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

Chapter 351 Surrender to Cao without worries, sleep soundly!

Yang Xiu also saw through Cao Cao's thoughts at this time.

He quickly brought a rosewood chair and asked Cao Cao to sit down so that they could talk in detail.

Unexpectedly, Cao Cao did not take a seat.

However, he paced leisurely in front of these people, and his words became more passionate:

"In the past, Zhang Jue used the name of 'Taiping Dao' to incite people with his magic."

"It almost overthrew the Han Dynasty!"

"Fortunately, God will not tolerate such rebellious people, and they will eventually be reduced to ashes."

"I also personally participated in the battle to cleanse the evil spirits."

"The highest virtue in the world is only the law of the Holy King!"

"The rest are all unorthodox, either obsessed with money or with evil intentions."

"In the past, when Ximen Bao governed Ye, he immersed himself in witchcraft to make his intentions clear."

"Wang Chong wrote Lun Heng to dispel the fog of heresy."

"Emperors of all dynasties have severely punished these witches and sorcerers..."

These Taoists were terrified when they heard this.

The timid ones trembled even more, as if they had foreseen that their own death was approaching.

However, Cao Cao suddenly changed the subject and said in a relaxed tone:

"However, the Heavenly Master Dao is different."

"Zhang Fu-han was born in the Imperial Academy. He retired from society to preach because he was dissatisfied with the current political situation."

"You have been in Hanzhong for more than 30 years and have never harmed the people."

"Even though the teachings were unorthodox, they brought peace to this place for a time."

"The people's support shows that Zhang Gongqi has a kind heart and is not evil..."

When everyone heard this, the stone in their hearts fell to the ground for the time being.

Whenever Cao Cao mentioned Zhang Ling and Zhang Lu, he always addressed them by their courtesy names.

The respect contained therein is self-evident.

But Cao Cao's tone suddenly became stern:
"But raising an army to establish a separatist regime is a grave crime!"

"Don't even bother helping Ma Chao, Han Sui and other traitors to wreak havoc in Guanzhong."

"As followers, you can escape death penalty but cannot escape punishment alive!"

Upon hearing this, the chief priests' hearts immediately rose to their throats!
I just feel that there is still little hope for survival.

"But..." Cao Cao paused deliberately, and then softened his tone:
"After Yangping Pass was lost, Zhang Gongqi knew that retreating would reduce casualties among the people."

"And the county treasury is intact, so please consider his kindness."

"I have decided not to pursue the matter..."

Cao Cao's tone was inconsistent and capricious.

These Taoists are like riding a roller coaster and have no idea how to deal with it!

I saw the awe on these people's faces.

Cao Cao stopped pressuring and said bluntly:
"In troubled times, the people suffered greatly."

"Although it is not orthodox to appease them with Taoism, it is still an expedient measure."

After saying this, he took out an ancient book from his arms.

It is the "Laozi Xiang'er Zhu" annotated by Zhang's ancestors and grandchildren.

"Zhang once said that a ruler who governs a country must cultivate his moral character."

"With loyal ministers assisting and morality spreading, the world will naturally be at peace."

"It is also said that loyalty and filial piety can move heaven and earth."

"This complements the imperial court's teachings and does not conflict with them."

"I will speak candidly today, if you are willing to lay down your weapons."

"From now on, you must obey the law, pay taxes and serve in the army."

"The Heavenly Master's Way can still be continued, and even the teachings will not be restricted..."

These words could not help but surprise the Taoist priests and the chief priests.

Even within Cao's camp there was an uproar!
After a brief whisper, the camp returned to silence.

Cao Cao smiled gently:

"How can you, the cultivators of Taoism, not understand the principle of following the will of Heaven and responding to the needs of others?"

"Now that I have pacified Hanzhong, your sincere submission is in compliance with the will of heaven."

"On the contrary, how can I go against the will of the people and eradicate your beliefs?"

"As the saying goes, merits must be rewarded, and faults must be punished."

"From now on, you will be no different from those under the imperial court."

What this means is that the survival of Tianshi Dao depends on him.

All activities must not go beyond the boundaries!
The priests understood what Cao Cao meant and stopped talking.

One person dared to speak:

"We sincerely accept Duke Wei's words, but the leader is now..."

"You can go find him." Cao Cao changed the subject, revealing his true intention.

"Go find him quickly and tell him what I said." "Tell him that as long as he surrenders, he will still be the 'Heavenly Master'."

"Promotion to a higher position is a piece of cake."

Of course, the prerequisite is to obey Cao's orders.

"We will follow the Prime Minister's orders!" all the chief priests said in unison.

He was eager to go find Zhang Lu.

At this time, it was Bazhong, south of Micang Mountain.

Zhang Lu was gathered together with his subordinates who were serving wine.

When Zhang Lu received the good news from the front line, he suddenly realized what was going on.

He understood the deep meaning behind Yan Pu's decision to ask him to abandon the city and retreat to Bazhong.

"Just as the military advisor expected."

"Cao Cao's army has been stopped by the people."

"It's hard to get off the tiger now. It's hard to retreat and even harder to attack!"

"In this case, my lord, you don't have to worry." Yan Pu bowed and finished speaking.

Zhang Wei, who was standing by, was quite dissatisfied when he heard this.

He was originally a proponent of war, but now Cao's army is in trouble.

This should have been his achievement, but now Yan Pu has stolen the limelight.

Naturally I feel unhappy!

"Yan Gongcao, do you really think Cao Cao will be stopped by these civilians?"

Zhang Wei questioned with disdain on his face.

This question also lingered in Zhang Lu's mind.

At this time, he also looked at Yan Pu with a serious look, waiting for an answer.

Upon hearing this, Yan Pu also spoke frankly:
"It is indeed difficult for the people of Hanzhong to stop Cao's army."

He knew very well that the victory or defeat of a war could not be easily influenced by the people's will.

If we cannot win on the front battlefield.

How could Cao Cao easily retreat just because of the temporary diversion?
Hanzhong lacks a strong force capable of engaging in a head-on confrontation, and defeat is inevitable!

Zhang Wei was caught off guard by Yan Pu's straightforwardness, and he quickly took the opportunity to make a suggestion:

"Brother! Delaying Cao's army like this will only waste manpower and financial resources!"

"Why not listen to me and gather your troops again!"

"Let's go directly to Cao Cao"

"But!" Yan Pu did not allow Zhang Wei to finish his words.

He interrupted him and said:

"At this moment, we have shown Cao Cao the support of the people of Hanzhong."

"Zhengyi Dao is our banner!"

"Master is the leader of the Five Pecks of Rice Sect."

"If Cao Cao takes Hanzhong, he will not dare to harm Master out of consideration for the stability of the people's hearts."

"From now on, Master, you can sleep soundly without any worries!"

"I'm sure Cao Cao will send someone to contact us soon."

Yan Pu said, and bowed deeply. His voice made everyone in the room understand his far-reaching plan.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Lu's body trembled slightly and he was extremely excited.

"Yan Gongcao!" Zhang Lu supported Yan Pu with trembling fingers and said:

"You are truly the pillar of our Zhengyi Sect!"

Even though Zhang Lu already had a way out.

But Yan Pu didn't want things to go so smoothly.

As soon as Cao Cao captured Yangping, Zhang Lu quickly surrendered.

This will undoubtedly make the people of Hanzhong feel bitterly betrayed.

Yan Pu firmly believed that with the powerful strength of Cao’s army.

Such obstacles are of little account.

But how to break this situation became the urgent issue in Yan Pu's mind.

But in Cao Cao's camp, Sima De had other plans in mind.

The response strategy has also been well-planned.

Cao Cao also called Sima De again at this time.

Although he sent a Taoist priest to pass on the message to Zhang Lu, Cao's army had no peace for the past few days.

The people of Hanzhong seem tireless.

Cao Cao almost ordered a massacre in the city to prevent future troubles, but reason stopped him.

After capturing Hanzhong, taking over Shu would be a natural outcome.

If the logistics line is cut off by massacre in the city, it will undoubtedly be self-destruction!

(End of this chapter)