In the hall of Sikong Mansion.
Cao Cao sat in the middle, with Xun Yu and Guo Jia standing on both sides.
"Wen Ruo, Feng Xiao, this is the letter Ziwen wrote to me. He proposed a strategy worthy of our deep thought." Cao Cao sat on the main seat and looked at the two counselors intently.
Xun Yu and Guo Jia raised their heads together, their eyes flashing with excitement and expectation. They knew Cao Zhang's talent well, and there must be a new strategy in his letter this time.
"Please tell me, Lord." Xun Yu said respectfully.
Guo Jiaze smiled slightly, with a hint of amusement in his words: "Sikong, we all know that Master Ziwen's letter must have another clever plan to make you happy."
"In his letter, Ziwen proposed the idea of bribing the princes of Guanxi by conferring officials and titles. He advocated using small favors to attract Han Sui, Ma Teng and others, unite them, and besiege Li Jue together to capture Chang'an. In this way If he comes, he will be supported by tens of thousands of elite soldiers, which will greatly increase his chances of defeating Li Jue."
Xun Yu nodded slightly and said with deep approval: "My lord, there are many princes in Guanxi, but they are not related to each other and work independently. Through this strategy, we can stabilize them and make them temporarily obey our command to avoid internal chaos so as to better deal with external enemies.”
Guo Jia added: "There is another advantage of this move, that is, we can eliminate potential threats from the northwest. Although Ma Teng, Han Sui and others are ambitious, as long as we try to satisfy their interests, they will not dare to easily Betray us."
Xun Yu continued: "Master Cao Zhang's strategy is exquisite and practical. By giving the princes of Guanxi some benefits, we can draw them over and eliminate our threat in the northwest region. At the same time, we can also consolidate the stability of Guanxi and let them Follow our command. This is a huge strategic advantage for us."
Guo Jia nodded and said in agreement: "That's true, Lord. In this way, we will not only be able to gain strong support in Guanxi, but also be able to calmly face Liu Biao and Zhang Xiu in the south, as well as Yuan Shao in the north. Cao Zhang Young Master’s strategy can not only solve the hidden dangers in the northwest, but also allow us to more firmly control the situation in the entire north.”
Cao Cao already admired Cao Zhang's strategy. After listening to Xun Yu and Guo Jia's analysis, he became more convinced that Cao Zhang's strategy was feasible.
Cao Cao took a deep breath, then stared at Xun Yu and Guo Jia and said: "Ziwen's strategy is indeed a brilliant move that can effectively solve our problems in the Kansai region. I decided to go to the palace immediately and ask for your Majesty's help. Purpose."
Cao Cao spoke firmly, his eyes flashing with determination and confidence.
Xun Yu and Guo Jia exchanged a look, and then replied in unison: "Yes, lord!"
They had no doubts about Cao Cao's decision, and they knew that Cao Zhang's strategy would guarantee Cao Cao's victory.
They believed that this was a remarkable strategic move that would completely change the landscape of the North...
…
The Imperial Study Room of Xudu Palace.
Emperor Xian of the Han Dynasty, Liu Xie, was reading the memorial when another eunuch came to report: "Your Majesty, Cao Sikong is asking for an audience."
When Emperor Xian of the Han Dynasty heard that Cao Cao had come to see him, he was slightly startled, and then quickly responded: "Please!"
Cao Cao strode into the imperial study in court clothes, came to Emperor Xian of the Han Dynasty, and saluted Emperor Xian of the Han Dynasty: "My lord, Cao Cao, pays homage to your Majesty!"
Emperor Xian of the Han Dynasty looked at Cao Cao who raised his head and stared at him, feeling faintly nervous.
Although he was already a boy of seventeen or eighteen years old, he was still a little nervous when facing Cao Cao.
"My beloved, I wonder what's going on when I come to see you today?" Emperor Xian of the Han Dynasty asked carefully.
"Your Majesty, I would like to ask your Majesty to issue an order to recruit the Kansai princes headed by Ma Teng, Han Sui, Duan Xuan and others, and to grant them titles to appease them." Cao Cao's expression was very respectful, but his tone was very firm.
Emperor Xian of the Han Dynasty looked puzzled. After thinking carefully for a moment, he asked: "My dear, why do you want to recruit princes like An Ma Teng and Han Sui who have rebelled against the imperial court?"
Seeing this, Cao Cao smiled slightly and said: "Your Majesty, although Ma Teng, Han Sui and others have had conflicts with the imperial court, you should not forget that at that time, Li Jue and Guo Si were by your side to control the government. Ma , Han and others are targeting Li Jue, Guo Si, not His Majesty!"
"In these troubled times, we urgently need a stable northwest border to avoid more variables. As long as the Kansai princes are given appropriate titles and titles, they will naturally surrender to the court and weaken the enemy's power from the source. This It is a stable strategy that has a positive impact on His Majesty’s royal authority.”
Seeing Emperor Xian of the Han Dynasty being silent, Cao Cao continued to add: "Your Majesty, the heroes in Guanxi are now working on their own affairs, which will pose a threat to your Majesty's unification. Recruiting Ma Teng, Han Sui and others can make them temporarily obey the imperial court and unite them under Together, it also avoids the possibility of them attacking the imperial court."
"The most important thing is that Wei Chen's son Cao Zhang is currently leading his troops to annihilate Li Jue in Chang'an. At this time, recruiting Ma Teng, Han Sui and others can help Cao Zhang and annihilate Li Jue in one fell swoop!"
Cao Cao's last words deeply moved Emperor Xian of the Han Dynasty. He was controlled by Li Jue for many years and suffered all kinds of humiliation. When he returned to the east, he almost died, and his heart was filled with hatred for Li Jue.
Emperor Xian of the Han Dynasty immediately raised his head and said to Cao Cao: "My dear, what you said makes sense. In your opinion, I will issue an edict to recruit Ma Teng and Han Sui, and grant them appropriate titles. But this must also be based on stability. The border is the premise and we must prevent them from backlash."
"Your Majesty, please rest assured. I will definitely take precautions. I will never kill a Li Jue and create a bunch of traitors who are disrespectful to Your Majesty!" Cao Cao responded immediately.
"That's very good, but I don't know who Ai Qing is going to arrange to go to Guanxi to deliver the message to me?!" Emperor Xian of the Han Dynasty asked with concern.
Cao Cao had already made plans before coming to see him, and immediately said: "Report to your majesty, when your majesty was able to return east safely, the suggestion of Zhong Yao played a crucial role! He is extremely loyal to your majesty, and he is also with the princes of Guanxi We have had contact with each other before, so he is the best choice to deliver the decree!"
Emperor Xian of the Han Dynasty also had a very good impression of Zhong Yao, and immediately nodded in agreement: "Okay, everything will be as Aiqing sees it, Aiqing can arrange it!"
Cao Cao immediately knelt down and thanked him: "I accept the order and thank you for your kindness! I retire!"
Cao Cao stood up and walked out, with a proud smile on his face. This time he achieved his goal. Once the plan is successful and the northwest is stable, it will be a major strategic victory for him...
Emperor Xian of the Han Dynasty looked at Cao Cao's leaving figure, but felt a chill on his back, and then realized that his dragon robe had been soaked with cold sweat.
Although Cao Cao was negotiating with him just now, Emperor Xian of the Han Dynasty understood that it was impossible for him to disobey Cao Cao's wishes now. Cao Cao's ambitions were becoming more and more obvious.
…
Inside Cao Pi's mansion.
Cao Pi paced back and forth in the hall anxiously, his mood as turbulent as the clouds torn apart by the storm. He anxiously waited for the return of Cao Zhen and Cao Xiu.
When he learned in Sikong Mansion that Cao Cao had received Cao Zhang's letter, he realized that there must be another military intelligence report from Chang'an, but Cao Cao did not allow him to listen in. He could only arrange for Cao Zhen and Cao Xiu to secretly monitor the movements of Sikong Mansion, and tried their best to Way to find out the news.
Cao Zhen was the first to return from outside and quickly walked into the hall.
Cao Pi hurried forward to greet him and asked with concern: "How is the situation?"
Cao Zhen reported to Cao Pi with a worried look on his face: "Zihuan, not long after we left, Sikong made an appointment with Xun Lingjun and Military Advisor Guo, and then he went to the palace to meet the emperor in person. I estimate that there must be something in Ziwen's letter What important content inspired Sikong to go see Sheng."
After hearing Cao Zhen's report, Cao Pi couldn't help scolding angrily: "This is nonsense! I have already guessed that there is important content in Cao Zhang's letter. What I asked you to check is what is written in his letter!?
At this moment, Cao Xiu rushed back panting: "I found it, I found it!"
Cao Pi hurried forward excitedly: "Wen Lie, what did you find out?"
"I bribed a little Huangmen in the inner palace and got a piece of news." Cao Xiu said mysteriously.
Cao Pi asked eagerly: "Tell me, what is the news about?"
Cao Xiu looked at Cao Pi with deep eyes, and then said slowly: "The emperor appointed his servant Zhong Yao to go to Kansai with the imperial edict, and rewarded An Ma Teng, Han Sui, Duan Xuan and other Kansai princes."
Cao Pi's eyes widened in shock: "This must be the purpose of my father entering the palace to meet the emperor! This must be what Cao Zhang suggested to his father in his letter!"
"But what is his purpose for doing this?" Cao Zhen couldn't figure it out and asked in confusion.
Cao Pi's eyes were cold and he said viciously: "Cao Zhang's intention is obvious. He hopes to use the imperial court's reward to recruit peace, so that the princes of Guanxi can be used by him to deal with Li Jue with him! In this way, he is equivalent to having tens of thousands of people at once. Elite soldiers can also lay siege to Li Jue who is stationed in Chang'an!"
"Zihuan, if Cao Zhang's plan succeeds, Li Jue will be defeated, and our carefully designed plan to frame him will fail." Cao Xiu said anxiously.
Cao Pi shook his head in shock. He did not expect that Cao Zhang would make another strange move. This kind of accident was a huge threat to him.
Cao Xiu pondered for a moment, then stepped forward and whispered to Cao Pi: "Zihuan, why don't we still use the method of provoking Li Jue to send troops in the first place, and use Dong Cheng's name to inform Li Jue of the news that the imperial court is sending envoys to recruit the princes of Guanxi. Let him prepare early."
Cao Pi nodded slightly after hearing Cao Xiu's words.
Dong Chengben was originally from the Xiliang Army. He was once a subordinate of Dong Zhuo's son-in-law Niu Fu, and he also worked with Li Jue and Guo Si for many years.
It was only later that his daughter married Emperor Xian of the Han Dynasty, and his father became the head of the country because of his daughter's superiority. Only then did he gradually distance himself from Li Jue and others, but after all, the two sides had intersections in the past.
Moreover, after Dong Cheng came to Xudu, he was obviously ostracized by Cao Cao and lived an unhappy life. This is also true.
Therefore, Cao Pi initially forged letters in the name of Dong Cheng to express his dissatisfaction with Cao Cao, claiming that he would join forces with Li Jue to overthrow Cao Cao and send Emperor Xian of Han back to Chang'an. Only then did Li Jue send troops to attack Luoyang.
"It doesn't make much sense to just let Li Jue be on guard. At present, it seems that his strategy is far inferior to Ziwen. If the princes of Guanxi really unite to help Ziwen deal with Li Jue, he will be alone and has little chance of winning. We must find a way Prevent him from bribing the princes of Guanxi to jointly deal with Li Jue." Cao Pi's brows were furrowed, and there was a fierce light in his eyes...
Cao Xiu rolled his eyes and already had an idea. He whispered to Cao Pi: "Zihuan, there is no way to destroy the Kansai warlords from obeying Cao Zhang. We can do this..."
Immediately, Cao Xiu told Cao Pi his plan.
After hearing this, Cao Pi nodded slowly: "This plan is feasible. It shouldn't be delayed. Let's arrange for someone to write a letter immediately and send it to Chang'an and Yongliang. We must complete our operation before Zhong Yao arrives!"
