Three Kingdoms: I, the eldest son of Cao, a loving father of a great man!

The Xiahou family had a huge influence in Jingzhou, and Xiahou Yuan’s death was a huge blow to Cao Cao.

"Prime Minister, the enemy's target seems to be Nanyang County." Cheng Yu speculated.

Cao Cao gnashed his teeth and said in hatred, "How could I not know! But Nanyang County has already made a desperate attempt. There is no other way except to fight to the death."

"Prime Minister, if Nanyang County falls, our retreat will be cut off. It would be better for our army to withdraw and come back later," Cheng Yu suggested.

Cao Cao shook his head and said, "If I do this, I will lose the chance to become emperor forever.

No matter what the cost, I must take over Nanyang County!
Send a message to Xiahou Yuan's subordinates to continue fighting and not retreat even a single step, otherwise your entire clan will be implicated!"

Cao Cao also wanted to use this cruel method to intimidate other aristocratic families, but unfortunately the bottom line of these families was that they could not lose power.

Seeing this, Cheng Yu could only shut his mouth.

Cao Cao's attitude also irritated the aristocratic families, who felt that Cao Cao was deliberately forcing them to surrender.

So the major families secretly united to discuss how to deal with Cao Cao.

"Cao Mengde has gone too far! We swear to live and die with Nanyang!"

The major families discussed in private how to deal with Cao Cao.

After listening to Zhuge Liang's report, Cao Ang snorted coldly: "Cao Mengde, this old man still has some backbone. But I want to see how tough you are!"

Cao Ang took out two imperial edicts from his arms and handed them to Zhuge Liang and Dian Wei respectively.

"Accept the order!" Zhuge Liang and Dian Wei knelt down.

"The Emperor, by the Mandate of Heaven, proclaims: The Cao family has colluded with the traitor Liu Jingsheng to disrupt the government and seize the title of King of Jiangxia. I am mindful of the Cao family's contributions.

Cao Hong was specially appointed King of Jiangxia, given the title Wende, and given command of Nanyang County.

I will use Wende as my assistant to guard Nanyang County and maintain the law and order in Jiangxia. Anyone who violates this order will be executed along with his entire clan! "

Cao Ang issued an imperial decree, and Cao Hong was officially named King of Jiangxia.

Cao Hong was an unknown young general in the history of Cao Wei, and his bravery was also limited.

He is not like Liu Bei who can defeat Yuan Shao and Sun Ce on his own.

The position that Cao Ang gave to Cao Hong was actually to let him take the blame.

After Cao Hong received this reward, he was stunned.

He didn't expect that he would be named King of Jiangxia.

Cao Hong hurried to Cao Cao's study, found Cao Cao, and said with a sad face.

"Uncle, I never thought that the Lord would enthrone me as the King of Jiangxia. How could I be so worthy of this title?"

Cao Cao saw Cao Hong crying and frowned, "Why would the Lord confer the title of King of Jiangxia on you? Did you make a mistake?"

"How dare I? My lord suddenly appointed me the King of Jiangxia, and I don't know why.

Uncle, the lord asked me to lead the troops to be stationed in Nanyang, and also asked me to be responsible for the safety of Jiangxia.

I don't know much about military affairs, and I'm afraid I won't live up to my lord's expectations." Cao Hong said with a sad face.

Cao Cao pondered for a moment and said, "My lord is wise and brave, there must be a deep meaning behind this.

Wende, the lord has high hopes for you. I hope you will not disappoint the lord's expectations, work hard to defend Jiangxia, ensure the stability of Nanyang, and wait for the lord's arrival."

"Nephew understands!" When Cao Hong heard Cao Cao say this, he knew that he was already the King of Jiangxia for sure, and his heart was filled with joy.

After Cao Hong said goodbye and left, Cheng Yu found Cao Cao.

"Zhongde, what do you want to talk to me about?" Cao Cao asked.

Cheng Yu said respectfully: "Your Majesty, I have just learned something strange, so I came to report to you." "Oh? What is it that is worth your special trip?" Cao Cao asked puzzled.

Cheng Yu told the news he had learned: "The Lord has appointed Cao Hong as the governor of Nanyang County and asked him to guard the safety of Nanyang County."

After hearing this, Cao Cao raised his eyebrows and murmured, "It seems that this Cao Hong is the envoy sent by the lord to Jiangdong! No wonder the lord suddenly launched a fierce offensive."

"Prime Minister, since the lord has sent Cao Hong, it is obvious that he wants to bring Nanyang County under his control." Cheng Yu expressed his guess.

"As expected of Liu Xuande, he is truly amazing." Cao Cao praised. He had known Cao Ang's ambition for a long time, but he did not expect that Cao Ang would actually take action in advance.

"Prime Minister, my lord is doing this probably because he wants to kill us all." Cheng Yu said bitterly.

"That's right, my lord, this move is too cruel. What should we do?" An aide to Cheng Yu said worriedly.

Cao Cao also fell into deep thought.

After a long while, Cao Cao said, "We cannot afford to lose this battle."

"Prime Minister, do we really want to betray our lord and go against Cao Ang?" Cheng Yu asked.

Cao Cao shook his head and said: "No, we are not betraying our lord, but are loyal to the Han Dynasty!"

The staff were all Cao Cao's confidants. Of course they knew what Cao Cao meant and they all smiled with relief.

"We can follow the example of the pre-Qin monarchs and make an oath," Cao Cao said again.

Cao Cao had made an alliance with Liu Xie, and now he wanted to make another alliance with Cao Ang.

Cheng Yu and several of his staff members all felt sad. Although Cao Ang was extremely powerful, he did not have as good luck as Cao Cao and Liu Xie.

"Prime Minister, our lord saved your life. Can you really bear to betray him?" Cheng Yu still held out a glimmer of hope.

Cao Cao narrowed his eyes, stared at Cheng Yu and said, "Gongtai, we have known each other for many years. You should know how I treat you very well."

Cheng Yu lowered his head. He was very clear about how much Cao Cao valued him, so he was willing to work for Cao Cao.

"Gongtai, don't worry, I will never forget the help you gave us. But we are Han officials and must follow your will.

You also know that Liu Xuande is the person the lord fears the most, and the lord will never allow Liu Xuande's power to grow.

Therefore, we must win this war." Cao Cao advised Cheng Yu earnestly.

"The Prime Minister has a far-sighted vision and we admire him." Cheng Yu sighed. He knew that Cao Cao was right and he could only do as Cao Cao instructed.

"Go and get ready." Cao Cao waved his hand and signaled everyone to leave.

"Yes!" The staff all left the room.

Cheng Yu walked up to Cao Cao and whispered, "My lord, has your leg disease healed?"

"Haha, thank you for your concern. My leg disease has completely recovered." Cao Cao laughed heartily.

Cao Cao's leg disease was an old injury, and generally speaking, it was difficult to recover.

But with Cao Ang, Cao Cao's leg disease recovered.

Cao Cao insisted on exercising every day, and as he was in good physical condition, his illnesses were basically cured.

Cheng Yu breathed a sigh of relief: "The Lord's leg disease has finally healed, long live the Lord!"

Cao Cao saw Cheng Yu’s excited expression and patted him on the shoulder.

"You too, for our future, for Cao Cao to achieve his ambitions. We should unite as one."

"Yes, I will follow your instructions!" Cheng Yu said solemnly. (End of this chapter)