Han family achievements

Chapter 498 Return to the Palace
Xun You had a clear view of Cao Cao's expression, his heart was rising and falling, and he added: "There was quite a bit of discussion in both the government and the public about Cao Ren being appointed as the lieutenant general of Youzhou. The court originally thought that Meng De would choose Le Jin or something. people."

Cao Cao's expression remained unchanged, but his eyes were filled with frost.

Only then did he realize that he had made some miscalculations.

Seemingly unimportant details, if caught by the government and the opposition, will continue to be magnified and become a huge lever to criticize him.

Cao Cao has always been able to face criticism from the government and the public and deal with it calmly, but he can no longer arouse the fear of the palace!

If it were in the past, the palace might be dissatisfied with his actions, but if he can put down the bandits, that is what His Majesty in the palace cares about most, and it is also Cao Cao's biggest reliance!

However, now that he is entering the court and serving as Chief Sima, there are some things that must not be touched!

'I shouldn't want this Youzhou Zhonglang General. 'Cao Cao sighed in his heart.

If Guo Jia was still here, he wouldn't have taken such a detour.

Then he thought that Jia Xu went to Jixian County and met Zhu Jianping.

Cao Cao's face twitched slightly, and he said to Xun You with a smile: "What Xun Pushe said is true. However, Xun You's appointment as Youzhou Zhonglang General is only a temporary measure. Waiting for Youzhou to be pacified, I hope he can return to the Forbidden Army camp and concentrate on his work." Training."

"Oh?"

Xun You was a little surprised. He turned his eyes and went straight to the topic, saying, "Meng De, what are your plans for returning to Beijing this time?"

Cao Cao pretended to sigh softly and said: "The Cao family has committed a serious crime. I hope to use this military exploit to exchange for the Cao family's pardon, and I will return to Qiao County to serve my father and show my filial piety."

Xun You took a deep look at Cao Cao and said with a smile: "Mengde defeated Wuhuan this time and was granted the title of Marquis based on his merits. If he exchanges this for the Cao family's pardon, he would be ruining his bright future."

Cao Cao pacified Wuhuan, brought Youzhou back into the territory of the Han Dynasty, and temporarily ended the border troubles. In terms of merit, the title of marquis was light.

With his achievements, no one can compare with today's great men!
Cao Cao shook his head, looking sadly, and said, "My father is old and cannot bear the bitter cold in Youzhou. I hope your Majesty will have mercy on you."

Xun You didn't believe it at all, and mused: "Your Majesty may not necessarily pardon this matter. The merits of Shangshutai and Da Sima's Mansion can completely offset the merits and demerits. But..."

Xun You said and raised his head, when Cao Cao also looked at him.

"However, Meng De is a great talent,"

Xun You said with a smile: "Neither your Majesty nor the imperial court will let Mengde return home. Otherwise, Mengde will stay in Luoyang and continue to promote the 'separation of military and political affairs.' Mengde has now made unparalleled achievements and has the power of victory, or It can be accelerated, and what took five years can be completed in three years.”

Cao Cao looked at Xun You and knew that he was testing him. He hesitated and said: "Mr. ”

Xun You didn't see anything on Cao Cao's face, but he didn't believe his nonsense either. He grabbed his hand and said sincerely: "Meng De! At this time of national crisis, how could you have such decadent thoughts? I recommend you. Imperial envoy, once again promote the 'separation of military and political affairs', this is also a national policy that your Majesty attaches great importance to, you cannot refuse!"

Seeing the sincere expression on Xun You's face, Cao Cao sneered secretly in his heart and said hesitantly, "It depends on what your majesty wants. I don't dare to think too much about it."

Xun You squeezed Cao Cao's hand harder and said: "I am responsible for everything, Meng De, you can't refuse anymore! After entering Luoyang, I will personally go and tell His Majesty. You are a man who has made great contributions to the country, and Your Majesty will never let him go." You are heartbroken."

"Thank you, Mr. Xun!" Cao Cao immediately raised his hand and said with a grateful look on his face.

Xun You pressed down his hands and said, "You and I are ministers in the same palace, there is no need for this."

One of them was sincerely in love, the other was inexplicably grateful, and they seemed to have developed a kind of sympathy for each other, and hated each other for seeing each other so late.

As for what they think in their hearts, only they themselves know.

When they were about to return to Luoyang, Liu Bian also left Maoyuan, took Liu Shao and Prime Minister Xun Yu, and walked slowly back to the palace.

Xun Yu and Liu Bian occasionally chatted about major and minor matters inside and outside the court, and occasionally glanced at Liu Shao out of the corner of his eye.

His Highness, who was about to become the Crown Prince, hardly spoke a word along the way, nor did he look around. He was extremely well-behaved and followed every step.

But it is this kind of "well-behaved" that makes the government and the opposition very worried.

His Highness's "silliness" has lasted for more than a day or two. The government and the public have noticed it many years ago. Many people hope that His Highness, who is smart and alert, will be the crown prince.

Liu Bian pulled Liu Shao and occasionally looked down at him.

Walking on the imperial street, Liu Bian glanced at the big sun above his head and said, "Qing family, I heard that the Sanqiang people have sent people to Beijing again?"

Xun Yu quickly said: "Yes. We haven't moved yet. Yuan Chang has met Ma Chao and others to find out their attitudes. Judging from the attitudes of Ma Chao and others, Wuhuan was really shocked by the destruction. Maybe he was worried about the imperial court. The next step will be to destroy them, so we urgently send people to Beijing."

"What do you think?" Liu Bian stretched out his hand to wipe Liu Shao's sweat and said casually.

Xun Yu looked thoughtful and said: "Your Majesty, the San Qiang has a close relationship with the Qiang people. If the imperial court really wants to send troops to conquer, I'm afraid it won't be as easy as Wuhuan. At this moment, I still have to delay. This news Under his leadership, within a few years, the imperial court will be able to defeat the three Qiang in one fell swoop and regain Liangzhou and the Western Regions."

Liu Bian hummed and said, "I heard that some people in the court can't wait to show off to Liangzhou. The coach has been selected. Is it Zhang Wen?"

Xun Yu frowned slightly and said calmly: "It's just the advice of some colleagues. The Shangshutai and the Grand Sima Mansion have not discussed this matter."

Liu Bian nodded and said: "Being warlike is not a good thing, but you can't just avoid war. When you fight, you fight. When it's time to recuperate, you also have to recuperate. You can't follow the old path of Emperor Wu."

"Your Majesty is wise." Xun Yu said this, but his heart was filled with sadness.

Cao Cao's victory over Wuhuan really boosted the morale of the government and the public. Therefore, many people could not wait to deal with the last threat in the north - the Three Qiang of Liangzhou.

"Father, this is my uncle." Suddenly, Liu Shao pointed at a gray old man not far away, raised his head and said to Liu Bian.

Liu Bian had already noticed Cai Yong. It seemed that he was talking and laughing with some young scholars while walking.

Liu Bian looked at it for a while, touched the little guy's head, and said with a smile: "Miss your uncle? I will send you to play for a while in the evening?"

"Yes." The little guy nodded with bright eyes. Compared with the dull palace, Cai Mansion is a free place. You can do whatever you want, or do nothing if you don't want to do anything.

Liu Bian touched the little guy's head again and said to Xun Yu: "What do you think of Cao Cao after he enters the capital?"

Seeing that Liu Bian finally mentioned it, Xun Yu said seriously: "Your Majesty, I believe that it is not appropriate for Cao Cao to leave the capital again."

With Cao Cao's current prestige, it can really be said that he can make a single call and get hundreds of responses. Once Cao Cao has a different intention, it will be difficult for the court to control him.

Liu Bian paced, his eyes also showing contemplation, paused for a moment, and said, "Tell me in detail."

Xun Yu couldn't guess Liu Bian's thoughts, and there was no emotion on his face. He just said in a calm tone: "Your Majesty, Cao Cao has the ability to shake the country."

It's calm, nothing more than thunderous.

Following the plainclothes Dian Wei who was guarding him on the left and right, Zhao Yun looked shocked and subconsciously stopped and looked at Xun Yu.

This prime minister is different from his predecessor Yang Biao. Xun Yu has always been quiet and polite to everyone. He is rarely angry and never talks about people's right and wrong. But just a dozen or so simple words made them feel agitated and frightened.

These ten simple words are enough to drive Cao Cao into a place of eternal destruction!
Liu Bian also stopped, turned to look at Xun Yu with a strange expression, and said with a slightly curious smile: "Why, the Prime Minister also thinks that Cao Cao should be killed?"

In the past, the "Yingchuan Party" had been trying to kill Cao Cao as soon as possible. It was Liu Bian's protection that allowed Cao Cao to survive today.

Xun Yu has always been opposed to it.

Now...has the attitude changed?
Xun Yu raised his hand, with a solemn expression, and said: "In our dynasty, there is no saying about killing meritorious officials. What I mean is that a minister must know the current affairs and God's will, know how to advance and retreat, and be good at decomposition. Today's Cao Cao is just trying to be strong and has no understanding. "I believe that if I let him out of the capital again, it will cause great harm to the country and put him in trouble. Please take a closer look."

Liu Bian let go of Liu Shao's hand, habitually put his hands behind his back, squinted his eyes, and looked at Xun Yu condescendingly.

Xun Yu's words are reasonable, but many people have said this kind of words throughout the ages, which has led to countless loyal ministers and generals being forced to die in prison or on the battlefield.

The calamities of national subjugation caused by this are countless, which is tragic and lamentable.

Even if Xun Yu said this, Liu Bian would not completely believe it.

After being the emperor for so many years, I have already understood one truth - the courtiers all have their own thoughts, regardless of loyalty or traitor.

He has long passed the time of looking at officials with pure loyalty and treachery.

Loyalty has its disadvantages, and treachery also has its advantages. We will not judge things in terms of loyalty and treachery.

Faced with Liu Bian's scrutiny, Xun Yu looked directly at him honestly and did not dodge or evade.

After a while, Liu Bian nodded slightly, and couldn't help but smile: "I told you a long time ago, don't underestimate Cao Cao."

Xun Yu was startled. Is there something he didn't know about?

Liu Bian pulled Liu Shao back and continued to walk forward. He said with a little emotion: "Sometimes, I can't see through him. But if you really look at him as an ordinary general, you will lose. Cao Cao is here What Youzhou does is not done entirely based on nature. Some things are done for you to see, and some are done for me to see. "

Xun Yu seemed to have thought of something and stepped forward quickly, saying: "Your Majesty, what are you saying, Cao Cao is planning something?"

Hearing this, Liu Bian narrowed his eyes slightly, his steps became smaller, his speed slowed down, and he said calmly: "Do you remember Jian Shuo? This person should have fallen into the hands of Cao Cao. Until now, I don't know about him. Either dead or alive."

Jian Shuo!

Xun Yu was shocked, and his face showed a rare expression of concentration.

Jian Shuo, of course he knew that the former general who commanded the Eighth School Lieutenant of Xiyuan was the most critical figure in the confrontation between the eunuchs headed by the twelve permanent servants and the general He Jin.

Similarly, what key role did this person play in the succession of His Majesty before him!

It was he who guarded the palace, balanced He Jin, and gave His Majesty, who had just succeeded to the throne, some capital to gain a foothold.

How many secrets does this person have? What is his relationship with Cao Cao? !

"Your Majesty, Cao Cao must not leave the capital!" Xun Yu suddenly said in a deep voice. No matter what conspiracy Cao Cao and Jian Shuo have, Cao Cao cannot be released from Beijing!
Liu Bian paced slowly, thinking about the layout of the court after Cao Cao entered the capital.

Once Cao Cao becomes Grand Sima, he will be able to quickly bring up another force. This force may be able to compete with the 'Yingchuan Party' in a short period of time, instead of secretly developing like Wang Lang and having superficial harmony with the 'Yingchuan Party' , cannot constrain the "small party" of the "Yingchuan Party" at all.

Would Cao Cao do this?
Or continue to show weakness and keep a low profile?
"I am determined to appoint him as Grand Sima." Liu Bian said in a calm voice.

When Xun Yu heard this appointment, he did not object immediately, but thought about it carefully.

He knew that Liu Bian's appointment must have profound meaning, and he wanted to think more.

"I agree." After only a moment, Xun Yu responded.

Da Sima, in the official system, is parallel to the prime minister, with "one civil and one military", commanding both the "political and military" aspects of the Han Dynasty.

However, after the restructuring, the Grand Sima Mansion was only responsible for dispatching troops, and the power of commanding troops rested with the Bing Cao.

In a sense, without the military symbols or will of the palace, Da Sima is just an empty frame.

Giving Cao Cao a prominent but powerless official position and putting him in the Grand Sima's Mansion was naturally a good idea.

But Xun Yu also knew that Liu Bian's intention was more than that, but for Xun Yu, it was enough.

When Liu Bian saw that Xun Yu agreed, he hummed and said, "The Qing family and the imperial court have a mutual understanding. As for all the meritorious deeds submitted by Cao Cao, they all agreed. That Xiahou Dun was transferred to Hanzhong Zhonglang General, with Lu Bu as his deputy. Sun Ce, put him back!"

Xun Yu thought for a moment and said, "Yes."

After saying this, Liu Bian felt better, pulled Liu Shao to quicken his pace, and said with a smile: "Let's go, Cao Cao is coming soon, let's wait for him at Jiade Hall."

Xun Yu responded and followed Liu Bian.

A group of people braved the bright sun and entered the Zhuque Gate on foot.

Not long after entering, Xu Yan hurried over and handed over a memorial, saying: "Your Majesty, urgent report from Xuzhou."

Liu Bian took it and saw that it belonged to Zhang Liao. He was a little curious, so he stretched out his hand to open it and started looking at it under the Suzaku Gate.

After just a quick scan, Liu Bian looked surprised, handed the letter to Xun Yu, and said, "Prime Minister, please analyze it."

Xun Yu took it and read it carefully. He was also a little surprised and said: "Your Majesty, Sima Fang wants to protect that Zuo Rong?"

Soon after Liu Bian returned to Beijing, the Shangshutai knew about Zuo Rong's matter, and they were just waiting for the opportunity to investigate.

However, Sima Fang, as the new Xuzhou Mu, had the opposite opinion with Xuzhou Zhonglang General Zhang Liao, and wanted to protect Zuo Rong, which is worth pondering.

"Is this letter sent by General Zhang Zhonglang?" Xun Yu suddenly realized something and asked Xu Yan.

"Yes." Xu Yan said.

Xun Yuruo said with enlightenment: "Your Majesty, Zhang Liao and Sima Fang must have had a conflict."

Liu Bian hummed and looked thoughtful.

Zhang Liao wrote to him, explaining that he was in trouble and had no choice but to report the matter.

Being able to embarrass Zhang Liao shows that Sima Fang's attitude is very determined.

Sima Fang was a very cautious person. What was the reason that made him want to protect Zuo Rong even if he offended Liu Bian's confidant Zhang Liao?
(End of this chapter)