Shuhan

In the bedroom of the Wei Imperial Palace, candlelight flickered.

The air was filled with a strong smell of medicine, which formed a sharp contrast with the luxurious furnishings in the hall.

Cao Pi sat on the dragon couch, wearing a loose brocade robe, which made him look even thinner.

His face was pale, the corners of his lips were an unhealthy white, and his eyes revealed an unconcealable fatigue and weakness, like a lamp that was about to run out of power, barely maintaining the last ray of light.

Queen Guo was wearing a gorgeous queen's robe, which was embroidered with intricate dragon and phoenix designs. It shone with golden light, making her skin look white as snow and adding a touch of her plump beauty.

She has a plump figure, and the charm of a young woman is fully displayed on her. Her every move reveals a mature and gentle temperament.

However, at this moment, her brows were full of worry, and her beautiful eyes flashed with deep concern and worry for Cao Pi.

"Your Majesty, after you finish this bowl of medicine, there is still one more bowl."

Queen Guo's voice was gentle but with unquestionable firmness. She carefully held a bowl of black, thick and bitter medicine. The smell was so pungent that it made people want to vomit.

Cao Pi forced a bitter smile, took the medicine bowl, and frowned, as if he was waging a silent protest.

He took a deep breath, trying to calm his inner resistance, then slowly drank the medicine. With every swallow, his facial muscles twisted involuntarily. It was obvious that this medicine was not only a physical torture for him, but also a mental test.

"If I keep drinking medicine every day, I'm afraid I'll die in the palace." He smiled bitterly with a hint of self-mockery.

When Queen Guo heard this, her face changed slightly, and she was full of reproach: "Your Highness, I will not allow you to say that! You are worth millions of gold, how can you talk about life and death so easily?"

There was a hint of urgency in the Queen's tone, and it was obvious that Cao Pi's words touched her heart.

Seeing this, Cao Pi chuckled, with both helplessness and relief in his laughter: "Okay, okay, I won't say anything. With you by my side, how can I give up so easily?"

As he spoke, Cao Pi looked at Queen Guo tenderly, his eyes showing both gratitude and reluctance, as if expressing endless attachment.

Queen Guo continued to feed Cao Pi medicine while she spoke softly about recent events in the court: "The crown prince has been regulating the country recently, and the results are good. The news I heard from outside is all good news. Shouchun has withstood the Han attack and handled state affairs in an orderly manner. The Shangshu Ling and the nine ministers all praised him, saying that he resembled your majesty in the past."

After hearing this, a complex light flashed in Cao Pi's eyes, showing both relief and worry.

"Given the current situation, I hope he can hold on."

He sighed softly, his tone full of uncertainty about the future and expectations for Cao Rui.

His own health was already at the point of exhaustion, and the future of the State of Wei would have to rely on this young prince.

Queen Guo felt mixed emotions when she saw this. She gently held Cao Pi's hand, which was cold and thin, as if it had lost its former warmth and strength.

"Your Majesty, you must cheer up. For the sake of Wei and for me, you must persevere."

There was a hint of sob in her voice and her eyes were slightly red, and she was obviously trying hard to control her emotions.

Cao Pi smiled slightly, with a hint of bitterness and relief in his smile: "I feel relieved with you here. But I'm afraid I can't accompany you to the end."

At this moment, the eunuch stepped forward lightly, with a barely perceptible nervousness in his voice: "Your Majesty, the Crown Prince and the Minister of Chancellery request an audience."

As soon as he finished speaking, the atmosphere in the bedroom seemed to freeze instantly. Cao Pi was stunned for a moment, and an ominous premonition surged in his heart.

Generally speaking, the prince would not come to see him easily unless there was something important. If he came, it must be because he had encountered a difficult problem that was difficult to deal with.

Cao Pi frowned and sat up straight unconsciously. He tried to adjust his breathing, trying to make himself look more energetic.

He waved to the eunuchs, and with a barely perceptible hint of fatigue in his voice, he said, "Let them in."

Queen Guo Zhao looked at Cao Pi with some worry, her eyes flashing with deep concern for her husband.

She said softly, "Your Majesty, don't get angry. It's important to take care of yourself."

Cao Pi nodded, which was considered as his agreement, but a huge wave of emotion had already risen in his heart.

Soon, Crown Prince Cao Rui and Shangshu Ling Chen Qun arrived in front of the palace.

After the two came in, they immediately bowed to Cao Pi, with a hint of urgency in their voices: "Your Majesty, I pay my respects to you. May your Majesty live forever."

Cao Pi waved his hand, signaling them to stand up.

He got straight to the point and asked, "What's the matter with you two coming here?"

There was a subtle hint of nervousness in Cao Pi's voice, and he had obviously sensed that the news he was about to hear might not be optimistic.

Cao Rui and Chen Qun exchanged a glance, and finally Cao Rui took a step forward, his voice carrying a hint of solemnity: "Qingzhou military report, the Han army landed in Donglai County 20 days ago, and now has occupied Beihai and Donglai counties. The situation is critical."

When Cao Pi heard the news, his face changed suddenly.

His eyes moved quickly, as if he was thinking about something.

Cao Pi asked again: "How many people are there in the Han army?"

Cao Rui answered honestly: "The Han army claims to have 100,000 troops, but according to our intelligence, there are actually only about 50,000."

"Fifty thousand people..." Cao Pi muttered to himself, his thoughts racing.

He continued, "If we can't attract the noble families, 50,000 people won't cause much trouble, but if we attract the local nobles, then we'll be in trouble."

Cao Rui immediately said, "I think so too. I wonder what method should be used to solve this matter?"

Cao Pi said calmly: "The more dangerous the situation, the calmer we must be. The troops in the border areas cannot be mobilized, and the imperial guards in Luoyang cannot withstand the mobilization. We can only mobilize soldiers from Xuzhou, Jizhou, and Youzhou to suppress Shandong."

Cao Rui asked again: "Who will be the general?"

Cao Pi thought for a moment and said, "Cao Zhen, Cao Zidan, can be the commander-in-chief of Pingqingzhou. He is experienced and resourceful, and will definitely be able to handle this position."

Cao Rui then asked, "Who is the commander of Yingchuan?"

Cao Pi said: "Guo Huai can take on the important task. He is brave and good at fighting, and has strategy. He will definitely be able to defend Yingchuan."

Cao Rui nodded and said, "So, I understand."

There was a hint of relief and peace of mind in Cao Rui's voice, and he was obviously very satisfied with his father's arrangement.

At this time, the atmosphere in the bedroom seemed to ease a little.

Cao Pi looked at the Crown Prince and the Minister of the Chancellery in front of him, and a complex emotion surged in his heart.

He coughed lightly, with a hint of fatigue and weakness in his voice.

But he still tried to remain calm and dignified, and said to Cao Rui and Chen Qun: "You must act as soon as possible, mobilize troops and suppress the rebellion. At the same time, you must pay close attention to the movements of the Han army and report to me at any time."

Cao Rui and Chen Qun answered in unison: "Yes, Your Majesty."

Cao Pi nodded and signaled them to leave.

He looked at their departing backs, feeling a deep sense of worry and helplessness in his heart.

The road ahead is still long, and he can no longer accompany the State of Wei.

But he still hoped that he could leave something useful for the State of Wei.

The state of Wei cannot be destroyed in his hands, nor in the hands of his son.

In the vast northern frontier areas of Shanggu, Yuyang and Youbeiping stands the Great Wall built during the Qin Dynasty. It is like a giant dragon, winding and twisting, stretching across the mountains, which is spectacular.

Although the bricks and stones of the Great Wall have experienced erosion from wind and rain, they still appear extremely solid.

On this section of the Great Wall, the figures of Wei soldiers can still be seen in many places. They are wearing heavy armor, holding spears, and vigilantly looking to the north to prevent the invasion of the increasingly powerful Xianbei. The autumn wind blows over the Great Wall with a bit of coolness, and also blows over the endless grassland to the north of the Great Wall.

It is already autumn, and the scenery on the grassland is completely different from the vibrant summer.

The grass leaves that were once lush and green have now turned yellow and weak, as if nature is announcing the changes in the annual cycle in this way.

The wind blew from deep in the grassland, bringing with it a bit of chill, indicating that winter is not far away.

The sky above the grassland was still vast and boundless, but the azure blue was a little deeper. A few white clouds floated by leisurely, casting faint shadows.

Occasionally, flocks of migratory birds flying south across the sky, making bursts of shrill cries. They are eager to find warm habitats to avoid the coming severe winter.

At the junction of the grassland and the Great Wall, some small settlements can be vaguely seen. They are the border people of Wei State who settled here for their livelihood.

Their houses are simple, mostly built of earth, stones and wood, but in this desolate land, they have become their shelter from wind and rain.

At this time, the villagers were busy harvesting the last crops and storing food for the winter.

Only a hundred miles away from Yuyang City, a majestic Xianbei royal tent stands proudly on the vast grassland.

This royal tent was not only the residence of the Xianbei Khan Kebi Neng, but also a symbol of his power and majesty.

There are many tents of different sizes scattered around. These tents are the homes of the Xianbei people and the center of their lives.

Inside the tent, the Xianbei people sat around the fire, roasting meat, drinking wine, and laughing happily.

In addition to the tents, the grassland is also dotted with countless cattle, sheep and horses.

These livestock are important assets of the Xianbei people and an important source of their livelihood. They graze leisurely on the grassland, occasionally making cheerful calls, adding vitality to the grassland.

Near the king's tent, there were some tents where looted Han women were imprisoned.

These women looked haggard, and their eyes revealed endless sadness and despair.

They were victims of the Xianbei people's wars, forced to leave their homes and endure endless suffering.

In addition, there were large amounts of gold, silver and jewelry piled up in the royal tent.

These jewels sparkle with dazzling light and are the wealth accumulated by the Xianbei people through war and plunder.

The king's tent was densely populated with Kebinen's followers. They were dressed in leather armor, holding bows and arrows, and their eyes revealed determination and bravery.

More than a hundred thousand cavalrymen at the helm, what a spectacular scene!

The Xianbei warriors were like a pack of wolves on the grassland, ready to pounce on their enemies at any time.

Their horses are strong, muscular, and their hooves sound like thunder, as if with just one order, they can break through mountains and rivers and sweep across the world.

On this grassland, Kebi Neng is the supreme king.

His followers were loyal to him and were willing to go through fire and water for him.

They believe that under the leadership of Kebi Neng, the Xianbei people will surely move towards a more glorious tomorrow.

At this moment, there was a blazing fire inside the king's tent, and the aroma of barbecue filled the air, making people salivate.

The Xianbei Khan Kebi Neng wore a gorgeous robe embroidered with intricate totems, highlighting his noble status.

He has a strong build, muscles as hard as rock, a rugged face, and eyes that reveal unquestionable majesty.

Kebineng was sitting on a throne covered with wolf skin, tearing a golden and crispy roasted leg of lamb in his hands.

He chewed the mutton in big mouthfuls, his mouth full of oil, looking unrestrained and uninhibited.

Just then, a Han envoy walked into the king's tent.

He was dressed in gorgeous Hanfu, walked steadily and looked calm.

The Han envoy walked up to Kebineng, bowed, and then sat in the guest seat.

Ke Bineng laughed and asked in his rough voice: "I wonder what the Han envoy wants to do with my tribe?"

His eyes revealed curiosity and anticipation, as if he was very interested in the arrival of this Han envoy.

The Han envoy chuckled and said, "I came here to give the king a gift of wealth."

The Han envoy's voice was gentle and magnetic, as if he could see into people's hearts.

"Wealth?" Ke Bineng was stunned for a moment, then he casually wiped the sheep fat from the corners of his mouth with a piece of Shu brocade. His eyes revealed doubt and expectation, as if he was full of interest in the "wealth" mentioned by the Han envoy.

"Can it be greater than the wealth of the Merchant Alliance?"

The Han envoy laughed and said, "Compared to the wealth and honor that my Majesty wants to give to the king, what is the business alliance?"

Ke Bineng was shocked when he heard this.

He was well aware of the huge profits of the Merchant Alliance. The Han caravans exchanged precious items such as silk, porcelain, and Wu Shi San for their horses, cattle, sheep, furs, and herbs, and the profits were staggering.

However, the Han envoy said that the wealth and honor his majesty wanted to give him was greater than that of the Merchant Alliance, which made him shocked and curious.

He immediately asked, "Greater wealth than the Merchant Alliance? Tell me in detail."

His eyes revealed eagerness and anticipation, as if he couldn't wait to know what the "wealth and honor" that the Han envoy was talking about was.

The Han envoy said: "My great Han army has already established a foothold in Donglai and Beihai, with a number of 100,000. There will be another 100,000 or 200,000 coming later, which is enough to attract the troops of Jizhou, Youzhou, and Qingzhou of Wei.

By then, Youzhou and Jizhou will be empty, and the king will have 100,000 cavalry. He can conquer Youzhou in one battle and aim at Yecheng. He can expand the territory by thousands of miles and control millions of people. The wealth during this period is innumerable. Isn't it greater than the wealth of the Merchant Alliance?"

Hearing this, Ke Bineng suddenly became energetic.

His eyes revealed greed and ambition, as if he had already seen the magnificent scene of himself leading his troops south, capturing Youzhou and controlling millions of people.

Ke Bineng immediately asked: "The Emperor of the Han Dynasty wants me to send troops?"

The Han envoy nodded and said, "Wealth and honor are before your eyes. It is up to you whether you take them or not. I came here only to inform you."

There was seduction in his voice.

Ke Bineng's eyes flickered when he heard this.

His heart was full of contradictions and struggles.

On the one hand, he was full of yearning and desire for the "wealth and honor" that the Han envoy talked about; on the other hand, he was worried that this was a scam and that he would fall into the trap of the Han people once he sent troops.

The Han people are famous for their cunningness.

However, when he once again thought of the magnificent scene of expanding the territory by thousands of miles and ruling over millions of people, an irrepressible ambition and greed surged in his heart.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, a chance for him to achieve his ambitions and become famous.

So he took a deep breath, looked at the Han envoy with a firm look and said: "I have made up my mind and am willing to work with the Emperor of the Han Dynasty to achieve great things. You go back and tell your Majesty that I, Ke Bineng, am willing to send troops to help you and jointly capture Youzhou and Jizhou."

The Han envoy was overjoyed when he heard this, knowing that the purpose of his trip had been achieved.

So he stood up and bowed to Kebineng.

"Your Majesty, you will find in the future that you made a wise choice." (End of this chapter)