Hebei, General's Mansion.
Secretary Ling Liu Ye hurried in and said, "Lord, there is a letter here."
Yuan Xi winked at the guard standing beside him, who quickly took the letter and presented it to Yuan Xi.
Yuan Xi opened the letter and read it, and was stunned.
He had nothing else to do but tell Yuan Xi that his second uncle Yuan Shu was going to abolish the Han Dynasty and become emperor!
Yuan Xi fell back, his eyes dull. Damn it, this second uncle is indeed a genius. After all the hard work he had done to help him, he still wanted to be the emperor in the end. It was really too much mud to hold up the wall, and it only caused more trouble for the Yuan family.
Yuan Xi hurriedly finished writing a letter and hurriedly asked Liu Ye to send a shadow guard to rush the letter to Shouchun.
He slowly stood up and paced back and forth in the hall, thinking about how to deal with this change.
To be honest, now that his second uncle Yuan Shu is the emperor, it is a good thing for him from a tactical point of view, as it can attract Cao Cao's attention and relieve his own pressure, but strategically, it is a huge bad thing for the entire Yuan family.
The advantage to him is that he can use this time to quickly wipe out the rebel and opposition forces, stabilize his rear, and prepare for Yuan Cao's decisive battle.
It can still develop well again. Even if Yuan Shu fails, it will take some time. This can allow Cao Cao's plan to launch the Northern Expedition to be temporarily shelved for some time.
The disadvantage is that once the second uncle Yuan Shu is finished, grandfather Yuan Wei's plan to merge the two Yuans will completely fail. If he loses in the future, he will be defeated. He cannot rely on the emperor's second uncle, because he has already committed suicide in advance and is out.
Yuan Xi's only reliance was to quickly integrate the four states in Hebei, wipe out the remaining influence of his eldest brother Yuan Tan and Bingzhou Heishan, and then launch a full-scale confrontation with Cao Cao. A slightly unfavorable situation is better than a chaotic situation.
As for victory or defeat, no one can tell. It depends on the situation step by step. After all, preparation is a deduction, and the confrontation between the two armies is an actual battle.
Yuan Xi is also uneasy now. I was also very excited. After all, I was in charge of the decisive battle with Cao Cao.
It is a pity that Emperor Taizong Li Shimin did not meet an opponent like Cao Cao, but Emperor Taizong Xuanwu Yuan Xi did meet Cao Cao, an old enemy. It is hard to say whether it is unfortunate or lucky.
However, Emperor Taizong Li Shimin's opponents, Wang Shichong and Wei Gong Li Mi, were also powerful heroes, and their military qualities were no worse than Cao Cao's.
But the difference is that Cao Cao, Liu Bei, and Sun Jian are all strategic opponents, while Wang Shichong, Li Mi, and Dou Jiande are all tactical opponents. Each has its own merits.
In the third year of Jian'an, at the beginning of 198 AD, Yuan Shu announced to the world in Shouchun that he would abolish the Han Dynasty and establish himself as emperor. As soon as the news came out, the whole world was shocked and the world was in an uproar.
The princes were stunned because Yuan Shu did something they had always wanted to do but didn't dare to do. They had to admire this girl's courage. The Yuan family was really awesome.
When the news reached Yecheng, Yuan Xi sat on the ground and couldn't recover for a long time, because he knew that the letter he wrote was still on the way, and his second uncle had already proclaimed himself emperor.
"It's over, Second Uncle is done." He murmured. To be honest, although the second uncle Yuan Shu is a bastard, Yuan Xi doesn't feel bad about him, and the second uncle actually doesn't treat him badly either.
After all, he was born into a prince's family by mistake, otherwise Yuan Shu would have been an uncle with a bad temperament. It's a pity.
"Pull me up." Yuan Xi said to Zhu Gongdao, who was squatting beside him and looking at him with concern.
Zhu Gongdao quickly pulled him up.
Yuan Xi was so angry that he laughed and said, "Okay, my second uncle has become emperor, and our Yuan family has lost another bargaining chip."
Zhu Gongdao didn't know what he meant and didn't dare to answer, so he could only remain silent.
Yuan Xi sighed and thought to himself, now we are also relatives of the emperor and the consort of the court, but we are still worse than our second uncle Yuan Shu. He is really a rare person in the Yuan family through the ages. I’m really ashamed of myself, Yuan Shu is such a fucking bastard.
"Go and call the judge, and send someone to tell Liu Ye the news." Yuan Xi said in a deep voice.
"Yes, my lord."
Yuan Xi soon saw Shen Pei, who had a bad look on his face. He said excitedly: "My lord, Yuan Shu has done an incredible job. Now everyone in the world is probably going to attack him just like they did to Dong Zhuo back then. .”
Yuan Xi said with a face: "No, the key point is that Dong Zhuo himself did not become the emperor at the beginning. His second uncle, on the other hand, actually deposed the emperor and became the emperor. Haha, my second uncle is really brave."
Shen Pei smiled bitterly and said: "My lord, that's not what I'm worried about. What I'm worried about is that all the princes in the world will definitely send troops to attack him."
Yuan Xi did not expect that the examiner would have such knowledge now, and said with a smile: "Tell me, why are you worried about this?"
Shen Pei sighed: "No matter how my lord and Yuan Shu fight, it is still the Yuan family's business. In the end, losing or winning will affect the Yuan family's strength, but it is different now. If Yuan Shu follows Dong Zhuo's footsteps, this will It is nothing less than a big disaster for the Yuan family."
Yuan Xi was overjoyed. The current matchmaker was no longer the original matchmaker. As long as he didn't follow Yuan Shang in principle, he wouldn't have so many small thoughts.
Only by broadening one's horizons and looking farther can I hope for Liu Ye's information. . yes. .
No matter how much the two Yuans fight, as long as they survive, the leader of the world can only be chosen between the two. But once one of them dies, no matter how powerful one of them is, they will only be feared at most, but they will never let everyone People all think that the world belongs to the Yuan family.
At the beginning, Yuan Shu was powerful in Huainan and Huaibei, but it fell into the eyes of many people. His power was close to that of Yuan Shao. In other words, the Yuan family's power was unparalleled for a while.
But now Yuan Shu is destined to die, which is undoubtedly a huge blow to the Yuan family.
Yuan Shu really became the target of public criticism. This was something he never expected, even with his brain. God cannot save him.
Not long after, the Han Dynasty set off a wave of attacks against the traitors of the Han Dynasty. One wave after another, everyone was shouting hoarse. At this time, everyone claimed to be the most loyal minister of the Han Dynasty, and Yuan Shu Inseparable.
Now that something like this happened, Yuan Xi was helpless and in an embarrassing situation. He publicly declared directly in Yecheng that he would draw a clear line with Yuan Shu and stated that he and the rebels were sworn in. Of course, he left some room for it.
He also said that whoever wants to conquer the rebels, he will be the first to send troops to help. There is no way this is a matter of political stance. At this time, the Yuan family can only cut off their arms to save themselves and stop their losses in time.
At this time, some knowledgeable people under Yuan Xi also shook their heads and said nothing. After all, they support Yuan Shu, not to mention that their lord Yuan Xi disagrees, but they themselves think this is impossible. After all, no one is stupid enough to make an enemy of the world.
Anyone who helps Yuan Shu is the enemy of the world.
Although Yuan Xi's approach is immoral, it cannot be said to be wrong. The aristocratic families place bets separately. In order to maximize their interests in this troubled world, when the crisis comes and they have no choice but to give up one branch to survive.
Yuan Shu's life was really sad.
First, Liu Daer, whom he tried his best to win over, betrayed him directly; then his former ally Sun Jian kicked him again, jumped on his feet, and gritted his teeth to break off the relationship with him.
How could Sun Jian be happy when he was deprived of the jade seal? The beating of the drowned dog clearly showed the courage of the Sun family and his son. His Sun family is the most cheering in the world.
Sure enough, powerful empires often disintegrate from within. Yuan Shu had missed many things, but what puzzled him the most was that these three people were either kind to them or relatives. Even if they were unhappy, now that he had become You shouldn't add fuel to the fire when you are being criticized by the public, right?
The attitude of the three people made Yuan Shu feel chilled, and he couldn't even get angry anymore. The only thing he regretted was that he didn't listen to his nephew Yuan Xi's words, especially after he received Yuan Xi's letter later.
Not long after the incident, the Han Sikong Cao Cao was the first to stand up and attack Yuan Shu. Yuan Shu could not withstand it. The city suffered countless losses of soldiers and horses. Even though no one had participated in the battle, they were beaten and fled in embarrassment.
Although Cao Cao was also powerful, there were many people in the world who were more powerful than Cao Cao. Seeing that Cao Cao had gained something, all the princes in the world began to send troops, those with money, and those with mouths to speak.
Yuan Shu fled east and west in embarrassment. More importantly, his subordinates also betrayed him one after another, causing him to declare to the world that he was no longer emperor after only a few days as emperor. At the same time, the Yuan family's reputation also dropped a lot.
Yes, his dream of being an emperor woke up, but the person who beat him still did not stop. After all, the first bird was shot.
Yuan Shu had no choice but to send someone to ask for help from his nephew Yuan Xi, and was willing to merge his forces with him and give them all to him.
The matter is urgent. Yuan Xi immediately returned to the Prefectural Mufu and summoned a group of staff from the General's Mansion. After the order was issued, Tian Feng Jushou, Jia Xu, Chen Qun and other staff, including Xin Pi, also quickly came to the meeting hall of the Prefecture Mufu.
Yuan Xi took it out first, circulated Liu Xie's secret edict to everyone, and asked: "How should you respond?"
"If it had been delivered to us earlier, we could have summoned all the heroes to attack Cao Cao together." Xu You sighed.
"What Cao Cao did has not reached the level of universal resentment like Dong Zhuo's. Even if we have the emperor's secret edict, the local heroes may not rise together." Feng Ji immediately shook his head in denial.
"The general has made a plan to cultivate himself for three years and then attack Cao Cao. I'm afraid this secret edict will not be effective until three years later." Guo Tu said, he has a good ability to adapt to the wind and can always support Yuan Xi's opinions. .
"Our army has just conquered Wuhuan, and the four states are already very exhausted. Even if His Majesty the Emperor urges us to send troops to fight against the rebellion, we cannot send troops immediately." Jushou said firmly.
"My lord and sir, there is no need to be anxious. My lord is not a reckless person. He wants us to see if there is anything we can do here." Guo Jia explained.
Yuan Xi glanced at Guo Jia approvingly, and this close minister understood what he was thinking, so he continued, "It can be seen from this secret edict that the senior ministers in the court are not willing to see the government being controlled by Cao Cao. In this way, we can Get a wide range of ears and eyes in the court. With the help of courtiers, make friends with Ma Teng, Zhang Ji and other heroes. In this way, you can unite them to attack Cao Cao, and at least contain Cao Cao."
"A wise king and a wise general are the ones who can conquer others through action, and those who succeed from the crowd are also prophets!" Guo Tu said thoughtfully, "The general's move of recruiting people to buy his eyes and ears is in line with the essence of the art of war. As long as the courtiers become our territory In the meantime, if there is any trouble in Cao's army, we will definitely know about it."
Sometimes, flattering requires technical skills, right? Not everyone can match Guo Tu's level.
"Zi Yang, please tell me about the movements of the heroes reported by the spies." Yuan Xi turned to Liu Ye and ordered.
Liu Ye came out of the queue and pointed to the territory map respectfully: "In the recent period, Yuan Shu and Sun Jian in Yangzhou in the south have fought several times. Although Yuan Shu's army withstood Sun Jian's attack, it was already at a clear disadvantage. If not If external interference occurs, it may be completely defeated within a year or two.”
Everyone was in awe, Sun Jian, the general of the Polu, was a famous general of the Han Dynasty who was famous for a while, and would definitely become a major obstacle for Jizhou's army to move south in the future.
"General, maybe I shouldn't interfere in your family affairs, but at this time I should reconcile with Yuan Shu and help him fight against Sun Jian. We cannot let Sun Jian, a fierce tiger, securely occupy the south and east of the Yangtze River." Jia Xu advised.
Everyone looked at Yuan Xi and saw the conflict between the two brothers Yuan Shao and Yuan Shu. That's something everyone knows. Yuan Shao is dead, it depends on whether Yuan Xi can put aside the grudge and reconcile with Yuan Shu again.
"It is in the interest of Jizhou to make peace with Yuan Shu's army. Besides, Yuan Jiujiu is my uncle after all. I can't bear to see him defeated. Mr. Feng, you are the chief official of Cao. You can recruit more people who can speak eloquently." . Then send Shouchun to reconcile with the clan uncle." Yuan Xi ordered.
"Just reconciling with Yuan Jiujiu cannot alleviate Sun Jian's invasion. Jizhou has a close relationship with Jingzhou Liu Biao. The general may as well act as a middleman to reconcile the two families to jointly resist Sun Jian." Tian Feng also suggested.
"It would be great if we can bring the two families into alliance. Let's do it together with the reconciliation with the clan uncle. Then you can formulate a strategy." Yuan Xi agreed.
Liu Ye continued: "After the Battle of Baima, Cao's army did not make any major mobilizations. He has moved his headquarters to Xu County and appointed Chen Gong and Zhao Yan to govern Guanzhong. However, I believe that after the Spring Festival next year, he will definitely have his hands free. , to deal with Liu Bei of Xuzhou."
"We can let Zang Ba and Xu Huang properly rush to the aid of Liu Bei and drag Cao Cao's army in Xuzhou. As for Guanzhong, it will be tricky. Hanoi County is adjacent to Jizhou and Bingzhou. If Cao Cao's army is allowed to gain a foothold there, it will be very difficult for us and others. What a big threat!" Yuan Xi said worriedly.
"Qianzhao and others must guard against the Xiongnu, Xianbei, and Wuhuan tribes in Yanmen and Xihe, and also wipe out the Heishan Zhang Yan who traveled too far to Xihe. Not to mention going south to Guanzhong, there are not many soldiers and horses stationed in Shangjun and Shangdang. ." Jushou analyzed.
"However, Qianzhao and Gao Rou are indeed capable people. With only 40,000 soldiers, they not only resist the intrusion of the barbarians, but also take care of Zhang Yan in Montenegro." Tian Feng said.
"Youzhou is relatively calm. Most of the troops stationed in Zhongshan River in Jizhou can be withdrawn. It is better to let a general lead these troops to station in Shangdang to cooperate with Qianzhao and others to exterminate the Black Mountain bandits." Jushou suggested.
"It is necessary to send some troops to Bingzhou, but it does not necessarily have to be time-consuming and laborious to exterminate the Black Mountain bandits. Since Zhang Yan has accepted a canonization from the imperial court, it means that he does not want to be a bandit for life." Guo Jia reminded.
Yuan Xi thought for a while and said, "Let Ju Yi and Han Meng lead the troops from Hejian and Zhongshan to station in Shangdang, assume a large-scale attack on the Black Mountain bandits, and send people to persuade Zhang Yan to surrender."
After deciding on the strategy for merging the states, everyone added in the details. Gu Yong wrote them down one by one, and then arranged for manpower to implement them.
Then the staff of the General's Mansion each put forward their opinions on the governance of the four states. In particular, Chen Qun, Zhong Yao, and Cui Yan put forward many opinions on issuing orders and production.
When the discussion was almost complete, Tian Feng suggested: "The last expedition against Wuhuan should be reported to the court, firstly to claim credit for the soldiers, and secondly to suppress Cao Cao's momentum in the court."
"Will Cao Cao agree to give us a reward?" Guo Tu couldn't help but wonder.
"The imperial court is in decline, and the decrees cannot be transmitted for more than a hundred miles, but it does not mean that Cao Cao can decide the court affairs alone. After conquering foreign tribes and returning with a great victory, and the emperor rewarding meritorious soldiers, Cao Cao cannot object to this kind of thing. It is best to let the generals The general's official position is recognized, which means that he has the power to conquer, and it will be justified to conquer Cao Cao in the future." Tian Feng said, he is accustomed to looking at problems from a strategic perspective.
Yuan Xi thought for a moment and then ordered, "Mr. Yuan Hao is right, so Wenhe, Kong Zhang, I leave the matter of writing the table to you."
Jia Xu and Chen Lin immediately came out to take orders.
"It's getting late, everyone, please go back and have a rest. Mr. Feng and Mr. Zhengnan stay," Yuan Xi said.
Everyone retreated, leaving only Feng Ji and Shen Pei. When Jia Xu left, he gave Yuan Xi a complicated expression.
