A thousand-year-old family that began with the Battle of Makino

Chapter 393: A confidant rebelled and lost his foundation, giving up the state seal for the sake of morality

March
Just as Cao Cao was leading the army to continuously attack Tan County, news suddenly came from behind that Chen Gong, the garrison of the East County, Zhang Miao, the prefect of Chenliu, Xu Si, the lieutenant, and Wang Kai jointly announced their opposition to Cao Cao's appointment as the governor of Yanzhou and welcomed Fenwei. The general and Marquis of Wen, Lu Bu, became the shepherd of Yanzhou and took control of Yanzhou.

The news reached the front line of Tan County. Cao Cao's eyes darkened after seeing the news, and he was about to faint. Fortunately, Cao Ren, Xia Houyuan and others on the side had quick eyesight and quick hands to support him.

Suppressing the fear in his heart, Cao Cao gritted his teeth and said: "Retreat the army, return to Yanzhou, and put down the rebellion!"

Cao Ren and Xia Houyuan quickly repeated: "My lord has ordered us to retreat and return to Yanzhou to put down the rebellion."

"My lord has ordered us to withdraw our troops and return them to Yanzhou to put down the rebellion."

"Ding, ding, ding!" The Cao army who was attacking the city heard the sound of Ming Jin and receded like a tide, making the Xuzhou army on the city look puzzled.

"What happened to Cao Jun? Why did he retreat?"

"Haha, could it be that there was a fire in Cao Cao's backyard?"

A Xuzhou soldier's joke turned out to be a prophecy, and Cao Cao's backyard really caught fire.

After everyone in the tent retreated, Cao Cao spurted a mouthful of blood from his mouth.

"Lord!!!"

Cao Ren and other close generals looked worried.

Cao Cao raised his hand to show that he was fine, vomited out the bruises, and felt much better in his chest, but he was still very angry in his heart: "Chen Gong, why did you betray me?"

That night, Liu Bei originally wanted to attack the camp, but found that Cao's army had already deserted the camp.

Entering Tan County, he found Tao Qian who was bedridden. Liu Bei suggested: "Your Majesty, now that Cao's thieves suddenly retreated, something must have happened in Yanzhou. Cao's army disappeared overnight. It must be an emergency.

This is a good time for our army to attack and suppress the bandits. If we wait until Cao's army retreats, won't they come again next year?

If most of Cao's army can be retained, Cao's army will not be able to fight Xuzhou again for at least two or three years. Please consider it. "

Faced with Liu Bei's request, Tao Qian saw it clearly: "Xuande, there is no need to say more. Cao Cao has been in the military for a long time. If he retreats in a hurry, he will definitely leave behind his troops. If he pursues in such a hurry, he will definitely be ambushed by them. If he retreats in a hurry, he will be ambushed by them." It’s better to let things go.”

Liu Bei wanted to say something else, but Mi Zhu shook his head slightly to stop him, so Liu Bei had no choice but to say yes.

Tao Qian coughed a few times, and then said to Liu Bei: "Now that the Cao thieves are retreating, it is fortunate that Xuande led the troops to help. Otherwise, Xuzhou may have been defeated by the Cao thieves last year. According to the nature of the Cao thieves, Xuzhou may The people will be plunged into a state of despair.

The people of Xuzhou trusted me, Tao Qian, and did not believe that I killed the father of Cao Cao, but chose to stand with me. This is because I, Tao Qian, am sorry to the people of Xuzhou.

I have been ill for many days now, plus I am getting older, and recently I am worried about the future of Xuzhou, which makes me toss and turn and sleepless at night. After thinking about it, Xuande is the only one who can save Xuzhou.

Xuande, please don't refuse. I know that Xuande is an upright man and is unwilling to take advantage of others' danger. However, Xuande has been in Xuzhou for a year and has seen a lot of the behavior of Cao thieves.

If it is handed over to other people, I am afraid that it will not be able to withstand the attack of Cao's thieves. Only Xuande has not only virtue but also ability. I am relieved to hand Xuzhou into your hands. "

With that said, Tao Qian asked Mi Zhu to hand Liu Bei the Seal of Xuzhou Mu.

Behind Liu Bei, Zhang Fei's inner thoughts were written on his face. He kept looking at Liu Bei, as if urging his elder brother to take over quickly, so that he and others would not have to wander around.

Guan Yu also squinted his eyes and kept holding his long beard, as if Tao Qian was very aware of current affairs and only his eldest brother had the ability to serve as the shepherd of Xuzhou.

Liu Bei was also a little panicked by this sudden attack, but his many years of wandering and military life made Liu Bei develop a big heart, and he forcibly suppressed his inner greed.

He saluted Tao Qian solemnly and said, "I beg you to take back your life!"

Facing Liu Bei's rejection, Tao Qian was very surprised, because no one could refuse the position of the shepherd of this state, and asked: "Why Xuande? Is he afraid of Cao Cao?"

Liu Bei still said respectfully: "No, Cao Cao acted without taboos and aroused the anger of God and people. This is God's abandonment. Sooner or later, he will be punished by God. With the hatred of the people of Xuzhou towards Cao Cao, what is there to fear if you rely on them?"

"Why is that?"

"The envoy told me that Bei was a guest army. He was invited to help the envoy resist the unruly Cao army for the sake of justice and the right path in his heart.

Now, if he takes advantage of others' danger and rashly accepts the envoy's seal, no matter what his original intention is, he will eventually be doubted by the world. At that time, his reputation will not be justified, and the people of Xuzhou will also doubt whether he really wants to resist Cao Cao.

Moreover, the son of the envoy is now in his prime. It is said that he is also a benevolent king. No matter from which aspect, he can inherit the hard work of the envoy.

Abandoning the envoy's son in order to serve as the shepherd of Xuzhou would probably cause criticism in the world. It will not be a good outcome for Shi Jun or Bei, but it will give Cao Cao an excellent excuse. "

Tao Qian looked at the man in front of him and sighed, "I understand, that's it for today. Xuande should go rest first and talk about this later."

Liu Bei bowed respectfully again and then withdrew.

When he got outside the door, Zhang Fei couldn't help but said: "Brother, the envoy willingly handed over the Seal of Xuzhou to you on his own initiative. Why don't you accept it? We didn't rob it by force. Moreover, according to eldest brother's virtue and merit, It is fitting that he should be appointed as the pastor of Xuzhou." "Third brother!" Liu Bei immediately scolded Zhang Fei, and then said seriously: "A gentleman is standing in the world, and he should bend his body and obey his duty. What he deserves, he will naturally get, and what he doesn't deserve will get. , forcing it will confuse your mind.

I am here to make a name for myself and to be righteous. If I accept your envoy's request, will the world think of me, Liu Bei, as a hypocrite? "

"Big brother!"

"Okay." Guan Yu grabbed Zhang Fei and said, "Big brother has his own measure. We can just do whatever big brother does."

"Second brother!"

Seeing the two brothers leaving, Zhang Fei had no choice but to stomp on the spot dully, and then quickly followed.

Tao Qian listened to what Liu Bei said at the door, and told him exactly what he said, and said to Mi Zhu beside him: "Alas, Xuande is really a true gentleman, and the gentlemen of ancient times are nothing more than this. I'm afraid only Bai is the best." His son can be compared with him.

Now that Xuande is unwilling to accept it, what should I do? You also know that Tao Ying, the Tao merchant, has the style of a scholar, but has no talent to rule a state.

If this state is handed over to them, it will probably be a disaster rather than a blessing for them. For Xuzhou, this is definitely not a good thing. "

After thinking about it again and again, Mi Zhu said: "In ancient times, when emperors ascended the throne, they made three concessions and three concessions to show that they had absolutely no other thoughts about this position.

It is for the sake of the people of the world that I am ashamed to accept the position of emperor. Now, although Xuzhou Mu's seal is not as good as the emperor's position, he should still give in. Next time, you may wish to give in to Xuande Gong on the sickbed in full view of the public.

Due to the envoy's true feelings and illness, he also expressed his determination. When he mentioned today's matter, he made two concessions and two concessions. If this matter spreads, it will be a good talk in the world. "

"That's all we have to do."

Since Cao Jun retreated, Liu Bei took thousands of his troops back to Xiaopei to show that he had no intention of usurping power.

But after staying in Xiaopei for only two days, Mi Zhu hurriedly came to find Liu Bei: "Mr.

"How could it be like this? When I saw the envoy a few days ago, he was only slightly ill. How could it have deteriorated to this in just two or three days?"

"It's too late, come with me!"

Liu Bei had no choice but to leave Zhao Yun and Bai Jin to take care of Xiaopei, while he took Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Jian Yong and quickly headed towards Tan County.

When I walked into the room, I saw a room full of Xuzhou officials sitting in the hall. Some of them were even wiping tears secretly.

"Has Xuande arrived?"

"Mr. Xuande is here!" Mi Zhu shouted immediately.

"Come!" Tao Qian said weakly.

Liu Bei hurriedly came to Tao Qian's bedside and asked, "Why are you doing this?"

Tao Qian held Liu Bei's hand and said: "My only concern is Xuzhou. The people of Xuzhou suffered a brutal massacre because of me, Tao Qian. This is my Tao Qian's karma, and I accept it willingly.

However, I still want to find a good master for Xuzhou. Xuande, you are the best candidate for Xuzhou’s pastoral care. In terms of character and ability, there are not many people in the world who can compete with you, especially among Xuzhou. No.

I know you are afraid of the eyes of the world, but if you want to do things for the people, you can't care too much about the eyes of the world. Do you want to see Xuzhou continue to be slaughtered by Cao Cao?
I am not long dead. If you can take over this Seal of Xuzhou, I will rest in peace even if I die. "

Liu Bei still hesitated and said: "This..."

At this time, Mi Zhu was wiping her tears, holding the box containing the seal, and said to Liu Bei:
“Mr.

"You guys, I'm going to present Liu Bei as the new Xuzhou Mu. Come and meet the new Xuzhou Mu!"

Except for a few who felt uncomfortable, most of the officials in the hall obeyed Tao Qian's words and bowed to Liu Bei: "Greetings to Ambassador Liu."

"Alas!" Liu Bei sighed, took the seal ribbon, saluted Tao Qian and said, "Bei will certainly live up to your envoy's expectations."

Tao Qian smiled happily, and then passed away suddenly.

Since then, Liu Bei has successfully obtained his own territory and is no longer subordinate to anyone. He can be called a prince like Gongsun Zan, Yuan Shu, Yuan Shao, Cao Cao, Liu Biao and others.

On the other side, all the counties and counties in Yanzhou accepted Chen Gong's edict after he announced that he was in any case. Only Juancheng in Jiyin County and Fan County and Dong'a County in Dongjun were still under Cao Cao's control. Sima Xunyu, Shouzhang County magistrate Cheng Yu, Dongjun prefect Xiahou Dun and others held the position.

Cao Cao learned that Lu Bu was stationing troops in Puyang, so he immediately rushed to Puyang with his army and began to besiege. The two armies were in a stalemate for more than a hundred days, but a locust plague broke out. The two armies ceased fighting and Cao Cao's army returned to Juancheng.

At this time, Cao Cao had essentially lost Yanzhou and had run out of military supplies. Yuan Shao sent people to persuade Cao Cao to surrender to him and let Cao Cao move his family to Ye County as hostages.

Cao Cao was frustrated and planned to agree, but was dissuaded by Cheng Yu, Guo Jia and others.

(End of this chapter)