Han family achievements

Chapter 543 Decent
Cao Cao's 50,000-strong army was quickly reorganizing itself, dividing into five square formations. They put down their weapons and were taking off their armor, apparently waiting to be taken over.

No matter how unwilling Xiahou Yuan, Le Jin and others were, they had no choice but to obey Cao Cao's orders and make serious preparations.

After Xun You sent out a few letters, he turned around and saw Cao Cao leading a horse, alone, escorting Liu Shao towards Luoyang City.

"what's going on?"

Xun You was filled with doubt and uncertainty, and couldn't help but mutter to himself.

He was so confused. The letter delivery didn't take long. What happened in such a short time?
Xun You turned and looked at Huang Zhong who was standing beside the horse with a questioning look.

Although Huang Zhong witnessed the whole process, he could not figure out what was going on and said, "I don't know."

Xun You frowned, looking at the three people who were walking away, feeling suspicious.

He could guess that some major event must have happened in Luoyang City a long time ago, and this major event made Xun Yu certain that he could easily control Cao Cao.

But what exactly is going on?
Xun You was confident that his talent was no less than Xun Yu's, and his strategy was far superior to Xun Yu's. He came up with a method that he could not guess and could check Cao Cao's "surrender", which made Xun You very uncomfortable.

Huang Zhong didn't think too much about it. Seeing Liu Shao walking away, he whispered, "Lord Xun, shouldn't we catch up with him?"

Xun You shook his head and said, "Since you didn't inform us, then there must be other arrangements. Let's wait for now."

Huang Zhong didn't say much, but he felt uneasy and as if a stone had fallen to the ground.

Because the imperial guards had already come forward not far away, guarding Liu Shao, Dian Wei and Cao Cao in the middle.

Now, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is completely safe.

Just as Xun You said, the Minister of War Huangfu Jianshou soon received the letter and rushed over at full speed to prepare to receive Cao Cao's 50,000 troops.

On the other side of Luoyang City, Wang Lang also received the news.

Yang Xiu looked extremely strange, muttering to himself: "Cao Cao, just give up like that?"

In his opinion, this was a godsend opportunity. Even if it were him, he might not be able to resist leading his troops into Luoyang, controlling the prince and seizing the power of the emperor!
Although he did not have the intention of usurping the throne like Wang Mang, Huo Guang could still do something.

"wrong!"

Wang Lang's face was as hard as steel. He stared at Luoyang City and said, "There must be something going on! Xun Yu pretended to be in an empty city in order to lure Cao Cao!"

Yang Xiu was startled, then came to his senses and said, "Teacher, Luoyang City is a real empty city. Cao Cao has 50,000 troops. What secrets can defeat 50,000 troops?"

Wang Lang was also confused. He looked up at the sky, suppressed his anxiety, and said, "Still no news from the city?"

Yang Xiu said: "The city is under martial law. No news can be transmitted except for the pigeons in the palace."

"In the palace?"

Wang Lang frowned, and became even more annoyed when he couldn't figure it out. He said with a sullen face, "Once Cao Cao enters the city, we will see him tomorrow at the latest."

Yang Xiu understood what Wang Lang meant and asked anxiously, "Teacher, are you saying what will happen in Luoyang?"

Wang Lang's face twitched repeatedly, his eyes were cold, and he said: "When Your Majesty was here, the Yingchuan Party and Cao Cao could barely get along, but now that Your Majesty is gone, with the Yingchuan Party's hostility towards Cao Cao, plus Cao Cao is the Grand Marshal and controls so many troops, there is no reason for the Yingchuan Party to let him go!"

Yang Xiu's heart skipped a beat and he said in a lost voice, "Teacher, are you saying that the Prime Minister will kill Cao Cao? Here, there are still 50,000 troops outside the city? Xiahou Dun has troops stationed in Hanzhong, Cao Ren has troops stationed in Youzhou, and the number of other troops in secret is difficult to estimate... Prime Minister, you won't be reckless, right?"

Wang Lang just looked at Luoyang City and said, "If it were me, Cao Cao would be charged with crimes and killed as soon as he entered the city! As for the 50,000 people outside the city, since Cao Cao chose to enter the city alone, it means that there is a way to restrain those 50,000 troops."

"So, isn't Cao Cao doomed? He shouldn't have thought of it..."

Yang Xiu's eyes were full of confusion. He asked, "What could have caused Cao Cao to abandon his 50,000-man army and go into the city alone to die? Even if the matter was huge, he should have given it a try."

Wang Lang stood with his hands behind his back, his expression was cold and hard, and his eyes flickered constantly.

This was also what puzzled him. With 50,000 troops in hand, even if Luoyang City was a trap, if it were him, no matter how big the trap was, 50,000 troops would be enough to flatten it. Even if he was afraid that there was a trap in Luoyang City, he could just take the prince away, support the prince to ascend the throne, establish a secondary capital, and still plan big things!
Why did Cao Cao give up when he was about to succeed and go to Luoyang alone?

What was the reason that forced Cao Cao to do this?
Wang Lang was having a headache thinking about it but couldn't figure it out. He took a deep breath and said solemnly, "Wait."

Yang Xiu nodded silently. Now, he could only wait.

By tomorrow, we will know which direction the wind in Luoyang City is blowing and where it is coming from.

At this moment, Chen Gong had already arrived in Luoyang City. Without any hesitation, he rode his horse straight into the city.

There was no hindrance and he went in smoothly.

Not long after, Chen Lin followed back to Luoyang, stood outside the South Gate for a while, and walked in calmly.

Following them are Xi Zhicai, Kong Rong and others.

By the evening, the blockade of Luoyang City was lifted and many people fled in panic. The chaos lasted for a full half an hour.

But the people just fled in panic and there was no chaos.

When it was dark, the Minister of Justice Xu You arrived late and entered quietly through the west gate with a group of suspects.

"Minister, should we wait a little longer?" Doctor Xu Yang whispered beside Xu You's carriage.

Cao Cao has just entered the city, and there is no telling what even more terrible things may happen in Luoyang. Coming in at this time is tantamount to committing suicide!

Xu You sat in the carriage, stroking his triangular beard, with a mixed look of joy and sorrow on his face. He said, "Your Majesty has been assassinated, and the Crown Prince is about to ascend the throne. We must not be absent at such a moment! Later, we will find a way to go to Lord Cai's place and have a chat. Have you prepared the gifts?"

"Ready." Xu Yang whispered.

Xu You stroked his beard, feeling uncertain, and said, "At a time like this, we have to be one step ahead of others in everything. Whether we can stand firm in the new dynasty, or make further progress, depends on whether we can satisfy Lord Cai today."

Xu Yang had a different opinion, and he had already said it once, so he didn't dare to say it a second time.

Looking at the familiar yet unknown Luoyang city, which was eerily quiet and gradually disappeared into the darkness, Xu Yang shuddered inexplicably and felt a chill in his heart.

Xu You entered the city, but Wang Lang did not.

He chose to continue waiting and watching, in the west of Luoyang City, enduring and patiently waiting bit by bit.

"Mother!"

When Cai Wenji returned to the palace, Liu Shao, who had been waiting anxiously for a long time, rushed over to her crying.

Cai Wenji felt so distressed when she saw her son's appearance that she quickly held him in her arms, patted him gently, and said, "It's okay, it's okay. Mother is here..."

The little guy cried for a while, raised his head and said, "Mother, where is father?"

Cai Wenji reached out to wipe Liu Shao's face, but asked: "How do you know your father is still alive?" Liu Shao stood up again, trying his best to remain calm, still sobbing: "Father, father, you once told me a story about the empty city plan."

Cai Wenji didn't know this, and subconsciously thought that it was Liu Bian's deliberate arrangement. She smiled and said, "Okay, you take a rest first. Your father has some things to do and will return to the palace later. He said that he will hold you in his arms to sleep at night."

"Yeah." Liu Shao nodded vigorously and wiped his face with his sleeve.

Cai Wenji carefully wiped her son's face, tidied his clothes, and said softly, "Eat something first, and then go see the Prime Minister and the Grand Marshal. Invite them to the Jiade Hall. Your father will go there later to discuss important matters with them."

Liu Shao was a little confused. Why did he have to do this? He could just ask a eunuch to go over there.

Seeing him being 'foolish' again, Cai Wenji squatted down and whispered attentively: "Your father is very happy that you are back this time, so be obedient and do a good job."

The little guy seemed to understand and said, "Okay."

Cai Wenji then smiled and turned back to the Changqiu Palace lady-in-waiting and said, "Go see my father and tell him that the construction of the Crown Prince's Mansion should be slow."

"Yes." The female official responded and left quickly.

There were only mother and son nearby. Cai Wenji looked more serious and said, "Shao'er, remember, stay closer to the Prime Minister and stay away from the Grand Marshal. As for other people, you don't have to pay attention to them. You are not allowed to go to your uncle's place anymore. After June, you will go to Hongdu Gate Academy twice every ten days. I will let He Yan accompany you..."

Liu Shao kept blinking. His mother said a lot today, so much that he couldn't remember it all.

Cai Wenji looked at his expression, sighed in her heart, and had to stop talking, saying: "Okay, go ahead."

Liu Shao bowed respectfully to Cai Wenji and said, "I will take my leave."

The little guy turned around and headed towards the direction of the Guardian Hall.

Cai Wenji frowned slightly, worry written all over her face.

His son...

At this time, outside the valley in the north of the city, Liu Bian was playing chess with Cai Yong.

Huangfu Jianchang stood behind him and said, "Your Majesty, Shangshu Huangfu has taken over the 50,000 troops of the Grand Marshal. They have been trained and are being sent to the Imperial Army camp in batches."

Liu Bian looked at the chessboard with a thoughtful look on his face, as if he hadn't heard anything.

Huangfu Jian paused for a moment and continued, "Jia Xu has been dealt with, and Cao Cao's generals were left behind by Shangshu Huangfu."

Liu Bian's eyes lit up, and he found a good position. He smiled and said, "That's good."

Cai Yong's eyes were always on the chessboard, and he ignored everything else.

Huangfu Jian glanced at him and said, "Your Majesty, the Yulin Army has almost been purged, and more than 300 people have been killed."

Liu Bian hummed and said, "It's almost done, come back and give the reward you deserve."

"Yes." Huangfu Jian said.

Snapped

Cai Yong made his move lightly, and then everything became quiet and silent.

Liu Bian raised his eyebrows. There was no need for him to struggle anymore on the chessboard.

He threw away the chess piece in his hand, patted his butt and stood up, looking towards the direction of Luoyang City with a smile, and said, "Everything is done, it's time to return to the palace."

Cai Yong stood up as well, with a lot of things in his mind, but he didn't dare to say a word.

Huangfu Jian said: "Your Majesty, there are many troops outside the Eight Passes, and the officials who returned to the capital also brought a lot of soldiers..."

Liu Bian hesitated for a moment and said, "Leave these to the Prime Minister and the Grand Marshal. Is Yuan Shao still fighting against Liu Bei and Sun Quan in Jiujiang?"

Huangfu Jianchang said: "Yes, they fought several times, but there was no winner. General Liu of Yuzhou, the Minister of State, praised Sun Quan highly, saying that he was young and promising, and had extraordinary strategies."

Liu Bian suddenly thought of something and asked, "Is Zhou Yu still in the navy?"

Huangfu Jian was startled for a moment and said, "I don't know about this. If Zhou Yu left the navy, there should be a report."

Liu Bian thought about it and said, "That's right. Jiangdong is really full of talents. I guess someone is helping Sun Quan."

This is the foundation of the family. The Sun family has been operating in Jiangdong for several generations. Even though Sun Quan was just a teenager, there was an endless stream of Jiangdong nobles and talents to assist him.

In comparison, Liu Bei was quite miserable. Even though he claimed to be a descendant of the royal family of the Han Dynasty and King Jing of Zhongshan, there were very few nobles or talented people willing to follow him. Only some businessmen were willing to "invest" in him.

Huangfu Jian quietly stretched his head and observed Liu Bian's profile, and whispered: "Your Majesty, Zhang Liao and Guan Yu have already left Luoyang, and Lu Bu and Yu Fuluo have also gone to Hanzhong. Do we need to make some arrangements in Luoyang City?"

What he said was implicit, but actually very clear and understandable.

The original number of soldiers and horses at Mengjin Pass was no more than 5,000. With the continuous surrender of "royal troops" and the annexation of Huang Zhong's 15,000 troops, Cao Cao had an army of 50,000 in just ten days!
This kind of method is unique in the Han Dynasty, and there is only one person like him!
Cao Cao was able to get the first 50,000 troops. Would he be able to get the second 50,000 troops when Luoyang City was in chaos?
Liu Bian waved his hands and reprimanded him with dissatisfaction: "Don't talk nonsense. Cao Qing's family is loyal to me and the Han Dynasty, and has no second thoughts. This incident has fully proved it, and you must not mention it again in the future!"

Huangfu Jianchang's expression remained calm, and he said, "I know my crime."

Cai Yong heard it clearly and his face twitched involuntarily.

One seems to be scolding, but his words are full of smile; the other is apologizing, calmly and calmly.

There was a commotion in the valley, and soldiers rushed out. Zhao Yun, dressed in silver armor, stood beside Liu Bian with a spear in his hand.

Liu Bian waited for a while, and when Zhao Yun was almost ready, he jumped on his horse.

After walking a few steps, seeing Zhao Yun's hesitation, he couldn't help but smile and said, "In a few days, when Luoyang City is more stable, you can go to Jizhou and become the Lieutenant General of Jizhou."

Zhao Yun was slightly shocked, and quickly jumped off his horse, saluted and said, "I obey your command, thank you!"

Liu Bian rode his horse and walked slowly, saying, "Get up. You have two most important tasks. The first is to implement the separation of the military and the government by suppressing the rebellion. You can kill those who disobey orders from Ying Shao first and report later. The second is that salt field. Kill the corruption for me. I will let Tian Feng do the specific work, and you will support him."

Zhao Yun was already on his horse. He listened carefully, took note, and said in a deep voice, "I understand!"

Liu Bian hummed, looked towards Luoyang City, and said, "Now, we need to give our Grand Marshal an explanation."

This game of chess is not aimed at Cao Cao, but Cao Cao is undoubtedly the most dazzling chess piece.

Before that layer of paper was torn off, Liu Bian was still a good emperor who trusted Cao Cao without any doubt. Cao Cao was also a loyal minister of the Han Dynasty, loyal to Liu Bian without any other intentions.

Under such circumstances, Cao Cao was "deceived" by Liu Bian and felt "wronged".

The opera must be performed comprehensively and give everyone a decent ending.

(End of this chapter)