Sima Yi's Three Kingdoms Collection Collection

Chapter 69 Entering the Prime Minister's Palace (4)
Cao Cao's eyes also slowly glanced over, staring at the empty seat under Xun Yu for a moment, the muscles on his face twitched a few times.

Everyone in the hall knew that this empty seat was specially reserved by the Prime Minister for Kong Rong, a doctor of the Taizhong.Beforehand, the Prime Minister ordered Sima Lang, the chief secretary, to send a post to invite him to the banquet.But for some reason, Kong Rong never showed up.

The guests are almost all here.Cao Cao glanced at the hourglass clock in the corner of the hall. It was already the hour of Xu, but Kong Rong's seat was still empty.

At this moment, a figure flashed into the hall door. It turned out to be Shi Xinpi, the deputy head of the prime minister's mansion. He was sent by Cao Cao to pick up Kong Rong half an hour ago.However, when everyone in the hall looked behind him, where was Kong Rong?

Seeing this, Cao Cao straightened his face, and his complexion was rather ugly.Everyone in the hall fell silent immediately, and no one dared to speak out to talk about anything.

Seeing Simpi running out of breath, Cao Cao kept his face sullen and didn't say anything. He just pointed to the seat next to Dong Zhao on the long bench on the left, asking him to sit down and rest for a while.

Xin Pi picked up the pottery cup on the wooden table in front of the table, took a sip of tea, wiped the sweat from his forehead with the corner of his robe, and then panted slightly and said to Cao Cao: "My lord, Doctor Kong... he I can't come tonight..."

All the people in the hall couldn't help being surprised when they heard this: What's more important about Kong Rong than attending Prime Minister Cao's celebration banquet?What kind of things can make Kong Rong refuse to come here?

"What's the matter with him?" Cao Cao lost his voice in surprise, "—Could it be that Dr. Kong suddenly got some kind of emergency? If so, the truth should be to visit him at his house!" Then he pressed his right palm on the chest in front of him At the table, he wanted to stand up from the purple wood square couch.

"Prime Minister..." Simpi's complexion changed slightly, he hesitated, and he said hesitantly, "Dr. Kong did not have any emergency. I went to his residence just now, and saw that Dr. Kong seemed to be receiving His Majesty sent to ask him for advice." What about Zhao Yan, the Yilang who studies righteousness, etiquette and law..."

"Oh? It turns out that His Majesty sent Zhao Yilang to ask Dr. Kong about principles, principles, etiquette and law?" Cao Cao was startled when he heard this, and then he stopped and slowly sat back on the couch, his face thoughtful, "Or Your Majesty's business is more urgent! Since Dr. Kong is answering His Majesty's request for advice, then we don't have to bother him any more—let's start the banquet!"

As he spoke indifferently, he secretly winked at Yangwu Zhonglang General Cao Hong who was standing in the corner of the hall.Cao Hong understood, and immediately retreated quietly, and sent someone to monitor Kong Rong and Zhao Yan.

Hearing Cao Cao's words, the almost frozen air in the hall suddenly relaxed.The tense expressions of many officials immediately became vivid, and they all praised the prime minister for taking His Majesty as the most important thing, and his magnanimity, which is beyond human reach.Only Shang Shu ordered Xun Yu to turn his head to look at the seat that Kong Rong was empty, and a faint worry flashed in his eyes.

Nanyang Wolong - Zhuge Liang
Cao Cao stroked his beard and beard, raised his voice and laughed, and suddenly said: "To tell you the truth, apart from entertaining you all, today I also invited a famous person from Jingzhou——Han Song Master Han!"

"Lord Han Song?" All the officials in the hall were stunned.They are no strangers to the name Han Song: He is one of the most important confidants of Jingzhou Mu Liubiao, but for some reason he suddenly came to Xudu?Moreover, it seems that as soon as he entered Xudu, he actually came to meet Prime Minister Cao before he reported to the court official. This is really unusual.

Seeing everyone's hesitant expressions, Cao Cao stroked his beard and said with a laugh: "You don't know, Mr. Han came to Beijing this time, except to represent Liu Biao, who is the clan of the Han Dynasty, to pay tribute to His Majesty. In addition, there are some confidential matters that need to be done. Therefore, the Prime Minister had to meet him first on behalf of the court on behalf of the prime minister, and dealt with what he asked for improvisation—I hope you don’t worry about it. Everything he does is for the sake of the imperial court's great cause of unifying the world and clearing the world!"

When Xi Xi heard this, he quickly turned his head, looked around, and signaled to Xun Yu, Zhong Yao, Hua Xin, Wang Lang, Yang Jun and others.When Xun Yu met his eyes, a hint of dissatisfaction flashed in his eyes. Regardless of his continued winking, he sat motionless on his seat.Seeing that Xun Yu, who is the "inner minister" of the court, has not acted, it is natural for others to follow Xi Ji's response.

"Lord Lingjun..." Xi Xi couldn't help blushing, and turned his head to Xun Yu's ear, "We should show that Prime Minister Cao is so busy with state affairs..."

Cao Cao, who saw all these situations in his eyes, thought for a while, then coughed lightly, straightened his face, and said to Xun Yu in a soft tone: "Uh... Lord Lingjun! Han On the day Song arrived in Xudu, I originally ordered him to go to your Shangshutai to report for duty, but that day you were busy drawing up the task distribution plan for food supply and tax payment for the states and counties, so I was afraid that he would disturb you. After completing your official duties, leave him at the Prime Minister's Mansion to deal with it when the opportunity arises."

Listening to Cao Cao's explanation, Xun Yu's sluggish complexion gradually softened, as if the spring breeze melted the ice, showing warmth.At the same time as he stood up, Xi Xi, Hua Xin, Zhong Yao, Wang Lang, Jia Xu, Yang Jun and other high-ranking officials also hurriedly stood up together, and under his leadership, they all said: "The prime minister is wise, wise, and fair." Loyalty to the country, daily management of all opportunities, I am so respectful, how dare I have other thoughts?"

"It's so good! It's so good! It's rare for you gentlemen to understand the righteousness, and I thank you for the truth!" Cao Cao hurriedly got up and gave a deep salute, then stretched out his hand and said solemnly, "Please Han Song My lord is in the hall!"

As soon as he finished speaking, he saw an attendant outside the hall leading a thin, pale-faced green-robed elder walking in.Needless to say, he is Han Song.

Han Song first bowed respectfully to Cao Cao in the hall, and then clasped his fists to the famous ministers and officials sitting on the long seats on both sides of him, stood still with a calm expression, and raised his hands and feet. At the same time, he still has a majestic style.

"Master Han, please take your seat!" Cao Cao smiled, stretched out his palm and patted the left end of the wooden couch he was sitting on, and beckoned to him with his hand, "Come! Sit next to Benxiang!"

"This..." Han Song hesitated slightly.But the court officials sitting on the right side of Cao Cao and the staff members of the Prime Minister sitting on his left were shocked: the prime minister is actually on an equal footing with this Han Song, and his ability to attract people's hearts is really extreme!

Seeing that Han Song was still refusing to come up, Cao Cao urged him again.

Han Song settled his face and returned the courtesy solemnly: "Dr. Cao gave up his seat for the purpose of Jingzhou—I'm afraid that Mr. Han would not dare to enjoy this honor!"

When everyone in the hall heard the words, Qi Qi was startled again, thinking: This Han Song really is not in vain, he can see through Prime Minister Cao's intention of paying respects to him at a glance, but he doesn't know how Prime Minister Cao should respond?

Seeing that Cao Cao was not angry, he stroked his beard with a long laugh, and said very conceitedly: "Master Han is wrong. In the eyes of the truth, the mere land of the eight counties of Jingzhou is nothing. Thousands of miles of rivers and mountains, thousands of golden valleys, To me, it’s like picking something out of a bag. And a wise man is a rare treasure in the world! With Master Han’s deep understanding of righteousness, his devotion to the country with sincerity, and his outstanding talents, I would rather exchange ten cities for your allegiance to the imperial court!”

As soon as these words came out, Xi Xi, Zhong Yao, Mao Jie, Cui Yan and others in the hall were speechless in shock, thinking that they had heard Cao Cao's words wrongly.Only Xun Yu raised his eyebrows slightly, took a deep look at Cao Cao, and secretly nodded in approval.

The black-robed young man at the end of the long seat on the left had been sitting still with his head slightly lowered. Hearing Cao Cao's words, his figure seemed to be slightly shaken, but in an instant he regained his calmness like a mountain. , making it impossible to see any fluctuations in his heart.

Seeing the hesitation of the people in the hall, Cao Cao smiled smugly, and said, "Do you think that the truth is just to praise Mr. Han casually? Cao Ren, you will keep Mr. Han upright and dedicate his loyalty to the court." Let me give you a lecture for you to listen to.”

Cao Ren, the current lieutenant of Li Feng, stepped from the entrance of the hall to the center of the hall, stood side by side with Han Song, clasped his fists, saluted Cao Cao, and said: "Ten days ago, Liu Biao wanted to send Master Han to pay tribute to the court. At the same time, he secretly told him, "Nowadays, the world is in great chaos, and we don't know what to decide. Mr. Cao is honoring the emperor, supporting the people, flattening Yuan Shao, and serving as the prime minister. Mr. Han must observe the changes when he goes north this time." His Excellency answered righteously at that time, saying: "The Holy Day is the second festival. If the husband is the king, the king is the king. If the status of the king and the ministers is determined, they must guard it to the death. Han Mou committed himself to the Marquis under the name of the current policy, but the Marquis ordered him to die. No hesitation. From Han’s point of view, Mr. Cao upholds the rule of law and will help the world. If the Lord Hou can obey the Son of Heaven and return to Mr. Cao, he will enjoy the benefits of a hundred generations. It is only meaningful to pay tribute; and if the Lord Hou is undecided, he will send Han to Beijing as an envoy. If the emperor grants Han an official and a half post, then Han will change from a part of the Lord Hou to an official of the court. , I am afraid that it will be difficult to serve Lord Hou again in the future. Mr. Han has said this before, please think twice before making a decision, and do not blame Han. This statement is very sincere. Liu Biao hesitated for a long time, and finally dispatched Mr. Han Come to Xudu to pay tribute..."

"Listen to me! Listen to me!" Cao Cao pointed at Han Song with his fingers, and said with emotion, "Today, the world has not yet been settled, and the princes of the four directions are divided into separate regimes. There are more people who rely on their own interests and few are loyal and obedient. If the princes everywhere You can understand righteousness and be loyal to the court like Mr. Han, so why should you commit crimes against Shishi and the people? Gentlemen, do you think that a loyal and chaste person like Mr. Han should be rewarded heavily? To show off your ambition?"

"Should! Should!" All the high ministers in the seat responded one after another.

Cao Cao nodded with satisfaction, turned to Xun Yu and said, "Mr. Xun Ling, please report this matter to His Majesty tomorrow morning, and say that Master Han Song and Han can stand alone in the midst of the turmoil, stand upright, To be loyal to the country—according to the truth, he should be canonized as an official of the servant and concurrently serve as the prefect of Lingling. What does Xun Lingjun think about this?"

Xun Yu sat on the table, was silent for a moment, and then slowly replied: "Yes."

"Master Han is now an important member of the second rank of the imperial court. This official in the rank of servant can stand shoulder to shoulder with Liu Biao's Jingzhou shepherd - after you return to Jingzhou, Liu Biao will not be able to force you to curtsey." Cao Cao haha Smiling, he stretched out his hand and patted the left side of his wooden couch, "Master Han——no, Shizhong Han, please take your seat!"

But seeing Han Song bow respectfully, he said slowly: "Since the court and the prime minister have intentionally appointed Han as a close minister of the emperor and an important member of the inner court, it can be said that Han is a great favor. Han is the king in the king, and the court is the court. After Jingzhou, we must try our best to persuade Liu Jingzhou to submit to the court and enjoy the blessings, so as to repay the favor of the court and the prime minister."

(End of this chapter)