At the end of the Han Dynasty: a stingy husband from his hometown

Chapter 317 Everything is for profit

Just when Yuan Shao began to secretly mobilize his troops and prepare supplies, three envoys had already rushed to various places with the imperial edict from the Emperor of Zhao.

Guanzhong, Chang'an.

When Zhong Yao arrived, he was warmly received by Cao Cao. Xun Yu and Zhong Yao reunited after a long absence and had a very happy conversation.

The Xun family of Yingchuan, the Zhong family of Yingchuan, and the Chen family of Yingchuan can be said to be famous aristocratic families in Yingchuan. They all have poems and books handed down from generation to generation. Almost all of them have talented people in every dynasty, and they are quite famous even in the entire scholar forest.

The three major gentry clans enjoyed a great reputation and intermarried with each other. It can be said that there is me among you and you among me.

If we really want to be related, Xun Yu and Zhong Yao are also related.

After reminiscing about old times, Xun Yu asked, "Why did Yuan Chang come to Chang'an here?"

Zhong Yao put down the tea cup in his hand and asked, "What do Wen Ruo think of the current situation in the world?"

Xun Yu's eyes fluctuated a little, and he said with a smile: "Among the princes, Yuan Benchu ​​is in Hebei, and there are many talents under his command. Now he has become an emperor, and he should be the best hero in the world."

"In addition, Zhou Ziyi was in the south of the Yangtze River, occupying the prosperous land of the three states. The country was rich and the people were strong, and he also had the ambition to dominate the world."

"As for Cao Gong and Liu Xuande, although they are also heroes of the world, they are unlucky and can only live in one place for the time being."

Zhong Yao gently stroked his beard and said: "If Wen Ruo has such insight, why not persuade Duke Cao to rely on my lord, and when the world is unified, he will not lose his position as a prince. Wouldn't it be beautiful?"

Xun Yu said: "Is Yuan Chang here to act as a lobbyist?"

Zhong Yao shook his head and said: "I just mentioned casually that those who know the current affairs are heroes. If Wenruo can persuade Duke Cao to submit to my lord, it would be great."

"But when I came here, I wanted to go to the south."

Xun Yu thought to himself, "Sure enough," but on the surface he remained calm, pretending to be confused and asked, "Why did Yuan Chang say this?"

Zhong Yao said sternly: "In today's world, heroes are rising together, and the princes are fighting, causing the loss of the people and the people's livelihood. My Lord obeys the sky and the people, and stands on behalf of the Han Dynasty. He has the heart to bring peace to the troubled times and the ambition to revitalize the universe."

"Zhou Ziyi did not practice virtue, violated the ancestral system, and promoted the imperial examination. The people he recruited did not care about their character, and they will surely become a poison that brings disaster to the world in the future."

"My lord wants to gather all the troops and horses from Hebei and go south to attack Chu."

"Both Cao Gong and Wen Ruo came from aristocratic families, so they naturally knew the dangers of imperial examinations."

"My lord is willing to confer Duke Cao as the King of Qin, become an ally, and work together to attack Chu."

"And my lord has promised that even if he unifies the world in the future, Duke Cao will not lose the title of king with a different surname."

"I am discussing this matter with Wen Ruo privately, and please inform Mr. Cao on my behalf."

Xun Yu said: "I will definitely convey Yuan Chang's wishes on your behalf!"

After Zhong Yao left, the envoy asked: "Sir, can you persuade Xun Wenruo? Will Guild Cao accept your majesty's canonization?"

The entourage felt that Zhong Yao's words were too unconvincing.

Zhong Yao turned to look at the envoy and said with a smile: "Wen Ruo is extremely smart, and Cao Gong is even more ambitious. He will not miss this opportunity. We just need to wait quietly."

Zhong Yao took the initiative to request an envoy to Chang'an this time because he saw through Cao Cao's character and knew that the other party would never be content with the status quo.

In the current situation, if a war does not break out between Zhao and Chu, Cao Cao will have no chance to expand his power.

Compared to the civil servants and generals in Zhao State, perhaps Cao Cao hopes that Yuan Shao will launch a large-scale southern expedition.

as predicted.

When Xun Yu told Cao Cao everything he had discussed with Zhong Yao, Cao Cao couldn't help laughing out loud, and then asked Xun Yu: "Wen Ruo really thinks that I am not as good as Yuan Benchu ​​and Zhou Ziyi?"

Xun Yu bowed and said, "That's just a prevarication for Yuan Chang. My lord, please don't mind it!"

Cao Cao laughed out loud again, but with a serious look behind him, he asked: "Wen Ruo thinks, should I accept Yuan Benchu's canonization and join him in the attack on Chu?"

Xun Yu said: "I think it should be like this."

Cao Cao said: "Wen Ruo, please tell me the reason."

Xun Yu said: "In today's world, the four major princes each occupy one side. Among them, Yuan Benchu, the strongest, has proclaimed himself emperor, and Zhou Ziyi, who is slightly less powerful, has proclaimed himself king. Only Duke Ming and Liu Xuande of Xuzhou dare not rashly enter the nobility."

"If things go on like this, the world may think that Ming Gong is not as good as Yuan Benchu ​​and Zhou Ziyi, and the talents in Guanzhong will continue to disappear. If his civil and military officers are not promoted, they will also complain."

"If I can take the opportunity to accept Yuan Benchu's canonization, my title will go one step further and stabilize Guanzhong's civil and military aspirations, and I will not be burdened with infamy."

If it were in the original history, Xun Yu would never persuade Cao Cao to become king.

However, this moment is the same as that moment.

In today's world, the Han Dynasty and the imperial court no longer exist. Yuan Shao of Hebei is proclaimed emperor, and Zhou Qi of Jiangnan is proclaimed king. No matter how much Xun Yu loved the Han Dynasty, he could only be forced to accept this fact.

Now that the Han Dynasty is dead, Xun Yu has to think about the future for his master Cao Cao.

It may be too early to proclaim himself emperor, but it is imminent to proclaim himself king, otherwise he will naturally be inferior to Zhou Qi.

This is why Xun Yu persuaded Cao Cao to accept Yuan Shao's canonization.

The most important thing is that if Cao Cao proclaims himself king, he may be criticized by some people who are loyal to the Han Dynasty.

Being canonized by Yuan Shao was quite different.

It's like promoting the imperial examination. With Zhou Qi as a shield, Cao Cao can make a fortune silently.

The same is true for being conferred a royal title by Yuan Shao. Even if people have ideas, Yuan Shao will be the first target of criticism.

Xun Yu continued to talk eloquently: "Although Yuan Benchu ​​was interested in conquering the south, he was still a little uneasy about Duke Ming. He sent Yuan Chang to Guanzhong to test Duke Ming's attitude."

"If Ming Gong refuses to accept Yuan Benchu's canonization, he may not launch a large-scale southern expedition. Even if he goes south, he will leave enough troops to defend Ming Gong, which is not in the interests of Guanzhong."

"Ming Gong is now trapped in the middle of the pass. Both the north and the south are powerful enemies. If we want to break the situation, we can only let the two major princes break out into a war."

"At that time, no matter who wins or loses, their vitality will be severely damaged, and the winner may not be able to swallow the loser in one bite."

"Isn't it wonderful that Duke Ming is reaping the benefits of being a fisherman?"

Xun Yu's analysis is not wrong.

Historically, although Cao Cao won the Battle of Guandu, he did not have the power to occupy Hebei. He could only wait until the Yuan brothers were in civil strife before he could rush over and take advantage.

This time and space may not be like this.

With the huge size of Zhao and Chu, even if they can decide the winner in the end, they will inevitably suffer losses.

Cao Cao paced back and forth in the room with his hands behind his hands. His heart had been moved by Xun Yu, but he still called Guo Jia, Cheng Yu, Mao Jie and others to discuss important matters.

In the end, all the counselors in Guanzhong had almost the same attitude, which was to accept Yuan Shao's canonization so that the other party could march south without any worries.

The decision was made, and Cao Cao immediately summoned Zhong Yao.

Zhong Yao took out the edict issued by Yuan Shao and conferred the title of King Qin on Cao Cao, the first king of Zhao with a different surname. Since then, at least on the surface, Cao Cao has chosen to surrender to Yuan Shao, and Guanzhong has also been included in the scope of Zhao's rule.

But in reality, Yuan Shao's hand still couldn't reach Guanzhong.

After the canonization was completed, Cao Cao was about to entertain Zhong Yao, but he heard the other party ask: "Now that your majesty has accepted the canonization, do you know when to launch an army to the south to attack Nizhou?"

The smile on Cao Cao's face gradually disappeared.

Zhong Yao continued: "This time, Your Majesty wants to use the whole country to conquer the rebels in the south. Since the king is the first king of a different surname in the Zhao Kingdom, he should use all the soldiers and horses in Guanzhong to be the vanguard of the rebellion."

Zhong Yao is not someone who is easy to fool.

He couldn't let Cao Cao only get benefits but not do practical things, and end up reaping the benefits.

Before Zhong Yao came to Chang'an, Yuan Shaoke issued a death order to persuade Cao Cao to raise troops to attack Yizhou, otherwise the other party might take advantage of the battle between Zhao and Chu at any time to do evil things.

Only by completely tying Cao Cao to Zhao's chariot can Yuan Shao not have to worry about the other party's mischief behind his back, and can devote all his strength to conquering Chu southward.

Seeing Cao Cao's smile gradually solidify, Guo Jia stood up and said with a smile: "Yuan Chang, but please don't worry, when His Highness King Qin has finished reorganizing his troops, he will lead his army south to serve as the vanguard for His Majesty!"

Zhong Yao said: "I am not talented, but I am willing to accompany the army. I don't know what I think of being a filial piety?"

The corner of Guo Jia's mouth twitched twice. Unexpectedly, Zhong Yao actually hit the snake and followed it with the stick. He was preparing to see Cao Cao to death and urged him to actually send troops to attack Chu State, not just for show.

Cao Cao also came to his senses at this time and said: "I have my wish, but I dare not invite you!"

After the meeting ended, Cao Cao said to everyone: "I originally planned to let Zhao and Chu decide the winner first, and then reap the benefits. But now it seems that Yuan Benchu ​​may have been prepared."

"If I don't agree, I'm afraid Yuan Benchu ​​will still be wary of the concern and refuse to use all his strength to conquer the Chu Kingdom southward!"

Cheng Yu said: "It is not harmful to Duke Ming to attack Chu and seize Yizhou. If Zhang Lu had not surrendered earlier, Hanzhong would have been captured by Duke Ming."

"Since Yuan Benchu ​​is forcing him, why not take advantage of the situation and wait until the war between Zhao and Chu is deadlocked and there is no time for him to take care of it? Send troops to seize Yizhou and become the king!"

Guo Jia said: "Capturing Yizhou will naturally benefit Ming Gong without any harm. However, Yizhou is steep and easy to defend but difficult to attack, so we should be cautious."

At the same time, Shen Pei also arrived in Xuzhou with the edict.

He did not visit Liu Bei immediately. Instead, he first visited Chen Qun, Chen Gong, Chen Deng, Mi Zhu, Zhuge Jin and other counselors who could speak to Xuzhou.

Except for Mi, who was a merchant in the past, all of these people came from aristocratic families.

The implementation of the imperial examination system will undoubtedly harm their interests.

The most important thing is that Liu Bei now occupies Xuzhou, a place of four battles, and is surrounded by two powerful princes, Yuan Shao and Zhou Qi. His position is very awkward.

The situation Liu Bei is facing now is even worse than Cao Cao.

If you want further development, the battle between Zhao and Chu is Xuzhou's only chance.

The judge first described the impact that the imperial examination system would have on the Xuzhou family in the future, and then bluntly pointed out that the real purpose of Zhou Qi's efforts to help Xuzhou was to use Liu Bei as a shield. Qi Hao took the opportunity to expand his power.

This is true.

Without Liu Bei as a shield, Zhou Qi would not have been able to capture Jingzhou and Yizhou so easily, and he would not have been as powerful as he is today.

Finally, Shen Pei drew the big picture and told everyone that if Liu Bei is willing to accept the canonization of Zhao State and does not send troops to help Chu State in this battle, after Zhao State destroys Chu State, all the land east of the Yangtze River can be owned by Liu Bei.

These words ignited the ambitions of the counselors and allowed them to see the future development path of Xuzhou - taking advantage of the conflict between Chu and Zhao to expand their power.

Otherwise, Xuzhou will always be caught in the middle and become a war buffer between the two.

These counselors were persuaded, and they immediately persuaded Liu Bei to accept Yuan Shao's canonization.

From the beginning, Liu Bei naturally strongly opposed it and was still very hostile to Yuan Shao on the grounds that he had usurped the Han Dynasty.

But after the counselors took turns lobbying, being moved with emotion and reasoning, and drawing a big picture for Xuzhou's future, Liu Bei finally wavered.

Everything is beneficial.

He accepted Yuan Shao's canonization, but refused Shen Pei's request to send troops, and even privately sent someone to inform Zhou Qi of Yuan Shao's plan to attack Chu.

Liu Bei's move made Guan Yu and Zhao Yun, who were known for their loyalty, feel a little grudge. Even Tai Shici, who was quite particular about loyalty, felt a little uncomfortable.

After all, Liu Bei had been an enemy of Yuan Shao since he defected to Gongsun Zan.

After he occupied Xuzhou, Yuan Shao led troops to invade several times. Without Zhou Qi's help, Xuzhou's foundation might have been lost long ago.

Strategists can change their minds faster than turning the pages of a book, but these straightforward generals feel somewhat uncomfortable in their hearts.

This is really in line with the saying - for every person who slaughters dogs for justice, there are also many scholars who are unfaithful!

Even Zhang Fei, who always followed Liu Bei's lead, rarely chose to remain silent this time.

At first, Zhang Fei may not have looked down upon Zhou Qi, but when he fell into a trap and was captured by Yuan Shao, it was Zhou Qi who planned to capture Yuan Tan and get him back.

It is no exaggeration to say that Zhou Qi was life-saving to Zhang Fei.

Faced with brotherhood and life-saving grace, Zhang Fei didn't know what to choose.

Fortunately, Liu Bei promised them that he would never take the opportunity to attack Chu, nor would he allow Zhao soldiers to pass through Xuzhou to attack Jiangdong.

In addition, Liu Bei sent someone to notify Zhou Qi, which alleviated the dissatisfaction of his generals.

The generals are not ignorant of the general situation. They know that if the existing situation is not broken, Xuzhou will always be caught in the middle and will never be able to turn around.

It's just that they feel a little guilty in their hearts.

Just when Zhong Yao and Shen Pei had successfully completed their tasks, Yuan Ba ​​also quietly arrived in Jiaozhou with Yuan Shao's edict.

He did not have time to visit Shi Xie first. Instead, he went to visit his brother Yuan Hui first.

Yuan Ba ​​and Yuan Hui both came from the Yuan family in Chen County, and they were brothers.

After the chaos in the world, the Yuan family of Chen County, like other aristocratic families, made many bets.

At that time, Yuan Ba ​​defected to Cao Cao, some to Yuan Shu, and some to Yuan Shao. However, Yuan Hui was obsessed with Confucianism and chose to go south to Jiaozhou to avoid the disaster of war, so as to avoid the Yuan family's future problems and preserve the family legacy.

Later, Cao Cao abandoned Yanzhou. Since his family's foundation was in Chen County, Yuan Ba ​​did not choose to follow him to Guanzhong, but instead defected to Yuan Shao.

The Yuan family in Chenjun and the Yuan family in Runan are like the relationship between the Zhou family in Peiguo and the Zhou family in Lujiang. They are from the same lineage.

When Yuan Shu proclaimed himself emperor, he used the surname Yuan to give birth to Chen. After Chen and Shun, he used earth to carry fire, and he was lucky, and he felt that he was destined to be destined.

The so-called Yuan surname comes from Chen refers to Chen County, that is, Chen State. The names are different in different periods.

It is precisely because of this relationship that Yuan Ba ​​was immediately reused after defecting to Yuan Shao.

(End of this chapter)