Han family achievements

Chapter 537 Shangluo
Even though Cao Cao did not reveal any ambition, he used the most severe means to deal with those who advised him to establish independence.

But at this juncture, the staff and generals under his command had already understood each other tacitly and were waiting for Cao Cao to lead them into Luoyang. This was an unprecedented "golden opportunity"!
Cao Cao did not answer Cao Hong. He looked towards Luoyang, feeling both confident and anxious.

He knew that he was too wary of the emperor who had been assassinated, but too many things had happened recently and too suddenly for him to sort out everything. There were too many doubts that he could not figure out.

He wanted to take another look and wait a little longer.

Without waiting for Cao Cao's affirmative answer, Cao Hong came down from the city wall and saw Cao Ang training Cao Cao's personal guards.

Most of these personal guards were descendants of the Xiahou and Cao families, as well as servants, and were the people Cao Cao trusted the most.

Originally, it was Cao Hong who was in charge, but now Cao Hong is in charge of military intelligence, and these personal guard matters are handed over to Cao Ang.

"Third uncle." Cao Ang came over immediately when he saw Cao Hong and asked in a low voice, "What did father say?"

Cao Hong frowned and shook his head.

Cao Ang immediately showed a look of disappointment, and asked in confusion: "What happened to father? He has never hesitated like this before?"

Cao Hong was equally puzzled and asked, "Didn't Lord Cao tell you anything?"

Cao Ang really thought about it and said, "No."

Cao Hong looked helpless and said, "You can train them. Zuo Rong has issued another proclamation. I have to think of a way."

Cao Ang was stunned and asked, "Again, how much has he given out?"

Cao Hong said: "Now in the northern states, countless people have responded and are in rebellion. They are attacking counties and occupying mountains to become kings. I don't know how many of them are there."

Cao Ang knew all this, and said worriedly: "This is not a solution..."

If they drag on here and do nothing, then the rebels will be unstoppable. It is only because they have built some foundations over the years that they will be like the Yellow Turban Army, sweeping across the prefectures and counties, shaking the world, and heading straight for Luoyang.

Cao Hong shook his head, said nothing more, and turned away.

Cao Ang looked towards the tower with a strange expression, and muttered, "What happened to my father?"

In the evening, Liu Shao woke up slowly. As soon as he opened his eyes, he said to Xun You and Huang Zhong beside him: "I want to go back to Beijing."

Xun You was not in a hurry now. He looked back and stepped forward and whispered, "Don't worry, Your Highness. I have a solution."

Liu Shao sat up, his face twisted, and he said stubbornly, "Let's go now."

Xun You looked at Liu Shao's expression, pondered, and asked Huang Zhong: "How many soldiers do you have left?"

Huang Zhong said: "The Grand Marshal has taken over the 15,000 men I brought with me. Now I only have 200 personal guards available."

Xun You's eyes were dim, and he said immediately: "Okay, gather your troops immediately and escort His Highness back to Luoyang, quickly!"

Huang Zhong was confused. At this time, could they escape without Cao Cao's permission?

Besides, they only have two hundred people. Wouldn't it be like a sheep walking into a tiger's mouth to go to Luoyang?
"Yes, sir!" He responded without hesitation and turned around.

A hint of joy showed on Liu Shao's face. He washed his face and followed Xun You out the door.

When they arrived inside the pass, Cao Cao and a group of generals were already waiting.

Cao Cao raised his hand solemnly and said, "Your Highness, the rebels are approaching Mengjin, Xiaopingjin and other dangerous passes. I am planning to resist them and cannot send troops to escort Your Highness. Please be patient and give me some time."

Liu Shao smiled and said, "Don't bother the Grand Marshal. General Huang will escort you."

Cao Cao looked determined and said, "Your Highness is now in charge of the country, you must not take any risks! Please give me three days, at most, and I will lead the troops to personally escort Your Highness!"

Liu Shao hesitated and turned to look at Xun You.

Xun You smiled faintly and said, "The Grand Marshal has many complicated matters to attend to, so Your Highness will not bother the Grand Marshal. Please return General Huang's troops, and Your Highness will leave for the capital today."

Cao Cao ignored him, raised his hand and said in a deep voice: "Your Highness, I am the Grand Marshal. I have received the order from His Majesty and cannot sit idly by and watch Your Highness step into danger. Please think twice!"

Cao Cao's attitude had been expressed very clearly, and the scene was very quiet for a while.

At Mengjin Pass, Cao Cao undoubtedly had absolute say, and no one could compete with Cao Cao unless they fell out.

Even if we fall out, what can we do? We will only be put in a more dangerous situation!
In the silence, Liu Shao said: "I want to return to the capital now, Grand Marshal, please don't stop me!"

The little guy's face was full of stubbornness and determination. Without even discussing with Cao Cao, he turned around and pulled the saddle to get on the horse.

Xun You was caught off guard by Liu Shao's words. He couldn't help but stare at Cao Cao's expression with extremely alert eyes without blinking.

Cao Cao seemed a little surprised as well. A hint of coldness flashed in his eyes as he looked at Liu Shao who was trying hard to get on the horse.

Huang Zhong ignored everything else, helped Liu Shao onto the horse, and then mounted his own horse.

It seemed that Liu Shao was going to force his way out.

What would Cao Cao do?
The soldiers around him, holding their sword hilts, looked at Cao Cao, waiting for his orders.

Xun You was extremely nervous. If Cao Cao forced Liu Shao to stay, it would mean a break between them and would be tantamount to treason!
The atmosphere was tense, and everyone was watching Liu Shao's actions. Everyone was extremely nervous, not knowing how the situation would develop next.

If Cao Cao rebelled openly or secretly, the consequences would be unimaginable!
Donkey peeing~
Suddenly, the horse under Liu Shao seemed to be frightened and suddenly ran out.

This scene scared everyone.

Huang Zhong immediately spurred his horse, chased after him, and reached out to grab the reins of Liu Shao's horse.

Xun You did not move, his eyes bulged, all his gaze and attention were on Cao Cao.

Not only him, almost everyone's eyes were on Cao Cao, waiting for his reaction.

Once His Royal Highness the Crown Prince leaves Mengjin, he will be out of Cao Cao's control!
The emperor in Luoyang City was assassinated. Who else could be more noble than His Royal Highness the Crown Prince? What else could be more promising than holding His Royal Highness the Crown Prince in your hands?

Cao Cao narrowed his narrow eyes, leaving only a slit, and his face was full of beard, and no emotion could be seen.

Everyone else held their breath, waiting for Cao Cao's order.

Huang Zhong had already controlled Liu Shao's horse and was guarding him as he was about to pass through the gate and leave Mengjin.

Time passed little by little, and everyone was waiting in agony.

At this moment, on the city wall, Jia Xu, dressed in snow-white clothes, observed Cao Cao for an unknown period of time, then suddenly turned and left.

The moment he turned around, Cao Cao's face was as hard as iron and his voice was as loud as thunder. He said in a deep voice: "Cao Ang, Xiahou Yuan, Le Jin, select the troops and follow me to escort His Royal Highness the Crown Prince back to the capital!"

"Yes!" Cao Ang, Le Jin and others responded loudly.

The morale of Cao's army in Mengjin rose quietly.

Liu Shao, who was riding in the front, looked back and whispered to Huang Zhong beside him: "Huang Qing, you must protect yourself."

Huang Zhong was slightly startled and asked, "What do you mean, Your Highness?"

A rare serious look appeared on Liu Shao's face, and he whispered even more quietly: "My father once told me that if he were not here, the first person to be killed would be Cao Cao. Cao Cao is a capable minister in a peaceful era, but a treacherous hero in a chaotic era."

Huang Zhong looked at Liu Shao and finally realized that this prince was not as "stupid" as he looked. Huang Zhong looked back and saw Cao Cao was inspecting his troops. He held a big knife in his hand and whispered, "Your Highness, I can kill Cao Cao on the spot by surprise!"

Liu Shao pursed his lips and said, "We can't kill him now. We'll make a decision after we see the Prime Minister."

Huang Zhong seemed to be thinking about something, and said, "I understand."

At this time, Xun You came up and stood beside Liu Shao, lowering his voice and said, "Your Highness, the Prime Minister has already made arrangements in Luoyang City, Your Highness, don't worry."

Liu Shao, with his small body, sat on a tall horse and said softly, "Lord Xun, was my father really assassinated?"

Xun You looked at Liu Shao's sad profile, feeling sorry for him, and did not respond.

The whole world knows about it, how could it be false?
If Your Majesty were still alive, would you allow the world that you have worked so hard to build up over the years to fall into such chaos?

Soon, Cao Cao came with his troops and surrounded Liu Shao, Xun You and Huang Zhong.

Xun You remained expressionless, and he and Huang Zhong guarded Liu Shao on the left and right.

He looked towards Luoyang City, feeling uneasy: What exactly was Wen Ruo planning? Could he check and balance Cao Cao?
If the checks and balances fail, not only will the Han Dynasty face unprecedented threats, but it will also be the end of their "Yingchuan Party".

Cao Cao came over, had a brief conversation with Liu Shao, and then officially set out.

An army of 20,000 troops left Mengjin and marched towards Luoyang.

As the Grand Marshal with outstanding military achievements, he is naturally the commander-in-chief, and no one can compete with him!
Jia Xu did not leave with them. He sat in the secret room. On the small table in front of him was a map of Luoyang and the Eight Passes, on which the imperial troops and the rebels were clearly marked.

Jia Xu observed carefully, and before he knew it, a hint of annoyance appeared between his brows.

Cao Cao's fear of His Majesty was not without reason or logic.

There must be a backup plan left by His Majesty in Luoyang, and this backup plan is enough to check and balance Cao Cao.

But what is this back-up plan? It can actually check and balance Cao Cao, who is the Grand Marshal and is about to control Luoyang and hold the crown prince, queen, and empress dowager in his hands!
The only army that can check and balance a large army should be another large army that is strong enough!

However, the number of troops in the imperial court was known, and although they could hide it from others, they could never hide it from Cao Cao.

From the Imperial Guards camp to the eight passes, Cao Cao had already figured out everything, and there would be absolutely no unexpected troops.

Jia Xu thought hard but still couldn't find any clues.

At this time, someone knocked on the door, and then whispered: "Sir, the old master's butler is here."

Jia Xu stared at the map and asked, "He wants to see Cao Gong?"

"Yes." The person outside the door whispered.

Jia Xu didn't care and said, "Send it over."

The person outside the door responded softly and left quietly.

Jia Xu gently closed the map, his eyes unusually calm, and said: "If there are not enough troops, what else can check and balance Cao Cao?"

When Cao Cao marched into Luoyang, Wang Lang in Huanyuan Pass was anxious and restless, like an ant on hot pan.

Because he received bad news one after another.

Yang Xiu sat opposite him, looking solemn, and said, "Teacher, the Grand Marshal has ordered Liu Xuande to stay in Yuzhou to resist the advance of Zuo Rong, Yuan Shao and others, and not to leave without permission."

Wang Lang didn't say anything, his face was gloomy, and he was thinking hard in his mind.

Yang Xiu said: "Yuan Shao is currently advancing into Wujun. I don't think Sun Quan can hold out for long. Sun Ce may have already died."

Wang Lang looked up at him with a puzzled look in his eyes, and said, "What I don't understand is that Luoyang shouldn't be like this."

Yang Xiu also had a lot of questions.

Logically speaking, with the Yulin Army's rebellion, Luoyang City should have been like a hell, with countless casualties and widespread grief. Moreover, after such a long time, they should have captured the palace.

However, the city of Luoyang behaved too unusually. It seemed to have fallen, but everything seemed to be normal, and none of the scenes that should have occurred after a mutiny appeared.

Yang Xiu couldn't figure it out, so he just put it aside and said, "Teacher, now the prince is in the hands of the Grand Marshal, will he have other intentions?"

Wang Lang's expression turned cold, and he said, "He must have other intentions! Cao Cao is a man with the eyes of an eagle and the cunningness of a wolf. He must not be underestimated!"

"Then, what should we do?" Yang Xiu asked anxiously.

Wang Lang snorted and said, "Don't you see? The Prime Minister's actions are very restrained, and obviously have a deep meaning. We don't have to do anything, just watch for now."

Yang Xiu wanted to say something but stopped himself, and finally swallowed it back.

Once Cao Cao brings the prince into Luoyang, all power will be in his hands. With the emperor in his hands, he will command the world. Who can disobey him?

It's really like I'm the fish on the chopping board.

Wang Lang glanced at him and asked, "Have you heard any rumors?"

Yang Xiu was startled, thought about it carefully, and suddenly said cautiously in a low voice: "If you are the one who controls the world, why do you need to use a golden knife?"

Wang Lang's eyes flickered with rage, and he said, "This rumor has been around for a long time. Now that I think about it, someone has been plotting this for a long time. It's suddenly spreading because some people can't wait any longer!"

Yang Xiu's face twitched, and he said, "Teacher, I heard that some ministers also have some opinions."

Wang Lang knew who he was talking about. He snorted coldly and said, "You are just being vague and waiting and watching!"

Yang Xiu looked at Wang Lang, his mouth twitched, but he said nothing.

He wanted to ask: If Cao Cao brought the prince back to Luoyang and supported him to ascend the throne, how would they get along with him? Would they still be able to gain a foothold in the court?
As Liu Shao entered Mengjin and "fell into" Cao Cao's hands, especially when Cao Cao led Liu Shao to send troops to Luoyang, it immediately attracted the attention of the entire Han Dynasty!
North of Luoyang City, in a small valley.

Liu Bian was playing chess with Liu Yu.

There is a huge difference between Liu Yu and Liu Shao. Liu Shao can stay in one place without saying a word for a whole day, but Liu Yu will scratch his ears and cheeks and feel uncomfortable all over in less than a quarter of an hour.

Liu Bian wanted to test his patience, so he pretended to be thinking and played chess slowly.

Huangfu Jianchang stood behind him and reported in a low voice: "Your Majesty, Tian Zhongcheng was attacked in Jizhou and was almost kidnapped."

Liu Bian was playing chess and at the same time reached out and knocked his second son on the opposite side.

Liu Yu had a bitter face, holding the chess piece, looking for a place to place it on the chessboard.

Huangfu Jianchang turned a blind eye and continued, "Since yesterday, another ten counties and one prefecture have issued proclamations, claiming to 'quell the rebellion' and preparing to send troops to Luoyang."

Liu Bian shook his head and said, "Interesting."

Huangfu Jian understood and said, "Your Majesty, there is news from Yizhou that Liu Zhang has made unusual moves. Many soldiers have come out of the Arrow Pavilion, and it seems that he wants to test Hanzhong."

Liu Bian groaned, then nodded and said, "Hanzhong is a strategic location, especially for Shu, it is a gateway. Liu Yan tried to explore it several times when he was alive."

It was not just Liu Yan. In history, Liu Bei, who occupied Yizhou, fought several battles with Cao Cao for Hanzhong and finally succeeded in capturing Hanzhong, thus becoming the attacking party strategically.

(End of this chapter)