when spoken.
And after Zhang Fei persuaded him.
Guan Yu even added fuel to the fire.
"Brother, since General Gongsun has abandoned us, why should we chase him to Youzhou and return to his command again?"
"Why don't we three brothers take advantage of this opportunity to break away from Gongsun's army and build our own foundation without restraint."
"Recruiting soldiers, buying horses, plowing fields and harvesting grain, and finding a place to live and settle down. Isn't it much more comfortable than living under someone else's roof and being controlled by others everywhere?"
…
Guan Zhang two people, you said a word to me.
They were instigating crazily on the edge.
The momentum was extremely fast, completely destroying the defense in Liu Bei's heart.
Although he had no defense in his mind.
At this moment.
Liu Bei is already excited!
As the two younger brothers said, Gongsun Zan was not kind to them and could not be said to take him seriously at all.
When he was in the army, he was only allowed to sit on the bench and was only responsible for training troops and processing official documents.
They finally got a mission, but in the end they were made to be cannon fodder and watched as they jumped into a pit of fire.
Been here all these years.
The official position remained motionless, standing still.
There is no merit at all, and the strength on hand has not increased at all.
As for reputation, there is no way to talk about it. If Cao Ang hadn't given him a hand when he was in Xingyang County and allowed him to show a little face in front of various princes, I'm afraid he would still be a pawn now.
That's it, we're still classmates!
If I weren't a classmate, I couldn't even imagine what kind of charlatan I could be.
And in addition to many of the above reasons.
The most important point is that Liu Bei and Gongsun Zan have different ideas.
He had long been disdainful of many of Gongsun Zan's actions, but he couldn't speak out in the past, so he kept it in his heart.
If we can develop independently without Gongsun Jun, we will naturally feel comfortable doing whatever we want.
But the thought was very satisfactory.
But one thing has to be taken into consideration.
That's how to be independent?
…
"well!"
Liu Bei let out a long sigh again.
Then he said to Guan Yu and Zhang Fei: "How can my foolish brother not understand what these two wise brothers said?"
"Establishing a foundation, supporting the Han Dynasty, and restoring peace to the world are indeed what I want in my heart."
"But after leaving Gongsun's army, we have no troops, no food and grass, and no convenient official position."
"Although the world is so big, where can we three brothers find a place to settle down?"
This is Liu Bei's biggest concern.
This was the fundamental reason why he never broke away from Gongsun Zan even though he had different ideas from Gongsun Zan in the past.
No money, no food, no territory, no soldiers.
Can you just do it alone if you say you can do it alone?
Nothing is that easy!
And after Liu Bei's words.
Guan Yu and Zhang Fei also fell silent.
They can fight, but they may not be able to make money from fighting. They are strong in force, and they cannot forcefully seize other people's territory for themselves.
What's the difference between that and a bandit?
Only territory gained with integrity and the right path can be stable and long-lasting.
Or we must have strong force to protect this forcibly taken territory.
As for the latter, Liu Bei and the others obviously do not have it.
…
And just as the three brothers were in trouble.
Cao Ang was listening outside the tent.
There was a smile on his face.
One of the very important reasons why he came to see Liu Bei and the others in person was to use the hands of the three brothers to set up some ambush for the future.
To achieve this goal, Liu Bei and others must first have the idea of firmly breaking away from Gongsun Zan.
This is the current situation.
There is no doubt that the prerequisites have been met.
Cao Ang didn't even need to persuade him, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei had already done it for him.
Of course, Liu Bei's own thoughts were also at work, and with the cooperation of many parties, this effect was achieved.
Anyway.
This is definitely the situation that is most beneficial to Cao Ang.
After all, he took the initiative to arrange a place for Liu Bei and others, no matter what he said, it would arouse others' suspicion.
But if the three brothers Liu Bei asked for help, Cao Ang would "reluctantly" agree.
Not only would this not arouse any suspicion, Liu, Guan, and Zhang would even be grateful to him!
What a best of both worlds.
How can a hunter who simply pursues his prey compare to an experienced hunter who lets his prey come to his door?
Think about this.
Cao Ang felt that the time had come.
Immediately, he quietly took a few steps back. After he was slightly away from the tent, he stepped forward with increasing pace.
"See General!"
"Hmm! Are there three brothers named Liu Bei imprisoned inside?"
"Reporting back to the general, this is exactly what happened!"
…
After putting on a show.
Cao Ang opened the curtain and stepped in.
The first thing he saw was the three tightly tied brothers, their eyes focused on him.
"Brother Xuande, you're late!"
Following Cao Ang's greeting, Liu Bei hurriedly struggled to stand up, swung his body with difficulty, and said slightly embarrassed.
"General Cao, I am really ashamed!"
Cao Ang understood what Liu Bei meant.
The reason why I feel ashamed.
Because after all, no matter what, it is undeniable that Liu, Guan, and Zhang appeared in Shan Jing's army and were enemies of Cao's army.
No matter how good the relationship between Cao Ang and Liu Bei is.
This kind of thing also needs to be explained.
Otherwise, who knows what Cao Ang is thinking?
Facing Liu Bei's apology.
Cao Ang just smiled and reached out to help Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, who were also struggling and twisting, up.
He replied lightly.
"Xuande doesn't need to say much. I know it well. When two armies are fighting, each is his own master and each performs his duties. This is what should be done, but it does not affect personal relations."
While talking.
Cao Ang drew out the sword he wore on his waist.
With a few brushes, all the ropes on the Liu Bei brothers were cut off.
While Liu Bei and others were moving their hands and feet and stretching their muscles, Cao Ang chuckled softly.
"We are lucky this time. The person leading the army happens to be my uncle Xiahou Miaocai. He had met you before during the alliance meeting in Xingyang, so he kept an extra mind and told me about this matter."
"Otherwise, you guys might have to stay in the camp for ten and a half days and suffer a little bit."
Facing Cao Ang's slightly teasing words and smiles.
A helpless look appeared on Liu Bei's face, and he shook his head with a wry smile.
Then he raised his hands to Cao Ang and said, "This is a confrontation between two armies. Since we are captured alive, we deserve to suffer a little."
"It would be better to say that we are somewhat lucky to have recognized the general and avoided this physical pain!"
…
Liu Bei’s candid words.
There is a hint of flattery in it.
It also includes his heartfelt gratitude to Cao Ang.
Fortunately, it fell into Cao Ang's hands. Otherwise, if it had been someone else, it would be a matter of two opinions whether the three brothers would have survived completely!
It is just a matter of listening to the saying that when two armies are fighting, each is his own master and does not affect personal relations.
How could Liu Bei not be grateful for someone like Cao Ang who really did this?
What Liu Xuande was thinking about at the moment.
Cao Ang naturally had no idea.
He just ordered someone to bring the table and tea, and then invited the three brothers to sit down together.
"Xuande, the three of you brothers were mixed together in Shan Jing's army, and you have suffered an unreasonable disaster."
"Now that I understand that it was a misunderstanding, I will naturally not embarrass you. After having a simple meal later, I will send someone to take you north."
"Gongsun Bogui left Nangong County early this morning with his army."
"If you move faster, I think it won't take long to catch up with Gongsun's army."
Cao Ang was making tea soup.
He said this deliberately.
After hearing these words, the three brothers Liu, Guan, and Zhang were speechless for a moment.
They wanted to say something to each other, but they didn't know how to answer. Liu Bei even showed a bit of embarrassment on his face, and he was really hesitant to make a decision.
It took quite a while.
Liu Bei just gritted his teeth, hardened his heart, and forced himself to express his feelings.
"To be honest with Zixiu, the three of us brothers have no plans to return to Gongsun's army."
…
"Um?"
"Why did Xuande say this?"
Cao Ang pretended to be confused.
There was a hint of questioning on his face.
After expressing his true feelings, Liu Bei simply stopped hesitating and simply became hard-hearted to the end.
The hands hidden under the sleeves of the robe quietly clenched their fists and said solemnly at the same time.
"While staying in Gongsun's army, my three brothers are not in any important position, and this time they were even fooled. They almost drew swords against you, Zixiu, and turned against you."
"Such a life of inactivity is definitely not what I wanted to do in my life. Being able to express my ambition and start a career is what a man does!"
The expected reaction did not come.
Cao Ang just nodded slightly to show his understanding.
"I'm not talking about others behind their backs. It's just that Gongsun Bogui's actions are indeed against justice. Xuande's choice to abandon him is also reasonable."
"If you don't return to Youzhou with Gongsun's army, what are your plans next?"
That's the problem.
Liu Bei was choked by the question.
After being speechless for a long while.
Liu Beicai coughed dryly and replied in a somewhat difficult voice: "No matter where you are going, even if you are wandering around the world, there is nothing wrong with being home all over the world!"
…
A slight smile appeared on Cao Ang's face.
And he laughs very weirdly.
This made Liu Bei feel ashamed.
We are all human beings, so how can we not understand the consciousness behind it? General Cao’s smile made it clear that he was telling himself.
"You're still pretending to be like this, and you're talking so nice. It's just that you have no money, no soldiers, and you don't know where to go. You can only wander!"
Although Cao Ang didn't say that.
But Liu Bei had already figured it out.
While Liu Bei was thinking wildly.
Cao Ang put one hand on the table and tapped the surface with his fingertips, making a regular "click" sound, which seemed to hit several people's hearts.
This went on for a while.
Just when Liu Bei was feeling a little tormented and felt that Cao Ang might not help him.
Cao Ang finally spoke.
…
"I still remember that outside the camp where the parties were negotiating, Brother Xuande once told me the secret of Gongsun's army. It was because of your contribution that I was able to know the plan of Gongsun's army in advance and avoid a disaster."
"I also said at that time that if one day you no longer want to stay in Gongsun Army, come to me and I will plan a way out for you."
"Since Xuande opened his mouth to me today, I will naturally not stand idly by."
Speaking of which.
Cao Ang fumbled for a simple map from his arms and spread it out in front of the three brothers.
Then he pointed to the location of Pingyuan County in the central and western part of Qingzhou.
"What I originally wanted to do was lend you a troop of troops and horses, but with the troops and horses in hand but no foundation, it would be difficult to accomplish anything."
"Besides, the seconded troops and horses must be returned. Those who can recruit troops who are good at fighting are ultimately their own best."
"So after much thought, I decided to make some plans for Brother Xuande and recommend you as the county magistrate of this place, which will give you a place to settle down."
"I wonder what your wishes are?"
…
"Zixiu, you mean to recommend me as the magistrate of Pingyuan County?!!"
"This... this gesture is too heavy, how can I bear it?"
It's not like Liu Bei has never served as a county magistrate.
It's just that Gaotang County, where he served as county magistrate before, is a small and medium-sized county compared with Pingyuan County, and later this county was breached by thieves.
It was precisely because of the loss of the county seat.
Only Liu Bei would go to hang out with Gongsun Zan.
Now Cao Ang is actually willing to go to court and recommend him as the magistrate of Pingyuan County. As the county seat of Pingyuan County, Pingyuan County is a well-deserved major county.
Although Qingzhou has been severely damaged by the Yellow Turban thieves, a skinny camel is bigger than a horse. The foundation of a large county, no matter how dilapidated it is, still lies here.
As long as he concentrates on it for a few years.
It is very easy to cultivate fertile land, stabilize production, recruit troops, and rely on this large county to turn around and have its own strength.
How could this not make Liu Bei extremely excited?
Just facing Liu Bei's emotional excitement.
Cao Ang just smiled and waved his hand.
He said nonchalantly: "I have a personal relationship with Beihai Prime Minister Kong Wenju. As an official under the rule of Qingzhou, it won't take much effort for him to win the position of Pingyuan County Magistrate for you."
"But there's only so much I can help you with. I'm afraid you'll have to think about what you do in Pingyuan County in the future and how to deal with all parties."
…
"Uh-huh!"
There was a sound of clothes rubbing together in the tent.
Liu Bei suddenly stood up.
Beside him, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei also imitated their elder brother's example and stood up together.
The three people bowed to Cao Ang to the end, bowed and bowed their hands, which was the most profound etiquette.
"Since we first met in Xingyang County, the general has always taken care of me, never abandoning me because of my humble background, and frequently helping me to support me."
"Now I am even more willing to give you this generous gift of Pingyuan County Magistrate when I am at the end of my road and looking around at a loss."
"A great kindness and great virtue can be said to be as heavy as a mountain. Only when you are alive should you die, and when you die can you be weeded, so that you can repay your kindness!"
What Liu Bei said is true and sincere.
Cao Ang gave him selfless help time and time again without asking for anything in return.
If we talk about it carefully, the two of them actually have no close relationship. Before Xingyang County, they were strangers.
Therefore, Cao Ang's actions actually made Liu Bei burst into tears of gratitude and made his speech generous.
And after receiving such a gift calmly.
Cao Ang just stood up and helped Liu Bei up.
Ling Yun said with a light smile.
"Xuande said that you have ambitions to be a man, so how can I sit back and watch your ambitions be buried?"
…
After several people sat down again.
In Liu Bei's excited eyes, Cao Ang pointed at Bohai County, north of Pingyuan County.
Then he told Liu Bei earnestly.
"Xuande, there is one thing you must be careful about. To the north of Pingyuan County is Bohai County. This is Yuan Benchu's territory. After all, you have spent some time under Gongsun Zan."
"Even if he leaves now, it is unknown whether Yuan Shao will have any scruples because of this."
"So when you serve as the magistrate of Pingyuan County, in addition to caring about the affairs of the county, you must also pay attention to what's going on in the north, so as not to make any mistakes and lose your foundation!"
Liu Bei listened very carefully.
This is related to the foundation of his family and career.
What if the territory finally obtained from Cao Ang is easily taken away by Yuan Shao.
Then he was really going to die in a head-on collision.
And after Cao Ang finished speaking.
Liu Bei even handed over his hand and said, "Thank you, General, for being vigilant. I will definitely be more careful!"
Hear this.
Cao Ang looked at the two door gods sitting on Liu Bei's left and right, and then couldn't help but chuckle.
"With two powerful generals, Yun Chang and Yide, as long as Xuande can take more precautions, Pingyuan County will have nothing to worry about."
Hear Cao Ang praising the two of them.
Guan Yu was okay, he just cupped his hands to Cao Ang and showed an implicit smile.
But Zhang Fei had already slapped his chest and shouted carelessly.
"General, you are right!"
"It's okay if Yuan Benchu doesn't come. If he dares to raise troops to invade the country, I, Lao Zhang, will definitely make him unhappy!"
…
With Zhang Fei's interruption.
The atmosphere in the camp became lively.
Cao Ang smiled and shook his head. After thinking about it, he had no other arrangements, so he stood up slowly, and then said to Liu, Guan, and Zhang.
"Xuande, I have to write a letter to you for the Pingyuan Order and send it to Beihai Kingdom."
"This is not a matter of one or two days, so if there are no other arrangements, you might as well rest in the army for a few days."
"Just take office after that!"
Liu Bei and the other three took Cao Ang all the way to the entrance of the camp, just as Cao Ang was about to leave.
Liu Xuande even led his two sworn brothers to bow to Cao Ang again.
"I don't say thank you for your kindness. General is dedicated to helping me, and I am by no means an ungrateful person."
"In the future, whenever the general gives orders, I will obey them without any hesitation, no matter how stupid I am!"
Guan Yu and Zhang Fei also shouted in succession.
"So are we!"
…
After leaving the camp.
Cao Ang could still clearly hear Zhang Fei's voice full of emotion coming from the tent behind him.
"General Cao is really a good man!"
"After my eldest brother gets the post of Pingyuan County Magistrate, it will not be difficult to recruit troops, buy horses, plow the fields and produce food!"
And after Zhang Fei said this.
You can even hear Liu Bei feeling the same.
"Yes, in the past, we three brothers were like birds in a cage and fish in a net."
"And after today, I will be like a bird flying into the sky or a fish swimming into the sea, no longer bound by any fetters!"
As Cao Ang moved further and further away.
The sounds behind him also gradually faded away.
Looking at the bright sky in the distance, Cao Ang couldn't help but shake his head.
Through his own efforts, Liu Bei obtained such a piece of territory and got off to a good start.
And he used Liu Bei to set up a secret hand, planted a nail in Pingyuan County, and set up an ambush plan.
Just wait until you need it in the future.
Just blow this nail out.
It can definitely give all parties around Pingyuan County a small surprise and shock.
Each side gets what it needs.
No matter how you think about it, this is quite reasonable.
…………
Monthly ticket recommendation ticket
ps. I have been staying up until three or four o'clock these days, and I really can't hold myself any longer. I will die suddenly if I stay up like this any longer, so I made some adjustments.
Here's today's update.
There may be more later, but I suggest you wait until daytime to watch.
(End of chapter)
