Ji Han Da Sima

Chapter 275 Cao Cao’s Face
"Han Ji Biography of King Lu": "In the winter of the 14th year, King Lu Wen (Qi) suffered from a serious illness, and he asked Jingchu to entrust him to the ancestor. In the first month of the 15th year, King Lu Wen died and his son Pu heir."

In February of the 15th year of Jian'an, Yecheng.

In the state pastor's house, the meeting hall.

Cao Cao held the pen and spread ink on the cloth. He wrote for a long time and finished it in one go. Then he put the pen on the pen stand.

"Dezu, please issue this "Order to Seek Talent" to all local counties."

Cao Cao pointed at Yang Xiu and said: "Since ancient times, all kings who have been ordered to rejuvenate have ruled the world with wise men and gentlemen. Today, the world is in chaos, Liu Bei, Liu Qi, Liu Zhang and other bandits are causing chaos in the south. This is a time when we are in urgent need of wise men. also."

"In the past, Duke Huan of Qi dominated the Spring and Autumn Period, and he relied on Guan Zhong, the Prime Minister; Emperor Gao brought peace to the world, and trusted Chen Ping to run. I think that a man of virtuous ability may not be a filial and honest gentleman. I hope that you will find talents for me, and only those who are capable will be promoted." You should use it when you get it, so that the wise men in the world can fully display their talents."

"promise!"

Yang Xiude was shocked when he saw the beginning of Cao Cao's edict. With his wisdom, how could he not know the obscure metaphor in Cao Cao's edict.

However, having been at Cao Cao's side for many years, Yang Xiu had already vaguely understood Cao Cao's thoughts.His face remained unchanged, he held the silk with the "Order for Seeking Talent" written on it in both hands, stepped back, and handed it over to the swordsman and penman in the palace to copy it and distribute it to all parts of the Central Plains.

In fact, the order for seeking talents written by Cao Cao is called the order for seeking talents, but it actually expresses his ambition.For example, it begins with the words "The king who has been appointed and rejuvenated since ancient times", and ends with the words "the second and third sons, their assistants, I am bright and humble".

It is easy to understand that the emperor who was appointed and resuscitated refers to Liu Bang, the emperor of the Han Dynasty, and Liu Xiu, the founder of the Han Dynasty.However, the allusion in the "Ming Yang Side Poor" in the coda is actually Yao giving way to Shun.Therefore, the order to seek talents written by Cao Cao may have the intention of meritocracy, but it also has the intention of ascending the throne and proclaiming himself emperor.

Cao Cao, who was very interested, asked: "How is the construction of the Bronze Bird Tower now? Can it be used this year?"

"Prime Minister, the Bronze Bird Tower is ready for use this year and has some shape." The attendant replied.

"Very good!"

Cao Cao nodded, looked at Cao Zhi, and said with a smile: "Zijian has always been talented in literature. When the Bronze Bird Tower is completed, I would like to watch my son's masterpiece."

"promise!"

Cao Zhi shook his head and answered.

Compared to Tongque Terrace, Cao Zhi thought more about his sister-in-law whom he had met in a hurry in Luoshui that day.

"Report!"

Sima Yi, who had just entered the Prime Minister's Mansion, hurried into the hall holding Jing Chu's letter, cupped his hands and said: "I'm reporting to the Prime Minister, Jing Chu is secretly reporting!"

"Read!"

Sima Yi removed the ink pad outside the letter, spread it out and read it, saying: "Last winter, Liu Qi, the shepherd of Jingzhou, was seriously ill and ordered Huo Jun, Liu Pan and Liu Xian to enter the Han Dynasty."

Cao Cao's expression changed slightly and he said: "Last winter, Liu Bei had a truce with Gu Babing. Could it be for this reason?"

I fell ill in October last year and passed away in January this year. I survived for more than two months.During this period, information was blocked and only a few people knew about it.In December, as Liu Pan was stirring up trouble, the news leaked out.

Then, Cao Cao hurriedly asked: "Will Liu Bei join the Han Dynasty?"

Sima Yi looked down, nodded and said: "In the winter of December, Liu Bei enters the Han Dynasty."

"How dare a man who makes and sells shoes can be so cunning!" Cao Cao asked anxiously, "Is there any latest news about Jingchu today?"

"Liu Qi is ill, why did Liu Bei enter Chu?" Cao Hong, who was slow to react, asked doubtfully.

Jia Xu's face changed slightly, and he explained: "Liu Qi's brothers are mostly in the Central Plains, and only his eldest son Liu Pu can succeed him. Liu Pan is Liu Qi's younger brother. This time Liu Bei entered Chu, and he may have the intention of succeeding."

"quick!"

Cao Cao commanded the people around him and asked, "Immediately send someone to investigate the news to see if there is any new news coming from Jingchu."

"promise!"

Cao Hong still had doubts in his heart and said, "If Liu Qi dies, will his son Liu Pu not be able to succeed him?"

Jia Xu patiently explained and said: "The scholars in Jingxiang say that Liu Pu is timid and weak, and his mother Yuan is fierce, so he may not be able to inherit Jingchu."

Cao Cao couldn't help but look at Jia Xu a few more times, wondering how Jia Xu would know such news.

After listening to Jia Xu's explanation, Cao Hong became anxious and said: "Liu Bei is not a mortal. He currently occupies the four counties of Jiangdong and has boats and boats. It will be difficult to solve the problem. If he is allowed to control the fourteen counties of Jingchu, It will definitely be a problem for me." Cao Cao calmed down and said: "Liu Qi has a son and a younger brother. It is so difficult for Liu Bei to succeed to Jingchu! Let's wait for news from Jingchu for the time being. Liu Bei will probably want Yuzhang, Luling and Poyang counties go back."

After a long time, Sima Yi, who came back from inquiring about the news, was panting and said: "Prime Minister, Xuchang is coming quickly to report. Liu Bei has sent an envoy to visit the emperor."

Cao Cao's expression changed greatly and he asked in surprise: "Where is Liu Qi?"

Sima Yi gritted his teeth and said: "Prime Minister, Liu Qi died of illness, and Liu Bei took charge of the pastoral care of Jingzhou. At that time, Liu Qi was posthumously named Great Sima General, and he himself led the Chariot and Cavalry General, Yehou."

"Bastard!"

Cao Cao was so angry that he jumped to his feet and cursed loudly: "Liu Bei has easily taken the land that millions of troops have not taken. The man who makes shoes and sells shoes is cunning. This is not a strategy he can come up with. Someone else must give guidance."

"Liu Jingsheng's son has the ears of a dolphin and a dog!"

As he spoke, Cao Cao laughed angrily and said: "Liu Cong offered Xiangfan to surrender to me, and Liu Qi raised ten counties and returned to Liu Bei. If Liu Biao knew about this, he would have killed Liu Bei long ago. The land of ten counties cannot protect itself. , but gave it to Liu Bei, who is really like a dolphin."

Cao Cao couldn't tolerate being angry, so he tried his best to lead more than 20 troops south, but was burned by Huo Jun and suffered heavy losses.

But Liu Bei inherited the land of Jingchu and controlled Jing and Yang states without spending a single soldier.Jealousy has made Cao Cao look ugly and made him angry.

Not only that, Liu Bei's fellow actually called himself Marquis of Ye, and used his political center as a feudal land, which was obviously a mockery of him.

He also thought that he had actually trusted Liu Bei because of a letter, led his troops back to the north, helped him escape into Chu, and indirectly helped him succeed to the throne of Jingzhou Mu.

At this time, Cao Cao had already regretted it. If he had known that Liu Qi was seriously ill, he would have attacked Ruxukou by force, and he would not have let Liu Bei go back.Of course, with the troops and horses left behind at Ruxukou, he might not be able to capture it, but he could at least contain Liu Bei.

Now that Liu Bei is in charge of Wu Chu, and assisted by Huo Jun, Guan Yu and others, he has completely entered the rivers and seas and flourished in the sky.

In just one year, Liu Bei's expansion from Danyang County to Wu Chu was terrifying.

Cao Cao paced in the hall, angry and annoyed, and secretly regretted in his heart: "If I had known what happened today, I would have killed Liu Bei in Xuchang. It has been expected that the world has been good morning for a long time!"

While pacing, Cao Cao pointed his finger at Pei Qian and asked: "You and Liu Bei have been in Wu Chu for a long time. What do you think Liu Bei's talents are?"

When Pei Qian saw the angry Cao Cao staring at him, he couldn't help but feel chills running down his back, and said wittily: "If Liu Bei lives in China, he can cause chaos in the Central Plains but not be able to rule it. If Liu Bei is allowed to seek danger and stand firm, he can separate himself from one side in troubled times."

After hearing Pei Qian's witty words, Cao Cao's anger gradually subsided a lot.

Seeing Cao Cao's anger disappear, Pei Qian took a long breath.Cao Cao's question just now seemed to be asking about Liu Bei's ability, but it was actually a political test of Pei Qian.

Pei Qian would die if he praised Liu Bei too much, and Cao Cao would be unhappy if he belittled Liu Bei too much.The words he just said not only recognized Liu Bei's talents, but also placed him under Cao Cao.This flatterer was just right and polite, making it difficult for Cao Cao to be unhappy.

"What does Wenhe think?"

Jia Xu pondered for a while and said: "It has become a climate for Liu Bei to sit on Wu and Chu. However, the river is thousands of miles away, and the three states of Yi, Jing and Yang are separated above and below. If the Prime Minister can get Bashu and send troops from the Central Plains, he can go down the river. Wu Chugai can’t stop him!”

Cao Cao sat on the couch, his anger gradually dissipated, and said: "Liu Zhang is in alliance with Wu and Chu. If he attacks Yizhou, Liu Bei may benefit."

"Liu Bei first took charge of Wu and Chu. How dare he leave Wu Chu personally? Moreover, the soldiers and horses of Jing and Chu are not for Liu Bei's use. How can he use them if the generals don't know them? Now that he is sending troops to attack Bashu, Liu Bei will not dare to send a large army to support him." Jia Xu said. .

"To attack Yizhou, we need to take Hanzhong first; to take Hanzhong, we need to pass through Guanzhong." Cao Cao stroked his beard and said: "All the generals in Guanzhong are warriors and have no great ambitions. If we lead the army in a false way, everyone will be frightened. It’s chaos!”

"otherwise!"

Jia Xu smiled and said: "To take Hanzhong, we need to pass through Guanzhong. But what if we let the generals in Guanzhong take Hanzhong?"

"The generals in Guanxi are fierce and greedy for profit. The prime minister divided Bashu among the generals in Guanxi, ordered them to conquer Hanzhong, and sent troops to help them. This depleted their soldiers and damaged their energy. At that time, the prime minister followed the troops behind, and Guanzhong could Peace, Bashu will be safe." Jia Xu said in a deep voice.

Cao Cao was silent for a while and then said: "I want to take advantage of Liu Bei's first control of Wu and Chu to raise troops to attack him. However, I will allow you to think deeply about your words."

"promise!"

Jia Xu did not argue with Cao Cao, and let Cao Cao decide the pros and cons.

　coming

　　
　
(End of this chapter)