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

Chapter 353: The situation in Hanzhong is settled
Yang Xiu thought that the danger had been averted, but he still needed a few words of flattery.

Cao Cao used to like hearing pleasant words, and now that he is older, they are even more so.

So he said in a nervous tone:
"Duke Wei is a man of unrivalled wisdom, whose light shines in all directions."

"How can my humble skills escape the master's discerning eyes?"

"It's really just being clever, making a fool of oneself..."

"Forget it." Cao Cao's anger had mostly dissipated.

At this moment, he stared into Yang Xiu's eyes and saw that his expression was sincere and anxious.

Guessing that what he said was true, he said in a gentle tone:

"Your crime is unforgivable, but you are loyal to my son."

"Considering your talent and your father's kindness, I will spare you this time."

Upon hearing this, Yang Xiu burst into tears and kowtowed repeatedly, saying:

"Thank you, my lord! Woo woo ..."

You can tell that he is expressing his true feelings.

After all, it is not easy to walk through the gates of hell!

Seeing this, Cao Cao waved his hands wearily and said, "Don't cry in front of me."

"Go back and do your duty, but remember what you said today and don't leak it to anyone."

"If you and my son are just literary friends, I will not interfere."

"But those who keep company with vermilion will become red, and those who keep company with ink will become black."

"You need to guide my son to do good, if there is any deception."

"I will definitely take your head!"

Upon hearing this, Yang Xiu immediately swore that he would not dare.

Then he was grateful and finally withdrew.

I breathed a sigh of relief after leaving the tent.

But I felt a sense of pride in my heart.

In this world today, who else but me can escape safely from Cao Gong's sword?

It must be said that Yang Xiu was indeed intelligent.

As the saying goes, being too clever can be a mistake...

Although the matter of Yang Xiu was resolved, Cao Cao did not feel relieved, but instead became more confused.

What Yang Xiu called "hypocrisy and affectation" was indeed not Cao Zhi's nature.

Cao Pi must have been more careful about this!
Yang Xiu said that Cao Zhi was extremely talented, but apart from those theoretical strategists, he was not very talented.

Does Cao Zhang really have the ability to govern the country?

Thinking of this, Cao Cao also felt a headache.

As a father, he wasn't even sure if he really understood his sons.

Everyone says that father and son are connected by heart, but is it really so?

The next day, news came from Zhang Lu.

He sent someone to convey the message, expressing his willingness to support Cao Cao as the chief priest of the Five Pecks of Rice Sect!

When the news reached Cao's camp, Sima De was well prepared.

He immediately ordered the entire army to put on Taoist robes.

Follow the customs of Tianshi Dao and hold Taoist ceremonies.

The people of Hanzhong heard that it was the leader Zhang Lu's personal order.

Everyone was surprised and thought the war was over.

They laid down their weapons and flocked to Cao's camp to participate in the Taoist event.

As a result, a protracted civil unrest ensued.

It disappeared because of a religious ceremony.

Afterwards, Cao Cao was seen wearing a Taoist robe.

He personally presided over the ritual at the foot of Nanzheng City.

But at this moment, his heart was in turmoil.

I wonder what kind of mystery Sima De has set up?

Can Zhang Lu really take the initiative to show goodwill?
Not only Cao Cao, but even Zhang Lu's side was in chaos at this time.

At this moment, the news suddenly arose and many people rushed over after hearing the news.

They mistakenly thought that Zhang Lu really shook hands with Cao Cao and made peace.

They accepted Cao Cao as a follower of Tianshi Dao, so they came forward to congratulate him.

Zhang Lu also expressed his panic upon seeing this.

He did not send anyone to support Cao Cao.

This is not what I meant at all.

Zhang Lu's answer made everyone even more confused.

In order to find out the truth, Zhang Lu urgently convened a meeting to investigate the matter.

As soon as he finished speaking, Li Xiu walked into everyone's sight with an arrogant look and became the focus.

He looked around at this moment, and bowed proudly to Zhang Lu:
"Congratulations, Master. This is my plan!"

"Cao Cao has now submitted to our sect, and my lord is the leader."

"We are one, Cao Cao will be respectful to the Lord!"

Of course, Li Xiu's words were just a bluff.

The reason was that Sima De had sent people across Micang Mountain to contact him a few days ago.

He also offered a large bribe and lied that Cao Cao was trapped by the resentment of the people in Hanzhong.

He wanted to use the Five Pecks of Rice Taoism to ease public anger.

I implore Li Xiu to mediate and ask Zhang Lu to grant me a title.

In this way, Cao Cao was relieved and Li Xiu was able to make great contributions.

It would also allow Zhang Lu to surrender to the court in a natural way.

After weighing the pros and cons, Li Xiu readily agreed.

Now he considers this effort to be of great value.

He wanted to take credit in front of Zhang Lu.

Unexpectedly, Zhang Lu's face became increasingly gloomy and he became anxious and uneasy.

Yan Pu also sighed at this time:
"Li Congshi had good intentions, but he was actually trying to harm our Master!"

His words at this time awakened the dreamer, and Yang Song was also shocked when he heard it!

"What? To harm Master? I didn't..."

He looked nervous at this moment and was about to make an explanation.

But Yan Pu hurriedly asked:

"Li Gongshi, have you ever thought about what would happen if Cao Cao joined our Zhengyi sect?"

"How should Master deal with this?"

"Who will rely on whom then?"

Yang Song was not so stupid as to say this, and he immediately replied:
"Of course, my lord relies on Cao Cao."

Yan Pu also sighed at this time:
"Although this move made Cao Cao convert to our religion, Master is the leader of the Heavenly Master."

"How can he feel at ease if he is above Cao Cao in the future?"

"It is easy to block an open attack, but it is hard to guard against an arrow from the dark."

"My lord, this may bring disaster upon you!"

He spoke sincerely, and Yang Song was stunned and at a loss when he heard it.

Zhang Lu panicked when he heard this, and asked quickly:

"Yan Gongcao, what should I do?"

Upon hearing this, Yan Pu shook his head and sighed:
"Now that things have come to this, why not take this opportunity to surrender to Cao."

"My lord, you can give up your throne to Cao Cao, and perhaps you can avoid the disaster."

Zhang Lu felt like he had grasped a life-saving straw when he heard this and immediately adopted his plan.

He immediately led his people out of the mountains to join Cao Cao.

When Cao Cao heard the news, he immediately opened the city gates to welcome Zhang Lu.

The people of Hanzhong witnessed Zhang Lu's respect for Cao Cao and became more convinced of Cao Cao.

But Cao Cao was not stupid. He understood Zhang Lu's good intentions, and the old grudge between the two was gone.

Zhang Lu took this opportunity to suggest choosing another auspicious time.

The position of Heavenly Master of Zhengyi Dao was passed on to Cao Cao.

Upon hearing this, Cao Cao readily agreed, and Zhang Lu then retired to become the former Heavenly Master.

Afterwards, Cao Cao treated him well because of his strong popular support in Hanzhong.

He was appointed General Zhennan and treated as a guest.

He also appointed Zhang Lu as Marquis of Langzhong and granted him a fief of 10,000 households.

He returned to Yecheng with his family.

Cao Cao also conferred the titles of marquis on Zhang Lu's son and Yan Pu and others.

He also married his daughter and son Cao Yu to Zhang Lu's daughter and son Cao Yu.

Just when the situation in Hanzhong was settling.

Sima De quietly met with a defeated general.

"I have long heard of your great name, Brother Lingming. Let's meet in private today."

"I just want to see the elegance of the wise men of Xiliang."

Sima De said slowly.

And the person sitting opposite Sima De.

It was Pang De, the old general from Xiliang who was captured by Cao Cao!
In recent days, Pang De has been away from the chaos and recuperating in the back camp.

Her complexion was slightly rosy, but still pale.

Hearing Sima De's sharp words, his face changed suddenly!
He suddenly raised his head, his eyes sharp as torches, and looked directly at the other person.

"Mr. Sima, this is wrong!"

"How dare Pang De call himself a wise man from Xiliang?"

Pound's words seemed to contain three parts of confusion and seven parts of doubt.

Sima De smiled calmly when he heard this.

He pulled out an exquisite chessboard from his sleeve and placed it in front of Pound.

He said slowly: "Brother Lingming, how about you join us and play a game?"

Having said that, he sat down calmly.

The black and white chess pieces are at hand, ready to be deployed.

(End of this chapter)