With these details provided by Xun You.
Cao Ang no longer wasted time.
After resting for a day, they decisively mobilized troops and horses, abandoned their original plan of heading west to reach Changshe County, and instead headed straight to Yingyin from the southwest.
It took less than three days.
The troops led by Cao Ang have already arrived at Yingyin City. There are as many as 20,000 regular troops, and their momentum can be described as extremely powerful.
The flag wavered and the cold light flickered.
Even though it is still late summer, the scorching sun above our heads never stops for a moment.
But under the cold light of everyone holding weapons, the temperature around them seemed to have cooled down.
Such a frightening momentum.
So that no one in the city dared to neglect at all.
The Yingyin County magistrate immediately led his people out of the city to greet him.
In addition to people from the government, people from the four major families who had been persuaded by Xun's uncle and nephew to come together to discuss the big plan also greeted them outside the city.
And among these people.
Cao Ang saw at a glance that Xun Yu, standing in the middle of the crowd, had his hands folded in his sleeves, looking calm and peaceful.
And beside Xun Yu.
There are also several men dressed as scribes, some of them young and some middle-aged.
Although Cao Ang didn't know these people.
But thinking about it, these are the talents Xun You called for himself.
Although Cao Ang was a little eager to meet Xun Yu and hear him introduce the identities of these talents.
But this scene is not suitable right now.
With so many people coming out of the city to greet them, including many heavyweights from the four major families, some things must be prioritized.
It is better to deal with these difficult guys first, and then meet with Xun Yu and sit down and talk slowly, rather than act hastily and recklessly.
…
At this moment, it is located in the post house in the city.
Xun You was reporting the information he had found to Cao Ang, pointing to the other courtyards of the post house.
"General, according to the information obtained by my subordinates, in addition to our Xun family's own residence, people from the other three families who have come from far away have all settled in the post house."
"The general is here and can easily communicate with people from these three major families."
Listen to what this means.
Cao Ang was thoughtful for a while.
Then he asked with a smile: "What Gongda means is that he hopes that I will visit the people of these families one by one before the formal meeting to set the tone first?"
Xun You nodded hurriedly.
Then he analyzed Cao Ang carefully.
"There is still an hour and a half before the dinner. The meeting between the general and Xun Chen Hanzhong will probably take the opportunity of the dinner to be held together."
"And once it's a formal banquet and everyone is present, it's hard to explain a lot of things clearly in front of each other. This is very disadvantageous for the general."
"It would be better to take advantage of this period of time to defeat each one one by one and divide them into pieces. When the banquet is held, General, you can help them in one fell swoop. Wouldn't it be wonderful?"
Xun You's suggestion is obviously very feasible.
Cao Ang's eyes flashed for a while.
He immediately accepted his statement.
With a wave of his hand, he said to Xun You: "I will follow Gongda's words and come up with strategies to defeat them one by one."
"As the saying goes, start with the easy and then the difficult. Let's start with the Zhong family. Please ask Gongda to lead the way!"
Xun You responded.
When ready to stand up and lead the way.
But he hasn't made any move yet.
Suddenly Dian Wei's report came from outside.
"General, there is a man named Zhong Di outside the door asking to see you!"
…
"ah?"
Xun You couldn't help but let out a low cry.
Acting very surprised.
In fact, let alone him, even Cao Ang, who was about to visit the Zhong family just now, felt a little surprised at this moment.
The so-called Zhong Di.
He is the patriarch of the Zhong family in Yingchuan.
An old comrade who was nearly sixty years old belonged to the same generation as Xun Yu's father Xun Nu.
For such an old-timer to be able to leave Changshe and come here to meet Cao Ang is already a great honor.
But what Cao Ang didn't expect was.
It was not enough for the old man to do this. He actually came to ask for an audience without waiting for Cao Ang to visit.
Set yourself very low.
hiss!
It is said that the Zhong family is easy to conquer, but it shouldn't be that easy. Could it be that the Yingchuan Zhong family had been planning day and night to defect to the Cao family and eat pots of wine to welcome Master Wang?
With such thoughts.
Cao Ang immediately got up and went out to greet him.
Soon he saw Zhong Di, who had gray hair and an old look on his face, leaning on a walking stick and being supported by servants on the left and right, waiting in front of the door.
"Junior Cao Ang has met Mr. Zhong!"
There is a huge gap in seniority between Cao Ang and this old man. Although Cao Ang is now in a high and powerful position, these things cannot be ignored at first sight.
Facing Cao Ang's salute.
Zhong Di shook off his supporting hands, and then bowed tremblingly to Cao Ang.
But his etiquette was not perfect.
Cao Ang, who had quick eyes and quick hands, had already helped him up, and then invited him all the way to the hall.
…
After ordering the servants to serve tea and snacks.
Cao Ang cupped his hands to Zhong Di, and then said with a smile: "To be honest, I was planning to take Gongda to visit you, but before I could move, Gongda was already here in person."
Zhong Di glanced at Xun You who was standing aside.
Smiled lightly.
Then he said to Cao Ang.
"Since receiving the letter from Nephew Wen Ruoxian, the old man has led his people all the way from Changshe to this place. So far, he has been waiting for the general for several days."
"Now that I see the general face to face, there is no need to hide some things. I will speak out if I have something to say."
Speaking of which.
Zhong Di paused for a moment.
Then he continued speaking meaningfully.
"General, the purpose of coming to Yingyin County is very clear. Anyone with insight can see that you are not satisfied with the superficial control of Yingchuan County, but want to completely control it."
"The general has a long-standing reputation. I have no objection to the general's idea."
"It's just that the Yingchuan nobles don't dare to say that they are in the same spirit, but at least they support each other. So if the general has no reason to convince me, it will be difficult for me to give you a clear commitment."
Get straight to the point and speak your mind.
Through such a self-statement.
Cao Ang also figured out why Zhong Di took the initiative to visit instead of just waiting for him to go.
This is while giving yourself face.
Express your attitude tactfully.
All I can say is that he is indeed an old fox, and his scales are just right.
…
Faced with such straightforward words from Zhong Di.
Cao Ang thought for a while.
He slowly said one thing.
"My Cao family currently has 50,000 troops in armor, many soldiers and generals, and is powerful in two states."
"After expelling Yuan Shu and pacifying the Yuzhou area, my Cao family will restart the campaign against Dong Zhuo in the near future. At that time, I, Cao Ang, will personally lead the troops to march westward."
"Execute the Dong thief, restore the Han Dynasty, and rescue the civil and military officials who were held hostage by him!"
"So, what do you think of it?"
The words just fell.
Zhong Di, who was still half-squinting his eyes and looking carefree, suddenly showed a violent reaction.
He raised his head with a "swish" sound.
The boss stared straight at Cao Ang with wide eyes, as if there was light overflowing from his eyes.
If you observe carefully.
It can be seen that Zhong Di's right hand holding the crutch is exerting force, so that the knuckles are a little white, and the thin fingers become more and more ferocious.
"Do you really mean what the general said?!"
Cao Ang nodded heavily without hesitation.
He said categorically: "This is the battle strategy of my Cao family. My father Cao Cao also knows it. It will be implemented after the surrounding areas of Yanzhou are pacified at the latest!"
…
"Tuk-tuk!"
Zhong Di's crutch struck the ground twice.
Then there was a rare hint of excitement in the old and dry voice of this old man who was nearly sixty years old.
"My son Zhong Yao and Zhong Yuanchang are currently serving as officials in Chang'an and are being coerced by Dong's thieves. I am worried about him day and night, fearing that his life will be in danger."
"Besides him, there are many children of the Zhong family in Chang'an. If the general can keep his words, he will lead his troops to attack the Dong thief and rescue Yuan Chang and the other children."
"On behalf of the entire Zhong family, I would like to respect the general as my chief and support all your decisions!"
Having said this, it is not over yet.
Zhong Di then pointed in the direction of the county government office.
Then expressed his stance without hesitation.
"At the dinner later, no matter what the other three families think, the Zhong family will support you and are willing to do their best to help the general control Yingchuan!"
There was a 180-degree turn in attitude, almost as if Cao Ang was the master on the spot.
The reason why we can achieve this point.
Except that Zhong Yao is Zhong Di's biological son.
There is also an extremely important point, that is, the entire young generation of the Zhong family, those who can take the lead, are all in Chang'an City at the moment.
But recently I got news that there is quite a bit of unrest in Chang'an City.
Once a member of the family has any shortcomings, the large family will fall into the embarrassing situation of being in a state of insecurity and the strength of the new generation will be cut off.
Therefore, Cao Ang put the strategic plan on the table.
Only Zhong Di would be extremely excited.
It doesn't matter whether Cao Ang can do this, as long as he has such a heart and such thoughts.
This is a good channel to save his son and the other children of the Zhong family.
Take advantage of this place.
What other choice does Zhong Di have?
…………
Zhong Di is gone.
After making an agreement with Cao Ang.
He leaned on a crutch and was helped away.
Looking at the retreating figure of his old comrade, Cao Ang couldn't help but raise the corners of his mouth slightly, revealing an unpredictable smile.
In fact, after learning about the Zhong family's situation from Xun You's mouth, Cao Ang thought of using this method to make a breakthrough.
After all, once the family children are rescued, it means that they can quickly regain their strength.
As the representative of the outstanding children of the family, Zhong Yao can quickly take up the leadership of the family, which is extremely important for a mature family.
After such thoughts.
Cao Ang gathered his thoughts.
He looked at Xun You again.
"Gongda, according to what you said, the Chen family ranks second in difficulty. Is that true?"
After Xun You nodded in response.
Cao Ang raised his hand and pushed forward.
"You still need to strike while the iron is hot. The Zhong family has been convinced. Now it's time to work together."
"Let's go, follow me to visit Mr. Chen!"
…
Chen Gong is Chen Ji.
You may not be familiar with this name, but if you talk about his character "Yuan Fang", many people must be familiar with it.
This old man is sixty-two years old.
Belongs to the same generation as Zhong Di.
At the same time, he is also the only remaining old comrade of the Chen family, and naturally he is the leader of the Chen family.
The father of Chen Ji was Chen Shi, also known as Chen Taiqiu, one of the four chiefs of Yingchuan who was famous all over the world.
The same person is mentioned in "Chen Taiqiu and Youqi Xing".
And in this article, "Yuan Fang doesn't care about getting started", Yuan Fang refers to Chen Ji.
For Cao Ang.
Such a character who once lived in textbooks is now standing in front of him alive, which really makes him feel a bit strange.
And when this old man and his son Chen Qun.
The moment you are greeted in person at the door.
This wonderful meaning becomes more and more intense.
Chen Qun and Chen Changwen are also not simple.
Putting aside the halo of fame that he had gathered around him, there was one thing that stuck in Cao Ang’s memory the most.
It was Chen Qun who was the main creator of the Nine-Rank Zhongzheng System. In other words, the world-famous family received institutional support from him.
…
For the nine-grade Zhongzheng system.
Cao Ang can be said to hate him deeply.
This thing is a double-edged sword. Although it played a certain role in containing the Qingliu Township Party when it was first established, it consolidated the rule of the imperial court.
But its disadvantages are really too great!
The so-called benefits are so great that they are simply negligible, and it can even be said that there are no benefits.
The so-called nine-grade Zhongzheng system is to set grades for talents, and the grades determine a person's upper and lower limits, as well as the speed of his promotion.
The person responsible for assessing and rating is Zhongzhengguan.
At the beginning of the establishment of the system, Zhongzheng officials were usually concurrently held by local officials. They were often recommended by county governors, state governors, or appointed by the court.
In other words, at the beginning of its establishment, the channels for talent promotion were still in the hands of the imperial court.
However, as time went by, the local government gradually eroded the selection system, and coupled with the imperial court, it was impossible to be as strong as it was at the beginning of the founding of the country.
Soon, the Zhongzhengguan responsible for assessing grades became elected by the local government. Several local clans even sat down and made presumptions while drinking.
At the same time, the basis for grade assessment.
Also from family background, virtue, and behavior, virtue occupies the most important scoring criteria.
Family background took precedence over everything else.
One can imagine.
After entering this stage, the original intention was to suppress the nine-level Zhongzheng system of the Qingliu Township Party, but in turn it became the most powerful weapon to promote evil tendencies, consolidate classes, and consolidate the rule of aristocratic families.
It would be fine if the imperial court had always been strong.
Once a state of depression appears.
Then the speed of disintegration will be ten times and hundreds of times faster than that of ordinary feudal dynasties.
But as the ruler of a dynasty.
How can we hope that the kings of future generations will be strong from generation to generation, never make mistakes, and the court will never fall?
So for Cao Ang.
This thing is a cancer!
The emergence of this system must be eradicated.
…
These thoughts flashed through my mind.
Cao Ang did not implicate his disgust on Chen Qun because of the Nine-Rank Zhongzheng System.
This guy is very capable.
Even though he had a lot of selfish motives when he offered the Nine-Rank Zhongzheng System, as long as he didn't say this, he would only be the most loyal minister.
Thinking like this.
Cao Ang took advantage of the situation and bowed to the Chen family and his son.
Then he revealed his purpose.
"Mr. Chen, Yuan Shu has been living in Nanyang for a long time, and he is eyeing the Yanyu area. The purpose of this trip is to expel him from Nanyang to ensure the safety of Yanyu."
"It's just as the saying goes that when fighting against foreign forces, you must first settle down at home. I am relying on Yingchuan County to attack Yuan Shu. If the county is unstable, it will really not make me feel at ease."
"That's why I came to visit you, hoping that Mr. Chen can support me in subduing Yingchuan County!"
Although Chen Ji is sixty-two years old this year.
But compared to Zhong Di's senility, this old man appears to be quite healthy.
After hearing Cao Ang's appeal.
There was a rare glimmer of light in Chen Jina's eyes, which were slightly cloudy due to old age.
Then he shook his head.
"I already know the general's intention."
"It's just that I, Mrs. Chen, have always adhered to one principle, which is to obey the decrees of the imperial court."
"Whoever the imperial court allows to be the governor of Zhoumu will be respected by our Chen family. As for our Chen family, we have never thought of occupying land and becoming king. At least I can still be the master of the family. Among this generation of Chen family, There will be no such situation.”
…
Chen Ji almost said, "We stand neutral this time. General, please come back."
The rejection was very obvious.
However, such words floated into Cao Ang's ears, which lifted his spirits.
He said nothing.
Then he fumbled out an edict from his arms.
"Mr. Chen has also asked me to read it. This is the imperial edict to appoint me as the Shepherd of Yuzhou. It is stamped with the emperor's seal. It is the most orthodox appointment."
"Yuan Shao's Zhou Ang and Yuan Shu's Sun Jian are all people who show their responsibility."
"They are only talented, but they are definitely not comparable to these two!"
An edict was sent to Chen Ji.
The old man was immediately shocked.
He quickly took the edict, read through the text carefully, and then carefully observed the seals at the end.
After so long.
Chen Jifang just raised his head, looked at Cao Ang steadily, and asked in confusion.
"General Cao, why did the Chang'an imperial court come from thousands of miles away to send you an edict appointing you as the shepherd of Yuzhou?"
…
Cao Ang smiled very calmly.
Then he explained meaningfully: "I don't belong to the mountain, but the mountain belongs to me."
"The Dong thief's intention must be to use such means to provoke conflicts between me and the surrounding parties, thereby causing civil strife in Kanto."
"At that time, he can sit back and reap the benefits in Chang'an."
"It's just that for me, there is no harm in accepting the post of Yuzhou Mu. On the contrary, with this official position, I can accumulate strength and counterattack Chang'an in the future. Why not?"
Chen Ji nodded thoughtfully.
accepted this explanation.
This logic does make sense. Dong Zhuo was always good at stirring things up, so it shouldn't be surprising that he would resort to such despicable means.
Although he was a little surprised that Cao Ang had already become the shepherd of a state at such a young age, and it was the father and son who each led a state.
But this has nothing to do with Chen Ji.
As long as it doesn't violate his principles, anything he says will be like water thrown out.
Therefore, after returning the edict to Cao Ang.
Chen Ji stood up and cupped his hands to Cao Ang and said, "I keep my word. Since the general is the governor of the state appointed by the imperial court, Chen will be at your mercy."
"At the evening banquet, no matter what others think, I will personally speak about it!"
…
Chen Ji's promise made Cao Ang overjoyed.
There are four families in total.
Two have been pulled over now.
This means that half of the forces in the Yingchuan clan support him.
Although these two are only relatively easy to conquer in terms of difficulty, and the more difficult ones are still waiting for you, but this is already good.
Every time a hill is cut off.
This means that even if Cao Ang uses other methods, the counterattack he will suffer will only become smaller.
Of course, it would be best not to take action.
After getting the letter.
Cao Ang immediately said goodbye to Chen Ji.
Chen Qun sent each other off.
Before leaving the courtyard, Cao Ang had an idea and said to Chen Qun who was standing by.
"I have now taken over the post of Yuzhou Shepherd. There are many official vacancies in the counties and counties in the state. If Brother Changwen doesn't mind it, you might as well come to me after Yuan Gongdao is pacified. I will only find a job for you!"
Chen Qun was stunned.
I didn't expect Cao Ang to say this suddenly.
But in his lowered eyes, there was a hint of hidden joy.
"The general has long been famous all over the world, and everyone is overjoyed to be able to serve as an official under the general."
"It's just that my father is still at home, and I still need to discuss some things with him."
"But if my father agrees, I will definitely go and join the general!"
Cao Ang smiled and nodded.
He left the courtyard with satisfaction.
…………
After walking around in circles, he returned to his small courtyard.
Cao Ang rubbed his head.
While asking Xun You beside him.
"Gongda, the Han family should be next, right?"
Xun You bowed slightly.
gave an affirmative answer.
"Reporting to the general, it is the Han family!"
"This family is far away in Wuyang County, south of Yingchuan County, and is deeply influenced by Yuan Shu. Before Yuan Shu sent troops to Yingchuan, the Han family was behind it."
"After receiving the letter from Uncle Wen Ruo and me, the Han family sent a person in charge of the affairs of the clan even though the clan leader could not do it himself."
"It's just that General, if you want to convince the Han family, it's not as easy as it was before with the Zhong and Chen families."
Think of this being swayed by geopolitics.
Naturally, he fell in love with Yuan Shu's family.
Cao Ang couldn't help but frowned.
This kind of existence with a natural attitude is the most difficult to conquer and the most difficult to deal with.
How to convince them is really a headache.
And I saw this situation.
Xun You couldn't help but speak again: "General, if the Han family is in trouble."
"We might as well bypass them first and persuade the Xun clan of our subordinates first. As long as three of the four clans turn to you, the remaining family must be obedient even if they want to be disobedient!"
Xun You's method is good.
No matter how hard the Han family jumps, they still have to live in the land of Yingchuan County. The family fortune and personal connections accumulated by ancestors for generations depend on it.
As long as the other three parties agree.
The Han family can't change the world no matter what.
However, Cao Ang shook his head slightly.
"There's no rush, let's give it a try first!"
"Besides, since you ranked the Han family in third place, how can you easily convince the Xun family, which is the most difficult?"
"Let's go there one by one!"
…………
The two thought the Han family's difficulty was very high.
However, no matter Cao Ang or Xun You.
I never expected it.
The progress of things was unexpectedly smooth and unbelievably smooth!
"Ouch!"
"You must be General Cao. It's true that hearing about it is worse than seeing it, and meeting it is even better than being famous!"
"General, please come in quickly and come with me to sit down!"
The person who spoke was named Han Xing.
From the outside, he looks like a middle-aged scribe.
He is also the representative sent by the Han family this time.
His enthusiasm made Cao Ang a little confused, and he couldn't figure out what the trick was.
However, the opponent who was originally considered to be difficult to deal with has such a passionate attitude towards him.
This is a good thing no matter what!
Therefore, Cao Ang did not think deeply.
After chatting and laughing, they went inside and sat down, and then they were ready to reveal their intentions.
But he didn't have time to speak yet.
Han Xing took the initiative to speak to Cao Ang after serving the tea soup.
"Wuyang County is located on the side of Luyang, and Yuan Shu's troops are approaching in the morning and evening, so the whole family has no choice but to follow Yuan Shu's orders."
"But now that the general has arrived with his heavenly troops, Yuan Shu will be vulnerable to a blow. The Han family should abandon the dark side and turn to the bright side. This can be considered as the shackles on their bodies have been lifted!"
"General, there is no need to say anything more. I will express my attitude at tonight's dinner. I would like to respect the general as my master!"
Cao Ang: "?"
Xun You: "?"
…
Now the two of them were really confused.
I always feel that the development of things is a bit too dreamy and full of unreality.
The enthusiasm shown before was nothing more than that. It could be explained that the etiquette was in place and everyone was a face-saving person.
But why is this later one happening?
Brother, you are a bit too extreme!
After following Yuan Shu for so long, he suddenly changed his mind as soon as he came here?
Apart from anything else, at least the Cao family's army has not yet arrived in Wuyang County, and the outcome between Cao's army and Yuan's army is currently unknown.
How could anyone easily abandon their old club and join the new club when their future is uncertain?
The change was easy and sudden.
This made Cao Ang feel slightly uneasy.
The free ones are the most expensive!
What if Han Xing came up to set some conditions, bargained with Cao Ang, and finally was persuaded by his eloquent words and chose to give in.
Then Cao Ang felt it was reasonable and was happy.
But now the benefits that are being delivered to his door are like picking up pie from the sky, but Cao Ang does not dare to reach out to pick it up.
What if there is a scam?
…
Perhaps he saw the hesitation and hesitation between the two of them.
Han Xing suddenly woke up.
He knew that if he didn't explain clearly, Cao Ang's concerns would make this matter counterproductive, and it would go against the wishes of the clan.
So after sorting out the wording a little bit.
Han Xing immediately explained to Cao Ang: "General, there is no need to have doubts. The reason why I did this is because I got the order from the clan to fully support the general."
"The reason why the clan issued this order is to repay the general's great kindness, and also to choose to sit on the same boat with the general for the future of the children in the clan!"
"I wonder what the so-called great kindness is?"
Cao Ang keenly extracted the key words.
He asked without thinking.
Han Xing pointed to the north and replied with a distant look: "Doesn't the general not know that Han Fu, the current shepherd of Jizhou, is a descendant of my Han family?"
As soon as this statement came out.
Cao Ang suddenly understood.
He really didn't know that Han Fu was from the Han family in Yingchuan, and he hadn't bothered to find out before.
Or maybe this information had been on his desk before, but Cao Ang forgot about it.
…
If there is such a relationship.
All the causes and consequences can be explained clearly.
Strictly speaking.
Cao Ang did save Han Fu's life.
Because Gongsun Zan and Yuan Shao were competing for Jizhou, once Han Fu, the shepherd of Jizhou, failed, he would most likely die a violent death.
Cao Ang sent troops to quell the rebellion in Jizhou.
Stabilizing all parties for Han Fu, isn't this saving Han Fu's life in disguise?
Han Fu is currently the only person in the entire Han family who has achieved the position of state pastor, and his nature is completely different from that of Zhong Yao who is trapped in Chang'an City.
This is a powerful figure in the local area!
As long as Han Fu can remain standing, the development of the entire Han family will definitely not be bad.
To put it into perspective, if Cao Ang saved Han Fu's life, wouldn't it be equivalent to a great favor to the entire Han family?
in this case.
Han Xing's "abandoning the dark and turning to the bright", abandoning Yuan Shu and turning to Cao Ang, has become reasonable.
After all, Han Fu and Cao Ang are allies.
Yuan Shu is just based on geopolitics.
In the past, no one could cure Yuan Shu, so they naturally chose to follow Yuan Shu.
But now Cao Ang arrives with his troops.
Who is close and who is far away can be known at a glance!
…
After understanding this.
Cao Ang couldn't help but laugh three times in his heart.
Unexpectedly, the opponent that was extremely difficult to deal with in the previous imagination turned out to be the best one to attack.
He hasn't spoken yet.
People have already taken care of themselves.
Okay, Han Fu, you did a good job!
I will definitely beat up Yuan Shao and Gongsun Zan for you in the future. You may not be able to continue to serve as the governor of a state under me in the future!
Things are resolved easily.
Cao Ang was happy to sit down and talk to Han Xingyan for a while with a smile on his face.
Interest was high during this period.
They even had drinks brought to them, and the two of them drank a few drinks while talking.
The atmosphere is extremely harmonious.
…
After leaving the Han family.
Cao Ang is currently the only target left.
That is, according to Xun You, there are many mountains inside and the Xun family has extremely complicated factions.
While Cao Ang was thinking about how to break the situation.
Suddenly a familiar voice came to my ears.
"General, it turns out you are here, which makes it easier for my subordinates to find you!"
Turning around, he saw it was Xun Yu.
…………
Monthly ticket recommendation ticket
(End of chapter)
