"My father-in-law is looking down on me. Is it because I want something that I am so brave and brave enough to step forward and risk my own life to keep my father-in-law safe?" Zhang Han looked upright and spoke righteously.
And he almost called me "adopted father-in-law" several times. Every time he called me "father-in-law", it was very awkward.
This matter may be Lu Bu's fault.
Cao Cao didn't believe a word of Zhang Han's words, so he looked at him quietly and waited for him to finish what he said.
"This is all due to loyalty and filial piety. That's why I was willing to risk my life to save my father-in-law."
Zhang Han clasped his fist firmly and said: "As for the so-called reward for merit, Han has never taken it to heart. Please give it to me, my lord."
Cao Cao: "..."
"Then take Xian'er home for a meal that night. The warmth of your family is the best reward."
Cao Cao said in an understatement, which made Zhang Han's face become anxious, and he said in a panic: "Well, it's okay to give him something substantial. I'm a relatively vulgar person. Father-in-law, you know me. I come from a humble background."
"Haha," Cao Cao raised his hand and pointed to the door.
Zhang Han nodded quickly and said: "Okay, okay, I'll get it myself."
"Get out!"
Get out of here! I'll let your daughter cause trouble when I get back! Your daughter is my little troublemaker.
Zhang Han left first and did not go to the palace with Cao Cao to meet the emperor. After he left, Xun Yu and Xi Zhi talked about their speculations about the coming of this moment.
In fact, it is no longer a guess. It is basically certain that it is Dong Cheng, Fu Wan and others. The relatives know that the emperor trusts Cao Cao too much, so everyone should be very anxious.
Moreover, in the previous party struggles, almost all methods were defeated by Cao Cao.
As a result, there is no advantage at all in the court now. Many people have been transferred and withdrawn from the court, and those who are left behind are those who do not have a firm stand and may not necessarily be on the same page as them.
In this case, resorting to assassination, ambush and other beheadings is something that is both helpless and unavoidable.
If Cao Cao can be stabbed to death, the current situation can be temporarily reversed.
It is estimated that such secret offensives will continue in the next few years.
Because as long as the ministers still have the heart to serve the Han Dynasty and the scholars still have a deep hatred for the eunuchs, Cao Cao will never gain their recognition.
As Cao's power expands, these people will keep popping up like they are being forced to jump over a wall.
Mainly the solution.
Xun Yu still advocated not to rush and destroy the peace of Xudu, but to take measures slowly.
Both Xi Zhicai and Cao Cao kept silent, which was not in line with their styles and temperaments. However, Xun Yu said this and spoke first, his intentions were urgent, and they were unwilling to refute his intentions immediately. .
Cao Cao secretly exchanged glances with Xi Zhicai, breathed a sigh of relief, and remained silent for a while. After a long time, Cao Cao said: "Wen Ruo, don't worry."
"This matter is, after all, a big one. To secretly ambush an important minister of my great Han Dynasty is not a trivial matter. It should be left to His Majesty's decision."
"Yes, what Sikong said is absolutely true..." Xun Yu thought for a while, but could not think of a reason to refute.
"Therefore, you don't have to rush to persuade me. We have a deep friendship with me. How could I not know what you are thinking? What you want is peace and harmony in the territory, but this hatred cannot be resolved by you and me."
"The husband tree wants to be quiet but the wind does not stop. It is not just about filial piety. This is the moment to explain that it is not that I want to clean up the gentry in the government, but that they want to put me to death. Who is the person behind the scenes? We both know in our hearts. Why bother pretending not to know?"
Cao Cao stared at Xun Yu earnestly, making him lower his head even more guiltily.
This is true in the slightest. The assassination operation they organized would have been in danger now if Sikong hadn't been so powerful or if the guards around him weren't alert enough.
Every time Xun Yu thought of this, he felt extremely guilty, and even felt defeated and did not dare to refuse.
Xun Yu fell into silence here, while Cao Cao and Xi Zhicai naturally became slightly excited. The two discussed it again and prepared to inform His Majesty of the Emperor about the assassination and ambush. As for how to decide, it is up to Liu Xie decides for himself.
Even Xun Yu had no objection to this.
After being prepared, Cao Cao first ordered the military chief to hand over all the records of meritorious deeds to the minister's desk. After copying and sorting them, he took them to the palace and handed them over to the internal officials, and then presented them to the emperor. At the same time, Cao Cao himself held an important person in his hand. With a list of achievements, he entered the palace in a chariot and horse.
The officials were not in the palace, but followed Zong Zheng to the south gate to greet them according to his previous itinerary.
It takes at least an hour to come and go.
This section is also within Cao Cao's calculations. In his opinion, Liu Xie may not be able to make a good judgment if there are other officials who make suggestions. There are so many things that cannot be decided. If Cao Cao goes ahead of time, he can just do it. Clarify something.
Not long after, Cao Cao arrived at the Changle Hall of the imperial palace and walked up the wide and carved stairs. Huangmen immediately came to take off his boots. At this time, Liu Xie also walked down from his luxurious position early and greeted Cao Cao all the way. Come with a smile on your face.
"Sikong, you are finally back."
"I haven't seen my beloved for a year, and I really miss you in my heart!"
Liu Xie's expression was slightly moved, and he hugged Cao Cao's arm and refused to let go. At this moment, everyone could feel that his emotions were extremely sincere. Cao Cao had never had a good impression of Liu Xie, but he breathed a sigh of relief at this moment.
He nodded and said: "Your Majesty, don't worry. In Shouchun, Yangzhou, the legitimate son of the Yuan family is not the so-called destiny, and Yuan Shu is just a withered bone in the grave. I gave him some dignity."
"The so-called Zhong family has now become history, not even history, just a wisp of waves."
"My dear, in the middle of the year, the war was not going well. The battle reports from the front seemed to say that our Han army's attack was unfavorable, and Shouchun was very likely to hold on. However, Yuan Shao in northern Hebei sent envoys several times to take me over. We were led to Yecheng, Wei County... I was unwilling in every possible way, but fortunately, Taiwei Yang Biao, Minister of Dali Temple Zhong Yao, etc. came to the palace to persuade the officials, so I gave up."
"Later, when news came out that Sikong had captured Shouchun, the situation in the court was stabilized. I thought that all the officials had been afraid of the Yuan family for a long time, and Yuan Shao had never followed my orders, but at this time If you are willing to welcome me to Yecheng, how could I not know that he is taking advantage of the chaos to rob you?"
When Liu Xie said this, he sighed deeply: "If I really go, firstly, it will make Aiqing, who is fighting on the front line, uneasy, and secondly, I will fall into the hands of his Yuan family. What will happen in the future?" Aren’t you going to let others manipulate you?”
After hearing this, Cao Cao was greatly shocked. He looked at Liu Xie for a long time, nodded and said, "Your Majesty, you are really getting wiser."
"Now that I am a wise king, I can judge the situation clearly in an instant, and it will definitely make my great man prosperous in the future."
This kid is really good! He actually thinks about me, Cao Cao, so much. If he insists on going to Wei County in Jizhou, the situation in the court will be completely different. It will take a lot of effort to suppress him.
But who would have thought that he himself had no intention of going.
Just like a tug-of-war, the most important link is on our side, so how can others pull the situation away?
"I have entered the palace and come to see you. In addition to returning my message to Your Majesty, I also have something to tell you."
"What's the matter?" Liu Xie felt shocked when he saw Cao Cao's face becoming serious.
According to common sense, now that the major events are over and he has returned from victory, he should be very happy, but Cao Cao felt very worried, which made Liu Xie feel uneasy.
Cao Cao took two steps back, cupped his hands and said, "My lord, I would like to resign."
"In the future, I can be an idle official and retire in the mansion, or I can return to the joy of the countryside. I will return all political affairs and authority to Your Majesty, so that Your Majesty can truly lead the country of Han Dynasty."
"I?!"
Liu Xie was startled, and his whole heart seemed to be grabbed. What did this mean? !
I, I am still in the stage of observing and learning, and I am not proficient in everything. I only have a partial understanding of the number of treasury and mountains and territories. I have a master who teaches me, but it will take several years before I can achieve it. .
This is the time when we need a capable minister to assist the government, so why should we leave now?
He sincerely felt that Cao Cao, like this, could control tens of millions of people internally, benefit the four states, and manage the Central Plains in an orderly manner; and externally, he would be a famous general with unparalleled achievements and reputation spread throughout the sea, who would surely capture and win in battle. If he couldn't It's such a shame to be around to help teach.
Why did he leave? Was he tired?
Liu Xie felt a little aggrieved, or maybe he thought I didn't trust him enough?
You must know that I have almost never interfered with the power above the entire court. If Cao Aiqing is still dissatisfied, then it is wrong.
Thinking of this, Liu Xie's face looked a little aggrieved and sullen. He looked at Cao Cao seriously and asked in a deep voice: "Sikong, why do you say this?"
"But, what do you think is wrong with me?"
Cao Cao's face turned bitter and he sighed sadly: "I, you are fighting for your life when you are fighting outside. In the name of the great Han Dynasty, you take in and control the people of my Han Dynasty. I dare not talk about my merits, but I think I have made great achievements." .”
"Although the battle in Yangzhou was ultimately won, it resulted in the loss of 60,000 elite soldiers and countless baggage, which amounted to several years of family savings. The severance and pension money alone amounted to tens of thousands of gold."
"It can be said to be tragic."
With a long sigh, these casualty figures entered Liu Xie's ears, making him amazed and shocked.
Number of 60,000 people. This year turned out to be so tragic, with more than 60,000 people killed and injured. How could we still win like this? How many people died in Yangzhou? This beloved lady actually experienced at least 100,000 casualties on the front line... …
No wonder, I feel discouraged.
As a result, Liu Xie's attitude softened slightly.
Cao Cao changed the subject and continued: "In this way, we still won, but on the way back, outside Yingyin, my subordinates were ambushed and killed."
"What!?"
Liu Xie suddenly turned around and looked at Cao Cao in disbelief. He originally thought that Cao Cao was already a little unstable because of too many military killings, so he just asked to rest.
But how could he have imagined that he would be assassinated in Yingyin, south of Xudu! ?
Who dares to assassinate my great hero! ?
"Who is it?!"
Liu Xie looked at Cao Cao suspiciously. Even though Cao Cao said it himself, he still couldn't believe that someone in the seemingly peaceful and peaceful Xudu could dare to act so boldly!
"I have found out who it is, but I dare not speak to Your Majesty. I only feel disheartened. I still ask for Your Majesty's mercy. After betrayal, how can I be confident in conquering in the future after betraying myself?"
"After all, my loyalty to the Han Dynasty was wrongly paid by me." Cao Cao sneered. This smile was so bleak that it directly hurt Liu Xie's heart.
At this moment, it was as if an invisible big hand suddenly grabbed Liu Xie's heart, suffocating him.
The implication of Cao Cao's words is that the person who secretly planned the ambush is in the court, and his status is still among the more important people in the Han Dynasty. Combined with the previous battles, it means that It is not difficult to guess which group of people they are.
"Sikong, do you have any evidence?"
"Since your Majesty has asked, I can only say no." Cao Cao stood with his hands behind his back, his tone was cold, as if he had no intention of pursuing it, and just wanted to leave the place where this was wrong immediately. No one who has just experienced an assassination can be so open-minded. The breadth is unmoving.
Now Cao Cao can still stand here and ask for resignation without anger, but with sadness, which is already very magnanimous.
Liu Xie felt a sense of dejection in him, like a leaf falling in the wind, with no spirit left.
"My dear, there is no need to be so pessimistic," Liu Xie walked up to him, put his hand on Cao Cao's shoulder, and said with a soft smile: "In the palace, those with two minds can be punished after being found out. If the identity is If there is any inconvenience, they can be demoted or transferred to a remote place."
"I can't live without my beloved."
These words are spoken from the heart.
Now, the Tingwei, Dali Temple, and School Affairs Office in the inner court are all under the direct control of Cao Cao, and Zhi Jinwu was also recommended by Cao Cao. Among the eight school captains, one is Cao Cao's confidant Su Wei Commander, that is, Dian Wei.
Although the remaining seven people are not particularly close to Cao Cao, they are not too hostile either.
These are just the officials around the palace. In Xudu, there are more officials who govern internal affairs, such as Shangshutai, Taiwei, etc., whose positions are the same as Cao Cao. If he leaves, these people will all revolt.
No, let alone all of them. Even if only 30% of the people take action, the entire city will collapse in an instant.
Liu Xie could not give up on Cao Cao and let him resign and return to his hometown. Besides, hundreds of thousands of soldiers in the army obeyed Cao Cao's orders.
"Sikong, I know that when you returned from victory, you were supposed to be welcomed by all the officials, but someone secretly planned an ambush, which made your beloved feel uneasy. I... based on my merits, I will first give your beloved a sword and shoes to go to court and praise you. No name."
"How about deposing the three princes again and asking Aiqing to be the prime minister to take charge of military and political affairs, control the inside and outside of the imperial city, and eliminate the hidden danger of ambushes?"
Cao Cao remained silent.
He still bowed his head with his hands in hand, but in fact, where Liu Xie couldn't see him, he had already grinned. If he hadn't been in Changle Hall now, he might have been unable to hold back his laughter.
Ah, use retreat to make progress, it’s better to use retreat to make progress.
It turns out that this is what Bo Chang said at the time when he meant to make good use of retreat to advance!
(End of chapter)
