Cao Ang actually hasn't figured it out yet.
Why did Dong Zhuo fall so quickly?
The change is too sudden!
Although when he was in control of the government in Luoyang City, this guy was also tyrannical, burning, killing, looting, killing people, and wreaking havoc.
But at that time, he was still enterprising, and at the same time, he had extremely good control over the army that he relied on for survival. Even if he starved himself, he would not starve the soldiers.
Until Cao Ang was granted the title of Marquis of Weixiang and was preparing to go north to Jizhou, Dong Zhuo still had a strong interest in the Central Plains.
However, only half a year passed.
The enterprising spirit in Dong Zhuo disappeared without a trace, like ice and snow in the sun, replaced by ultra-conservative ideas.
No longer interested in the Central Plains region.
There is a posture that from now on until the end of life, even if he dies, he will die in Chang'an.
If that's all, then that's it.
The key is that this big black fat man is so conservative that he even begins to exploit the soldiers under his command, using bad currency and big money to pay military salaries.
Isn't this because death is not fast enough?
It felt like Dong Zhuo's brain was eaten by zombies quietly. This change was so sudden that Cao Ang had to think about it.
certainly.
At this stage.
Whether Dong Zhuo dies or not has nothing to do with Cao Ang. I just hope that he can die slower.
After all, if he dies too early, the resources in Dong Zhuo's hands will fall into the hands of Li Jue, Guo Si and other Xiliang generals, and it will be difficult to take them back.
It is best to wait until you have completed the three-step strategy, and after completing the first two steps, then come to the ground to collapse and collapse. That would be the best.
With this thought.
Cao Ang asked Wu An for a trip again.
The purpose this time was relatively simple, to quietly enter Chang'an City, and then deliver the reply he wrote to Lu Bu, which would be considered accomplished.
It's a pity that the homing pigeons haven't been trained yet, and the Cao family doesn't have an intelligence liaison station in Chang'an, otherwise there would be no need to go to such trouble.
…………
That night.
In the Cao family mansion.
Cao Ang was holding a lantern in his hand and was walking between the courtyard corridors. This road led to the west courtyard wing where Dong Bai was.
Originally according to the schedule.
Cao Ang will mobilize the remaining troops tomorrow and immediately lead his army south to join Zhang Liao and others.
On the last night before leaving, he should spend the night with his wife, Zhen Jiang.
But today, after all, I received news from Chang'an, and learned that Dong Bai's grandfather, Dong Zhuo, was now in a state of near-death.
Although Dong Bai didn't know about this.
But Cao Ang thought about coming over to comfort him.
Walked along the path for a while.
Soon they arrived at Dong Bai's residence.
After giving instructions to the maids and maids waiting in the courtyard, Cao Ang walked towards the brightest room in the entire courtyard.
Only when he came to the door.
But I was quite surprised to find it.
The eldest lady who used to be playful and playful in the past was actually crouching in front of the desk, looking at the scrolls of bamboo slips in front of her, looking like she was reading and thinking deeply.
One hand is still holding a pen, and from time to time he is writing and drawing on the bamboo slips, and I don't know what he is doing.
…
"Why did my little Bai suddenly change his temper? In the dead of night, he actually held a book and studied hard. This is really beyond my husband's expectation!"
Cao Ang's voice suddenly sounded in his ears.
Dong Bai, who was immersed in the letter, suddenly looked towards the door as if he had just woken up from a dream.
After being in a daze for a while.
The eldest lady suddenly woke up.
Then, like a spring, he stood up on the spot with a "whoosh", and then a rabbit swooped down and disappeared in the next second, hanging on Cao Ang.
His hands were wrapped around Cao Ang's shoulders, and his legs were tightly wrapped around Cao Ang's waist, hanging directly in mid-air.
So much so that Cao Ang had to quickly reach out his hand to support Xiaobai, fearing that she would not hold her firmly and fall.
"Husband~"
Before Cao Ang had time to ask why, Dong Bai's sweet voice came to his ears.
hiss!
Cao Ang couldn't help but trembled all over. He only felt that his eardrums were sore, and his heart was itching, and he couldn't control it.
Strange!
Xiaobai was not like this in the past!
Even after becoming one with herself, Xiaobai's arrogant and arrogant temperament has been greatly dissipated.
But how can it be so easy for people to go from one extreme to another?
The eldest lady has only reduced her condition, but has not turned into a little girl who is tired all day long, has an excessive sugar level, and acts coquettishly towards her whenever we meet.
So that's probably what happened.
So much so that Dong Bai would react like this.
Combined with the events in the mansion during this period, as well as the way Dong Bai sat at the table and looked at the slips before he spoke out.
Cao Ang made some mental guesses.
…
After thinking for a moment.
Cao Ang held Dong Bai up and put her on the table, pinched her round face with his hands, and then asked with a warm smile.
"What's wrong, my eldest lady, has someone bullied you, or have you been wronged in some way?"
"Or maybe you made some mistake and earned Ajaan's punishment?"
The latter was Cao Ang's guess.
After all, since he came back, the only big change that the entire Cao family has made is that there is an additional mistress in the house. Dong Bai may have encountered bad luck.
However, what surprised Cao Ang was.
Dong Bai shook his head decisively.
Then he pointed to the letter sitting underneath with one hand, and said in a sweet and sweet voice: "I didn't make any mistakes, and Sister Ajaan is also very good to me."
"But my only worry is that Sister Ajaan's kindness to me is a bit too much, and I really can't bear it!"
Cao Ang: "?"
A trace of doubt came over my mind.
"Why don't you tell me what a good method it is?"
Dong Bai nodded slightly.
While moving his small round buttocks, he pulled out the slip from underneath.
Then while handing it to Cao Ang, he explained: "Didn't my husband ask me what I was looking at earlier? I was just looking at this."
"It's not a collection of classics and history, nor is it poetry and poetry. This is an account book given to me by Sister Zhen Jiang!"
Speaking of which.
Dong Bai paused slightly.
Then there was a wry smile on her face, and she said helplessly: "Sister Zhen Jiang thinks that since I am also a member of the mansion, I should participate in managing the affairs of the mansion. She made it clear that this is my right."
"But Sister Zhen Jiang doesn't know that I am obviously lazy. If you ask me to look at these accounts and take care of the affairs of the house, my head will burst."
"So husband, please speak to my sister for me and ask her to take this job back. I really can't do it!"
…
A narration by Dong Bai.
Cao Ang immediately felt dumbfounded.
After fussing for a long time, it turns out this is what happened.
Although I don’t know what happened specifically.
But I think it was probably Zhen Jiang who, after taking control of the government, implemented the water-draining policy in order to appease the people in every house and courtyard.
This is essentially a benefit.
After all, the power and status of a concubine who can manage affairs in the house and a concubine who is invisible are completely different, and they are not even comparable at all.
Zhen Jiang is reducing the power in her own hands and giving it to Dong Bai, Diao Chan and others.
To put it bluntly, Zhen Jiang is quite generous to be able to do this.
But when it comes to the eldest lady.
The so-called welfare has turned into suffering.
With Dong Bai's temperament, she was simply not someone who could sit down quietly and look at these accounts, and then command the servants in the mansion to do this and that.
Rather than holding power, Dong Bai might be more willing to spend the same time riding a horse in a circle.
After understanding this.
Cao Ang's fingers were slightly bent and he gently scraped the tip of Dong Bai's nose twice.
Then he smiled warmly and said: "Your sister Ajaan also has good intentions, but since you don't like it, I will tell you something about it."
…
Seeing that Cao Ang had taken over the matter for him.
Dong Bai breathed a sigh of relief.
The big stone that had been hanging in my heart finally fell to the ground.
He quickly rolled up the account book and hurriedly put it back on the desk.
Dong Bai then replied: "I also know that Sister Ajiang is doing it for my own good. She thinks that after I take charge of the affairs in the mansion, the servants in the mansion will not dare to neglect me."
"But I think, with the love of my husband and the care of several sisters, no one will dare to be presumptuous even if I don't care about a penny!"
This sounds nice to say.
So much so that Cao Ang couldn't help laughing.
Full of doting, he gave Dong Bai a heavy "pop" on his fair and delicate face.
His hands were even more forceful, and he moved Dong Bai from the table to the bed.
Just as he stood up and turned back.
Suddenly I heard Dong Bai's murmur again.
"By the way, husband, there is also Sister Zhaoji. She doesn't like to get involved in the secular affairs of the house. She only likes to play the piano and read books in the yard alone."
"Sister Yue'er is not good at this either. She seems a little timid and doesn't dare to interact with strangers. She feels uncomfortable when there are too many servants around her."
"Husband, why don't you ask the two sisters what they want? If possible, ask them to take off their errands and take a rest."
What Dong Bai narrates is all true.
Cao Ang still understood something.
Regarding this, he could only sigh secretly in his heart that there were actually many Buddhist women in his back house.
It’s hard to imagine that the atmosphere is disharmonious!
However, these thoughts only floated in my mind for a moment and then quickly disappeared.
Cao Ang just chuckled and said: "What time is it now? Don't worry about these sisters. Come and sleep peacefully with your husband and me!"
Say it.
Cao Ang closed the door and window directly, blew out two candles, and then saw in the night, men's and women's robes scattered into the air, and then hung sporadically everywhere.
………………
The next morning.
After entrusting the affairs of the county to Cheng Yu who stayed here, and asking Lu Zhi to take care of him on his behalf.
Cao Ang immediately led his troops and marched southward.
This time, victory or defeat was decided in one fell swoop.
The Cao family can be said to be in full force.
Needless to say about his father, Cao Cao, Xiahou Dun, Xia Houyuan, Cao Hong and other direct generals were all accompanying him.
This is even more true for Cao Ang.
The defense forces of Puyang County, the county seat, have been completely mobilized, and there are not many left, regardless of military or civil service.
Now that Dongjun and Weijun are connected, the surrounding situation is stable, and all threatening forces have been eliminated or suppressed.
Otherwise, Cao Ang really wouldn't dare to do this.
And in the process of going south.
As soon as Cao Ang crossed the border between Dongjun and Chenliujun, he was caught up by Cao Ren and Cao Chun who were chasing from behind, and the troops of the three parties met at one place.
Cao's legion transformed into a complete body.
Although Cao Ang is currently unable to make detailed statistics on how many troops the father and son have dispatched, a rough estimate suggests that the total number is probably close to the fifty thousand mark.
This is not a numerical expansion like the Yellow Turban grass bandits, but a real regular army.
Although after successive water injections, the proportion of elites continued to shrink, but even so, such a huge army was enough to make people fear.
…
Because the main force of the army was in the hands of his father Cao Cao and Zhang Liao who acted in advance.
Cao Ang's side is a small team.
Besides, there were more than two thousand cavalry among them.
Therefore, the marching speed along the way is not slow.
Just starting from Puyang County to Fugou County in Chenliu County is more than 400 miles apart. Even if we maintain high-speed operations, it will take about ten days.
After Cao Ang arrived at his destination, he met Zhang Liao who was stationed here.
Just then I learned that Cao Cao had led his troops into Yingchuan County in advance in order to show an attitude to Jingzhou and to show that Yanzhou had not broken its promise and was approaching Yuan Shu as promised.
To this.
Cao Ang could only find out that as soon as the troops led by his father Cao Cao entered Yingchuan County, they headed south to Xuxian County, that is, after marching to Xuchang.
Choose another path.
After all, my father's side is pushing forward, so I can take a step slower and sort out the situation in Yingchuan County first, and then continue southward.
At this moment, I entered Yanling County, Yingchuan County for the first time.
Cao Ang waited for Xun You and Xun Gongda who had entered Yingchuan before and now returned to report the situation.
…
"Gongda, you and Wen Ruo first entered Yingchuan County and traveled around for so many days. I wonder what you gained?"
Located on the city tower in Yanling County.
Cao Ang faced the summer night wind and looked at the silent, dark wasteland outside the city.
He spoke quietly and asked Xun You behind him.
And after hearing Cao Ang's voice.
Xun You immediately took a step forward, and then reported the results of his uncle and nephew's efforts during this period one by one.
"Reporting back to the general, Yingchuan is a county with a large population. There are 17 counties and cities in the county. However, the population exceeded 1.4 million at its peak, and its density is far higher than that of Jizhou and Yanzhou counties."
"Although it has gone through the chaos in the Central Plains, it still has a good foundation."
"And such a populous county, although it nominally respects the imperial court, the actual controllers are more than ten families, large and small, mixed in various counties in the county."
Xun You did not immediately say what he had done.
Instead, he explained the current situation in Yingchuan County and waited until he saw Cao Ang slightly nodding.
Just then he continued.
"Among these local clans, Xun, Chen, Zhong, and Han have produced the four chiefs of Yingchuan. These four families are the strongest. The other large and small families are all headed by these four families."
"As long as these four families can unify their opinions and support you, General, the entire Yingchuan County will fall under your command in an instant."
"As for my subordinates and uncle Wen Ruo, they are from the Xun family in Yingyin County, Yingchuan County."
…
So many things have been counted.
Next, Cao Ang didn't wait for Cao Ang to take the initiative to speak.
Xun You gestured and called out names one by one.
"Among the four families, the Zhong family is the best to deal with. It is also after this series of connections that my subordinates dare to pat their chests and guarantee that they will respect your presence, General."
"The reason for this is because the Zhong family is based in Changshe County, which is too close to Chenliu County. Once our army sends troops, it can reach Changshe City in a day or two, so the Zhong family dare not go against your wishes!"
"In addition, many of the Zhong family's children are serving as officials in the court, and now they have been taken to Chang'an by Dong Zhuo. This makes them the weakest among the four families."
Cao Ang nodded repeatedly after hearing this.
To be honest, it's hard to even discuss the strength of these families.
Wherever Master Wang came, they were all turned into powder.
But he was worried that these families would unite and use the power of the literati clan to cause trouble. That would not only be difficult, but also disgusting.
But now I hear Xun You describe it like this.
There has been a breakthrough among the four tribes.
This is the best!
…
"Gongda, go on!"
He raised his hand to signal slightly.
Xun You leaned forward slightly and continued to state in a calm tone.
"The situation of the Chen family and the Zhong family are similar. Xu County where they are located is only one step away from Chenliu County. If you set out from Chen State, you can also reach the city in an instant."
"And according to what you said, General, the route taken by Duke Cao is to go south through Xu County. I think there must be a large army coming in person to act as a deterrent, and the Chen family will have a lot of success."
"So even though the Chen family is powerful, their subordinates only rank them in third place."
Cao Ang silently wrote down this key sequence.
Then he paused.
To show that you understand in your heart.
After getting feedback from Cao Ang.
Xun Youxin pointed towards the south.
"The remaining Xun family and Han family are equally difficult to deal with in the eyes of their subordinates. They can be said to be on equal footing."
"The Han family is based in Wuyang County, which is the southernmost part of Yingchuan County, close to Luyang County, and was deeply influenced by Yuan Shu."
"As for the Xun family where my subordinates are from, the problem lies in the fact that the situation in the family is a bit complicated."
Cao Ang didn't pay much attention to the Han family.
First of all, this family is much weaker than the Xun family and Chen family. If this is the only enemy, he will be crushed by him with his eyes closed.
Secondly, geopolitics itself is a key factor affecting sides and factions. The Han family made its fortune in Wuyang County, so there is no point in dwelling on this issue.
But what the Xun family said...
…
"Gongda, what do you mean by the complicated situation?"
I heard this question.
Xun You's face showed a bit of helplessness for no reason, and then he sighed softly and responded leisurely.
"To be honest, General, the reason why it is complicated is because there are too many direct branches in the clan."
"Today, there are still four uncles and uncles who are still alive. Although they are brothers, they actually have their own plans."
"For example, uncle Wenruo's father, who is known to the world as the two dragons of the Xun family, must support the general, but it is hard to say for the rest."
Hear this.
Cao Ang couldn't help but frown.
It does seem a bit tricky.
This situation is equivalent to the fact that there are too many older generations in the family. Those who can speak up and come up with ideas can count several people in a row of seats.
Although Xun Yu's father, Xun Nu, is the oldest and has the highest status among the older generation still alive.
But it is impossible for him to decide the direction of the entire family with his own words, especially when there are three younger brothers of the same generation as him who are still alive.
This is where the trouble lies.
…
But for these so-called difficulties.
Cao Ang has always faced difficulties.
Besides, Xun You only stated that there were still three old comrades whose attitudes were uncertain, but he did not say that they were definitely against him.
No matter what, you have to meet him to find out the situation.
After the face-to-face meeting.
If a consensus is reached, everyone will be happy.
On the other hand, Cao Ang is not helpless, and perhaps it is not a bad idea to use some means.
Think of this.
Cao Ang immediately told Xun You: "Gongda, I would like to trouble you to take someone with you and invite all the people in charge of these families to one place. Some things are best discussed in person."
The words just fell.
A smile appeared on Xun You's face.
He said to Cao Ang quite relaxedly: "General, don't worry, my subordinates have already taken care of this matter. When we were traveling back and forth, I invited them to meet up in Yingyin County. The Han family in Wuyang County has been sent by my subordinates." Someone went to deliver the message.”
Before the leader even opened his mouth, he had already finished the matter and was ahead of everyone else.
This is the top strategist.
…
Cao Ang nodded with great satisfaction.
"This is the best. Our army will rest for a day in Yanling County, and then go straight to Yingyin!"
With a wave of his hand, the decision was made.
Just talking about this.
Cao Ang suddenly remembered something, and then asked quickly: "By the way, where is Wen Ruo now?"
Xun You bowed slightly, cupped his hands and said.
"My uncle has many friends in the county and knows some young talents. He wants to take advantage of this great opportunity to return home to gather some of his former relatives and friends."
"After all, general, after you capture Yuzhou, there will definitely be a large number of talent vacancies. My uncle will do this for you."
"When we parted ways before, we made an appointment to meet in Yingyin County. I believe that when you arrive, General, you will be greeted by a crowd of people greeting your uncle."
After understanding Xun Yu's movements.
Cao Ang was even more filled with emotion.
What a Xun Lingjun who has a wide range of friends!
I have been waiting for a long time, and finally his circle of friends has been opened, which means that I can once again expand the number of top counselors.
This taste is really comfortable!
…
At the same time, I have to say something.
That was Xun Yu, who could be considered as dedicated to the Cao family. He took the initiative to work for Cao Ang to recruit scholars he knew well and had friendship with.
Cao Ang didn't even mention this.
Xun Yu had already taken the initiative to get things done.
It can be said that subjective initiative is brought into full play.
And he still used his own face to seek actual benefits for Cao Ang.
This guy really has nothing to say!
Xun's uncle and nephew are all outstanding people!
………………
Monthly ticket recommendation ticket
It was written by a girl in the group, whose nickname is Xiaobai. It goes well with today’s chapter. Brothers who are interested can check it out.
(End of chapter)
