Great Han Empire

Chapter 744: A Storm of Troubled Heroes

It was Yuan Shu who spoke.

Yuan Shu ignored Yuan Shao's angry eyes, looked at the surprised Cao Cao with a meaningful smile, and continued talking.

Since last year, the words of prophecy that predicted the end of Hanzuo and the "five virtues" that predicted that Tude would replace Huode have spread all over the world. The family will stand on behalf of the Han Dynasty.Obviously, this was deliberately done by someone, with the purpose of making our Yuan family a target of public criticism.Who will benefit the most from the fall of the Yuan family?Undoubtedly it is Hebei, it is Li Hong, so we only need to think about it a little bit, and we know that this is Hebei's estrangement.

There are many ignorant people in the world, and people with ulterior motives are everywhere, but whether they are stupid enough to stand on their own in place of the Han Dynasty, or those who think they can take the opportunity to kill my Yuan family, they seem to have forgotten the land far north of the Yellow River. A leopard whose head is ready to eat.Today we are sitting and discussing the matter of attacking Hebei, precisely because everyone knows the threat of leopards, and we all know that the key to saving Han Zuo is to kill leopards.That being the case, why do you all have to fight for power here?Could it be that if we are defeated, do we still have authority?Can you still rejuvenate the big man?Or, is there still a chance to stand on behalf of the Han Dynasty?

=

"Although Mr. Yuan doesn't talk about moving the emperor to Luoyang, what he hopes most in his heart is to bring the emperor to Luoyang, so that, like Dong Zhuo and Li Hong, he can first make a contribution to rebuilding the imperial line, and then hold the emperor to command the world. To put it bluntly , I just want to be a minister of power, and then when the time is right, I will stand on my own in the place of Han." Yuan Shu pointed at Yuan Shao, and said shocking words, "You want to destroy my Yuan family and make my Yuan family stigmatized for thousands of years, that's your business , but I don't want to, I am the head of the Yuan family, and I don't allow anyone to tarnish the name of my Yuan family's loyalty."

Yuan Shao never expected that Yuan Shu would directly expose his original intention in front of the emperor and all the ministers.He was trembling with anger, blood rushed straight to his forehead, wishing he could rush up and kill him immediately.It seems that Yuan Shu has already noticed that he wants to borrow a knife to kill people and take the opportunity to seize the emperor's authority.He came to Yanzhou not to help himself, but to deliberately revenge himself.Yuan Shao was out of control.

The ministers were dumbfounded.What does Yuan Shu want to do?Want to provoke Yuan Shao and turn against Yuan Shao?Want to destroy the alliance of going north to crusade?
Liu Biao got up to stop him, but Yuan Shu waved his hands again and again and continued to talk.

In the past, when Shang Tang attacked Xia Jie, Shang Tang said, "Xia has many crimes."When King Wu of Zhou attacked Yin Zhou, King Wu of Zhou said, "Yin has heavy punishments."Although Tang of Shang and King Wu of Zhou were both kings of virtuous virtue at that time, if Xia Jie and Yin Zhou had not committed any wrongdoing or heinous crimes, how would they dare to dethrone the monarch and seize the world?

Dong Zhuo, Li Jue, and Li Hong were all bloody, cruel, arrogant, and ambitious, but no matter how courageous they were, they would not dare to risk the disgrace of the world, depose the emperor, and establish themselves as emperors.Today, if someone not only wants to hold the emperor hostage, but also wants to stand on his own in place of the Han, one can imagine his fate, and he will definitely die worse than Dong Zhuo and Li Jue.

In the five generations of my Yuan family, the ancestors of my Yuan family have been in the position of Sangong for three consecutive generations. They are deeply favored by the emperor, and there is no one in the world. Zhongxing Dahan.How can the descendants of the Yuan family abandon the great achievements of Zhou Gong Ji Dan and Zhao Gong Ji Shi?How can you live up to the wishes of the people of the world?
Yuan Shao couldn't bear it anymore, he slapped the table suddenly, turned over and wanted to stand up to refute, at this moment, he saw Yuan Shu blinked at him, with a sly smile on his face.

Yuan Shao's raised body paused for a moment, and then he sat down heavily, "Yuan Gonggong, this is the court hall, nonsense and bloody spouts are not tolerated."

"Haha..." Yuan Shu laughed loudly, "Since you are loyal to the big man, well, you immediately give up Guandong, I will hand over Yangzhou immediately, you go to Guanzhong, and I will protect the emperor and immediately move the capital to Luoyang."

The whole hall shook.

=

After going around for a long time, Yuan Shu wanted to monopolize the power, but also wanted to occupy the Guandong. He was forcing Yuan Shao to turn against him.

Liu Biao stood up again, "Lord Yuan, His Majesty asked you all to supervise the prefectures and counties. This is a pre-determined matter, how can it be changed at will?"

"Really?" Yuan Shu turned to look at him, and smiled maliciously, "Then why did Master Liu insist on moving the emperor to Luoyang? Do you intend to overthrow the Han Dynasty? Do you want to put the emperor in danger? Do you want to put the emperor in danger? My Yuan family is completely destroyed?"

Liu Biao's expression changed drastically.This kid is now a mad dog, whoever catches and bites, it's better to ignore him.He sat down angrily without saying a word.

"Why does Master Liu insist on moving the Son of Heaven to Luoyang? It's very simple. When the Son of Heaven arrives in Luoyang, Guandong will immediately become the first target of Hebei's attack. Master Cao will definitely not help because he resents Master Yuan for taking the Son of Heaven away. So Master Liu said He has become the only object of Master Yuan's help. Master Liu can take this opportunity to blackmail Master Yuan and move the emperor to Xiangyang. When the emperor arrives in Xiangyang, Master Liu can not only use the emperor to order the world, but also have a chance to seize the emperor's line."

The emperor and the ministers in the court all looked at Liu Biao with suspicion in their eyes.

"Yuan Gonglu, you've gone too far." Liu Biao was so angry that he almost vomited blood, "There is indeed a personal grudge between you and me, but it seems that you don't need to use such despicable methods to avenge your personal revenge, right?"

"Really?" Yuan Shu put his hands behind his back, raised his head and laughed strangely, "You said that you are loyal to His Majesty and have no second thoughts, then well, I will give up the military and political power of Yangzhou and serve in the court, and you will also give up the military and political power of Jingzhou. Do you want to assist the emperor with all your heart? How about it?"

Yuan Shu can give up Yangzhou, because the Yuan family still has Yuan Shao, and the Yuan family can also dominate the world, but Liu Biao cannot give up Jingzhou.The power of the clan is the basis for revitalizing the Han Dynasty in the future. Without the power of the clan to control the states and counties, the Dahan might really be over in the future.

Liu Biao flicked his robe sleeves violently, refusing to pay attention to this lunatic.

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Cao Cao was very happy, his heart was full of joy, and he sat there triumphantly.

If this bastard Yuan Shu messed it up, it would be difficult for Yuan Shao to ask the emperor to move to Luoyang. In order to avoid suspicion, Liu Biao would not insist on helping Yuan Shao move to Luoyang, but why did Yuan Shu help himself?Could it be that Yuan Shu was worried that Yuan Shao would become self-reliant in the Han dynasty?With Yuan Shu's personality, what he can't get, he won't let others get...

Cao Cao suddenly became uneasy.

Yuan Shu turned around slowly and looked at Cao Cao with a smile.Cao Cao faced each other with a smile on his face, but his heart was a little nervous.

"In today's world, when it comes to loyalty to the great Han, Prime Minister Cao is the first." Yuan Shu pointed to Cao Cao, facing the emperor, and said loudly, "Prime Minister Cao first brought His Majesty to Yanzhou to rebuild the imperial line, and then assisted His Majesty to issue edicts to various places. Preparing to gather allied forces to attack Hebei, and to crusade against the rebels, is of the highest merit, it is undoubtedly the first."

All the ministers looked at each other, and without exception looked at Cao Cao with sympathy.Yuan Shu pointed the finger at Cao Cao.

"I admire people like Prime Minister Cao. They are talented and dare to do things that others dare not do. In order to crusade against Dong Zhuo, Prime Minister Cao and Lord Bao, the Prime Minister of Jibei, led the army to Hulao Pass. Although they were killed by Xu Rong He had to throw away his helmet and armor, and almost the whole army was wiped out, but he was unyielding, and immediately went home and pulled a team to continue working. Loyal. Later Xuzhou Mu Taoqian lost his head and sent someone to kill Prime Minister Cao’s father. Prime Minister Cao immediately died Raised a large army, marched all the way into Xuzhou, slaughtered more than a dozen cities in a row, and hundreds of thousands of corpses almost filled the Sishui River. Bloody. The year before last, in order to attack Hebei and prevent Li Hong from capturing Guanzhong, Prime Minister Cao broke the Yellow River North Levee in a rage , drowned hundreds of thousands of Hebei rebels, geniuses."

Everyone turned pale.Cao Cao's smile looked forced.

"My lords, who has such loyalty? Who has such talent? Who has such courage and blood?" Yuan Shu looked admiring, "In today's world, who can kill the rebellious Li Hong, as well as Prime Minister Cao; who can save the big man? So is Prime Minister Cao; whoever makes the great Han powerful in the world, so is Prime Minister Cao."

Then he pointed at Yuan Shao and cursed angrily: "Master Yuan and his ilk are nothing more than ambitious and talented people who seek fame and fame. It would be nice to be able to lead a horse for Prime Minister Cao."

Yuan Shao's face was gloomy, and he stood up slowly.

Cao Cao was shocked and jumped up, "Lord Yuan, General Hussars intends to sow discord and sow discord, you must not be fooled."

Liu Chong and Liu Biao also hurriedly stood up to persuade them.

"Yuan Gonglu, don't bully others too much." Yuan Shao gritted his teeth.

"What kind of thing are you? When I served as Huben Zhonglang General in the court, you were just a captain of the Xiyuan Army. When I served as the Empress General, you were just a Sili captain. After all, you You are just a servant of my Yuan family, you are nothing." Yuan Shu did not show any weakness, and opened his mouth to scold, "You drove me from Nanyang to Yanzhou, and from Yanzhou to Yangzhou, and you said that I deceived people too much. The world's most The shameless person is none other than you, Cao Mengde is far behind you."

Cao Cao became furious when he heard that, "Master Yuan, we are here today to fight against the rebels and revive the great Han. If you don't want to participate, you can go back to your Yangzhou."

"Bah..." Yuan Shu opened his mouth and spat on Cao Cao's face, "I said you are shameless, you are still panting... If it is not for His Majesty's face, I will go to Yanzhou? I will live with you, the eunuch queen As a minister? I will talk so much nonsense with you, the bloodiest and most vicious butcher in the world? Standing next to you, I am afraid that I will be stained with death." Yuan Shu raised his head very wildly, and slapped Cao Cao again Spit, "Bah..."

Cao Cao was furious, he kicked away the desk in front of him, and flew towards him to beat him.Liu Bei next to him had sharp eyes and quick hands, and grabbed Cao Cao's waist, "Prime Minister, this is the court..."

Yuan Shu took the opportunity to punch him head-on, "A person like you deserves to stand in the hall? Kill you black-skinned dwarf."

There was a sudden chaos in the hall.

=

Yuan Shuguan was flustered and climbed into the carriage angrily.

Li Ye looked at him strangely, and couldn't help turning his head and chuckling.

"What are you laughing at?" Yuan Shu supported Gao Guan on his head, then rubbed his face, and said angrily, "When I was young, I fought with Cao Heizi and rarely took advantage of him. Hit him hard."

"How about today?"

"There are too many people today, and it will be a big loss." Yuan Shu said bitterly.

Li Ye laughed loudly, "You provoked public outrage, of course someone beat you during the fight, haha..."

Yuan Shu glared at him, remembering the chaos and scolding in the hall just now, he couldn't help laughing, "The goal has been achieved, now no one dares to let me lead the army to kill Hebei."

"But in this way, Yuan Shao and Cao Cao may not dare to leave you in the Central Plains to escort the grain and grass." Li Ye said worriedly.

"Hmph, as long as Jiangdong fights, even if he doesn't leave me behind, I won't cross the Yellow River north." Yuan Shu laughed, "Does that boy Bofu have any news?"

"Danyang has already begun to fight." Li Ye said, "Wu Jing, Cheng Pu, Sun Ben, and Zhou Yu's soldiers and horses are fighting fiercely with Xue Li, Ruo Rong, and Tai Shici. It is estimated that Liu Yao and Zu Lang will soon lead Follow Shanyue in the south to Wanling and Jing County in Danyang to support Tai Shici."

"Where is the direction of Kuaiji County?"

"Zhu Zhi and Han Dangzheng led the army to approach Dongqia, and they will be able to fight Wang Lang, Yan Baihu, and Zhou Xin around the beginning of April."

"Bo Fu is a good kid, he moves fast enough." Yuan Shu praised in a low voice, "Like a father, like a son, Bo Fu has the demeanor of his father."

"After the news of the fierce battle in Jiangdong is sent to the imperial court, the next step, sir..."

"The next step is to pretend to divide the army into three parts. Some will go south to Jiangdong to support Sun Ce, some will remain stationed in Peiguo to prevent the small Yellow Turban army from harassing the grain roads, and some will go north to Yanzhou to deliver food and grass to the coalition forces. In this way, our With all the troops scattered, Liu Bei can safely lead his army into Hebei."

Li Ye nodded, bent down and approached Yuan Shu, and asked in a low voice: "At present, there is no news from Hebei. Should we slow down so that they don't see the flaws?"

"Some of He Yi's old subordinates Liu Pi, Huang Jun, Baoman and others have led the Yellow Turban Army from Runan into the territory of Pei State. With these Yellow Turban Army as cover, no matter how many people we lurk in Pei State, no one will know. "Yuan Shu sneered slyly, "This time the new account is settled, and Cao Aman and Liu Xuande must be eaten together."

=

Jinyang.

At the beginning of this month, Yang Yi, Huang Yue, Ma Feng, Liu Wan, Sun Jin and other diplomatic ministers returned to Jinyang one after another.The officials of various prefectures and counties refused to recognize the new emperor and the Jinyang court.

In the middle of this month, the news that Cao Cao, Tian Kai, and Liu Bei formed an alliance and rebuilt the imperial line in Changyi City, Yanzhou earlier this month was sent to Jinyang.

The eldest princess urgently summoned Grand Tutor Zhao Qi, Grand Sima General Li Hong, Grand Situ Cui Lie, Grand Sikong Liu He and other ministers to discuss matters.

Shangshu ordered Zhang Fan to analyze the situation carefully.Cao Cao rebuilt the imperial line before Yuan Shao and changed the pattern of the world. At this time, the three alliances of the Son of Heaven in Hebei, the Yuan Clan in Kanto, and Cao Cao in the Central Plains had formed a confrontational situation.This is a change that Jinyang did not expect at all.

"The formation of the three-legged confrontation makes the strategy of joint vertical completely useless, which is very detrimental to Hebei." Zhang Fan said helplessly, "At this time, neither the Yuan clan nor the three alliances of Cao Cao can fight against Hebei alone. This forces them to work together. We need to attack immediately, and take advantage of the fact that the three-legged alliance is not yet stable, to strike hard and destroy this pattern, otherwise, our plan to pacify the world will be seriously hindered."

"What does Lord Li think?" The eldest princess looked at Li Hong and asked.

The most ideal time for the imperial court to attack was after May, when the spring plowing and harvesting were over, and the army could get more money and food support, but now it seems that this is no longer possible.The armies of various states and counties are gathering in the north one after another, and the enemy will soon enter Hebei.

"Start preparations for the attack immediately." Li Hong bowed and said, "I will rush to Jizhou to command the battle immediately."

The eldest princess waved her hand vigorously, and said decisively: "Well, immediately issue an order to crusade against the rebels in the Central Plains.".

=

The strategy for attacking the Central Plains had been formulated as early as the beginning of the year, so at the order of the eldest princess, the Jinyang court began to operate at high speed and went all out to prepare for the war.

In the name of the Son of Heaven, the eldest princess issued several imperial edicts.

General Li Hong led by General Sima Xingyuan immediately rushed to Jizhou to command the counter-insurgency war.

The former general, Guang Luxun Xianyu Fu, was in charge of Da Sima Shi, and together with Da Situ Cui Lie and Da Sikong Liu He, was responsible for supervising related matters such as money, food and military equipment, and the recruitment of civilians' vehicles and ships.

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The right general Zhijinwu Zhang Yan was recruited, and the Fenwu general Sili Xiaowei Lu Bu led the [-] Northern Army to Jizhou.

Zhao Yun, General Longxiang, Jiang Wu, General Duliao, and Wei Jun, General Xiangwu, led [-] cavalry to Jizhou.Liu Ming, the virtuous king of Shanyu Tingyou of Xiongnu, led five thousand cavalry to accompany Zhao Yunan.

General Fenwei Gongsun Zan and Wufeng Zhonglang General Li Su were recruited to lead [-] cavalry to Jizhou.Zhengdiao Karasuma Black Ling Wang Loulu, and Bailu tribe's little king Lu Huanyang led five thousand cavalry to accompany Li Su to the south.

He ordered Zuo General Qu Yi and Hu Lie General Yan Liang to immediately mobilize the seven battalions of Jizhou to prepare to cross the river and go down to suppress the rebellion.

He ordered Guo Ce, the governor of Jizhou, to supervise the political affairs of Jizhou, and immediately urged all counties in Jizhou to recruit vehicles, boats, and civilians, and send the grain, grass and military equipment accumulated in various places to the military camps in various places.

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Pang De, general of Huwei, and Lei Zi, general of Dangkou Zhonglang, led five thousand cavalry across Liupan Mountain, approaching Fengyi County and threatening Guanzhong.

After ordering General Xu Rong, General Yang Feng of the Zhenjun, and General Yushi of Wuwei stationed troops in Hedong, they contained the troops in the direction of Guanzhong and Guanxi.

The eldest princess also issued an order to Zhenxi General and Liangzhou Mu Hansui, hoping that he would put the country as the most important thing, lead the army to approach Fufeng County, threaten Guanzhong, and help the imperial army go south to suppress the rebellion.General Li Hong also wrote a sincere letter to Han Sui at the same time, expressing that Hebei must keep its promise, and no matter what the circumstances, the relief money and food must be sent to Xiliang on time.

=

Longshan, Zhonglietai.

As the sky gradually darkened, Li Hong stood in front of the graves of Tian Zhong and Zheng Xin, unwilling to leave for a long time.

It has been 14 years, I have been back to Dahan for 14 years, we have spent 14 years together.Today, I am going to fight again. I don't know how long this battle will last, and I don't know when I will be by your side.Li Hong looked up at the dark sky, thinking of Iron Wolf and Gongsun Hu who were far away in Jutun, Murong Feng on Huoyunyuan, Tian Jing, Li Song, Wu Zhao, and Ji Ming in Lulongsai.How many brothers, how much blood and tears have turned into wind and rain. In the future, I will lie here quietly and leisurely like you.

Laoguai walked slowly to his side and said in a low voice, "My lord, it's getting dark, let's go back."

Laoguai and Lulongsai's remaining more than 30 disabled veterans are now serving as errands in the General's Mansion, living a peaceful life.This is the only thing Li Hong can do for them.

Li Hong nodded, put his arms around Laoguai's shoulders, and sighed, "I'm dead, do you think it's better to be buried in Lulongsai or here?"

Laoguai thought for a while, and said seriously: "Master, there are many people here, lively, and there is no shortage of us. If possible, I think we should go back to Lulongsai. After all, that is our root."

Li Hong smiled, "Okay, I'll listen to you." Then he pointed to the tombs of Tian Zhong and Zheng Xin and said, "There will be no more wars, and we will move them to Lulongsai together."

"I hope we can live until that day." Laoguai smiled wryly, "The battle is getting bigger and bigger, and the battle is going farther and farther. Who knows where we will die in the end."

The two saluted the grave respectfully, then turned and walked down the mountain.

Li Hong saw the eldest princess.

=

Probably because of climbing the mountain, the eldest princess's face was blushing, and there was a layer of fine beads of sweat on her forehead, she was so beautiful.

"What are you doing here?" Li Hong greeted the eldest princess and held out his hand.The eldest princess did not avoid suspicion, grabbed Li Hong's big hand, and said softly: "I'm worried that you will leave without saying goodbye like last time, and leave secretly."

Li Hong couldn't help laughing.To the eldest princess, he has too many regrets, which he cannot repay in this life.Sometimes when he watched the eldest princess bury her head in the pile of papers by the dim candlelight, his heart ached.It was I who pushed the eldest princess into such a difficult and painful life. I am afraid that this is not the result that the late emperor wanted to see.The first emperor will blame himself.

"How did you know I was here?"

"In the past few years, every time you went to war, you have to come to the Zhonglie Terrace to pay homage. This has become your habit." The eldest princess snuggled into Li Hong's arms and said with a smile, "everyone in northern Xinjiang knows You're here, of course I know."

Li Hong hugged her affectionately and kissed her lightly.The eldest princess's face suddenly turned red, and she was extremely shy.

Since leaving Longquan that day, the two of them met in the palace and never had time to be alone.The eldest princess is very resentful about this, and often expresses her love for Li Hong with those affectionate eyes.Today she ran to Longshan on purpose just to find a chance to talk to Li Hong.

"You just came back from the desert, and you're leaving soon." The eldest princess sighed in a low voice, "When will I see you?"

Li Hong didn't speak, and he didn't know, the only thing he could do was hold the eldest princess tightly in his arms.

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(End of this chapter)