The Complete Biography of Cao Cao

Chapter 10 Foresight: Take the Son of Heaven to Order the Princes
One discussion welcomes Emperor Xian to gain fame and fortune first

In February of the second year of Xingping (AD 195), the generals of the Liangzhou Army broke out in fire.Li Jue first killed the right general Fan Chou, and then he and Guo Si attacked each other.Guo Si wanted to control Han Xiandi by himself.When Li Jue heard the news, he acted first, robbing Emperor Xian and burning down the palace.Emperor Xian asked Taiwei Yang Biao, Sikong Zhang Xi and other ministers to go to Guo Bang's camp to mediate between the two, but Guo Bang took them hostage again.The two sides fought in and out of Chang'an City for several months, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths.

In June, Li Jue's general Yang Feng rebelled and took away a lot of troops, which weakened Li Jue's strength.Another Liangzhou army general, Zhang Ji, came from Shan County to mediate between the two. The two sides agreed to make peace, and the kidnapped Emperor Xian and ministers were released.

After Emperor Xian was released, Guo Si wanted him to live in Gaoling in the northeast of Chang'an so that he could control it. Ministers and Zhang Ji advocated going to Hongnong, and the two sides were at odds.Emperor Xian himself wanted to return to Luoyang in the east, and agreed with Zhang Ji's suggestion, and sent envoys to Li Jue and Guo Si many times to make this request.As a result, the two sides reached a compromise, and Emperor Xian lived in a nearby county first.

Later, he decided to return to Luoyang. After enduring humiliation along the way, Emperor Xian finally returned to his old capital Luoyang in July of the first year of Jian'an (AD 196).

When Emperor Xian left Chang'an to move eastward, Cao Cao had already beaten Lu Bu away and was busy besieging Zhang Chao who was firmly defending Yongqiu, but the outcome was decided.Therefore, Emperor Xian officially appointed Cao Cao as Yanzhou Mu in October of the second year of Xingping (AD 195).In December, Cao Cao captured Yongqiu, and the whole territory of Yanzhou was pacified.In the first month of the first year of Jian'an (196 A.D.), Cao Jun arrived in Wuping, and Yuan Si, Minister of Chen Guo appointed by Yuan Shu, surrendered.Because He Yi, Liu Pi, Huang Shao, He Man and others of the remaining Yellow Turban Army who were active in Runan and Yingchuan counties had tens of thousands of troops each, they began to follow Yuan Shu and then Sun Jian.It posed a certain threat to Cao Cao, so Cao Cao attacked them again in February, killed Huang Shao, surrendered Liu Pi and He Yi, successfully captured Xu County, and made great progress in power.

After Emperor Xian came to Luoyang, Cao Cao accepted Mao Jie's suggestion and prepared to welcome Emperor Xian to Xu County.Some people have doubts about this, thinking that the Kanto has not yet been pacified, and Han Xian and Yang Fenggang escorted Emperor Xian to Luoyang, which is directly north of Zhangyang, Hanoi, and it is difficult to subdue him for a while.Xun Yu resolutely supported Cao Cao's ideas, and encouraged Cao Cao, saying: "In the past, Duke Wen of Jin accepted King Xiang of Zhou, and the princes came to follow him one after another; Emperor Gaozu of the Han Dynasty wore white clothes for the mourning of Emperor Yi, so all the people in the world came to join him. Now The emperor is uncertain, and Luoyang, the eastern capital, is so dilapidated. The loyal people have nostalgia for the royal family, and the common people feel the sorrow of the old. If we can use this opportunity to welcome the emperor, it is in line with everyone's wishes. Use the actions of loyalty to the imperial family It is an important strategy to subdue the heroes who occupy each side. If the decision is not made in time, the other heroes will inevitably have unreasonable thoughts, and then it will be too late to think about this issue."

Ding Chong, a native of Peijun, had a good relationship with Cao Cao in the past. At this time, he also wrote to Cao Cao, saying: "You often express your ambition to help the world and assist the emperor. Now it's time to realize your ambition." Cheng Yu also expressed similar the opinion of.These opinions were exactly what Cao Cao wanted, so Cao Cao immediately took action and sent Cao Hong to lead troops west to meet Emperor Xian.Because General Wei Dong Cheng and Yuan Shu's general Chang Nu resisted against danger, Cao Hong was unable to advance, and the plan could not be realized for a while.Cao Cao felt very sad about this, and once wrote a poem "Shanzai Xing" (Part [-]) to express his state of mind at that time:

I would like to be poor in the sky, and Langya leans to the left.Although he wanted to exhaust his loyalty, Duke Xin returned to Chu.

Fast people are free to sigh, and they can't express their feelings.Xian Xingtian teaches people, who knows nothing.

When will I wish?This sigh is also difficult.What will I shine on Guangyao today?Release title is not as good as rain.

"Tianqiong" is regarded as "tianqiong", that is, the sky. "Langya", the name of the mountain, is located in the southeast of the cities in Shandong today. "Left", geographically east is left.Here, the collapse of Langya Mountain in the east is used as a metaphor for his father being killed by Tao Qian in Langya Kingdom. "Spring and Autumn" in the 29th year of Xianggong: "The public came from Chu." "You can't express your feelings", which means that you can't express your feelings to Xiandi. "Xianxing" refers to the establishment of achievements. "Heaven teaches people" means to use the emperor's decree to educate the people. "Xu", disability, is extended to failure.In two sentences, he said that his political ambitions had not been realized.The last two sentences say that it will be difficult for me to be a human being under the sun and the moon, and the sorrow contained in my heart will be difficult to eliminate. It is not as good as the rain, because the rain always has a time to stop.It is not difficult to see between the lines that although Cao Cao has made great achievements in his career, he still has a deep feeling that his ambition cannot be rewarded, so that he feels depressed and worried about it.It is this sense of dissatisfaction and crisis that drives Cao Cao to strive for survival and development.

At that time, the generals around Emperor Xian mainly included Han Xian, Yang Feng, Dong Cheng and Zhang Yang.Han Xian and Dong Cheng were stationed in Suwei in the capital, Yang Feng was stationed in Liang County, and Zhang Yang was stationed in Yewang.Although these four people have a joint relationship on the surface, they have great contradictions with each other.Cao Cao decided to take advantage of this contradiction.Among the four, Yang Feng has the strongest army, and he is stationed in the south of Luoyang, close to Xu County. Cao Cao decided to win over Yang Feng first, and wrote a letter to Yang Feng through Dong Zhao, who had long been friendly with him and was serving as Yilang in the court. .The letter said: "The general guarded the emperor, and after going through many difficulties and dangers, he finally returned to the old capital Luoyang. What can be supported by human strength. The general can be the master of the court, and I will be the foreign aid. Now I have food, the general has soldiers, and it happens that there is no connection, learn from each other, and live and die together."

Although Yang Feng has a strong force, he is isolated and has few reinforcements.In addition, after Emperor Xian arrived in Luoyang, the palace had already been burned to the ground by Dong Zhuo. All the officials could only find some firewood and live in tents against the ruins of the walls; Famished, officials below Shang Shulang had to go out to dig wild vegetables to satisfy their hunger. Some starved to death between the walls, and some were killed by soldiers. The situation was very serious.Therefore, Cao Cao expressed his willingness to cooperate with Yang Feng and provided food, which naturally surprised Yang Fengxi.Yang Feng immediately went to the table with all the generals, asking Emperor Xian to appoint Cao Cao as General Jiande, and soon he was promoted to General Zhendong, and he succeeded his father as Marquis Feiting.Cao Cao successively wrote "Send a letter to ask for the seal" and "Send a letter to ask Fei Tinghou" to express his refusal, but the emperor refused to accept it, so he wrote "Xie Xie Feitinghou Biao" to express his acceptance.The words of the three memorials are quite humble and submissive. Although this is the basic feature of this type of memorial, it is just a hypocritical gesture to a large extent. The purpose of trying to win the favor and trust of the imperial court is very likely to come from the heart.

At this time, Dong Cheng in Luoyang was very dissatisfied with Han Siam's self-reliance and domineering, but he was powerless to deal with it, so he secretly called Cao Cao to Beijing.Cao Cao was very happy to get such an opportunity, so he immediately led his troops to Luoyang to meet Emperor Xian.Cao Cao asked Han Xian and Zhang Yang to be punished for their crimes. Han Xian knew that he was no match for Cao Cao, so he hurriedly fled Luoyang alone and went to Liang County to join Yang Feng.Emperor Xian ordered that Han Xian and Zhang Yang should not be held accountable because of their meritorious service in "escorting the driver" on their way to the east.Cao Cao then took on the important task of defending the capital and presenting the emperor.Emperor Xian bestowed Jieyue Yue on Cao Cao, recorded the affairs of the minister, and served as the captain of Sili. "Jie" is the talisman festival, which is a kind of token used as a certificate when the ancient emperors dispatched generals to entrust important tasks. With it, they have the power to kill those who violate military orders. "Max" is an ancient ax-like weapon. Here it refers to a kind of ax that is exclusive to the emperor and represents the power of conquest. It is mostly decorated with gold and silver. "Record" means to be in charge of all affairs, and "Record Shangshushi" actually means to take charge of the government.Since the Eastern Han Dynasty, Taiwei, Situ, and Sikong, who are known as the three princes in the central government, are only the heads in name, and the actual power is in the Shangshutai.

Emperor Xian bestowed on Cao Cao the Jieyue Yue, and recorded the affairs of the ministers, so the military and political power was concentrated on Cao Cao alone.This shows that Cao Cao has taken a big step forward in his career, and his strategy of getting close to Emperor Xian and his efforts for it have borne fruit.In the competition with other separatist forces, Cao Cao already has a relatively obvious advantage.

The second Yingdi Xu Du took the emperor to make the princes

After Cao Cao took over the government, in the name of Xiandi, he killed Shizhong Taichong, Shangshu Fengshuo and others, and made 13 people including General Wei Dong Cheng and General Fu Wan as lieutenants.But Cao Cao knew very well that there was still a lot to do in order to consolidate his position in the imperial court and truly "follow the emperor to order and not to be ministers".Once, Cao Cao asked Dong Zhao to sit beside him and asked him, "Now that I have come to Luoyang, what do you think should be done next?"

Dong Zhao replied: "The general raised up the army to eliminate the riots, and now he comes to the court to assist the emperor. This is equivalent to the achievements established by the Five Hegemons in the Spring and Autumn Period. However, the generals in the court have different opinions, and they may not all obey them. They stay in Luoyang. There must be a lot of inconvenience for Kuangfu to govern the government. The best way is to move the emperor to Xu County. But the court has moved many times, and now it has just moved back to Luoyang. People from far and near hope to settle down. Trouble. I hope the general will weigh the pros and cons and take appropriate countermeasures."

Cao Cao agreed with Dong Zhao's opinion, but worried that Yang Feng, who was stationed in Liang County, would obstruct him. Dong Zhao offered another plan and said: "Yang Fengshi is lonely and has little help, and he is willing to cooperate with the general. The general was promoted to the general of Zhendong and attacked Feiting. Hou, it was all Yang Fengqi's role, and we should send envoys to thank him as soon as possible with generous gifts. We can say to him: "Luoyang has no food, and we want to move Emperor Xian to Luyang temporarily. Luyang is very close to Xu County, so we can transport food. It's easier.' Yang Feng is brave and foolhardy, so he won't doubt it." Cao Cao felt that Dong Zhao's idea was very good, so he immediately sent envoys to Yang Feng, and Yang Feng really believed it.Cao Cao successfully transferred Emperor Xian to Xu County via Jingyuan.

At this time, Yang Fengcai knew that he had been fooled, and was very annoyed. He immediately led troops to pursue with Han Xian, trying to snatch Emperor Xian back.Cao Cao expected Yang Fenghui to come to pursue them, so he set up an ambush in the valley in Yangcheng in advance, and defeated Yang Feng and Han Siam's pursuers.

In October, Cao Cao personally led the army to conquer Yang Feng in order to completely eliminate Yang Feng's threat. Yang Feng was defeated again, so he had to flee south with Han Xian and the rest of his troops, and went to Yuan Shu.Yang Feng's general, Xu Huang from Hedong, whose style name is Gongming, is quite courageous.When he was in Chang'an, he persuaded Yang Feng to protect Emperor Xian and return to Luoyang; after arriving in Luoyang, when Han Xian and Dong Cheng had conflicts, he persuaded Yang Feng to join Cao Cao; Surrendered to Cao Cao.

Xu County is in the east of Xuchang City, Henan Province today, and it was Yingchuan County in Qin and Han Dynasties.After Cao Cao ushered Emperor Xian to Xu County, he decided to make this place the capital, until the death of Cao Cao in the 25th year of Jian'an (AD 220), Cao Pi replaced Emperor Xian to build Wei, and moved the capital to Luoyang. The capital was established here for 25 years.In the second year of Huangchu (221 A.D.), Cao Pi renamed Xu County Xuchang, and it was still one of the five capitals (Chang'an, Qiaoxian, Xuchang, Yecheng, Luoyang).When Emperor Xian first came to Xu County, he temporarily lived in Cao Cao's barracks because there was no palace.After the palace and ancestral temple were built, Emperor Xian moved out of the barracks and moved into Xudu.

In September, Cao Cao was appointed as a general by Emperor Xian and granted the title of Marquis of Wuping.General is the highest title of general, who is the ruler of the central government. Since Emperor Wu, only a few of the emperor's most trusted and powerful ministers are qualified to serve, and their positions are often above the Sangong.Marquis Wuping is the Marquis of the county.The marquis of the Han Dynasty inherited the Qin system and divided them into [-] grades. Those with great achievements were granted a county, and those with small achievements were granted a township or a pavilion.Cao Cao initially attacked Marquis Feiting, who only had a fief of Xiangting, the lowest rank among marquises. Now he has been promoted to Marquis of County, which has been promoted several levels in succession.Cao Cao followed the old practice and expressed humility one after another.Among them, "Shang Shu Rang Zeng Feng" said:

To receive extraordinary blessings without extraordinary achievements is the result of worry.Returning to the news by comparing chapters, God is merciful, and he will accept it soon.Although the minister is not sensitive, he still knows that he can't give up three times.So I still have my heart, as for four or five, I want my majesty to be a noble, and I am a minister, so I don't want to take it.

"Comparing chapters and returning to the news", it means that one after another handed over memorials to express one's feelings. "Tianci" refers to the emperor's favor.Judging from the words "not more than three" and "as far as four or five", Cao Cao is largely just trying to show humility.Although the diction is still extremely respectful, it is no longer humble, and reveals a confident and reserved tone, which is different from when he wrote the letter to Fei Tinghou. It shows that Cao Cao is in power, which is not what it used to be.

The subordinates around Cao Cao were also rewarded.Xun Yu was promoted to be a servant and acted as minister.Shangshuling is the chief of Shangshutai.Shangshutai was originally a small agency in the emperor's private mansion that was in charge of sending and receiving documents. After Emperor Wu, its status became increasingly important, and it became the chief executive of the imperial court's administrative affairs, with considerable power.Shangshutai is often managed by officials with a higher status than Shangshuling with the titles of "Recording Shangshushi" and "Leading Shangshushi". At this time, Cao Cao actually handed over his "recording Shangshushi" to the Xun Yu.From then on, when Cao Cao went out to conquer, the central affairs of the imperial court were handed over to Xun Yu to manage and handle them.From then on, Emperor Xian became a puppet in Cao Cao's hands.

Since Emperor Xian moved westward to Chang'an, the court's rules and regulations disappeared, and they were slowly rebuilt after Du Xu.Ying Shao, the former prefect of Taishan who fled to Yuan Shao because he failed to complete the task of taking care of Cao Cao's father Cao Song, played an important role in this regard.In the first year of Jian'an (196 A.D.), he deleted the law and ordered it to be played on "Han Yi".Strictly speaking, Ying Shao was not responsible for the murder of Cao Song. He just arrived a little late. A.D. 197) appointed Ying Shao as Yuan Shao's military advisor through Emperor Xian.Ying Shao compiled what he heard again, and wrote "Stories of Han Officials' Etiquette" to play.Most of the court system and official formulas were established based on Ying Shao's suggestion.

After Emperor Xian moved to the east, Cao Cao often offered food and utensils to Emperor Xian due to the lack of food in the palace due to several twists and turns.When Emperor Xian was still in Luoyang, Cao Cao offered him two sewing tents, ten catties of silk thread, two boxes of sweet pears produced in Shanyang County, and two boxes of jujubes (a kind of green and black dates).After presenting the emperor's capital, Cao Cao often made offerings, including artifacts from his grandfather Cao Teng's family collection given to him by Emperor Shun, as well as some artifacts lost in the palace that his subordinates successively searched for.It is not difficult to see Cao Cao's actual status and role in the court at that time.

Cao Cao is not only a political decision-maker, but also a military defender, and also plays the role of supervisor to some extent in terms of logistics and life.In the early days of Xiandi Duxu, a lot of waste was waiting for prosperity. Cao Cao did a lot of work in establishing a normal political order and life order in the imperial court.When Cao Cao was in Qiao County, he learned a wine-making method from Guo Zhi, the county magistrate. He specially played for it and introduced this wine-making method to Emperor Xian in detail. From this incident, it is not difficult to understand Cao Cao's desire to do this kind of thing well.

How embarrassing Emperor Xian was in Chang'an, Er Cao Cao performed in every possible way before Emperor Xian, of course to have the political advantage of "holding the emperor to command the princes", such sacrifice is worth it.

The three talents can master the center and reveal their ambitions

In addition to implementing the garrison system, Cao Cao also took advantage of his superior conditions of governing the government to vigorously recruit talents, and even actively asked officials to actively recommend talents, showing Vega's domestic ambitions.

Xun Yu was a resourceful person who joined the Cao Cao Group earlier, and he gave Cao Cao a lot of good ideas.Cao Cao trusted him and respected him.Xun Yu also played a big role in recommending talents.

Long before Cao Cao took control of the government, Xun Yu had recommended to Cao Cao a native of Yingchuan Xi Zhicai.Cao Cao was highly regarded by Cao Cao for his talent and strategy. Unfortunately, he died early, and Cao Cao felt deeply sorry.In order to recruit more talents, Cao Cao once wrote to Xun Yu saying:

Since Xi Zhicai's death, there is almost no one with whom I can discuss important matters.Runan and Yingchuan already have many talented people, who do you think can succeed Xi Zhicai?
Both Runan and Yingchuan counties belong to Yuzhou.Xun Yu is from Yingchuan, so he has a good understanding of the talents here.After reading the letter, Xun Yu recommended the heavyweight Guo Jia to Cao Cao.

Guo Jia, courtesy name Fengxiao, was born in Yangzhai, Yingchuan (now Yuxian County, Henan Province). He had little ambition but great foresight.Guo Jia originally took refuge in Yuan Shao, who was the most powerful and prestigious at that time.Yuan Shao also respected him very much and treated him courteously.However, after spending dozens of days with Yuan Shao, Guo Jia commented to Xin, a fellow villager and counselor of Yuan Shao:

A wise person attaches great importance and prudence to choosing a master, and only by being safe can he make a difference and establish a reputation.Although Yuan Gong wanted to follow the example of Zhou Gong, he didn't know how to employ people.He has a lot of clues but lacks an outline. He likes to use strategies but can't make proper decisions.It is very difficult to help the world with him and achieve the cause of overlord.I will choose another master, I wonder what your plans are?
After hearing Guo Jia's words, Xin Ping didn't take it seriously, and replied: "The Yuan family has kindness in the world, and many people return to it. Besides, the power is the strongest. There is no more suitable place to go than this." Guo Jia didn't say anything else, and left alone. Yuan Shao left.

Recommended by Xun Yu, Cao Cao summoned Guo Jia to discuss world affairs with him.He was very happy to say to others: "It must be this person who made me achieve great things." Guo Jia also said happily: "Mr. Cao is really the master I met!" , Staying by his side to advise the military, Guo Jia really lived up to Cao Cao's high expectations, and made a lot of clever strategies for Cao Cao's military victory.

Cao Cao once asked Xun Yu personally: "Who can advise me instead of you?" Xun Yu recommended Xun You and Zhong Yao to him.

Xun You, courtesy name Gongda, is Xun Yu's nephew according to his seniority, but he is older than Xun Yu.Xun You lost his father when he was young and became an orphan.His grandfather Xun Tan was the prefect of Guangling.After Xun Tan died, his old official Zhang Quan asked to guard his tomb. Xun You, 13 years old, saw that Zhang Quan was suspicious, so he said to his uncle Xun Qu, "This official looks abnormal, and he may be deceitful." Xun Qu questioned, and it turned out that Zhang Quan was a murderer.

When He Jin was in power, Xun You served as the servant of Huangmen. During Dong Zhuo's rebellion, he and Yilang Zheng Tai, He Yuye, Shizhong Zhongji, Yueqi School Captain Wu Qiong, etc., plotted to assassinate Dong Zhuo.He said: "Dong Zhuo is more cruel and immoral than Jie and Zhou. All the people in the world hate him. Although he has a strong army, he is actually just a man. Now we should assassinate him to make the people safe, and then guard the gates and guard against danger. Assist the emperor and command the world." Because the incident was revealed, Dong Zhuo arrested He Yuye and Xun You and put them in prison.He Yuye was worried about committing suicide, while Xun You spoke and ate freely.After Dong Zhuo was killed, Xun You was released, abandoned his official position and returned home.Later, he was appointed as the prefect of Shu County, and was temporarily stationed in Jingzhou due to the impassable road.

Recommended by Xun Yu, Cao Cao wrote to Xun You:
The world is in chaos today, and it is time for resourceful people to play their role, but you are stranded in Jingzhou, waiting to see how things change. Don't you think this is a waste of time?
Xun You expressed his willingness to serve Cao Cao, so Cao Cao recruited Xun You to be the prefect of Runan, and later transferred to the imperial court as Minister.After many contacts and discussions with Xun You, Cao Cao realized that he was indeed a man of wisdom, so he was very happy to say to Xun Yu and others: "Gongda is an extraordinary person. I can discuss military and state affairs with him. What is there to worry about!" So he took Xun You as his military advisor and was by his side advising the army.

Zhong Yao, character Chang, was born in Changshe, Yingchuan.Grandfather Zhong Hao is a well-known scholar in China with profound knowledge and taught more than 1000 students.His father, Zhong Di, used to be the head of the county, but his official career was hindered due to the misfortune of being imprisoned by the party.Zhong Yao studied hard and was quick-witted. He first served as a meritorious officer in the county, and then successively served as Shang Shulang and Yangling Ling.When Cao Cao sent envoys to Chang'an in Yanzhou and wrote a letter to kill the emperor, Zhong You once persuaded Li Jue and Guo Si to make friends with Cao Cao, which enabled Cao Cao to establish contact with the court.

When Emperor Xian moved from Chang'an to the east, Zhong Yao participated in the planning and escorted him, and was appointed as Yushi Zhongcheng for his meritorious service.After Xun Yu recommended Zhong Yao to Cao Cao, Cao Cao appointed him as Shizhong and Shangshu Pushe, and as the deputy of Shangshuling, he participated in taking charge of the central government affairs of the court.Since then, Zhong Yao has become an important member of Cao Cao's group.

The Yingchuan area did produce talents. In addition to the outstanding ones recommended by Xun Yu, Du Xi and Zhao Yan were recruited by Cao Cao and returned by himself during this period.

Du Xi, courtesy name Zixu, was born in Dingling, Yingchuan.Both great-grandfather Du'an and grandfather Dugan were famous scholars in the Eastern Han Dynasty.After the heroes fought in the Central Plains, Du Xi fled to Jingzhou to avoid the chaos. Liu Biao treated him as a guest, and then went south to Changsha.

After Cao Cao welcomed Xu, the emperor's capital, Du Xi fled back to his hometown, and Cao Cao took him as the order of Xi'e (now Nanyangbei, Henan).Xi'e County belongs to Nanyang County, close to Liu Biao's sphere of influence, bandits and bandits are rampant, and the situation in the territory is very unstable.Agriculture is deserted, the people are poor, and the treasury is empty.After Du Xi took office, he performed kindness to the people, organized the old and weak men to give birth, and guarded the county with the strong ones. The people gradually settled down and praised his merits.

Zhao Yan, courtesy name Boran, was born in Yangdi, Yingchuan.When avoiding the chaos in Jingzhou, he had a close relationship with fellow villagers Du Xi and Fanqin, like a family.When Cao Cao greeted the Emperor Xu, Zhao Yan said to Fanqin: "Cao Zhendong (Cao Cao is the general of Zhendong) responds to the situation and has outstanding talents. In the future, he will surely be able to help the world. I know my destination."

In the second year of Jian'an (AD 197), Zhao Yan went to see Cao Cao, who made him the county magistrate of Langling (now south of Queshan County, Henan).Langling belongs to Runan County, close to Jingzhou.The county is tyrannical, unscrupulous, and rampant.Zhao Yan used both leniency and strictness, and kindness and power to govern, and achieved good results.

Sima Lang (named Boda) from Hanoi Wen (Wen County, Henan Province) is the son of Sima Fang and the brother of Sima Yi.When he was young, he was quick-witted and well-informed.When someone called his father by his first name, 9-year-old Sima Lang said dissatisfiedly: "He who despises other people's parents is not respecting his own parents."

When Dong Zhuo was in power, Sima Fang was an official in the court.He saw that the world was in chaos, and it was difficult to calm down for a while.So Sima Lang was asked to take his family back to his hometown of Wen County.Someone reported that Sima Lang planned to escape, and Dong Zhuo left him behind.Sima Lang expected Dong Zhuo to be doomed, so he bribed people around Dong Zhuo with property and asked to return to his hometown.After Cao Cao moved his capital to Xu County, he recruited Sima Lang as Sikong's vassal.

Li Tong (named Wenda) from Pingchun in Jiangxia, known for his bravery, also surrendered to Cao Cao at this time.Cao Cao appointed him as Zhenwei Zhonglang General and led his troops to garrison the western border of Runan.

After Cao Cao controlled Emperor Xian in his own hands, it only took a year or two to recruit a large number of talents.Although it is related to some people's allegiance to Xiandi, the main reason is that Cao Cao knows people well, has courage and insight, and can make a difference by following him.

With the assistance of many civil and military talents, Cao Cao's policies and guidelines can be implemented, especially the backbone adviser group composed of Xun Yu, Cheng Yu, Xun You, Guo Jia, etc., is the driving force for the development of his power.

Cao Cao's politically coercing the emperor to order the princes, economically promoting the farming and accumulating military resources, and establishing a think tank in employing people, these three major policies, as well as the previous military acquisition of the Qingzhou Yellow Turban Army, all show his dominance. The determination of the world.

Si Xutian shoots deer, strikes grass, scares snakes, explores the way first

After Cao Cao welcomed Emperor Xian of the Han Dynasty to Xudu, his political power became stronger day by day, and his personal prestige also increased day by day.Although Cao Cao is the actual power holder who can "hold the emperor to order the princes", many "old ministers of the Han Dynasty" have criticisms of Cao Cao. In addition, Emperor Xian of the Han Dynasty recognized Liu Bei as the emperor's uncle, which made Cao Cao feel uneasy. political attitude.He asked Cheng Yu for advice.

Cheng Yu, a counselor, took the opportunity to suggest to Cao Cao, "Now that you are well-known, why don't you take the opportunity to achieve supremacy for the sake of the world?" Cao Cao said, "There are still many important ministers in the court, so don't act rashly. I want the emperor to go hunting and take the opportunity to see the ministers. How they react, and then make a decision."

On this day, Cao Cao selected good horses, goshawks, yellow dogs, bows and arrows, first gathered troops outside the city, and then went to the palace to ask Han Xiandi to go hunting.After listening to Cao Cao's suggestion, Emperor Xian of the Han Dynasty hesitated for a moment and said, "I'm afraid going out hunting is not in line with the kingly way." Cao Cao said, "The ancient emperors all hunted regularly. That is to say, hunting should be carried out on time throughout the year to show the emperor's majesty to the world. Now that the world is in conflict among the princes, it is even more necessary to use hunting to show the world the might of His Majesty, so that everyone in the world can obey!" Han Emperor Xian knew he couldn't refuse, so he had to follow Cao Cao out of the city.

Cao Cao rode a clawed yellow flying electric horse, led 300 soldiers, and hunted with Emperor Xian of the Han Dynasty in Xutian.The sergeants lined up the paddock for more than [-] miles.Cao Cao and Han Xiandi marched together, only surpassing one horse's head; Cao Cao's confidant generals were all around; other officials could only follow from a distance, and could not get close to Cao Cao and Han Xiandi.

Cao Cao and Emperor Xian of Han side by side had just turned around a slope when they suddenly saw a big deer running out of thorn bushes.Emperor Xian of Han hurriedly bent his bow and set up an arrow, and fired three arrows in a row, but none of them hit.Reluctantly, he turned around and said to Cao Cao, "Let the prime minister shoot."

Cao Cao stretched out his hand to Emperor Xian for a precious carved bow and golden arrows. When the bow was fully drawn, he shot it with a "swish", hitting the back of the deer, and the deer fell down.The sergeant reported that it was shot by a golden arrow, and the officials and generals heard that it was the golden arrow that hit the target, and they all thought it was shot by Emperor Xian of the Han Dynasty.So they all cheered happily and shouted "Long Live" to Emperor Xian of the Han Dynasty.

Cao Cao pulled out his horse and stood in front of Emperor Xian of the Han Dynasty, accepting the cheers of all the ministers and soldiers.When the ministers saw it, they were not only shocked.Guan Yu, who was on the side, was extremely annoyed when he saw it. He raised his knife and slapped his horse to kill Cao Cao, but Liu Bei tried his best to stop him.

Liu Bei took the opportunity to flatter Cao Cao: "Prime Minister is really good at archery, which is rare in the world!" Cao Cao was very satisfied with Liu Bei's performance, and said with a smile, "It all depends on the emperor Hongfu."

Then, the ministers had a banquet in Xu Tian. After the banquet, Cao Cao did not return the emperor's precious carved bows and golden arrows, but hung them on his waist.

Cao Cao took advantage of Xu Tian's shooting and hunting to test the hearts and minds of the ministers with the strategy of scaring the snake, and took the opportunity to build up his personal prestige, which shows Cao Cao's ingenuity.

It is a strategy to try to use clever reconnaissance methods to spy on the truth and lure the enemy to expose the target.Throwing grass to frighten snakes is the No.36 strategy of "13 Strategies". Therefore, it is necessary to understand the situation clearly through various reconnaissance methods. Doing so is an effective way to discover hidden enemies.His explanation went on to say: "The enemy's strength is not exposed, the conspiracy is deep, and it cannot be lightly advanced. It should be explored everywhere. The military book says: "There are dangers and obstacles in the army, and those who are in Huangjing, mountains and forests must be careful to search for them. This ambush Where there is treachery." In the military, scaring the grass and scaring the snake is a strategy to spy on the enemy's military situation, and it can be used as a good warning strategy in political strategy.

This story reflects Cao Cao's personal quality from one aspect. He is good at examining the situation and is good at tactics, so he can adopt flexible methods and means to subdue internal and external enemies and preserve and develop himself.

When Cao Cao saw that the ministers did not dare to oppose him openly, he already understood eight or nine points in his heart. Knowing that he had controlled the court, he became more and more unscrupulous.

(End of this chapter)