On the battlefield, Cao Cao's cavalry was chasing the scattered remnants of Yang Feng and Han Siam, and collected thousands of surrendered troops and countless baggage.
Xu Huang was tied up and escorted to Cao Cao.
He saw Dian Wei and Zhang Han at a glance, and a sad smile appeared on his face: "The two of them crossed the battlefield, their momentum was like fire, and it was admirable. I admired the courage and ambition of the two of them that day, but I cannot help but admire them today." If I don’t admire your bravery, I will not be unjust if I lose at your hands.”
Zhang Han and Dian Wei smiled back at him, while Cao Cao looked at each other and laughed, "That's natural, Zhang Han and Dian Wei are both leaders in our army!"
"However, the general's defeat was not because he was not as brave as the two of them, but because his command was inferior. Although your troops and horses were neat, well-educated, and had high morale, they were like a pearl covered in dust. You followed the wrong person."
Cao Cao smiled and pointed at the disgraced soldiers and horses of Yang Feng who had been surrendered. He said unceremoniously: "Most of Yang Feng's soldiers are like chickens and dogs, and they are vulnerable to a single blow."
"Only the general's troops can resist for half a day. There are no deserters in your army, and your faith is strong. Are you willing to surrender to the Han Dynasty and serve as a hero for our great Han Dynasty?"
Xu Huang suddenly raised his head after hearing this, his eyes full of disbelief, staring into Cao Cao's eyes, "Do you really mean what Mr. Cao said?"
Although Cao Cao's words were for solicitation, they also spoke to Xu Huang's heart.
He always believed that Yang Feng was lax in leading his troops, and did not have the courage to lead by example. He was arrogant and extravagant, and sooner or later his actions would take effect.
Therefore, when leading and training troops on a daily basis, the more he thought about Yang Fengzhi's trip, the more he would pay attention to his words and deeds, and gradually developed the habit of being strict with himself and improving military discipline.
After fighting in all directions for many years, he despised the other military camps even more, but his loyalty remained unchanged and he would not betray his old master because of this.
Cao Cao's words are right. He has always hated living in troubled times but has never met a wise master. How sad this is.
"Gong Cao, although I don't like Yang Feng and Han Xian, they are still generals under their command. If they are defeated, they will surrender. No matter how they face the brothers in the camp in the future, they will probably be despised and shameless."
"Haha... ok," Cao Cao stretched out his hand and patted his shoulder, "He is another loyal and strong general. I admire people with character the most. I don't like Yang Feng, but I can still serve him loyally. Never run away from a battle and fight bravely, this is the quality that a famous general should have."
"No rush," Cao Cao waved boldly and asked someone to untie Xu Huang. At the same time, he smiled and said, "I have defeated and expelled Yang Feng. You follow the army and think about it slowly."
"As for the soldiers in your army, they are temporarily prisoners of war and cannot be released to prevent internal chaos. Only you can control them. When you decide to surrender, they can be organized into an army."
Cao Cao's aura also contained a bit of domineering. While Xu Huang was moved, he also felt a secret respect in his heart. He did not dare to treat him casually, so he could only clasp his fists and bow and said: "Since Mr. Cao said so, I will not dare to Don’t obey.”
"One is for the kindness of Duke Cao, and the other is for the thousands of soldiers who have followed me for many years."
"I am willing to surrender to Duke Cao, serve Duke Cao, and make meritorious service to atone for my sins."
"Hehehe," Cao Cao took his hand and said to Zhang Han with a look of joy on his face: "I will give my mount to Gongming."
"Wei," Zhang Han received the order and looked at Dian Wei: "Go and give the lord's mount to Gong Ming."
Dian Wei: "???"
He went to bring over a tall and strong black horse. It was also strong and handsome. Xu Huang's face was moved. He quickly knelt down on one knee and bowed: "My lord, this gift is too heavy. I haven't accomplished anything by shaking an inch. I'm afraid I'll offend you." People criticize..."
"Haha," Cao Cao laughed nonchalantly, "In my camp, there are many favored people, but everyone knows Cao Cao's mind. If you feel that you deserve it, then in the future Double your merits! A true man gives and receives calmly, so there is no need to be coy!"
"Mr. Cao..." Xu Huang was shocked. He didn't expect this Yanzhou hero to be so heroic.
It's a good saying that a man can give and receive calmly, and there is no need to be awkward.
"Okay!" Xu Huang stood up and stroked the black horse. The more he looked at it, the more he liked it.
There are also white snow-like hairs around the four hooves, which are embellished by the shiny black mane.
Cao Cao smiled and said: "This horse is named Wu Xue. It is a Xiliang sweat horse. It can travel eight hundred miles a day and is excellent in running and jumping. For a general, such a war horse is a priceless treasure."
After he finished speaking, he pointed at Zhang Han and said: "My last mount is called Jueying! It is even better than this horse. It runs like the wind, and its shadow is hard to chase. I was secretly fed by this kid several times and was mounted once." battlefield, and then never return it.”
"Hahaha..." Xu Huang looked at Zhang Han in surprise. He didn't expect this gentleman to be so casual and free and dare to bargain with the master like this.
However, only those who are favored can be so willful and confident.
Xu Huang was surprised and couldn't help but be full of curiosity about Zhang Han and Cao Cao, but it didn't matter, since they had surrendered, they could gradually get to know each other in the future.
Dian Wei muttered at this moment: "I have made such great achievements, but I don't even have a bloody horse."
After Cao Cao and Zhang Han looked at each other, they both chose silence.
Your equestrian skills will be reduced a bit when you get on a war horse, and you will be restrained and unable to use it... Zhang Han secretly complained in his heart, but he also remembered this matter, and will give Dian Wei a war horse that is most suitable for him in the future.
…
Cao Cao led his soldiers and horses back to protect him, led the emperor's guard of honor and headed east again. In less than half a day, he entered the territory of Yingchuan.
As soon as they entered Yingchuan, Cao Hong came to greet him with 30,000 troops and horses, which really made the minister relieved, but also made him more worried.
Because they did come to Cao Cao's territory, in addition to the troops and horses deployed in Yanzhou and Xuzhou, he was able to dedicate 30,000 troops and horses to welcome His Majesty.
What a foundation.
This is enough to show that Cao Cao is very abundant in both men and food.
Arrive in Xu County.
This place is still an unexpanded county town, but as early as one day ago, Xun Yu had already arrived with hundreds of officials and the Yingchuan family to greet him.
The emperor was welcomed into the largest house in the inner city and settled there first. At the same time, a huge amount of materials such as villagers, money and grain were transferred from Yanzhou and Xuzhou, thousands of craftsmen were recruited, and work was accelerated to expand the city and build the palace on the basis of the original plan.
Although the efficiency of construction in this world is not high, if there are enough manpower, quick materials collection, and work day and night, the speed will not be too slow.
The palace is expected to be completed in two and a half months, and all the palace residents and concubines can be moved in within one month.
Such sincere treatment, consuming consumables and mobilizing troops, left Liu Xie speechless. He even felt guilty for wasting people and money, and worried about the complaints of the people.
However, Cao Cao suggested that these villagers knew that the emperor had returned to Xu County, so they were willing to gather here to support him, and they were even more willing to live under Xu in the future.
These words made Liu Xie feel a little relieved.
After arriving in Xuxian County, an edict was issued, changing Xuxian County to Xuchang, also making Xudu, and designated it as the capital.
At the same time, he issued an edict to all the princes in the world, bestowed numerous honors and paid tributes, and ordered them to pay tribute immediately after obeying the edict and donate money and grain to support the national treasury.
Then, rewards were given to the civil and military heroes who escorted the emperor to Luoyang and Xudu.
Cao Cao fulfilled his previous promise and did not interfere at all in the official positions of the school captains, Sifang captains, and even the important guards such as Zhi Jinwu.
As for what official position the emperor wanted to confer on him, he even bluntly stated that "I am devoted to the Han Dynasty and have no intention of exchanging loyalty for rewards." This slapped the Gongun princes who were still competing openly and covertly for various positions.
After speaking, Cao Cao even glanced at them contemptuously, as if he was watching a group of arrogant men vying for talent.
However, in the selection of official positions among several major lieutenants, Liu Xie mostly listened to the words of Taiwei Yang Biao, Uncle Dong Cheng, and General Fu Wan of the state, and even refused to pursue Yang Feng, Han Xian and others.
Only in one position, very firm.
Tunqi Xiaowei.
Liu Xie wanted to appoint Zhang Han to do it and make him a marquis.
This matter was discussed several times but failed to be resolved. Finally, the question was asked to Cao Cao to see how he would react.
"Bo Chang?"
On the temporary hall, Cao Cao showed a surprised look after hearing Liu Xie's words.
The key is that he was really not mentally prepared at all. During the previous escort, His Majesty's dependence on Bo Chang was indeed obvious, but he did not want to be granted a title of marquis or general.
Tunqi Xiaowei, what an important official position, this is a high-ranking official in charge of cavalry.
The knight in the palm is as high as two thousand stones. There are Cheng and Sima under his command, leading an army of 700 men.
At the beginning, he was one of the eight captains appointed by Emperor Wu.
When Cao Cao reached this position, he spent all his family's assets and lost half of his life.
Although the official position is useless now... Cao Cao secretly thought in his heart that he didn't care about the official position. If Huangmen hadn't come to invite him and said that this discussion was related to Zhang Han, he wouldn't even want to get involved.
The ministers may not have received detailed information, but the total number of soldiers and horses in Yanzhou and Xuzhou can be said to be 260,000.
The elite division numbered more than 80,000.
Moreover, they are fully equipped with armor and weapons, and there are tens of thousands of sophisticated military equipment. The military formation has chariots, swords and shields, bows and crossbows, and tiger and leopard cavalry.
There are more than 6,000 cavalry, and they are still growing.
With these soldiers and horses obtained through first-hand strategy in hand, it is meaningless to compete with them for official positions. The ministers are arranging and promoting people with red faces every day. In fact, Cao Cao seems to be watching the fish in the pond from the shore.
"Your Majesty, Bo Chang has made great contributions to the rescue. None of the ministers have objections to the matter of stationing the cavalry and ennobling the marquis."
Cao Cao said bluntly.
At this time, the ministers present also looked at each other inexplicably, and they were all a little confused.
After all, Cao Cao's attitude was relatively calm, and he did not seem to have any emotional changes because his chief secretary was favored by His Majesty.
Furthermore, is he really willing to let such a confidant change his official position to Han nationality?
"Since Aiqing also thinks it is suitable, it can be regarded as Cao Aiqing's recommendation, so he decided that the captain of Tunqi will be Zhang Han and the captain Sima will be Dianwei."
The captain of the Tun Cavalry School has a silver seal with a green ribbon, and the deputy Sima has a bronze seal with a black ribbon.
Cao Cao handed over his hand to express his gratitude, and he will tell the matter tomorrow in front of His Highness.
In the afternoon, the palace staff arrived at Zhang Han's residence first and found that it was larger than the palace courtyard where he was currently staying...
Zhang Han was notified of the imperial edict, but Zhang Han refused and asked the emperor to take back the order.
After several pulls, the people traveling with him advised him to accept it, and then gave a box of silver and a small box of gold to the waiter who delivered the order, asking them to share it with everyone.
Let’s have a drink and talk afterwards!
…
at the same time.
Cao Hong was ordered to supervise the expansion of Xudu, which involved a lot of land, mountains and even houses.
Even if there is oil and water, it is difficult to get it.
After all, Xu County surrendered intact and did not invade the city. Cao Cao repeatedly issued orders not to allow the people to be oppressed and should compensate and relocate.
Moreover, the methods of governing the clan that Zhang Han taught him were not applicable.
Most of the talents recommended by Xun Yu over the years came from Yingshui. After he returned to Yingshui, he used his reputation to win over hundreds of local wealthy families to support Cao Cao's army.
At the same time, Cao Cao also fulfilled his promise and welcomed the emperor to Xuchang, making his capital here.
It seems that this is a happy situation for everyone. It is not good to force demolition and eviction. The land must also be negotiated with all ethnic groups.
So, Cao Hong persuaded them to discuss it, and in the name of the emperor, he asked them to donate voluntarily, but still encountered a lot of resistance.
After talking for a long time, Cao Hong felt uncomfortable. If he followed the negotiated compensation method, he probably wouldn't be able to make any profit.
When the emperor came to Xudu, everything related to value basically started to rise.
Therefore, Cao Hong resolutely decided to continue his old business, force some people, and shock them first, and then wait until the court comes to mediate or the lord reprimands him.
With this move, the soldiers and horses under his command suddenly transformed into tigers and wolves, and began to drive them away in various places where the houses were lined with ferocious spirits.
The progress was extremely fast. In less than half a day, people from the family came to ask to see Cao Hong. The previous discussions were also loosened a lot, but they were still unwilling to volunteer directly.
Cao Hong felt that these people were ignorant. Without them, Yingchuan would still be in chaos.
Without their Cao Jun, I am afraid that the emperor would not be able to come to Xudu now.
The possible interests, money, and prosperity in the future have not yet arrived, and they have already forgotten who made it happen.
Therefore, he chose to increase his efforts after meeting some people!
A few days passed, one night.
The main tent where the military camp was built outside the city and where the soldiers drank was suddenly opened.
Cao Hong raised his eyes and saw the deputy general Yang Zhi. He stood up immediately and asked with concern: "What's the situation? Has the house in Beishengli been evicted?"
"No," Yang Zhi wiped his sweat. He was thin-skinned. His bones were so thin that his face was close to his face. His mouth was a little too big, his eyes were small, and his skin was rough and dark. He approached Cao Hong and said, "We can't drive him away from that place." .”
"Why!?" Cao Hong slammed the document, his face that was slightly red from drinking became even fiercer, and his eyes were a little red, "I have never been afraid of letting you go into battle to kill the enemy. Why are you afraid now!? That's Just tell me which aristocratic family it belongs to!"
No, I'll go there myself!
Aren't they just some scholars who look down upon the Cao family? I, Cao Zilian, am not afraid.
Yang Zhi was stunned for a moment and whispered: "It's... Zhang Han's mansion."
"That piece of land, including the mountain, belongs to him. If someone hadn't reported on the illegal trade before, the land would be even bigger now."
"Twenty miles to the north is what will be Xuanwu Street in the future. Goods coming from Yingshui and Huaishui recently go here when entering the city," Yang Zhi understood.
Cao Hong lowered his head and thought for a while. There was really no way to do it, and it was even difficult to negotiate.
I owe Zhang Han a favor...
"Then, how about the village pavilions in the east ten miles?"
Yang Zhi smacked his lips and said quickly, a little helplessly: "Half of the real estate belongs to him."
Cao Hong: "..."
(End of chapter)
