The reason why the Yuan family fell so quickly had a lot to do with Yuan Shao's hesitation over his successor.
According to legal principles, Yuan Shaoli should make his eldest son Yuan Tan his heir.
But he doted on Yuan Shang and even kept him by his side, intending to train him as his successor.
It's a pity that Yuan Shao could not make up his mind until his death, which eventually led Yuan Tan and Yuan Shang to kill each other.
This caused the originally tyrannical Yuan family to fall apart and be easily captured by Cao Cao.
If Yuan Shaoli was the direct successor, Yuan Tan would be appointed as his successor as early as possible.
Even if Cao Cao could capture Hebei, he would probably have to pay a heavy price and spend a lot of time.
Jia Xu's words actually hinted to Cao Cao not to imitate Yuan Shao's wavering, but to abide by the law and establish direct descendants.
After Jia Xu left, Cao Cao thought for a moment and called Dian Wei in.
"Go, send someone to Qiao County immediately to invite Mr. Zihuan back!"
"Here!"
Dian Wei took the order and left.
…
Half a month later, Yang Mansion.
In order to ensure the safety of Cao Qing, the girls and their unborn child, Yang Ling would invite Zhang Ji to check their health every once in a while.
After knowing that there was nothing wrong with them, Yang Ling sent Zhang Ji away with a smile.
But as soon as he sat down, a servant came to report.
"Master, there is a man outside the door who claims to be Mr. Zihuan and wants to see the master."
Yang Ling was slightly startled.
Cao Pi came back from Qiao County?
Looking at it this way, Cao Cao must be determined to make him his heir.
You might as well meet him and see what he wants to do.
"Bring him in quickly."
"Here!"
The servant took the order and left.
After a while, he turned back, followed by Cao Pi.
Compared with before, Cao Pi's expression at this time was a little less arrogant and a little more calm.
It seems that being banned in his hometown in Qiao County has made him grow a lot.
"It's really gratifying that Young Master Zihuan can return to Xudu. I just don't know why Young Master Zihuan came to visit today?"
Yang Ling smiled lightly.
Cao Pi did not answer immediately, but solemnly saluted Yang Ling.
"Thanks to my brother-in-law's kind words in front of my father, Zihuan was able to return to Xudu from Qiao County. I came here today just to thank my brother-in-law!"
His words surprised Yang Ling.
Could it be that this boy Cao Pi has really changed his mind?
"Zihuan, there's no need to be polite. I'm just speaking out and impartially."
Yang Ling smiled.
Cao Pi said seriously,
"My brother-in-law's kindness will be unforgettable to Zihuan. I will definitely repay him twice as much in the future."
His words and attitude were so sincere, and it seemed as if he had completely forgotten all about the previous grudges.
The two chatted for a while, then handed Cao Qing over. The two siblings exchanged a few words, and Cao Pi then stood up to leave.
Looking at Cao Pi's leaving figure, Yang Ling showed a thoughtful expression.
As the saying goes, a dog can't change its habit of eating shit.
As the saying goes, a country is easy to change, but a person's nature is hard to change.
Cao Pi's pettiness is famous in history.
If possible, he certainly didn't want Cao Pi to take over.
But just as he and Cao Cao analyzed, Cao Pi was the only one suitable to inherit the throne.
If he deliberately slandered Cao Pi in front of Cao Cao and tried to prevent Cao Pi from ascending to the throne, Cao Cao would probably be suspicious of him due to his suspicious character.
Thinking of the deceased Cao Ang, Yang Ling couldn't help but sigh.
He originally thought that after he changed the outcome of Cao Ang's death in Wancheng, Cao Ang could become a wise king with his assistance.
Unexpectedly, Cao Ang got cancer at such a young age and eventually died young.
The position of Cao Cao's successor still falls on Cao Pi.
Whatever.
If Cao Pi was polite to me, for the sake of Cao Cao, Cao Ang, and Cao Qing, I would loyally assist him.
But if he had any evil intentions, he would never be a lamb to be slaughtered!
…
After leaving Yang Ling's mansion, Cao Pi turned his head and glanced, then quickly walked to the alley aside.
In the alley, several literati were waiting quietly.
The leader was Sima Yi, and the others were Chen Qun, Wu Zhi, and Zhu Shuo.
"I've met the crown prince!"
They rushed to meet him.
"I am not a prince now, Zhongda, please don't call me that."
Cao Pi waved his hand.
But even though he said this, looking at his expression, it was quite helpful.
"It's just a matter of time."
Sima Yi smiled slightly.
Shortly after Cao Ang died of illness, Sima Yi knew that the opportunity he had been waiting for for a long time had finally arrived!
The only person most suitable to succeed Cao Cao is Cao Pi.
And Cao Pi and Yang Ling don't get along. As long as he assists Cao Pi to succeed Cao Cao, will he worry about not having a chance to deal with Yang Ling in the future?
So after Cao Pi came to Xudu, Sima Yi decisively came to seek refuge.
After learning that Sima Yi had a grudge against Yang Ling, Cao Pi readily accepted Sima Yi as his adviser.
"Zhongda, since my father has already intended to make me the heir apparent, why do I still come to curry favor with Yang Ling?"
Cao Pi said a little puzzled.
He and Yang Ling had a sworn hatred. If Sima Yi hadn't insisted on it, he wouldn't have bothered to visit Yang Ling.
"Your Majesty, please be patient."
Sima Yi patiently explained,
"Before the crown prince succeeds to the throne of Wei Gong, everything is possible."
"What happened today is just to show it to others, so that Duke Wei and others will know that the Crown Prince is a suitable heir."
"Although Yang Ling is a hateful person, there is a saying that is very good: Those who achieve great things should not stick to trivial matters."
"Let's let him be arrogant and complacent today. When the prince takes over the power in the future, won't it be easy to deal with him?"
When Cao Pi heard this, his face suddenly became happy and he couldn't help but nodded in praise,
"Zhongda is really far-sighted. With your help, great things can be accomplished!"
"Your Majesty, you're welcome."
Sima Yi smiled modestly.
"Don't worry. When Yang Ling is eradicated in the future, let alone Zhang Chunhua, you will also be able to choose the beauties in his house."
Cao Pi smiled sadly.
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
Sima Yi quickly handed over his hand.
The two looked at each other and smiled, their smiles full of insidiousness and cunning!
After bidding farewell to Sima Yi and others, Cao Pi returned to the Prime Minister's Mansion.
As soon as he entered, he was called into the study by his servants.
"I've met my father!"
Cao Pi saluted carefully.
"Did you just go to your brother-in-law's house?"
Cao Cao asked expressionlessly.
From the time he left Yang Ling's mansion, less than a stick of incense, his father already knew?
Cao Pi was shocked, and his appearance became more respectful.
"Yes, father, I am going to visit my brother-in-law and take a look at my sister."
Cao Cao stared at him for a while, then snorted coldly,
"I hope so!"
Before Cao Pi could breathe a sigh of relief, Cao Cao suddenly stood up, looked at the scenery outside the window, and said calmly,
"Zixiu's death is his misfortune, but it is your great fortune!"
