When Liu Bei received the report of Cao Cao's attack, he was shocked and angry: What was surprising was that Cao Cao had only 20,000 soldiers, but he dared to march privately and attack Puyang City with 20,000 soldiers. What makes him angry is that the strategy of dividing and recruiting has just been decided. If Cao Cao acts like this, no matter whether he wins or loses, he will definitely push the Black Mountain Army to the opposite side, and the recruitment may be difficult to accomplish because of this.
He immediately sent an envoy to Chenliu. Although he knew that Cao Cao had already taken action, Liu Bei still took a chance and hoped to stop the troop transfer. But the envoy who went there had not returned to report the news, and Cao Cao's good news arrived first. Cao Cao briefly described the whole process in the military report, and reported one hundred thousand levels of merit, claiming that he would kill all the rebels in the near future to restore the country's territory.
When all the generals heard this, they were all horrified. Some people said: "Is this a false report?" Others said: "This is a national matter. How can Lord Cao be so ignorant?" Therefore, Liu Bei put aside other matters and led the army to march quickly. By the time they reached Puyang, Cao Cao had marched to three more counties, and there was no doubt about the victory of Puyang. But when everyone knew the details, they couldn't help but have a lot of controversy about Cao Cao's killing of prisoners and massacre of the city.
They discussed among themselves: "Cao Shijun was able to win such a great victory with one enemy against ten. If Duan Zhengxi came back to life, it would be nothing more than this. But killing so much is probably not a good thing!" Someone else said: "The national conquest is a waste of time." , Just rely on the strong general, Cao Shijun committed a danger with his own life, and it is rare to win, so why should he be so harshly criticized?" Others said: "Since the rebel army has rebelled, it is not a citizen of the country. It only kills the thieves. The country has already made clear laws. , rebelling against the three tribes of Yi, Cao Shijun only followed the national law, what's wrong with that?"
After Liu Bei listened to everyone's suggestions, he remained silent. Discussing the matter with Xu Shu privately, Xu Shu said: "If Cao Shijun acted like this, the world would only know that he was a great martial artist, and the murder and capture of him would be blamed on Duke Ming! If Duke Ming does not deal with it at this time, In the future, Yanzhou may not be owned by the state!"
Liu Bei deeply agreed with this, but he was also worried about how to deal with it, so he said: "But now Mengde has conquered three counties, his martial arts are growing, and many Yanzhou troops are attracted to him. We just sent Liu Yu to leave Youzhou, There are many criticisms in the world, if Zai Mengde is transferred from Yanzhou, I am afraid that the world will say that I am jealous of the virtuous and capable."
Xu Shu shook his head and said, "I'm afraid it's not just criticism. Many of Yanzhou's relatives are Cao Cao's relatives. If Cao Cao is transferred away, there will be a big chaos in Yanzhou."
How to do this? Xu Shu thought for a moment and quickly came up with an idea. He said: "It is indeed difficult for Ming Gong to transfer Cao Shijun from his post. However, as a general, Ming Gong can choose a high-ranking person to enter the Yanzhou capital. In order to win over people's hearts, appease their minds, and make their hearts turn toward the imperial court. At the same time, he ordered a famous general who is good at fighting to join Cao Cao's army and advance and retreat with him. He convinced the people with his prestige so that Yan's army would not dare to go alone."
"This is indeed a strategy." Liu Bei nodded, clenched his fists and thought for a while, then replied: "Yun Chang and Meng De have been in the army for several years, so I can let him join the army, but I don't have the confidence in the so-called high-minded people. .Do you have a candidate for Yuan Zhi?"
Xu Shu smiled and said: "Where can I find it? But there is no rush. Ming Gong can go to the front line first to calm the situation, and at the same time write letters to the teacher. The teacher has friends all over the world, so how can there be no one to recommend him?"
Moreover, the news of Cao Cao's victory was not only sent to Luoyang, but also to Chang'an soon. By the time Chen Chong learned the news of Yanzhou's victory, it was already the seventh day of September. After Chen Chong read through it, his face was as dark as water, but he did not deal with it immediately. Instead, he waited for another day. Sure enough, Liu Bei also had a letter. At this time, he summoned everyone at the Chancellor's desk, took out the two memorials, and asked everyone for their opinions.
Devour
After everyone had seen it, Chen Qun said slowly: "No matter what, it is a great victory against the thieves. Cao Yanzhou has just made a great contribution and wiped out half of the thieves in the state. At this time, the country not only does not reward him heavily, but also wants to divide his power. I am afraid it will Let’s bring discord to the place!”
Yang Hui heard this and retorted from the side: "When dealing with the country, it is appropriate to put the overall situation first. Cao Mengde claims to be a loyal minister and a good general, but he is not controlled by the general. What is his intention? Although he has such a great victory, if Cao Mengde is allowed to act like this, then what will happen to him? How can Yanzhou be the territory of the country? What the general said is exactly the right time!"
The two people had different opinions, but they couldn't be convinced. The scene was quite awkward.
It was Wang Yi who made the final decision. He still held the military newspaper in his hand, frowned and read it back and forth, saying: "The soldiers are undisciplined, especially when they massacre the city! If Cao Mengde is allowed to massacre the city, how can he follow what the military newspaper said? Only kill the traitors and not the good ones? I definitely don’t believe it. Please think carefully about the time when Wu Han massacred the city of Nanyang and forced Deng Feng to rebel, so that Nanyang fought repeatedly for several years without stopping. Historical events are ahead of us. Don’t take this as a warning!”
This passage directly believed that Cao Cao killed innocent people indiscriminately. The rest of the ministers were unable to refute it and could only agree with Liu Bei's suggestion. As for the candidates to arrange, everyone was at a loss. After all, the three most respected people in the court were on a mission to Guandong, and the rest were either unable to leave, or were too young to convince the public. Finally, they all looked at Chen Chong to see what he thought.
Chen Chong was obviously deep in thought. When everyone looked over, he said: "This is not difficult to do. Have you forgotten? There is a man in Chen Liu who is known as 'the leader of Yuan Kai in the Tang Dynasty, and the leader of Zhongni in the Tang Dynasty'." Yan Ranzhiya', his virtuous reputation is famous in the capital, and his virtue is valued throughout the country. As long as he is reused, nothing big will happen."
Everyone was stunned when they heard this, and understood that Chen Chong was referring to Chen Liu Bianyi. Bian Rang resigned from Bingzhou and returned home three years ago, and has been living in seclusion in Chenliu's hometown. But even though he was in the countryside, he still liked to comment on current figures, and his words were often transmitted to the court. This year, Chen Chong came up to persuade Liu Yu to enter the court, and Bian Rang said: "The Duke of Zhou is still afraid, and no one in the country is perfect."
Zhong Yao thought for a while, nodded and said with a smile: "It would be appropriate to let Bian Wenli take charge of this matter. He is a leader in the literary world, he is not obsessed with power, and he is fair in dealing with things. He has a deep reputation in Yanzhou, both in the government and in Yanzhou. The county government is almost all blameless." After saying that, he showed a troubled expression and asked: "It's just Ting Jian, what position do you plan to give him?"
Chen Chong lightly clasped the table gum with his knuckles, and then said: "On the grounds that the Kwantung War disaster was serious, I gave Bianjunjun the post of Guanglu Doctor, and on a holiday, he went to appease the disaster-stricken people in Yan, Henan, Qing, and Xuzhou. All the four prefectures and prefectures are responsible for assisting. After the general has defeated the rebel army, the border commander will be allowed to return to the capital to resume his duties."
After saying that, everyone secretly exclaimed. Chen Chong's appointment seems to have nothing to do with Cao Cao's affairs. To appease the victims of the four states, it can only be said that the imperial court has benevolence. But now only Yanzhou still listens to the imperial command. In fact, the concession can only be made in Yanzhou to appease the refugees, but no one can Can't fault anything. Moreover, the concession may not seem to have much power, but the so-called cooperation of the four state governments can also make a big fuss.
Chen Chong went on to say: "I am afraid that the Bianjun alone will not be able to do as much. The DPRK will have to send another person to Yuzhou to appease the local area and help him. Who do you think is better?"
After Huangfuli heard this, she took the initiative to ask for help and said: "Since your Majesty attaches great importance to this matter, I am willing to go to Guandong to share the country's worries."
Chen Chong was very happy when he saw that he took the initiative to ask for a job. He said good to him repeatedly and encouraged him: "The reputation of the Huangfu family depends on talents like you to revive it!" So he promoted Huangfuli to be the governor of Yuzhou and put him in charge of Yuzhou affairs temporarily. , he said to Huangfuli: "There are only two counties in Yuzhou now, but Yuan Shu is incompetent in governing the country and it is difficult to win people's hearts. You can slowly make plans for it."
Huangfuli promised loudly.
Chen Chong then wrote today's decision into a memorial, and after submitting it to the emperor, today's affairs were over.
He walked home with Chen Qun. On the way, he asked Chen Qun: "Changwen, what do you think we will do next after this war?"
Chen Qun thought for a while and said naturally: "Given the current situation, the puppet dynasty is still in chaos, and the general is leading an elite army to march eastward. Naturally, he should take advantage of the victory and pursue it. I think he will definitely gain something."
Chen Chong laughed when he heard this, and said: "If Mengde hadn't happened, maybe he could have done this, but after this battle, the country was filled with terror, and under the huge pressure, no matter how big the disaster was, it could be eliminated. I dare to predict that the puppet dynasty will The chaos will be over soon."
When Chen Qun heard this, he felt a little unconfident and asked, "Is this really possible?"
Chen Chong nodded and said: "And not only the puppet dynasty, but also Yuan Shu from Huainan. After hearing this, I am afraid that he will feel ashamed. The two armies will probably join forces to fight." Speaking of Yuan Shu, Chen Chong couldn't help but ridiculed: "Although Yuan Shu is said to be dim and incompetent. Tao, but it is quite sensitive to matters of survival, just like a blind snake. Although it cannot see things and only listens to the wind, it also knows how to seek advantages and avoid disadvantages."
"Brother, do you mean that it will be difficult to achieve great success this year?"
"Yanzhou has many plains, Qingxu has many rivers and high mountains. This year's war may stop at Mount Tai."
After dinner, Chen Chong decided to write a letter to Cao Cao in his own name, admonishing him to show mercy to the people, but when he spread out the paper, Chen Chong didn't know what to write.
In silence, Chen Chong took out the green sword from his waist and placed it on the table. The light of the sword was like water, touching the sword body, a coldness penetrated into the bone marrow, just like the years, just like Cao Cao was in front of him, Chen Chong calmed down in his heart, and speculated on Cao Cao's thoughts.
He knew all about Cao Cao's experience. He was defeated by the enemy and had the hatred of killing his father and exterminating his family. With Cao Cao's nature, he was determined not to give up his hatred. He also knew Cao Cao's character and thought highly of himself. If you can get into his eyes, you may become a close friend. But apart from good friends, in his eyes, ordinary people are nothing more than mustard dust and yellow sand of the Ganges. He doesn't care whether they are life or death. Therefore, Chen Chong eventually distanced himself from him and chose Liu Bei.
But a person's fate depends not only on his experience and character, but also on his moment of inspiration.
The human spirit is both fragile and strong. It may change one's life in a short moment, or it may remain standing despite the overwhelming force. These are often just a thought in the human heart. A thought may lead to self-destruction, may drift with the tide, or may last forever. This is the basis of what later generations of Zen Buddhism call becoming a Buddha.
But people cannot recognize people by this.
Chen Chong thought about it for half the night, and finally had no choice but to admit that he could no longer influence Cao Cao. He could only write the song "Su Guan" on the letter as an old friend to express his feelings. "Su Guan" comes from "The Book of Songs: Hinoki Wind" and is often used to express sympathy for the deceased. The full text is as follows:
"The common people see plain crowns, the thorny people look dull, and the hard work makes them miserable.
Seeing the common people dressed in plain clothes makes me sad, and I want to talk about returning home with my son.
Common people see plain things. My heart is full of knots, and I talk to my son as one. "
After finishing writing, Chen Chong felt that it was not enough. After thinking about it again and again, he added another sentence at the end of the letter: "I have been taking a long breath to cover my tears, and I am sorry for the hardships of the people's livelihood."
