"Mr. Cao, everyone..." Zhang Xiu was embarrassed for a moment before remembering to introduce him. He stretched out his hand to Jia Xu and said, "This is my uncle's most respected adviser, Mr. Jia Xu."
"Now he is also teaching the generals how to make decisions about the general trend."
"For Duke Cao to be able to bring these talented people together to see you, I think I think highly of them. Xiu is deeply frightened."
"Humph," Cao Cao laughed perfunctorily, but nodded along with Zhang Xiu's words, "Yeah, not bad."
"Xiu, when I was young, I visited a famous master and learned martial arts, especially spear skills. Since I was a teenager, I have followed my uncle in the north and south. I have been on the battlefield for many years, so I have long been accustomed to the military life."
"Thanks to Duke Cao for not giving up, I am willing to serve as a subordinate. From today on, I will return to the imperial court and contribute to the Han Dynasty."
These words came from the heart, and almost everyone present could hear them.
Zhang Han even admired Cao Cao, which showed that what he said in the tent that day really made a lot of sense.
When Zhang Xiu first surrendered, he must have been dissatisfied. However, Cao Cao led his army into Wancheng and did not put up any defenses. He used his magnanimity to wipe away Zhang Xiu's dissatisfaction.
This alone is enough to make Zhang Xiu admire him. It has to be said that he is indeed very accurate. Zhang Xiu is a young and chivalrous man. He admires the heroes and warriors, not the so-called lord of glory.
Jia Xu took advantage of the situation and extended his hands to say hello to everyone in the civil and military affairs, but at this moment, he still felt that it was not a dead end.
A poisonous person is always planning an escape route and plotting strategies.
Calculating the situation at this time... Cao Cao still has many ministers to deal with in Xudu, which is not easy. He is in Wancheng today, and he will not be able to last long.
Therefore, the previous attack on the city was actually a forced surrender. Why?
There is no other reason, because Cao Gong also dared to judge that Wancheng cannot be alone for a long time and must submit to one side.
After forcing him to surrender, he went to the city to invite the young general with civil and military gifts. This would win over his heart and make him feel deeply valued.
Every move and every step is done carefully, and he has both heroic ambitions and unrestrained feelings. He is truly a rare and strange person in the world.
However, Jia Xu didn't understand now, whether he was being manipulated or just happened to fall into Cao Jun's strategic layout.
Because, according to common sense, he did not attack immediately after arriving at the Wei River. Instead, he attacked the upper reaches and waited for the water to rise in successive rainy days before hoarding water and digging ditches to flood the city and force him.
There is no way to guess Cao Cao's thoughts. Maybe this is what his original military strategy was.
So after Jia Xu bowed his hands in greeting one by one, he asked again: "You gentlemen, you are all geniuses of the world. It is enviable to be able to gather together under Cao Gong's tent, like a lush forest, like stars holding the moon." Meeting all of you should be a blessing in this life."
"Sir, that's ridiculous." Guo Jia was the first to hand over his hand. At this time, he was vaguely the highest-ranking adviser besides Cao Cao. He stood on Cao Cao's left, neither happy nor sad, and said calmly: "Although I rarely hear the name of sir, but To be highly praised by General Zhang Ji, I think you must be a very good person and have extraordinary qualities. In the future, I will need to ask you to assist the lord and help the Han Dynasty together."
"Mr. Jia Xu, once served as Zuo Fengyi and was one of the three assistants. Of course he has the ability to govern," Xun You said calmly.
Zhang Han smiled directly and said: "You all come from family backgrounds, unlike me who is a rough man who doesn't know gold and jade. I have never heard of Jia Jun. I feel ashamed."
"Bochang Junhou is a young hero. He has made great achievements at a young age. It is normal for him to be an old man and not to be noticed by the prince."
Jia Xu smiled humbly, and at the same time he was secretly relieved.
Judging from this tone, although they have heard my name before, they are not familiar with it.
Xun You was able to serve me as Zuo Fengyi because his family, the Xun family, often sent whistles to Chang'an, Luoyang and other important places to collect intelligence from various places.
Even if it is some information about geography and humanities, he will not miss it. Because of this, he will know some information.
As for Guo Jia, it is said that he is just a branch of the Guo family in Yingchuan. He is not from the same clan as Guo Tu, but from the same clan. His family background is not even as poor as that of a poor family, and his natural intelligence is limited. It is not easy for such a person to study hard at home. How can he see the world with his eyes? .
Not to mention Zhang Junhou, he took advantage of the troubled times to reach this point. This is his destiny. If the troubled times had not come, he could at most become a hero and be respected by others, but he may not be able to join the gentry. Eye.
It's not wrong, it just happened to be defeated by military strategy, and it was anticipated by Cao Gong's advisers.
…
After some pleasantries, Zhang Xiu brought Cao Cao to the table, smiled broadly, and kept toasting and praising him to bring the relationship closer between the two. Cao Cao knew that the unwillingness in his heart had gradually disappeared, so he refused to refuse and drank with him.
Those who serve in the military admire the most heroic people. This has been the case since ancient times. At every banquet, the most outstanding and praised people are all those who drink heavily.
The advisers exchanged pleasantries and complimented each other.
When Zhang Xiu was drinking, he was not entirely focused on the situation. He was also observing these civil and military heroes.
What concerned him the most was the fierce man standing behind Zhang Han.
His expression suggested that he was a drinker, but he refused to drink even a drop of wine during the entire banquet.
He just held a spear and glared angrily, like a ghost and a god, and his power was like a mountain.
Several times when Zhang Xiu looked at him, Dian Wei also happened to look over. Once their eyes met, Zhang Xiu would immediately avoid him subconsciously.
However, the moment you avoid it, you will fall into self-doubt - why avoid it?
This is the difference in momentum between the two of them. Dian Wei has a fierce look in his eyes and is not easy to deal with. He is loyal to his duty and does not show any complacency or pride.
However, Zhang Xiu felt sad and still tried to see the civil and military forces entering the city through their faces.
At the same time, he was a surrendered minister, so he felt a little uncomfortable. After all, the people present were basically people from Cao Ying.
Zhang Xiu always felt a little short.
He felt guilty on one side, but Dian Wei was furious on the other.
"Hmph, damned lord."
You won't let me drink! I saved so many fine wines, but you guys took them out to drink them.
Tonight's banquet is just for celebrating the victory. I usually don't care about me at all. Why did I suddenly say that I'm not allowed to drink any alcohol! If you take one bite, you will be fined one month's salary!
Thinking of this unfair treatment, Dian Wei became angry.
Then he just stood behind Zhang Han and glared at him. He seemed to think that such a glare would hurt Zhang Han internally, so as to vent his anger.
…
After three rounds of drinking.
Zhang Xiu arranged a residence in the city and wanted to free up the government office for Cao Cao to live in, but Cao Cao only wanted the compound next to the government office.
After ordering the guards to send the drunken Wenwu back, Zhang Xiu invited his uncle's widow to come out to meet him to express his gratitude to Duke Cao for surrendering.
This is etiquette and cannot be concealed, otherwise in the future some people will say that Zhang Ji's widow does not respect Duke Cao, and they may also guess that Zhang Xiu has other agendas.
"There is an aunt in the city. She is the concubine adopted by my uncle. All the other wives and concubines of my uncle have died, and only my aunt is left. Cao Gong has accepted the soldiers and horses of Wancheng, so my aunt should come out to express my gratitude."
Cao Cao took a heavy breath of alcohol and nodded: "Good."
Zhang Han and Guo Jia next to them looked at each other and then looked to the other side. At this moment, Cheng Yu was still chatting happily with Jia Xu, chatting so late that they didn't care about what Zhang Xiu said.
But Zhang and Guo were more familiar with their lord's temperament, and they both had a bad feeling in their hearts.
Zhang Han felt bad the most.
Concubine, widow, widow.
This is simply Boss Cao’s favorite. Can he really resist it?
Zhang Han wanted to persuade him, but he really couldn't talk about this kind of thing because it hadn't happened yet. If he interfered like this, he would definitely be scolded and even written down in a notebook.
Guo Jia also understands this truth. He is worried but cannot persuade. If he persuades, it would be beyond the scope of "a human minister". How can his lord not be resentful.
The two of them paid close attention, and it seemed that the precautionary strategy they had discussed before must be implemented.
Zhang Han once went to Hanoi as an envoy, and it was the same at that time. He went deep into the enemy's camp, but he was able to cut through the mess quickly and come out of the camp unharmed.
It has to be said that ordinary people cannot learn Zhang Han's skills, so Guo Jia will seriously consider what Zhang Han said during this trip.
Because Zhang Han was cautious, his concerns naturally had to be taken seriously.
Therefore, before entering the city, they had already discussed many strategies and explored the internal and external layout of the city.
And as soon as they entered the city, Cao Chun, Xu Huang, and Li Dian would lead their troops to the vicinity of Zhang Xiu's camp secretly, just for surveillance.
If there is any abnormal movement, troops will be mobilized immediately to break up the camp.
The Shengmen that Guo Jia guessed was actually a detour to the southeast after fighting out of the East Gate back to the Weishui Camp. The advantage of this route is that... Zhang Liao's 800 cavalry had already figured out the trails in the southeast.
During this period of time, he was not only threatening the grain roads, Zhang Han also secretly instructed him to pay attention to the terrain trails along the way and look for fast and secret roads.
After a while.
A woman in plain clothes came from the backyard and turned in front of the door. Two maids followed Yingying to Cao Cao, who was in charge.
This woman has a fair complexion and a round outline like a goose egg. She wears a simple hairpin on her head, which is tied up with a gold and jade hairband.
The face is delicate, the lips are red and the teeth are white, the eyes are full of friendship, the water mist is like ripples in a quiet lake, the cheeks are blushing, and the smile seems to be a bit charming.
The look in his eyes was like that of a frightened cub, fearful and hopeful, and one look could evoke friendship.
Zhang Han took one look and shook his head slightly. He was really falling in love now. She didn't need to say anything, she just came out looking like a "kind aunt". I was tempted to be like Zhang Ji.
Let Auntie have a hearty journey to find her roots, let alone Boss Cao.
At this moment, Mrs. Zou walked up to Cao Cao, bowed deeply, and said in a soft and soft voice: "I... Mrs. Zou, I have met Duke Cao and heard about Duke Cao for a long time. Today, in gratitude for your kindness, I surrender my aunt." Two nephews, I came here to pay you a special visit."
"I understand."
Cao Cao muttered secretly. Almost no one heard what he said, because he was speaking to himself.
At this moment, his pride surged, his slightly empty eyes showed a cunning look, he glanced at Zhang Xiu, and saw his bright smile, and he understood his meaning even more.
This son wants to sacrifice his aunt in exchange for being close to me!
The drunken Cao Cao was so satisfied that he couldn't help but be distraught. He immediately responded to Zhang Xiu's kindness and wished he could travel across mountains and rivers right now.
After all, this kind of thing is not uncommon. If the daughter of the family is given as a gift to a dignitary, if it is accepted, it is a friendship and the relationship will be improved in the future.
The phrase "your wife, take care of her" that Cao Cao often said to people actually meant acceptance, but most of the time he really took care of her to reassure her.
Cao Cao did not find it strange that he had seen many female relatives accompany him. He smiled and said to Zhang Xiu, "Xiu'er, I understand what you mean."
Um? ! Xiu'er?
Zhang Xiu was suddenly startled when he heard this, and his brows immediately wrinkled, but they soon relaxed.
Maybe I had a good time drinking tonight. This Duke Cao and my uncle are old acquaintances. In recent years, my uncle has been in Chang'an and he has been in Yanzhou, but there have been swan geese visits once or twice.
He is older, so it is not an exaggeration to call me Xiuer.
After the meeting, Cao Cao asked Zou about the current situation and found out that she lived alone outside the government office and did not live with Zhang Xiu. After asking, Cao Cao gave Zou money, food, cloth and silk and asked her for her welfare.
Then Zou sent them to the hospital and returned to the small mansion.
Zhang Xiu arrived at the intersection of Changjie Street and said to him, "Mr. Cao, go slowly. We have a wonderful night. We just want to celebrate together. We will talk about business tomorrow. My nephew is at your disposal."
"Okay, okay..." Cao Cao nodded with satisfaction, reached out and held Zhang Xiu's raised hands, and smiled so brightly that his eyes were filled with stars.
Zhang Xiu also felt that the banquet tonight was surprisingly smooth, and it could be described as a great time for the guests and the host.
"It seems that if Mr. Cao sincerely accepts me, I will be able to repay my kindness with merit in the future, and I will finally be able to be resettled..."
Jia Xu smiled lightly and said nothing, and did not agree with what Zhang Xiu said. He just didn't understand what he meant by asking Mrs. Zou to come to see Cao Cao.
Since ancient times, those who conquered and surrendered had very sinister thoughts towards the loser's wife, daughter, and family members, and would usually take possession of them as their own. Therefore, mutiny often occurred, or there was hidden resentment in the hearts of those who surrendered.
This is a habit that has existed since the era of unrecorded history. It can also be said to be the nature of looting and killing, and respecting the strong.
But, Cao Gong is different. He defeated many princes and heroes, but I have never heard of any deeds of seizing their wives and daughters. Even Lu Bu... I have never heard of Cao Gong seizing Lu Bu's wives and concubines.
This shows that when he was victorious and surrendered, he always treated them benevolently. He treated his soldiers, wives and daughters well, and at least he had restraint on himself.
The young general took the initiative to ask Mrs. Zou to come to see him tonight. His intention was unpredictable.
Jia Xu thought about it, but in the end he felt that Zhang Xiu was not such a sinister person. Why did he abandon his aunt to arouse public anger, and wanted everyone to unite and kill Cao to take credit?
This can't be the case. The young general is simple-minded and probably just wants to get close to Cao Cao so that he can take care of his uncle's widow.
Jia Xu pinched the beard on his chin and said to himself, "Well, I'm just overthinking it."
…
Cao Cao, who had just entered the post house, suddenly staggered a step and was helped up by Cao Ang and Zhang Liao. He covered his forehead and said in a deep voice: "I drank too much tonight and I have a splitting headache."
"My lord, why don't you drink some honey water and go to bed early?" Zhang Han started to look at him with a troubled face, full of wrinkles, about this scene and his acting skills.
"No," Cao Cao raised his hand solemnly and said with great dignity: "Are there any... camp tricks in this city?"
Dian Wei exclaimed: "Forget it, it's too late, I'll give you a push."
"No, no," Cao Cao looked at Dian Wei's rough hands in surprise and quickly refused, taking his hand away from Dian Wei's support.
You should stop doing things that are incompatible with your own talents. With your strength, I'm afraid you can pin me to death.
"Go and invite Mrs. Zou here. Xiu'er introduced me today because it was arranged for me."
Guo Jia: "..."
Dian Wei: "..."
Cao Ang: "..."
Zhang Han stood in the blind spot behind Cao Cao and glanced at him with disgust.
Pooh! Cao thief!
He said helplessly: Why don't you just say it directly? We are all men, why do you beat around the bush...
At this moment, Zhang Han understood that the sinner of history was not Cao Anmin, he was just a pimp who flattered his horse, and the source was here.
Several people tried to persuade her, but Cao Cao pulled her head several times, just wanting the woman to press her head.
Guo and Zhang were heartbroken, and finally Cao Cao became anxious and said sternly, "If Zhang Xiu doesn't accept his good intentions, I'm afraid he will be afraid, but it will be different!"
This statement makes so much sense that it’s hard to refute! ?
In the end, Lieutenant General Su Wei went to invite Mrs. Zou.
Cao Cao drove away the guards in the inner courtyard and carefully looked at Mrs. Zou's face and figure under the light. At this time, he felt that the headache was almost gone.
Mrs. Zou turned her back to Cao Cao, with a slightly frightened face, her face was like a peach, tender and red, and she said in a fearful voice: "Mr. Cao, is Cao Cao calling me a concubine just because of a headache?"
Cao Cao laughed twice and said: "Cao, it is a blessing in life to meet my wife. I would like to ask my wife, would you like to spend the night with me?"
Mrs. Zou was silent for a moment, then her tense body collapsed and she sighed weakly.
Cao Cao approached her and felt relieved when he heard her breath was like blue, "Madam, you don't want anything to happen to Xiu'er, right?"
"Ah..." Mrs. Zou's heart tightened.
Mr. Cao, how could he be like this...
…
In the other courtyard of the mansion, Guo Jia couldn't sleep and Zhang Han was not sleeping either. After some discussion, the two asked about a key person.
"Can Zhongkang arrive as scheduled?"
Cheng Yu, who was also present, nodded and smiled: "He is originally stationed in Runan, and he always wants to perform meritorious service and repay his kindness. He will definitely lead the children from the countryside to the Weishui River as promised."
"Before we entered the city, I had sent someone to inform Wancheng's soldiers about their location. He should have known about it. Xu Chu has been a knight since he was a child. He has been on the battlefield for many years after wars. He is brave and good at fighting. He must understand what we mean."
The most important thing is that Su Wei didn't take him with him this time. He was already angry. Moreover, Xu Chu became familiar with Dian Wei and Zhang Han, and gradually understood the fair principle of "paying the merit for the fault".
When he heard that he could become a surprise soldier in a secret attack, he had already been eager to try it.
Guo Jia and Zhang Han looked at each other and sighed: "It doesn't have to be tonight, it could be tomorrow. In short, we should be prepared and arranged."
"Tonight, all the guards must not sleep!" After Zhang Han gave the order, he thought for a moment, looked relaxed, and said to Dian Wei: "However, don't be too nervous. Let everything be as usual. Just pay attention."
"I'm going to take a nap first," Zhang Han yawned and suddenly stumbled after walking a few steps, "Ouch, I drank too much tonight and I have a headache—"
"Go quickly, oh!" Dian Wei and Guo Jia urged irritably from behind.
(End of chapter)
