The most poisonous person in the Three Kingdoms, Boss Cao advised me to calm down!

Chapter 350: Falling into the People's War
After cursing for a while, his old headache came back again.

At this time, he was also pressing his temples in annoyance.

Listening to the seemingly chaotic news.

Food and supplies were burned, roads were destroyed, and soldiers were lost.

All of them touched his nerves.

It seems like a waste of time to go back and put more effort into eradicating it.

But ignoring it would be a bit unpleasant.

"When I conquer Hanzhong, I will teach these unruly people a lesson!"

Cao Cao also spoke angrily at this time.

But Sima De suddenly stepped forward and bowed, and responded in a deep voice:
"Father-in-law, the most intelligent and resourceful man under Zhang Lu is none other than Yan Pu."

"The current predicament must be the work of this person."

Cao Cao was also surprised when he heard this.

"Could it be that Yan Pu is more popular among the people of Hanzhong than Zhang Lu?"

"Is there really someone who can incite the people to become enemies of our army?"

"I can't believe there is someone else in the world besides Liu Bei."

"Is there anyone who can be so deceiving?"

"If that's the case, why should he be below Zhang Lu?"

"Why not take control of Hanzhong yourself?"

Sima De also smiled when he heard this.

"Father-in-law has misunderstood. The people of Hanzhong still trust Zhang Lu."

"But the only one who could come up with such a plan is Yan Pu."

When everyone heard this, they all turned to look.

There is something mysterious in what he said.

However, Cao Cao had no intention of guessing at this moment.

But he waved his hand and said:
"Don't beat around the bush, just speak frankly!"

Sima De then revealed the profound meaning:
"Yan Pu did not issue direct orders, but he had already made the people's hearts boil."

"It was the people who spontaneously formed resistance against our army."

Upon hearing this, Cao Cao also rested his hand on his forehead, stared at Sima De and asked:
"How can this be possible?"

Seeing this, Sima De slowly explained:

"It's because Zhang Lu's governance in Hanzhong is very different from that in other towns."

"All prefectures, counties and districts under heaven are governed either by law or by force."

"Only Hanzhong takes morality as the main line and educates people with five pecks of rice."

“So the people all returned to their hearts.”

"In the past, the Han Dynasty tried many times to pacify this place, but all failed."

"It shows that the Five Pecks of Rice Sect has taken deep root in Hanzhong."

"It forms a situation where politics and religion are united."

"So Zhang Lu's foundation lies in the people's hearts rather than in armor."

The civil and military officials present had different expressions after hearing this.

Many people looked thoughtful.

Cao Cao also looked puzzled and asked:
"Once our army passes through Yangping, we will not harm the people at all."

“Why are people against me?”

Since Zhang Lu governs the country with Taoism, he should follow the way of heaven and rule by inaction.

The people should have just watched the battle between Cao Cao and Zhang Lu quietly. Why did it cause such a stir?
Sima De also laughed when he heard this:

"Father-in-law, the secret is hidden deep in the people's hearts and cannot be discovered by force."

"My lord, let's fight at Yangping Pass."

"Everyone mistakenly thought that the enemy commander was Pound."

"In fact, that's not the case. The commanders of the army are Yang Ang and Yang Ren!"

"Yang Ang and Yang Ren?" Cao Cao's lips curled slightly at this time.

It was like hearing a joke.

"These two are just mediocre talents who were rashly ambushed."

"Why can you be the commander of Yangping?"

Sima De changed the subject at this time, and said in a tense tone:
"Father-in-law, you don't know that Zhang Lu, the leader of the Five Pecks of Rice Sect, is in charge of Hanzhong."

"I have already found out the true identities of the two."

"He is the chief priest of the Five Pecks of Rice Sect!"

This brings us to the way Zhang Lu governed Hanzhong.

Zhang Lu, who held the position of prefect, actually subverted tradition and threw off the shackles of Han Dynasty laws.

The order of Hanzhong was maintained with the doctrine of one family. Under this doctrine, all new believers were given the name of "ghost soldiers".

Those who are familiar with the teachings and have achieved high levels of spiritual cultivation are respectfully called "Jishiu".

The libation is the guiding light for every believer.

Leading their respective tribes of believers.

And among these priests, there are those who stand out.

Those who had a large number of subordinates were given the title of "Chitou Dajiu".

They commanded a wider population and became the backbone of Zhang Lu's governance of the people.

This is not only a symbol of power, but also Zhang Lu's recognition of his status.

Hearing this, Cao Cao suddenly understood. So that's how it is!

All of this was Yan Pu’s careful planning!

Yang Ang and Yang Ren were actually chess pieces specially set up by Yan Pu.

He intended to use Cao Cao to get rid of him.

As an outsider, Pound was just a smokescreen to deceive the public.

Divert Cao's army's attention from the real threat.

Yang Ang and Yang Ren, these two seem to be insignificant characters.

But in the end he died at the hands of Cao's army.

This was tantamount to sowing the seeds of resentment towards Cao Cao in the hearts of the people of Hanzhong.

Now, Cao's army has penetrated deep into the heart of Hanzhong.

Even if we are deeply trapped in the vast ocean of people's war, there is no escape!

In war, a strong enemy is nothing to be afraid of.

The most terrifying thing is the endless consumption of time.

Once the war situation becomes stalemate and there is no support from the local people.

Morale was weakened by the lack of supplies.

It will be several times more dangerous than at the beginning of the war!
"Yan Pu really has ulterior motives!"

Cao Cao's headache was instantly dispelled by this realization, and he burst into laughter.

Yan Pu's plan actually made him inadvertently stand on the opposite side of the people of Hanzhong.

It's a risky move, and it's very ruthless!
However, no matter how far-sighted Yan Pu was.

He is no match for the cunning and resourceful people around him!
Thinking of this, Cao Cao also asked Sima De:
"In this case, does Renda have a good plan to break this dilemma?"

Sima De had already made plans, and he was confident at this time:

"Father-in-law is very insightful. I already have a plan to deal with it and have sent people to prepare it."

"Good!" Cao Cao praised first and then asked in confusion:

"Wenhe, in your opinion, why did Yan Pu do this?"

"Even if the common people can hinder our army for a while, how can they do so for long?"

"What's the point of going to so much trouble?"

Sima De was silent for a moment, then blurted out:
"Of course, it is intended to keep Zhang Lu safe and sound."

Cao Cao understood immediately after hearing this.

He immediately ordered people to send over the Taoist priests serving wine under Zhang Lu.

A moment later, a large number of soldiers in distinctive armor appeared.

It is holding a sharp blade that flashes with cold light.

A dozen prisoners in black shirts came around.

At this time, Sima De, Xu Chu and others were all standing quietly aside.

Most of these captives were low-ranking priests and attendants of the Tianshi Dao.

Cao Cao's army had arrived earlier and they had no time to escape with Zhang Lu.

He was captured by Cao's army.

Now facing the iron hoofs of Cao's army, the fear in his heart has been deeply engraved in his bones.

Being summoned at this time, why wouldn't I come?
Seeing this, Cao Cao gently waved his sleeves and said in a calm and majestic tone:

"I did not call them here to capture them in chains."

"Quickly order the soldiers to withdraw!"

Upon hearing this, Xu Chu bowed and said with a worried look on his face:

"I'm afraid these heretics will be detrimental to the Prime Minister."

Cao Cao's eyes were as sharp as torches when he heard this, and his words were full of unquestionable firmness.

"If these people really had magic, they would have used it at Yangping Pass long ago."

"Why wait until today?"

"Yes, sir." Xu Chu said, waving his hand to signal the soldiers to disperse.

(End of this chapter)