Han family achievements

Chapter 535 Mengjin
With Luoyang City as the center, starting from yesterday noon, or since Liu Bian was assassinated, countless carrier pigeons have been flying in all directions, spreading the news like huge ripples to all directions of the Han Dynasty.

Wang Lang, who was at Huanyuan Pass, got the news first, and the other eight passes were not much slower.

At this time, Cao Cao was still on his way to Mengjin, while Huang Zhong, Liu Shao, Xun You and others in Shanyang County finally received news from Luoyang.

There were only three of them sitting in the small side hall, and it was dead silent.

Liu Shao clenched his fists tightly, his chubby face was as stiff as iron, his eyes were red, and his little mouth trembled constantly.

Huang Zhong remained silent, staring at the big knife that was lying in front of him.

Since being appreciated and reused by Liu Bian, he has not achieved any meritorious service. Unexpectedly, before he could repay the emperor's kindness, His Majesty was assassinated!

Xun You tried his best to remain calm, but he was filled with doubt and disbelief.

That confident and calm emperor who seemed to have everything under control was suddenly assassinated?
It's too sudden, too unbelievable!
Originally, Xun You was still wondering whether the palace was planning something big by driving the court officials out of Luoyang one by one. He never expected that this would be the result!
"I am going back to the capital."

Suddenly, Liu Shao, who had always been silent, raised his head and looked at Xun Youdao.

Xun You looked at Liu Shao's red eyes and the heartbroken Crown Prince, and said hesitantly: "Your Highness, the situation in Luoyang is unclear now, so it is not appropriate to do so now..."

"General Huang!"

Liu Shao ignored Xun You's nonsense, stood up, raised his hand, saluted respectfully, and said: "Please escort me back to the capital!"

Just as Xun You was about to stop him, Huang Zhong stood up, knelt on one knee, and said, "I obey your command!"

Liu Shao said nothing more. He raised his arm, wiped the tears from his eyes, and strode out.

Xun You was stunned for a moment, looking at Liu Shao's back, and suddenly felt that this Crown Prince seemed a little different.

Huang Zhong followed Liu Shao with a big knife in hand.

He was going to gather the troops and escort Liu Shao back to Luoyang.

But Xun You did not move. He picked up a few pieces of letter paper on the small table and thought seriously.

Among these letters, some were signed jointly by Cao Cao and Xun Yu, some were signed by Xun Yu alone, and some were signed by Huangfu Jianshou, but there were no letters from the Empress Dowager and the Queen in the palace.

"Logically, the Queen Mother and the Empress should be in charge now. Why didn't they say a word?"

Xun You noticed something unusual, obviously something was being hidden.

Xun You was suspicious, so he put a few letters in his arms and followed him out of the side hall.

He was originally going to Qingzhou to meet Sima Fang and Zhang Liao, but after such a big incident, he could only return to Luoyang with Liu Shao and Huang Zhong.

Huang Zhong quickly assembled 15,000 soldiers and arranged other defense matters, escorted Liu Shao, and set off back to Luoyang.

Huang Zhong followed Liu Shao everywhere, like a personal guard, and guarded him from all sides, not daring to be careless at all.

Xun You continued to use his connections to contact Luoyang and seek information.

By the time Liu Shao arrived in Mengjin, Cao Cao had already arrived there first.

"Your Highness,"

Cao Ang came before Liu Shao, knelt on one knee and said: "The Grand Marshal said that Mengjin Pass is small and cannot accommodate too many troops. Please rest for a while. Your Highness, Xun Pushe and Huang Zhonglang will go into the pass to rest, and he will come back immediately."

"No!"

Xun You flatly refused and said in a cold voice: "Your Highness the Crown Prince is here, why doesn't the Grand Marshal come to see him!"

Cao Ang said, "Replying to Xun Pushe, the states and counties have learned that Your Majesty has been assassinated and the Yulin Army is rebelling, so they have all sent troops to defend the king. The Grand Marshal is organizing his troops and is not inside the pass."

Xun You's eyes were cold and he was extremely alert in his heart. He wanted to say something to Liu Shao, but he couldn't be too straightforward in front of Cao Ang. He could only warn Liu Shao with his eyes.

Liu Shao was silent the whole way, but his eyes became redder and his face was haggard, obviously he hadn't slept for many days. He said softly, "How far is it to Luoyang?"

Huang Zhong looked at the Mengjin Pass with the Cao flag flying, and knew Xun You's concerns. He bowed and said to Liu Shao, "It will take at most one day."

Mengjin is one of the eight passes leading to Luoyang and is the only way to get there.

"Come in." Liu Shao said, then turned and walked towards his horse, grabbed the saddle and was about to mount.

Huang Zhong was behind him, holding him down, and said in a low voice: "Your Highness, it is best to wait for Cao Cao to come out in person. I will escort Your Highness through the pass and ensure that it is safe."

Liu Shao looked back at him, then turned around and knelt on one knee, and said in a calm and clear voice: "When my father was alive, he often told me that the Grand Marshal was a loyal minister and a pillar of the country. Even if he is not inside the pass, he will not be in danger. You don't have to worry, just follow me into the pass."

With the help of his personal guards, Liu Shao mounted the horse and pulled the reins.

The imperial guards were standing all around, escorting Liu Shao forward.

Xun You saw this and had no time to stop him. He quickly walked up to Huang Zhong, his expression extremely serious, and whispered in a warning tone: "Take your men and personally protect His Highness. If anything happens to him, you and I will never forgive him!"

Huang Zhong stared at Liu Shao's back and said solemnly, "I understand!"

He held the sword tightly and walked beside Liu Shaoma.

The two hundred personal soldiers behind him quickly caught up and looked around Liu Shao.

Seeing this, Xun You glanced at Cao Ang again, took a deep breath, and followed with big strides.

Entering Mengjin Pass, Xun You looked at the disciplined soldiers, his eyes dimmed and he became more vigilant.

These were not the Mengjin Pass guards he had seen before, but were obviously veterans who had undergone rigorous training and experienced battles!

Huang Zhong saw everything and moved closer to Liu Shao without making any noise.

Liu Shao seemed unaware, his face tense, his hand tightly gripping the reins, his eyes always looking towards Luoyang.

The little boy, who was only seven or eight years old, had unspeakable sadness in his heart.

Liu Shao had just entered the main hall and sat down, and had not even had a sip of tea when Cao Ang, along with Cao Hong, Le Jin, Xiahou Yuan and a dozen other generals, came up to Liu Shao and saluted in unison, saying, "Your Highness the Crown Prince."

Liu Shao sat up straight and said, "No need to be polite."

"Thank you, Your Highness." A group of generals stood up and stood on both sides.

Xun You sat aside, looked around, and felt even more nervous. He said, "Your Highness is only taking a short rest and will leave for the capital immediately. When will the Grand Marshal be able to return?"

Cao Hong said, "It will take no more than an incense stick of time to reply to Xun Pushe."

Xun You remained calm. This was the limit of how long the prince could wait.
Cao Cao found a good time!

Liu Shao picked up the teacup without hesitation, took a sip, and then remained silent.

Xun You took all these generals in his sight and knew that they were all Cao Cao's confidants. He glanced at Huang Zhong.

With only more than 200 personal guards, they are simply Cao Cao's prey at Mengjin Pass!
He also didn't know how many troops Cao Cao had mobilized and what his intention was.

Once Cao Cao shows his fangs, no one can stop him!
Not to mention their lives, even the life and death of the Han Dynasty depends on Cao Cao!

Cao Ang, Cao Hong and the others stopped talking and stood respectfully aside. The main hall fell into an eerie silence.

Silently, time passed, and Cao Cao, dressed in military armor, strode in. He glanced around, raised his hand and saluted, saying, "Your Highness, Cao Cao, pays respect to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."

Liu Shao's eyes lit up, and he asked expectantly, "Cao Qingjia, can you escort me back to Luoyang?"

Cao Cao remained calm and said in a deep voice: "Your Highness, Xiaopingjin has been broken, and the rebels have already headed for Luoyang. The number of rebels is unknown. The Three Qiangs are threatening the Three Auxiliary Prefectures, and Chang'an is in urgent need of help. The Yulin Army has completely controlled Luoyang City. I suggest that Your Highness stay in Mengjin until I send troops to recapture Luoyang, and then I will invite Your Highness to return to the capital!"

The corners of Liu Shao's mouth twitched, his eyes were filled with disappointment, and his little face was full of loneliness.

Xun You's expression darkened, and he shouted in a low voice: "Grand Marshal, Mengjin Pass, how many troops do you have now?"

"Less than 20,000." Cao Cao said.

Xun You frowned and asked, "Why haven't the soldiers from the Imperial Army camp arrived yet?"

Cao Cao said, "I sent a letter to inquire, but I haven't received a reply yet. However, there is news that there is a riot in the Imperial Guards camp, and Shangshu Huangfu is busy suppressing it."

Xun You had not received this message, and after pondering for a while, he said, "To recapture Luoyang, there is no need for the Grand Marshal to go to the battle in person. It is just Zhang Yang, so General Huang can lead the troops."

Cao Cao refused directly, saying: "When I was in Luoyang, I discussed with the Grand Marshal that all the troops would be under my command for the time being. Xun Pushe, please do not overstep your authority."

Xun You did not expect that he would be met with such a fierce and decisive counterattack from Cao Cao after just a slight attempt.

"Do as the Grand Marshal said." Without waiting for Xun You to think of a countermeasure, Liu Shao suddenly said softly.

Cao looked at the obviously overly sad Crown Prince, his expression eased a little, and said: "Don't worry, Your Highness, I will definitely be able to quell all the rebels and escort Your Highness back to the capital!"

Liu Shao nodded with a stiff smile, and then became even more silent.

Xun You sighed in his heart and thought of the day when Liu Bian succeeded to the throne.

He was not qualified to participate in the entire process, but later he understood it clearly.

Your Majesty was so wise at that time. He never let others arrange things for him. He looked for opportunities in the gaps and won the victory by taking great risks.

And this Crown Prince had no opinion of his own and allowed himself to be manipulated by Cao Cao.

Cao Cao took in everyone's expressions and said calmly, "Your Highness, I request General Huang Zhonglang to join me and unify the military orders."

"Yes." Before Xun You and Huang Zhong could say anything, Liu Shao had already nodded.

Then, he seemed to be extremely tired, and he stood up with difficulty, and whispered to everyone, "I want to sleep for a while."

Cao Cao immediately said, "I have already tidied the room. Your Highness, please follow me."

Liu Shao nodded and followed Cao Cao out.

Xun You and Huang Zhong looked at each other, and both of them became uneasy.

Your Highness the Crown Prince has fallen into Cao Cao's hands!

Cao Cao was the Grand Marshal, so this arrangement made sense, especially in Mengjin Pass, Cao Cao's territory, the two had no way to object.

Cao Cao personally escorted Liu Shao to the room and said, "Your Highness, if you need anything, just tell me. I have prepared a few maids for you to use."

Liu Shao was too tired, so he lay down on the bed with his clothes on, tilted his head to look at Cao Cao, and said softly: "Cao Qing's family, Xiaopingjin will not be lost."

Cao Cao's eyes moved slightly, and he asked, "Why do you say that, Your Highness?"

Liu Shao's face was tense, and he said with all his strength, "I've heard from my father before that the guards of Xiaopingjin were carefully selected from the surrendered soldiers of Wuhuan. The guards Zang Hong and Ma Chao will not be easily defeated by the rebels."

Cao Cao remained calm, and then he began to think, "So someone gave me false information and deliberately misled me."

Liu Shao struggled for a few seconds, but finally closed his eyes and snored softly.

Cao Cao narrowed his narrow eyes and silently watched Liu Shao's expression gradually calm down.

He had no way of judging whether Liu Shao's words were true or false, nor did he know whether Liu Shao's words were intentional or whether he really regarded him as a loyal minister whom he could trust.

After all, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is the son of His Majesty, who has a mind as evil as a demon. Would he really be so simple-minded and trusting of others?
Your Majesty, have you ever commented on the court officials with His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and had any discussion with him?
Cao Cao was silent for a long time and walked out of the room.

Passing through the checkpoints guarded by soldiers, Cao Cao arrived at an inconspicuous small room deep in Mengjin Pass.

bang bang

Cao Cao stood at the door, knocked politely and waited quietly.

Soon, the door was opened from the inside, and inside the threshold stood a middle-aged man in snow-white clothes, spotless.

"Please come in, Lord Cao." Jia Xu turned sideways and said.

Cao Cao walked in expressionlessly, sat down on the couch, and looked thoughtful.

Jia Xu closed the door and sat down opposite him. Seeing the hesitation in Cao Cao's eyes, he asked, "Did Lord Cao encounter any trouble?"

Cao Cao looked up at him and said, "I still feel that what happened in Luoyang is too strange and weird to explain."

Jia Xu said, "Didn't Lord Cao follow His Majesty out of the city from the palace, climb up to the top of the city wall guarded by the Imperial Guards, and personally witness His Majesty's assassination and see His Majesty's body?"

Cao Cao frowned even more and said, "I am sure that Your Majesty has been assassinated, but this... I always feel uneasy. I feel that there is a pair of eyes in the dark, watching me all the time."

Jia Xu seemed to be thinking about something, and said, "Lord Cao, are you too afraid of Your Majesty? Even the emperor is only human, and no one can plan everything out."

Cao Cao's frown relaxed slightly, and he said, "The Crown Prince is in Mengjin now. I want to wait a little longer to see which way the wind is blowing. What do you think, sir?"

Jia Xu asked, "Is Cao Gong worried about the 100,000 troops in the Imperial Guards Camp?"

Cao Cao shook his head and said, "Not only that, this is what His Majesty has put out in the open. His Majesty must have other tricks up his sleeve. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince just told me that all 13,000 elite soldiers selected from the Wuhuan are hidden in Xiaopingjin."

Jia Xu was not surprised and said, "Xiaopingjin is indeed an unexpected place. I thought it would be in Huanyuan Pass or Sanfu."

Cao Cao looked at Jia Xu and said, "Sir, do you think I should also sit back and wait and see which way the wind blows?"

Jia Xu's expression turned serious, and he said seriously: "No! What Cao Gong needs to do now is to send troops to Luoyang as soon as possible, seize the opportunity to recapture Luoyang, and support the prince to ascend the throne!"

Upon hearing this, Cao Cao subconsciously reached for the wine jug at his waist and took a big gulp.

Jia Xu's answer was completely different from what Cao Cao expected.

In Cao Cao's opinion, if His Majesty was assassinated, the Han Dynasty would face an unprecedented crisis and it would not be an exaggeration to say that it would fall apart.

This is an unprecedented chaos, comparable to the end of the Qin Dynasty, when the First Emperor suddenly passed away and many heroes competed for power. A real man should do something!
He originally wanted to sit on the mountain and watch the two tigers fight, and reap the benefits.

But what Jia Xu said makes more sense.

If he were to wipe out Zhang Yang first, recapture Luoyang, and support the prince to ascend the throne, then Luoyang, the emperor, the empress dowager, and the queen would all be in his hands. With his status as the Grand Marshal and his meritorious service in following the emperor, he would surely be promoted to a higher level. By then, who could say "no"?

(End of this chapter)