Han family achievements

Chapter 321 Single-handedly
Qiao County.

Cao Cao returned to his hometown again. Looking at the dilapidated county town with almost no family, his face was expressionless, but his heart was depressed and uncomfortable.

Yang Xiu and Sima Yi were accompanying him. As the chief bookkeeper, Yang Xiu almost always held thick books such as account books in his hands.

And Xu Chu was like a door god, following Cao Cao, alert to his surroundings.

Cao Cao came to the city gate, looked at the ruins, sighed, and said: "A good city has turned into this."

Yang Xiu also felt it was a pity and said, "I heard that Dong Zhuo demolished the city walls and took away the bricks and stones in order to build the fortress."

Cao Cao hummed, thinking about rebuilding it and treating it as an important logistics and strategic location.

At this time, a clerk ran over, handed Yang Xiu a letter, and whispered a few words.

After hearing this, Yang Xiu waved his hand, stepped forward and handed it to Cao Cao, saying, "General, this is another letter from Dong Zhuo."

"What kind of truce, joining forces, dividing Yuzhou equally?" Cao Cao didn't care, looked in the direction of Pei Guo, and said calmly.

Yang Xiu tore open the letter, read it, and said, "Yes. I still want to marry the general."

"OK,"

Cao Cao couldn't help laughing, not coldly, but with a hearty smile, and said loudly: "My eldest daughter is only three years old. Does Mr. Dong want me to be his son-in-law? Do you want me to recognize him as my foster father?"

Dong Zhuo likes to recognize adopted sons, and adopted sons are an important means for him to win people's hearts.

Yang Xiu and others naturally did not think that Cao Cao would be willing to be Dong Zhuo's adopted son, and thought: "General, Dong Zhuo's repeated letters may contain evil intentions."

Yuan Shao had destroyed Gongsun Zan and had already raised his troops to march north. The "war against Dong" was about to begin. It was surprising that Dong Zhuo could sit still.

Cao Cao looked in the direction of Pei and said, "What's going on with Lu Bu?"

Dong Zhuo's troops, which were not more than [-] in total, seemed to have occupied Yuzhou, but they were shrinking due to the imperial court's encirclement and suppression.Now, Lu Bu in Xuzhou has become the key. Once Dong Zhuo and Lu Bu work together, the depth that Dong Zhuo can move will be greatly increased, which will not be conducive to the imperial court's conquest!

Yang Xiu opened the book in his hand, raised his head and said: "General, Lu Bu has retreated to Qingzhou, and there is no movement for the time being. But whether Sun Ce, the son of Sun Jian, the Marquis of Wucheng, is brave, he has been fighting Lu Bu for Guangling County. Judging from the battle report , win more and lose less."

Cao Cao's expression moved slightly, he turned his head and said: "More victories than defeats?"

Yang Xiu nodded and said: "The news from the Imperial City Mansion says that Guangling County is currently divided into two, and Sun Ce occupies half of it. Sun Jian's original generals and advisers are all fully supporting Sun Ce. Sun Ce is also quite brave. We fought with Lu Bu for thirty rounds, with no outcome. Not long ago, we almost captured Lu Bu alive, but he was blocked by Lu Bu's subordinate Gao Shun, and the victory was defeated."

Cao Cao narrowed his narrow eyes and said with a smile: "Sun Ce, I have some impressions. I am very relieved that there is a successor to Marquis Wucheng."

Cao Cao and Sun Jian had some friendship, and they once conquered the Yellow Turban Army together under Huangfu Song and Zhang Wen.

Yang Xiu glanced around and saw that there was no one else. He stepped forward and whispered: "General, Yuan Shao lent five thousand troops to Sun Ce. He must be trying to win over Sun Ce. Liu Biao's thoughts in Jingzhou are unpredictable. Shi Xie and Sun Ce in Jiaozhi The relationship between our families is extraordinary, so if we form an alliance in the future, I'm worried that the general will be isolated."

A coldness flashed across Cao Cao's narrow eyes, and he laughed loudly and said: "Isolation is nothing, if you can kill Dong Zhuo, even if you take my life, Cao Cao, I will give it to him!"

After saying that, Cao Cao strode away.

Yang Xiu looked at Cao Cao's back with a complicated expression.

Cao Cao was courageous, powerful, and ambitious. He was a man who achieved great things.But he was always inexplicably uneasy when facing Cao Cao.

Sima Yi was much calmer, following Cao Cao respectfully, carefully monitoring every move and word.

In the evening of the next day, Cao Cao was training his soldiers outside the city. Seeing the army's morale gradually recovering, his confidence continued to increase.

Xia Houyuan was much thinner than before. He walked around the military camp and kept drinking.

Cao Ren stood on the watchtower, waving flags and directing the drills.

At this moment, Cao Ren turned around and saw Cao Hong and Cao Ang galloping in, guarding Guo Jia.

Cao Ren quickly got off the watchtower and came to Cao Cao. Before he could say anything, Cao Cao heard the sound of horse hooves and turned his head.

Cao Ang jumped off his horse first and said urgently: "Father, then Yuan Shao wants you to go to his army to discuss matters!"

When Cao Cao heard this, his expression did not change.

Cao Hong and Guo Jia dismounted one after another and came closer.

Cao Hongdao: "General, Le Jin sent someone to report that Xu You has arrived in Zhongli and has sent a letter to Yuan Shao, asking the general to go to his camp to discuss the matter together."

"Father, you can't go!"

Cao Ang looked solemn and said: "Yuan Shao just killed Gongsun Zan and asked his father to go to his camp. He must have evil intentions and want to harm his father!"

Cao Cao's expression was as usual, but he was silent for a moment, then waved his hand and said: "General Hou and I have been close friends for many years and served as officials in the same dynasty. Now we are ordered to fight against thieves. How can he harm me? Don't talk nonsense!"

Cao Ang suddenly became anxious. Just as he was about to speak, Guo Jia took a sip of wine and said with a carefree smile: "Sir, the general is right. In terms of understanding the general, no one can compare with the general. The general said that the general The general means no ill will, that is, no ill will.”

Cao Ang was young and energetic. Seeing what Guo Jia said, he became even more anxious and said, "Father, this is the Hongmen Banquet. You must not go there. If Yuan Shao really wants to discuss it, then move to another place. Why should he go to his camp! Father, listen My word, don’t take any risks!"

Cao Cao snorted coldly and said: "Don't say any more childish words! Prepare your horses, I'm going to see the general behind you."

Cao Ang wanted to say more, but Cao Ren quietly stopped him.

Xia Houyuan rushed over and said: "I will escort the general. If Yuan Shao dares to mess around, I will kill him first!"

Cao Cao's face was livid. He looked around and shouted in a deep voice: "No nonsense! The general is a conferred officer by the imperial court and is Cao Cao's superior officer. No one can despise him and must respect him!"

Everyone had sullen faces, worried about Cao Cao's safety. They didn't believe a word he said, and they couldn't refute it.

Guo Jia drank wine with a smile on his face.

Cao Cao got on his horse, looked down at the crowd, and said: "The matters here are decided by Fengxiao and Zixiao. Without their permission, anyone who interferes will be killed!"

When the people present saw that Cao Cao was about to fight his horse, Cao Ang said anxiously: "I will go with my father."

Cao Cao pulled the horse's rope, looked towards Zhongli County, and said, "I have Yuan Rang and Le Jin, I don't need anyone else."

After saying that, Cao Cao rode away, and in a blink of an eye he was out of the camp and disappeared from everyone's sight.

Cao Ren, who had always been calm and composed, felt uneasy. He turned to Guo Jia and said, "The military advisor said nothing, but is there any way to ensure that the general is safe?"

Upon hearing this, other people came over one after another and stared at Guo Jia.

Guo Jia touched the wine at the corner of his mouth and said with a smile: "The general is sure that Yuan Shao will not dare to do anything to him. Don't you believe the general?"

The few people surrounding him were speechless and speechless.Cao Ang cared about his father and said, "But my father is alone, so I'm still worried. How about I lead someone to catch up and protect my father?"

Guo Jia was very satisfied with Cao Ang's filial piety. He took a sip of wine and said, "If the young master really goes, not only the young master will have to return to his hometown, Zixiao and I may have to go together."

Cao Ang suddenly remembered Cao Cao's order before leaving, and looked helpless and uneasy.

Guo Jia held Cao Ang down and looked at the direction Cao Cao was leaving, his eyes long and full of appreciation and admiration.

Others are right. Cao Cao's life and death are unpredictable. It is a big adventure. Who can predict what Yuan Shao is thinking?
But Cao Cao decided to go without hesitation. How many people in today's world can match this kind of courage?

Cao Cao left Qiao County alone and went straight to Zhongli County.

After arriving in Zhongli County, he only slept for an hour, then took Xiahou Dun alone out of the city and went to Yuan Shao's camp.

At this time, Yuan Shao was having a banquet with a group of people.

Yuan Shao sat on the main seat with a smile on his face, looking down at the civil servants and generals below.

Xu You, with quick eyes and quick hands, picked up the wine glass and said loudly: "Everyone, I have got the news that the imperial court is about to appoint the general as the Yangzhou Shepherd. It is great to congratulate you. Let's toast the general together!"

A group of people picked up their wine glasses and raised their hands together: "Congratulations, general!"

Yuan Shao was quite satisfied, picked up the wine glass, and said: "Everyone, take a drink!"

After raising his head, Yuan Shao's heart surged and he said with a smile: "Some of the credit is not my fault, it all depends on you. I have drawn up a memorial list to describe your achievements in detail, and I will give you the reward soon. I hope you will agree with me. We share the same virtue and make new achievements!"

"I obey the general's orders!" they all shouted in unison like thunder.Although many people knew Yuan Shao's thoughts, they were still very concerned about the imperial court's rewards.

The false name given by the court is still very useful at this time.

Xu You didn't want others to get ahead of him, so he glanced at the others and said loudly: "General, we will wait for the alliance. After the general, as a general, he will order all the armies. It will be easy to destroy Dong Zhuo. At that time, the general will be granted the title of marquis and the prime minister." , no problem!"

In the past, Yuan Shao naturally yearned for the title of Marquis and Prime Minister. Now, he has a bigger goal.

His smile remained unchanged and he looked around at the people in the big tent.

Ju Shou, Zhang Dao, Tian Feng, Xu You, Zhang He, senior officials... It can be said that there are many talents, both civil and military.

Tian Feng, Director Zhang, Gao Gan and others naturally hope that Yuan Shao's future will be unlimited as the tide rises.

Only Tian Feng, drinking alone, turned a deaf ear to the flattery from outside.

Yuan Shao ignored him and said in a deep voice: "I have received letters from more than ten people. We will meet with you in Qiao County to jointly attack Dong Zhuo. If we include Cao Cao, the total force will exceed [-]. In mid-September, the troops will Go out of Qiao County and conquer Dong Zhuo!"

After hearing the words, everyone whispered, nodded, and all agreed.

Seeing this, Xu You immediately said: "General, Xiahou Dun and Yue Jin should be in Zhongli County for many days. When I went to Zhongli County, Cao Cao's subordinates were very arrogant and never told the truth. And Qiao County is Cao Cao's hometown, so I'm afraid Yes...he may not be willing."

Xu You said it quite tactfully, but every word he said was using Cao Cao to slap Yuan Shao in the face.

Sure enough, Yuan Shao's expression turned gloomy for a moment, then he laughed loudly and said: "Cao Mengde and I are old acquaintances. This time we are ordered to suppress thieves. Mengde will not do anything stupid. Besides, , I am the rear general, if Cao Cao does something wrong, he will not care about the old relationship and sit back and ignore it, you don’t need to worry."

Tian Feng faintly heard the sound of swords in Yuan Shao's seemingly thoughtful words, and looked up at Yuan Shao with indifferent eyes.

'Yuan Shao, have murderous intentions towards Cao Cao? Tian Feng began to feel uneasy.

Jushou glanced at Xu You coldly, raised his hand, and said loudly: "The general is wise! I suggest that you write to the court first to list Cao Cao's crimes."

Yuan Shao nodded and said, "I'll leave this matter to Military Advisor Ju."

Jushou was very happy and said: "Thank you so much, general, I will definitely fulfill your mission!"

Yuan Shao was even more satisfied. Before he could speak, Xu You said again: "General, the alliance meeting is imminent. If Cao Cao doesn't come, can we take measures early?"

Tian Feng stared at Yuan Shao coldly, feeling very wary.

Yuan Shao smiled, with a gloomy look in his eyes.

If Cao Cao refuses to let go, or refuses to make an alliance, he doesn't mind, he will destroy Cao Cao first!

In his opinion, what qualifications does this eunuch, a profligate and obscene person from Luoyang City have to associate with him?
Gao Gan was the most angry and said directly: "Uncle, if Cao Cao doesn't know what's good and what's good, I don't think I need to pay attention to him, just attack Zhongli and hold Cao Cao accountable!"

After saying this, the big tent became quiet.

Gongsun Zan was killed because Gongsun Zan made the first move, and Yuan Shao did so in the name of 'self-defense', which is understandable.

But Cao Cao is different. This is His Majesty's current favorite and the only general sent by the imperial court to conquer Dong Zhuo. If Yuan Shao kills Cao Cao, he will be openly treasoning like Dong Zhuo.

Xu You was equally frightened. He just wanted to show off to Cao Cao, but he didn't want to actually go to war with Cao Cao. What was the difference between that and rebellion?
Just when Jushou was about to speak, when he saw Xu You, Tian Feng said nothing and simply refused to answer.

Yuan Shao saw that only high-ranking officials said such things, so he knew it was not the right time, so he smiled slightly and said: "Didn't I just say that Meng De and I have been close friends for many years, how could we reach that point? I believe in Meng De, he must It will come."

No one responded to this situation, but they all secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

They did not want to rebel and follow Yuan Shao's footsteps.

As for Cao Cao, they were sure that Cao Cao did not dare to come.

This is the glorious Hongmen Banquet. Cao Cao is here. Even if Yuan Shao doesn't kill him, if he keeps holding him captive, it would be better for Cao Cao to die.

"Report!"

A messenger suddenly broke in, knelt down on one knee and said loudly: "General Cao Cao, General Cao Cao, please see me."

Xu You, Tian Feng, Ju Shou, Zhang He and others were all stunned. Cao Cao is really here?
Yuan Shao did not expect that Cao Cao would dare to come, so he was surprised and asked: "How many troops did he bring?"

"Only one person was brought, two people in total." the messenger said loudly.

In the big tent, everyone's breath stopped, and it was so quiet that you could hear a pin drop.

Not only did Cao Cao dare to come, he actually brought someone with him!
Yuan Shao was even more shocked. He didn't show anything on his face and laughed loudly: "Everyone, what I said is true, right? Please invite someone over quickly. Let's have a banquet. I want to drink and talk with Meng De all night long!"

Jushou agreed and quickly made arrangements.

Tian Feng was extremely restless, looking outside the tent with his brows furrowed.

Why is this Cao Cao really here!
Xu You was surprised and panicked. In his impression, Cao Cao was indeed brave but also afraid of death. How could he dare to come to Yuan Shao's camp alone?

(End of this chapter)